7741 0 0 New Article Template (please copy) 5 7 2014 12 00 am 0 0 0 news@thebradentontimes.com  <a href="http://thebradentontimes.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c4c5afe5a58352700b967dc2&id=1d2bd00576" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for a free email subscription and get The Bradenton Times' Thursday Weekly Recap and Sunday Edition delivered to your email box each week at no cost. <a href="https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&ict=ln&siidp=4ca01ecfc1ddd23dc24d0b780518c46cc177"><img align="left" alt="News World Round Up" src="clientuploads/US WORLD LOGO.JPG" style="float: left;" /></a><a href="https://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&cf=all&topic=s&ict=ln&siidp=15ac176d7eca13582bbaf8b12b275fc098ae"><img align="right" alt="Sports Roundup" src="clientuploads/Sports Roundup Logo-1.JPG" style="float: right;" /></a>              <a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" style="text-decoration: none; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><img align="middle" alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz%20&%20Becker%20logo%20LG.JPG" style="margin: 10px auto 0px; display: block;" /></a> _test yes yes no 79859492999999 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes 8159 0 0 How Important is Social Security to Your Retirement Plans? 6 8 2013 12 04 am 0 0 0 Bruce A. Bittles Social Security recipients will receive a 1.7% cost-of-livng increase to their benefits in 2013, but many are wondering if that will be enough if prices for essentials like food and gas continue to rise. Meanwhile, individuals approaching retirement age are faced with other questions about social security, such as how large a part it should play in a retirement strategy and when is the optimal time to start taking benefits. “In general, the longer you expect to live after retirement, the better off you are deferring the start of your payments” 1. How are benefits increases decided? Cost-of-living adjustments are determined using aformula that considers various data, including theConsumer Price Index, the government’s key inflationmeasurement. Some things worth noting: <ul> <li>In September 2012, the month before the 2013 costof-living adjustments were announced, the CPI stood at 2%, meaning prices had already gone up 0.3% more than benefits will next year.</li> <li>While “core CPI” remained flat through October,when energy and food prices for the month werefactored in, the rate rose to 2.2%.</li> <li>The cost-of-living-adjustment formula does notaccount for cost increases particular to seniors suchas Medicare Part B premiums, which will be $5 per month higher in 2013. This was announced inNovember.</li> </ul>   2. When you file for benefits can make a difference. Eligibility for most people begins at age 62, butmany continue to work well beyond that age. Untilyou reach Full Retirement Age – between ages 65 and 67, based on your year of birth – wages or self-employment income can greatly reduce or even eliminate your benefits. Therefore: <ul> <li>You could receive a larger benefit amount by waiting and continuing to work until you reach FRA. What You Should Know: In general, the longer you expect to live after retirement, the better off you are deferring the start of your payments.</li> <li>Health and family history should also be considered. In general, the longer you expect to live after retirement, the better off you are deferring the start of your payments.</li> <li>Family members can potentially collect benefits based on your earnings. Taking your benefits early while allowing other family members to receive benefits could be more advantageous than deferring them.</li> </ul> 3. Non-wage income can help bridge the gap. If you have other elements in place to fund retirement, there are planning strategies that could help you maximize your Social Security benefits within your lifetime. <ul> <li>A carefully calibrated portfolio of fixed income and dividend-yielding equity investments could help you defer Social Security until later, ultimately leading to larger annual and lifetime benefits.</li> <li>Using personal savings early in retirement allows you to take advantage of delayed retirement credits for deferring Social Security beyond your FRA – an option that might remain attractive in the anticipated low-interest-earning environment for money markets and other savings vehicles.</li> </ul> What You Should Do Now: Social Security should be just part of a broader retirement income plan that you make with your Financial Advisor. Armed with the knowledge of your current financial and personal situation, he or she can help you understand exactly how much you’ll need to maintain the life you want in retirement, and how Social Security can work with your other investments to get you there.   Article provided by Robert W. Baird & Co. with the authorization of its author for Evan Guido, Vice President, Financial Advisor at the Sarasota office of Robert W. Baird & Co., member SIPC. The opinions expressed are subject to change, are not a complete analysis of every material fact and the information is not guaranteed to be accurate.    <table align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="clientuploads/news_images/EvanRGuido_md.jpg" /> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Evan R. Guido Vice President of Private Wealth Management One Sarasota Tower, Suite 806 Two North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL  34236-4702 941-906-2829 Direct Line 888 366-6603 Toll Free 941 366-6193 Fax <a href="http://www.EVANGUIDO.com" target="_blank">www.EVANGUIDO.com</a> news@thebradentontimes.com <img alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz & Becker logo LG.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /> Business and Financial <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="clientuploads/Icons/Evan_Guido_sm.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Social Security recipients will receive a 1.7% cost-of-livng increase to their benefits in 2013, but many are wondering if that will be enough if prices for essentials like food and gas continue to rise. Meanwhile, individuals approaching retirement age are faced with other questions about social security, such as how large a part it should play in a retirement strategy and when is the optimal time to start taking benefits. yes yes no 79869391999995 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes stock market tips,market strategies,investment advice,stock broker sarasota,bradenton,venice 8158 0 0 Women Need to Plan Differently for Financial Security 6 1 2013 2 01 am 0 0 0 Robert W. Baird and Co. <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="clientuploads/Icons/Evan_Guido_sm.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Despite their differences, women and men have at least one thing in common. They need to establish and follow a plan if they hope to enjoy a life free from financial worries. It seems that women are getting the message and are becoming increasingly sophisticated about how they go about saving for life’s major financial events: home and auto purchases, vacations, children’s education and retirement. This is important because women’s planning needs are often different than their male counterparts. Some of the reasons, according to the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) and the U.S. Census Bureau, include: <ul> <li>    Women live longer than men, on average as many as five to seven years longer.  </li> </ul> <ul> <li>    Women typically earn less than men (77 cents to the dollar).</li> </ul> <ul> <li>    Due to the gap in wages, women save less for life’s major expenses and retirement than men.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>    Women move in and out of the workforce through the years, often to care for children or aging parents, which makes it difficult to accumulate much of a retirement nest egg.</li> </ul> These circumstances dictate that women become personally involved in their financial well-being and take an active role in developing a strategy to assure financial security. Developing a comprehensive personal financial plan is the first step to achieving this goal. This is a five-step process that involves working with a financial advisor on: Gathering information – Determine the current situation – special family requirements, assets and liabilities, financial needs, current and anticipated income, and tolerance for investment risk. <ul> <li>    Setting financial goals – Identify education objectives for children and grandchildren, retirement age and income goals, insurance considerations and estate concerns.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>    Developing a financial plan – Outline the steps necessary to meet the goals that have been identified. The plan should be specific regarding the amount and frequency of investments along with the types of securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities etc.) to be used to accomplish the stated objectives.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>    Implementing the plan – Commit to action immediately. The best plan in the world will fail if it’s never started.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>    Reviewing and updating the plan periodically – The inevitable changes of life may require adjustments to the plan. Periodic reviews will provide opportunities to identify these events and make the necessary changes.</li> </ul> Too often, women lack confidence when it involves the stock market so they avoid it, often making the mistake of investing too conservatively. The more a woman learns and understands about the market the more comfortable she will be using it to reach her objectives. Because of divorce and extended life expectancies, most women will be responsible for their own finances at some point in their lives. According to David Bach, author of “Smart Women Finish Rich,” 25% of all widows go through their husband’s death benefit within the first two months. And, consider that the average age of widowhood is 56. These statistics demonstrate the need for women to become personally involved in achieving their own financial security. Establishing and following a financial plan tailored to specific wants and needs is the surest route to obtaining this goal.  Article provided by Robert W. Baird & Co. for Evan Guido, Financial Advisor at the Sarasota office of Robert W. Baird & Co., member SIPC. He has more than 8 years of financial services industry experience, and can be reached at (888) 366-6603. <table align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://www.thebradentontimes.com/clientuploads/news_images/EvanRGuido_md.jpg" /> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Evan R. Guido Vice President of Private Wealth Management One Sarasota Tower, Suite 806 Two North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL  34236-4702 941-906-2829 Direct Line 888 366-6603 Toll Free 941 366-6193 Fax <a href="http://www.evanguido.com/" target="_blank">www.EVANGUIDO.com</a>   Got a question? <a href="index.php?src=forms&ref=Free_Finance_Information" target="_blank">Ask Guido</a>! news@thebradentontimes.com <table border="0" style="width: 100%;"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz & Becker logo LG.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Business and Financial <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="clientuploads/Icons/Evan_Guido_sm.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Despite their differences, women and men have at least one thing in common. They need to establish and follow a plan if they hope to enjoy a life free from financial worries. However, planning needs for women are often quite different from their male counterparts for a variety of reasons. yes yes no 79869398999798 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes 8201 0 0 Spotlight on Education: USF Sarasota-Manatee Signs Agreements with State College of Florida and Ringling College of Art and Design Partnership paves the way for arts students to become teachers locally 5 28 2013 12 05 am 0 0 0 Ruth Lando Press Release <table align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img align="none" alt="https://www.thebradentontimes.com/clientuploads/misc/Probstfeld_Guilford_Thompson.jpg" src="clientuploads/misc/Probstfeld_Guilford_Thompson.jpg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld; Dr. Arthur Guilford;</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;">and Dr. Larry Thompson</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> At a reception held in the USFSM rotunda last week, educational leaders and administrators from USF Sarasota-Manatee, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota and Ringling College of Art and Design signed memos of understanding creating an “Artist-to-Teacher” program. Before an audience of community volunteers, educational organization leaders, faculty, arts advocates, administrators and students, the three institutions cemented their shared commitment of cooperation and partnership to improve educational options in higher education and promote economic development and growth. USFSM Regional Chancellor Dr. Arthur Guilford, SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld and RCAD President Dr. Larry Thompson praised the creation of a plan that allows arts students to seamlessly transition to teacher preparation programs. After completing their undergraduate degree at RCAD or taking arts courses at SCF in various fields, students can enroll at USFSM’s College of Education and within two years, receive either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree and be certified as public school teachers for elementary positions in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. “I want to personally thank Carol Probstfeld and Larry Thompson and their academic teams for making collaborations such as this a reality, and for being such great community partners,” said Dr. Guilford. “Together we are leveraging our resources and shaping a brighter future for all.” “The College of Education at USF Sarasota-Manatee is committed to including arts-integration across all of its programs,” said Dean Terry Osborn. “International research and data clearly show that in any educational setting arts-integration works to increase student learning. Our Center of Partnerships for Arts-Integrated Teaching (PAInT) is working daily to add to that research and advocacy base. Today, we are seeking college students who love and are skilled in the arts, and want to share their skills to motivate and inspire children in the classrooms of our communities.” The “Artist-to-Teacher” program builds on existing partnerships with the Sarasota and Manatee school districts, ensuring that the children of our region are exposed to the most effective and inspiring teaching methods possible. Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Lori White noted the value of using the arts to enhance teacher quality and learning outcomes. “They are personalizing teaching, adding emotions and context and engaging all parts of the brain with hands-on learning,” she said of the teachers prepared through this program. “We must integrate the arts into every academic program.” In her remarks, Manatee County Schools Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Diana Greene further praised the goals of the Artist-to-Teacher philosophy. “When our teaching candidates have the opportunity to imprint engaging learning with their students from day one, the real winners are the 20,000 elementary students in Manatee County.” In addition to the three chief executives of USFSM, SCF and RCAD, the memos of understanding for “Artist-to-Teacher” were also signed by the academic officers representing their respective institutions of higher learning: Dr. Bonnie Jones, regional vice chancellor for academic and student services at USF Sarasota-Manatee; Mr. Gary Russell, vice president of academic affairs for State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota and Dr. Melody Weiler, vice president for academic affairs at Ringling College of Art and Design. For more information about “Artist-to-Teacher” and the Center of Partnerships for Arts-Integrated Teaching (PAInT), contact Dr. Tricia Hunsader, Assistant Professor, College of Education, USF Sarasota-Manatee. Hunsader@sar.usf.edu. 941-359-4226.     news@thebradentontimes.com  <a href="http://thebradentontimes.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c4c5afe5a58352700b967dc2&id=1d2bd00576" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for a free email subscription and get The Bradenton Times' Thursday Weekly Recap and Sunday Edition delivered to your email box each week at no cost. <a href="https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&ict=ln&siidp=4ca01ecfc1ddd23dc24d0b780518c46cc177"><img align="left" alt="News World Round Up" src="clientuploads/US WORLD LOGO.JPG" style="float: left;" /></a><a href="https://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&cf=all&topic=s&ict=ln&siidp=15ac176d7eca13582bbaf8b12b275fc098ae"><img align="right" alt="Sports Roundup" src="clientuploads/Sports Roundup Logo-1.JPG" style="float: right;" /></a>              <a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" style="text-decoration: none; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><img align="middle" alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz%20&%20Becker%20logo%20LG.JPG" style="margin: 10px auto 0px; display: block;" /></a> Schools and Education <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img align="none" alt="clientuploads/Icons/books-apple_SM.jpg" src="clientuploads/Icons/books-apple_SM.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> At a reception held in the USFSM rotunda last week, educational leaders and administrators from USF Sarasota-Manatee, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota and Ringling College of Art and Design signed memos of understanding creating an “Artist-to-Teacher” program. Before an audience of community volunteers, educational organization leaders, faculty, arts advocates, administrators and students, the three institutions cemented their shared commitment of cooperation and partnership to improve educational options in higher education and promote economic development and growth. yes yes no 79869471999994 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes 8204 0 0 Movers and Shakers: Willis A. Construction Hires Philippa Every as Senior Project Manager 5 28 2013 12 00 am 0 0 0 Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. <table align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img align="none" alt="https://www.thebradentontimes.com/clientuploads/misc/willis_a_smith_logo.jpg" src="clientuploads/misc/willis_a_smith_logo.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> LAKEWOOD RANCH – Philippa "Phil" Every has been hired at Willis A. Smith Construction as a senior project manager specializing in healthcare construction. Phil brings to Willis A. Smith 20 plus years of experience in project management. With over 50 projects across the state of Florida, Phil has experience in managing complex projects under aggressive timelines. She is well versed in pre-construction and Design/Build formats. Ms. Every specializes in resolving design issues, following building codes and regulations and site management. Phil is currently heading the High Risk Obstetrics renovation at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa for Willis A. Smith Construction. Phil Every graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. She is a member of Sigma Lambda Chi National Honorary Society and is a Florida Certified General Contractor. Born in Trinidad and Tobago in the southern Caribbean, Ms. Every has called Florida her home since 1980 despite a few short jaunts in the Western United States. Willis A. Smith Construction Inc. is a construction management firm headquartered in Lakewood Ranch primarily serving Southwest Florida since 1972. The company's long-standing reputation for quality construction assures its clients in the areas of commercial, industrial, education, healthcare, museum specialty work and sustainable construction. The firm is also a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition, the U.S. Green Building Council and Sustainable Sarasota. With 15 LEED accredited professionals on staff. The firm is well established as the regional industry leader for green construction expertise. For more information about the company, visit <a href="http://www.willissmith.com" target="_blank">www.willissmith.com</a>. news@thebradentontimes.com  <a href="http://thebradentontimes.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c4c5afe5a58352700b967dc2&id=1d2bd00576" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for a free email subscription and get The Bradenton Times' Thursday Weekly Recap and Sunday Edition delivered to your email box each week at no cost. <a href="https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&ict=ln&siidp=4ca01ecfc1ddd23dc24d0b780518c46cc177"><img align="left" alt="News World Round Up" src="clientuploads/US WORLD LOGO.JPG" style="float: left;" /></a><a href="https://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&cf=all&topic=s&ict=ln&siidp=15ac176d7eca13582bbaf8b12b275fc098ae"><img align="right" alt="Sports Roundup" src="clientuploads/Sports Roundup Logo-1.JPG" style="float: right;" /></a>              <a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" style="text-decoration: none; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><img align="middle" alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz%20&%20Becker%20logo%20LG.JPG" style="margin: 10px auto 0px; display: block;" /></a> Movers and Shakers <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="clientuploads/Icons/Movers_n_shakers.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Philippa "Phil" Every has been hired at Willis A. Smith Construction as a senior project manager specializing in healthcare construction. Phil brings to Willis A. Smith 20 plus years of experience in project management. With over 50 projects across the state of Florida, Phil has experience in managing complex projects under aggressive timelines, and is currently heading the High Risk Obstetrics renovation at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa for Willis A. Smith Construction. yes yes no 79869471999999 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes 8224 0 0 Letter to the Editor: Kudos to King Middle School 5 28 2013 12 00 am 0 0 0 Dave Samler I have had the good fortune of working in the Education field for 34 years. For the 2012-13 school year, I've been privileged to work via the Project HEART program at King Middle School. King Middle is a great school. Each and every day, its administration, teachers, staff members and students are doing good things. King Middle is a community of people who genuinely care about students and staff. In addition to the quality teaching that's happening in the classrooms, King also has many other components that constitute an exceptional, well-rounded education. While too numerous to mention them all, here are some of the activities and offerings: interscholastic athletics, orchestra, ensemble, chorus, band, Technology Student Association, Builder's Club, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), National Junior Honor Society, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), school newspaper, yearbook, and many more. King also hosts activities such as: a Student vs. Law Enforcement Basketball game, Faculty vs. West Manatee Fire Department MOTS (Manasota Operation Troop Support) Basketball game, cook-outs for students with straight-A's, and a King Idol talent competition, just to name a few. I know that each school in the Manatee School District could say similar things about their school. There are many very commendable things happening all across our school system. It is important for all of us to support our school employees and volunteers. Today's students are tomorrow's leaders, and we need to stand behind our young people and the entire School District. Dave Samler Project HEART Instructor King Middle School news@thebradentontimes.com  <a href="http://thebradentontimes.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c4c5afe5a58352700b967dc2&id=1d2bd00576" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for a free email subscription and get The Bradenton Times' Thursday Weekly Recap and Sunday Edition delivered to your email box each week at no cost. <a href="https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&ict=ln&siidp=4ca01ecfc1ddd23dc24d0b780518c46cc177"><img align="left" alt="News World Round Up" src="clientuploads/US WORLD LOGO.JPG" style="float: left;" /></a><a href="https://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&cf=all&topic=s&ict=ln&siidp=15ac176d7eca13582bbaf8b12b275fc098ae"><img align="right" alt="Sports Roundup" src="clientuploads/Sports Roundup Logo-1.JPG" style="float: right;" /></a>              <a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" style="text-decoration: none; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><img align="middle" alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz%20&%20Becker%20logo%20LG.JPG" style="margin: 10px auto 0px; display: block;" /></a> Opinion <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img align="none" alt="clientuploads/Icons/Letter_Icon.jpg" src="clientuploads/Icons/Letter_Icon.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> I have had the good fortune of working in the Education field for 34 years. For the 2012-13 school year, I've been privileged to work via the Project HEART program at King Middle School. King Middle is a great school. Each and every day, its administration, teachers, staff members and students are doing good things. King Middle is a community of people who genuinely care about students and staff. yes yes no 79869471999999 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes 8240 0 0 Movers and Shakers: Terry Rehfeldt Joins Manatee Glens Board of Directors 5 28 2013 12 00 am 0 0 0 Manatee Glens <table align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img align="none" alt="https://www.thebradentontimes.com/clientuploads/misc/Terry_Rehfeldt.jpg" src="clientuploads/misc/Terry_Rehfeldt.jpg" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;">Terry Rehfeldt</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> BRADENTON – The Manatee Glens Board of Directors has voted to add Terry Rehfeldt, CPA to the Board. Mr. Rehfeldt is the principal of The Rehfeldt Group, P.A. in Bradenton. He is a former board member of Bradenton Christian School, Youth for Christ and Manatee County YMCA. He is a graduate of the University of South Florida.   “We welcome Terry to the board and look forward to his guidance, vision, leadership and financial insights,” said Manatee Glens President/CEO Mary Ruiz. “He is a respected member of our local business community with excellent professional and personal connections.”   “I am looking forward to working with the other Manatee Glens Board Members. I respect the work they are doing to further the mission of this hospital and outpatient practice.”             For more information on Manatee Glens, visit <a href="http://www.manateeglens.org" target="_blank">www.manateeglens.org</a>. news@thebradentontimes.com  <a href="http://thebradentontimes.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c4c5afe5a58352700b967dc2&id=1d2bd00576" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for a free email subscription and get The Bradenton Times' Thursday Weekly Recap and Sunday Edition delivered to your email box each week at no cost. <a href="https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&ict=ln&siidp=4ca01ecfc1ddd23dc24d0b780518c46cc177"><img align="left" alt="News World Round Up" src="clientuploads/US WORLD LOGO.JPG" style="float: left;" /></a><a href="https://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&cf=all&topic=s&ict=ln&siidp=15ac176d7eca13582bbaf8b12b275fc098ae"><img align="right" alt="Sports Roundup" src="clientuploads/Sports Roundup Logo-1.JPG" style="float: right;" /></a>              <a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" style="text-decoration: none; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><img align="middle" alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz%20&%20Becker%20logo%20LG.JPG" style="margin: 10px auto 0px; display: block;" /></a> Movers and Shakers <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="clientuploads/Icons/Movers_n_shakers.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The Manatee Glens Board of Directors has voted to add Terry Rehfeldt, CPA to the Board. Mr. Rehfeldt is the principal of The Rehfeldt Group, P.A. in Bradenton. He is a former board member of Bradenton Christian School, Youth for Christ and Manatee County YMCA. He is a graduate of the University of South Florida. yes yes no 79869471999999 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes 4062 0 0 A Memorial Day Message 5 27 2013 12 20 am 0 0 0 <table align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="clientuploads/Stock Images/Arlington_on_Memorial_Day.JPG" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Formerly know as Decoration Day, The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day" target="_blank">Memorial Day Holiday</a> dates back to 1866, when Waterloo, New York enacted the holiday to decorate the graves of soldiers lost in the Civil War. Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1967, in recognition of those who have given their lives in service to our nation's military. Memorial Day Weekend has come to stand as a cultural icon, indicating the arrival of summer. Many pools, public beaches and lakes, etc., open on this weekend, especially in the North. Events like the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 take place on the holida as well. We ask that you take just a moment to remember to observe the sacrifices of those who've died in service to our country's armed forces and give thanks for the freedoms and protections their efforts bless us with today. The Bradenton Times salutes our fallen warriors and the families that have sacrificed a loved one for the cause of freedom.  news@thebradentontimes.com <table align="center" border="0" style="width: 100%;"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="center" valign="middle"><a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz & Becker logo LG.JPG" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Community <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="clientuploads/Icons/us_flag_SM.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Formerly know as Decoration Day, the Memorial Day Holiday dates back to 1866, when Waterloo, New York enacted the holiday to decorate the graves of soldiers lost in the Civil War. Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1967, in recognition of those who have given their lives in service to our nation's military. yes yes no 79869472999979 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes memorial day,history of,meaning,decoration day,first,federal holidays,uniform holidays act 8237 0 0 Bradenton City Council Passes Resolution on Prayer During Meetings 5 27 2013 12 05 am 0 0 0 Jackson Falconer BRADENTON – On the heels of a letter recently sent to Mayor <a href="http://www.cityofbradenton.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={1462F16E-7A40-4A43-942F-AEE04773DE05}" target="_blank">Wayne Poston</a> complaining about the City of Bradenton's practice of holding religious invocations during government meetings, members of the city council unanimously passed a resolution defending its right to do so at Wednesday's meeting. The letter to the mayor, written by a local woman, stated that she, as a non-Christian, "felt disrespected as well as uncomfortable," that she and the other attendees in a recent City Council Meeting were asked to pray a Christian prayer ("Please pray in Jesus's name"). The letter instead suggested having a moment of silence "so all attending can pray in their own way.” The resolution <a href="index.php?src=news&refno=8223&category=Local%20Government" target="_blank">passed on Wednesday</a> instead makes a deliberative attempt to have invocations at city council Meetings more inclusive to all "churches, congregations, or other religious assemblies." Section 4 of the resolution states that the invocation at any meeting will be voluntarily given by "an eligible member of the clergy, as provided for in this Resolution. To ensure that ... the 'invocation speaker' is selected from among a wide pool of of local clergy, on a rotating basis..." The resolution goes on to say that a list of congregaations will be compiled "by referencing the listing for 'churches,' 'congregations,' or other religous assemblies in the annual Yellow Pages phone book(s) research the Internet." After the meeting, City Attorney Bill Lisch essentially said that the resolution was passed (at least in part) due a recent ruling by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, which affirmed that the City of Lakeland could hold religious invocations during government meetings. That city's practice of holding such invocations was challenged when the Atheists of Florida organization filed a lawsuit against the city. The organization claimed that invocations taking place at government meetings violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Lisch said that a key reason for the court's affirmation was that the City of Lakeland passed a resolution after the lawsuit was filed, which articulated that invocations from all religions were welcome at meetings. Lisch said that moving forward, the BCC would roughly state before an invocation - "If you wish, please stand and join us, but you don't have to." He also said that the city will be sending out letters to all religious organizations in the area stating they can be put on the list for giving invocations if they wish, and that contacting all religious groups would take at least a month or two. news@thebradentontimes.com  <a href="http://thebradentontimes.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c4c5afe5a58352700b967dc2&id=1d2bd00576" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for a free email subscription and get The Bradenton Times' Thursday Weekly Recap and Sunday Edition delivered to your email box each week at no cost. <a href="https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&ict=ln&siidp=4ca01ecfc1ddd23dc24d0b780518c46cc177"><img align="left" alt="News World Round Up" src="clientuploads/US WORLD LOGO.JPG" style="float: left;" /></a><a href="https://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&cf=all&topic=s&ict=ln&siidp=15ac176d7eca13582bbaf8b12b275fc098ae"><img align="right" alt="Sports Roundup" src="clientuploads/Sports Roundup Logo-1.JPG" style="float: right;" /></a>              <a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" style="text-decoration: none; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><img align="middle" alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz%20&%20Becker%20logo%20LG.JPG" style="margin: 10px auto 0px; display: block;" /></a> Local Government <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img align="none" alt="clientuploads/Downtown_Bradenton/BPD_SM.jpg" src="clientuploads/Downtown_Bradenton/BPD_SM.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> On the heels of a letter recently sent to Mayor Wayne Poston complaining about the City of Bradenton's practice of holding religious invocations during government meetings, members of the city council unanimously passed a resolution defending its right to do so at Wednesday's meeting. yes yes no 79869472999994 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes 8213 0 0 Manatee County Memorial Day Closings 5 27 2013 12 00 am 0 0 0 Manatee County <table align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img align="none" alt="clientuploads/Downtown_Bradenton/CentralLibrary.jpg" src="clientuploads/Downtown_Bradenton/CentralLibrary.jpg" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> MANATEE COUNTY – <a href="http://www.mymanatee.org" target="_blank">Manatee County Government</a> offices will be closed today to commemorate Memorial Day. Trash, recycling and yard waste collections for the week will be postponed one day from Tuesday through Saturday for residents in unincorporated Manatee. The Anna Maria Island Trolley will operate normal daily routes and the Manatee Ave Island Express will operate on holiday schedule. Manatee County Area Transit operations will be suspended for the day. Manatee County parks and beaches will be open to the public.  Manatee County and Buffalo Creek Golf Courses will be open. G.T. Bray Recreation Center facilities will be closed on Monday, May 27.  Blackstone Skate Park and G.T. Bray Skate Park will be open. Central Library, the only county library normally open on Mondays, will be closed. Manatee County’s publicly owned natural preserves will remain open. For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at <a href="http://www.mymanatee.org" target="_blank">www.mymanatee.org</a> or call (941) 748-4501. news@thebradentontimes.com  <a href="http://thebradentontimes.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4c4c5afe5a58352700b967dc2&id=1d2bd00576" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for a free email subscription and get The Bradenton Times' Thursday Weekly Recap and Sunday Edition delivered to your email box each week at no cost. <a href="https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&ict=ln&siidp=4ca01ecfc1ddd23dc24d0b780518c46cc177"><img align="left" alt="News World Round Up" src="clientuploads/US WORLD LOGO.JPG" style="float: left;" /></a><a href="https://news.google.com/news/section?pz=1&cf=all&topic=s&ict=ln&siidp=15ac176d7eca13582bbaf8b12b275fc098ae"><img align="right" alt="Sports Roundup" src="clientuploads/Sports Roundup Logo-1.JPG" style="float: right;" /></a>              <a href="http://www.heintzlaw.com/" style="text-decoration: none; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><img align="middle" alt="Heintz & Becker Logo" src="clientuploads/directory/ServiceDirectory/Heinz%20&%20Becker%20logo%20LG.JPG" style="margin: 10px auto 0px; display: block;" /></a> Local Government <table align="left" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img align="none" alt="clientuploads/Icons/Manatee_County_Map_logo.png" src="clientuploads/Icons/Manatee_County_Map_logo.png" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Manatee County Government offices will be closed today to commemorate Memorial Day. Trash, recycling and yard waste collections for the week will be postponed one day from Tuesday through Saturday for residents in unincorporated Manatee. yes yes no 79869472999999 0000-00-00 00:00:00 0 yes