Keep Manatee Beautiful Cigarette Butt Clean-Up

The beach cigarette clean-up is a really good idea. I could not believe how many butts I picked up in one hour in such a small area. That cannot be good for our beaches and wildlife. I think putting a cigarette receptacle in will be good if we can get people to use it. Sometimes people are lazy especially at the beach, but if the location is good and a sign installed, I think it will help. Go ManaTEENs!

Written by Chris Bowen

New ManaTEEN Training Opportunity

A group of ManaTEENs learned how to respond in emergency and disaster situations this past Sunday (July 26th) in order to be better prepared to care for their pets. That's right, for the first time in ManaTEEN history, youth had the opportunity to become certified in dog and cat CPR. The participants were informed about procedures for handling animal poisioning, practiced performing compressions on dogs and cats of various sizes, and tested their new life-saving skills in a disaster simulation. It is always good to know how to deal with certain disaster situations and whether you are a pet owner or not, the skills can come in handy. More trainings will be hosted by the ManaTEEN Club as this one was definitely a success. ManaTEENs not only had the chance to focus on disaster preparedness, but also on animal welfare, which made the experience a rewarding one.

Pets are often a key part of our lives. It is important that you have a plan for your pet in the event of a disaster! Do you know where the closest shelter is that takes pets? Do you have an updated record of your pet's vaccinations? Do you have a disaster pet kit? Learn how you can make sure your pet is safe in times of disaster by participating in ManaTEEN trainings and projects!! Check your ManaTEEN e-mails for more information or visit our website!

Learning to Save Lives

(Above: ManaTEENs practice proper placement for AED pads.)

The Disaster Preparedness Training on June 20th was full of excitement as volunteers practiced CPR, first aid techniques and learned to use an automated external defibrillator. The group even had the opportunity to participate in a disaster simulation that required them to use their new life-saving skills. With another set of youth certified, Manatee County teens are definitely better prepared for this hurricane season. More trainings are scheduled to take place this summer and each one offers a wide array of skills and knowledge in addition to FUN! To learn more about 2009's Disaster Preparedness Training Schedule visit http://www.manateens.org/ under the Training Services section of Products and Services or check out the News page.

ManaTEEN Disaster Training

On June 17th yet another group of ManaTEENs became CPR/AED and First-Aid certified. It was an interesting course, full of interactive activities and discussion. ManaTEENs even had the opportunity to get their hands a little dirty as they practiced the proper technique for removing used gloves. The training was made possible thanks to a generous grant from State Farm Youth Advisory Board and helped prepare youth for emergency/disaster situations. The disaster preparedness initiative will continue on this summer and ManaTEENs are encouraged to participate in the various trainings offered including CPR/AED, First-Aid, Emergency Response, Dog/Cat CPR, and more! For more information about ManaTEENs and trainings visit http://www.manateens.org/

Geocaching

Bored or have nothing to do? Have some fun no matter what the weather is and go geocaching!
Geocaching is a type of treasure hunting that you can do just about anywhere. Check out geocaching.com for more information. HandsOn Manatee has just created a geocache site at the coordinates N 2729695 W 08237776 Come and sign our logbook and if the office is open collect a prize.

Learn more about Target's Bulleye Gives Campaign and vote for HandsOn Network on facebook once everyday until May 25th! You can really help make a difference for those in the future. To vote visit www.facebook.com/target and find out more information by participating in the geocaching opportunity.

By:HandsOn Manatee

Rhythm and Rib Fest

Last weekend, thousands of hungry rib lovers poured onto the Manatee Fairgrounds for the 3rd annual Rhythm and Rib Fest. Tickets were 10 dollars at the door, or 5 dollars for a pre-sale ticket, that is, if you were lucky enough to get one before they sold out. The 3 day event featured endless entertainment, including an array of unique vendors, thrill shows, musical performances and a 2 day car extravaganza. But the real highlight of the weekend was the announcement for the winner of this years “Greatest Ribs in America”.

Still the most impressive part of the event was the money it raised. All of the proceeds went towards the UnitedCommunity Center, located on 13th Avenue in Bradenton. Volunteer coordinator for the center, Dreena Green, felt satisfied with the turn out, remarking that “It keeps getting better every year”. Green was just one of the many individuals devoted to making the Rhythm and Rib Fest a success. Many volunteers showed up, including a few ManaTEENs, to help at the event. They also came, as they admitted “to have some fun”.As the fest continues its annual tradition next year, Dreena hopes, as I do, that ManaTEENs will take the opportunity to get more involved in this fun and beneficial event

By Sarah Bowermaster

Furry Friends

Adorable dogs of all sizes circled the ring at Ellenton’s annual Mutt Strut event to raise both money and awareness for animal welfare. ManaTEENS attended the event to offer refreshments and information about our club, along with the Humane Society, Animal Health Services, and Animal Network. Volunteers even helped with the blessing of a future Seeing Eye dog.

Vicki Shannon from Animal Network greatly appreciated the event and the effort of the volunteers. “It’s a really nice thing to do for animals,” she said. Shannon also does nice things for animals, such as rescuing feral cats and providing them with shelter and shots for rabies. Both Shannon and ManaTEENS agree with “saving what needs saving,” which, according to Shannon, includes people in financial turmoil to abandoned animals.

By Erica Earl