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SRQ DAILY May 28, 2015

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"There are other female sports teams locally, but roller derby is its own special thing that can't be compared to anything else."

- Dita Von Cheats, Bradentucky Bombers
 

[Sports]  Bradentucky Bombers Prepped For Takeoff
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

With wheels on their feet and helmets on their heads, the Bradentucky Bombers take to the arena this weekend at Astro Skate of Bradenton, where the team will face down the visiting Jacksonville J-Villains in a cross-coastal rivalry for Florida roller derby supremacy. Blocking and jamming their way across the rink, the Bombers seek to rectify a close loss to the J-Villains suffered last year. For tailgaters and fans, Little Giant Brewery will be serving locally-crafted beers before, during and after the event.

Formed in 2008 by GiGi Ramoan (the Bombers all have skater names, this one being a mix of DeeDee Ramone and shock-rocker G.G. Allen), the Bombers have been growing steadily ever since. In a match, each team fields five skaters, each with specified tasks. Blockers block, the pivot strategizes and the jammers, the ones with the stars on their helmets, are the scorers. “They’re the one everyone tries to hit,” clarifies team captain Dita Von Cheats (non-skater name: Sarah Pikos), the 6-foot-2-inch blocker who leads the Bomb Squad, the Bombers flagship team.

Von Cheats joined in 2008, after meeting other Bombers as they sifted through the local Hot Topic for multi-colored socks and dramatic accessories that have become the roller derby hallmark. The Bombers asked Von Cheats to join, but she continually declined. Then her mother passed away.

“I really needed something to fill that female void and I thought I’d give roller derby a chance,” said Von Cheats. “Not only did it fill that female strength role, but it gave me a whole team of sisters and friends.”

For the members of the team, roller derby is about more than victory and it’s about more than that perfect hip check sending your opponent head over wheels into the stands; it’s a camaraderie forged in the rough-and-tumble that you can’t quite get anywhere else.

“It’s about empowering women and it’s about empowering the community,” said Von Cheats, adding that the Bombers regularly collect donations for local charities and services at their events, with this match going to benefit Care Net Manasota, a pregnancy resource center. And as intense as bouts can get, each match ends with celebratory laps from both teams, plenty of high-fives and a group hangout at the bar. According to Von Cheats, “There are other female sports teams locally, but roller derby is its own special thing that can’t be compared to anything else.”

The Bradentucky Bombers take on the Jacksonville J-Villains May 30 at 5pm at Astro Skate of Bradenton. Tailgating starts at 4pm. Little Giant Brewery is bringing the suds, but it’s recommended spectators bring their own chairs.  

Photo by: Josh DeSario. Courtesy of: The Bradentucky Bombers

[Exec Moves]  Greene Sworn In As Superintendent
Holly Mastay

In a brief ceremony yesterday, Dr. Diana Greene was sworn in as superintendent for Manatee County Schools. She was sworn in on an interim basis as her one-year contract is being approved. Diana Greene, Ph.D., has previously worked as the Deputy Superintendent for Instructional Services for the School District of Manatee County. Dr. Greene has more than 30 years of education experience and a doctorate from Capella University in Advanced K-12 Education.  

School District of Manatee County

[Exec Moves]  Sarasota YPG Announces Open Board Positions
Holly Mastay

The Sarasota Young Professionals Group has announced the opening of several board positions to be elected and appointed for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. YPG is a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. New Board members will begin Oct. 1, 2015. 

Sarasota YPG Call for Applications

[Dog's Best Friend]  Getting Better on the Leash
Gregg Flowers

We've been talking about leash training for a few weeks, and last time, I was talking about the best type of collar for leash training. A slip collar or "correction collar" is the ticket here. Once your dog is trained, you can go to a flat collar or even a harness, but for training, you need a collar that will tighten up momentarily as you simultaneously issue a verbal correction, then release. Lightweight nylon is preferred over chain because you want that collar adjusted up as high as you can get it on Max's neck, because the bottom of a dog's neck is very, very strong, (even a little guy) but the top is very tender. And this is the big magic trick of using a correction collar: positioning. Even a 125-pound Rottweiler will respond to the lightest bump on the leash if his correction collar is adjusted nice and high. This almost always precludes the requirement for a pinch or "prong" collar. And although many people swear by a prong collar, I have proven my point about simple collar positioning on a few hundred big dogs!

On the rare occasion that you just cannot get the timing down with a slip collar, and your dog for whatever reason, continues to try to lead you (or drag you, whichever the case may be), instead of a prong or pinch collar, or [God forbid] an electric collar, my "go to" device is a "head harness". The two most popular brands are the 'Halti' and the Gentle Leader. This appliance works much like a harness for a horse, and gently guides Max's head and discourages pulling. The only caveat with a head harness is that it requires some finesse. You want to be careful not to "jerk" your dog's head around. More on the leash next time.

A native of Louisiana, SRQ Daily Columnist Gregg Flowers owns Dog's Best Friend Dog Training Services here in Sarasota, where he "teaches dogs and trains people." Gregg became fascinated by our relationship with dogs as a boy in the '60s, and by 1985 had developed his own unique style of working with dogs and their humans. 

Dog's Best Friend

[Forty Carrots Family Center]  What's Happening Here?

It looks like I am playing, but I am utilizing my fine motor skills and creativity. When I paint, I am able to plan ahead, practice skills and learn about how large ideas can be broken into smaller tasks. I also learn that sometimes things turn out differently than planned, and grow an appreciation of different styles and approaches. I am developing my creativity and problem solving skills, as well as independence and responsibility. When my creations are displayed, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that help me develop a sense of self and become more confident.  Experiences with art enrich my vocabulary, particularly learning new adjectives and other descriptive words. When I create, I am able to express myself in different ways and sometimes convey feelings that I am otherwise not quite ready or able to share. All of these skills will benefit me as I grow older, and I may eventually decide to become an artist, illustrator or designer. 

The early childhood education programs provided by Forty Carrots Family Center are designed to provide children with the skills they need start off on the right foot. Experiencing the world through exploration and play encourages healthy brain development, critical social skills and responsible behavior. By providing opportunities for children to play alongside their parents through programs like Partners in Play, Forty Carrots nurtures the whole family for a lifetime of learning and positive relationships. 

For more information about the programs and early childhood learning opportunities at Forty Carrots, contact Parenting Program Director, Christina Rodrigues.

Forty Carrots Family Center is a 2015 SRQ Story Project partner and the featured non-profit organization this May. To learn more about the numerous education and outreach programs provided by Forty Carrots, visit them online at FortyCarrots.org or call (941) 365-7716.  



[SRQ Studio Series]  Where the Votes Are

Yesterday, SRQ Magazine's Senior Editor Jacob Ogles hosted a crowd of local political watchers for Where the Votes Are to explore the voter demographics of May 12th Sarasota City Commission runoffs. A steadfast group of our community's most loyal voters gathered to analyze the data, ask questions and hear Jacob's commentary on what made the difference in this election. Beginning at 7:45am, guests enjoyed breakfast and lively conversation on the state of local politics and what to expect from the newly slated city commission. Stay tuned for Jacob's findings on Inside the Brand and on SRQMAG.com soon. Special thanks to the early risers that join us for each installment of Where the Votes Are.  

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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