Bradenton.com: Vin Mannix

Great grandma going strong on marimba

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:51 EDT

BRADENTON — Betty Dial paused, mallets in hand, and the marimba awaited her familiar touch. Soon a melody with a hint of the Carribean brightened the darkened sanctuary at Westside Christian Church.

“It’s been an outlet my whole life,” Dial said. “People say how much they enjoy listening. That keeps me going.”

The 85-year-old great grandmother and her 73-year-old marimba.

Vin's people

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:19 EDT

n Big ups to Brittany Wilson, who just signed a volleyball scholarship with State College of Florida (nee MCC). The 2009 Manatee High grad shared her big moment with parents Kimlyn and Terry, sister Brianne, Manatee Area Volleyball Club coach Ralph McElhiney and his wife Donna, grandmother Joan Rupert, friends Richelle Roy and Whitney McElhiney, who will also play at SCF, and friend Rhonda Strawn.

Goodwill plans ‘GoodNeighbor’ block party

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01 EDT

BRADENTON — People who shop at DeSoto Junction Goodwill this Saturday will find more than good deals on books, clothing or pots and pans.

Campers find common ground at Dream Oaks Camp

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:34 EDT

Gales of laughter and shrieks of glee reverberated across the pine tree-lined campground like a summer symphony.

Vin Mannix: Home of the free, because of the brave

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:17 EDT

Snapshots from a summer holiday weekend:

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:29 EDT

vmannix@bradenton.com

Citizenship depends on one’s dress?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:05 EDT

That Saowalux “May” Karpthip takes her citizenship oath today at Disney World, brings up a little humor from Beachhouse manager Mike Shannon.

Blood donors are family to retiring nurse

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:42 EDT

Her cooking. Her sense of humor. Her warmth and caring. When Daphne Morris retires from Florida Blood Services on July 17, that's the short list of what folks will miss.

Pricey night at the Trop for this fan

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:46 EDT

If Matt Silverman was actually counting noses Tuesday night at the Trop, mine was there.

Manatee woman: Independence Day holds new meaning

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:44 EDT

BRADENTON BEACH Saowalux “May” Karpthip knows how July 3 is a big deal at the Beachhouse Restaurant. Yet the bubbly waitress, a native of Thailand, has probably felt the fun and fireworks were for her American clientele, not her. “I want to be a citizen,” said Karpthip, 39. “That’s my dream.” This July 3 her dream comes true.

Fire chief's big shoes

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:57 EDT

When Tom Hennessy retired recently as Southern Manatee Fire Rescue’s fire chief, he left behind some big shoes for his successor, Deputy Chief Foster Gover, to fill.

Saint Stephen’s leader off to China, Africa

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:09 EDT

Saint Stephen’s Head of School Jan Pullen is off China and a busy summer on the road.

With new leash on life, she now needs new home: Braden the miracle dog

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:07 EDT

MANATEE Six months ago she was 20 pounds of skin and bones and could barely stand up. Now she’s 42 pounds of fun and runs with the couple’s greyhounds. Tries to, anyway.

A journey back in time: Manatee veteran retraces WWII steps

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:39 EDT

BRADENTON BEACH - The European terrain had changed, but Nick Engler’s memories remained. The warmth of war weary farm people. The midnight river crossing under fire. The apple orchard where he was left for dead.

On this day, this one’s for all our dads

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:22 EDT

This is for the dad who catches fastballs from his son, crouching in the driveway every night after work, making believe it’s a big league bullpen.

Sabella hangs tough during a long ordeal

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:52 EDT

Nick Sabella’s resiliency humbles us.

Cookout marks Challenger baseball 20th season

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:40 EDT

The 2009 Challengers end-of-season cookout at Norma Lloyd Park Saturday evening wrapped up the 20th anniversay season of Little League baseball for boys and girls with disabilities.

Fun, learning for campers at Fire Academy

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:44 EDT

LAKEWOOD RANCH — It was Carina Coronado’s turn with the hose, and she was ready to do what the boys on her team could not.

Amendment bad business for our coast

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 01:02 EDT

Here we go again.

If you go

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:08 EDT

What: Myakka City bull riding.