East County Observer 11.26.15 by Kat Hughes

E A ST COUNTY Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Holiday 2015

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YOUR TOWN Gators chomp Wildcats The B.D. Gullett Elementary Gators are reigning champions over the Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary Wildcats. As part of the annual Salvation Army food drive, schools countywide collect non-perishable items to donate. Gullett and McNeal like to raise the stakes, and this year competed to see which school could collect more cans. Gullett collected 2,459 donations and McNeal collected 1,048.

Stocking stuffers Meals on Wheels Plus is collecting shoeboxes filled with gifts for in-need seniors at the Adult Day Center. Please stuff shoeboxes with toiletries, books, toothbrushes, puzzles, lotions, socks, crossword books, Kleenex, personal hygiene items, toothpaste, stationary, pens and umbrellas. Cut out the tag provided on Meals on Wheels Plus’ Facebook page, which signifies whether the box is for a man or woman. Deliver it to the Adult Day Center, located at 10920 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch. Boxes are due by Dec. 6 at the 10th annual Shoebox Reception, which runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Adult Day Center. For more information, call 747-4655.

Should the innards of this year’s gobbler feed the folks at your Thanksgiving table?

What they’re saying: Residents offer their opinions about giblets.

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

ometime on Thanksgiving morning, amateur cooks all over America experience the same squishy moment of unpleasantness. They reach into their turkey’s abdominal section and feel for ... oh yuk ... the giblets. With a tight grip and a good yank, those gelatinous organs sit right in the cook’s hand. The question? What comes next? Today’s America appears to have decided upon a new custom, that of depositing giblets right in the trash. Our forefathers might have shuddered at such waste, and local chefs tend to agree. Tommy Klauber, the owner of Polo Grill and Bar and a chef himself, isn’t surprised that butchers have noticed that giblets have become a little too gross for our kitchens. “Butchers don’t want them

PAGE 5A

The 4-1-1 on giblets: A primer on your turkey’s more eccentric parts. PAGE 5A

Jay Heater

SEE PAGE 5A

Chef Andrea Pisano doesn’t eat turkey, but he loves cooking it, even the giblets.

‘A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE’

About 1,500 people receive medical care at free clinic. PAGE 3A

Manatee schools over capacity AMANDA SEBASTIANO STAFF WRITER

A+E

EAST COUNTY — The principal of

an elementary school with one of the largest student populations in East County, Jim Mennes, doesn’t shy away from crowds. His school is packed every year, and enrollments have continued to grow since the 640 students Freedom Elementary had when he became principal in 2009. “There’s no room in the inn,” Mennes said. “We’re full here. We have eight portables, and they’re all full. What if more kids come? We’d teach them, love them, stack them on top of each other, whatever. We’d deal with it.”

Composer writes classical for the audience — not the critics. INSIDE Jay Heater

SEE PAGE 8A

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

AFTER INITIAL SUCCESS, CLINIC WILL RETURN JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

anatee Technical College is in business to educate people. It is probable, though, that the lessons delivered on Saturday and Sunday were its most important. Just fewer than 1,500 people took advantage of the Remote Area Medical group’s clinic that offered free medical care to those in need. “This is a life-changing experience,” said Dr. Dick Conard, the event chairman. “Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of examples of man’s inhumanity toward his fellow man. Today, I am seeing the opposite. These professionals have stepped forward to make a difference.” Conard said 2,563 “encounters” were recorded, meaning a person saw a dentist, eye care professional or doctor. Many people saw multiple doctors, so the exact amount of people served had yet to be finalized on Sunday afternoon as the medical equipment was being packed up. “Absolutely this was a great way to give back to the community,” said Doug Wagner, the principal of Manatee Technical College. “It was great for our students to see how the skills they are learning can be applied.” The event had 740 registered volunteers but another 300 or so volunteers worked the booths that were available to patients. Those booths distributed health-related information or gave out children’s books. More than $1,200 in books were distributed the two days and more than 500 bags that were stuffed with health information were handed out. More than 500 people attended a “no smoking” class that was offered and 467 pairs of glasses were made and distributed. Conard said the event was so successful that a second RAM event at Manatee Technical College will expand to a three-day event held next Nov. 11-13. “It’s time to take this discussion to another level,” Conard said about providing free health care to those in need.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

Stan Brock, founder of Remote Area Medical, tours the floor of Manatee Technical College in Bradenton on Saturday as patients in the background receive dental care.

ABOUT THE CLINIC What: Free medical care distributed by Remote Area Medical clinic at Manatee Technical College Nov. 21-22 People seen: An estimated 1,500 Volunteers: 740 registered volunteers, another estimated 300 at booths which distributed health and educational information Free meals served by Salvation Army: 2,500 Dentists volunteering: 36 on Saturday, 20 on Sunday Eye-care professionals volunteering: 26 on Saturday, 24 on Sunday Medical doctors volunteering: 18 on Saturday, 12 on Sunday Health care distributed in cost: Estimated at just under $1 million for the two days Subcommittees that planned event: 11 Eyeglasses made: 467 The next time: Event Chairman Dr. Dick Conard said RAM will return to Manatee Technical College Nov. 11-13, 2016, for three days

Jay Heater photos

The ground floor of Manatee Technical College looks like a MASH unit during the RAM event.

had waited about four hours, but she didn’t mind. “Our teeth are important,” she said. “And now I’m four people away.” Although people could have showed up early on Saturday afternoon with a chance of seeing a medical doctor or an eye doctor, the dentists were booked up and people were being turned away. They had a second shot by starting to line up by midnight on Saturday night, but all the remaining appointments for dentists or eye care professionals on Sunday were handed out by 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. Bradenton’s Emma Markum, a Manatee Technical College employee, registered patients and she said things flowed smoothly. “This has been a very organized operation,” she said. Mandy Steffen, another Manatee Technical College employee who worked alongside Markum, said she would volunteer again

“I haven’t had dental insurance the past four years. I just started working again.” – Christy Benson McCoy, as she waited for her No. 281 to be called so she could have a lost filling replaced.

Conard estimated that just less than $1 million of medical care and service was delivered in the two days. Sarasota’s Christy Benson McCoy was one of the patients. “I haven’t had dental insurance the past four years,” she said as she waited for her No. 281 to be called so she could have a lost filling replaced. “I just started working again.” She showed up in the early morning hours on Saturday and was handed her number about 2:30 a.m. Once she secured a number, she was able to go home before coming back later Saturday morning. Just after noon, she

on Sunday and in the future. She loved what she had seen, people being exposed to medical care that they couldn’t afford. “This just makes me motivated to do it again,” she said. Sean Nichols, a dentist from Derry, N.H., has done it again. The Remote Area Medical event was his fourth. “RAM has been doing this for years and years,” he said. “I am glad we are having them.” Nichols said dentists spend an average of 35 to 40 minutes per patient. He said the dentists concentrate on serious problems and really didn’t get into much else with the patients.

“You can only handle so much,” he said. “We are doing whatever we can in that time to make their life a little better.” Remote Area Medical was founded in 1985 by Stan Brock, who perhaps is best known as the co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” television series, which made its debut in 1963. On the Remote Area Medical website, it states that the organization was formed to help due to the “lack of heath care in impoverished, underserved and isolated areas.” That wouldn’t seem to be descriptive of the Manatee and Sarasota counties area, but more than 2,000 people were expected to take advantage of the clinic because they couldn’t afford medical care. “The World Health Organization ranks 190 countries on their ability to take care of their citizens,” Brock said. “The United States is No. 37 on that list.” While Remote Area Medical has been working in various states around the country for 30 years, it had just one event in Florida more than 20 years ago. Brock said that only three licensed doctors volunteered to help at that event. “We didn’t come back for that reason,” he said. “We tend to go where people want us.” Brock said Florida still faces substantial challenges when it comes to the type of services that his nonprofit provides because doctors from other states who want to volunteer face restrictions that turn them away. He said the entire world needs to wake up and make it easier for doctors to donate their time whether state to state or internationally. “The challenge for something like this is whether you can find enough licensed practitioners,” he said. “The difference now is that Dick Conard spent the best part of the last year recruiting here.”

“I was born in Iraq so I know what it is like to be poor. We are helping and we have poor people right here in America. America needs plenty of help.” – Sarmad Eiwaz, a third-year dental student at LECOM

He said a lot of work remains to be done. “The chance that you are going to see everybody who needs medical care is not very good,” he said. “Hopefully, we will see as many as possible today and the others come back tomorrow. For some, though, there isn’t another tomorrow.” Davis Graham, the executive director of Manatee Diagnostic Center, which donated manpower and equipment to the event, noted the irony. “We’re on a medical mission trip in the wealthiest country in the world,” he said. A Manatee County Technical dental student, Hector Reyes, worked at an “after-care” table while his mother, Veronica Reyes, waited in line for dental care. “She doesn’t have dental insurance,” he said. “Some people just don’t have the same opportunities as others.” Although many parents brought children, not everyone took advantage of some of the opportunities, such as child vaccinations. “We only handled about 60 children,” said Gerald Ray, a nurse with the Medical Reserve Corps. “People were afraid to bring them over because they might lose their place in line.” That being said, Ray thought it was a great first event for the area. “We need more of this,” he said. “I think it was as organized as it could be.” Behind the scenes, Sarmad Eiwaz, a third-year dental student at LECOM, said the dental patients seemed to be turning over at a rapid and efficient rate. He was helping to sterilize dental instruments. “I was born in Iraq so I know what it is like to be poor,” he said. “We are helping and we have poor people right here in America. America needs plenty of help.”

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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a grand opening before Jan. 1. They have signed papers to open a third site adjacent to the new Wawa at the intersection of Lorraine Road and State Road 70. The service center at Portal Crossing will utilize the GreenEarth and Ozone EcoWash system. “Our business model really lends itself to green environmental responsibility,” Cheryl Walstad said in a release. The new location at Portal Crossing is expected to hire 10 employees. The company aims to grow along the I-75 corridor in Sarasota and Manatee counties and north to the Tampa-St. Petersburg markets.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

YOU NEED HEART TO EAT GIBLETS FROM PAGE 1A

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

THE 4-1-1 ON GIBLETS

MARY SHEERIN, Lakewood Ranch: “My mother always made it. I cook them with the turkey at the bottom of the roasting pan and put them in my gravy. Most people, if they knew it was there, they wouldn’t eat it.” DEBBIE SMITH, Lakewood Ranch “I boil them and feed them to the dogs. My mom has made them and they were OK. And I would eat them because I eat chicken livers and gizzards.” EILEEN SWEET, Lakewood Ranch “When I had a cat, I would give them to the cat. I would boil them, and they smelled horrible. The cat would be crawling around my feet. I know they make superb gravy, but not good enough that I would go to the trouble.” DIANE GORE, Myakka City “I normally give them to my son to go fishing with. He says it makes great bait.”

made it past the trash bag. “In America, people get grossed out,” he said with a laugh. “I wouldn’t tell my guests. Italians, we eat everything.” At MacAllisters Grill & Travern in Lakewood Ranch, head chef and general manager Devin Lay has not spent a lot of time as of late utilizing the giblets. However, he has been learning new ways to

prepare giblets. He grew up in Vermont and his parents, Kathy and Doug Lay, always presented the family with homestyle cooking that he best classifies as “family comfort” food. Although he can’t say for sure, Devin Lay is fairly positive that he ate giblets as some part of his Thanksgiving meal all through his

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childhood. “Mom was good at hiding things,” he said. Like other chefs, Lay said he doesn’t need to explain the entire process when he is producing a culinary masterpiece. “I would use giblets for flavor,” he said. “But, no, I wouldn’t tell anyone unless they asked. I would want them to enjoy it.”

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Pronounced: Jibb-letz or Gibb-letz What are they?: The heart, liver and gizzard of poultry At the bird’s demise: The heart cap, gizzard lining and gall bladder are removed as inedible. The giblets are then chilled to 40 degrees within two hours Grading?: There are no grading standards for giblets Do giblets stay with their owner?: No. The giblets you get inside the bird will not be from that particular bird To your grocer: Giblets are packed in a bag and inserted into the bird’s abdominal cavity, often packed along with the neck, which is part of the giblets. Thawing: Along with the rest of the bird, giblets can be thawed in cold water, in the microwave or in the refrigerator, but never by sitting on the counter

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because they know they can’t sell them,” Klauber said. Indeed, a higher percentage of turkeys are being produced today giblet-less. Some local supermarkets said they don’t carry giblets alone because no one wants them anymore. “Where do most giblets end up?” Klauber said, “Probably as dog food or cat food. They probably make more money selling them for another cause. “Most people here just don’t want to look at them. In Europe, people want the head and feet attached (to the turkey). They want to look into its eyes. Here, we just don’t want to see it. It’s kind of like the anchovy in a Caesar salad. People know that it tastes good, but they don’t want to know what it is.” When Klauber uses the giblets, they usually end up in the gravy. “We sauté them up.” Andrea Pisano, the executive chef at Main Street Trattoria in Lakewood Ranch, doesn’t eat turkey because his mom never made it in Sardinia. “It’s just not in our tradition,” he said. That being said, Pisano loves to prepare traditional meals for family and friends, and if giblets make the stuffing or gravy better, so be it. He said he cooks the giblets with some red wine and eventually blends in a food processor to be used in a turkey stuffing. The key to his recipe is not telling the guests that the giblets

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

SARASOTA People. Ideas. Nature. Creativity.

Waterlefe can earn green with more play

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A new membership category could get course on par with profit.

This is an event for dreamers and doers.

JESSICA SALMOND STAFF WRITER

In an effort to attract new members, the Waterlefe Community Development District approved new categories at its Nov. 16 meeting. The newest category, called the “young professional,” is aimed at players between 25 and 34. At $1,500 annually, it’s the most affordable membership at Waterlefe. That is in comparison to $2,245 for a junior executive (ages 35-44) or $4,000 yearly for those 45 and up (a special senior discount takes effect at age 75). “We want to invite the young golfer into the club environment,” said Janice Reed, Waterlefe’s director of membership and marketing. The course’s membership currently sits at 124, and the course needs more play, said CDD Chairman Ken Bumgarner. During a joint meeting with the golf course committee, Bumgarner and the board discussed the $8 million debt the district had inherited from community developer, WCI Communities, after it filed for bankruptcy in 2009. The developer took out revenue bonds to pay for the construction of the golf course. It overestimated on how many people would join the club and the golf course has never generated enough revenue to make payments on the debt. Bumgarner said golf club memberships are dying across the country, not just at Waterlefe. While he is skeptical whether the golf course will ever reach WCI’s 350-player goal, he said attracting new players to the course is healthy. “There are too many courses down here that are inexpensive

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to play,” he said. In addition to the young professionals membership, the golf course added two trial programs for 60 and 90 days. For a fee, interested players can buy either a single or family trial, during which they receive almost all of the same benefits as a member such as free range balls, a pro shop discount and reserved tee times. The trial allows people who might only be staying for a few months to test out the course and the community without committing to a year. The trial can only be taken once, but the idea is to give interested players a taste of the course and its benefits and entice them to join year-round. For the first time in eight years, the course increased its annual fees by about 2.5% to 3%, depending on the category. Reed said the downturn of the economy forced the course to keep a steady rate to stay competitive and to retain members. The club used to charge a $10,000 initiation fee, but after the economy faltered, the course eliminated the fee.

Waterlefe resident Bill Quigley has been a golf course member for one year.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

Research donations do make a difference Julie and Tom Ciesielski of Summerfield have had a rough five months since Tom was diagnosed with leukemia. Julie now raises funds for leukemia research.

MANAGING EDITOR

When Summerfield’s Julie Ciesielski started to raise funds for leukemia research, she didn’t question if donations make a difference. The answer was standing next to her. Her husband, Tom Ciesielski, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia June 5 and since his 51st birthday on June 30, he has taken a chemotherapy drug that has controlled the disease. Tom Ciesielski noted that the drug is less than 15 years old. Without effective research, he would have been looking at a much different future. “If these drugs weren’t discovered, he would have a three- to seven-year life span,” his wife said. Research continues to be expensive. “I take one pill a day,” Tom Ciesielski said. “A 30-day prescription costs $10,500. They say most of that goes back into research.” He discovered his leukemia by chance when he went to an urgent care facility in May with an unrelated illness. On June 5, he was informed he had leukemia. “Our lives changed,” Julie Ciesielski said. “Oh my gosh, my husband has a form of cancer.” Tom Ciesielski walked around “like a zombie” for a month and eventually lost 30 pounds. “Quite

frankly, I didn’t know what leukemia was,” he said. His wife started researching the disease and found that like many forms of cancer, research dollars were scarce. “I felt like I had to do something,” she said. “There was nothing I could do to help him, so I put together a team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night walk.” Julie Ciesielski and her team of six participated Nov. 7 at Channelside in Tampa. So far, those who have donated through their participation in the walk have raised $3,050. Donations in honor of their participation in the event can be made through Dec. 31. To donate toward leukemia cancer research through her effort, go to pages.lightthenight. org/sun/Tampa15/JCiesielski.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

EAST COUNTY

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor / CEO / Matt Walsh mwalsh@yourobserver.com Publisher / Lisa Walsh lwalsh@yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh ewalsh@yourobserver.com Associate PublisherEast County Observer / Lori Ruth lruth@yourobserver.com

Amanda Sebastiano

Bashaw Elementary is undergoing renovations to accommodate more students.

NO VACANCY Seven of 13 East County schools are overcrowded as the area continues to grow. FROM PAGE 1A

The school’s enrollment annually reaches more than 800 students, and it’s going to keep increasing, he said. Freedom’s enrollment growth spurt is a trend throughout East County, as new developments take shape and new residents and their families arrive to fill those homes and the surrounding schools. GreyHawk Landing residents primarily sent their children to B.D. Gullett Elementary, which eased some of Freedom’s stress when the neighboring school opened in 2007. Now that the community has more houses being built in a different section of the community, those students are zoned for Freedom, Mennes said. Based on enrollment numbers for the 2015-2016 school year, seven of East County’s 13 schools are over capacity. How many students a school can hold is based on number of classrooms and a range of other criteria. CALCULATING CAPACITY

“Calculating capacity is an extremely complicated issue,” said Mike Barber, spokesman for the Manatee County School District. “Capacity is in terms of how many student stations can be held in a particular facility.” The state sets capacity numbers, which are generated into a Florida Inventory of School Houses, or FISH, report. The report considers portables, classrooms and school size, Gullett Elementary Principal Shirin Gibson said. Although on paper Gibson’s school falls below capacity, the report doesn’t consider how classrooms are utilized. For example, Gullett has three computer labs, which 44 classes use. “The report thinks every room is a classroom, and it doesn’t register portables, labs and other types of learning environments,”

Gibson said. “People think we still have room for kids, but no. Those classrooms are used for academics, just in a different way. We don’t have one empty classroom in this school.” Another contributor to soaring populations is school choice, which allows parents to choose which school their child attends, regardless of their neighborhood, School Board member David Miner said. Student population is lopsided throughout the county. “In the middle and other parts of the county some schools are under capacity,” Barber said. “How do we balance that out while dealing with additional growth out east?” Limits on classroom size also decide how full each room can be. Kindergarten through second grade classes can only have 18 students, and third- through fifth-grade classes are permitted up to 22 students. Freedom Elementary has a few open seats in lower grade levels, but not in fifth-grade classes. “If I get a handful of new second-graders next year, I’m fine,” Mennes said. “If I get 10 fifthgraders, we’re going to be busy. That would be interesting.” Some schools, such as Braden River Middle and Freedom Elementary, have plenty of property to house additions. Smaller schools, such as Gene Witt Elementary, don’t have that flexibility. To accommodate more students, schools are taking different approaches. Last year, Robert E. Willis Elementary implemented a coteach classroom for kindergarten classes. Two teachers share a classroom, so double the amount of students can fit in one space. This year, the school offers three co-teach classrooms in kindergarten, first and third grades. “It’s not too noisy,” Assistant Principal Michelle Danowski said. “The teachers who are doing it have great classroom manage-

ment skills. Now we can have 30 to 36 kids in a classroom rather than 15 to 18.” The school has no portables, which is a common remedy schools use to house more students. Lakewood Ranch and Braden River high schools, Bashaw Elementary, Nolan Middle and most of the schools in East County rely on portables to house at least three classes or labs. PORTABLE SOLUTION

More than 10 years ago, Braden River Middle utilized 23 portables. Today it has five, thanks to the opening of Carlos E. Haile Middle School. Mennes said portables are a suitable option rather than building additional classrooms. “I would take more portables,” Mennes said. “They aren’t these horrible, dilapidated rooms. They have white boards, Internet access and they’re decent. Educators love them. Portables are like their own little world outside of the school building.” What’s next? As construction continues on communities, such as Echo Lake Apartments, along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, 44th Avenue and other East County roads, the school district is hoping to manage growth by making a longrange master plan to balance out school population inequalities. The plan, which should be finished by January, will determine what makes certain schools more appealing than others, demographics, student counts and other factors to determine whether more schools are needed in the county. Officials expect needing at least one new school in East County. “Some schools might just need some love, while others might need to be knocked down and rebuilt,” said Robert Johnson, district director planning and performance management.

HOW CROWDED ARE THEY? East County schools are filling up, with some over capacity, as growth continues in Lakewood Ranch and surrounding communities. Here’s how populations and capacities compare. SCHOOL

POP. CAPACITY

Elementary schools Bashaw 560...... TBD* Braden River 690........ 625 Freedom 784..........850 Gullett 787..........850 McNeal 771.......... 766 Tara 650.........680 Willis 742.......... 725 Witt 733...........751 Middle schools Braden River 991........ 1,017 Haile 1,081....... 997 Nolan 1,154....... 924 High schools L. Ranch 2,314.... 1,709 Braden River 2,069... 1,855 * After renovations

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SIDE OF RANCH

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

JAY HEATER

Collecting turns into his personal carnival

our mind drifts back to the days when you walked through town looking at that darned pay phone next to the Acme supermarket. In the blink of an eye it turned into a collectable item. Why oh why didn’t you yank that phone off the wall? Perhaps it’s that knowledge that turns us into collectors. Have you seen “Storage Wars?” If you have an old vacuum cleaner in the basement, some museum has an empty spot to hang it. That knowledge feeds the frenzy because where there is demand, there is a profit to be made. Moolah for me. When I met Palm Aire’s J.R. Leach, I thought he was going to be another in a long line of treasure hunters. He is the vice president of the Tampa Bay Carnival Glass Club, so I couldn’t wait to ask him about his biggest score. He walked over to a glass display case in his living room and pulled out a carnival glass bowl, then set it gently on a kitchen counter along with other pieces. It was a darker bowl, but the colors flowed together like they

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J.R. Leach of Palm Aire removes a pair of carnival glass bowls from his display case at his home. He is the vice-president of the Tampa Bay Carnival Glass Club.

do in a rainbow. It’s iridescent quality seemed to mingle with the low level of light in his kitchen. “My wife (Sheila) and I both saw it at the same time,” Leach said. “We both grabbed at it.” Yes, but how much money is it worth? “I think it is beautiful,” he said,

“It makes me feel good.” At 6-foot-3 and a bit under 300 pounds, the 71-year-old Leach resembles the young man who threw the shot put at the University of Florida. Let’s put it this way, if you reached for the same bowl with him, you probably would back off. If you conjured up an

detail how it was made and why it became a lost art. He knows that people bought it because their homes were dimly lit at the time, and the colors of carnival glass would stay strong in those conditions. Mostly, he wants to share his passion for his hobby. That goes back to the part where carnival glass just makes him feel good. He knows that “you can’t make other people feel the way you do about something,” but if someone has an interest in carnival glass, he hopes they call him at 266-1197 to get information about his club. That could be important if you are trying to make a score. “Some people figure they can put their grandkids through college,” he said. “That ain’t going to happen.”

image of a carnival glass collector, his mug shot would not be attached. Then again, he is a walking bundle of carnival glass information. He can tell you its origin at the beginning of the 20th century and why it died out after the Depression. He can describe in

Jay Heater is the Managing Editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at jheater@your observer.com

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

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Finding a new home for abandoned Great Danes can be a problem, and that’s when a local organization can come to the rescue. The Southwest Florida Great Dane Rescue doesn’t have a location. It’s a network of five board members and anywhere from two to eight foster volunteers who take care of abandoned Great Danes. The group handles between 50 and 65 dogs a year. That is too many for the organization, so it is desperately seeking new foster homes for the dogs. That was the message delivered on Nov. 7 during the second annual Dogtoberfest fundraiser, which generated $7,000 toward Great Dane rescue. The rescue was founded by East County resident Connie Borwick and Riverview resident Valerie Clows in 1996. Although the group serves the entire state and even into Georgia,

many of its board members and fosters are located in Sarasota and Manatee counties. East County resident Heike Caspary joined the rescue’s efforts about three years ago after agreeing to foster a Dane. Now, she’s become the group’s event coordinator and has since started the group’s biggest annual fundraiser, Dogtoberfest. To save on expenses, Caspary hosts the fundraiser at her home. Most of the food and drinks are donated or discounted, she said. “I got sucked into the rescue, and came up with the big fundraiser idea,” she said. “This year I started planning in January.” Borwick said one of her goals for her rescue is to start developing educational programs for people when they consider adopting. “They’re not Scooby Doo and Marmaduke. They’re active puppies, they don’t just lay around,” she said. “You have 150 pounds running around.”

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

11A

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FOOD FIGHT

NOV. 17

6900 15th Street East Battery: A man was eating on his couch when he got into a verbal argument with his roommate about cooking, and, unrelated, some money that was stolen from one of them a week ago. The man got upset and charged at his roommate. The two fell to the floor while fighting and broke the ceramic plate on which the man had been eating dinner. TAXI EVASION

NOV. 17

8100 block of Timber Lake Lane Fare evasion: A taxi cab driver picked up a woman on Timber Lake Lane in Sarasota and drove her to Proctor Road and back. When the driver dropped her

off, she told the driver she had to get her boyfriend, who would pay the fare, and she would be right back. She never returned to pay her fee. The driver had her phone number and received several texts. However, the woman turned off the cell phone after the driver attempted to call her. He was out $80, and he did not know her name. STRANGE CYCLE OF EVENTS

NOV. 14

8000 block of Tamiami Trail Found property: A woman called the Sheriff’s Office because four bicycles had been left on her property. When the deputy arrived, only two bikes were located. The remaining bikes were collected and placed into property and evidence.

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11/17/15 5:56 PM

NOVEMBER 26, 2015

SPORTS

“There are only eight teams left, and you’re one of them.” – Braden River football coach Curt Bradley. SEE 15A

HIGH

RYAN WALKER, BY THE NUMBERS

56.41

Minimum events Walker will swim at the 2015 Winter Junior National Championships Dec. 9 through Dec. 12, in Atlanta. He also hopes to qualify for four events total.

Pablo Vargas scored three goals to lead the Lakewood Ranch High boys soccer team to a 7-0 victory against Southeast Nov. 17.

Seconds Walker needs to drop in the long course 100 breaststroke to have a shot at the Olympic Trials.

Place Walker finished in the 100-yard freestyle at the Class 3A Swimming and Diving State Championships Nov. 14, in Stuart.

The Lakewood Ranch High cheerleading squad won the varsity medium division in its first competition of the season Nov. 14, at Manatee High.

Time in seconds it took Walker to swim the 100-yard breaststroke to win the Class 3A state title Nov. 14 in Stuart.

Number of months Walker has been training with Pipeline Swimming.

PERFECT TIME TO IMPROVE

Pirates’ first state swim champ looks toward higher goals. JEN BLANCO SPORTS EDITOR

Kailyn Scully and Aleah Robinson combined for 23 points to lead the Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball team to a 71-35 victory over North Port Nov. 16.

The Out-of-Door Academy boys basketball team opened its season with a 66-48 victory over Sarasota Military Academy Nov. 16.

yan Walker now is known at Braden River High as “that swimmer guy.” In a sport that doesn’t typically get the same notoriety on campus as football or basketball, Walker has become one of the Pirates’ most recognizable faces. Teachers, coaches and students routinely stop Walker in the hallways to offer their congratulations and get a glimpse at Braden River’s newest golden boy. Even students he doesn’t know have shown an interest in him. Winning the school’s first individual state swimming championship will do that for you. “Swimming doesn’t usually get a ton of attention,” Walker said. “To not only be able to win state,

“I treat every meet the same. I want to put in a good effort. I’m not going to waste my time, so I might as well go hard for a minute.” – Ryan Walker

Skylar Jungers and Emily Brusco each scored a pair of goals to lead the Cardinal Mooney girls soccer team to a 6-2 victory against DeSoto County in its district opener Nov. 17.

but to have everyone know what I accomplished was good.” Walker won the 100-yard breaststroke at the Class 3A Swimming and Diving State Championships Nov. 14, in Stuart, after dropping nearly two seconds of his personal best time. “I knew this was my last high school season and my last state meet opportunity,” Walker said.

“I worked as hard as I could for the last four months, taking advantage of every practice I had. My hard work paid off. “I was able to get the time I wanted and win in a personal best.” For Walker, winning a state title is only the first step in a series of building blocks he hopes to achieve over the next nine months. He returned to the pool to begin training for the 2015 Speedo Winter Junior Championships Dec. 9-12 in Atlanta. Walker will spend the next two weeks preparing with his Tampabased Pipeline Swimming coaches. Besides the 100 breaststroke at the Winter Junior Championships, he will compete in the 100 freestyle, an event in which he placed sixth at the state meet. He hopes to achieve the necessary times to qualify for the 200 breaststroke and 50 freestyle as well. The meet offers an opportunity for Walker to face new, tougher competition. “I don’t really feel any pressure from anywhere,” Walker said. “I treat every meet the same. I want to put in a good effort. I’m not going to waste my time, so I might as well go hard for a minute.” The breaststroke always has been Walker’s main stroke, but he actually never swam it during high school season until this year. It was always the stroke he preferred, but something always was off. At the end of the summer, Walker had a breakthrough while swimming the 50-meter breaststroke for fun at the 2015 YMCA

Jen Blanco photos

Braden River senior Ryan Walker won the Class 3A state title in the 100-yard breaststroke Nov. 14.

Long Course National Championship Aug. 3 through Aug. 7 in Indianapolis. Walker advanced to the C Final where he finished third in 31.52 seconds. It was the first time Walker had advanced to a Y National final and everything from his breathing to his movement in the water finally fit together. He seemed to find a refreshed attitude toward the stroke. Walker continued his training with a particular emphasis on sprints and kicks, but he’s also incorporated yoga and basic stretching exercises into his preand post-workout routine. That SEE WALKER, PAGE 14A

14A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

HIT OR MISS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

JEN BLANCO

YMCA swimmers no longer ride the Wave been good, though.” n

I pride myself on being on time, the earlier the better. So you can imagine my dismay when I pulled up to the Out-ofDoor Academy 15 minutes late for the boys basketball team’s season opener against Sarasota Military Academy Nov. 16. As I rushed through the blue double doors, my Nikon D300 bouncing against my side, I was hit with the salty aroma of freshly buttered popcorn wafting out from the concession stand. For a moment, I was back in elementary school sitting on the bleachers in the Stow High School gymnasium watching the boys basketball team run up and down the floor. Some of my favorite sports memories are centered around those Friday nights during the winter. With a box of popcorn or a salted pretzel in hand, I would sit in the warm confides of the gymnasium with my family and watch the magic unfold. I saw everything from blowouts to buzzer beaters to state Final Four appearances. There’s a certain type of energy that radiates from the court this time of year, and after missing the last two months of last year’s basketball season, I’m anxious to

see what this season has to offer. All three East County boys basketball teams tipped off their seasons last week, and Lakewood Ranch, Braden River and ODA all are off to an impressive start. After a pair of blowout wins in the preseason, Lakewood opened its season with a 80-46 victory at Bayshore. The Mustangs set a school record for wins in a season with 21 last year and are capable of surpassing that this season. ODA is 2-0 after posting wins against Keswick Christian and Imagine High. After a loss in its season opener, Braden River bounced back with a 76-67 victory over Southeast in its home opener. So join me in the gymnasium one Friday night this winter. You won’t be disappointed. Just make sure to have a couple dollars on hand for a bag of popcorn or two. I know I won’t make the mistake of leaving my wallet in the car next time.

Jen Blanco is the Sports Editor for the East County Observer. Contact her at jblanco@ yourobserver.com.

Courtesy photo

WALKER, FROM PAGE 13A

helped him shave seconds off his personal best times. “Breaststroke always has been easier for me,” Walker said. “I worked a lot on flexibility over the summer, which helped it all come together.” “He has worked so hard for a few years now,” said Christine Walker, Ryan Walker’s mother. “He wanted to prove it to himself and prove to others that he knew what he needed to do.” Following Winter Junior Nationals, Walker plans to take a week or two off before diving back into the pool in hopes of qualifying for the 2016 Junior National Championships Aug. 8 through Aug. 12, in Minneapolis. If all goes well, he will qualify for the 2016 Olympic Trials. Walker needs to drop roughly three seconds off his 100 breaststroke long course time to make the Olympic Trials’ cut. The time standard is 1 minute, 3.69 seconds and Walker swims just over a 1:06. “I figure if I’m going to spend the next four years swimming in college, I might as well try to make the Olympic team,” said Walker, who is leaning toward swimming for Drury University in Springfield, Mo., but has yet to officially commit. “I just want to be the best that I can be whatever that is.”

Braden River senior Ryan Walker will compete in the 2015 Winter Junior Championships Dec. 9 through Dec. 12, in Atlanta.

INTERCOASTAL MEDICAL GROUP

welcomes

Jason Collins, MD Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Dr. Jason Collins brings to Intercoastal Medical Orthopedics Group a wealth of knowledge and experience in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, utilizing the most current technologies and techniques to address your orthopedic needs, from the routine to the complicated.

Healing

Undergraduate: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Medical School: New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY Residency: New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY Surgery Fellowship: UHZ Sports Medicine Institute, Miami, FL Certifications: American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine; Arthroscopy Association of North America

starts here.

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179942

here’s a new set of fins in town, but these Blackfins aren’t your average school of tuna. Blackfin is the new moniker for the Lakewood Ranch YMCA swim team. Formerly the Lakewood Ranch YMCA Wave Runners, the team changed its name as part of its rebranding process. Rather than continuing its association with a Jet Ski, Lakewood Ranch YMCA swim coach Jeff Logsdon felt a Blackfin, a small but aggressive type of tuna, was more the team’s speed. “Our team is small, but we’re pretty aggressive and we’re pretty fast,” Logsdon said. “It just kind of fell together that way. It’s kind of cool the way it all worked out.” The Blackfins hold open tryouts Tuesdays at 6 p.m., for children ages 6 and up, and also have a Wahoo program designed for future up-and-coming Blackfin swimmers. The team already has been seen sporting T-shirts and caps with its new logo, so there should be no confusion when the team dives into the pool for the winter short course season. “It’s kind of in your face,” Logsdon said. “We’d been the Wave Runners for a long time, and it was time to move on. It’s

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

That’s the ticket MONDAY, NOV. 30

REVENGE AT THE RANCH For the first time since the 201011 season, the Lakewood Ranch and Braden River girls soccer teams won’t be vying for the same district championship. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be intense when they meet for the second time this season at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30. The two teams are a combined 8-3-1 since Lakewood beat its rival 2-0 in the season opener.

TUESDAY, DEC. 1

KEY DISTRICT CONTEST The Braden River High boys soccer team looks to get back on track when it plays host to Palmetto at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in a key district matchup. The Pirates opened the season with four straight wins before dropping a pair of matches to crosstown rival Lakewood Ranch and district foe Venice prior to Thanksgiving break. Braden River holds a one-game advantage over Palmetto, which has won seven straight district titles, in the Class 4A-District 11 standings, and a win would propel the Pirates closer to clinching one of the top three seeds in the district tournament.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2

IS THIS THE YEAR? That’s the question Lakewood Ranch boys basketball coach Jeremy Schiller had been asking himself during the offseason. Now the Mustangs, who set a new school record for most

Jen Blanco

Lakewood Ranch’s Caitlyn Klein and Braden River’s Joanne Gigliotti battle for possession.

wins in a season last year, will see where they stand when they travel to Manatee at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The game should serve as a final tune-up for Lakewood as it prepares to head into its first three-game district slate.

THURSDAY, DEC. 3

NO SLAM DUNK Although the Sarasota High girls basketball team beat Lakewood Ranch in all three games last season, it would appear that center/ forward LaDazhia Williams and her Mustang teammates are ready to flip the outcome when they meet on Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Lakewood Ranch, which lost the district championship game to Sarasota last season, hosts the game.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

Pirates continue their historic run JEN BLANCO SPORTS EDITOR BRADEN RIVER — Braden River junior linebacker Paul Wiggins took a celebratory walk along the 50-yard line with three fingers pointed skyward. After shutting out Venice 17-0 in the Class 7A-Region 3 semifinals Nov. 20, the Pirates (12-0) earned a berth in the regional final, the third round of the playoffs, for the first time in school history. Braden River advanced to the regional semifinals last year before falling to Tarpon Springs East Lake. The Pirates are one of eight teams remaining in Class 7A. Braden River faces host Plant City Nov. 27 with the winner advancing to the state Final Four. “To lose your first nine when this group was freshmen and to say they are going to be in the Elite 8, people would look at you like you were crazy,” Braden River coach Curt Bradley said. “For the seniors here who have endured so much ridicule around campus, around town, now we have the school behind us and hopefully we have the town behind us as well.” Braden River scored all of its points in the first half and sophomore defensive back Tyrone Collins intercepted two passes in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Braden River took a 7-0 lead on

Jen Blanco

Braden River running back DeShaun Fenwick rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown.

its second possession when Dexter Hodo, a former defensive back turned running back, scored on an eight-yard run with five seconds left in the first quarter. The Pirates extended their lead on DeShaun Fenwick’s sevenyard run midway through the second quarter. Braden River’s final points of the night came on Kyle Thoma’s 18-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Hodo finished with 100 yards on 20 carries. Quarterback Jacob Huesman completed 9-of-13 passes for 144 yards.

Helping today’s farmers is

Tom Pospichal & Fernando Perez Mosaic Agricultural Operations, Florida

As the global population increases, so does the demand for affordable food. Essential crop nutrients, like phosphate produced in Florida, help farmers put more food on the table using less land. Our connection to farming is rooted here, too. Our team manages approximately 6,000 acres of Florida citrus, and thousands more acres of post-mined land for cattle grazing, row crops, sod and tree farms. We are honored to be stewards of our agricultural lands in Florida, and proud that our fellow employees produce crop nutrients for farmers all over the world. We help the world grow the food it needs.

mosaicco.com/florida 185399

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

YourObserver.com

188435

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Classifieds 25A Games 24A Real Estate 22A Weather 24A

NOVEMBER 26, 2015

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Sandies’ winners share passion to serve community Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance recognizes top leaders at its annual members’ choice awards. JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

hen Yasemin Chain reached the podium at Polo Grill to accept her Sandies’ award for the “2015 Networking Queen,” she presented a message that could have been the theme of almost every award presented on Friday. “Connecting people and helping them is something I love to do,” said Chain, of ComCenter. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, had to be proud of its members’ choice awards as the nine major winners all talked about helping people and building a stronger community. The awards are meant to honor “volunteers who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, devote time and energy to the community, and forge paths of leadership for others to follow.” Forty-seven finalists were spread over the nine categories.

David Fink, with Halliday Financial and Friday’s master of ceremonies, accepts his Bull by the Horns award from presenter Kirk Boylston, the president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty.

THE WINNERS WERE:

One of a Kind Award: Janet Arena, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Rising Star Award: Courtney Grovatt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ray of Sunshine Award: Maria Hussey, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Networking King Award: Mike Wick, Gator Air Conditioning & Plumbing Networking Queen Award: Yasemin Chain, ComCenter of Lakewood Ranch Young Professional of the Year Award: Heather Williams, Kerkering, Barberio & Co. Bull By The Horns Award: David Fink, Halliday Financial. Best Rancher Award: Brad Cranston, PostNet of Lakewood Ranch Volunteer of the Year Award: Susan Abbott of C1 Bank

Volunteer of the Year Susan Abbott of C1 Bank shows off her Sandie award.

Yasemin Chain of ComCenter of Lakewood Ranch won the Networking Queen Award and poses with presenter Peggy Kronus of Willis Smith Construction.

Ray of Sunshine winner Maria Hussey of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, celebrates with her Sandie.

Heather Williams of Kerkering, Barberio & Co., poses with her Young Professional of the Year award.

TASTE what everyone is talking about!

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18A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

SPECIAL YMCA GIFT

We want you to be fit and healthy before the new year! Starting a workout can be hard. Only at the Y, new members receive FREE “12 Weeks to a NEW You”. Join the Y and we will help you become a NEW you!

Amanda Sebastiano photos

Kristi Harrell and Wyatt Seagraves, of Bradenton, search for a snack.

Joining Fee and 1 Month FREE

Fun on the Farms

Only on Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

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Special available to NEW members and bank draft or annual membership types only.

MANATEE YMCA

Lakewood Ranch Bradenton * Parrish 941-798-9622

t was a child’s paradise. The annual Harvest Festival, held Nov. 21 and Nov. 22 at Mixon Fruit Farms, presented a range of outdoor activities to celebrate the fall season. Children jumped on trampolines, took photos with Santa Claus, enjoyed a ride through the farm’s groves and snacked on a range of foods, such as pizza, strawberry shortcakes and elephant ears. The Kid’s Zone also offered a ring toss, Stockin’ Fruit and Hungry Mixon Man games. The two-day event also featured live music throughout the weekend, until rain showers forced the crowd inside to Mixon’s gift shop or restaurant. – AMANDA SEBASTIANO

www.manateeymca.org

Ailey Moore, of Bradenton, and her brother, Waylon, pose with Santa.

Deck Your Patio H O L I D AY S A L E Friday, Nov. 27th & Saturday, Nov. 28th

Join us for an Evening of Beauty!

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RSVP: 941-355-3223 HILLSTROM Space is Limited, Call Today! FACIAL Pre-sale begins December 1st PLASTIC 5911 N. Honore Avenue, Suite 120, Sarasota, FL 34243 SURGERY www.HillstromPlasticSurgery.com

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Hillstrom Facial Plastic Surgery Wednesday, December 2 4 pm - 7 pm

THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. *INJECTABLES INCLUDE BOTOX®, JUVEDERM®, VOLUMA® AND MORE 188135

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

19A

MAKE FIRST FEDERAL

Meet this year’s weather photo contest winner

YOUR FIRST STOP FOR FINANCING YOUR HOME!

First Federal Community Bank has been helping families for 126 years

KRISTEN HERHOLD COMMUNITY EDITOR

Call Our Residential Lending Specialist Today!

Suzanne Tomlin

local restaurants. The next grand prize winner will receive a $2,500 flooring makeover. Manasota will donate $1 for every contest submission up to $2,500 to Project Traverse, a nonprofit that helps veterans assimilate back into society. “We want to thank the veterans for what they do for us and give back to them,” said Manasota General Manager Chris Quattlebaum.

Greg M. Braun 941.702.9551 gbraun@ffcb.com NMLS #407115

Cameo E. Braun 941.702.9554 cbraun@ffcb.com

Member FDIC

FIRST FEDERAL Community Bank

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with Your Family this Season! The ONLY local pool company providing in-house construction

Suzanne Tomlin submitted this photo of Beer Can Island, which won this year’s Weather and Nature Photo Contest.

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Over the past year, 1,600 readers captured the beauty of our area in the Weather and Nature Photo Contest. Suzanne Tomlin’s photograph of Longboat Key’s Beer Can Island is this year’s grand prize winner. “The sailboat happened to be going by, and the colors were beautiful. It was a perfect picture,” Tomlin said. As the winner, Tomlin will receive a $5,000 flooring makeover from Manasota Flooring Inc., which will sponsor the contest again this year. As in previous years, Manasota will pick three photo contest winners every month, one each from the Longboat Observer, East County Observer and Sarasota Observer. The three winners will each receive a $25 gift card for

of West Florida, Inc.

www.HolidayPoolsFlorida.com

Call today to schedule an appointment

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us o n

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Lic#CPC1458597

we make senior living

personal

At Inspired Living at Lakewood Ranch, we create a lifestyle that’s perfect for you by offering a range of senior living options. Here residents are at the center of everything we do. Whether you are active and independent or need some assistance, you can be assured that we will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. • • • • •

Nutritious chef-prepared meals Private dining with flexible hours Fitness center and exercise classes Swimming pool, patio and tiki bar Licensed nursing available 24/7

• • • • •

Dog park with off-leash areas Lakeside fishing pier with boardwalk Happy hours and social events Arts, music and cultural programs Transportation within Lakewood Ranch

NOW WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS

A Validus Senior Living Community

(941) 893-1578

5424 Lena Road

Bradenton, FL 34211

InspiredLivingLakewoodRanch.com Rosedale Golf & Country Club

Caregiver Support Group Tuesday, December 8 • 9 – 10:30 am

Validus Senior Living LWR_East County Observer_112015.indd 1

Light refreshments will be served.

1/2 mile east of I-75 on SR 70, one exit north of The Mall at UTC Facebook “f ” Logo

Connect with us on

CMYK / .eps

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Assisted Living Facility Lic. #12727 11/20/15 11:05 AM

171637

AJ Cipperly

AJ Cipperly, regional director of program development with Validus Senior Living, will share techniques on how you can help your loved one manage daily challenges and live successfully with dementia.

20A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

YOUR CALENDAR

Grand Opening * New Management Join us Friday, Nov. 27, 6-9:30pm Beer, Wine, Hors d’Oeuvres

SARASOTA TRADING CO. 941.953.7776 Antiques, Fine Art, Architecture, Lighting

Downtown Sarasota * 522 S. Pineapple Ave.

FINE ART, ANTIQUE & ASIAN AUCTION

SAT, NOV 28, 12 - 4 pm

Free Refreshments, Beer & Wine Preview Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat before auction 10-12 Please Visit Our Showroom View catalog at SarasotaEstateAuction.com Buyer’s Premium Applies 6030 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 941.359.2500 AU #4555/AB #3375

188242

SARASOTA ESTATE AUCTION

COMMUNITY FRIDAY, NOV. 27-DEC. 24

SANTA STOP Runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 24 at The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive. Santa will be stopping at UTC for talks about Christmas gifts, naughty and nice lists and photo opportunities with children. For more information, call 552-7030.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2

CLASSIC CAR SHOW Begins at 5 p.m. on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Cost is $10 per car to compete for trophies and prizes given out in a multitude of classes. The event is open to “anything with wheels.” No restrictions on makes or models. The event includes food booths and music. For more information, call 371-1061 or email lance@collectorcarstv.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 3

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. A horse-drawn carriage will be available for rides and carolers will entertain the crowd. Special light displays will be highlighted and Santa will make an appearance. For more information, call 907-9243. HOLIDAY DECORATING PARTY Begins at 6 p.m. at the Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. The library is asking for help decorating for the holidays. Music, refreshments and crafts for children will be offered. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 727-6079.

174044

GULLETT SPIRIT NIGHT Begins at 4 p.m. at Chick-fil-A, 5206 73rd Lane E. Enjoy dinner with your family and a portion of the proceeds benefits B.D. Gullett Elementary School. For more information, call Gullett at 727-2067.

Place your

THANKSGIVING

ORDERS TODAY!

and dining (filet mignon, salmon or vegetarian), along with a cash bar. For more information, or to make reservations, call 757-1530 or go to lwrcac.com. Reservations accepted until Nov. 27. Tables seating up to 12 people can be reserved.

WILDFIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM Runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Myakka City Fire Rescue, 26636 S.R. 70 E., Myakka City. Manatee County Emergency Management (MCEM) and local fire agencies will host their first meeting on a proposed wildfire protection program. The voluntary program is designed to help residents and business owners reduce their vulnerability to wildfires. Homeowners in the wildland urban interface area, generally from I-75 east to County Road 675 and from University Parkway to Moccasin Wallow Road, are urged to attend. For more information, visit mymanatee.org or call 748-4501.

MUSIC ON MAIN Runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Yesterdayze will perform high energy 1960s rock ‘n’ roll. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Guests are welcome to bring chairs but are asked to leave coolers at home. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a short leash. Santa will stroll along the street and take photos in front of the Christmas tree. For more information, call 907-9243.

BEST BET THURSDAY, DEC. 3

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST Begins at 10 a.m. at the Polo Grill’s Fête Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. The Manasota Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History is hosting its 20th annual holiday breakfast. The breakfast helps to fund scholarships for students in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Entertainment includes guitarist Joe Shields and soprano Marta McKinnon. Tickets are $35. For more information or tickets email Corene Richardson at TOYE8@aol. com. Seating is limited.

SATURDAY, DEC. 5

A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM Runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Bradenton. The Living Lord Lutheran church hosts a free event that includes a living nativity, crafts and refreshments. For more information, call 753-9365.

PARKINSON CAFE NEURO CHALLENGE Runs from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. at Caddyshak Sports Bar & Grill, 6600 River Club Blvd. After coffee is served, Lizz Pugh, LMT, massage educator and touch coach with Lakewood Ranch Medical Massage, presents information on the benefits of massage for Parkinson’s and will demonstrate gentle and easy basic massage strokes to the audience. After yoga, lunch and a sing along, a Creative Improv Workshop will be held. Amanda Schlachter, actress and assistant director of Source Productions, and Christine Alexander, founding member of FST Improv, will present a series of games, exercises and improvisations for self-expression and creativity. The cost is $15. Call 351-6281 to make a reservation or for more information or go to parkinsoncafe.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 4

FROSTY’S FREEZE DANCE & WINTER WORKSHOP Runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Gene Witt Elementary, 200 Rye Road, Bradenton. The event will feature a photo booth, where children can capture moments with friends, and Santa’s Workshop, which will have snowflake necklaces, reindeer ears and other items for sale. For more information, call 741-3628. HOLIDAY DINNER DANCE Begins at 7 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Blvd., Bradenton. Tickets for the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities event are $75 and will include an evening of dancing

DROP AND SHOP Runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA, 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Parents can drop off children ages 4-10 and then go shopping on Parents Night Out Drop and Shop in a program hosted by the YMCA. Must be a YMCA member to utilize the program. Cost is $15 for first child and $10 for each additional child. For more information, contact Scott Macy at smacy@manateeymca.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 6

BRADEN RIVER BOAT PARADE Begins approximately 5:30 p.m. with boats in the water on the Braden River, near Jiggs Landing Preserve. The Friends of the Braden River organizes East County’s Christmas Boat Parade, returning this year for a third season. All decorated boats and kayaks will meet on the Braden River at the entrance to Evers Reservoir, between Linger Lodge Road and State Road 70 around 5:30 p.m. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. Each participant will pass Jiggs Landing then return upstream. The parade will end at Linger Lodge Restaurant and Bar, 7205 85th Street E., Bradenton. For more info call 320-8811. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at MacAllisters Grill & Tavern, 8110 Lakewood Ranch Main St. Enjoy breakfast with the man in the red suit. For more information, call 359-2424.

MONDAY, DEC. 7

THANKSGIVING CHANUKAH Runs from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

OPEN

THANKSGIVING DAY 11-3pm Pick up LIVE Maine LOBSTER & Fresh SEAFOOD for your DINNER tonight!

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941.755.FISH (3474)

lwrlobsterpound.com

Swimwear, Resortwear and Accessories for the Entire Family Our fit Specialist will find the perfect suit for your body

Ellenton - Swim Mart 5923 Factory Shops Blvd. (on the driveway into Ellenton Premium Outlets) 185896

941- 721- 8924

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

21A

FREE

TUESDAY, DEC. 8

941-556-9090 Michael L. Bassin, CPA

Breakfast

Santa

with

Saturday, December 12th 9am -Noon

FRIDAY, DEC. 11

FUNDRAISERS SATURDAY, DEC 5

HOSA NIGHT AT CARRABBA’S Begins with a seating at 11 a.m. or 11:45 a.m. at Carrabba’s, 5425 University Parkway, Sarasota. The Health Occupations Students of America at Lakewood Ranch High School are raising money toward travel to its state and national competitions. Tickets are $12 for grilled chicken, penne pomodoro, Caesar salad, a beverage and bread with payment due by Nov. 30 at the high school. HOSA members will wait on tables. For more information, call the high school at 727-6100.

3:00-4:00pm

Taxes, Accounting, New Business Advice Space is Limited

• Small Business Accounting & Taxes • Payroll Processing • Individual Income Tax Returns • IRS Help/Problem Resolution Specializing in helping small business owners. Reasonable fees. 2801 Fruitville Road, Ste. 135 (Corner of Fruitville & Tuttle in the Penn West Office Park) www.patriottaxandaccounting.com

WINTER CONCERT Starts at 7 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Carlos E. Haile Middle students in the jazz, wind ensemble and symphonic bands will perform at the high school. For more information, call 7147240. HOLIDAYS AROUND THE RANCH Runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Lakewood Main Street. Santa is expected to make an entrance in a horse-drawn carriage in this event that is sponsored by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. Carolers will entertain the crowd. Other children’s activities are planned, including the Choo Choo Express, which carries children around the Christmas tree. Street vendors will serve hot cocoa and egg nog, among other favorites. Dance and music studios will offer performances.

“Ask the Accountant Forum” Every Thursday

188512

NUTCRACKER TEA PARTY Runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Honeybell Hall in Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. The Dance Theatre of Bradenton hosts its ninth annual Nutcracker Tea Party as a fundraiser to provide ballet training and performance opportunities for aspiring dancers. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for children 2-12 and can be purchased at BradentonNutcracker.com. For more information, call 345-9715.

per person

DON'T MISS

Breakfast - Photo with Santa Holiday Crafts for the Kids Balloon Artist

THURSDAY, NOV. 26-NOV. 29

LEST WE FORGET Runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at Palm Aire Golf and Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota. The Art Association of Palm Aire presents an exhibit honoring veterans by member Bryan Moon. It is the first public showing of memorabilia from World War II Colonel Jimmy Doolittle’s crashed B52 bombers, discovered in China by a search team led by Moon in 1990. They found remains of four of the original Doolittle bombers that made the first World War II bombing raid on Japan in 1942 after Pearl Harbor. Moon is an internationally known artist, adventurer and founder of MIA Hunters, a volunteer organization dedicated to finding and recovering the remains of American air crew missing in action. He has undertaken more than 34 search missions with his volunteer crew, from the mountains of China to the jungles of Vietnam and the Philippines. For more information, conact Charleen Gorbet at 351-7858 or email charleen@gorbet.com.

Make Your Reservations TODAY

 941-251-4028

Happy Holidays from Wolves Head Pizza & Wings 1837 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton (corner of SR Rd 64 & LWR Blvd)

www.WOLVESHEADPIZZA.com

188639

Chabad celebrates a Thanksgiving Chanukah in this free event. A Menorah made from cans of food will be lit at Main Street and people can participate by giving canned food, which will be used to assemble the Menorah. Canned food can be donated by bringing it to the event or by dropping it off at Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, prior to the event. For more information, call 752-3030.

Slips Are Available!

• Only Marina on Manatee River, East of I-75 • Fresh Water & Electric Power at Your Slip

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Conveniently located minutes from I-75, exit 220 995 Fish Hook Cove • Bradenton waterlefemarinaclub@gmail.com

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Contact Aimee Stratford at (941) 747- 6898 For more Marina Information

REAL ESTATE

22A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

Riverdale home tops local sales list at $1.6 million COUNTRY CLUB EAST AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

home in Riverdale topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Robert and Barbara Mehmel, of Bernardsville, N.J., sold their home at 3911 Hawk Island Drive to Robert Carretta, trustee, of Richfield, Ohio, for $1,605,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 5,039 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $2,165,000 in 2007.

Mary Jo Veltri, of Loudoun, Va., sold her home at 14710 Leopard Creek Place to Julie Rehemtulla, of Lakewood Ranch, for $622,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,529 square feet of living area. HENLEY

Mitchel and Debra Rhoads, of Longboat Key, sold their home at 6936 Cumberland Terrace to Jory Berkwits, of University Park, for $525,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,677 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $575,000 in 2013. COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

Polly Jo Haller, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 6720 The Masters Ave. to Max and Gudrun Swanson, of Lakewood Ranch, for $510,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,471 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $415,000 in 2004. BRIDGEWATER AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 5605 Cloverleaf Run

6806 Turnberry Isle Court A4133869 $849,000 Theresa Meyers

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-780-5214

5211 21st Avenue W A4132204 $789,500 Debbie Capobianco

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-704-2394

6511 The Masters Avenue A4135427 $650,000 Laurie Jarema

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-321-3410

7646 Silverwood Court A4137403 $639,000 John Camino, PA

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-685-5060

to John Fleming and Enrique Lopez Jr., of Chicago, for $509,500. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 2,426 square feet of living area. Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 13404 Ramblewood Trail to Alvaro and Jenny Mendoza, of Lakewood Ranch, for $459,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 4,009 square feet of living area. Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 13408 Ramblewood Trail to Daniel Muccio and Bernadette Mattel, of Lakewood Ranch, for $415,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,231 square feet of living area. BRADEN WOODS

Mary Owens, of Bradenton, sold her home at 6512 93rd St. E. to John Cronen, of Bradenton, for $390,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,704 square feet. ROSEDALE GOLF AND TENNIS CLUB

Klaus and Irma Burmeister, of Bradenton, sold their home at 8726 52nd Ave. E. to Steven McMonigal and Lynn Paul, of Bradenton, for $389,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms,

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

NOV. 9 - NOV. 13

two baths, a pool and 2,286 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $277,600 in 2000. RYE WILDERNESS ESTATES

Elliott and Deborah Onstine sold their home at 16814 Fifth Terrace N.E. to Jason and Phyllis Morales, of Bradenton, for $362,500. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,740 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $325,000 in 2012. THE LAGOON AT TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Michael and Carol Burdelik, of Bradenton, sold their Unit D condominium at 1123 Riverscape St. to Elizabeth Menkes, of Bradenton, for $350,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,332 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $320,000 in February. COUNTRY CREEK

John and Jane Agostinelli, of Eustis, sold their home at 143 Mill Run E. to Dwight and Donna Priest, of Bradenton, for $338,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,449 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $290,000 in 2014.

6710 Quillback Lane A4126985 $725,000 Monica Verinder

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-704-4040

6809 Turnberry Isle Court A4136281 $674,000 Theresa Meyers

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-780-5214

7632 Portstewart Drive A4134348 $625,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

315 Sapphire Lake Drive 202 Bradenton A4120595 $595,000 941-748-6300 Michael Habony, Megg Faillace 941-920-2494 941-713-9144

CENTRAL PARK

Central Park Lifestyles LLC sold the home at 4612 Claremont Park Drive to Angelo and Louise Manicone, of Bradenton, for $326,500. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,829 square feet of living area. ST. JAMES PARK

New York Community Bank sold the home at 6625 St. James Crossing to Airi Property Group LLC for $320,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,287 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $636,000 in 2006. RIVERDALE REVISED

Margaret Ann Stewart sold the home at 309 Americas Cup Blvd. to Craig Dudash and Kellie Ashley, of Bradenton, for $295,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths and 2,046 square feet of living area. WATER OAK

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. sold the home at 6734 63rd Terrace E. to Raymond and Lynn Finegan, of Bradenton, for $290,400. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,090 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $299,000 in 2007.

19428 Ganton Avenue A4135661 $2,295,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara & Tom Cinquegrano

15115 Sundial Place A4121180 $545,000 Janice Bradley

Lakewood Ranch 941-951-6660 941-302-3496

The Concession 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

8852 17th Avenue Circle NW A4126345 $519,000 Sylvia Isaacs

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-448-7832

ur exclusive global connections place our entire collection in front of millions of prospective buyers and increase awareness of Florida’s Gulf Coast as an incomparable destination.

LOCAL LEGACY. GLOBAL VISION. 13501 Brown Thrasher Pike A4133477 $499,999 Terri Thacker

20015 77th Avenue E A4114667 $2,250,000 Larry Mitchell

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-376-1955

8012 Spring Marsh Drive A4135816 $439,000 Tony Boothby

University Place 941-951-6660 941-799-1948

Lakewood Ranch 941-951-6660 941-330-0987

13441 Purple Finch Circle A4131859 $435,000 Lenore Treiman

Lakewood Ranch 941-966-8000 941-356-9642

1947 85th Court NW A4132395 $429,900 Jody Shinn

7824 Heritage Classic Court A4132726 $399,000 Diane Fogo Harter

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-445-2431

7808 Heritage Classic Court A4126066 $365,000 Anita Shelare

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-705-5704

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-232-6670

11219 Rivers Bluff Circle A4137291 $425,000 Erica Thomas

11102 35th Court E A4132876 $355,000 Kathy Valente

Lakewood Ranch 941-748-6300 941-799-9365

1005 91st Street NW A4125808 $419,000 Debbie Vogler

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-705-3328

Parrish 941-748-6300 941-685-6767

4805 52nd Avenue W A4130828 $339,000 Leah Secondo

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-545-4430

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

23A

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Manatee County Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Nov. 9 through Nov. 13, in order of dollar amounts.

E AST CO U N T Y ADDRESS 19706 71st Ave. E.

PERMIT Garage

APPLICANT Richard Hall

4835 Royal Dornoch Circle

Pool

James Hooks

7825 Wilton Crescent Circle

Re-roof

Wesley Sokol

$35,550

8033 Fairhaven Glen

Re-roof

Diana Axelrod

$30,300

7007 Chickasaw Bayou Road Re-roof

AMOUNT $220,000 $37,224

Henry Visscher

$25,300

7454 Seacroft Cove

Pool

Donald Rousseau

$25,216

6121 56th Terrace E.

Re-roof

Robin Padgett

$20,955

4811 Peridia Blvd. E.

Re-roof

Mary Jane Shaffer

6214 Glen Abbey Lane

Re-roof

Peter Cupps

4735 Starboard Drive

Re-roof

Suzanne Card

$14,000

5612 Cloverleaf Run

Pool Cage

Hileshkumar Patel

$13,835

4818 76th Court E.

Re-roof

Starlene Lorentzen

$13,170

151 Mill Run E.

Re-roof

Gail Summers

$12,960

4845 Kilty Court E.

Door/Windows

Victor Belvo

$12,516

3104 65th St. E.

Re-roof

Vernon Fisher

$12,400

1105 Cane Mill Lane

Re-roof

Angela Intoccia

$12,000

3905 34th Ave. E.

Re-roof

Gary Thaler

$11,750

10860 Forest Run Drive

Door/Windows

Jane Pfeilsticker

$11,477

6706 W. Country Club Lane

Re-roof

Steven Lomonaco

$11,000

8039 Desoto Woods Drive

Re-roof

Edward Smith

$11,000

GREENBROOK VILLAGE

Joan and Steven Johnson, trustees, of Nokomis, sold the home at 6408 Blue Grosbeak Circle to Jenaro and Iris Morales, of Lakewood Ranch, for $282,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,099 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $180,000 in 2011.

$17,870 $17,700

13604 Matanzas Place A4135021 $2,375,000 Kim & Michael Ogilvie

Source: Manatee County

Corp. sold the home at 4639 Classique Drive to Joseph Lisi, of Sarasota, for $260,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,305 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $385,000 in 2005.

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-6194

3224 10th Lane W A4135659 $235,000 Vicki Gill

8341 Farington Court A4134879 $2,950,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara & Tom Cinquegrano

Palmetto 941-748-6300 863-529-7922

7143 Beechmont Terrace A4132885 $1,550,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

115 12th Avenue E A4128590 $1,500,000 Debbie Vogler

Palmetto 941-748-6300 941-705-3328

3924 Riverview Boulevard M5904083 $1,499,000 Jody Shinn

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-705-5704

13219 Palmers Creek Terrace A4132928 $1,499,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

812 Riviera Dunes Way A4124509 $1,450,000 Debbie Vogler

Palmetto 941-748-6300 941-705-3328

216 81st Street W M5903622 $1,400,000 Judy LaValliere

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-504-3792

7304 Chelsea Court A4133867 $1,250,000 Nancy Phillips & Beth Ann Boyer

3908 Bayside Dr M5846838 $1,249,000 Cheryl Roberts

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-266-1450

7010 190th Street E A4116987 $1,149,900 Leslie Emery

7509 Greystone Street A4134023 $1,075,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

at YourObserver.com

9712 Braden Run A4137447 $319,900 Diane Fogo Harter

5016 Brickell Park Cove A4137321 $289,000 Bryan Dwyer

8814 White Sage Loop A4136427 $174,900 Kathy Lewis

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-445-2431

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-809-9106

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-228-1213

7702 Lake Vista Court 205 A4131811 $315,000 Nicole Ryskamp

12902 42nd Terrace W A4111938 $289,000 Maria Christenson

8725 Spruce Hills Court A4134319 $149,900 Kathy Lewis

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-807-1766

Cortez 941-748-6300 941-920-3583

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-228-1213

University Park 941-907-9595 941-400-6078

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-400-9710

The Concession 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

Bradenton 941.748.6300 • Lakewood Ranch 941.907.9595 • IMG Academy 941.752.2683

7303 Greystone Street A4116103 $875,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

179141

6368 Golden Eye Glen A4133773 $289,900 Stacy Burton-Cunneen

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-807-1766

See more transactions

Federal Home Loan Mortgage

University Park 941-907-9595 941-400-4219

20208 E 77th Avenue A4120315 $1,589,500 Nicole Ryskamp

ONLINE

VINTAGE CREEK

7957 St Simons Street 7957 A4134967 $329,900 Catherine Lamphier

Lakewood Ranch 941-951-6660 941-376-1717

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

WEATHER

24A

THURSDAY, NOV. 26 High: 82 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, NOV. 27 High: 84 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Nov. 26

6:59a

5:36p

Friday, Nov. 27

6:59a

5:36p

Saturday, Nov. 28

7:00a

5:36p

Sunday, Nov. 29

7:01a

5:36p

Monday, Nov. 30

7:02a

5:36p

Tuesday, Dec. 1

7:02a

5:36p

Wednesday, Dec. 2

7:03a

5:36p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, NOV. 28 High: 82 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, NOV. 29 High: 81 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 0% John Higgins, of Bradenton, followed this woodpecker around a tree to catch a good photo.

ONLINE

See winning photos at YourObserver.com/weather

and www.facebook.com/ObserverGroup

Dec. 3 Last

Dec. 11 New

Dec. 18 First

Dec. 25 Full

RAINFALL Tuesday, Nov. 17

0.00

Wednesday, Nov. 18

0.00

Thursday, Nov. 19

0.09

Friday, Nov. 20

Trace

Saturday, Nov. 21

0.54

Sunday, Nov. 22

0.11

Monday, Nov. 23

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2015 38.35 in.

2015

2014 47.37 in.

2014 2.24 in.

1.01 in.

There is no time more fitting to express our sincere appreciation for your business. The staff at Manasota Flooring send warmest wishes for a 4551 N. Washington Blvd.,Sarasota • 941.355.8437 Happy Thanksgiving and an abundance of success 2510 1st Street W., Bradenton • 941.748.4679 in the year ahead. 1734 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice • 941.493.7441 www.manasotaonline.com

CROSSWORD

YUM! by Oscar Puma 123 Wall St. debuts 124 Bottom-line figures 125 Tear open, as seams 126 Wilkes-___, Pennsylvania 127 ___ Moines, Iowa 128 Furtive summons 129 Orange rinds 130 Once ___ (annually)

DOWN

ACROSS

1 Sheriff’s symbol 6 Chopped with an ax 11 1/2 fl. oz. 15 Headstone letters 18 Coolly detached 19 “Hurray!” 20 Lines on timelines 21 Express longing 22 Yummy 24 Yummy 26 Blood supply 27 Gambler’s woe 28 Fertile areas in deserts 30 Musical beginning 31 Downpour or drizzle

188025

a reflection of nature’s beauty

33 Lowly laborer 35 Desert plants 37 Treat tenderly 40 Like flushed cheeks 42 Femur’s upper end 43 Animal that beats its chest 44 Engage in a price war 46 Playground fixtures 50 Luxurious passenger cars 52 Prepares 54 Pod denizen 55 En route by ship 56 Golden Horde member 59 Fancy wheels 60 Aquatic resorts 61 Refer to, as a research

paper 63 Woodworker’s tool 66 Blade sharpeners 68 Additional 70 Yummy 73 Affected, as a museumgoer 74 Signs back in 76 Tied up 77 Caesar’s 8 78 Eyes, in poetry 79 Yelled “Action!” 81 Operatic villains, often 84 Old Russian autocrat 87 “Do re me fa ___ ...” 88 Do a second time, as a role 91 Kind of patch 93 Expert at

interpreting text 95 All-male get-together 98 “Yes” gesture 99 Grabbed a bite 100 Red carpet moment 101 Acts as king 103 Bagel enhancers 107 Eliminates from (with “of”) 108 Grounds for a suit 109 Ishmael’s people 110 No longer on the plate 112 1.3-ounce Asian weight 114 Guinness and others 118 Yummy 120 Make a pig of oneself

1 Baseball bases 2 ___ vera (lotion plant) 3 It’s in a jamb 4 French filmmaker JeanLuc 5 Baby newt 6 Chinese green tea variety 7 Has dinner 8 Library volume? 9 Clock watcher’s wait, seemingly 10 Humanitarian 11 “Bill & ___ Excellent Adventure” 12 Like some births 13 Hispanic dance music 14 Tire-pressure letters 15 Causes for the National Guard 16 Become accustomed (to) 17 Change in Chihuahua 21 Some cheesecake 23 Make an enemy 25 They have their limits 29 Cronelike 32 Styptic-pencil ingredient 34 Harris and Asner 36 Kraft product 37 ___-pie (from head to foot) 38 “Mr. Holland’s ___” (1996) 39 Yummy 40 Take a load off 41 Grand closing 45 “CSI” evidence 46 A ___ for sore eyes 47 Yummy 48 Becomes threadbare 49 Mouthy

51 Scottish landowners 53 The break of day 57 Rainbow’s shape 58 200-meter, e.g. 60 Like a tough teacher 62 It’s on some Scottish locks 64 Ford Explorer, e.g. 65 Commoner 67 ___ chi 68 Jagged, as a leaf’s edge 69 Make copies of 70 Medicated compress 71 Mouse manipulator 72 Alfonso’s royal wife 75 Drink served with a lemon (var.) 77 Old record player 80 Home plate? 82 Click, as the fingers 83 “Dear” one 85 Shakespearean “soon” 86 Cincinnati nine 88 Do 111-Down again 89 Keep for later use 90 Gobbling with gusto 92 ___ and terminer (hearing or trial) 94 Bass members of the viol family 96 The Almighty 97 Models exhibit it well 100 One of a Biblical 150 102 Call ___ (quit) 103 Yummy 104 Band worn as a sign of mourning 105 Angelic headwear 106 Picture puzzle 108 Here-today employees 111 Word with “scratch” and “screen” 113 Protective seed cover 115 Italian cash, once 116 Pound or Cornell 117 Crystal-ball consulter 119 Cleopatra’s deadly reptile 121 Small bill 122 76ers’ org.

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an American politician. Using the hints A=E and T=R, decipher the clues to name the politician. 1. J A K H E T O 2. X A W E R T Y S 3. Q A J Y S A 4. K B U S A B E D Q A 5. B A Y P S B R Y T A This politician served as the 67th Secretary of State:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

11-26-15

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Items Under $200 For Sale ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising. Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer. 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230

Storage

Cleaning

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

BLUE FISH CLEANING INC. 941-705-3812. Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, $80, 2 cleaners, 2 hours.

Business Opportunities

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./ Ins. 941-400-3342. CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady. Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential. Commercial. New Construction. 941-400-2866.

JAN PRO CLEANING FRANCHISE: $950 Down Required, Financing Available for growth, Includes customers. Earn up to $10,000 Month+. Call 941-907-8141.

Help Wanted DRIVERS: NEW Pay! $2,500 Sign-On Bonus! Consistent Freight, Great Miles on this Regional Account. Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2507.

CABINET: LIGHT oak, 6’x2’, $95. 941-358-8313. Call for web picture.

CARPENTERY LOOKING for good reliable carpentery subs, must be able to do all phases of carpentry, must have own tools and trans. (941)−238−8033.

CELL PHONE: 4G LTE. New never out the box. Cost $90 now $35. (941)744-1894.

Homes For Sale

HYDRANGEAS IN vase, 3.5/ft tall, professionally arranged, artificial, blue and white $100. Call 941-360-9769.

1% RELOCATION REBATE INCENTIVE on Resale or New Construction*

KEEPSAKE HOLIDAY Ornaments: Peanuts 1977, 1978, 1981, 1982. Home 1979 Jeremy Fisher 1980. $20.00. (941)907-4188.

West of Trail. Deep water yacht basin. 3BR/2.5BA, pool. $1,500,000.

OAK ARMOIRE: 5’x3’, very good condition, $75 o/b/o. 941-756-2257. WHITE SOFA: 90”L, love seat 70”L, w/embossed white leaf design. Excellent cond., $198.00 for both. 941-75646.

Autos For Sale 2004 CHRYSLER Pacifica: front wheel drive, 3 row seats, 99,000 miles, good condition, $3900 o/b/o. 941-962-2469.

Autos Wanted WE BUY CARS. TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR VEHICLES. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Furnishings COMFORT LIFT Chair: gently used, 3/way chaise lift recliner, chocolate leather upholstery, up / down switch operation, $500. Red felt. Not slate. Ideal for family use. $500. 941-920-3297.

Merchandise Wanted CASH FOR Old Military Items. Swords, uniforms, insignia & old guns. Call 941-416-3280. COINS, STAMPS, GOLD & SILVER WANTED. IMMEDIATE PAYMENT. Suncoast Stamp Company, 8520 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-921-9761. Open Monday thru Friday 10-5.

Announcements GULF COAST SARASOTA ANTIQUE SHOW 11/1 12/6 1/3 2/7 3/6 9:00-2:00 Columbus Hall 4880 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota (941)228-7758

Good Things To Eat CLAIRE’S PRODUCE & PLANTS 7275 N. Lockwood Ridge Local Fresh Fruits & Veggies, Honey, Oak Firewood, Orchids, Frazier Firs & Holiday Plants Wednesday - Friday 12-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-4 Extended Hours begin 11/25/15

Longboat Key House on Canal. Davits/ Dock. $495,000.

CLEANING. RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL. We take pride in pleasing customers. Vacation Homes, Resorts, Schools, Churches, 941-756-4570. ND SPARKLE. We are a family business experienced in both home and office cleaning great rates. Call for a quote. 941-330-4466. Email: ndsparklecleaning@gmail.com HOUSECLEANING SERVICES We love to clean, we love to squeaky clean! Let us do the dirty work for you and go enjoy your free time with family and friends. Call Paula for a free estimate. (941) 320−4052

Health Services YANG PAI Tai Chi Chuan (203) 524−5804 www.yunmukwan.com

Equestrian, 5 acres, pole barns, 8 stalls. 3BR/2.5BA, pool. $499,000.

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

10 Acres, 8 stalls. 3BR/2.5BA, pool. $550,000.

FRED’S HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR. Painting, tile, kitchen backsplash, windows, drywall, fans, just ask! 941-744-7473.

Luxury Downtown $399,000.

Sarasota

Condo,

2BR.

Landscaping & Lawn Service

Pet Services “K-9 BOOT CAMP” Professional in-kennel pet obedience program. 40 Acre facility. 35 years proven results. Lakewood Ranch area. Von Asgard K-9 Center, Inc. Boarding - Training - Sales. 941-322-0705 www.VonAsgard.com

Pools FULL WEEKLY POOL SERVICE FROM $65 per month including chemicals. For screened-in pools. Owner operated, reliable, personal service. Save money - call now. Blissful Pools, 941-705-0400. LAKEWOOD RANCH Pool Quality pool services. 10−years exp. Free estimates. Chemical & supply delivery available. (941) 724−0506 www.lwrpool.com

Pressure Cleaning AUTHORITY ONE PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE WASHING AND WINDOW CLEANING. Residential and Commercial. Roof cleaning and coating, paver cleaning and sealing, pool areas, etc. 941-251-5948.

Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888 This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) New York, 2) Democrat, 3) Senate, 4) White House, 5) Health Care Hillary Clinton

2BR/2BA + Loft Townhouse. Water view, boat docks. $237,900.

This week’s Sudoku answers

*Call for Details. Brooke O’Malley, CLUB REALTY 941-726-2677 PHILANTHROPISTS, PURCHASING a Home or Condo? Brooke O'Malley gives closing rebates from CLUB REALTY to make a Donation from $2,000.00 - $50,000.00, to the charity of your choice. Call to interview 941-726-2677.

WATERFRONT HOMES Luxury homes, affordable financing, premium locations. Receive a Free list w/pics. 10 Best Waterfront Buys Free recorded message 941-800-2802 www.DailyHotList.com

LAKEWOOD RANCH LAWN & LANDSCAPE LLC

- Complete Lawn & Landscaping Maintenance - Irrigation Repair and Installation - Landscaping Installation 941-373-5110

This week’s Crossword answers

Re/Max Platinum Realty

Adult Care Services Complete Customized Individual In-Home Care. Offering Non-Medical & Medical Services. Including: Servicing Individual needs, Homemaking, Transportation, Errands, Meal Preparation w/Special Dietary Needs & Medication Supervision. Staffing available 24/7. Call 377-4465 for more details or visit our mobile on-line website at: www.ElderCareSarasota.com or E-mail us at: ElderCareSRQ@aol.com. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Lic#30211372

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates. 941-744-1020. 35+ years experience.

Personal Services NOTARY PUBLIC - The UPS Store, LWR Blvd. and SR 64, near Publix. 941-749-2829.

Pet Services PROFESSIONAL PET SITTING. Certified Veterinary Technician serving all of Lakewood Ranch. 20+ Years experience. E-mail: catladypetsitting@yahoo.com 856-981-2047.

PROMOTE YOUR HOLIDAY SERVICES!

2015

Advertise in the annual Holiday Worship theme page in the issues of December 10 & 17 and inform our readers of what services, programs and events you’ll be having for the Holidays. Deadline to Advertise: December 2. To advertise call 941.955.4888.

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERV YourObserver.com Thursday, November 26, 2015

26A Classifieds

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015 www.yourobserver.com

ACCOUNTING

CABINET MAKING

FREE

The Master

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ask the Accountant Forumâ&#x20AC;?

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THE EAST COUNTY OBSERVER YourObserver.com Thursday, November 26, 2015

28A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

8254 Roseburn Court $1,999,000 | Web ID A4136622 Judie Berger & Paul Clark 941.928.3424

8022 Polo Club Lane $2,699,000 | Web ID A4113372 Mary Hellhake-Northrup & Leigh Simons 941.544.0763

12539 Highfield Circle $2,550,000 | Web ID A4114154 Linda Apple & Lynn McCrary 941.586.0553

7913 Waterton Lane $2,295,000 | Web ID A4129940 Stephanie Shaw & Glo Reber 941.544.3770

13206 Palmers Creek Terrace $2,185,000 | Web ID A4136492 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

7926 Staysail Court $1,995,000 | Web ID A4134876 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

12535 Highfield Circle $1,987,000 | Web ID A3995775 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

490 South Gulf Boulevard $1,925,000 | Web ID N5902931 Melissa Caldwell & Stephen Lingley 941.266.8829

6809 Belmont Court $1,687,000 | Web ID A4111947 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

7710 Cow Camp Lane $1,650,000 | Web ID A4131917 Leigh Simons & Mary Hellhake-Northrup 941.224.4515

7327 Greystone Street $1,549,000 | Web ID A4125902 Louis Wery & Laurie Johnson 941.232.3001

6929 Lacantera Circle $1,460,000 | Web ID A4132468 Laura Stavola 941.447.4875

4814 Cherry Laurel Circle $1,425,000 | Web ID A4129500 Robert Sherman 941.313.1301

3911 Founders Club Drive $1,395,000 | Web ID A4113734 Don Carroll 941.539.2132

75 Grande Fairway $1,350,000 | Web ID N5904478 Bob Linthicum & Melissa Caldwell 941.228.9206

4079 Las Palmas Way $1,245,000 | Web ID A4115930 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

9327 Swaying Branch Road $1,212,770 | Web ID A3956072 Brian Wood 941.928.8408

6590 Wild Orchid Lane $1,099,000 | Web ID A3999100 Joel Schemmel 941.587.4894

7531 Abbey Glen $899,900 | Web ID A4110108 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

6785 Manasota Key Road $859,900 | Web ID N5903147 Bonnie Price & Chris Price 941.350.3362

7415 Mizner Reserve Court $749,000 | Web ID A4115440 Frank Lambert 941.920.1500

7907 Royal Birkdale Circle $729,900 | Web ID A4136899 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

22308 Deer Pointe Crossing $674,500 | Web ID A4132069 Lisa Mayer 941.545.5197

7448 Monte Verde $639,000 | Web ID A4126110 Joel Schemmel & Sharon Chiodi 941.587.4894

2475 Dick Wilson Drive $629,000 | Web ID A4136897 Jerry Zaback 941.350.6885

1718 Keyway Road $599,995 | Web ID N5905397 Bonye Smart 941.445.1501

5706 Mead Avenue $595,000 | Web ID A4114984 Ziad Sleit 941.928.5493

5129 88th Street East $595,000 | Web ID A4133292 Glo Reber & Stephanie Shaw 941.400.5384

4797 Sweetmeadow Circle $575,000 | Web ID A4136624 Carolyn Collins & Roberta Tengerdy 941.320.0722

5013 Coco Plum Way $559,000 | Web ID A4135136 Carol Clark & Paul Clark 941.350.4500

21803 Deer Pointe Crossing $500,000 | Web ID A4132061 Lisa Mayer 941.545.5197

9703 64th Avenue East $447,000 | Web ID A4135230 Rebecca Zimmerman & Kere Lewis 941.224.4824

8030 Bowspirit Way $429,000 | Web ID A4106815 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

740 Cedarcrest Court $390,900 | Web ID A4135558 Cindy Migone 941.812.7438

7211 Presidio Glen $389,000 | Web ID A4133435 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

6230 Warbler Lane $385,500 | Web ID A4126572 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

8427 Lindrick Lane $365,000 | Web ID A4125782 Jim Soda & Stacy Haas-Goodwin 941.961.5857

5003 Brandeis Circle North $339,900 | Web ID A4135499 Liz Snyder 727.424.6444

19441 Ganton Avenue $324,990 | Web ID A4133769 Laura Stavola 941.447.4875

CLEARWATER | 727.585.9600

ST. PETERSBURG | 727.898.6800

LONGBOAT KEY | 941.383.1526

PLAZA AT FIVE POINTS | 941.364.4000

SOUTH TAMPA | 813.217.5288

ST. ARMAND’S | 941.383.2500

LAKEWOOD RANCH | 941.907.9541

VENICE | 941.412.3323

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate. *Summer Landscape by Vincent Van Gogh used with permission.

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ON THE FLIP SIDE: BLACK

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AJC CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: Honoring Veronica Brady > < SPOTLIGHT: Portraits immortalize veterans 4

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

YOUROBSERVER.COM

SCENE & HEARD

Roman Coppola

Ringling College’s new film focus

Composing and performing classical music since he was 13 years old, Jerry Bilik hopes to bring classical music to a whole new generation of audiences.

One of the most groundbreaking families in all of cinema helped usher in a new chapter in Sarasota's film community on Saturday. Roman Coppola, an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, producer and director, who helped create films and TV series including “Moonrise Kingdom,” “On The Road” and “Mozart in the Jungle,” led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ringling College of Art and Design's new Soundstage. Located on the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Cocoanut Avenue, the new 30,000-square-foot film production facility will give students in the college's Studio Lab program access to film-industry professionals. The facility will allow students to work with stars such as Dylan McDermott, Marisa Tomei, Spike Lee, Ann Roth and Ed Burns.

If ain’t Baroque, fix it

Michael Donald Edwards

Nick Reichert

Composer Jerry Bilik is on a mission to put classical music back in the mainstream by appealing to listeners — not musicians.

When writing original music, Bilik uses the modus lascivus system. It expands what composers can do on the page without sacrificing sound.

NICK REICHERT A+E EDITOR

erry Bilik has never been a fan of modern classical music. In his opinion, at the start of the 20th century, composers stopped writing for their audience, and started writing for themselves and other experts. In an effort to be more innovative, composers strayed from the traditional, sweeping symphonies listeners loved and gravitated toward more daring, dissonant sounds. PAGE 2

Theatrical equality On Nov. 21, Equality Florida, the state’s primary advocacy group for LGBT rights and awareness, honored one of Sarasota’s leading artistic voices. Michael Donald Edwards, producing artistic director for the Asolo Repertory Theatre, was honored with Equality Florida's highest honor, the Voice for Equality Award. Edwards was selected for this honor because of his OUT@AsoloRep initiative, which brings members of the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community together for a night of theater.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

THE MUSIC MAN: Writing symphonies for music-lovers FROM PAGE 1

In the mid ’60s, while pursuing his master’s degree in composition at the University of Michigan, Bilik was so tired of the trend that, in an ironic protest, he wrote his thesis symphony to include every dissonant phrase and note combination he could think of. It won the college’s prize for best student composition. After he graduation, he made a vow: any music he wrote would be for the listeners’ ears — not for music experts. “I never question the audience,” says Bilik. “Ultimately, the music is for the listener, and not the composer. If the listeners don’t enjoy it, then the composer has failed.” His newest work, “Symphony in M-L,” upholds that vow. The world-premiere symphony is the opening piece in the Sarasota Orchestra’s second Masterworks program of the season. Running Dec. 4 through 6 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Bilik hopes his symphony will not only appeal to listeners, but he also hopes it will help bring classical music back into the cultural mainstream. Unlike most works written today, Bilik’s doesn’t sound like the music of the 21st century. In fact, he doesn’t even want “Symphony in M-L” to sound like it’s from the 20th century. “You have all this music that people love, that basically spans from the 17th century all the way up to the end of the 19th century, and then it suddenly stops,” he

Photos by Nick Reichert

Jerry Bilik spends hours writing and arranging scores at his keyboard piano in his living room in Pelican Cove.

SUNDAY ∙ NOVEMBER 29 ∙ 4PM OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

20th Season Sponsor Ernest Kretzmer, in memory of Alisa Kretzmer

Dec. 5 – 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 6 – 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. In the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling

QUARTETTO GELATO

“EXOTIC FLAVORS” Gypsy show pieces, Celtic reels and dances, Italian folk songs.

Holiday Concert: A Banquet of Voices ~ a glorious banquet of voices, brass and strings featuring compositions from the Renaissance to early Baroque, including selections from Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610.

Dec. 19 – 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 20 – 2:00 & 7:30 p.m. In the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling

First Church, 104 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

Bilik has had a multifaceted career in music. One of the highlights is writing and producing an original play on the life of jazz legend Louis Armstrong called “Satchmo.”

position system is based around the C-major scale and built on the chord outline of C-E-G-BD-F-A. Bilik says it affords composers 82 different tertian chord combinations, allowing them the freedom to be innovative in writing without losing the classical sounds of the past. Over the last 50 years, Bilik has been building toward “Symphony in M-L.” He began with simple etudes and short phrases, getting used to writing in the language. He cracked the musical code on a larger scale with the premiere of his “String Quartet in M-L,” which premiered at the LaMusica Festival in April. Now, he’s finally ready to debut the three-movement symphony. Although he’s arranged and written original music his whole life and has worked with some of the best musicians in the world while recording in Hollywood and Los Angeles, Bilik is still a little anxious when premiering a new work. “I’m building a world when I’m writing at the piano,” he says. “We’re sculptors in time, and you’re very exposed when you’re writing a new piece. You’re out there with your underwear on.” No matter audience’s response on Dec. 4, Bilik is ecstatic every time he gets to take a group of strangers on a musical journey. “We can’t see music, and it’s difficult to express, but when 2,000 people in the Van Wezel can share the same emotional ride through my music, that’s accomplishing something.”

SHOWTUNES

A map in Bilik’s office that shows all the different places around the world he and his wife have visited for business.

IF YOU GO Masterworks 2: Eroica

Sarasota Orchestra When: 8 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5; 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hal Tickets: $30 to $90 Info: Call 953-3434

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An entertainment innovator and passionate storyteller, Bilik was instrumental in creating “Disney on Ice,” which now has eight companies touring the world.

“I never question the audience, because ultimately, the music is for the listener ... When studying all this contemporary and experimental stuff, my teachers would put down the audience as unsophisticated. I said, ‘That’s bull.’” – Jerry Bilik

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Jerry Bilik is a composer who loves the classical sound. But during his long career, he’s written and arranged for productions in the very heart of pop culture. Some of his music credits include: n Halftime Show of Super Bowl VII n The 51st Annual Academy Awards n The 31st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards n “Charlie’s Angels” (TV) n “Starsky & Hutch” (TV) n 1988 Ringling Bros. TV Special n Disney on Ice n Siegfried and Roy’s Las Vegas show

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says. “Isn’t it curious that we live in a time without one universally recognized master composer? When you listen to classical radio stations like WSMR, they hardly play any classical music from the 20th century. It just isn’t popular.” Working from his keyboard in his living room in Pelican Cove, which overlooks Little Sarasota Bay, Bilik says he’s found a solution that will satisfy both listeners and composers: his symphony’s titular modus lascivus. Modus lascivus is a compositional style of practice Bilik learned from viola player, composer and influential teacher Tibor Serly in the mid-1960s. The com-

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

Nick Reichert

Nachman L’hrar brought artists and veterans together for an ongoing project call “Veterans: The Art of Bravery” to record portraits of veterans for posterity.

Art of Bravery Ringling College student Nachman L’hrar is leading the charge to immortalize the stories of local veterans. NICK REICHERT A+E EDITOR

ASOLO REP

It’s not unusual for Nachman L’hrar to sketch strangers. This spring, while riding the bus to campus, the 27-year-old Ringling

College freshman was intrigued by a homeless man riding near him. He found himself imagining what his story might be. The illustration major couldn’t help himself. He slipped out his pencil and sketchpad from his backpack

and began to draw, creating a narrative along the way. “You come up with a story in your head, if you’re not able to speak to your model,” he says. “He looked like he had been through a lot, and I thought he was a veteran.” As the man got off the bus, a veteran from World War II, a Vietnam War veteran and a group of students from the Sarasota Military Academy all got on board. They didn’t know one another, but they struck up a conversation about the military, and L’hrar joined in.

Like them, L’hrar was also a veteran. Raised by immigrant parents in Los Angeles with 11 siblings, L’hrar says he grew up in poverty. When he was 10, his Jewish family decided to immigrate to Jerusalem, where they would receive government financial support. Even though he only lived in Israel for four years before returning to Los Angeles to finish high school, L’hrar felt indebted to his adoptive country, so in 2008, he enlisted in a three-year tour of duty in the Israel Defense Forces. Sitting in those two rows on a Sarasota bus was four generations of veterans and veteransto-be, all sharing their stories. When L’hrar got off the bus, he was inspired to immortalize those types of stories on canvas. “Veterans: The Art of Bravery” is L’hrar’s ongoing mission to preserve the stories of the men and women who have served their country. Running through Dec. 14 in the Christ-Janer Gallery, L’hrar’s initial idea has evolved into a multi-artist show featuring 40 custom-made portraits of local veterans throughout history. “I want veterans to know that somebody cares,” says L’hrar. “It’s important for this to grow, because veterans are treated like nothing, and they need to know that their stories matter.” L’hrar collaborated with illustration faculty members Matteo Caloiaro and George Pratt to secure a gallery space and reach out to local veterans. From February to May, eight groups of five artists and five veterans met in illustration studios inside Ringling College’s academic center. Artists sat down with their subjects and drew as

“These are amazing artists who can accurately render a person to a T, but they chose not to. It’s that combination of human interaction and their stories that finds the veteran’s real face.” – Nachman L’hrar

the veterans shared their stories. Each artist interpreted their subject based on their wartime tales. “Some of the portraits look nothing like the person,” says L’hrar. “These are amazing artists who can accurately render a person to a T, but they chose not to. It’s that combination of human interaction and their stories that finds the veteran’s real face.” During the gallery’s opening night on Veterans Day, the veterans returned to see the final product, many of them seeing a portrait of themselves for the first time. After the show closes, they’ll each receive their piece as a gift. L’hrar says he’s been inspired by his conversations, and he’s planning a second installment, which will open in January, featuring even more students and subjects. “These guys aren’t going to be around for too long,” he says. “I don’t want them to disappear before they’ve had a chance to share their stories.”

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

NAME TO A FACE

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Originally from Chicago, Sustman was drafted when he was 17 years old and served in World War II from 1944 to 1946. First stationed in Casablanca, Morocco, Sustman would follow General George S. Patton through France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. “It was quite exciting to share my story again and get my portrait done,” says Sustman. “The students did a great job. I just wish they made me look a little bit younger though.”

“It’s important for this to grow, because veterans are treated like nothing, and they need to know that their stories matter.” – Nachman L’hrar

WILLIAM “BILL” SCHLAPFER 91, United States Army Hailing from Rochester, N.Y., Schlapfer was drafted in 1943 when he was 18 after working as a tool and dye maker for the Eastman Kodak Co. Schlapfer went through three rounds of basic training in Virginia, North Dakota and California before serving in France and Belgium as an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps. The day that Germany surrendered to the Allies, Schlapfer says he was in Orléans, France, on assignment and that he celebrated with a wild turkey dinner with two other soldiers, a farmer and two German prisoners of war. “I was amazed that they wanted to take my portrait,” says Schlapfer. “I’ve never had my portrait taken besides by a random artist on the street in Paris. I told the two teachers my story to them for two hours and by the end they knew my whole history.”

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The Flushing, N.Y. teenager enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served in the Pacific as a mine sweeper. After the war in 1946, Kichline worked as a small business owner and inventor. He developed the leading fire simulator that was used for decades by professional and volunteer fire department across the country for fireman training. “This was my first portrait and it was a really interesting experience,” says Kichline. “I didn’t know how hard it was to pose for a portrait. It was hard keeping still that long. I don’t know where I’ll hang it in my house. I’ll leave that up to my wife.”

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

THIS WEEK FRIDAY

Brew Thru SRQ 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in various locations $75 Call 363-7744

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THURSDAY ALSO Youth Turkey Trot 8 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts $30 to register Call 951-2567 Preemptively work off that Thanksgiving meal and help a great cause at this sixth annual holiday run. Run alongside 1,500 other participants in this 5k, which helps raise money and awareness for at-risk LGBT youth and allies.

Dine with a Complimentary Bottle of Wine. Just present this ad to dine with a complimentary bottle of Manager’s Select Wine with your purchase of any two lunch or dinner entrées.

Dave Koz Christmas Tour 8 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $55 to $70 Call 953-3368

All World of Beer loyalty members will receive 25% off their entire tabs, as well as other drink specials. The first 50 customers will also receive free glassware.

Once Thanksgiving has come and gone, breaking out Christmas songs and showing your holiday spirit is officially fair game. Acclaimed jazz saxophonist Dave Koz brings the Christmas spirit to Sarasota, along with guitarist Jonathan Butler, saxophonist Candy Dulfer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-vocalist and one half of the Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley.

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Pull yourself out of that turkey coma and take a tour of Sarasota’s local beer scene. Ticket includes trolley ride to all locations and a pint of beer at Darwin’s Brewing Co., JDub’s Brewing Co., Big Top Brewing Co. and Mandeville Beer Garden, as well as two complimentary beers during the ride. Trolley leaves from Old School Bar & Grill, 1991 Main St.

Thanksgiving Loyalty Party 4 p.m. at World of Beer Sarasota, 8217 Tourist Center Drive, Bradenton. Free Call 306-5868

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SATURDAY Kids Komedy Club 2 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $6 Call 366-9000 Enjoy the fresh comedy and perspective from local young comedians as they write and perform their original sketch comedy. Cigar Box Guitar Festival 2 to 10 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court $12 Call 545-5635 Craft Beer Car Show Noon to 3 p.m. at Gecko’s Grill & Pub, 351 N. Cattlemen Road Spend your Saturday with hot rods and cold ones at this car show, featuring beer from Motorworks Brewing Co. Donations will benefit the Payton Wright Foundation.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com

NICK’S PICK

CIGAR BOX GUITAR FESTIVAL There aren’t many instruments cooler than a cigar-box guitar. WSLR Community Radio presents this third annual festival spotlight-

ing the ultimate DIY instrument, which dates back hundreds of years. Learn how to make and play your own and enjoy music by Suitcase Full of Blues, Jimmie Fadden, David Smash and Steve Arvey, as well as vendors and food.

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Sarasota Folk Club Concert: Hank Woji and Eileen Kozloff 7:15 p.m. at Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway $10 Call 377-9256

Daryl Hall & John Oates 8 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $95 to $165 Call 953-3368

The Sarasota Folk Club’s monthly outdoor music series continues. Hank Woji was a fixture in the New Jersey and New York City music scene, opening for artists such as Jimmy Cliff, The Wailers, Toots & the Maytals, Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. He teams up with Sarasota folk artist and advocate Eileen Kozloff for a night of original music with a view of the bay.

TUESDAY Craig Ferguson: The New Deal Tour 8 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $20 to $50 Call 953-3368 The former host of CBS’s “The Late Late Show” brings his stand-up act to Sarasota. Known for his wit, Ferguson will perform an hour of new material.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

Hall & Oates, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and the No. 1 selling music duo in music history, bring their acclaimed brand of rock ’n’ roll to Sarasota. Gloria Musicae: ‘Classic Christmas’ 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave. $25 to $30 Call 387-6046

SUNDAY

‘A Banquet of Voices Holiday Concert’ 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave. $25 to $35 Call 921-4845 The Key Chorale continues its season with classical holiday offerings from some of choral music’s

greatest composers, including Claudio Monteverdi, Andrea Gabrieli, Bartholomaeus Praetorius and Heinrich Schütz.

The Key Chorale’s concert was inspired by Venice, Italy’s St. Mark’s Basilica where the group performed in 2009.

ONLINE Find more information on these events and more at YourObserver.com.

NICK’S PICK GLORIA MUSICAE: ‘CLASSIC CHRISTMAS’

Start off the holiday season with one of Sarasota’s leading choral community

companies. Gloria Musicae kicks off its 2015-2016 season with “Classic Christmas,” featuring a balance of classical Christmas standards and modern carols. Singers Robyn Rocklein

(mezzo-soprano), Alix Faulhaber (alto), Johanna Fincher (soprano), Christopher Holloway (baritone) and Adam Bielamowicz (tenor) will perform as soloists. – NICK REICHERT

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

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An hour wasn’t nearly enough time to discuss a lifetime’s worth of ballet stories, but Sir Peter Wright, one of the most acclaimed dancers in 20th century British ballet, did his best to tell a rapt audience a condensed version of his journey in the world of dance Nov. 16, at the FSU Performing Arts Center. “When I was 7, my mom took me to a dancing class with my two sisters,” he says. “They hated it — I loved it. I suddenly got this passion to dance. I had never even seen a ballet, but I knew I had to just dance.” That passion was still evident in 88-year-old Wright, who was in town to see the Sarasota Ballet’s second program of its 25th season, which features the American premiere of Wright’s own “Summertide.” The ballet hosted this lastminute talk after the staff heard some of the incredible stories Wright shared with the students in the ballet’s Margaret Barbieri Conservatory. “It was fantastic to hear these amazing stories from an icon who can explain firsthand how ballet grew and evolved,” says Jason Webb, graphic designer and marketing associate of the Sarasota Ballet. “These stories really made the art form tangible to our conservatory students, and I thought that more people had to hear those same stories while he was still in Sarasota.” Despite his early enthusiasm, Wright’s foray into ballet wasn’t without challenges. Shortly after his first dance class, his father, a

Nick Reichert

Sir Peter Wright regales ballet fans with stories from the early years of his career.

Quaker, forbid him from pursuing dance as a career. At 17, Wright ran away from home and his boarding school, Bedales, with a female classmate. They eventually turned themselves in, and his father finally gave in and gave his son his blessing to dance — but he’d have to pay for it himself. He began apprenticing at Ballets Jooss and working under masters, including Ninette de Valois, Vera Volkova, John Cranko and Sir Kenneth MacMillan. With their guidance, he became a dancer, ballet master, director and choreographer. Even after a life filled with dance, Wright still remembers the power of his first ballet as a child: The International Ballet company. “I was absolutely enthralled the second that curtain went up,” says Wright. “After their performance, I said, ‘That’s it. This is for me.’”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

YourObserver.com

ASHLEYAND PATRICK

JUST MARRIED

BLACK TIE STAFF

THE DETAILS Honeymoon: A 17-day vacation to Europe, including Paris, Madrid, Malaga and Barcelona First-dance song: “Making Memories” by Keith Urban Photography: Katie Beyer Photography Floral design: Allwhite flowers by Elegant Designs Invitations: Ivory lace custom pocket cards with gold accents by Write-On Sarasota Cake: Three-tier white-and-gold cake, consisting of vanilla with white chocolate and chocolate with Oreo and carrot, by Heavenly Cakes Dress: Ivory ball gown with lace top and custom crystal belt by Mori Lee Something new, borrowed, blue: A vintage lace handkerchief from friend Nikki Sedacca, given to the bride at the bachelorette party in Martha’s Vineyard.

Ashley Dooley and Patrick Thomas Jr. believe a strong friendship is the foundation of any good relationship. The two first met in 2007, while both working for a home services company in downtown Sarasota. After being introduced by their coworker, Bryan Richards, the two quickly hit it off. Patrick proposed last February during the couple’s 10-day vacation to Iceland. On the final night of the trip, following a day of visiting the Blue Lagoon and seeing the Northern Lights, he surprised Ashley by proposing at dinner. After waiting for the restaurant to empty out, he presented her with a ring he designed himself. The couple was married Oct. 24, under a custom-built canopy near the water on the New College lawn. The altar was surrounded by white rose petals, which formed the aisle. Bryan Richards, also an ordained minister, performed the ceremony. “It was a special touch to have someone who has been there from the beginning, knew us both well, and believed in the strength of our relationship,” says Ashley. Ashley describes the wedding’s theme as “classic elegance.” The bridal party wore all black, with gold accents and all-white flowers. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with a view of the approaching sunset and dined on a custom menu created by the couple and Jeremy Chambers, of Innovative Dining. After dinner, guests danced and had their photos taken in a slow-motion photo booth before snacking on late-night chicken and waffles.

Photos by Katie Beyer Photography

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MOLLY SCHECHTER

BLACK TIE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

BLACK

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Photos by Cliff Roles

Brunettes are back and on message.

TIE

Repetition makes reputation

… Happy highlights from the AJC dinner … It was for many guests a first opportunity to meet the charming and attractive Dr. David Lipton, father of regional director Brian Lipton. He recently relocated to Sarasota and is in process of getting licensed, so he can volunteer at Friendship Centers’ Medical Clinic. There was also great heart for the news that AJC Regional President Anne Virag has signed on for a second three-year term. She is also one of the week’s … Birthdays, birthdays, birthdays … There were a bunch at AJC, beginning with Scott Anderson who shares his natal anniversary with AJC past president Sue Jacobson. Within the same week, Ms. Virag: Debbie Haspel, Mort Siegler and Graci McGillicuddy.

Gloria Moss chaired this year’s Florida Poodle Rescue Luncheon, “Putting on the Poodle.” It drew nearly 150 guests, who were entertained by Wendy Feinstein and her dance instructor Luis Pena, and Penny and her Poodles. Florida Poodle Rescue founder Tricia Bonati Rolmes came in from North Carolina. Scott Anderson emceed a paddle raise to fund cataract surgery for a blind rescue poodle named Coco.

Tidbits

Bow Wow!

room. Lissa Murphy produced the fashion show, featuring apparel from Influence Style, Lotus Boutique, Blackbird Lifestyle and Dream Weaver and a cluster of gorgeous models, many of them dark-haired. Brunettes are back! NUOVO Salon & Spa did the hair and makeup, Tiger Lily did the centerpieces. Photographer and longtime Planned Parenthood enthusiast Barbara Banks was clicking away … with her phone. BT finally had to ask. Instagram! Of course.

There was no mistaking the theme of the “High Tide at High Noon” luncheon benefiting Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida Nov. 16, at the Sarasota Yacht Club. The speakers all used it, introducing themselves by saying, “I am (name), and I stand with Planned Parenthood,” as did the several models who had stories to tell. It was on the sign carried by all the models in the finale and many other places as well. That marketing-savvy idea came from Planned Parenthood President and CEO Barbara Zdravecky. Her ally as Board President is Carolyn Johnson, just honored by SCOPE with a 2015 Boundary Crosser Award. What a team! Co-chairs Pauline Joerger, Bianca Lawrence, Mindy Rollins and Allison Scanlan produced a winning event, including matching a $10,000 donation with gifts from the jam-packed dining

Linda DiGabriele, Planned Parenthood CEO Barbara Zdravecky, Sally Yanowitz and Barbara Banks, momentarily sans camera

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JOSEPH HOLT,, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Glorious

Christmas

Inspired by the works of J.S. Bach, romantic impressions of Christmas!

Wednesday, December 2 – 7:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church Sarasota

Dinner, Drinks & Stogies Raffle & Silent Auction $80 per person All proceeds to benefit local Cystic Fibrosis Chapter *

Guaranteed to have a Smokin’ Good Time!

Camille Saint-Saëns "Oratorio de Noël" Johanna Fincher, soprano Robyn Rocklein, mezzo soprano Alix Faulhaber, alto Adam Bielamowicz, tenor Christopher Holloway, baritone

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MADURO

Felix Mendelssohn "Vom Himmel hoch" Johanna Fincher, soprano Christopher Holloway, baritone

5275 University Pkwy 941-358-2222 or email Robbie@pdrcigar.com for more information.

Traditional Carols for all to sing!

Tickets $25 advance ($30 at the door)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Students with ID $5 at the door

Tickets at www.gloriamusicae.org or call: 941-387-6046 188774

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*Donations will go towards helping finding a cure to cystic fibrosis as well as providing all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

BLACK TIE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015

You’re Invited! Risk Audit Workshop Join us for an interactive discussion around issues of: • • • •

YourObserver.com

Photos by Amanda Morales

Kameron Hodgens and Debbie Partridge with Bill and Audrey Coleman

Unnecessary or Unknown Portfolio Risk Little to No Tax Management Hidden Costs Lack of an Overall Portfolio Picture

All attendees will receive our proprietary Risk Audit review free of charge.

Thursday, December 3, 2015 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Bird Key Yacht Club 301 Bird Key Drive Sarasota, FL 34236 RSVP Please reserve your space to attend by contacting Adair Tigert at 941-244-1301 or adair.tigert@bnymellon.com.

We welcome your attendance and recommend these events for individuals and families with $3+ million in investable assets. For more information go to bnymellonwealthmanagement.com or follow us on Twitter @BNYMellonWealth.

‘The Silver Soiree … A Quarter Century of Caring’ Saturday, Nov. 14, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center

BNY Mellon Wealth Management is a leading wealth manager, and was named in 2015 by Family Wealth Report as the top National Private Asset Manager and top Private Bank serving Family Offices. Barron’s ranked it the 7th largest U.S. wealth manager in 2015. ©2015 The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Above: Joseph Jennings with Denise Barker and John Kidd with Judy Stroke Left: Rose Chapman and Sandra Hanan John and Nora Patterson

School of RUSSIAN BALLET

DISCOVER HOLIDAY SPLENDOR DEC 3, 5:30 – 9:00 PM Free with one toy per guest Enjoy holiday music and performances by local schools. Help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots.

DISCOVER MORE

ringling.org

941.358.3180

WHAT’S ON FAMILY WORKSHOP

Nutcracker 2015

SAT, NOV 28, 1:30 – 5:00 PM Join our drop-in art-making program for all ages. Free to the public.

CELEBRATING 5 YEARS!

KIDS QUEST

Principal Dancers from Bolshoi Ballet of Russia and National Ballet of the Ukraine

SAT, NOV 28, 1:00 PM, $2 per child Explore The Ringling with a Museum educator! Play a game or enjoy an activity in the gallery. Space is limited, buy your tickets today!

Sunday Dec 6th 4pm SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE For Tickets Call 941- 328 - 1300 or sarasotaoperahouse.org

The Ringling will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

OPEN DAILY at 10 AM

Sunday Dec 13th 4pm VENICE PERFORMING ARTS For tickets Call 941-480-3191 or veniceperformingartscenter.com

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ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E The People’s Composer. Jerry Bilik premieres his new symphony. Just Married. Ashley Dooley and Patrick Thomas Jr. 4

BLACK

YOUROBSERVER.COM

TIE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015 Photos by Cliff Roles

Anne Virag, Matt and Lisa Walsh, Veronica Brady, Barbara Brizdle, Gerri Aaron and Brian Lipton

Civic Achievement Award Dinner honoring

VERONICA BRADY

Jennifer Compton, Susan Jones and Margaret Wise

Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting American Jewish Committee

‘W

ow, wow, wow!” That was the theme of the evening when the American Jewish Committee, West Coast Florida Chapter, presented its 2015 Civic Achievement Award to Veronica Brady. Wow — the dinner had the largest attendance ever: 431. Wow — it raised the most money: $472,000, announced by Regional Director Brian Lipton in his opening comments. And wow — the Michael’s crew never faltered as they wound their way through the closely packed tables filled with the who’s who of Sarasota. Veronica Brady, the first non-Jewish board member of the regional AJC was honored with a heartfelt tribute video, in which Co-Chair Barbara Brizdle dubbed her, “One mighty fine woman.” The video also featured clips from children, Steven and Meredith, who were unable to attend. Brady was seen wiping a tear and winking at former boss, Terri Hansen, during Co-Chair Gerri Aaron’s presentation that was charmingly “interrupted” by Phil

Mancini, Edie Chaifetz and Ben Hanan. When accepting her award, Brady gave a shout out to her colleagues at Gulf Coast Community Foundation for donating $25 Gulf Coast Good gift cards to each of the guests. She acknowledged Lipton as her “partner in crime,” and thanked CoChairs Aaron, Brizdle and Matt and Lisa Walsh saying, “You all can throw me a party anytime.” She got a little verklempt when thanking husband, Jay, for “26 years of being married to ‘all this.’” Finally, she shared her motto with the crowd that included “all her besties,” which is: “We find a way to yes.” Standout decor and tablescapes at Michael’s On East

Dennis Stover and Sandra Stone

EMILY WALSH AND MOLLY SCHECHTER

“Thank you for keeping me well-fed and well-loved, and that would be to the team at Michael’s On East.”

Michael Scott and Renee Hamad with birthday boy Scott Anderson

– Veronica Brady