Make the Rest of Your Life THE BEST of Your Life WISE
PLANNING
THE IMPORTANCE OF
BA L A NC E
HEALING WATERS
AUGUST 2016 $3.95 U.S.
RINGLING COLLEGE LIFELONG LEARNING ACADEMY
Explore endless possibilities. At this stage in your life, you have no plans to slow down. And at Ringling College, you don’t have to. Our Community Education programs offer hundreds of courses, workshops, activities, and even educational trips. Enhance your creativity with art and design classes, acquire a new language, dive into classic literature, or explore ancient civilizations—the opportunities and topics are limitless.
Take a course at any of our four locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, and discover a community as enterprising as you are. - Continuing Studies & Special Programs - Englewood Art Center - Longboat Key Center for the Arts - Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy
Illustration by: Regan Dunnick ’76, Illustration Faculty Member
Find out more about classes, exhibitions, programs, and events: www.ringling.edu/CommunityEducation 941.955.8866
A S P E CTAC U L A R V I E W
of Living
At Plymouth Harbor, wellness is defined by continuing broad interests and a healthy lifestyle for an active mind and body. Our new 10,000 square foot wellness center engages both equally. Here you will find a rich myriad of activities surrounded by spectacular views of Sarasota Bay. Start your day with a workout in the fitness center, a soothing Tai Chi class, or a dip in the pool. Maybe you prefer the creative outlet of our woodworking shop or art studio. Join in on a game of bocce or a sit in on an educational lecture. There is so much to choose from, the possibilities are endless. And it is not just a possibility, but everyday life here at Plymouth Harbor.
Once you see Plymouth Harbor and meet the vibrant people who call it home, you will change the way you think about your future. Residents treasure the time they spend in their lovely, spacious apartment homes – yet appreciate all of the thoughtful services and amenities that are part of the Plymouth Harbor lifestyle. And they love the beautiful setting that looks like a first-class resort, but feels just like home. Come see for yourself – and get a new perspective on retirement living. Call us today for a tour of our award-winning campus, our new wellness center, luxury accommodations and amenities.
A S P E C TA C U L A R V I E W O F R E T I R E M E N T
Call Today to Schedule a Personal Tour & Lunch 700 John Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236 • (941) 365-2600 • www.PlymouthHarbor.org A Not-For-Profit Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). OIR #88039
AN EXCEPTIONAL, LUXURIOUS NOT-FOR-PROFIT CARE FACILITY
MEDICAL CARE & SUPERVISION
SPECIALIZED REHABILITIATION SERVICES
• Accepts Medicare, Insurance and Private Pay Patients
• Through the innovative “Bounce Back” program, you can Rehab, Recover, Return Home®
• With its 120-bed Skilled Nursing facility, the amenities and services are exceptional
• Interdisciplinary Team of Experienced Professionals
• Personal Physicians
• State-of-the-Art Therapy Equipment
• 24/7 RN, LPN and CNA Staffing
• Evidence-based care & Individualized Treatment
• Licensed Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists
• Physical, Occupational & Speech Rehabilitative Therapies
• Registered Dietician and Nutritional Management
• Case Management to Maximize Benefits
• Social Services
• AJs Fitness, an onsite, outpatient Center, helps you focus on Flexibility, Strength Training, Balance & Endurance
• Full-Time Activities Director
License # SNF130471051
EOE
CALL OR STOP BY FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR 5381 Desoto Road | Sarasota, FL 34235 | 941.355.6111 | www.hawthornevillageofsarasota.com
Retire Well August 2016
Volume 59 No. 8
41
48
41 WISE PLANNING Wealth and Retirement Advice from Local Professionals
48 LEARNING FOR A LIFETIME Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy By Ryan Van Cleave
53 THE POWER OF BALANCE The Importance of Maintaining and Improving Our Balance
56 HEALING WATERS Warm Mineral Springs – the Answer to What Ails You? By Jacqueline Miller
58 AN EVENING ESCAPE The Latest Game Craze for Kids of All Ages By Ryan Van Cleave
68 NEXT GEN SUCCESS Meet Young Entrepreneur Donald Carlson, Jr. By Sophie Landry
COVER Photography by John Revisky | Model – Kathleen Decker Peralta
8
SCENE
|
August 2016
56
Inspired by you. Created by us.
For more information and a listing of available lots, floor plans, and services we offer, please visit us at NutterCustomConstruction.com. 941.924.1868 Concierge Custom Construction
201 Fletcher Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237
Remodeling
Project Management
LEED Accredited Professional Florida Licensed Building Contractor CBC 060004 Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker BK3222256 Florida Licensed Home Inspector HI4630
DEPARTMENTS
32
SOCIALS
18 Film Florida Trade Organization’s Welcome Reception 28 Goodwill & The Law Place Honor Women Veterans
20 EVENTS CALENDAR 25 PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR 32 GET INSPIRED Cultural Happenings from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
36 GIVING Jim & Jackie Rolfes: Raising Their Hands to Keep Children First By Steven J. Smith
62 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW Harold Ronson: A Life of Good Living & Giving By Gus Mollasis
78 70 EDUCATION IQuest: Creative Games for the Curious By Ryan Van Cleave
72 THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN With Sarasota’s Busiest Bee Suzette Jones
BEACH READS 75 Claudia By Armand Ross
78 Cool Uncle By Rick Dakan
83 Go-Go Day By Elizabeth Sims
87 HEALTH Lung Cancer: What You Need to Know About Screening By Penny L. Heinrich MD
88 LITERARY SCENE By Ryan G. Van Cleave
90 REWIND A Look Back Through SCENE’s Archives
10
SCENE
|
August 2016
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Visit ringling.org for dates and times
ART MAKING SATURDAYS, Free to the public
Drop-in anytime during the scheduled hours and enjoy an art project at your own pace.
WHAT’S ON
DISCOVER
KIDS QUESTS SATURDAYS, $2 ticket is required
Explore different aspects of The Ringling and its collections with a Museum educator.
ROAR! FRIDAYS, Free, pre-registration is requested Join us for family storytime and an activity that connects art with early literacy.
DISCOVER MORE
ART AFTER 5
THURSDAYS, 5:00 – 8:00 PM Discounted Admission: $10 Adult / $5 Child / Free for Members Explore the Museum of Art permanent and special exhibition galleries, including our Center for Asian Art in the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Gallery of Asian Art, and the Circus Museum.
ART AND A MOVIE: THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING AUG 13, 1:30 PM, $5 / Free for Members
Join us for this film series that explores the complex historical relationship of America and Asia through an examination of films that have played an integral role in American popular culture.
GALLERY WALK & TALK: PHANTOM BODIES
AUG 18, 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM Included with Admission. Ticket required, space is limited. Join us for this walk and talk that will address the themes and ideas explored in Phantom Bodies: The Human Aura in Art and how a selection of artists have chosen to explore them.
ringling.org
941.358.3180 OPEN DAILY at 10 AM
362 DAYS A YEAR!
S TAT E A R T M U S E U M O F F L O R I D A
| F L O R I D A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
Luxury Retirement Living On The Bay
Discover the Unique Comfort and Convenience of Luxury Retirement Living in the Heart of Downtown Sarasota Just minutes from the symphony, the ballet, the opera, and the museum, Sarasota Bay Club is surrounded by a rich array of arts, culture and some of the most incredible dining and shopping on Florida’s Gulf Coast. When it comes to choosing the perfect location for your retirement lifestyle, Sarasota’s Downtown is truly a place of never-ending activity that can be just outside your door. Sarasota Bay Club offers exquisite condominium residences featuring an incredible selection of expansive floor plan designs, each with its own uniquely gorgeous view. Sarasota Bay Club boasts an unrivaled list of first-class amenities, including award-winning dining and a wide range of healthcare services, all set in an exclusive resort-style campus overlooking sparkling Sarasota Bay with Saint Armand’s Circle and Longboat Key just minutes away across the bridge.
Sarasota Bay Club Defines the Art of Luxury Retirement Living.
Please Be Our Guest To Experience The Sarasota Bay Club Difference For Yourself!
Call Linda Ware Or Dana Moe At 941-552-3284 To Schedule A Personal Tour.
(941) 366-7667 1301 N. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, Florida
www.SarasotaBayClub.com
FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”
P
– Albert Einstein retty smart guy that Albert, wouldn’t you say?
I’ve had three careers over a span of four
decades, which I refer to as chapters in my book of life. For me, each one was very special in its own right, but the one thing they all had in common was risk. Nothing I did was “safe” or something that required a specific skill. Every career I picked I needed to know a lot of different things. So what if I didn’t know it? No big deal. I always believed I could learn to do the things necessary to be successful, never wavering and always believing. After all, I would remind myself, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new” – another pearl of wisdom from the great Albert. And even though I am a boomer in my sixth decade, my thirst to learn new things in an ever-changing world never seems to get quenched. If you think about life just fifty years ago, many people stayed in the same job for life. Most were just content needing to know what they already knew and doing it well. For many back then, retirement meant sitting on the rocking chair talking about old times. That is not what retirement looks like today. In a world that is moving faster than lightning, we need to stay informed and learn for as long as we can breathe as we now know it may just be the key to a vibrant later life. Research has proven that lifelong learning is vitally important to delay or even possibly prevent the onslaught of mental and physical ailments. It not only keeps our brains engaged, it keeps us connected to others, giving us more purpose and keeping our spirits high. Today, lifelong learning is not just about academic classes. It is about educational travel, community service and volunteerism, and there is no better place to expand our awareness and create a multi-dimensional life than Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy. In our feature story, SCENE contributing writer and Ringling College professor Ryan Van Cleave delves into the offerings of Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy. Ringling College offered continuing studies for adults for years, but with the success over the past 18 years of another organization, Lifelong Learning Academy, the two merged to be able to answer the fast-growing demand to meet the needs of the many boomer retirees who make up the area’s adult learning population. It is difficult to imagine how much change will occur throughout the next century, but one thing is for sure. The importance of lifelong learning will grow stronger, and the need for adult classrooms will be even greater. For me, retiring anytime soon is not in my thinking. I chuckle to myself at my belief that I have yet another big chapter to write in my life. And while I am not sure what that is, I’ll know it when it comes. Hmmmm…good…more learning.
julie@scenesarasota.com
14
SCENE
|
August 2016
OUR MANY SEIDES
RESTAURANT GROUP
Tableseide Restaurant Group is family-owned and operated with overthirty years of restaurant experience and a passion for the world of culinary arts. Tableseide concepts offer highquality, unique dining and catering experiences focused on reďŹ ned, yet approachable, cuisine and atmosphere with influences from culinary regions across the globe.
Š2015 Tableseide Restaurant Group. All Rights Reserved. All names and their logos are trademarks of the Tableseide Restaurant Group.
Superheroes
on Parade
LOCALLY OWNED, OPERATED & PRINTED SINCE 1957 CEO/President
Ronald Milton
Publisher & Executive Editor
Julie A. Milton
Account Executive
Tiffany Wenzel
Art Director
Michelle Cross
Editorial & Sales Assistant Distribution Contributing Writers
Bobbilynn Hollifield Dick Jackson Sue Cullen Suzette Jones Jacqueline Miller Gus Mollasis Steven J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave
Photographers
Nancy Guth John Revisky
Most days, the canine trainees at Southeastern Guide Dogs look like your average pooches. But the truth is, for their human companions, they’re superheroes—all
Address
trained right here in your backyard. To honor the heroic
5939 Approach Road, Sarasota, FL 34238
work they do, we’ve celebrated them in statue, then given them to area artists to reveal the heroes inside.
Phone
941-365-1119
Which will be your favorite Southeastern Superhero? Take a closer look at the over 50 dogs on display at
Fax
941-954-5067
sponsoring businesses throughout the area, and at guidedogs.org/superheroes
Website
scenesarasota.com
SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year by RJM Ventures, LLC. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufficient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, art work and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged. Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $19.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.
16
SCENE
|
August 2016
THEY'RE COUNTING ON YOU. HOW MUCH CAN YOU RISK FOR THEIR GAIN?
The answer is in a simple number – your personal risk number – and we can tell you yours for free in just a few minutes of your time.
It all starts with math-based, award-winning technology built on the academic framework that won a Nobel Prize for Economics in 2002.* (Riskalyze.com) Once we get your risk tolerance number, we can better assess how much you can risk in exchange for an opportunity for a specific gain, identify your financial goals, and meet your expectations. It’s fast, simple, and best of all, it's free. When it comes to your and your family’s future, can you afford not to invest a few minutes of your time? Joni Rametta, Len Leetzow & Mark Clark
Go to WealthWithScene.com or call 941.361.1484
ealth Planning and Design LLC
*All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. There are risks involved with investing, including possible loss of principal. Market conditions, interest rates, and other investment related risks may cause losses.
SOCIAL Film Florida Trade Organization’s Welcome Reception This year’s annual Film Florida trade organization meeting kicked off with a welcome reception hosted by the Sarasota County Film & Entertainment Office. Film, television and digital media represent billions of dollars of economic impact as well as thousands of jobs in Florida, and this year, Senator Nancy Detert was awarded for her efforts and initiatives over the years in support of these media platforms.
Caroline Zucker & Steve Queior
18
SCENE
|
August 2016
Michelle Hillery, Nancy Detert & Kelly Paige
Lauri & Vince Gambino with Jeanne Corcoran
Todd Roobin, Bonnie King, John Lux & Christy Adreoni
STABIL Concrete Pavers has become a trusted name in the Sarasota/Manatee area for the all your paving needs. Our showroom features many products in a variety of shapes and colors for your selection along with samples for you to bring home. We carry both thin and thick pavers as well as 4 sizes of coping giving STABIL the ability to handle any job from new construction to a remodel of your current pool deck. Our well trained staff will work with you from start to finish ensuring your complete satisfaction.
Showroom: 7080 28th St. Court East Sarasota, Florida 34243/ Off Whitfield Ave 941.739.7823 StabilConcretePavers.com
August Calendar
For a complete listing of community events please visit scenesarasota.com Photo by John Revisky
The Ringling Art After 5 Every Thursday through December 29 5:00 pm. Explore the Museum of Art and Circus Museum or catch a romantic sunset on Sarasota Bay at Ca’ d’Zan. Enjoy music and insights into the collection through gallery discussions. Tickets: $5 - $10 | 941.359.5700 | ringling.org
Lakewood Ranch Music on Main August 5 Lakewood Ranch Main St. 6:00pm. Family-friendly event with a concert, food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths. Proceeds benefit Selah Freedom. Free | 941.907.9243 | lakewoodranch.com
“Live from Downtown - It’s Friday Nights!” August 5 Main St. and Palm Ave. 6:00pm. Enjoy live entertainment with street performers at downtown Sarasota.
Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament August 5 – 6 Marina Jack. Fun for all ages with inshore, offshore and Jr. angler divisions. Supports local charities. Registration: $25 - $500 | 941.907.4134 | sarasotaslam.com
Village of the Arts Art Walk August 5 – 6 Village of the Arts, Bradenton. Monthly artwalk the first Friday night and Saturday afternoon of every month. Discover unique galleries, studios, specialty shops, healing arts, food and music. 941.747.8056 | villageofthearts.com
Venice MainStreet’s Friday Night Concert Series August 12 & 26 Centennial Park Gazebo 7:00 pm. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a free concert in paradise. visitvenicefl.org
20
SCENE
|
August 2016
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 1:00 pm–4:00 pm SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota 34236
Menu tastings from your favorite downtown restaurants: Bijou Cafe Brooklyn Biscuit Tortoni Co. Cafe L’Europe Currents, Hyatt Regency El Greco Cafe H20 Bistro, Hotel Indigo
Jack Dusty, Ritz-Carlton Kahwa Coffee Louie’s Modern Mattison’s City Grille Michael’s On East Selva Grill
Servandos Sift Bakehouse Social Eatery & Bar The Starlite Room Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill ... and more!
Plus fine wine and beer pairings, all in the unique setting of the historic Sarasota Opera house. Proceeds benefit Sarasota Youth Opera, and you’ll hear a short performance in the afternoon. Tickets available online now: $65 per person in advance | $75 per person day of event
Get your tickets now online at SARASOTAOPERA.ORG, by phone—call (941) 328-1300, or in person at 61 N. Pineapple Ave, Downtown Sarasota.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Shark Days at Mote August 15 – 20 Mote Marine Laboratory 10:00 am. Exploring
of
VIOLINS
the real science of sharks in a week full of events and activities. 941.388.4441 | mote.org
HOPE S A R A S O T A
FEBRUARY 1 – 19, 2017
AJC’s Summer Lunch & Learn Series August 16 Michael’s On East 11:30 am. Guest speaker Andy Baker, AJC’s Director of International Jewish Affairs, examines the topic “Do European Jews Have a Future?” Tickets: $28 | 941.365.4955 | Sarasota@ajc.org
Sarasota Opera Guild’s Summer Salon August 17 Michael’s On East 11:30 am. Includes lunch and
The Violins of Hope Instruments which, by telling their story, preserve the history of the Holocaust and honor the survival of the Jewish people.
a musical performance with guest artists Richard and Stacy Ridenour. Tickets: $39 | 941.702.8853 | sarasotaopera.org
60th Annual Englewood Pioneer Days August 20 – September 5. Celebrate the town of Englewood with family-friendly events such as cardboard boat races, chalk painting, fish-a-thon, kids shipwreck party, pioneer days festival,
Even in the midst of the unspeakable evil of the Holocaust, there was music. Music was a source of comfort, hope and resistance — a way for the Jews to express themselves and prevent the Nazis from stripping them of their humanity. Amnon Weinstein, one of the world’s most respected violin makers, has dedicated his life to Amnon Weinstein locating and restoring violins that were played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, so that they can give voice to the voiceless — their owners and the millions who perished at the hands of the Nazis. He calls these instruments the Violins of Hope, in the belief that, where there was music, there was hope.
a parade, and more. 941.474.8700 | englewoodpioneerdays.com
22nd Annual Women’s Equity Luncheon August 20 Polo Grill Fete Ballroom Lakewood Ranch 11:00 am. Luncheon sponsored by seven local women’s organizations. Tickets: $40 | 941.488.5082 | ttj2@verizon.net
Upcoming Events: Sarasota Sailing Squadron 69th Annual Labor Day Regatta September 2 – 4 City Island. Attended by sailors from ages 8 to 80 drawing about a thousand visitors each year. Activities include five separate race courses, live music, barbeque, refreshments and awards ceremony. Register your boat and take part for $60 - $95. Free viewing for spectators. 941.388.2355 | regattanetwork.com
8th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival September 3 – 4 Downtown Venice, Miami Ave. 10:00 am. Browse and purchase a wide variety of ceramics, jewelry,
Weinstein will bring 16 of these violins to Sarasota-Manatee for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community to hear these violins played and to experience the stories of their owners.
stained glass, metal works and much more. artfestival.com
Sarasota Opera’s 3rd Annual Taste of Downtown Food & Wine Festival September 10 Sarasota Opera House 1:00 pm. Enjoy menu tastings from over twenty downtown restaurants, along with fine wine and beer pairings. Benefits the Sarasota Youth Opera. Tickets: $65 | 941.328.1300 | sarasotaopera.com
QUESTIONS: Contact Ilene Fox 941.343.2113 or ifox@jfedsrq.org
Ringling Museum Day Live! September 24. Enjoy free admission to The Ringling and other participating museums throughout the United States. 941.359.5700 | ringling.org
22
SCENE
|
August 2016
Translated from Italian,
sprezzatura means effortless elegance. Translated at Tuscan GardensÂŽ, sprezzatura means signature dining, a signature experience and a signature lifestyle.
Sprezzatura Indulge in the art of living well.
Supportive Independent Living
n
Assisted Living
n
Memory Care
Opening Soon!
Schedule your personal tour
n
941-256-2980
TuscanGardensofVenetiaBay.com 841 Venetia Bay Boulevard
n
Venice, Florida 34285
ALF License Number Pending
PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR Why Can’t I Be You?
Urbanite Theatre
August 23 – 28 A rock star wakes up after a night of partying to find his worst nightmare: his stalker in his bedroom.
SARASOTA BALLET 941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org
The Sarasota Ballet at the Joyce Theater August 8 – 13 The Sarasota Ballet presents the New York City premiere of A Knight of the British Ballet, a program dedicated to the choreography of Sir Frederick Ashton.
SARASOTA OPERA 941.366.8450 / sarasotaopera.org
HD at the Opera House The best in opera, ballet and Shakespeare from theaters around the world on the big screen.
FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org
Main Stage - The Roommate Through August 7 A story of two humorously mismatched middle-aged women, both with the overwhelming desire to reinvent their lives.
Cabaret - The CardShark Through August 21 In this live, interactive, sleight-of-hand show, Jason Michaels will pull back the curtain on how he can amaze and deceive audiences in the arts of illusion.
Main Stage - The God of Issac August 3 – 21 It’s 1977 and a neo-Nazi group wants to stage a demonstration in the Jewish community of Skokie, Illinois. Isaac Adams, a second generation American Jew, wonders what his involvement should be – if anything.
Cabaret - The GiGi’s August 23 – September 25 Three female singers create their own special rendition of the songs made famous by girl groups throughout the last century.
MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 941.748.5875 / artscenter.com
manateeperforming-
42nd Street August 11 – 28 When Broadway director Julian Marsh falls on hard times, he helms an ambitious musical as a final production before his retirement. His lead actress is torn between two loves while an aspiring young performer waits in the wings, hoping for her big break.
THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org
Bell, Book & Candle August 10 – 21 Gillian Holroyd is a modern-day witch living in New York City’s Greenwich Village. When she encounters charming publisher Shepherd Henderson, she decides to make him hers by casting a love spell. Gillian takes added pleasure in doing so because he is engaged to her old college rival. She finds herself falling for him, but will lose her powers if she falls in love.
Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure August 7 Production from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss August 14 Starring Krassimira Stoyanova. Production from the Salzburg Festival.
Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew August 21 Starring Deborah Hay. Production from the Stratford Festival.
La Favorita by Gaetano Donizetti August 28 Starring Veronica Simeoni. Production from La Fenice in Venice, Italy.
URBANITE THEATRE 941.321.1397 / urbanitetheatre.com
Bread Crumbs August 12 – September 18 A reclusive fiction writer diagnosed with dementia must depend upon a troubled young caretaker to complete her autobiography.
August 2016
|
SCENE
25
VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL 941.955.7676 | vanwezel.org
Rebelheart August 26 Friday Fest free outdoor concert playing a contemporary blend of Country music.
VENICE THEATRE 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com
Summer Cabaret Festival Six Strings Attached: Corda Voce August 4 – 5
Random Acts August 5 – 6 & 19 – 20
The American Songbook with a Twist: Alana Opie & Rachel Knowles August 6 – 7
The Sinatra Songbook: John Lariviere August 11 – 12
Falling in Love Again: Michelle & David Pruyn August 13 – 14
Songs in the Key of Pink: Laurie Colton & Friends August 18 – 19
Born This Way: Charles Logan August 20 & 26
An American Songbook: Stephen Ditchfield August 21 & 28
The Power of the Voice: Ariel Blue August 21 & 28
Songs to Sweep You Off Your Feet: Kathryn Parks & Matthew Ryder August 25 & 27
To Drag … or Not to Drag: Jonathan Hall August 26 – 27
Now Offering Vegas Style Games!
26
SCENE
|
August 2016
WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE 941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org
How I Got Over Through August 14 A tribute to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, with songs like “Move On Up a Little Higher” and “His Eye Is On the Sparrow.”
Casual Ambiance
MEETS
Authentic Italian
5104 Ocean Blvd. | Siesta Key | 941-349-1423 | cafegabbiano.com OPEN DAILY 5PM-10PM. TASTING MENUS AVAILABLE SUNDAY TO THURSDAY.
SOCIAL Goodwill & The Law Place Honor Women Veterans More than 100 community members gathered for the “Salute the Runway Fashion Show & Dinner,” an event to honor women veterans, presented by Goodwill Manasota and The Law Place. Guests enjoyed dinner selections, a keynote speech by Retired Colonel Linda Gould and a fashion show featuring local women veterans wearing beautiful evening gowns found at local Goodwill retail stores for just $5.99 or $12.99. Proceeds from the event benefited Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program, which has assisted more than 1,000 veterans since it began three years ago. David Haenel, Mary LeMay, David Taylor & Rebecca Cioci
Retired Colonel Linda Gould & Veronica Brandon Miller
Doris Berkey, Laurel Corriveau & Trish McConnell
Morgan Gerhart & Susan Stewart
Whether you’re a first time guest or want a bracelet restyling, let PANDORA UTC store owner Pattie Light and her team pamper you with a more intimate experience, excellent service, and unique design recommendations to create incredible bracelets, earrings and rings that fit your personal style.
UNIVERSIT Y TOWN CENTER Complimentary Jewelry Cleaning Beautiful Gift Wrapping Year Round 941.893.3948
Light and airy for summer, Pattie is wearing her design of leather, teal Murano Connect: Facebook.com/PandoraUTC and gold bracelets paired with gorgeous cabochon rings in silver and 14K gold.
28
SCENE
|
August 2016
by Helen and Ralph Bloch Like most people, my husband and I always talked about how we should do more to stay fit. And, like most people, we never got into a routine to make that happen. Then in 2008 we moved to Sarasota and saw a magazine ad for a place where you could supposedly get fit in just 20 minutes a week. Of course, we thought that was impossible. How could anyone work out for 20 minutes a week and expect to see any results? But I have to tell you: the idea certainly was intriguing. Twenty minutes of exercise a week sounded doable, even given our busy schedules. So we decided to research the slow cadence exercise techniques used at this place. (It's called 20 Minutes to Fitness.)
Armed with this knowledge, we went to 20 Minutes to Fitness to see how it works. There we met with a trainer, saw progress charts from current clients and decided we should give it a try. After three months, we decided to stay for another six months, and then another six. We’ve been there ever since – every Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Some people wonder about the costs. 20 Minutes to Fitness offers a more results effective and time efficient workout then you will ever get spending hours in a gym. For us we save precious time and money! If we are willing to spend money on dining and entertainment, why wouldn’t we be willing to spend some on protecting our health? We want to be able to do the things we enjoy doing as we age – activities as simple as walking or riding a bicycle. And we know that we are on the right track. Doctors now believe that next to quitting smoking, the single most important thing an adult can do to live a longer, healthier, painfree life is to build their strength. We know what this workout has done and what it is doing for our health and fitness. Our progress has been astonishing, thanks in part to the personal coach who guides us through each session.
20 Minutes Once a Week!
What we learned surprised us. First we learned that we lose muscle as we age (starting as early as our mid 20s), resulting in unwanted weight gain, loss of body tone, and some really bad health issues – including osteoporosis, Type II diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension. Next we learned about slow cadence. It means lifting specially calibrated weights in ultra-slow motion and it is a safe, medically based method for building strength. Performed on specialized equipment, it makes it possible to achieve in one 20 minute session what might take three hours or more a week in the gym.
We continue to tone our bodies and grow stronger as a result of our weekly sessions at 20 Minutes to Fitness. Our progress charts are proof. Many of our friends comment on how good we look and how solid our muscles have become. Most importantly, we feel great! In fact, we believe this investment in our health TODAY is more valuable than traditional long-term care insurance. No one can predict the future. But we’d rather have “insurance” that helps us grow stronger and eliminates aches and pains, than simply “giving up” and resigning ourselves to a future in a nursing home. Wouldn’t you? LAKEWOOD RANCH 6257 Lake Osprey Dr, Sarasota
941.309.8989
DOWNTOWN 1819 Main Street, Suite 110, Sarasota
941.361.1000
20 Minutes to Fitness of LWR, LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Health Studio. Registration No. HS8407.
www.20minutestofitness.com
20 Minutes to Fitness of Downtown Sarasota is registered with the State of Florida as a Health Studio. Registration No. HS8722.
——— OF SARASOTA ——— The Next Level in Senior Living As a seamless blend of modern amenities and classic sophistication, HarborChase of Sarasota, a new assisted living and memory care community, represents the next level in senior living. HarborChase offers stimulating activities, customized programs and innovative health services. From its peaceful setting to its luxurious apartments, HarborChase offers all the comfort of home.
fulfilling lifestyle is something that Vero Beach-based Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA) has been doing for more than 20 years. At HarborChase, all Care Partners and associates are carefully selected, not only for their caregiving knowledge and expertise, but also for their warm and caring hearts. It is their mission to ensure that every resident lives a full and cherished life.
“We want residents to enjoy life, make friends and have a good time being here with them,” says Bobbi Mace, Executive Director of HarborChase. “Families visit frequently and are always welcome to attend events with their loved ones. It feels calm and tranquil here, not hectic like some other communities. It’s so important to us not to be a clinical model while still addressing clinical needs.”
“It’s like being on a cruise ship,” says Linda Amin, Director of Resident Care. “The medical aspects are there, but rarely seen. Everything is centered on residents’ needs. We want to help them be whatever they want to be. For each individual, we look at their care needs and enrichment as well as what they enjoy participating in. They are not treated like part of a herd.”
Maintaining the balance between delivering top quality care in a safe environment and providing a rich and
HarborChase is committed to providing residents with a high level of customization. As part of this
commitment, they’ve launched the Chef’s Fare Dining Program. The program features a wealth of options tailored to each individual’s dining preferences. It allows residents to savor independence and choice with every meal. Those who have a busy day and can have a quick lunch at the bistro; others can take their time in the beautifully appointed dining room. ”One of our residents likes to sleep in, so she does not go to the restaurant for breakfast,” says Amin. “She goes to the bistro instead for a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll that she enjoys in front of the fireplace.” HarborChase knows residents love staying busy, so its Life Enrichment program offers a wide variety of cultural events, learning opportunities, entertainment options, religious programs and group excursions. “We have a lounge area for socializing with integrated technology that allows us to have game time,” Mace says. “People can come in and play a game of trivia while enjoying a cocktail with friends. We also have a lot of live entertainment. We always come up with things our residents can look forward to. We truly have something for everyone.”
While Harbor Chase has a wealth of amenities and an emphasis on enjoying life, it also has an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license, the highest level available, that covers both assisted living and memory care. This means residents can age in place should their need for care increase over time. A nurse is on premises 24/7 and the ECC license, which many other communities do not have, allows for in-house care for residents. The community also offers the convenience of visiting physicians who attend to residents on-site. Rehabilitation services are available for those recovering from knee and hip replacement or other conditions. “Our goal is for all of our residents to enjoy life to the fullest extent possible,” says Mace. “That’s so important because people have the misperception that life is diminishing when they come to assisted living, but it’s just the opposite. Here they flourish and enjoy life because we take care of the cooking and cleaning, and they don’t have to worry about managing doctors appointments and getting to the grocery store. When people come here, all of those cumbersome chores and worries go away, and they can really enjoy life.” For more information on HarborChase of Sarasota, call 941-451-7983 or visit www.harborchase.com/Sarasota.htm.
GET INSPIRED
M
Cultural Happenings brought to you by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
any people are unaware that there are a number of filmmaking companies right here in Sarasota who are producing outstanding work while also striving for community outreach and awareness. One of these noteworthy companies is Sarasota-based TriForce Pictures, founded by Shaun Greenspan and Edward Fagan.
In 2005, after producing major studio productions such as Snoop Dogg’s “Candy” music video, and a “Project
Greenlight” Sam Adams commercial with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Greenspan and Fagan founded TriForce in Los Angeles. Eventually the duo ended up in Sarasota, Greenspan’s hometown. TriForce Pictures has produced several short films, as well as a locally produced feature film showcased at the Sarasota Film Festival (SFF). They have also been sponsors of SFF since 2013, co-directing and producing the festival's TV commercial spots, education PSAs, social media videos and the opening film trailer that plays for SFF ceremonies and films shown at the festival. This dynamic pair also produces film interviews with Holocaust survivors, or their relatives, for the Florida Holocaust Museum. In 2016, Greenspan and Fagan co-produced “Sarasota Keys,” a short documentary about Jack Dowd, a worldrenowned artist living in Sarasota, and his journey of stylizing a piano for the Sarasota Keys public art project by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. This year, the community was fortunate to have Greenspan share his artistic talents by teaching filmmaking classes to juniors at Riverview High School’s International Baccalaureate program. Considering their passion for filmmaking and the local arts community, we asked Greenspan and Fagan how and why the arts in Sarasota influence and inspire them.
“Since moving Triforce Pictures to Sarasota, which we would like to help coin as “Florida’s Cultural Coast,” we’ve been deeply inspired. We’re amazed how the collective group of filmmakers and local artists embrace each other’s creativity. The above-and-beyond support from the Sarasota Film Commission Office and local businesses make it easy for us to produce films here. Triforce has had the privilege of collaborating with local professionals, the talented students at Ringling College of Art and Design, and local events such as the Sarasota Film Festival. We’ve both been fortunate to acquire our knowledge and experience in places like New York and Los Angeles, but we are truly inspired and grateful to execute our talents in Sarasota’s artistic community.” 32
SCENE
|
August 2016
Inspiring Events:
ISLAND GALLERY WEST’S COLOR ME INSPIRED EXHIBIT
Maria
Sine
will
showcase
acrylic
paintings of Florida flora and fauna in an exhibit entitled Color Me Inspired at Island Gallery West. After a 35-year career in public education as an art teacher in Pennsylvania and Florida, Maria loves learning, both as a student and as a teacher, the on-going process of mastering various art techniques and media. Her inspiration comes from the flora and fauna of Florida and the everchanging impact that light has on color in the landscape. Her exhibit will depict this effect of light and color on form. By Maria Sine, Acrylics Artist, named August Featured Artist at Island Gallery West. | August 1-31 | 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach
|
Gallery hours: 10
a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. - Sat.
|
Trolley
Stop 15 on Anna Maria Island | This is a month-long, free exhibit. Please visitislandgallerywest.com, or call 941778-6648 for gallery updates.
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM’S SHARK DAYS AT MOTE
Join Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for the second annual Shark Days at Mote to celebrate and learn about one of the August 2016
|
SCENE
33
ocean’s most interesting predators. From
Proud Local Owners Scott and Stan McGowan
August 15-20, Mote is hosting a week of events and activities for adults and children of all ages. The week will kick off with a screening of Jaws followed by a discussion with Mote shark scientist Dr. Robert Hueter. Other highlights include Sharks & Crafts, a spotlight on the Shark Encounter program, a Sharks, Tales & Ales Science Café, and a live stream featuring one of our shark experts. The week will wrap up with the Fins & Fun Family Festival (with
The Butcher’s Block
FINEST QUALITY | IMPECCABLE SERVICE Ultra Prime Meats & Seafood
Proud Dealer of
free Mommy & Me classes!), followed by a Gills Club meeting. From beers with a shark expert to an educational club dedicated to girls in science, Shark Days at Mote has everything you need to wrap up your summer vacation! August 15-20 | Mote Aquarium | 1600
Gourmet Foods & Salads
Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota | For more
Over 1500 World Class Wines
information, visit mote.org/sharkdays.
(Shipping Available)
941.955.2822 | 3442 17th Street, Sarasota butchersblocksarasota.com
DABBERT GALLERY’S SARASOTA SUMMER SCAPES EXHIBIT
SUPPORTING THE ARTS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! A CONSIGNMENT STORE LIKE NO OTHER! 12,000-square-feet filled to the brim with hidden yet affordable treasures like Baccarat crystal, Tiffany silver, Gucci, Prada, Chicos, 14k-22k gold jewelry, high-end furniture, handmade Persian rugs and regular household items. NOW HANDLING OFF-SITE
ESTATES
Donating? Ask us about the Royal Treatment. It’s EASY and FREE!
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Volunteer Donate Consign Shop
539 S. ORANGE | 941-955-7859 | OPEN MON-FRI 9-4 & SAT 10-4, 1st FRIDAYS TIL 5PM
MORE THAN $7.8 MILLION IN GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED 34
SCENE
|
August 2016
Warm sultry nights; gleaming sunlight dancing
across
Sarasota
Bay;
rich
crimson, gold and violet layered around a smoldering sunset - all of these Sarasota Summer Scapes and more are the inspiration for six of Dabbert Gallery's artists. James Griffin, Bill Farnsworth, Jeff Cornell, Allan Teger, William Suys and Julie Kasniunas each have their own unique vision of the stunning imagery a Sarasota summer has to offer. Through September 29
|
Opening
Reception August 5 from 6 – 9 p.m. | 76 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota | Gallery Hours: Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | For more information, call 941-955-1315 or visit dabbertgallery.com.
SELBY’S SECRET GARDEN
Showcasing a rare collection of books and
preserved
plants
from
Selby’s
research library and plant vaults, Selby’s Secret Garden exhibit will allow guests to experience the rich beauty of botanical art from the 18th and 19th centuries while helping them realize the full connection between nature and art. To accompany
374 Saint Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236
the exhibit in mid-October, the Tropical Conservatory will be transformed into a cabinet of botanical curiosities with a
941.388.1964
distinct Victorian flair. Aug. 26 - Nov. 27, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
505 5th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 239.643.8556
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | 900 S Palm Ave., Sarasota | Entrance to exhibit is included in the $19 admission price. | For more information, please call 941366-5731 or visit us online at selby.org.
ohmygauze.com
CONSERVATION FOUNDATION OF THE GULF COAST Triangle Ranch by Glenn Gardner
What will you find at Water’s Edge?
Glenn Gardner’s stunning photography
2016
exhibit of Triangle Ranch reflects the incredible natural beauty of this property and the regional significance of these natural lands. Gardner is an avid lover of nature and a passionate photographer gifted at creating deep connection to the natural environment. Galleries of his photography may be viewed at G2photos at
www.g2photosmx.com.
Triangle
Ranch is one of the key properties that
Florida’s Most Admired Senior Community
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
80 New Assisted Living and Memory Care Apartments Call today to schedule a tour and find out what Water’s Edge has to offer you!
941-748-7797 • WatersEdgeSeniorLiving.org
Conservation Foundation is working to preserve through its ambitious Myakka Island Conservation Corridor initiative. Photography Exhibition: Glenn Gardner’s Triangle Ranch
|
Monday – Friday
through September 30 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | conservationfoundation.com
2015 32nd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205 Assisted Living License # 11742 August 2016
|
SCENE
35
Raising Their Hands to Keep
CHILDREN FIRST
A
By Steven J. Smith | Photo by Nancy Guth
little over a decade ago, Jim and
whole family,” she said. “That’s why we’re now
Jackie Rolfes benefited from Chil-
so involved in their Raise Your Hand campaign.
dren First while Jim was having seri-
Children First helps families to be successful.
ous communication problems with one of their
It’s just a wonderful, positive organization and
children; now they’re big boosters of the orga-
we enjoy being involved with them.”
nization’s Raise Your Hand campaign. The purpose of Children First’s Raise Your “I was a young father of a very challenging
Hand campaign, which was launched in April,
young man who was pushing all of my buttons,”
is to raise $3.8 million by the end of this year to
Jim says. “I found out about a program called the
provide much needed services for underprivi-
Nurturing Dads Initiative, run by Children First.
leged kids and their families.
It was all about dads helping dads from all walks of life, who got together every Tuesday night
To date, the Raise Your Hand campaign has raised
with a social worker and talked about the issues
in excess of $3 million, he added, and he is very
of raising kids and how to deal with them.”
confident the $3.8 million goal will be reached.
That program was so successful for Jim and their
Children First runs all year, including a summer
son that Jackie decided Children First — a private,
program, for more than 600 children ranging in
charitable, non-profit organization that serves
age from six weeks to five years. The program
many of Sarasota County’s most vulnerable chil-
provides early childhood education for the at-
dren from birth to five years of age and their fam-
risk children, as well as guidance and support
ilies — was more than worthy of their support.
for their families.
“Jim’s positive experience made me realize
Out of 1,800 Head Start programs in the country,
that Children First is an organization that not
only nine others have been recognized for their pro-
only helps children, but it also offers programs
gram’s excellence. “We’re in the top one percent
that benefit dads, moms, grandparents, and the
and have held that position since 2009,” says Jim.
36
SCENE
|
August 2016
“The importance of early childhood education can’t be overemphasized. These kids come from families that don’t have a mom and dad reading to them every night.”
– Jim Rolfes
August 2016
|
SCENE
37
More than a printer… Personalization
used to provide in-house mental health
Multi-Channel
Financial Services
Healthcare
The funds raised by the campaign will be
tio and add more family advocates. “We have a waiting list of about 300 children
Direct Mail Hospitality
Business Development
services, increase the student/teacher ra-
Fundraising
Self-publishing Authors
Real Estate
and we need to expand our services to provide for them.” Jim and Jackie have been married 26
Book Publishing
Graphic Design
years and have supported Children First for more than 12 years. Jim joined
Member Recruitment and Retention
Tourism Business to Business
Appeals
Manufacturing
the board of directors in 2004 and later served as secretary and board chair. Jackie has expanded its fundraising initiatives, helping to launch the Flip Flops
Trade Show Marketing
Higher Education
Nonprofit
& Fashion Luncheon, now in its ninth Collateral Printing
Copywriting
Make SERBIN your print marketing partner! 1500 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192
Mail-it DIRECT MAIL SERVICES
SerbinPrinting.com The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce PAF – Printing Association of Florida
year. This year, they will co-chair the Rockin’ Lobster fundraiser on November 5 at Sharky’s On The Pier in Venice. The Rolfes felt they have received as much from Children First as the families it benefits.
AFP – Association of Fundraising Professionals PODi – Print on Demand Initiative
FPRA – Florida Public Relations Assoc. XEROX – Premier Partner
“We love Children First,” Jackie said. “We cannot say enough wonderful things about them and their rewarding programs.” “The importance of early childhood education can’t be overemphasized,” Jim added. “These kids come from families that don’t have a mom and dad reading to them every night. In fact, 77 percent of these families are headed by single parents and 17 percent of them are teen
Dedicated to Providing Exceptional, Cost Effective, Family-Focused Care
All Heart Senior Care strives to provide exceptional nursing care to every client. Our caregivers are dedicated to meeting each client’s personal needs by providing a nurturing and caring support system in a supervised setting. Companion Services 24 Hour Care Meal Preparation
Services:
Transport Services Bathing Service LPNs / RNs / CNAs / HHAs
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care Mobility Assistance Medication Management
2801 Fruitville Road, Suite 290 Sarasota, FL 34237 941-954-6565 allheartseniorcare.com SCENE
|
August 2016
that are homeless. Studies have shown the kids that don’t get that early childhood education fall so far back in the first four years of elementary school that they don’t graduate. Eventually more money
Call today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your specific needs.
38
parents. We even have about 15 percent
is spent to remediate those kids than to educate them. It’s so important not only to get them the education they need, but the emotional support as well.” For more information about Children First and its Raise Your Hand campaign, visit childrenfirst.net/raiseyourhand.
September 7th, 2016 Doors open at 6pm
www.experiencegoodwill.org/events
WISE PLANNING What’s the best financial advice you ever got? If you are like most boomers, it probably did not come from your parents. No matter the level of your wealth, to make the best decisions for your golden retirement, seeking answers from financial and wealth professionals is imperative. We asked several local professionals to share their knowledge on important questions relating to wealth and retirement. Hopefully an answer you were seeking is among them.
August 2016
|
SCENE
41
What is a 1031 Property Exchange? Jonna D. Keller, Managing Member, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, First Security Investments, LLC of Southwest Florida, 941.922.9100 Section 1031 of The IRS Code allows owners of a business or investment property to sell their property through an exchange by purchasing other “like-kind” property and defer up to 100% of the capital gains taxes otherwise due on the sale of their relinquished property. The IRS defines “like-kind” held as any property held for business or investment purposes. This includes, but is not limited to: raw land, farmland, rental and commercial properties. Securities and advisory services offered through SagePointFinancial, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Do you know where your retirement savings are? Aimee Cogan, CFP ®, CIMA ®, Managing Director – Wealth Management, Family Wealth Director, Wealth Advisor, The Bellwether Group at Morgan Stanley, 941.363.8514 Maintaining multiple retirement accounts may incur avoidable fees and make it difficult to track performance. Consolidating your accounts may be the answer. By the time many of us reach our 40s and 50s, we’ve accumulated a slew of retirement accounts: a traditional IRA here, a rollover IRA there, and two or three scattered 401(k) accounts left in the plans of former employers. As the accounts add up, it becomes extremely difficult to get a clear picture of your overall retirement preparedness. If this sounds familiar, you may benefit from consolidating your retirement accounts into one central account. Consolidating accounts can help you make sure your savings are invested appropriately for your overall goals, track the performance of your holdings and, in some cases, discover more investment choices and incur lower fees. Typically, a retirement plan participant leaving an employer has the following four options (and may engage in a combination of these options depending on their employment status, age and the availability of the particular option): • Cash out the account value and take a lump-sum distribution from the current plan, subject to mandatory 20% withholding, as well as potential taxes and 10% penalty OR to continue tax deferred growth • Leave the assets in the former employer’s plan (if permitted) • Roll the retirement savings into the new employer’s qualified plan, if one is available and rollovers are permitted • Roll the retirement savings into an IRA Other factors in making a rollover decision include (among other things) the differences in: (1) Investment Options, (2) Fees and Expenses, (3) Services, (4) Penalty-Free Withdrawals, (5) Creditor Protection in Bankruptcy and from Legal Judgments, (6) Required Minimum Distributions or “RMDs”, and (7) the Tax Treatment of Employer Stock. Streamlining the account structure of your retirement savings has many potential benefits: Comprehensive investment strategy, greater investment flexibility potential, simplified tracking, monitoring costs, penalty-tax-free withdrawals, comprehensive knowledge of your assets. There are, of course, some situations where you may not want to consolidate. For example, while many qualified plans allow for loans, you cannot take a loan from an IRA. Assuming your qualified plan allows a loan once you’ve left the company (a very rare occurrence), it’s worth noting you will not be able to take out a loan once you roll a qualified plan into an IRA. Consolidation means simplifying. The case for consolidating your accounts may only grow more compelling with time. By simplifying your retirement account structure, you can have a clearer picture of your financial plan. Reach out to me with any questions and I can help. Aimee Cogan is a Financial Advisor with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Sarasota. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, Member SIPC, or its affiliates.
42
SCENE
|
August 2016
The revocable trust agreements that our attorney drafted years ago are long and confusing. Do we really need such lengthy and complicated trust agreements? Jordan J. Riccardi, Associate Attorney, Estate Planning, Icard Merrill, 941.366.8100 Trusts have been used as integral parts of tax, probate and financial arrangements for centuries. Exactly how they are used, however, depends on each client’s particular goals, currently applicable tax rules, and other client-centered factors. Trusts are flexible entities that can be tailored to accomplish many purposes. A trust is an arrangement created by a person, referred to as the “Grantor”, in which legal title to property is held by at least one person or entity who manages it (the “Trustee”) for another's benefit (the “Beneficiary”). A trust can be set up to benefit the Grantor, other Beneficiaries, or both. Generally, revocable trusts enable the Grantor to maintain full control over trust assets while the Grantor is living and provide the following benefits: Avoidance of Probate. Probate is the legal process overseen by the court that is necessary to pass assets to the beneficiaries named in a Will. Assets that are titled in trust will avoid probate for those assets. Avoiding probate will reduce costly estate administration expenses, save months and sometimes years by providing for a more streamlined transfer of assets and increase your family’s privacy (because probate records are public). Creditor/Predator Protection. A carefully crafted trust can provide protection for the Beneficiaries from creditors and predators. In fact, estate planning attorneys often employ tailored methods to plan for Beneficiaries who are indebted to creditors, have special needs, are being taken advantage of by someone (a “predator”), and so on. Protection in Case of Incapacity. A Will only goes into effect after death, therefore, it provides no protection if you become physically or mentally incapacitated. Trusts are structured so that the successor Trustee will hold, manage and administer your funds for your benefit should you become incapacitated.
What are the advantages of working with an Investment Advisor Representative over a stockbroker? Samuel L. Cione, Integrity Wealth Management, A Registered Investment Advisory Firm, 941.955.2700 Given the variety of available options, determining whose services to seek if you need financial advice can be a complicated task. Before making a decision, you should understand that there are significant differences between an Investment Advisor Representative and the typical stockbroker. Most importantly, an Investment Advisor Representative is held to a very high standard called a fiduciary duty. By law, this duty requires the Advisor to consider the client's interests above its own when providing financial advice. In addition, Advisors must disclose any conflicts of interest and must file a form with the Securities and Exchange Commission that fully discloses how they are compensated. By contrast, stockbrokers usually do not owe any fiduciary duty to act in your best interest; nor are they required to disclose conflicts of interest. Instead, they normally are only required to make “suitable” investment recommendations.
August 2016
|
SCENE
43
The revocable trust agreements that our attorney drafted years ago are long and confusing. Do we really need such lengthy and complicated trust agreements? Attorney J. Allison Archbold, Florida Board Certified Wills, Trusts and Estates Attorney, Shareholder with Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, P.A., 941.957.1900 You may not. The federal estate tax exemption has risen significantly over the last two decades, from $600,000 in 1996 to $5.45 million today. This rise, coupled with the fact that the estate tax exemption is now “portable” (meaning that a surviving spouse can add his or her deceased spouse’s unused estate tax exemption to his or her own estate tax exemption by making the portability election on a timely-filed estate tax return), means that the estate tax is no longer the concern that it once was for many couples, and the marital trust/credit shelter trust arrangement that was once the norm is becoming frequently unnecessary. Furthermore, there can be income tax disadvantages to keeping assets in trust for the benefit of the surviving spouse. Trusts reach the highest income tax bracket and are subject to the net investment income tax much sooner than individuals, and trust assets may not be eligible for a basis step-up upon the surviving spouse’s death. On the other hand, there are reasons other than the estate tax that a couple may want to keep assets in trust for the benefit of, as opposed to distributing them to, the surviving spouse. For example, if a spouse has children from a prior marriage, there are concerns that the surviving spouse will remarry, the surviving spouse plans to make large gifts to grandchildren or the surviving spouse has asset protection concerns, then keeping assets in trust for the benefit of the surviving spouse is advisable. If you have not consulted with your estate planning attorney in the last few years and want to simplify your trust agreement, you should schedule an appointment.
Is my financial advisor or investment manager truly acting as a fiduciary? Matt Otto, CFP ®, AIF®, Managing Director, Partner, The Otto Group, 941.404.7711 With recent developments at the DOL and the potential outcomes for investment advisors and their clients, the Fiduciary Standard of Care is once again a hot topic within the financial industry. Wikipedia defines a fiduciary as a person who holds a legal or ethical relationship of trust with one or more other parties. Typically, a fiduciary prudently takes care of money or other assets for another person. Most investors believe they are being guided by a Fiduciary, but in many arrangements this may not be the case. Simple initial actions such as asking your investment professional if they are acting as a Fiduciary or agent in guiding you with your financial plan or solution is a start. Other important questions such include: Are you invested in proprietary funds or investment solutions manufactured by their firm? What is my fee arrangement and is it simple to understand? Does my advisor have specialized certifications such as a CFP® or AIF®? Wealth advisors with an AIF designation (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) can offer a comprehensive second opinion reviewing one’s portfolio and providing a simplified executive summary on the current structure of financial arrangement, liquidity, fees and underlying risk observations.
44
SCENE
|
August 2016
How much can I contribute to using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)? And how does this work for income tax purposes? Melodie A. Rich, CPA, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, 941.747.4483 ext. 7961 If you’ve reached age 70 ½, you can arrange to have up to $100,000 of otherwise taxable IRA money paid directly to specified tax-exempt charities. These so-called Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are federal income tax free to you, but you don’t get to claim any itemized deduction on your Form 1040. However, the tax-free treatment equates to a 100% write-off, and you don’t have to itemize your deductions to get it. Furthermore, you can count the distribution as part of your required minimum distribution that you’d otherwise be forced to receive and pay taxes on this year.
Why would I need a trust now that the Federal Estate Tax Exemption amount is so high? Susan H. Hines, J.D., Vice President and Trust Officer, Caldwell Trust Company, 941.493.3600 Under current tax law, every US citizen has a lifetime exclusion amount of $5.45 million (up $20,000 from last year) from estate and gift taxes. This provision means that you can give away $5.45 million of your cash or property during your lifetime, or bequest it upon your death, without owing transfer taxes. With portability, the provision allows a married couple the joint ability to pass $10.9 million tax free. Caveat: any amounts above this exemption amount will be taxed at the top 40% transfer tax rate. With most Americans’ estates falling below this $10.9 million threshold, using trusts for tax planning purposes may not seem necessary. However, we find that the true value of a trust is in the privacy, protection and flexibility it secures for clients during any periods of incapacity, and to their loved ones, following their death. Assets held in trust can provide beneficiaries with a consistent stream of income and/or principal payments for health, education or other defined support or incentive purposes, while safeguarding the remaining principal from potential known or unknown creditors. In today’s litigious society, money transferred directly to loved ones who are in high-risk professions, involved in accidents, become parents of special needs children, or who go through a future divorce or bankruptcy proceeding, could be lost to third parties, instead of being protected and invested for their future. This loss could happen even more quickly when funds are given outright to spouses or children who are spendthrifts, or influenced by others who are not good stewards of their money. Giving your surviving spouse, children and grandchildren the gift of professional fiduciary money management paired with the flexibility to access funds for certain defined needs, has great merit and is something that every individual should consider, no matter what their net worth might be.
August 2016
|
SCENE
45
In retirement, does the order in which I spend from my accounts matter? Aaron S. Thiel, JD, CFP ®, Senior Wealth Strategist, PNC Wealth Management, 941.363.5090 Spending order is simply the order in which retirees withdrawal money from their various accounts. Because different types of accounts are taxed differently, the spending order directly impacts the amount available for spending. Once a reasonable spending figure has been established, the next step is to determine which accounts should fund the spending. Pensions and Social Security may provide for some of the retirement income needs, but they likely won’t provide for all of them. After Pensions and Social Security, Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from a tax-deferred IRA are the first assets earmarked for spending because investors age 70 ½ and older are required to take them. The next source of funding should be from dividends and interest held in taxable accounts, because investors are required to pay taxes on these amounts. If a shortfall of income still exists, then research has found that it is advantageous for investors to use assets from taxable accounts before using assets from tax-deferred IRA accounts. Investors should consider selling assets that would produce the lowest taxable gain, or even realize a loss (if possible). Once all taxable assets have been depleted, the next decision is to spend either from tax-deferred or taxfree (Roth) IRA accounts. Generally speaking, if the investor expects to be in a higher marginal tax bracket in the future, they should draw from the tax-deferred IRA first and the Roth IRA second; vice versa if the investor expects to be in a lower marginal tax bracket in the future. Of course, there may be other goals and objectives which may reverse some of the ordering, so it is important that you consult with a professional before making any decisions.
My bank and brokerage accounts allow me to designate beneficiaries of my accounts upon my death. Do I still need a trust or Will? John M. Compton, J.D., LL.M. Taxation, Norton, Hammersley, Lopez & Skokos, P.A., 941.954.4691 Probate is only necessary for transferring property titled in your sole name. Non-Probate Assets pass automatically at death because they are governed by contract or state law. Non-Probate Assets include (i) jointly-titled property with rights of survivorship, such as bank accounts, real estate or stock, and (ii) financial and insurance products with beneficiary designations, such as bank accounts, brokerage accounts, 401(k)s, defined benefit or defined contribution plans, insurance policies, annuities and IRAs. If all of your assets are jointly titled with rights of survivorship or contain valid beneficiary designations, then your assets will pass to your beneficiaries without a Will or trust. If you elect to transfer your assets through joint titling and the use of beneficiary designations, it is still important to have at least a Will in place. In the event that there is an issue with a beneficiary designation (i.e., the beneficiary predeceased you), the account may pass to your estate. A Will may be necessary to pass the account to your heirs. While bank and brokerage accounts may be jointly titled or contain beneficiary designations, this method does not replace the desire for some individuals to have a trust. A trust may contain provisions that apply when a beneficiary predeceases you. A trust may also contain provisions that allow the share of a beneficiary to be held in trust until the beneficiary reaches certain ages. Finally, a trust may also protect assets from issues that a beneficiary may have such as creditors, divorce or chemical dependency.
46
SCENE
|
August 2016
Remember When‌ A handshake meant more than just a greeting? Trust was something that was earned and never assumed or taken for granted? Good customer service was the standard and not the exception? You could actually speak with a live person on the other end of a service call? Your best interests aligned with your firm's and that was all that mattered? Well, we do too. Common courtesy, professionalism and integrity are the cornerstones by which we build our relationships with our clients. We are proud of opening the newest office of Raymond James in Lakewood Ranch and look forward to continuing to support the LWR community. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc Member FINRA/SIPC
Joshua Lowe | Branch Manager | 8470 Enterprise Circle | Suite 102 | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Phone: 941.914.9440 | raymondjames.com/joshualowe
LEARNING FOR A LIFETIME Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy By Ryan G. Van Cleave
48
SCENE
|
August 2016
A
ccording to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly half of the U.S. adult population is enrolled in some type of lifelong learning opportunity. For this demographic, it’s not about learning skills to do better at a job — it’s more about the active pursuit of knowledge and experience to simply enjoy life more fully. Plus, engaging in lifelong learning has additional benefits, such as improving memory, keeping one’s mind active and increasing self-confidence. It’s also an inexpensive way to try something new. It’s no surprise, then, that an organization like The Lifelong Learning Academy (LLA) has been extremely popular since it was created 18 years ago. Just this summer, however, it merged with Ringling College of Art and Design to become Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA).
Director Janna Overstreet says the partnership
Benefits & Class Offerings
makes a lot of sense. “We’ve grown by nearly
One of the immediate benefits RCLLA will
40% in the past three years, so we outgrew
enjoy once renovations on the building are
our existing space at University of South
completed — that goal is fall 2017 — is that
Florida
explains.
they’ll have the ability for 500 students to be
“More than that, we had the desire to reach
Sarasota-Manatee,”
she
in classrooms at any given hour. Right now,
the boomer population — the younger
the maximum is 300. And room size is also an
older population of retirees — and we also
issue. Currently, their largest classrooms can
needed to be able to have late afternoon and
only house 50 students. In the new space?
evening classes. We needed a partner who
They’ll have rooms that can accommodate
would embrace our mission and be on the
80 students.
same path we were.” Enter Ringling College, whose historic Sarasota High School building
“We have long waiting lists for many of
is earmarked to house Ringling’s Community
our classes,” Overstreet says. “Our most
Education programs in order to conveniently
popular ones are history, current/social
reach that same population. Overstreet says,
events and literature. For example, when we
“It just made sense to us. Instead of having
offer our Great Books course that allows 24
another lifelong learning program in town,
students to be enrolled, registration opens
we take the best of what we do and what
at midnight and by 8 a.m., it’s always fully
Ringling’s Continuing Studies and Special
enrolled. Always. The same thing happens
Programs (CSSP) does. It’s a win-win.”
with our course on short stories where students read and discuss contemporary
Ringling
College
President
Dr.
Larry
Thompson adds, “A clear leader in educational
short fiction. We have a lot of high-interest courses in our catalog.”
programming for adults and retirees, LLA brings to the table over 17 years of expertise
One of the other benefits of the merger is
serving thousands of students through its
that at every level, Ringling College is known
distinct learning programs. We look forward
for its first-rate art instruction. The old LLA
to working together to best meet the needs of
certainly had a few studio art classes, but
this region’s adult learning population.”
nothing compared to what their students can August 2016
|
SCENE
49
ABOVE: Academy Adventure trip to Las Teraza, Cuba RIGHT: Behind the scenes at the Sarasota Opera
now get through CSSP. RCLLA offers every type of class
in an open and thoughtful exchange of ideas, opinions
from Film Noir to Advanced Meditation, from Exploring the
and information. It is a place to flex the brain, find
World and Art of Vincent Van Gogh to How Jazz Works,
gratification in being acknowledged for what you know
from Master of the Dance to the Imperial Court of Iran to
and to be humbled by the knowledge of others.” Each
Florida’s Maritime Past. There are also plenty of practical,
Einstein’s Circle session has a different moderator who is
skill-based courses, too, such as iPhone for Beginners,
experienced in the topic for that meeting. Like all RCLLA
Improving Your Relationships — Do You Hear What I’m
events, it’s quite affordable — $6 for general admission,
Not Saying?, and Beginners’ Hebrew. Issues particular to
$5 for RCLLA members.
an older demographic are equally well represented, with courses such as Preparing for Financial Challenges Due to
This fall term, the Academy will launch a new program,
Life Transitions, Evidence-Based Preventive Medicine, and
“Academy Talks,” which will introduce new instructors to
Advance Care Planning Workshop.
the larger RCLLA community of learners in the semester prior to teaching a course. Over the next few months,
One of the more interesting and most popular courses
“Academy Talks” will be given by an expert on sea
follows the work of the Supreme Court and their decisions.
turtles, a former senior official of the national intelligence
With the expert facilitation of two retired attorneys, the
community, and a life coach who specializes in reinventing
students review and discuss every upcoming Supreme
one’s life after change. The format for “Academy Talks” will
Court case over their eight-week curriculum. After
be an interview followed by a question-and-answer period.
researching each case, they weigh the pros and cons and ultimately try to decide how the decision will play out.
Volunteer & Donation Needs
Over the summer, the instructors of the course write up
Retirees primarily teach RCLLA courses, with many of them
lengthy documents on all the decisions made in court
being former university professors, attorneys, doctors and
and how those fell in line with (or not!) what the class
businesspeople. Their real-world experience rivals that
thought would happen.
of many current university professors. What’s especially remarkable is that all 120 generous faculty members teach
RCLAA does more than just pure classroom experiences.
these courses only for — as Overstreet calls it — “gas money.”
They also take educational trips, such as last year’s trip to Cuba, or this coming fall’s 13-day trip to Israel led by Dr.
Dr. Jerry Bladdick, Assistant Vice President and Director
Steven Derfler, an archaeologist, historian and veteran
for Continuing Studies and Special Programs at Ringling
Israel traveler. They also have Einstein’s Circle — a place
College, says, “Our instructors are phenomenal. Doctors.
“where people gather to listen, to learn and to engage
Retired judges. Military personnel. CEOs. MBAs. PhDs.
50
SCENE
|
August 2016
“Curiosity never leaves you. Desire never leaves you. The drive to know more and challenge yourself leads to an enriching life of self-fulfillment.”
ABOVE: An Einstein's Circle lecture RIGHT: Students in Al Jones' American History class
Former college presidents. You get a first-class experience
Director and explain their financial situation. On a case-
in any of these courses.”
by-case basis, help is given out as needed. Overstreet’s example of this assistance is about a woman who called
Indeed, giving and volunteering is at the heart of
to thank them for all the classes she’s taken in the past,
RCLLA. It’s a 501(c)3 non-profit, after all, with the
but then explained that she’d run into financial hardship
goal of providing low-cost courses to our community.
and wouldn’t be able to take any more. Overstreet told her
Overstreet says they only have four full-time employees,
about the program, which was able to cover the tuition
but as far as volunteers go? At least 130, she says, who
for her as well as buy her the books she needed to take a
do everything from staffing the registration desk to
course this summer.
helping set up for parties to keeping databases up to date. “They do practically everything,” she says.
“Not a week goes by that she hasn’t stopped in to thank us, saying how grateful she is for the opportunity to be in
One of the big changes over the past few years is how
that class again,” says Overstreet. “It’s really such a little
classes are delivered. It used to be that almost all classes
thing we’re doing for her, but to her, it’s making a huge
met once a week for either six or eight weeks. Now they
difference in her life. Our courses are having an impact in
have plenty of one-offs — single full-day or half-day
her life every single week. That’s so rewarding.”
sessions. They also have courses that meet twice a week for only two weeks.
RCLLA can always use help, whether it’s time, money or expertise that can translate into them having a new
“As a result of our increasingly flexible class options,”
faculty member. If any of these options appeal to you,
says Overstreet, “we’re beginning to see a more diverse
send a note to info@thelifelonglearningacademy.com and
group of people enjoying lifelong learning. Being flexible
share your interest. They’ll LOVE to hear from you.
in when and how we deliver our offerings is really starting to help.” Part of that diversity isn’t just adding in new
“Curiosity never leaves you. Desire never leaves you,”
days and times for courses, but bringing in new course
says Overstreet about her students and lifelong learning
subjects that students want, such as classes on the iPad,
in general. “The drive to know more and challenge
life after retirement and contemporary authors.
yourself leads to an enriching life of self-fulfillment.”
Another thing they’ve done to ensure the courses are
For more information on Ringling College Lifelong Learning
available to community members who want them is to start
Academy, please visit thelifelonglearningacademy.com
up a scholarship fund. Students in need simply contact the
or call 941.309.5111. August 2016
|
SCENE
51
52
SCENE
|
August 2016
THE
POWER OF BALANCE Studies show that 40% of us will have a balance issue at some point in our lives. This is particularly true as we age. To find out how why this is and how we can maintain or improve our balance, we asked the experts at Sarasota Orthopedic Associates for their advice. “Proper balance is important to daily living. A good sense of balance helps us bend over without falling, rise from a chair without tumbling, turn without tipping over, and walk without stumbling. Balance is critical to maintain our independence and enjoy our daily life. Good balance functions as a result of many systems in our body working in harmony. The eyes, ears (vestibular system), and sense of surroundings, when working properly together, help us to stay upright. These tell the brain how to communicate with our musculoskeletal system and maintain balance. While the aging process is a major contributor to balance issues, there are other factors that serve as a catalyst to see your physician. Any number of things may cause a balance disorder (feeling unsteady or dizzy) including: ear infection, head injury, medication,
August 2016
|
SCENE
53
low blood pressure, vision problems, arthritis, inner ear infection, brain disorder, and weak muscles or bones. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) says one-third of adults over 65 fall each year and, among those even older, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Falls and injuries contribute almost 30% of emergency room visits with over 20% of those occurring from accidental falls in the senior population. This risk increases with age and occurs largely in the home where loose rugs and slippery floors are major hazards. “Fall Prevention Week” is in September but any time is an appropriate to learn how to avoid common accidental falls. Sometimes falls happen because we’re having a clumsy day or simply not paying attention. Falls are the #2 leading cause of accidental deaths in the world. Falling is not limited to the aging process; toddlers learning to walk and even young children on playground equipment are candidates.
Most accidental falls occur for reasons we might be able to control: • Some medications have been known to cause dizziness. Read labels, check with your pharmacist, and tell you doctor about all your medications. • Poor balance may be caused by any number of things including ear infections, low blood pressure, arthritis, and blurry eyesight. • Lack of activity allows muscles to atrophy; regular exercise helps keep muscles and bones strong and resilient. Always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. • Improper footwear (flip flops, high heels, and poorly fitting shoes) can put the body into imbalance and contribute to a mishap. • Check your home for loose rugs, spills, poor lighting, and walkway hazards. • If you’ve had a previous fall, you may have a weakened joint, muscle, tendon, or ligament. Strengthening the muscles may help avoid future tumbles. • And finally, alas, the aging process makes us more susceptible to accidental falls so it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, keep weight in check, reduce stress levels, and exercise regularly.
As we age, our sense of balance deteriorates. The good news? There are simple things we can do to slow the process. Build balance – stand on one leg for 30 seconds (hold on to a counter for support) and increase your time each day. Stretch your calves properly to build strength in legs and feet. Ride a bike to build bone density and strengthen muscles. Build your core with plank exercises. Most important … KEEP MOVING. One of our favorite phrases is “motion is lotion” and exercise is our best defense against many conditions.” If you’re feeling “out of sorts” and off-balance, contact your primary care physician without delay. There IS help to improve your balance.
54
SCENE
|
August 2016
A Wonderful Way To
™
There’s so much to do at Autumn… We want you to know about it all! A move-in concierge will help your loved one during their transition to a new, wonderful life at Autumn. Learn all about: – Fun Activities – Delicious Dining Options – Entertainment – Making Friends – So Much More!
All-Inclusive Pricing. Call Now To Learn More!
A Wonderful Opportunity at Autumn of Sarasota! Save NOW on your private, all-inclusive assisted living memory care residence. – In-house, 24-hour nursing care – Family-style social areas – Beauty salon – Delicious dining choices – traditional favorites, Mediterranean-style and gluten free – State-of-the-art security system throughout – Bring your pet!
Autumn of Sarasota| 941.444.9398 3251 Proctor Road | Sarasota, Florida 34231 info@AutumnALF.com | AutumnALF.com Autumn of Sarasota Assisted Living License #AL12551
Healing Waters
By Jacqueline Miller
It has helped people with Scleroderma, muscle and joint pain, poor circulation and a host of other ailments. Could it have been the sacred, restorative waters Ponce de Leon set sail to find in the early 1500s? Probably not, but it is certainly a mineral-rich body of water well known for it healing properties. Best yet? It is only a half hour drive from Sarasota. It’s called Warm Mineral Springs and it is owned and operated by the city of North Port. 56
SCENE
|
August 2016
According to its website, geologically, Warm Mineral Springs is a solution hole descending into one of the deepest Florida aquifers. The water flowing from this spring is anaerobic (low in oxygen) and is believed to have been trapped underground for over thirty thousand years at depths exceeding 7000 feet. Under these great pressures, the water is geothermally heated to 97º degrees Fahrenheit and flows from several small caves located on the northern wall at depths from 195 to 210 feet. As the water rises towards the surface, it mixes with cooler water from colder vents. When it reaches the surface, the temperature drops to 85º degrees Fahrenheit. Eight million gallons of water per day flow down a natural run on the surface and eventually into the Gulf of Mexico. In the past 50 years, there have been several archaeological projects conducted in and around Warm Mineral Springs. William Royal conducted the first of these projects during which he discovered extinct animal bones, including remains of saber tooth tigers, giant sloths and tortoises and even camels, stalactite formations and human remains. The most incredible discovery was that of a ten thousand year old human skull that contained brain matter. This discovery changed the time of Homosapien movement across North America to four thousand years earlier than previously believed. Small in size at an acre and a half, Warm Mineral Springs contains more than 51 different minerals, each with its own health benefits that are absorbed through the skin, re-mineralizing the body to promote better health. Chemical analysis of the water has revealed a total mineral content of 17,439 parts per million, significantly more times the mineral content of other famed international spas such as Vichy and Aix Les Bains in France, Hot Springs in Arkansas, and Baden-Baden in Germany. Its high mineral density also makes the water very buoyant so bathers can enjoy effortless swimming and weight-free movement. Europeans currently make up about 65 percent of the visitors to Warm Mineral Springs and most have been coming back for decades because of the therapeutic benefits. It’s time that those who live in Southwest Florida understand the value of having Warm Mineral Springs right in our backyard. Twenty dollars buys you a day pass and lets you enjoy swimming all day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., lawn chairs, a gift shop with sundry items and souvenirs. There are even exercise classes. Until August 31, the Springs are open for evening swimming from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Residents 18 and older can swim for $6 and nonresidents for $8. Children ages 6 to 17 can swim for $5, children ages 2-5 can swim for $2 and children under the age of 2 can swim for free. For more information call 941.429.1692 or visit warmmineral.com. August 2016
|
SCENE
57
“The idea of an escape room is simple enough. It’s an immersive physical gaming experience in which a team of people are “locked” in a room and must escape within a specific time period. How do you get out? By solving puzzles through creativity, critical thinking, careful observation and teamwork.”
I’ve been aching to head back to Escape Countdown to test my mettle against the clue-filled rooms since I kind of cheated last time when busting free in the “Jail Break” scenario in relatively short fashion. No, I didn’t break any rules nor did I ask people who’d previously gone through it to cough up the secrets. I simply had my regular board gaming group with me and with that much geek-power, we tore through the puzzles and challenges pretty swiftly. This time? I took my wife to “An Evening in Paris,” a special romance-themed escape room that’s perfect for date night. The only real problem? It was just the two of us. We didn’t have a troop of savvy gamers to save the day. The idea of an escape room is simple enough. It’s an immersive physical gaming experience in which a team of people — anyone from the quite young to the quite old — are “locked” in a room/set of rooms and must escape within a specific time period. For Escape Countdown rooms, that’s one hour. How do you get out? By solving puzzles through creativity, critical thinking, careful observation and teamwork. “You aren’t really locked up,” notes Chief Operating Officer Renee Ryckman, because
58
SCENE
|
August 2016
some people worry about potentially feeling claustrophobic. There’s a big button you can press that immediately lets you out if you need the restroom or simply want a break. “There aren’t any physical challenges either, so it’s acceptable for anyone regardless of age or physical limitations. It requires brain power, not brawn!” Escape Countdown opened in February 2016 and continues to add additional escape room options to keep frequent escapees — like me — coming back for more. In addition to “Jail Break” and “An Evening in Paris,” they’ve got an Alice in Wonderland themed escape called “Mad Hatter.” This summer marks the launch of a circus-themed room, “The Big Top,” which is surely going to be popular in our community. A few months later, people can get their intergalactic fix through “Mission to Mars.” All are designed for 8-10 people except “An Evening in Paris,” which can accommodate 3 or 4, but works best with 2. One note: if you don’t come with a full team of people and it’s busy, you might get paired with strangers. But that might be a good thing. Who knows? They might be gamers!
August 2016
|
SCENE
59
Another note: Escape Countdown hosts parties. For a friend’s birthday, my 12-year-old daughter took on the “Mad Hatter” escape with eight other middle schoolers. They had a blast and they made it out in the final moments of their hour window. “It was challenging but really exciting!” explained my daughter when I asked her about the experience. But back to my mental tests on the Seine River; honestly, my wife and I didn’t start off too well. We had a pile of clues and plenty of ideas on how to solve them, but nothing was coming together.
Thermage stimulates your body’s natural renewal of collagen, which creates subtle, natural-looking results with little or no downtime.
“This is going to be pretty embarrassing if we don’t get out,” I whispered to her, fully aware that we, as teams are in all escape rooms, being watched on video camera and listened to via microphones. That’s so the Escape Countdown guest hosts can send clues to stumped people via the video screen that shows the current status of the one-hour countdown. “I think I’ll lie and tell the SCENE readers that we got out in time no matter what happens.” I kind of expected a note on the screen from a laughing guest host, something like: “We’ll tell!” But it never came. Thankfully.
A Single Treatment Helps Create: • Smoother skin • Softened wrinkles and lines • Improved contours and firmness on the face, eyes, and body No surgery or injections
MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE
$100 OFF
YOUR 1ST THERMAGE TREATMENT (LIMITED TIME OFFER)
Sarasota’s ONLY 5x Black Diamond Award Provider
941.953.2210 | EstetikaSkin.com
2068 Hawthorne Street, Suite 101 | Sarasota THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR 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.
60
SCENE
|
August 2016
Ryckman knows her stuff, having gone through approximately 50 escape rooms around the world, including ones in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, London, Budapest, Paris, New York, Nashville, and Orlando. “The entire process, from initial discussion to opening our doors, was about two years,” she explains. One thing she knows is that participants can’t get enough of them. So Escape Countdown continues to grow and grow. And if you complete all the rooms here, don’t worry — she owns another one in Tampa that has a few different themes, such as “Pirates of Gaspar Island” and an under-construction superhero room. Plus there are plans to build one in Atlanta, too. She adds, “With life being so busy, I don’t think we allow ourselves time to escape for a bit and just have fun.” After our successful “Evening in Paris” escape, my wife and I couldn’t agree more. We’ll be back to test our wits inside “The Big Top” before long! For more information on Escape Countdown (6525 S. Tamiami Trail), please visit escapecountdown.com or call 941.202.5288. They’re open Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday from noon to 8:00 pm, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday and Tuesday, and noon to 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
I OFFER
LIST YOUR PROPERTY WITH ME AND YOUR FORECLOSURE DEFENSE IS FREE!*
HOME INSURANCE
OPTIONS
Here in Florida, your choice is clear. Everyone likes options. My office not only offers car insurance backed by a company with 80 years of experience, but also offers home insurance from several companies. Call me today!
George Dakkak, CLU, ChFC 941-921-6630
Allstate has no financial responsibility to you for any home insurance policy you purchase and would not be responsible for any claims. Allstate does not make any representations or accept liability related to operations of home insurance companies, including, but not limited to, their financial conditions. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Š 2012 Allstate Insurance Co.
104381
3629 Webber Street, Suite A Sarasota georgedakkak@allstate.com
At Solutions Realty, we work in conjunction with a Board Certified Real Estate Attorney to defend your foreclosure and negotiate your short sale approval.
Our Company has a proven track record of success in listing and selling underwater property. We have helped many homeowners solve their real estate problems through a short sale. Call today to see if we can help you too. *Call today to learn more about our programs
(941) 302-4812 500 S. Washington Blvd, Ste. 400 Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.solutionssarasota.com Michael B. Edwards, Broker Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certified by National Association of Realtors
SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW
A Life of Good Living & Giving Gus Mollasis Interviews Harold Ronson
When your initials are HR, as in “home run,” it’s no surprise that as a kid you loved baseball. If you grew up in the borough of Brooklyn, you rooted for “Dem Bums” – the Brooklyn Dodgers – with all your heart, until they broke your heart and left town in 1957. It’s also no surprise that as someone who loves sports, you would also love tennis, even as you approach your ninth decade on the planet, and occasionally find yourself down fortylove in a set-clinching game among pals you’ve played with for years. Yes, between the games of youth and the games of an older age, Harold Ronson has lived a full and interesting life with a zest and appreciation of those who come from the Greatest Generation – a generation whose collective mantra seems to be that no one owes you anything; life is hard, but life is beautiful, and should be lived with gusto. His journey has taken him from his stoop days of Brooklyn listening to stories from his eccentric father, to his latest stop, Longboat Key, where he lives a good and grateful life with his companion Molly. In between Brooklyn and Longboat Key is a life very few have experienced – a life filled trials, success, sadness and joy. Ronson joined the Navy, serving his country most honorably in World War II, and he is one of few remaining who can tell you firsthand about his experience of landing at Iwo Jima. Along the way, he met a girl named Kay, got married, had a family and learned not only how to make a buck, but also how to give away a buck to help others. When we talked at Ronson’s Gulf-view condo, it was easy to envision him at Ebbets Field, and imagine him as a Navy man in the South Pacific, as we took a look at some scenes from an interview of his life. 62
SCENE
|
August 2016
Where were you born? Brooklyn, New York.
Were you a Brooklyn Dodgers fan? Brooklyn Dodgers fan all the way until they packed up and left town.
Did you go to a lot of games as a kid? We did. It was the thing to do. It was a dime. Ten cents and we would go to the game. In the summertime, nobody went away. Who the hell had money?
Draw for me a scene from your childhood. It was difficult. My father only went to the eighth grade. He was a milkman and he had to work nights and days. In the wintertime, he would move out of Brooklyn to the beginning of Long Island. People went out there for the summer so the milk followed them out there. Do you know what it is to run up and down steps for a quart of milk? Nobody could tell you about it. Up and down the stairs.
But he took you to ballgames? Yeah, we went to ballgames. That was what the old man’s life was — it was built around the game. I can still see the ballpark in my mind. My favorite Dodgers? I liked Dolph Camilli and Cookie Lavagetto. These guys were great. We started to go when we were seven, eight and nine. We went every day. The line formed across the street. You had to have a dime and you went in. Penny for a candy.
What was the greatest thing you learned from your parents? My mother only lived to 44, but she taught us, as best she could, a sense of values — like doing the right thing and helping people out. My father went to work at 1:30 in the morning and worked until the morning, and then he came home and slept, and then went to the ballgame. Every Sunday we had a box for four. The kids were there. It’s a great memory.
What do you see as the biggest difference in kids growing up in your era versus kids today? Our days, up until the time I was 17 and joined the Navy, everything had to do with economics. We didn’t have any money. So we went here and we went there. My mom used to send me to the museum when I was 12 or 13 to get some schooling. I would do puzzles there. You can’t tell kids today what it was like; they don’t understand. And don’t forget I went through the corporate life and I have been through the exposure to people. The biggest difference in kids today is that, I guess, they feel they’ve got a lot coming to them. This cousin is going here and someone is taking a cruise there. Who the hell went cruising? I went cruising to the South Pacific. (Laughs)
Tell me about your calling to serve your country. When I went to join the Navy at 17, the guy said, “You can’t join. You’re not old enough.” The War was on. This was
1944. We went into a room and we wrote down what we had to write so that we could join the service. So I brought a letter with me that I wrote myself which said, “Please accept my son in the Navy.” I wrote it because I wanted to get into the service. There was a calling and I wanted to serve my country.
Can you share one war story that sticks out in your mind? Going onto the beach at Iwo Jima, which was a hell of place to go in. I will never forget the story. We were approaching the beach, and the guy next to me — it’s like it is happening right in front of me — was firing a machine gun. I was feeding it, and suddenly he got hit in the face, but not seriously. There was an explosion and he was hit by a piece of the weapon. He fell to the ground, and I got hysterical. This was on the boat going to the beach. It’s stuff like that. You don’t think about it and you don’t talk about it a lot, but it’s a moment in the service that I never forgot.
What was World War II like? Was it what you expected it to be? I had eight weeks of training and boot camp at Lake Geneva. We jumped off things and learned to swim. At the end of eight weeks I went home for five days. That’s all I was home for the whole of my service days. I went to California by train. There are things in the service that you never forget. I will go to my grave with those stories. I just had a party, two months ago, my big birthday party, and I had 50 guys here, who I knew that served in World War II. One guy, Marvin Black, was there. He’s 91, and you would never know it. It was great and wonderful hanging out with all of them. I go out to dinner every April 1st with him. For 25 years we’ve been doing it. I meet him for dinner; first we went with our wives, then he lost his wife, and then I lost my wife, but we kept it up. He had a girlfriend, and then I had one, and we still got together. I still play tennis with the guys, but as I’ve gotten older, I’m not as competitive, and not the player that I used to be.
What did World War II teach you about the world? It taught me that I had to do better if I wanted to get ahead and go somewhere. What did I do when I got out of the service? I boxed around for a while, and then I got accepted into school. I went to Philadelphia Textile Institute; it’s now called Philadelphia University. But I went there, never finishing high school. The guys were quitting school. Everybody was joining the service. We had a theater in Brooklyn. You know how people are packed in Brooklyn. We sat in rows waiting to get our enlistment paperwork done. It was a sense of patriotism. Nothing else.
You have said that you came close to meeting your maker. Yes. It was April 12th, my birthday, and it was also my father’s birthday. And all hell broke loose that night. It was kamikaze this and kamikaze that. The whole world was coming apart that night. These people were so bitter, and we were protecting ourselves. We ran this flat bottom boat onto the
August 2016
|
SCENE
63
beach. We were in shallow water, maybe a foot or two deep. A Japanese bomber came by and took a look at us. I can see that guy’s face right in front of me right now. He dropped a torpedo and the torpedo went underneath us and came up on the other side of us on the beach and exploded.
I took her to temple and when she walked in the door, she knew everyone there. She had been studying for months and I knew nothing about it. It was unbelievable — kind of like stuff that was in storybooks. She went on and got graduate degrees and taught psychological nursing.
Was that a life-changing moment in terms of how you would go on to live your life?
You have said that no one had a happier marriage than you did. Tell us why.
No. But I felt lucky. I didn’t do anything skillful. We had a year of intensive combat. Then we had a year of occupation duty. The War ended and we were selected to go to China. There were 60 landing crafts and we were one of the dozen that went to do service so I didn’t get home until August 1946.
We got along so well and we did things together. I didn’t have a mind like I have today, for doing something by myself. I don’t know what it was. She went to work nights for a while and practiced nursing, and then I started to travel internationally. It was a different time. But I do believe in destiny and that things lined up for us.
Tell me about your school days and getting your first job. I got out of college in 1951 from Philadelphia Textile Institute. I guess I was just happy to get a job. I’m still on the board there and semi-active with the school.
Tell me about your business life and the biggest thing you learned that you could never learn in school. Those days were so difficult, and then suddenly you got a job. I learned my business that way. I took a job for $75 a week at a textile mill and I was glad to have it. It went well and I did a good job at what I did. Then, when I wanted $90 a week and went to the boss and asked for it, he was insulted that I was pushing him a little. But that’s how it worked. Everything was a push until you became a boss. Then the textile mills started to close. The old man wanted to close the company and said, “I’m 85 years old. I’ve had enough. We haven’t made any money in ten years. I’m closing up the place.” So, I got a call from a guy — that was the biggest break in my life. He said, “How do you like the company and how would you like to run it?” Run the company? I didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. I was in a tunnel. The first day I had the company, I had a strike. But it took many, many years to climb that fence. I didn’t know anything else. I just went out there and did it. I had a good time, and eventually I sold the textile mill to Hanes Underwear.
Tell me about falling in love with your wife Kay. We got married in 1955. When I met her, she was a 20-year-old nurse, a schoolgirl. This was out of a storybook. She was an RN, a nurse who worked out in the woods in New York State, for which I always kidded her. She had a boyfriend and she was very attractive. In the summertime of 1954, I was in bed sick and there was a polio epidemic. I called her on a Sunday and asked her to come over because, as I told her, “I think I have polio.” I didn’t have any polio. (Laughs) So she came over with a doctor. She brought a doctor with her and I was so impressed. We started to date and then we got married. Kay was a very devout Catholic. She said, “I want to know what your religion is all about.” I said, “What do you mean – you want to know about my religion? Forget about it.”
64
SCENE
|
August 2016
You had the talent and ability of making a buck. What was the secret to your success? I established very good clients and relationships and built them myself. I took care of them. I had an account in Georgia that I sold three million pounds of fiber to, and I had a year to ship it. Three million pounds of fiber for spinning! I followed up on it every 100,000 pounds, to a half million to a million pounds. Three trucks a week went from our plant to their plant. A truck load was 40,000 pounds, so we would ship three trailers a week. We had so much comedy around the place. There was always something wacko happening we never took things seriously, but somehow it worked out.
Where do you think you got that from? I got it from my old man. My old man (after his milkman days) was a cab driver and quite a character. He died at the biggest seafood restaurant in Brooklyn, eating seven out of the ten foods he was forbidden to eat, in one meal. He was something else. He was 70 when he passed and he was eating all this crap. I used to go to Coney Island, to this thing called Sports Incorporated where the Brooklyn Dodgers would meet kids on Saturday with three of their stars. We’d go there and they’d show you how to hit. We loved it. My old man would take me to Coney Island and put some food in front of me while he ducked in for oysters, which Jews don’t eat. Every week it was something else. I took the baton from him. He covered up his schemes, my mom would come along, and I’d blow them up telling her, “He’s in eating oysters.” Those are memories from a long time ago. I was a bit of a rascal like him and liked to have fun, and now I have fun here in Florida.
You have been very philanthropic and have been able to give a buck away with the best of them. What has made you so giving? It’s probably because of where I come from, and being raised during the Depression. Also, the fact that suddenly things got much better, and I had a buck and could do some of those things, like give money to students in my school through a fund that I established.
Tom Brokaw & Harold Ronson
Tell me about how the Ronson House came to be. I got a call from a guy who I went to school with asking for a donation, and he told me he had been working for the school for 25 years. I asked how much he needed. He said, “Send us like $500.” So he sent me a request and I sent him $25,000 dollars. Well, he almost had a stroke.
Tell me about your involvement with Tom Brokaw and The Institute on WWII and the Human Experience. I went to a dinner in Tallahassee that Tom Brokaw was attending. He was a chairman of the group and I was just a member of the group. I said that they’re going to ask us for money, and I asked him, “What are you going to give them?” He said, “I don’t know. I’ll think of something.” He was such an honest and great guy. He raised his hand and said, “I’ll kick the thing off with $100,000.” So I was sitting there and said, “Okay, me too.” That’s how we got involved there. (Note: The Institute on World War II and the Human Experience originated in 1997 and is located on the campus of Florida State University. Its mission is to preserve the memories and artifacts of the men and women who served in World War II. The Institute maintains a collection of diaries, letters, photographs, memorabilia and comparable materials related to the everyday experiences of the participants in World War II. The largest and most significant collection is that of Tom Brokaw, author of The Greatest Generation, The Greatest Generation Speaks, and An Album of Memories. Brokaw donated his collection of letters and other materials used in his research for these best-selling books.)
Tell us about your involvement in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. My wife passed from the disease. In recent years, I have thrown my efforts behind an organization in New York City that is battling Alzheimer’s. I got involved largely because of my wife. August 2016
|
SCENE
65
You are also involved with the Senior Friendship Center in Sarasota. It’s a great cause and I give them a fixed amount of money each year. They do a lot of things, and I have made speeches and given talks there.
What is your best quality as a human being? I think I have sensitivity toward other people.
You’ve encountered many people along the way. What have you found the human condition to be? To be a good guy. A lot of people are just trying to make it.
Are you still a New York City boy at heart? I was just in New York last week. And the city has changed in the last year or two. It’s got millions of people running around. Loose. I don’t know whether I like it or not. Some of it I like, and some I don’t like. I still get a charge when I go to New York, because I still am a city boy. I grew up on a stoop playing stoop ball and kick the can.
Finish the following sentences: World War II taught me…
Perfect for those times when you don’t want or have time to cook but still crave something delicious. Morton’s kitchen offers an amazing array of gourmet entrees and comfort foods, all prepared from scratch and packaged to go. Save time, money and effort while savoring the city’s best take-out, hands down. Don’t miss our huge selection of freshly made salads too!
Safety. When I think of the service, I think of danger. I was on a boat that was no bigger than from here to that wall. That was the size of this thing. I thought that when I got to San Pedro I was going to be put on a ship. They said, “That’s the ship.” It didn’t even have a name. It had a number on it — 1012. Oh, the abuse it took! Shelling. I was worried, but I wasn’t that scared all the time. It bounced off. We had gun drills all night, hour after hour. It was rough.
True love is … A kindness toward the one you live with.
My children are… A pain in the ass. (Laughs) No, they’re great kids.
My one hope for the world is… Peace and quiet.
Giving something back is … The way to go.
The greatest generation was the greatest because… We were the noisiest.
I have been blessed because… I have been blessed – away from my brothers, all of them, and I’m still here.
Historic Southside Village 1924 South Osprey Avenue Sarasota ∙ (941) 955-9856 MortonsMarket.com 66
SCENE
|
August 2016
First thing that comes to your mind: Iwo Jima… Fear.
Coney Island… Fun and games.
Ebbets Field… Also fun and games.
An ace in tennis or a good long volley… An ace.
Since you are a big sports fan, tell me about how you covered more major sporting events than Bob Costas? I used to go to the US Open, which was next to Shea Stadium. The finals were 4:00 on Sunday. We would go to the Mets game at 1:00 and then go to the Open at 4:00. I was a season ticket holder. At one time, I had season tickets for the Mets, Yankees, Jets and Rangers, as well as tickets to the US Open. Each year I had 25 tickets that I would give away to clients and friends. It was fun. I gave them up three years ago.
What’s your secret to staying in such good shape? I take care of myself, within reason. Back in the day, I took the military physical fitness test and I placed third or fourth out of over 550 guys. I did sit ups, push-ups, pull-ups and I ran a mile. I even did 12 push-ups this morning.
How did you find your way to Longboat Key? I was working in South Carolina at our headquarters when I got a call from a friend from Philly who told me we were playing a tennis tournament at The Colony on Longboat Key. It had just opened up — it was 1974. I said all right. We did well in the tournament and we went back the next year. The second year I got my wife to come down. There were 26 apartments available then at The Aquarius Club. Nobody bought them then. My wife told me I was always talking about it so she said just go buy one. So I bought an apartment. I said, “I don’t know when I’m going to use it.” She said, “You’ll figure it out.” And so I did. I’ve been in Sarasota for 41 years.
Molly Schechter & Harold Ronson
What is your favorite way to spend the day in Sarasota? Play a little tennis, go to a decent restaurant and go the opera. That’s a very good day.
What is the thing that you feel you got right in living this life? I don’t think that I ever bragged about myself. I felt that I was good with the guys. Guys would come to me who were short with money and I’d help them out.
Many years from now, when people bring up the name Harold Ronson, what’s the mark that you most want to have made with them? I’d like to be remembered as a good guy.
August 2016
|
SCENE
67
NEXT GEN SUCCESS By Sophie Landry
The morning commute for many starts early, with one hand on the wheel and one hand on a coffee cup, not really caring how quickly we get to work. But for Donald Carlson Jr., morning commutes are much different – it’s in a van, he has both hands on the wheel, and he is in a hurry, because he cares greatly about pleasing people who are very important to him – his dry cleaning customers. I called Carlson Cleaners (941.275.4647 | carlsoncleaners.com) on an early weekday morning, hoping to learn more about this young entrepreneur, his work ethic, and his plans for his company growth and continued success. An eager Donald Jr. answered, but couldn’t chat at that moment. Why? He was out on a delivery route, bright and early. His customers were expecting him at their home or office as he does twice every week. If that doesn’t speak to how dedicated this young entrepreneur is to his craft, nothing will. This free delivery service has become a large part of Donald Jr.’s business model, because he understands how valuable time is to his customers. “Do you know why Uber is one of the fastest growing companies in the world? Uber sells time! Time is our most precious commodity. In fact, I think it's why our free pick-up
68
SCENE
|
August 2016
and delivery service for dry cleaning and laundry is the fastest growing part of Carlson Cleaners. Nobody wants to waste their precious time driving to the cleaners,” said Donald. The delivery service is an indispensable part of the quality and attention to detail that the business prides itself on, and Donald Jr. loves steering that wheel. Another vital part of his strategy is pure, unadulterated hustle. Possessing an insatiable appetite for the best service and quality possible, he cited business mogul Jack Welch’s belief that entrepreneurs are always striving to reach the top of their game, but yet they never feel like they actually get there. It is that quest to continually improve and find better ways that motivates Donald Jr. every day. “I want to stay proud of what Carlson Cleaners has achieved, but never comfortable with it,” he said. “I believe if you have a good business model that serves a need, has a competitive advantage, and you are someone who is truly passionate and loves putting in the hard work, then you have a winning formula for success,” he said. Spoken like a seasoned entrepreneur. Carlson Cleaners has three locations – two in Sarasota and one in Venice. It is an environmentally conscious company that uses a safer alternative to PERC, a harsh chemical used by many dry cleaners, and also proudly posts on its Facebook page about the thousands of hangars they recycle each month.
In addition to dry cleaning
services, Carlson Cleaners offers area rug cleaning, alterations, shirt laundering, wedding gown preservation, bedspread and linen cleaning, and leather and suede cleaning. With young entrepreneurs like Donald helping shape our future, we should have a lot to look forward to for years to come.
August 2016
|
SCENE
69
EDUCATION
IQuest
Creative Games for the Curious
Locked in Tallant! By Ryan G. Van Cleave
For nearly 70 years, the South Florida Museum has
goal of these generous donors is to ensure that IQuest is an
been engaging community members and visitors, helping
academic opportunity for kids like their daughter, and sure-
us learn and explore new ideas in astronomy, archaeolo-
ly everyone is pleased with the results to date. Sprague ex-
gy, math, history and other exciting subjects. But the new
plains, “Each month, we have 20 to 30 who participate. But
IQuest program is their educational home run. The subtitle
the names and faces change. Since January, we’ve reached
reveals what this program is about: Creative Games for the
more than 200 different middle schoolers.”
Curious. In short, IQuest is designed to be a middle school
A recent IQuest program attendee from Pineville Mid-
academic and social enrichment program, and it’s been
dle School, Ava Hendricks, says, “IQuest is a very open en-
wildly successful since its launch this past January.
vironment where you can have fun and learn a lot about
Samantha Sprague, South Florida Museum’s Curator
natural history. There are a lot of different kinds of people,
of Education, explains that IQuest is for students who are
so you’re sure to fit in.” You can tell a lot about the program,
caught in the middle. Elementary school kids? They have a
too, by hearing from those who graduated, like Tia Biribau-
ton of things to do. They’re easy to handle in large groups,
er, who’s now aged out of it but still chooses to volunteer
and they like hands-on activities so they get plenty of sci-
as a teen leader. “I really like IQuest and I like stepping into
ence and other opportunities both in and out of school.
new shoes as a volunteer helper — I get to see things from
Middle schoolers though? They kind of get lost. People
a new perspective that way. I always learn something new
don’t know whether to treat them as kids or as adults. His-
each time and still have a lot of fun along the way!”
torically, they’ve been ignored when it comes to all types of academic programming.
While the program is for all middle schoolers, it really attracts those who are self-motivated students — those
Sprague wants that to change. She believes middle
with creative impulses and the capacity to do first-rate
school should be prime time for educational enrichment,
work. From the moment they walk in, they’re hoping for
saying, “It’s a chance to build on the concepts they’re
an advanced experience that goes beyond what they get in
learning in school and give young people hands-on ex-
the classroom. Sprague says, “We work hard to give them
periences in a wide range of areas. If you just give them a
what they want. In elementary school, kids simply get what
chance, they really get excited about learning.”
they get. With middle school, they finally have choices. If
The program is nearly 100% funded through an anon-
we don’t give them something they want, they won’t do it.”
ymous family who knows about middle schoolers missing
But what IQuest is offering resonates with the tweens.
out. This family’s own middle-school-aged daughter was
In June, they did a bioengineering project. The students ex-
eager and motivated, but found precious few outlets to
plored the museum to collect “DNA” from fossils over time,
pursue her academic interests outside of school. So the
then used specific traits from that DNA to engineer animals.
70
SCENE
|
August 2016
Students work to decode the DNA from Titanothere A terrifying security guard animal. A squishy, huggable new
planet,” says Sprague about this event, “so now let’s fill it
pet. A fast-moving creature that can be a source of transpor-
with lifeforms using the video game SPORE and examples
tation. Sure, the project was fun, but while they were having
of life on planet Earth.” With that video game, students will
all that fun, they were also exploring the biodiversity of Flor-
be able to watch individual organisms evolve and adapt in
ida’s history. And the results were awesome, says Sprague.
a particular environment.
The participants all created clay sculptures of their
What really pleases Sprague is how the students react
new animals, and many of those will be 3D scanned and
to each program. “Let’s do it again!” they say. Or “Make it
displayed on a theater screen to present them in the prop-
harder next time!” They want to be challenged. They want
er scale that the engineer intended. “IQuest is one of the
to learn. They want more. And every time they leave an
best programs I’ve ever been to,” says Valerie Van Cleave,
IQuest event, it’s with excitement for the next one.
whose engineered animal — a cat monster — received an award for Best Pet. “I haven’t missed a single one yet.”
Sprague hopes that down the road, versions of the IQuest program might be offered at other venues. It’s a
This fall marks the 50th anniversary of the Bishop
proven model, so why not spread it around for the good of
Planetarium — which, along with the Parker Manatee
the community? A program like this takes a lot of time and
Aquarium, is part of the South Florida Museum — so natu-
energy to do well, though, so she welcomes support and
rally, some of the upcoming IQuest programs connect with
volunteers. Especially welcome are educators and eager
space-related topics. On August 2, they’ll have the “Gravi-
high school students who can assist in the IQuest events.
ty Wells + Warp Drive” project to explore the challenge of
“IQuest is a chance for middle schoolers to have deep
how humans might one day get to explore the dark reaches
conversations and engage with issues in technology, sci-
of space through faster-than-light travel methods. Later that
ence, communication, art, and literature,” says Sprague.
month, they’ll offer “Design a Planet: Creating Worlds with
“It’s not work for them — it’s fun. And for many of the
Universe Sandbox,” which uses special simulation soft-
participants, it leads to a magical transformation.”
ware that allows students to create a world of their own
For more information on the IQuest program, please
devising. The September 10 program will be “Design a
visit the THINGS TO DO section of southfloridamuseum.org
Species: Creating Aliens with SPORE.” “You’ve designed a
or call 941.746.4131. August 2016
|
SCENE
71
Buzz
The
Around Town
I
By Suzette Jones
thought summer in Sarasota was supposed to be full of slow,
industry are thrilled to hire people with the experience and level of
steamy days and sultry nights. While steamy still fits the bill,
responsibility that comes with age. Plus, the hours typically fit well
the pace is anything but slow! With the end of our “off-season”
with a retired person’s desire for flexibility. Tour guides and docents
looming, events, activities and announcements continue to fill my
oftentimes are retirees with a thirst for knowledge, and it’s usually a
inbox. Take a deep breath, my busy bees, the humming activity is only
seasonal job, which fits well with a snowbird lifestyle. The pay can
going to increase! As I juggle work, family, community and creative
be zero to low, but in our area, the big benefit comes from social
projects, I admit the retirement focus of this issue sounds mighty
and environmental interaction. Boasting many theaters, music venues,
attractive. I think my perception of a slow-paced retirement is as out
gardens and museums, our cultural organizations could very well
of place in today’s world as my outdated idea of Sarasota off-season.
offer a special degree earned with the experience of working as a guide. Check out the member organizations at the Arts and Cultural
A NEW DEFINITION OF RETIREMENT
Alliance of Sarasota County for ideas. sarasotaarts.org
Did you know that 6o percent of workers over the age of 60
If you’re a sociable person who likes to drive, options run the
plan on looking for a job after retirement and that employers want
gamut from driving a Sarasota or Manatee County School System
to hire them? According to a 2013 survey done for CareerBuilder,
school bus, a plush limousine for Joe Russo’s Primetime Limo, a Siesta
2,600 companies and 22 percent of employers want more seasoned
Key Trolley or a Ringling Museum tram. Want to be your own boss?
staff members. That’s a very good thing in a region that is continually
Check out the online application to be an Uber driver. I have met
named one of the top places to retire. I hear over and over that the best
some amazing drivers when I use Uber. Don’t let the media scare you.
way for a retiree to be happy is to have a reason to get up every day.
Uber is the best option to use if you’ve had a few drinks or if you don’t
Ann Brenoff from the Huffington Post wrote, “Boredom and
want to worry about parking and valet lines at the town’s many events.
loneliness are the Black Plague of retirement. Get involved, volunteer
Some brilliant organizations like Forty Carrots and Ringling College
and keep busy. The fastest way to fill up your calendar page with
of Art and Design have even included this advice on their invitations.
medical appointments is to not have anything else on it.” Need ideas? Kerry Hannan, author of Great Jobs for Everyone 55+, gives a few
SECOND-ACT ENTREPRENEURS
ideas. “If it’s a retail shop you like to visit and the manager knows you,
Considering retirees for mentor positions seems logical. Manasota
walk in and say, ‘Hey, I’m available to pick up shifts whenever you
SCORE has built their model on the knowledge gained by retired folks
need help.’” It just might work. Retailers hire over 30 percent retirees
whose brains didn’t stop working when the regular paycheck stopped.
these days. Hannan offers another big thumbs up for bookkeeping.
We had the same approach in 2013, when I had the opportunity to help
“If you’ve got the financial chops, this can be a very good area,” she
launch BIG — Bright Ideas on the Gulf Coast for Gulf Coast Community
says. Small businesses often can’t afford to hire full-time, but love the
Foundation. The initial goal was to connect young ideas with needed
expertise and flexibility of a retiree’s schedule. Blocks of time, whether
resources to start or grow businesses. A funny thing happened when
it is weekly or monthly, can keep a retiree’s mind and wallet full.
we published this idea. Nearly 50 percent of the responding ideas
Another interesting option comes from the healthcare sector. From
came from retired folks ready to take a chance on their big idea. Being
the highly specialized degree jobs to the home companion, healthcare
your own boss through entrepreneurship continues to be an extremely
needs are growing. Our country’s aging population influences both
popular option for retirees. Many of these people have a bit of savings
sides of the equation: those who need it and those who can provide
and a great deal of experience. They just need a little help connecting
the care with understanding and compassion. Employers in this
the dots. One idea generator specifically asked for mentoring from
72
SCENE
|
August 2016
college-age advisors. He wanted their technical and social expertise to round out his understanding of the sports equipment market. There are so many locals who have used their entrepreneurship for second-act efforts. After a successful career as a flight attendant,
Denise Mei & Nicole Mei BROKER ASSOCIATE
REALTOR
Kim O’Conner brought her vision of a sophisticated, chic blow dry bar experience to Sarasota when she had her grand opening in June of Blow La La Blow Dry Bar. Its opening has kept Midtown Plaza’s parking lot full. The thought of having my hair styled in their bright and happy shop followed by perusing the books and baubles at Elysian Fields next door gets my spirit humming with good vibes. I think I need to set an appointment now. Kim’s travel experience exposed her to the talents of celebrity hairstylist Nick Arrojo, who flew in from NYC to attend the opening event organized by Ashley Lauren Gruters from SRQtees. Nick’s company is the largest independent hair product manufacturer and distributor in North America. He is another example of the reinvention I see as people move along their careers. Nick has “expanded,” not “retired.” The Manchester, England native came to America and worked with Vidal Sassoon before launching his own salon, school and product
941.685.3198 | 941.400.0540 DeniseMei@michaelsaunders.com | NicoleMei@michaelsaunders.com
company. Along the way, he became a bit of a TV star with his sevenyear stint on TLC’s hit show “What Not to Wear.” Heather Holtz-Knudson Stanton retired from a major event and publishing job to launch a tech start-up called KidBacker. It helps high school and college-age entrepreneurs put together teams and get needed advice and resources to grow innovative companies. The
to impact more people with her personal brand, Dr. Savvy, with
Beautiful 4 bedroom home in the highly sought after gated community of The Landings. This updated home is situated on a large corner lot and features a pool with patio area perfect for entertaining, 2 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, wood floors throughout, an office and a fabulous layout.
books, how-to guides and speaking engagements. I love her online
1625 Landings Blvd. | $999,000
company has also recently opened a foundation of the same name to provide funding for these companies and has gone live with the Hatchery, the concept’s online element. Her efforts are creating lots of buzz in the tech world and beyond. After founding Creative Innovations, a successful marketing company in the natural products industry, Denise Whitney is poised
tips and observations. But it’s her sign-off “Have a Savvy Day” that really makes me happy. Pardip Ram followed the entrepreneurship path after experiencing huge success in the global entertainment world. SoDucky offers a multifaceted approach to tell stories, build brands and create riveting content for products, events and networks all over the world. Lucky us. Sarasota has been able to keep Pardip in our grasp. You can check out the company at SoDucky.com Siesta Key-based Sigrid Olsen retired from her self-named fashion brand after selling to Liz Claiborne in 1999. When the opportunity arose to buy back her name a few years ago, Olsen jumped. She is now on a meteoric ride on her terms. You can see her gorgeous creations on
Also in The Landings, this 5 bedroom estate home has 4,394 square feet of living space, a large and lovely master suite, updated baths, a large and updated kitchen, 3 car garage, pool and spa. 5197 Flicker Field Circle | $1,199,000
HSN and at Dillard’s. What’s more is her creative well-being retreats for women to exotic destinations like Tulum, Mexico are consistently sold out. I hear there might be an upcoming Siesta Key retreat. My fingers are crossed. Stay tuned and learn more on her website sigridolsen.com
THE YOUNG(ER) ENTREPENEURS
ages. While my young physical therapist Kevin Steele treats me for tennis
Located in the Woodbrook community in North Sarasota, this former Neal Communities home features many upgrades and is located on a premier lot. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 1,947 square feet.
and golf elbow (ouch!), I’ve learned about his extensive Broadway career
4638 Woodbrook Drive | $319,000
It is understandable to assume that retirement only relates to those of a certain age. But when a region attracts professionals whose careers took a physical toll on their bodies, many face retirement at very young
that included working with luminaries like Ann-Margret, Mickey Rooney,
August 2016
|
SCENE
73
George Hamilton and Anne Hathaway. Kevin retired from the stage at the
do. Some of your efforts could rival global CEOs’ in their scope,
young age of 4o, wanting to leave on a high note before his body gave
excellence and hours. You all deserve a great big community hug.
out. Then there are the sports phenoms in our midst. Barbara Curic came to the States from Croatia as a child to study at IMG Academy. Tennis
12 TIPS FOR RETIREES
allowed Barbara to travel the world. Now she has launched herself into
You’ve done the hard part — spent a lifetime getting out of bed
her other passion: art. Curic & Co. showcases her crystal-embellished
and going to work, taking care of your family and saving up for a
artwork and signage. Check it out at Patrick’s on Main and Jackie Z in St.
nice, long retirement. But what exactly do you do to fill all your hard-
Petersburg. I met another fabulously fun former professional athlete on
earned free time?
the committee for Scott Bill’s inaugural Navy Seal Golf and Dinner Benefit
Boredom and depression can lurk when there seems to be so
for the Brian Bill Foundation. Carrie McCune Riley is a retired Tampa Bay
much time and so little to do. Here are my twelve ideas to fight off
Buccaneer cheerleader. She is now a talented interior designer much in
restlessness, stay vital, engaged and enjoy life:
demand in our area. She doesn’t carry the pom-poms anymore, but the Bucs still reach out to her for input when choosing the new replacements.
PASSION-DRIVEN Passion drives many former athletes’ choices post-retirement even after lifelong careers. One of those sports-world professionals is my friend, Mickey White. He followed a traditional progression in baseball of playing, coaching and scouting throughout his long career. In his first year of retirement, he has been anything but traditional. Mickey travels around the world and the country for fun, exploration and to play music — lots and lots of music. He is more than a keyboard player; he is an entertainer. You’ll laugh, sing and leave smiling if you catch him when he is in town performing at places like Café Amici and Burns Court Café. Michigan Hall of Famer — and the original “Air Jordan” — Richie Jordon followed a successful sports career in which he set records in basketball, track, football and baseball, with health club ownership, high school coaching and now personal training. A documentary on this 5’7” phenom is in development. Some passions never leave.
• Create: Writers write. Painters paint. Start with a little every day. • Read your way through a book list. Google ‘book lists’ for ideas. • Do a daily physical activity — competitive or otherwise. Just move! • Join a club — social, athletic or special interest. You’ll meet your kind of people. • Learn a new skill or language. Your mind… use it or lose it! • Start a business. Make a dream a reality. You can do it! • Genealogy. Document your family tree and share your story with others. • Travel. Take road trips, cruises or explore a different country. You’ve earned your chance to discover! • Get a part-time job. Small businesses need you. I promise. • Spend time with family. It’s not what you leave them, it’s how you make them feel. • Volunteer. You make our world go ‘round. Thank you. • Get on social media — it’s the new frontier. Don’t be intimidated. There are over 1.65 billion active monthly Facebook users worldwide. Daily, over one billion people log on. Seventy-two
A few weeks ago, my friend Geri Chaffee left me an excited
percent of online American adults use Facebook, with women making
message about a discovery she found at her local Publix. Seems that
up 77 percent of users. And before you think this is just for kids, know
the grocery chain is brilliant in its approach to preserve and enjoy the
that the fastest-growing demographic on Facebook is over 50. The
talents and passion of Jean Pierre — former head chef at Chez Paul
age percentage is nearly even with a third under 35, a third between
and Le Titi de Paris in Chicago. You can see the nonagenarian in his
ages 35 and 54, and a third 55+. Do you know what this means? We
chef’s beret at the Publix in Osprey. I hear his mascarpone orange zest
have torn down the age gap in our online playground. It’s a great
stuffed strawberries are to die for.
way to stay connected to grandkids and grandparents alike. Facebook
The aforementioned examples don’t mention a frequent passion
and other social media erase geographic distance, too, so live and
that we are fortunate to witness in many of our local retirees
travel wherever you want — you won’t miss a thing. You can see your
— philanthropy. A leader and shining star in this realm is Betty
family’s pictures, videos and chat via FaceTime live from anywhere.
Schoenbaum, whose late husband started Shoney’s restaurants. She is determined to “give while she lives.” Besides her treasure, she offers
A NEW CHAPTER
an incredible example of passion to support the causes that are dear
I heard that Al Carlson, the recently retired CEO of Sun Hydraulics,
to her heart. At nearly 99 years of age, she is tireless in her generosity.
said, “I’m retiring as CEO of a company, not from life. I’m transitioning
Her eyes twinkle when she explains the endorphins generated by her
to something else.” It is such a simple statement, but one that sums
heart-to-heart hugs. I smile just thinking about her. Thank you to Phil
up a lot of change, adjustment, excitement and opportunity. Sarasota
King, who served as Executive Director to the Glasser-Schoenbaum
draws a unique breed of retirees with amazing histories of innovation,
Center, and Dennis Stover, development genius at University of South
leadership and influence in other parts of the world. More than
Florida Sarasota-Manatee, for introducing me to this valued friend.
a few of my friends have stunned me when they reveal their past
I will always be grateful. For Joseph Volpe, who retired as general
accomplishments. These smart, successful individuals are all around
manager of The Metropolitan Opera, his board membership and
us, living enviable days full of options. Whether you call it reinvention,
philanthropic efforts landed him the role as executive director at
transitioning, second acts or retirement, it seems that many of our
Sarasota Ballet this past February.
neighbors have written a whole new chapter in life.
It seems that you volunteers and philanthropists out there need to have very defined boundaries on how much work you want to
74
SCENE
|
August 2016
Suzette Jones is CEO and Founder of The Economic Buzz, a company focused on economic development and innovation. (theeconomicbuzz.com | sj@theeconomicbuzz.com)
Claudia BEACH READS
©
By Armand Ross
It
was unseasonably cold for April, that morning in 1935. I and about a hundred waving passengers stood at the rail of the LLL De France as she cast off her lines for her voyage to the port of Le Havre, France. I waved to no one. It had been slightly more than five years since I had seen my old girlfriend dressed in her spring finery. During my tenure in Paris I had witnessed five such springs. Still, I recalled how I marveled at her uncanny ability to visually dazzle with color and variety of yearly botanical gifts. Particularly so, were the visions to be seen on the grounds of the Luxembourg gardens. Always, I characterized such wonders as visually dazzling yet so typically French, soft and feminine. I was not the only one to whom New York and indeed the rest of the country had been unkind. The crash of the stock market and attendant dank realities presented by the great depression had engulfed the nation and impacted everyone in one way or another the exception being my boss, Daniel McManus the Editor in Chief of the New York Times. In retrospect, I cannot blame him for inviting me to join the ever-growing ranks of the unemployed. After all, in those times, what publication in the world would have need for a travel column written by a former University of Paris sociology professor by the name of Doctor Peter LePage. Of course I had dropped all of that stuff in favor of nom de plume, “PLP on Travel”. Nom de plume; the total sum of the French language I at that point had remembered.
The loss of my job, and recently concluded divorce proceedings following two disappointing years of marriage had placed me on the deck of this magnificent ship. I stood in the main salon after we had sailed having the feeling that everything from now on was going to be all right. The Ill de France was giving me a warm, encouraging hug. Katherine Marie Gulbranssen had just won the title First Runner up Miss Norway, the summer we met at a ski resort in Tyrol, Austria. She was of course beautiful and quite intelligent as well with a keen interest in history and I thought a fascination for my specialty, the study of sociology. The term, “whirlwind romance” is often used to describe a brief, swept off of your feet, intensely romantic, sometimes sexually robust courtship often consummated with marriage. A year later we were married and settled into a small flat on the boulevard St. Michel not far from my work at The Sorbonne. Then, things started to happen for Katherine. First, a contract for a short film on tourism for the Parisian Commission de Tourism. Next, modeling jobs first in Paris, then frequent trips to New York to accept runway work at major salons and fashion shows. More and more New York work came for her. As a result, the only intelligent thing to do was to move there. We did so in 1929. Not long after, did I begin to suffer the absence of the aforementioned intelligence, interest in history and oh yes, my specialty the study of sociology. Worse, she had the habit of interrupting when I spoke and was seldom interested in August 2016
|
SCENE
75
my opinion or worse, anything at all that I had to say. How shallow and disinterested was she. My fault. In retrospect I remembered our meeting and the early days when I attributed our lack of conversation to difficultly in speech when one is breathing so hard. If in fact we had communicated, I would have learned of her limitations and self-interest. I would have been forewarned of her real ambitions. My naiveté was incredible. Her real goal should have been obvious and in fairness, justified. It was at a society benefit party given at The Waldorf Astoria that I met Dan McManus. He came off as genial type though I thought his expression could easily have been construed as probing, leery and even mistrusting. The impression was however dispelled when during five minutes in conversation, I watched him remove, wipe, replace, then remove and again wipe his spectacles. Then, after the last wipe he had smiled and quietly admitted, “it is time I replaced these, they simply do not work”. We really hit it off. I enjoyed
her Westchester Country Club. After lunch, she had opined in her typical pontifical manner, “Tis true, the female is the more dangerous of the species. The only real truth lays in the wisdom and opinion of a mother”. Amazing, for the first time in my life she had finally listened to something I had to say and in fact, had agreed. Well, no wonder she had been pleased. Mother knows best. Sleep well, Monsieur LePage, mother is three thousand miles away. The drive from the port at Le Havre to Paris seemed in my impatient imagination, to last forever. I was however so preoccupied with my thoughts and the French countryside that it never occurred to me that I had not made hotel accommodations for the night. Also, I had not given real thought as to how long would be my sojourn. I checked into the L’ Hotel at 13 Rue des Beaux Arts, right there in the heart of St. Germaine des Pres, on the left bank of Paris. The following morning I had set out to secure a more affordable
my five years working for him at the New York Times and had truly enjoyed my tenure as a travel columnist. I took my gin martini from the bar to a seat by a huge window looking out to sea. All of the recent and past memories at that point were water over the dam. I mused at that reference as a rather large wave then splashed and washed against the side of the ship. I was happy and anticipatory of my sojourn in Paris. I would visit the then stunningly inspired recollections of my youth here. Monmartre, at 2 Rue Louis Boilly. At that moment I thought, how about me? I actually remembered the address. How about, Place Pigalle close to there, Moulin Rouge and the Folies Bergère. Most of all, I was anxious to go to Le Gerny. Le Gerny was a little cabaret off of the Champs-Élysées. I had recently read that they now featured and dynamic chanteuse by the name of Edith Piaf. They billed her as, “The little sparrow”. My real affection was however for the little cafes and rathskellers that inhabited the back streets of the left bank. My open porthole then brought ocean sounds; the roar of the sea, it’s waves and their wash slapping against the sides of the ship. This, along with occasional creaking sounds and the gentle rocking of this great vessel had put me into a state of lazy, pleasant euphoria. Arms supporting my head, I lay in bed, gazing into the dark cabin. Only a faint light coming from an upward region of the ship made it’s way through the open porthole. I had for the moment at least, put New York, The Times and Katherine behind me. I was intent to devour Paris, its history, its culture, its art and its wondrous places. Yes, devour it I would, and she would be stored away to be mentally regurgitated at will, played again and again whilst sat I, front row center, right there in the theatre of my mind. But with all that Paris had to offer, there is one faction of her I vowed she could keep all to herself – women. I had, in error, exposed that opinion to mother, which she did endorse during a bon voyage party she threw for me at
abode – much more affordable! Madame Beau chard was straight out of a Charles Boyer movie. Advertisements all over Paris at that time touted his new picture, “The Garden of Allah” set to debut early in 1936. I had seen him in Hollywood pictures and wished I could speak French as well as he spoke English. Winded after only ten steps to the second floor of her immaculately clean boarding house, we found my room. She asked, “Est-ce votre gout?” I smiled and said, “Voile”! Exhausted, I showered and turned in at only eight o’clock. From childhood, I had rarely slept more than five hours a night and tonight was no exception. I was wide-awake at one AM. What to do? I tried in vain to read a couple of pages from an old Le Monde found in the room. It was then that I realized a good deal of the French I knew at one time was gone. I theorized that at this hour there was little chance of other borders being awake and toyed with the idea of exploring the public areas of the house. Madame had advised me that the kitchen for example, was open to everyone. In fact, she had told me to help myself to milk, cookies and coffee. Fishing for a robe into my as yet unpacked valise, I declared, “Damn it, I will explore.” I thought, hey, how about me, I remembered the French word for suitcase - valise! Only a small gas lamp lit the old staircase as I stealthily descended in search of the kitchen and a cup of French coffee. On the voyage over I had read of a Café Le Procope, opened by the brothers, Pascal and Gregoire Procope in 1661. It was still in operation here in Paris, in 1935. Better luck, as the label on the bag of coffee I had found read, “Produit de Café Le Procope”. Into the press went two full scoops. A long match lit a stovetop burner. The odor of that fine brew had quickly caused saliva to seep from the corners of my mouth. I made my way from the kitchen toward some sort of flickering light pausing as I went, to sip the award winning gold of Monsieur Pascal and Gregoire Procope. I laughed when I thought, this
76
SCENE
|
August 2016
coffee really tasted fresh to be 274 years old. The coffee had served an additional purpose, as the house was cold due to an unseasonably chill that held Paris in its grip. A fireplace burned brightly and crackled cheerily where in the dancing shadows of this book-lined comfortable place, I felt almost enwombed. Additional light came from two three- stick gas fired candelabras. I could but barely make out what appeared to be a pair of settees opposite each other and an additional chair of some kind. I settled into the odd chair, a rocker. Involuntary sighs of my contentment were quickly interrupted when I became aware of a presence. My feet pressed deeply into a cold, wide planked floor. I quickly flushed and pressed forward against the semi-darkness of which my eyes had become adjusted. There, on the farthest settee, was I able to have my first look at a face that to this day I, at times, find hard to describe. I shall try. I saw a round yet angular face with wonderful, glowing eyes, so enhanced by the firelight was able
that she would understand and react in her own way. And she had reacted that way. It was all in the eyes, the interested tilt of her chin, her head pushed forward as if to anticipate and hang on every word I spoke. Then finally, one night toward morning, she briefly came to me, looked deeply into my eyes and exited. The extent, and I believed compound meaning of that look was comforting, yet curiously stimulating. Ours was a pure and unencumbered relationship. No aberration this, I had found a real live partner. It was the next day that a telegram came from America. LePage - stop - The Times needs you - stop - Depression getting to people - stop - need travel column - stop - return immediately - stop - please - stop - Mcmanus. I told Madame Beauchard of my thoughts regarding my possible return to New York. I was torn, horribly torn between leaving behind one whose name I did not even know. How could this have happened? What would happen to that beautiful, intelligent
to pierce the darkness and space to concentrate directly on me. The cold of the room seemed to dissipate, replaced by an extreme chill about my body as I sat transfixed. My inability to speak French was not my reason for not communicating. I was simply stunned into inaction. No, it was not the discovery of company in that room; it was those eyes, those piercing, and inquisitive eyes. And did I detect the kind of look that was the kind of love at first sight? I guess I wanted it to be so. That kind of thought led me to realize just how truly lonely and in need of a relationship was I. We just sat there in the firelight, transfixed on each other. The only sounds to be heard were those of the blistering logs and a distant church bell giving away the duration of this encounter, as it chimed three bells. At last, I tried feebly to say something. I did. And it was quite inane, “I enjoyed meeting you, Mademoiselle, I hope that we may meet again.” Again, those eyes, those large, great expressive eyes that now glowed even more intensely and told me that she as I looked forward to our next interlude. I had wanted to go to her before I left the room if only to touch, to question the reality of what had transpired these past few hours. I did not. I simply turned, looked back once, rubbed my eyes, mounted the stairs, found my room and went to bed. Before sleep, I fully believed that this evening, I had allowed myself to reveal the depth of my loneliness. I wondered if I had experienced a self-conjured aberration. I had once again become familiar with Paris. As expected, I was drawn to the left bank visiting with some of the faculty at The Ecole de Paris. It was an enjoyable time soon to become tainted when I passed the old flat on Boulevard St. Michel, once occupied by Katherine and me. The days however, had seemed to pass much too slowly to suit me, as I could not wait for night, late night, when I would again visit with my new friend. Finally, I had found a confidante, someone who was willing to listen to me. I had decided to open up to her. I would tell her of all of my dark secrets, my longings and my ambitions. Mattered not, that she didn’t speak. I was sure
yet fragile figure I had come to love? I stayed late in my room examining my motives and ambitions trying very hard to exclude my emotions. I thought, come on man, be rational... No chance. I had begun to sob. Here was I, a thirty-six year old intellectual professional, whose opportunity to resume a job he had so enjoyed was now debating leaving that chance to remain in France with a mute. Maybe, a cup of French coffee will clear my head, thought I. The look upon Madame Beau chard’s face was unlike any I had seen in the four weeks I had boarded there. She stopped stirring something or other to confront me. Tears welled in her eyes as her hand reached for mine. I sat studying her as she went to the small kitchen desk as always cluttered with bills, recipe books and clipped newspaper articles on cooking or baking. There, from its only drawer she extracted a paper telling me in her much labored attempt at English, “Peter, mon ami, I have had this translated for you.” Then, interrupted only by tears and stabs at a runny nose she read ... Monsieur LePage, Peter, Over these weeks I have grown fond of you. You are a fine, sensitive man. I have observed your extreme affection for Claudia and hers for you. She came to board with me almost a year and a half ago. In that time I have come to know her as warm and affectionate, with apparently no hangups. Although she does communicate quite well for a mute, she has been unusually selective in choosing friends among those who have boarded here, As you may have found, she is a good listener. So now, if it be that you so desire, and of course if Claudia is willing, I will be happy should you so desire to take Claudia to America with you... I jumped to my feet and embraced those two hundred pounds of pure, French love as she had never before been embraced. I searched to tell Claudia the good news amid hope that after all, she would want to go with me to America. I could not wait for mother to meet her. I had only hoped that ma-ma had outgrown her allergy to cats. August 2016
|
SCENE
77
BEACH READS
Cool Uncle By Rick Dakan | Illustration by Jael Jackson
“It’s going to be hot out there on the links,” Larry warned. “Stay hydrated and if it gets too bad, try shanking a three-wood into the trees once or twice so you can catch some shade.” Larry’s brother laughed that hollow way he always did when Larry gave him advice or a hard time. His brother’s wife kind of sort of smiled, the way she only ever sort of responded to anything Larry said. The kids were already charging for the doors. “I got ‘em, I got ‘em. You two have fun in the sun. We’ll see you at dinner,” Larry said as he swiveled towards his niece and nephew. “Hold on, you two. Let’s take the monorail.” “We could just walk,” Caleb said, pointing through the glass door. “Space Mountain is right there.” “But the gate is all the way at the other end of the park,” Larry said. He pointed towards the escalator up to the second floor of the Contemporary Hotel and Resort. “Let’s travel in style and comfort, OK?” The two blonde moppets altered course and ran to join him on the moving stairs. They’d both chosen to fly their fan colors today. Nine-year-old Caleb wore his Kylo Ren Star Wars t-shirt, five-year old Madison wore her Joy from Inside Out sundress. “I’ve got it all mapped out. Perfect plan. Perfect. You’re going to love it.” Madison said, “Just so you know, we’ve been here before.” “Twice,” added Caleb. “Actually you’ve been here three times, Caleb, but you were just a baby the last time I took a trip with my brother and your mom. But I’ve been here every year since then, which is ten times if you don’t want to do the math portion of your vacation. So you two might think you know what you like, but I know two or three secrets that are going to make this kingdom extra magical. Okey dokey?”
78
SCENE
|
August 2016
They agreed that it did sound good and were happy with the monorail once they were actually on the thing. As soon as the doors opened at the Magic Kingdom they were out into the July heat, Madison skipping ahead of her speedwalking older brother. The kids waited for him at the security check and then at the gate. Together they scanned their Magic Bands and index fingers. At 10:17 AM they were inside the Magic Kingdom, three minutes ahead of his schedule. Larry didn’t like to be early, but knew you had to make allowances for the chaotic nature of pre-teen enthusiasm. He felt the first drops of sweat form under his left arm, beneath his loose, white cotton button-down shirt with Mickey on the breast. Even with a double-dose of anti-perspirant it was going to be that kind of day. He adjusted his wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off the back of his neck and called out to Caleb and Madison before they could race down Main Street towards Cinderella’s Castle. “Hey, you two, let’s check out those shops over there!” They knew better than to ask him to buy them anything, so the walk from shop to shop was pleasantly quiet and cool. One can make it most of the way down Main Street moving through the interconnected shops, out of the sun. By the time they came out the other end, he’d already briefed them on their next stop. “OK, guys. Let’s do this. Walk straight across the plaza there but not up to the castle, right? Isn’t it pretty? We’re going to go to the right there, you see?” They couldn’t see past all the topiaries and tourists. “We’re going to Tomorrowland. No stopping until we get there, but no running either.” “We don’t have to see the Hall of Presidents, do we?” one of them asked. “That’s in Liberty Square. We’re going to Tomorrowland.” He didn’t think he needed to explain the obvious reason why.
August 2016
|
SCENE
79
It had the least shade. Of course, Frontierland didn’t have any shade to speak of either, but it had more air-conditioned shops. Tomorrowland’s concrete and steel causeways would be an oven by noon. Once there, they waited in line for the Astro Orbiter first, the only fully outside ride on the itinerary. Larry abstained from the actual ride, but texted his brother a pic of Caleb and Madison sitting in tandem inside their open-top rocket. The line for Buzz Lightyear was partly outdoors, but they had a FastPass which got them right into the air conditioning. They emerged from the cartoon shooting spree into what his phone confirmed was 85 degrees, 100% humidity heat. Ten degrees from the July day’s predicted high. The shadows guarded them as they slipped around the corner and into line for the Laugh Factory. Another solid twenty-five minutes of jokes and controlled climate awaited them. Soon it was nearing noon, and they’d hit the weak part of his plan. They had to get to the other side of the park as quickly
part of the job. Her nametag said “Holly Blue, Marceline, MO,” which Larry thought strange. Cast Member name tags never had last names. “Have a magical day,” she said with a smile. It was a beatific smile, the parted lips and white teeth of someone calm, comfortable, and collected. Cool. Not sweating from the heat. Not damp from the humidity. What was it Madison had just said? “Thanks for your help,” Larry said, reaching out to shake her hand. She pulled it out of his reach, turning it into a tight little wave. He kept reaching. Even from several inches away he could feel the cold coming off her. She took a step back. He wanted to take a step forward. The heat and sunshine engulfed him and he didn’t move. How was she so cool? “Have a magical day,” she repeated. Larry watched her pick up her broom and dustpan. She wasn’t sweating. Her gloves had beads of moisture on them.
as possible without resorting to fast-walking. The afternoon itinerary, including a late lunch inside the Diamond Horseshoe, was all over there. He’d measured the possible routes, and the math was inescapable: it was quicker and cooler to cross the wide, sun-soaked plaza in front of the castle. They forged ahead, pausing only at a drinks cart so Larry could buy himself a big Dasani. The vast, circular space offered no hope of relief. The dense crowds jostled for position to take selfies with Walt’s statue or Cinderella’s Castle or both in the background. A sweating throng had already filled the pavement in front of the castle stage, waiting for the next song and dance performance by living cartoon characters and costumed musical theater majors. Larry pressed the lukewarm bottle of water to his forehead and tried very hard to not let anyone in the crowd brush up against him. Fear of some sweat-soaked, hairy arm smearing against his distracted his attention from everything else. For once he’d unknowingly gotten ahead of his niece and nephew. “Sorry, princess, but I need you to get down from there, please,” someone said in a cheery, professional voice. Larry turned to see Madison sitting on the side of the bridge from the plaza to Liberty Square, her feet dangling over the water. “It’s not safe up there,” said a Cast Member dressed all in white. She wasn’t as young as a recent college grad nor as old as a recent retiree, blonde and in her thirties or forties, all calm, helpful smiles as she motioned Madison away from the railing. This woman was on the cleaning crew, wore dark blue rubber gloves, and had propped her broom and dustpan against the railing as she reached for Madison. “Your hand is so cold!” Madison said as she grabbed the janitor’s hand for support and climbed down. Larry said, “You take your eyes off them for just a second…” “It’s fine, she’s just excited to be in the happiest place on Earth.” She’d clearly done this a thousand times before, just
Her gloves were royal blue, not the electric blue of other janitors he’d seen. They were thicker rubber, not thinner latex. They cinched tight around her wrist. She sank into the crowds and he lost sight of her. “Come on, Uncle Larry!” shouted Caleb from somewhere not next to him. He looked to his left, then to his right, hearing but not seeing his nephew. “It’s time for our FastPass for The Haunted Mansion!” He raised his head and saw Caleb and Madison a few dozen paces towards Liberty Square. The janitor with the gloves had headed towards Frontierland. The macabre, dark pleasures of the Haunted Mansion were a perfect escape from the noonday sun. Then the Hall of Presidents, also all indoors where they could avoid the overheated crowds watching the afternoon parade. If Madison and Caleb caught sight of that enormous animatronic dragon float, they’d want to stand and watch even if they couldn’t find shade. It was a good plan. But what was the story with those gloves? Larry fished his phone out of his pocket and opened the MyDisney app and started to alter their FastPass reservations. “Back this way, kids,” he called out. “Didn’t I tell you? The FastPass got changed to Big Thunder Mountain.” They ran back his way. A roller coaster was as good as a haunted house to them. Together they headed towards Frontierland. He scanned the crowds, looking for white-clad janitors or blue rubber gloves. Halfway down the broiler-hot causeway of Frontierland, he spotted another janitor sweeping up in front of the Shooting Gallery. Larry slowed to a stop, staring. One of the kids called out to him from up ahead. He was too hot to hurry up. He stood and watched the man clean up a half-eaten Dole Whip frozen treat from the hot cement. Brighter blue gloves. The janitor’s brow was dripping sweat that he wiped away with his forearm. Nope, not him. Larry turned to see Madison standing on a railing by the river, waving. He pushed himself into motion towards her. The line for Big Thunder Mountain was mostly in the
80
SCENE
|
August 2016
shade, but still outdoors, exposed to the humid miasma that kept everyone in the close-packed queue from cooling down. The kids were talking to some other kids in the line, swapping bad advice about their favorite attractions. Larry stewed over how those gloves might work. He was sure it had something to do with circulation. He’d read an article in Wired magazine years ago. Some kind of high tech glove that warmed the reporter’s hand. Blood flows through the hand, gets warmed up, and then spreads out through the body. This guy was able to sit in a tub of ice water, no problem, because of the warm blood from his hand. If that worked, why not the reverse — a glove that cools your hand and so beats the heat. When he reached the front of the line he asked the cast member about the gloves. “Do you know anything about those blue gloves that keep the sweepers cool?” Larry asked the young man dressed as a train conductor. His nametag said Jamie and that he was from Oklahoma
if he’d been on Splash Mountain a moment earlier, his cargo shorts were sticking to his backside. He tried not to move too much for fear of generating any unnecessary heat. Movement = work = calories burned = heat. His mind raced. If he had a pair of those gloves, right? He could be cool like Holly Blue. The whole of the Magic Kingdom would be his to explore in comfort. Why would he need planned routes? He wouldn’t! He could watch a street performer or wait in a long line. Maybe he’d take up golf. He thought that his brother would probably love to teach him how to swing like Tiger Woods. Caleb grabbed his sister by the arm to keep her from climbing up the side of the raft as they finally stepped aboard. Larry only had eyes for the last place he’d seen the janitor and her gloves. She wasn’t there, hadn’t been since he was at the mountain’s summit, but she was somewhere on the island. The island was an anomaly in the mechanized wonderland that surrounded it. There was no set course through its
State University. The kid looked like he was about to panic and started shaking his head as he silently mouthed “No, no, no.” Larry pressed him, describing the gloves until it was time to board the ride. The conductor kept looking around like he needed help or maybe like he was worried someone would hear him. “No. No. I don’t know,” the guy repeated.” The gloves must be some secret new experimental gear, Larry decided, as Madison and Caleb pushed him towards the roller coaster. They’re probably not supposed to talk about them to Guests. The ride raced out of the station and up the man-made mountain. Squeezed into his seat, still warm from the last occupant’s body, he tried not to worry about the coming twists and turns. He hated roller coasters. He wanted to close his eyes, but he knew that only made the motion sickness worse. Madison and Caleb and the surrounding strangers were all screaming. As they summited the mountain before the big drop, he saw the white figure standing on the dock across the river. Those deep blue gloves seized his attention from hundreds of yards away. She wasn’t looking at him. She was staring down into the water. Holly the janitor was on Tom Sawyer’s Island, a part of the park he hadn’t been to since childhood. The bottom dropped out from under him and the ride plummeted down. When it came back around he craned his neck to see her again. She was gone. Madison and Caleb wanted to ride again. No, no, there was no time for that line. They were going to see a super-special part of the park. He assured them he wasn’t talking about the Hall of Presidents. He promised ice cream afterwards, despite their parents’ instructions. He let them believe there was another roller coaster over there, although Caleb seemed pretty sure there wasn’t. Guests cannot walk to Tom Sawyer’s Island — they have to take a motorized raft. Larry and the other two sat on the dock, roasting in the sun. His shirt was as soaked through as
tree-shrouded paths. It had caves to explore and structures to survey, but there were no rides or animatronics or video screens. Larry had never cared for it. “What is this place?” asked Madison as they stepped ashore a couple minutes later. “If there’s no line, how good could this be?” Caleb had gotten a map of the park from somewhere, possibly his own pocket, Larry didn’t know. He studied it closely, looking for signs of amusement. “I think it’s maybe this fort here.” Larry scanned the path near where he’d last seen the gloves. There was moisture on the ground, maybe from a spilled drink but maybe not. Maybe it was from the gloves. He led the children up a short set of stairs, looking for a better view. Here under the trees it wasn’t as bad as it had been on the raft, but all the walking, the stairs, meant his body was making more than enough excess heat to cancel any comforts from the shade. His search yielded no signs of the gloves. Caleb kept mentioning the fort, and soon Madison took up the plea. Fine. It was the only place they hadn’t searched yet. Larry huffed his way along the narrow path to the other end of the island, trailing behind them. Fort Langhorn was a child’s dream of a frontier outpost, like a Lincoln Log structure grown life-size. There was no crowd or line, but a half-dozen or so other children and their attendant adults played on its ramparts and in its rooms. There were stairs to climb, so Madison was off, quick as a monkey. Larry scanned the fort’s courtyard and rooms for any sign of the janitor. He bit his lip in excitement when he saw a flash of white and blue in the darkness beneath the parapets. He moved toward it. “Come on, there’s a cannon up here!” Madison yelled. Larry instead headed into the shadows. He closed the distance as fast as he could in this heat, sure that it had been her. He rounded the corner and saw a carefully-crafted sign made to look crudely painted that said “Escape Tunnel,” with the “s” backwards. There was no other August 2016
|
SCENE
81
way she could have gone. He followed the gloves down into the tunnel. Inside it was not hot, although not nearly cool. It was theme-park dark, hard to see but not too hard to see. The concrete posing as rock walls were rough and too close together for comfort. Larry brushed one wall and then the other as he squeezed his way down. He heard footsteps from the darkness around the corner. He lurched ahead, almost falling but managing to dash forward instead of to the floor. He maybe hadn’t moved that fast under his own power since he was Caleb’s age. He caromed around a bend and saw Holly Blue bathed in harsh, white light. Her deep blue gloves glistened. She stood in a doorway off the side of the tunnel, beyond which lay a white tiled room, brightly lit. He could feel the cool embrace of its industrial air-conditioning pouring out into the narrow cave passage. She stepped inside and he lunged after her, seeing but not stopping for the small blue “Cast Members Only” sign
“Um, what?” “Larry falls within the acceptable naming strictures. You may retain it if you wish or choose a new name from the list. You might like Gary or Harry instead.” “I’m Larry.” “Larry, please listen and acknowledge the following: by accessing a Backstage Facility without permission, you have formally Destroyed the Magic and have therefore forfeited any claim to Magical Memories or Happy Experiences. Furthermore, by accessing a Most Magical Class Backstage Facility without permission you have forfeited any claim to recollections of any kind, including but not limited to: fond, warm, pleasant, unpleasant, wistful, and disquieting memories. Furthermore you acknowledge that you have been selected for the Imagineered Revelation sanction in lieu of the standard mnemonic sanctions as punishment for the aforementioned violations. Please place your right hand on
bolted to the black steel door. The room was in fact a long, white hallway lined with dozens of steel metal doors that reminded Larry of refrigerators in a restaurant’s kitchen. Holly Blue turned to face him as he lumbered in. The doorway he’d come through sealed shut behind him. “Sir, you can’t be here,” she said, her voice calm and professional, but still smiling. “I just want to try on your gloves,” Larry said, despite meaning to say something else like “sorry” or “my mistake.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of them. She cocked her head to the left. She took what looked like a phone or small tablet from her pocket. It was longer and thinner than any phone he’d seen, a black glass screen in a white metal casing about six inches long and two wide. She held it out towards him, nestled in the blue rubber of her right hand. “Place your Magic Band here, please,” she asked. He mustered a weak smile and presented his left wrist with his gray Magic Band on it. Even in this deep-freeze cooler of a room, he got a tingle as he felt the chill coming off her hand while she scanned his wrist. The tablet emitted a quiet ding. “Larry Wilson,” she read from its screen. “Here with Paul, Jane, Caleb, and Madison Wilson from Columbus, Ohio.” “I live in Dayton.” “Your… brother and sister-in-law have finished their golf game and returned to room 2141 in the Contemporary Hotel and Resort.” She tapped and swiped at the screen. “Caleb and Madison are unattended on the second story west ramparts of Fort Langhorn. I’m dispatching a child-calming specialist Crew Member to their location.” “That’s probably good. It sounds good. I’ll just be a minute more. I just want to see what they feel like.” She was silent for a moment, reading something off the tablet. She’d stopped smiling. “Do you wish to retain the name Larry?”
the fingerprint sensors.” Larry reached out. He hadn’t meant to break the rules like this. There had been that Cast Members Only sign — but she’d been holding the door open for him, right? What if they banned him from the park? His brother was going to be so pissed. The tablet was cold to the touch. He matched his five right fingers to the five fingerprint icons on its screen. It was so cold his fingers stuck to the glass, as if he’d licked a flagpole in the middle of winter again. He tried to jerk his hand away, but Holly grabbed the back of his neck with her other hand and drew him close. The cold from her grasp iced down his spine. “Please,” he whispered. “Let me go.” “I’m afraid leaving is no longer an option,” Holly said, her breath chill against his cheek. “The pain should only last a few moments.” Even though his right hand was numb from the cold, he could sense something happening. It felt like his hand was inflating, filling up with some frigid liquid until it was about to burst. He made himself look down. Viscous, dark blue ichor seeped out of the pores of his hand, coating it in a glistening second skin. The blue flowed through his veins, up his arm, the circulatory system pushing it through his heart and out to every extremity. The pain was incredible and Larry started screaming as his whole body shuddered and shivered. His left hand was the last of him to succumb to the creeping cold. More blue welled up from within until his left hand looked just like his right. Holly released him and he collapsed to the floor. He looked down at his perfectly smooth, deep blue hands and felt the deadening freeze engulf him. “Welcome to the Cast, Larry Blue,” Holly said over Larry’s fading whimpers. She perfectly executed that standard issue Disney smile as his heart froze to a stop. “Have a magical day.”
82
SCENE
|
August 2016
Go-Go Day
BEACH READS
By Elizabeth Sims
The sequential pressure sleeves had almost finished their work. They squeezed and released Moxie’s legs and feet in a comforting rhythm; all she had to do was sit back in her recliner. The long gray plastic tubes, like elephant stockings, pumped the edema away. The doctor said they needed to be used for two hours twice a day. Moxie was extremely careful about the two hours, because who knew if one minute either way could spell a trip to the emergency room? She watched her digital clock, and exactly when the numbers changed from 11:29 to 11:30, she flipped the switch and the machine stopped with a sigh. Sheila had washed Moxie’s dishes, given the floor a quick swipe, and just now brought in Moxie’s mail. “I thought he hadn’t come yet,” Moxie said. “What’s this? What’s this?” “It looks like it’s from the city.” The city of Palmetto had in fact sent Moxie a letter saying that if she did not “rehabilitate or fill in” her swimming pool within thirty days, she would be cited and have to pay a fine. “Well, isn’t that just the living end,” said Moxie. “I guess the neighbors finally —” “The Flynns and the Kowalcheks have hated me for years. I guess they’ve finally banded together and run to the authorities.” “Well, I don’t know that they hate you, it’s just that —” “I can’t take care of it,” Moxie said. “An Olympic size pool like that. Jim used to handle it. I don’t see how they expect me to take care of it.” She read the short letter again. “This is how they treat widows in this town. A crippled widow in a wheelchair.” The fact was, Jim had given up on the pool long before he died, but Sheila didn’t bring it up. Using one arm of the recliner and one arm of the wheelchair, she lowered herself into a squat and ripped the Velcro bindings from Moxie’s pressure sleeves. “Well, at least it’s Go-Go Day. I’d like some nice friend to come and take me to lunch.” Sheila’s legs and butt were thick, and squatting was always a dicey move, given the insubstantial fabric of her duty scrubs. “They’re not my friends.” “Do you think she’ll take you to St. Armands Circle? There’s so many nice restaurants there. Kinda pricey, but you can afford it.” “Am I supposed to pay?” The edema was a byproduct of Moxie’s congestive heart failure, which had sounded like a quick death sentence when she
first heard the diagnosis two years ago. The congestive heart failure was a byproduct of Moxie’s arthritis, which made it painful to walk, which made her gain weight, so her heart became sluggish. The wheelchair was a byproduct of Jim’s diabetes, which had led to many health byproducts that had finally killed him four years ago. Moxie had nursed him through all of it. She was entitled to the wheelchair. When she sat down in it for the first time — just relief. She had expected the congestive heart failure to kill her within a few weeks, but here it was two years, almost, and while she felt more certain than ever that she must be dying, she still was supposed to deal with Go-Go Day and now the pool. Sheila straightened up and checked the side seams of her pants with her hands. She looked out the back window at the mottled, diseased surface of the pool, lying between the two gigantic live oaks that endlessly dropped nuts and leaves and sticks into it. Their heavy limbs looked black against the glaring summer sky. Sometimes the wind would carry dead fronds from the cabbage palms into the pool. “If you really look at it, it looks like a vat of puke,” Sheila said. A giant snapping turtle lived in the pool, at least one. Jim used to dangle a piece of raw chicken on a string at the edge of the cocoa-brown water, and laugh like a maniac when the turtle would surface and snap for it. Sheila spoke again. “I wouldn’t say that pool is Olympic size.” Moxie looked at her. “Sheila, it’s an Olympic pool.” “It doesn’t look big enough. I mean, my son could jump in at one end and swim like five strokes and be at —” “How would you feel if somebody sent a letter like this to you?” Sheila bit a cuticle on the side of her thumb. “I would say it’s Olympic shape, though. It’s rectangular. It’s shaped like the pool at the Olympics. I would say that much.” “So you’re agreeing that it’s an Olympic pool. Which is exactly what I’m saying. I suppose next they’ll kick me out of my house.” “No one ought to be kicked out of their house,” said Sheila, “but they’re thinking of kids that might fall in. With no fence and all. School’s out now.” “They weren’t concerned about that for thirty-five years,” said Moxie. “It’s just because I can’t keep it up. It’s just because I can’t make it look like Hollywood.” “And plus the mosquitoes, I would think, because of the stagnant water. There’s a new mosquito thing now, it’s called—” August 2016
|
SCENE
83
“There’s always a new mosquito thing.” “Anything that fell in there, you’d never find it. I bet there’s a million dead squirrels in there.” Moxie supposed that was true. If you sat and watched the pool, once in a while you would observe a golf-ball-sized bubble appear on the surface, then burst. After Jim died their oldest daughter Olga had suggested that the swimming pool be drained and filled with dirt by a company that did those things. I can’t afford that, Moxie had said, and Olga answered that Moxie had more money than she and her sister put together. One of the We’re Going Places! women had come over to meet Moxie two weeks ago. Olga had set it all up basically behind her back. We’re Going Places! did not help anyone transfer, so when they learned that Moxie used a wheelchair to get around, they wanted to check her out and make sure she could transfer. When Sheila had to drive Moxie to the doctor or the hair salon she would brake the wheelchair next to the open car door, then bend over and hug Moxie and help her to her feet. Moxie would turn around and Sheila would hug her again and help her settle into the passenger seat. But Moxie could do it all herself when she had to; in fact, sometimes she would forget and even walk a few steps. The We’re Going Places! woman had been chipper up the wazoo. “That is super,” she said in response to everything Moxie did and said. “I bet you have a lot of stories.” When she walked, she plunged each foot down as if she were being paid to wear her shoes. She and her friends had started We’re Going Places! and they each owned a piece of the business. She had never heard of Moxie the beverage. Moxie had been named after a popular soft drink by her father, who saw in the infant the pep and promise of a whole generation. It was the generation between wars, as it turned out, although of course all anybody was thinking in 1924 was there will be no more wars. When they were newlyweds during World War II, Jim loved to say “I’ve got Moxie!” like the radio ads. He’d give her a squeeze, his beery breath pouring into her nostrils. Moxie had named her daughters according to her emotional mood at the time, hence Olga, signifying Moxie’s passively caving in to Jim’s pressure to honor his hideous aunt, then four years later, Genevieve, to stanch her rage against how things were. If Genevieve’s circumstances could not be grand, and it was clear by then that they couldn’t, not for her, not for Olga, not for goddamned anybody, why, then her name would at least give her some glamour. Sheila threw the pressure sleeves onto the couch, their normal storage place. Olga had told Moxie on the phone, “Mom, they’ll take you anywhere. You can go to lunch, or to the store so you can buy birthday cards for the grandkids, or the senior center, or even to church. Whatever. Genevieve and I’ll pay for this time, and then maybe you’ll like it so much you’ll want to keep on with them? Do something regularly? Remember what Doctor Reese said?” Doctor Reese had prescribed for Moxie to get out of the house once a week, or she’d be in a nursing home within a year. The Go-Go girl had mentioned some restaurant in Sarasota that
84
SCENE
|
August 2016
had once been a train station. The Go-Go girl would be solicitous, which would be good, except that it would be fake solicitousness. Moxie wanted real, unforced doting. The thought of the Go-Go girl doting on her for thirty dollars an hour made her sick. “What?” said Sheila. “I didn’t say anything,” said Moxie. “I thought you said something about that ring,” said Sheila. They heard a husky squeak. “Frosty,” said Moxie. Sheila opened the laundry chute and the cat rocketed out, aiming for the couch. Moxie stuck her hand in the way and the cat swiped at it in midair. “Oh dear,” said Sheila, seeing the blood. Moxie’s skin was so fragile that a Band-aid coming off would tear it, so Sheila once again got out the rolls of gauze and white medical tape and fashioned a large soft dressing that made it look as if Moxie’s arm had been slashed by a bayonet. Some time ago Moxie had shown Sheila her rings, none of which she could wear anymore on the proper fingers because of the swelling. She kept them in a little music box that had a foal decoupaged on it and played “Lara’s Theme” from Dr. Zhivago. There was her white gold engagement and wedding set, the engagement stone being only a quarter carat but lovely just the same; there was her fiftieth anniversary ring from Jim, five small diamonds set in a platinum band; and there was the emerald dinner ring, set in yellow gold with a dozen diamonds around it. This had been Moxie’s mother’s mother’s. Moxie had palmed it the afternoon the old lady died and later revised it in her mind to the old lady giving it to her with a wise saying. Sheila had oohed and aahed over all the rings, especially the dinner ring. As if Moxie’s grandmother had ever dressed for dinner in her life, as if she’d ever been anywhere grander than the lunch counter at Woolworth’s. Moxie had said, “Well, maybe someday this ring will be yours.” Sheila had taken her literally, and subsequently brought up the ring, or the subject of rings in general, about twice a week. Moxie realized that the ring now represented a certain increase in leverage over Sheila. She had no intention of giving her the ring; she had promised it to Genevieve. She had told Sheila that she might give it to her merely in order to say something nice, something to brighten Sheila’s day. But Sheila had really sunk her teeth into that ring. Was Sheila becoming more doting toward her? One time Sheila had gotten ready to leave about fifteen minutes early, and Moxie had looked at her in a certain way, and Sheila put down her keys and stayed, going over Moxie’s pills again. Thinking about the Go-Go girl coming to take her to the train restaurant reminded Moxie of the long train trips she’d taken to the various camps where Jim had been stationed during the war. She used to wear the dinner ring on the train, although even she knew it wasn’t appropriate. It caught on her glove, and beneath her glove it looked like a growth on her hand. It was a hot trip to Kansas City one time. Non-com officers’ wives could come and stay in little rented places, so one July she got on the train and went.
August 2016
|
SCENE
85
The train rolled through the Florida scrub, then up into cotton country, then eventually into the vast prairie where they grew the latest hybrids of corn and cows. The heat had swept up all the way from the equator; it swept up and hung over the land like a molten blanket. There was another wife in the train car, a homely woman with four-month-old twins in her arms. Moxie offered to help her with the twins, who were fretful from the heat. Sitting across from them was a serviceman in uniform, a young soldier with a serious expression. He watched the twins intently. Moxie held one, a damp hot bundle enrobed in the sweet aroma of talcum powder. The fragrance reminded Moxie that she had been given a box of chocolates to take along. She asked the soldier to reach up and get the box from the overhead rack. As he opened it, a little feeling of anticipation swept through them all. But the chocolates had melted into a murky, rectangular mess. The soldier took the chocolates to the water cooler and somehow wedged the box into a cold spot. He came back and watched the twins some more. Finally he asked to hold one. The homely mother shrugged and passed her twin to him before Moxie could pass him hers. The heat blasted into the car from the cornfields. Cradling the baby in his spread hands, the serviceman bent his head and placed three soft kisses on its forehead. Moxie looked out at the cornfields. When she looked at the soldier again he was crying. After a while she reminded him about the chocolates, and he went and retrieved them. When he opened the lid the candy was solid again, in one lumpy brown brick, which the three of them broke apart and shared. Moxie felt grateful for the feeling of the chocolate in her mouth, cool for just a moment, and smooth. “Find my rose linen dress,” she said to Sheila, “and my pearl barrettes.” Sheila emerged from the closet spitting cat fur. “What’re you going to do about the pool?” You couldn’t do much around Moxie’s house without encountering cat fur, either in clump form or layer form, or even sort of an air form. “What can I do?” said Moxie. “I pay my bills. They want to kick me out into the street because my pool’s a little dirty.” “But it seems like you’ll have to do something.” “Well, I will.” “Well, when?” Moxie didn’t answer. Sheila helped her into the dress, then handed her her hairbrush and pushed her over to the mirror so she could do up her hair. Moxie’s hair was a solid silver color, and she wore it shoulder-length. She lifted strands away from her skull and fluffed them with her fingers. “Doctor Reese said I look charming in these barrettes.” “It was nice of him to say that.” “I don’t think he was just saying that.” “I didn’t mean it like that, I just meant he was nice to say that.” “And I said I don’t think he was just saying it.” After Moxie finished her hair Sheila said, “Welp, anything
86
SCENE
|
August 2016
else I can do before I go?” “No, thank you.” “What time’s she coming?” “Noon, I guess. Soon.” “Well, have a great time. I wish I was going out for lunch in a nice restaurant. Have somebody wait on me for a change.” Moxie listened to Sheila’s car chug away, then wheeled herself over to the music box. She managed to get the dinner ring on, just over the first knuckle of her left pinkie. She hesitated over the other rings, but put them back. She wanted to feel glamorous, not encrusted. She wheeled herself to the front door and wedged it open, then got the screen door unlatched. She hadn’t gone out by herself since she began using the wheelchair. The spring on the screen door was tight but she got it open far enough. She felt apprehensive about the ramp — how would she slow herself down once she got going? — but she found that by wedging her thickly bandaged forearm between her armrest and the railing, she could inch along safely. Debris from the cabbage palms and oaks lay thick all over the ground. She was able to sweep her feet from side to side, between the footrests, and kick away the twigs and dry fronds so that her wheels could roll. Sheila had helped her put on her gold-toned slipper shoes, which were comfortable and went with everything. There was no lawn to speak of, just sparse brown grass that struggled beneath the high canopy of treetops. Sometimes debris from a tree would fall on the roof, knocking like a ghost, and Frosty would prick up. A car slowed on the street, hesitating, the driver perhaps seeing Moxie and wondering whether she needed help. The uneven ground forced her to summon more strength. She pushed with her feet and pumped the wheels with her arms, and made it around to the back. The surface of the swimming pool gleamed dully, like mahogany, like the mahogany serving tray given to Moxie by her maid of honor, Linda Jorsten, who had stopped sending Christmas cards eleven years ago, probably because she had died or gotten Alzheimer’s. The concrete decking around the pool was the smoothest place on the property, smoother than Moxie expected, so that when she drove her wheels down hard, to make the bump up from the ground to the concrete, the chair shot forward. The short traverse over the concrete felt remarkable, like a ride over greased steel. The chair tilted sharply as its front wheels went over. Moxie slipped into the water like a fat eel. The water felt thick, like pudding before it sets. She had wanted to think for a minute, once she could rest from the effort of getting to the pool. She wanted to think about how abundant her hair used to be, and how firm her mouth, and how she had preserved her virginity for Jim, and how carelessly he had punched her ticket on their wedding night, and how instantly she had understood everything. Now, as the cocoa-brown water enfolded her, she had only a moment to look up and catch a glimpse of the sky beyond the branches, a little bit of white sky held securely where it belonged, by the strong black trees.
HEALTH
Lung Cancer:
What you need to know about screening By Penny L Heinrich MD Lung cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer and ranks second behind heart disease as the overall leading cause of death. About 27% of deaths caused by cancer are due to lung cancer. The high number of deaths caused by lung cancer is due to it being found after it has spread. Cancer screening can help find lung cancer at an early stage. Why get screened for lung cancer? Screening can be helpful in finding lung cancer early when treatment works best and there is Penny L. Heinrich MD Board Certified, Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology
a better chance for cure. Who should be screened for lung cancer?
Suncoast Cancer Institute
Screening is only for people who are most likely to develop lung cancer. There are pros and cons
1217 S East Ave., #201
to screening, so talk with your doctor to see if you qualify for a screening low-dose CT scan.
Sarasota, FL 34239
The following are some of the criteria for lung cancer screening: 55 years old or older who has
941-200-1125
smoked at least 30 years and quit smoking less than 15 years ago OR 50 years old or older, who
suncoastci.com
has smoked at least 20 years and has one more risk factor other than secondhand smoke. Am I likely to get lung cancer? Anything that increases your chances of lung cancer is called a risk factor. Some of the known risk factors for lung cancer are the following: tobacco smoking, secondhand smoke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary fibrosis, having had certain cancers and major contact with radon, asbestos, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, coal smoke, soot, silica or diesel fumes. What are the possible signs or symptoms of lung cancer? A cough that lasts, blood in lung mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, and pain in the chest or back. What test best screens for lung cancer? Helical low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) scan. How often is the screening needed? The number, density, and size of the nodule(s) on the first LDCT test are used to decide the timing of the second test. Doctors then look for changes across scans to decide how often screening should happen. What if the screening suggests that there is cancer? Lung tissue would be removed or biopsied and tested for cancer. A biopsy removes small samples from the mass. Surgery removes the whole mass. What can I do to decrease my risk of getting lung cancer? Stop smoking and avoid second hand exposure to tobacco, and decrease exposure to high risk factors, as stated above. What are the benefits of screening? Screening can reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer. Through screening, lung cancer can be detected at an earlier stage.
August 2016
|
SCENE
87
Literary Scene
By Ryan G. Van Cleave
Each year, I attend Book Expo America — the
largest book industry trade show in North
America. While there this May, I filled up my
bags with advance reading copies of many of
the hottest forthcoming books of 2016. This is
the final installment of The Literary Scene where
I’ll be adding in some of my BEA favorites of these along with new titles by Florida authors. Enjoy!
Quick Walk to Murder Florida writer jd daniels’ (yes, her name is quirkily lowercased like this) latest mystery opens with the murder of a local crabber’s son. Enter young Jessie Murphy, a Cambridge, MA artist who solved a murder on Pine Island the previous season. If you haven’t met Gator, Jay, and Zen in daniels’ previous mystery book, don’t fret. She does a fine job with backstory such that you can just plunge right in and feel right at home in this new tale. If you like the idea of an artist who uses deductive reasoning to solve crimes, then this book should please you greatly. There are suspects aplenty. Fellow crabbers. A rejected lover. A rich girlfriend. A brother. A college roommate. And a few others. So whodunit? Pick up a copy to find out all the surprises that lead to the conclusion. In her acknowledgments page, daniels adds that a New York author/editor once told her “You may not have the DNA to write a mystery.” This just goes to show you that even editors can be wrong from time to time!
Rating: For more information about Quick Walk to Murder (Savvy Press, paperback, 234 pages, $19.99) or the author, please visit live-from-jd.com
Hot, Hot, Hot BEA Titles
The Tumbling Turner Sisters: A Novel Inspired by the life of her vaudevillian great-grandfather, Juliette Fay’s new novel tells the story of a poverty-stricken family’s foray into creating an acrobatic act for the vaudeville stage. Traveling by train from town to town, the young Turner sisters encounter a host of fellow performers who all have their stories and agendas. The past-their-prime Jewish comedians. The black tap dancer. The conniving French singer who seeks to ruin the Turner’s act. Set against the historical backdrop of the end of WWI — with Prohibition and Women’s Suffrage looming — this novel offers a fascinating look into a powerful time in American history. The book is well-written, memorable and packed with enough adventure to keep any reader satisfied.
Rating: For more information about The Tumbling Turner Sisters: A Novel (Gallery Books, hardcover, 340 pages, $24.99) or the author, please visit juliettefay.com
88
SCENE
|
August 2016
Warp: A Novel In the Preface to Warp, author Lev Grossman claims that this — his republished first novel — originally took five years to write (1992-1996) “in a series of increasingly tiny, dingy, cheap apartments full of roaches and non-right angles and off-brand miniature kitchen appliances, first in and around Boston, then in New Haven, and then in New York City.” But for those who love the style and wit of his smash hit Magicians series, this book is sure to please. It tells the story of twentysomething Star Trek aficionado and recent Harvard grad Hollis Kessler who finds himself a bit lost in life. Solid literary snapshots with good dialogue and well-captured young angst reveal Kessler’s cynical story of sleeping late, drinking far too much and fearing having to enter the corporate world. But he’s got an obsession — the world of excitement and danger roaring loud in his head. Starships. Romance. Danger. It warns Kessler to stop being a hip slacker and get on with his life. For those who love loads of pop culture references or yearn to relive their post-college days, this book might resonate. For others, it might feel a little slice-of-lifey, a bit thin. Others might enjoy reading this since Grossman wrote a 1999 Salon piece entitled “Terrors of the Amazon” that reveals how he battled negative reviews for this book’s initial publication by writing anonymous positive ones of his own. It made quite a stir back then. The re-publication of this book today might well do the same thing all over again since readers seem to either love or hate Grossman’s work. Watch for this book — and the hubbub? — in September 2016.
Rating: For more information about Warp: A Novel (St. Martin’s Griffin, paperback, 192 pages, $15.99) or the author, please visit LevGrossman.com
Will’s Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk Ever wonder where the terms “wild goose chase,” “money’s worth,” or “a sorry sight” came from? Blame William Shakespeare, and Janet Sutcliffe’s new picture book — yes, a picture book! — shares almost three dozen phrases/terms that he either coined or made popular. Sutcliffe also offers well-researched information about the inner workings of the Globe Theatre, the world of Elizabethan London and the Bard’s own special brand of genius. Aimed at grades 2-5, this book is lively and fun. Illustrator John Shelley’s detailed pen-and-ink drawings, too, pop off the page and help reveal what life must’ve been like back right around 1600. This book is terrific.
Rating: For more information about Will’s Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk (Charlesbridge, hardcover, 40 pages, $17.95) or the author, please visit janesutcliffe.com August 2016
|
SCENE
89
REWIND A LOOK BACK THROUGH SCENE’S ARCHIVES
90
SCENE
|
August 2016
1987
MANY SARASOTANS HAVE LEFT HUGE FOOTPRINTS ON OUR SANDS CONTRIBUTING SO MUCH TO MAKE US THE THRIVING CITY WE ARE TODAY. ONE FEATURED PERSON WHO LEFT A BIG PRINT WAS NONE OTHER THAN SCENE FOUNDER BUD PATTON, WHO WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO KNOW SCENE WILL BE 60 YEARS STRONG IN 2017!
With food this good, we know you’ll be back.
Join us at our relaxing and fun bar, meet new friends, people watch, and experience an eclectic continental mix of mouthwatering food reminiscent of old world traditions prepared, presented and served with modern excellence.
Where old world traditions meets modern excellence LUNCH | DINNER | DRINKS | AL FRESCO DINING 941.388.4415 | 431 St. Armands Circle cafeleurope.net | Reservations Recommended
Live Richly. You’ve Earned It. �
Benjamin Franklin wrote: “wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.” At Integrity Wealth Management (IWM), we want to help protect and grow the wealth you’ve worked hard to achieve so you can do just that. IWM specializes in assisting with long-term, low-risk investments, wealth preservation, reducing tax burdens and other personalized strategies. We’re committed to upholding the values of integrity, honesty, competency and stewardship and putting you on the right path to live the life you so richly deserve. Private Wealth Management For Select Individuals. 941-955-2700 | iwmfl.com
Integrity Wealth Management, Inc. is registered as an investment advisor with the state of Florida. Registration as an investment advisor does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
Samuel L. Cione