July2016

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Beauty July 2016

Volume 59 No. 7

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45

64 36 RESET THE CLOCK Advancements in Body & Facial Rejuvenation

By Sue Cullen

40 THE ULTIMATE SMILE MAKEOVER

By Sue Cullen

45 SCENE-SATIONAL EVENTS 2016 Annual Social Season Wrap-Up

64 SCENE TOGETHER Love and Beauty Reign at Three Local Weddings

COVER Photography and Styling: John Revisky; Hair & Makeup: Ana Molinari; Assistant: Ryan Robert Minford; Cuff Bracelet by T. Arrigoni and available at La Femme Fatale, Sarasota.

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HOW MUCH CAN YOU RISK NOW SO SHE’S ALL RIGHT LATER? 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 on award-winning technology (Riskalytze.com) built on the academic framework that won a Nobel Prize for Economics in 2002.* 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, its free. Can you afford not to invest a few minutes of your time for her future?

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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.

DEPARTMENTS

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16 EVENTS CALENDAR 22 PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR SOCIALS 26 Woman’s Exchange Annual Grant Awards Celebration 35 Massimo Meda Gallery Opening

27 GET INSPIRED Cultural Happenings from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

70 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW Ahead of His Time but Never His Timing Comedian Dickie Smothers

By Gus Mollasis

76 THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN With Sarasota’s Busiest Bee Suzette Jones

81 LITERARY SCENE

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

83 HEALTH What is Happening to My Face

By Rita Altman, P.A., MPAS

84 BEACH READS A Ticket to Paradise

By Patrick T. Gray

90 REWIND A Look Back Through SCENE’s Archives 10

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84

FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

S

omeone said, “Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” So true.

And while this is our beauty issue where

you will find tips and trends for enhancing outer beauty, you’ll also find people – lots of beautiful people – who give generously from their hearts to help our community grow stronger by supporting organizations that help those in need. Some of these people, and the nonprofits they support, are featured in this issue in our social season wrap up.

You’ll also find stories on the recent weddings of three brides. They are all absolutely beautiful young

women, who are even more beautiful inside. One of them, Lea Mei, worked tirelessly to help fundraising efforts at United Cerebral Palsy. Another, Sara Sardelli, works at Sarasota Ballet, where she runs education and outreach programs to help dance be accessible to everyone in the community. The third bride, Shannon O’Brien, helped teach schoolchildren about healthy and nutritious eating at the Education Center at O’Brien Family Farms.

There’s something else beautiful happening in our community I want to share with you.

Southeastern Guide Dogs, a nonprofit that brings light and beauty into the world of the visually impaired, has a creative fundraising initiative called Superheroes on Parade. Local companies and some individuals have sponsored 50 dog sculptures designed and produced by artist Scott Joseph Moore and painted with different themes by local artists. Each one is uniquely different and special. The community gets to vote on their favorite dog ($1 per vote) to raise funds and awareness for Guide Dog’s important mission.

SCENE’s “dog” is Miss Bea Scene, born in 1957 just like SCENE Magazine!

Hand painted by local artist Cassia Kite, she is very glittery, has long eyelashes, wears an adorable hat and evening jewelry, and keeps a camera around her neck, ready to photograph the many beautiful people in our community. We love her! To view Miss Bea Scene and the other dogs on parade, and view a map of sculpture locations, go to superheroesonparade.dog. You can also vote as often as you’d like on this site.

For those of us fortunate to have the gift of sight, stop and think about what guide dogs mean to the visually impaired. These extraordinary dogs provide freedom, independence and courage, as well as love and companionship to those they serve. They change lives in ways we can’t imagine – not only for the visually impaired, but for their loved ones as well. I encourage you to learn more about Southeastern Guide Dogs. You can even visit its campus and hug a puppy. Once you see for yourself, I hope you’ll find it in your heart to help out. Now that would be a very beautiful thing.

julie@scenesarasota.com

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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

Assistant to Executive Editor Distribution Contributing Writers

Cheryl Galbraith Dick Jackson Sue Cullen Suzette Jones Jacqueline Miller Gus Mollasis Steven J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave

Most days, the canine trainees at Southeastern Guide

Photographers

Nancy Guth John Revisky

Dogs look like your average pooches. But the truth is, for their human companions, they’re superheroes—all trained right here in your backyard. To honor the heroic

Address

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.

Which will be your favorite Southeastern Superhero?

Phone

941-365-1119

Take a closer look at the over 50 dogs on display at sponsoring businesses throughout the area, and at

Fax

941-954-5067

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.

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The Gala December 11, 2016 Ritz-Carlton Sarasota featuring the SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

Gala Chair BARBARA BRIZDLE Benefiting

To receive your invitation: Contact: Monica Caldwell | 941.366.2224 | mcaldwell@JFCS-Cares.org

July Calendar For a complete listing of community events please visit scenesarasota.com

In honor of our military as we celebrate July 4th, we proudly feature three-month old Greyson Thomas Lacy happily lying on his dad’s Army uniform. His parents are Alison and John Lacy.

Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market Every Saturday Main Street from Lemon Avenue to Selby Five Points Park in Downtown Sarasota 7:00 am. 941.225.9256 | sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Festival Through July 4. This weeklong celebration is filled with a variety of events up to and around the powerboat race. Benefits the Suncoast Charities for Children. 941.487.7904 x103 | suncoastoffshore.org

Gloria Musicae’s Patriotic Spectacular July 4 First United Methodist Church 4:30 pm. Enjoy rousing patriotic songs and the vocal fireworks that Gloria Musicae presents. Tickets: $25 - $30 | 941.387.6046 | gloriamusicae.org

Selby Gardens All American Barbecue July 4 Selby Gardens 6:00 pm. Listen to live music, savor American inspired cuisine, and lounge all day enjoying family-friendly activities ending with a giant fireworks extravaganza. Tickets: $25 $150 | 941.366.5731 | selby.org

25th Annual Siesta Key Fireworks July 4 Siesta Key public beach 9:00 pm. Bring your beach blanket and beach chairs to enjoy the Siesta sunset. Viewing is anywhere along Siesta Key Beach, Crescent Beach.

Fireworks Spectacular Over Sarasota Bay July 4 Bayfront Park and Island Park 9:00 pm. View from boat or land anywhere in downtown Sarasota. Benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.

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3rd Annual Sarasota Lionfish Derby July 8 – 10 Mote Marine Laboratory. Hosted by Mote Marine and Reef Environmental Education Foundation. First day starts off with the captains’ meeting, then the next day followed by lionfish hunting in the Gulf of Mexico and on the final day the lionfish weigh-in at Mote Marine Laboratory. Registration: $120.00 per team - minimum 2 people per team, maximum 4 people | 941. 388.4441 | mote.org | reef.org

Venice Main Street’s Friday Night Concert Series July 8 & 22 Centennial Park Gazebo 7:00 pm. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a free concert in paradise. visitvenicefl.org

Eco Friendly Florida Fest July 13 – 17 Hyatt Regency. Eco friendly family event which includes an electric car show, an eco-friendly art show, educational classes and much more. Free to public | 941.981.0182 | ecofriendlyfloridafest.com

Towles Court Art Walk July 15 1938 Adams Lane, Sarasota 5:00 pm. Wander and shop unique galleries, studios, boutiques, charming restaurants and cafés, along with live music and refreshments. towlescourt.com

Mainly Art Downtown Bradenton July 16 Fourth Avenue West, Downtown Bradenton 9:00 am.

Dozens of local artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their creations, with live music and food. Connects with the weekly Bradenton Farmers’ Market on Main St. realizebradenton.com

AJC’s Summer Lunch & Learn Series July 19 Michael’s On East 11:30 am. Guest speaker Aaron Jacob, AJC’s Associate Director of International Affairs, will discuss “U.S. – Israel Relations: Background and Dynamics.” Tickets: $28 | 941.365.4955 | Sarasota@ajc.org

Historic Downtown Venice’s Christmas in July July 22 – 23 Downtown Venice 10:00 am. Annual sales event

Our prime meats and fresh seafood are perfect for your backyard barbecue. Ask about our custom cuts and pre-marinated ready-tocook items. From ribeye steaks and gourmet burgers to wild salmon and whole chickens, trust Morton’s for your summertime cookouts!

with Santa and Mrs. Claus with over 50 stores and sponsors participating with sales and prizes. Free Christmas trolley rides downtown. visitvenicefl.org

Little Black Dress With Pop July 22 Michael’s On East 11:30 am. Fashion show and luncheon presented by Goodwill Manasota and Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. Featuring models from the Junior League of Sarasota.

Tickets: $75 | 941.921.5358 x324 | experiencegoodwill.org

Snooty’s 68th Birthday Bash & Wildlife Festival July 23 South Florida Museum 10:00 am. Celebrate “Snooty” the oldest manatee born in captivity. Enjoy animal exhibits, children’s games

Historic Southside Village 1924 South Osprey Avenue Sarasota ∙ (941) 955-9856 MortonsMarket.com

and refreshments. Free | 941.746.4131 | southfloridamuseum.org July 2016

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AL LN EW

Summer

BAT H & RAC QUET

6th Annual Sarasota Mystic Faire

PR O G RA M S!

ATHLETIC CLUB Camps Include: Tennis est. 1969

All levels of play are welcome SCUBA/PADI Mad Science

Epicurious Jr. Chefs Sports & more!

Jun 6 - Aug 12 Ages Pre-K to Teen in association with 2170 Robinhood St.

Sarasota, FL 34231

941-921-6675

July 23 – 24 Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 11:00 am. Metaphysical fair with free lecturers, psychics, healers, vendors and more. Tickets: $7 - $10 | 239.949.3387 | mysticfaires.com

Sarasota Opera Guild’s Summer Salon July 27 Sarasota Yacht Club 11:30 am.

Includes lunch and a musical performance with guest artists Betsy Hudson Traba and Michelle Rego. Tickets: $39 | 941.702.8853 | sarasotaopera.org

Upcoming Events: 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

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.

athletics

activities adventure

Includes lunch and a musical performance with guest artists Richard and Stacy Ridenour. Tickets: $39 | 941.702.8853 | sarasotaopera.org

Bath and Racquet Athletic Club For full camp program offerings, weekly schedule and registration information, contact: Claudia Kalin, Camp Director at ckalin.bandr@gmail.com

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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, a parade, and more. 941.474.8700 | englewoodpioneerdays.com

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We pride ourselves on offering solutions that can give you the space and organization you and need to simplify your life and maximize the space in your home.

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CALL OR VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION 941-926 -7674

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e g d E - gy g n o i l t t no u C ec h for Better Oral Health T With the latest advancements in dentistry today, it’s important that your dentist stay at the forefront of dental technology. Dentistry today utilizes modern techniques to render procedures that are shorter in duration and minimally invasive, helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for life. Advanced dentistry allows Dr. Warrenbrand to provide fast and effective results through a more comfortable approach.

LASER DENTISTRY

CEREC SAME DAY CROWNS

BIOLASE WaterLase technology is one of

CEREC dentistry does in one visit what used to

the most advanced dental treatments today. The

take several trips to the dentist. If you have ever had

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a crown in the past you know the time and hassle

combines focused light energy with a stream of

it takes to complete the process. CEREC technology

water for a highly precise, exceptionally gentle dental

makes a custom crown made specifically for you,

experience. WaterLase allows dentists to perform a

with permanent results that look just like natural

wide range of procedures with benefits including:

teeth in as little as an hour. Benefits include:

• Faster healing time and less trauma to teeth and gums

• Only one appointment needed

• Less anesthetic for most procedures

• Designed with 3D technology for a precise and comfortable fit and feel

• Treating multiple areas of the mouth in one visit

• Quick recovery

• Making dental care a more relaxing experience for you

• Looks natural blending into your smile • Metal free and bio-compatible

Dr. Corey Warrenbrand of Warrenbrand Complete Dentistry is proud to offer WaterLase laser technology and CEREC same-day crowns at his office, along with other advanced techniques including Sedation Dentistry, Migraine/TMJ Treatment, and Cosmetic Procedures. Dr. Warrenbrand has been in practice for over 20 years and is a graduate of the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Corey Warrenbrand, Laurel Pfund, Michelle Moore, Jennifer Dartois & Justin Wright

$47 New Patient Check-Up / Complimentary 2nd Opinions Includes complete exam, necessary X-rays, periodontal evaluation, oral cancer screening and healthy mouth cleaning in the absence of gum disease.

The patient and other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, exam or treatment, which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responsind to the advertisement for the free, discounted or reduced fee service, examination or treatment. ADA, D4355, D0210, D0330, D09999

Warrenbrand Complete Dentistry 2225 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL • 941.925.2225 • CompleteDentistry.org

PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR Circus Sarasota – Dolly Jacobs

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre’s Sarasota Improv Festival July 14 – 16 Enjoy some of the hottest groups on the Improv scene nationwide. Acts from all over the country and internationally will perform.

“Come Fly With Me!” The Sammy Cahn Songbook Through July 17 Travel through the Sammy Cahn Songbook - the most recorded songwriter of the 20th century. Featuring songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Mario Lanza, Doris Day, Bing Crosby, Jo Stafford and more.

The Roommate July 6 – August 7 A story of two humorously mismatched middle-aged women, both with the overwhelming desire to reinvent their lives.

The CardShark July 19 – 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 into the arts of illusion.

Sergio & Martha – Dancing Gauchos

THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Adventures of Pericles by William Shakespeare

941.365.2494 / theplayerstheater.org

July 10 Starring Evan Buliung and production from the Stratford Festival.

Godspell, Jr. Showcase)

(Summer

Camp

July 8 A group of disciples help Jesus tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing.

Reqiuem by Giuseppe Verdi

Cyrano de Burgershack

Werther by Jules Massenet

July 13 – 24 Cyrano is king of the local burger shack, but he can’t seem to win the love of his best friend, Roxanne. When Roxanne confesses her crush on the new burger flipper, Christian, Cyrano decides that playing Cupid is better than sitting out of the game.

THE RINGLING 941.359.5700 / ringling.org

Summer Circus Spectacular Through July 30 Annual Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Presented in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory, this on-stage exhibition of circus artistry provides delightful summer entertainment for children of all ages. Call 941.360.7399 for ticket information.

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

SARASOTA OPERA

941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com

941.366.8450 / sarasotaopera.org

HD at the Opera House

The Wiz

The best in opera, ballet and Shakespeare from theaters around the world on the big screen.

July 22 – 23 An urban take on the The Wizard of Oz performed by kids camp students.

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July 17 1967 production from La Scala Opera House. Luciano Pavarotti, tenor and Herbert von Karajan, conductor.

July 24 Production from the Royal Opera House.

Millepied/Robbins/Balanchine July 31 Production from the Paris Opéra Ballet.

URBANITE THEATRE 941.321.1397 / urbanitetheatre.com

DRY LAND Through July 24 Set in the girls’ locker room of a Florida high school, this portrait of an unlikely friendship follows Ester, a hopeful collegiate swimmer, and Amy, a girl in need of an ally. Portrays the contemporary American teenager and the impossible pressures that build up at the brink of adulthood. Adult language and content, viewer discretion is advised.

VAN WEZEL ARTS HALL

PERFORMING

941.955.7676 | vanwezel.org

Jah Movement July 29 Friday Fest free outdoor concert with some top 40 Funk, Soul, R&B and Calypso Dance music.

VENICE THEATRE 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com

Peter Pan July 21 – August 7 The boy who would not grow up visits the Darling children and takes them on a magical adventure to Never-Never Land in this beloved musical version of the classic play.

Summer Cabaret Festival – Syreeta Banks presents Broadway Soul July 7 – 8

John Russo presents his Rat Pack Tribute July 9 – 10

ARTS & CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF SARASOTA COUNTY

ARTS AND CULTURE GUIDE COVER CONTEST The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

2012|2013

2013|2014

arts

arts

culture

culture

guide

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

2016 | 2017

arts

guide

culture

Kristofer Geddie presents Back to Before July 14 – 15

guide

Robin Fernandez presents Barbra and Frank at the Movies July 16 – 17

Dorian and The Furniture July 17

Michelle Kasanofsky presents Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner

Published by SCENE Magazine

Published by SCENE Magazine

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

2015|2016

arts

culture

July 21 - 22

Will you be the winning artist

guide

Rachel Knowles presents Sinning Sirens July 22 - 23

Lyn Purmort presents Music from Around the World July 23 - 24

Alyssa Hunek presents Then and Now July 24

A Sentimental Journey with Matthew Ryder

Local artists, including college and high school students, are invited

July 28 – July 31

scene. The winning selection will be used as the cover of the Arts

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE

and Culture Guide. Over 40,000 copies of the guide will be distribut-

941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org

nition for the winning artist from SCENE Magazine as well as the Arts

How I Got Over July 13 – 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.”

to submit artwork representative of our vibrant arts and culture

ed throughout the community in early October. There is lots of recog& Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.

DEADLINE: July 1 Media & Submissions:

Digital entries only will be accepted via email to rdenton@sarasotaarts.org no later than July 1. For guidelines and specs, contact Rachel Denton at 941-365-5118 ext. 304 | rdenton@sarasotaarts.org July 2016

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It’s summertime and Café Gabbiano wants you to stop in before you head home from that unparalleled Siesta Key sunset. We have lots of new things for you to try and a value priced Bambino menu for your mini beach goers.

First off, Café Gabbiano continues to add to our house wine selection so there is sure to be something you haven’t tried yet. Sample our new labels with a $10 tasting flight or Wine To Go discount. Same goes for our Wines By the Glass menu presenting vintages usually only offered by the bottle.

Our chef’s choice entrée and dessert specials offer something fresh and new every night! Accompanying our seasonal specials are your old favorites including Allen Brothers steaks, 14 oz veal chops, and locally caught grouper.

Summer tasting menus are back! Sunday through Thursday we are offering our Truffle Tasting menu and extending the $29 Savor Sarasota menu for the rest of the summer.

Café Gabbiano continues to be ideal for special events offering a tasteful and intimate setting steps away from the sand. Our special event menu offerings, available on our website, can be tailored to accommodate any event setting and budget. Use Café Gabbiano to cater any event on or off site! Visit our website to learn more or to book your reservation www.cafegabbiano.com or call 941-349–1423.

Also new and just in time for summer, the Café Gabbiano culinary team joins Evolution Food Co. to bring macronutrient balanced, prepared meal programs to the people of Sarasota.

Evolution Food Co.’s nutrition specialists set meal parameters and our creative culinary professionals craft a delicious menu that delivers on nutrition and flavor using only best in quality ingredients. To learn more about the macro philosophy and meal programs offered by Evolution Food Co, visit www. evolutionfoodco.com or call 941-315-8386.

5104 Ocean Blvd. | Siesta Key | 941-349-1423 | cafegabbiano.com OPEN DAILY 5PM-10PM

SOCIAL

Woman’s Exchange Annual Grant Awards Everyone had reason to smile during the Woman’s Exchange’s 54th annual grant awards. More than 200 guests, including many of Sarasota’s artistic leaders and aspiring young artists, were on hand to celebrate the awarding of $300,000 in grants and scholarships, benefiting 22 arts and cultural organizations and 30 students pursuing a higher education in the arts.

Photos by Nancy Guth Tom & Reed Tucker

Jeffery Kin & Michelle Pingel

Iain Webb & Hillary Steele

Lee Holden, Karen Koblenz & Lorraine Murphy

David Chaifetz & Joseph McKenna

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.

Complimentary Jewelry Cleaning Beautiful Gift Wrapping Year Round

Light and airy for summer, Pattie is wearing her design of leather, teal Murano and gold bracelets paired with gorgeous cabochon rings in silver and 14K gold.

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Connect: Facebook.com/PandoraUTC

GET INSPIRED

A

Cultural Happenings brought to you by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

rt therapy is defined as a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free selfexpression through painting, drawing, or modeling, used as a remedial activity or an aid to diagnosis. Through art therapy, people can express and heal themselves and the results can be truly amazing.

Sarasota native and arts lover Cara Levitt, graduate of Sarasota High School’s class of 1999, is a board certified and registered art therapist with the American Art Therapy Association (ATR-BC). In 2010, Cara moved back to Sarasota with a Masters of Science in Art Therapy and opened her private practice, Draw it Out! Art Therapy which is located in the Towles Court Artist Colony. (drawitout.weebly.com) Given her unique profession, we asked Cara why she chose to pursue a career in this incredible field and how and why the arts in Sarasota influence and inspire her.

“I am committed to empowering others to unlock their creativity and express themselves though the processes and products of art making. Art therapy utilizes art making to help others tell their story, express their feelings and heal emotionally. From children to seniors, art therapy has had an impact on those suffering from anxiety, depression, grief and loss, eating disorders and addictions. I am a Sarasota native, and part of what brought me back to Sarasota was the growing arts community.

Sarasota is so rich in the arts that it’s easy to find inspiration.”

Inspiring Events:

VENICE ART CENTER’S FAMILY FUN DAY The Venice Art Center hosts its annual Family Fun Day, a free community event where children can complete a variety of art projects, enjoy face painting, and indulge in complimentary hot dogs and drinks. If you’re looking for something to do with your children, join the Venice Art Center for this fun, free, family event!

July 23 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Venice Art Center | 390 Nokomis Avenue S., Venice

July 2016

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VICTOR HAZAN, LAUNCH OF INGREDIENTI: MARCELLA'S GUIDE TO THE MARKET

374 Saint Armands Circle Sarasota, FL 34236 941.388.1964 505 5th Avenue South Naples, FL 34102 239.643.8556 ohmygauze.com

Your chance to meet Marcella Hazan’s husband and collaborator who, following her death in 2013, translated and transcribed her handwritten notebooks filled with her thoughts on how to select the best ingredients. These are tips from the inimitable woman who popularized Italian cuisine in America, Marcella Hazan: The Godmother of Italian Cooking. Her simple and elegant manual shows how to shop for the best ingredients and prepare the most delicious meals. This is a must-have for every home cook. Free event, but only books purchased at Bookstore1 are eligible for signing.

July 12 at 11 a.m. | Bookstore1Sarasota | 1359 Main Street, Sarasota | 941-3657900 | sarasotabooks.com

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

Selby Gardens’ Splashing Saturdays – Cool off with water activities, slides and games in the shade of the iconic Selby Gardens banyan trees. Free to Members, $5 Guests;

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$19 Adults; $6 Children ages 4-11; children under 3 free.

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. - All Saturdays through July 16 | Selby Gardens | 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota | 941-366-5731 | selby.org

LLC

By Appointment - Call or Text Sue

941.961.2318

Selby Gardens presents Batiks Botanicos

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– Columbian artists Angela Maria Isaza returns to Selby Gardens with her brilliantly colored Batik artwork that captures the colors of the Tropics. The Batik technique is a laborious process using cloth, dyes and paraffin wax to achieve one-of-a-kind art pieces. Admission to exhibit included

Ask about Rodan + Fields premium anti-aging skincare products

Book an appointment in July using code S-716 and receive a Special Discount

in regular admission: Free to Members; $19 Adults, $6 Children ages 4-11; free children 3 and younger.

June 16 – August 14 | Selby Gardens | 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota | 941-3665731 | selby.org

DABBERT GALLERY’S SUMMER SHOWCASE

Several of the local exhibit artists will be in attendance at each Opening Reception.

The events are always free and the gallery’s famous Sarasota Citrus Champagne Punch

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The Summer Showcase Exhibit opens June 3 and continues through September 30.

This exhibit features six sculptors, one printmaker, 15 painters, one pastel artist and one photographer.

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artist surgeon.”

“I was an before I was a

– Dr. Alissa Shulman

Southern California to Sydney, Australia, Prince Edward Island, Canada to Vero Beach, Florida, including nine of Sarasota’s best.

Opening Receptions every first Friday in June, July, August and September from 6 – 9 p.m. | 76 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota | Gallery Hours: Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 941955-1315 | dabbertgallery.com

ISLAND GALLERY WEST’S AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL EXHIBIT

BODY SCULPTING • BREAST AUGMENTATION LIPOSUCTION • TUMMY TUCKS • BREAST LIFT ARM & THIGH LIFTS • ARM & THIGH LIFD

Sovereign Plastic Surgery This July, Patrick O’Neill will exhibit acrylic

Alissa M. Shulman M.D., F.A.C.S. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

seascapes, landscapes and wildlife paintings

941.366.LIPO (5476) • www.SovereignPS.com 1950 Arlington Street, Suite 112 • Sarasota, FL 34239

from coastline to countryside in an exhibit entitled America the Beautiful. O’Neill’s other work includes murals, wood carving, sculpting, drawing, as well as the fine art paintings he shows at Island Gallery West.

July 1 – 30 | 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach | Gallery Hours: Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Trolley Stop 15 on Anna Maria Island | 941-778-6648 | islandgallerywest.com

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July 2016

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media archival prints that have been created in the A& gallery’s print studio

in collaboration with individual artists who have shown their work at Alfstad& Contemporary during seasons 2015 and 2016. Artists featured are: Alain J.L. Huin,

What will you find at Water’s Edge?

Andrea Dasha Reich, Bruna Stude, Felix de la Concha, Marsha Kazarinov-Owett, Michael Taylor, Michael Wyshock and

2016

Mike Solomon.

Show runs June 3 – July 15 | There is no charge for admission | Opening Night Reception: June 3 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. | Alfstad& Contemporary | 1419 5th Street, Sarasota | alfstadand.com

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SUPPORTING THE ARTS HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! Free and open to the public with the mission of connecting the community to the most Eco-friendly and sustainable products and services available in Florida today. Each day the fest will bring new events

and

fun,

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classes

including an Electric Vehicle Car Show, an Eco-Friendly themed art show, and more.

For children, the fest includes Sarasota County Fire Department Fire Trucks and Fire Boats, and Home Depot will be onsite teaching kids how to use their hands to build fun and exciting projects.

July 14 – 17 | Sarasota Hyatt Regency | 1000 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota EcoFriendlyFloridaFest.com

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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.

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MORE THAN $7.8 MILLION IN GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED July 2016

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Gail Coleman, Owner of Estetika Skin & Laser Specialists

The Non-Surgical Facelift Estetika Skin & Laser Specialists is proud to be the leading

How does it work?

provider for the Thermage non-surgical facelift and body lift

Radiofrequency energy is delivered to all three layers of the

in the Sarasota area! We are a 4x Thermage Black Diamond

skin to create controlled damage to the collagen fiber network

Award Winner for the exceptional results we have delivered

to accelerate the body’s natural collagen building process.

to our Estetika patients. Thermage is a safe, painless, and cost

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and firmness due to sun

effective FDA-approved non-invasive radiofrequency skin-

exposure, smoke, exhaust, and many other environmental

tightening treatment that allows patients to see immediate

factors. As the elasticity becomes slack, our skin begins to sag

results that get even better over time!

and wrinkle. Thermage targets the collagen-producing layers

in the skin to strengthen and restore the damage, creating tighter, smoother skin. The body’s natural collagen building cycle takes several months to reach its peak production, so your best results will be seen after 6 months and continue for up to 2 years or longer!

How does it feel?

Many patients that have received Thermage in the past might remember a less than pleasant experience, but Thermage has gone through a series of upgrades to give patients a comfortable and more effective treatment! The ThermaTip located on the Thermage hand-piece delivers controlled dual heating and cooling to the skin. Most patients feel a brief deep-heat sensation as the RF waves are applied to the skin, this is when the existing collagen is being rejuvenated and new collagen growth begins. The

most delicate skin around the eyes. The thinnest skin on the

ThermaTip then delivers a cooling affect with each pulse

body is located on the eyelids, making it an easy target for

caused by Cryogen. This allows for a safe, painless and

aging. As the elasticity becomes slack in this area, drooping,

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wrinkling, and the development of “hoods” make you look older. Thermage Eye is the perfect solution to a non-surgical

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Get rid of the sag for good! Thermage is an extremely

more youthful. Thermage can treat the toughest areas of the

versatile procedure and can be used to tighten skin in

body, as well. If you’re experiencing sagging in the arms,

virtually any part of the face or body! Estetika carries a

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Let Estetika Reclaim the Real You with Thermage!

RECEIVE A $100 MAIL-IN REBATE WITH YOUR FIRST TREATMENT! (LIMITED TIME) Estetika Skin & Laser Specialists is proud to provide Sarasota with top quality care for all of your cosmetic needs in our state-of-the-art facility located at 2068 Hawthorne Street, Sarasota (Hawthorne Research Center).

CALL 941-953-2210 TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION WITH GAIL COLEMAN, OWNER OF ESTETIKA SKIN & LASER SPECIALISTS.

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SOCIAL

Massimo Meda Gallery Opening Italian painter and pianist Massimo Meda celebrated the opening of his Sarasota gallery located next to Sarasota Opera on Pineapple Avenue. Meda also has galleries in Italy – one in Milan, which is next to the famed opera house La Scala, and the other in Portofino, as well as two in China. He has painted 63 subjects for Sarasota and is excited to showcase his work at his new Sarasota gallery. You can view his work at massimomeda.us.

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RESET THE

CLOCK

By Sue Cullen | Photos by Nancy Guth

Exciting advancements in body and facial rejuvenation are continually being announced whether in surgical techniques or new technology. Lasering or freezing fat away, new shapes and materials for breast implants, ultrasound or radio frequency for skin tightening, and more permanent fillers now are available just to name a few. While the idea of a refreshed and youthful look is the goal, seriously, the increasing range of choices can be daunting as can weeding out the hype from what is truly effective.

T

urning back the clock to achieve the soft, firm contours and lustrous skin of a younger you takes more than just finding the right tool for the job. In fact, to achieve those, sometimes elusive, natural looking results requires a more comprehensive approach when it comes to facial rejuvenation as well

as for breast lifts or augmentation and other body work. “With facelifts, the more classic approaches make someone look unnatural, giving the face a ‘windblown’ appearance and result in ear and hairline deformities that are undesirable. That’s because the only tool they are using is skin tension, and that does not give the best result,” says an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Raja Nalluri of Nalluri Plastic Surgery in Sarasota (941752-7842, www.nalluri.com).

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July 2016

“To achieve a more natural youthful appearance, I do

of young skin. The results are better aesthetically and

a combination of a vertical lift, which involves the

longer lasting.”

deeper structures underlying the skin, along with fat augmentation to restore fullness in cheeks and temples, which generally appear hollowed out with a traditional lift,” Nalluri says. Fat augmentation, or fat grafting, techniques have advanced significantly with excellent results and offer the benefit of using the patient’s own fat to achieve results. Cosmetic facial fillers also are evolving. “They used to be injected under the skin, but the molecules have been modified in the newer fillers and now the approach is to use them in the deeper planes of the face,” he says. “Rather than just filling a gap or a wrinkle, we can restore the contour of the face and give the skin the texture and smoother feel

Nalluri also combines laser resurfacing of the skin with his clients’ facelifts. “Some don’t address the condition of the skin, which can still exhibit signs of aging despite more youthful contouring from the lift,” Nalluri says. “Hyaluronic acid, neurotoxins and fillers remain excellent and effective adjuncts. Our objective is to address all areas to restore a youthful, realistic look that does not exhibit the telltale signs of a typical facelift.” Radio frequency therapy is FDA approved to improve skin wrinkling, and because it stimulates collagen fibers beneath the skin’s surface, it also tightens and smooths skin.

July 2016

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37

ur objective is to address all areas to restore a youthful, “Orealistic look that does not exhibit the telltale signs of a typical facelift. ” New minimally invasive procedures also are good op-

see situations where implants are positioned incorrect-

tions for some people, including a suture-based proce-

ly or there is a size problem, the nipples may be un-

dure Nalluri now offers to improve jawline and neck

even, or there is too large a gap between breasts, and

laxity that can be done in the office without general

they want better cleavage. Most classic surgeons try to

anesthesia. “While this does not replace or have the

fix problems by making breasts bigger, but there are

dramatic results of a facelift, it will provide notable im-

ways to achieve a natural looking result with whatever

provement for 12 to 18 months,” he says. “Another new

size breast a woman wants.”

in-office laser therapy is applied both inside the mouth and over the face to improve texture, slightly tighten the skin, and reduce wrinkles. Recovery is immediate so there is no downtime.”

A number of advancements have been made in the implants themselves. Silicone implants are again on the market as well as saline implants, and a relative newcomer is the cohesive gel implant, a.k.a. the “gummy

Nalluri is able to use laser technology inside the mouth

bear” implant. It is slightly firmer than silicone, much

to reduce snoring and vaginally to promote restorative

more firm than saline, and has a lower risk of compli-

tightening and improved lubrication. Lasers also are

cations. “The idea in restorative work is that we do not

proven effective with all skin types for hair and tattoo

rely heavily on one tool or technique to address every

removal as well as improved appearance of acne and

situation. We use a combination,” Nalluri says. “With

stretch marks, pigmented lesions, veins, scars, and skin

breasts, it’s not just about placing the implant or what

tightening for all areas of the body. Advances also have

is the next new implant. We also use fat augmentation

been made in patient comfort, and Nalluri uses Expar-

to plump and improve the feel of the skin.”

el, a recently approved medication that provides pain relief for up to 72 hours post-surgery, reducing the need for narcotic pain medications that can have side effects.

When it comes to client satisfaction, Nalluri takes two important steps. The first is taking a three dimensional view of his work in real life. Any face or breast can look

Because of the effectiveness of his approaches, a signif-

good in a photo. The real test is how they appear in

icant portion of Nalluri’s practice is restoring someone’s

motion and from different angles. The second step is to

appearance when they’ve gotten a bad result from an-

ensure clients are well educated about the procedures

other provider. In recent years, many non-plastic sur-

they are considering and understand realistically what

geons have entered the field from other practice areas,

results are likely. “I practice evidence-based medicine,

even dentistry, and many cosmetic procedures are be-

and we show clients photos of average results, not best

ing performed by those outside of the medical profes-

case scenarios, even though we do get very good re-

sion who received their “training” through a weekend

sults for people,” he says.

course or from an equipment salesperson.

With the proliferation of minimally invasive and

“A lot of people come to me for secondary surgery,

non-surgical procedures, sorting out what is the best

much of which is for the breast and face. With the

approach on an individual basis can require expert

breast, there are some common problems we correct

guidance. Nowhere is this more evident than with the

whether it is a lift or an augmentation,” he says. “We

new non-invasive options for fat reduction. TightSculpt-

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July 2016

ing is a non-invasive laser treatment that reduces fat

tight. When the technique is underneath the skin, you

with heat comfortably and safely. Another method, the

get a better overall result.”

Zerona cold laser, is safe, painless, FDA approved, and studies have shown it is effective in reducing the overall circumference of the abdomen, hips and thighs.

Sorting through all of the options can be confusing and those interested in any type of plastic surgery or procedure should research the practitioner as well as

Results are not as dramatic as with liposuction, but it is

seek guidance on the various alternatives available.

a very viable option for those who are not candidates

Nalluri has received rigorous medical training through

for surgery, or who want to avoid the downtime for sur-

Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals

gical recovery, Nalluri says. Typical results for Zerona

of Cleveland, and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hos-

show from 1 to as much as 3.5 inches of circumferen-

pital. He is board certified by the American Board of

tial reduction. Liposuction remains the better option for

Plastic Surgery and has received numerous awards and

greater volume, and more targeted, fat removal from

recognitions, including U.S. News & World Report,

problem areas. Advancements have made the process

Castle Connolly, Cosmopolitan magazine, America’s

more painless and have reduced blood loss.

Top Doctors, and the International Association of Plas-

Likewise, significant improvements have been made in rejuvenating traditionally troublesome areas like upper arms and thighs. “Standard techniques for the arms and thighs rely on skin tension, which creates unfavorable scarring. I use a combination of liposuction and different incision placement,” Nalluri says. “The tension is in the deeper plane and the skin is draped, not stretched

tic Surgeons. He also is a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Florida State University School of Medicine. “In this profession, we want to undo the past, even turn back the clock to reverse the signs of aging,” Nalluri says. “That means seeing every client as a truly unique person and creating a natural, beautiful look that is as individual as they are.”

July 2016

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July 2016

e t a m i The U lt r e v o e k a M e l i m S

By Sue Cullen

No matter what kind of beauty someone possesses, whether it is the classic look on cameos and ancient Roman coins or a visage uniquely theirs, only one feature provides the ticket to an instant makeover. A beautiful smile.

Smiles are a powerful part of our beauty ar-

Improved dental aesthetics also means better

senal, credited with lighting up a face or an

functionality and vice versa.”

entire room. They also can transform a face from nice to radiant. Thankfully, with mod-

Whether it’s a small enhancement, such as

ern cosmetic dentistry, having a “killer” smile

whitening teeth, or a full smile makeover,

is possible no matter what Mother Nature or

more and better options are now available.

Father Time had planned for us.

While additional choices are a boon, finding the best option can seem overwhelming.

“A person’s smile is a key aspect of facial aes-

“We spend a lot of time educating patients

thetics, and that becomes even more appar-

about their options. With veneers, for exam-

ent when someone has a facelift or any kind

ple, someone can choose from a variety of

of augmentation,” says Dr. Kenneth Liszewski

grades of materials. For more aesthetic full

of BayView Dental Associates (941.351.8338

crowns, combinations of porcelain and zirco-

| bayviewdental.com), who has practiced

nia are available. For cost conscious patients,

general and cosmetic dentistry for nearly

composites may be the ticket.” Liszewski

30 years in Sarasota. “That means cosmetic

says. “As is usually the case, you typically get

dentistry goes hand in hand with cosmet-

what you pay for. Composites look nice ini-

ic enhancement, but at the same time, you

tially but may wear and discolor more rapidly

can’t separate functionality and aesthetics.

not having the longevity of all ceramic. VeJuly 2016

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41

neers also may not be right for someone with bone loss from

can be milled from temporary materials for patients to wear.

periodontal disease. There is also a question of how well

This allows refinements to be made prior to the final milling.

these restorations will hold up for those with strong masseter muscles that close the jaw when chewing.”

Cosmetic dentistry is a significant investment for many people, and Liszewski recommends doing research the same as with

A combination of crowns, veneers, dentures or even a com-

any larger purchase by getting recommendations from family

plete dental implant restoration may be the solution. An experi-

and friends, consulting with several dentists, and getting sec-

enced dentist can provide several appropriate options and help

ond opinions. “Most dentists are willing to help you under-

someone select the right option for them. Liszewski underwent

stand a comprehensive treatment plan and offer their opinions

a makeover of his own upper teeth about two years ago to make

and ideas,” he says. “It’s a big decision, and my best advice is

the shape and color consistent and improve function using a

don’t be afraid to ask questions or get another opinion.”

combination of veneers and zirconia crowns. “My teeth weren’t terrible, but they’d gotten a little darker. One of my incisors was

Liszewski also offers another key piece of advice to those who

damaged playing football, and I’d always been a little self con-

are looking for a smile makeover or who may need a lot of re-

scious about it,” he says. “Now I like my new smile.”

storative work. Rather than having the work done piecemeal, consider doing it all at once. The ongoing and repetitive cost

Advancing techniques and technology also have made dental

of having patchwork dentistry done over an extended period

work – even something as comprehensive as a smile make-

of time usually winds up costing more in the long run. Consid-

over – a much smoother process and more comfortable for

er financing a complete makeover and enjoy the final product

the patient. BayView Dental has an in-house cone beam CT

for many years while paying for it over time, he suggests.

scan, which provides 3D views of the mouth allowing for high-precision placement of dental implants. Digital impres-

“People who do it this way tend to be more satisfied over the

sions taken by scanning the teeth, rather than less precise

long haul because they get to enjoy it right away,” Liszewski

physical impressions, not only improves accuracy but has

says. “That’s the most rewarding part of being a dentist, hav-

other advantages, particularly for large-scale makeover cas-

ing people walk out the door smiling and happy. It feels like

es. Combined with CAD/CAM systems, entire restorations

you’ve done something good.”

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July 2016

Dr. Penny Heinrich:

“Since Sarasota is my hometown, I’ve always wanted to return here

and provide cancer patients with the best possible care through every step of their treatment. I founded Suncoast Cancer Institute in February 2016 to do just that.”

We provide comprehensive, compassionate and personalized cancer care. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and cancer. When you choose Suncoast Cancer Institute as your partner, you can expect the best possible care, using leading edge cancer therapies, education about your specific disease and treatment, and timely and effective communication. You are an active and critical member of our partnership and our goal is to provide you with premier oncology care and ensure the greatest level of patient satisfaction.

Next Day Appointments Available In Most Cases Accepting New Patients!

941.200.1125 www.suncoastci.com

1217 S. East Ave., Suite 201 Sarasota, FL 34239 Across from Michael’s On East

Our Vision is...

D r. H einrich is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. She is a member of Florida Society of Clinical Oncology, A merican S ociety of C linical O ncology , A merican S ociety of H ematology, and the Florida Medical Association.

Available Treatments: • Outpatient Chemotherapy

• Biological, Hormone & Targeted Therapies

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=C*0 a ibrant jewish community You are the Jewish Community.

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KLINGENSTEIN JEWISH CENTER 580 McIntosh Road • Sarasota, FL 34232

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Fashion Show & Luncheon • Michael’s On East July 22nd, 2016 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are ‘recycling’ dresses from Goodwill and ‘redesigning’ a one-of-a-kind little black dress with their favorite ‘pop’ of color. Feauring amazing role models from the Junior League of Sarasota!

ExperienceGoodwill.org/Events to purchase tickets!

sational Events of the Season It’s time once again for our annual social season wrap up.

From fun brunches, to inspirational speakers, to beautiful galas, the season of creativity, much-deserved The was timechock to getfull dolled up, bring out the bling, and awards, lots admire of passion, best offrom all, generous people oneand, another near and afar who has come give so muchand to ensure ourwe community strong. gone as bid sweetstays adieu to the 2014/2015

social season. From lunches, afternoon teas, cocktail Every one of our featured events had special moments and parties, dinners, and after-parties, event chairs and raised important funds for some of our most vital nonprofits, committee members worked their society derrieres off and some of them were absolute standouts deserving of to bring us a season that definitely raised the bar. being named a 2016 SCENE-Sational Event.

July 2016

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USF Brunch on the Bay Seeing the proud, beaming faces of USFSM students, enjoying cuisine from more than 20 of our finest restaurants and caterers, and knowing that you’re contributing to college scholarships, makes this fabulous brunch one to support year after year. November 6 is the date for this year’s event - get your tickets early!

Saint Stephens’s Fire & Ice Gala With its world-class education, Saint Stephen’s is one of the most respected schools in the nation. To raise funds for scholarships, activities and programs, its Parents’ Association puts on quite a gala every year and this one delivered lots of special moments. Well done!

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July 2016

AJC National Human Relations Dinners West Coast Florida Director Brian Lipton and President Anne Virag did it again at AJC’s two inspirational and educational fundraisers honoring those who not only support the important mission of AJC, but who also have a significant impact on our community. The deserving honorees this year were Gulf Coast Community Foundation VP Veronica Brady, and philanthropists David and Edie Chaifetz.

JFCS Celebrity Chefs Food & Wine Tasting It started with golf and tennis in the day and ended in the evening under a giant tent at The Resort at Longboat Key Club where more than 600 people enjoyed cuisine and wines from over 25 local restaurants. Attended by some of the most famous faces in town, it benefits the important community programs of JFCS of the Suncoast. Put it on your list for next year!

July 2016

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Catholic Charities Ball Chairs Mary Kenealy-Barbetta, Julie Delaney, Jane Norton, and Maria DeSanto did not disappoint with this elegant and always top-notch ball held at the Ritz-Carlton. Northern Trust president and CEO Phil Delaney was honored for his long-time commitment to support the vital services and programs of Catholic Charities.

Child Protection Center’s Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala One of the most passion-filled events, this gala supports the vitally important services for the prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse. And leading that passion is the ardent and tireless voice for children of abuse, philanthropist Graci McGillicuddy, whose cheek a butterfly appropriately landed on when she spoke at the opening of the new CPC building a few years ago. If that wasn’t a sign of hope and new life, what is? Get on board and wear your blue to help CPC at next year’s event in April.

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July 2016

Florida Winefest & Auction’s Banquet on the Block Local culinary rock stars wowed once again at this ultimate downtown Sarasota street party as attendees were wined and dined at the longest dinner table in town in front of Mattison’s City Grille. This banquet is just one of series of wine-related happenings over several days led by Sandy Loevner, who for 26 years, has helped raise $8 million for local charities.

Circus Arts Conservatory Gala Guests took their flashy and creative hats off to international circus legend Dolly Jacobs, the “Queen of the Air”, who is the first circus performer to receive a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Where else can you see live circus performances, dress in fun costumes, and help raise money in support of the Circus Arts Conservatory, one of our top community treasures? It is always a feel good event that puts huge smiles on the faces of everyone.

July 2016

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CVA Hall of Fame Luncheon Always a popular luncheon, Community Video Archives (CVA) honors special people in our community with its Hall of Fame award and preserves the history, philosophy and persona of each honoree with a video biography. This year, CVA founder Annette Scherman and chair Chris Pfahler honored the “King of the High Wire” Nik Wallenda, Superintendent of Schools Lori White, Jewish Federation Executive Director Howard Tevlowitz, and Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel – all terrific choices!

Designing Daughter’s Annual Gala Watching the growth of Designing Daughters as an organization of significant impact has been a joy. Their gala, Havana Nights, was not only fun, but it raised a record amount, which will be granted to several worthy organizations by year end. There’s no doubt these dynamic young(er) women, our “next-gen philanthropists,” are on a fast track to be a powerhouse organization we can’t be without.

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Education Foundation’s Evening of Excellence The incredible art of local high students is on display and ready for your auction bid at this very important event, which raises funds in support of Sarasota County public schools. Always exciting, it is indeed an “evening of excellence” and one you should put on your list for next season.

Ear Research Foundation The Kentucky Derby was front and center as supporters of the Ear Research Foundation donned traditional Derby hats and bowties and excitedly watched the 142nd Run for the Roses. If you do your research, you’ll find out that this foundation raises funds for research and education, and to aid individuals suffering from hearing loss and balance disorders. Kudos to all involved – well done!

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Dick Vitale Gala He set another record - $2.8 million - raising over $18 million since starting his crusade 11 years ago for the V Foundation.

How does he do it year after year? As he always does. Our Dickie V brought in the star power, did his stomp, and pleaded loudly until he was hoarse as he again fought hard for people to open their hearts and wallets to fight pediatric cancer. And he’ll be back doing it all over again next year, fighting the good fight.

You can count on it, and he hopes he can count on you.

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Rectrix Jet Port Reception It’s luxurious and sexy and rocks with great entertainment.

From exotic cars, to cool motorcycles, to sophisticated jets, this event is your chance to view the finest “toys” while supporting a great cause. This one benefited United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Florida.

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Children First Fairytale Ball Imagine a ballroom transformed into an underwater world filled with enchanting sea creatures. Themed “Sea of Dreams,� this always powerful and entertaining ball was a fairytale come true, and set a fundraising record to help the more than 600 vulnerable children and their families served by Children First. Definitely an event to be seen at!

La Musica - Sonata a Due & Chef’s Interactive Dinner For chamber music enthusiasts and for those who want to experience this special musical genre, attending Sonata a Due is the way to do it. The sounds of glorious sonatas performed live starts the evening followed by an elegant dinner. The Interactive Dinner is in the Spring and it gives the musicians a chance to have fun with supporters as everyone gets a chance to prepare the courses and enjoy this annual foodie feast.

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Key to the Cure Where else can you see more than 1000 beautiful people having a blast throughout Saks Fifth Avenue, mostly wearing pink for breast cancer awareness month, and raising money for women’s cancer programs at SMH? It’s the kick-off event of the season, one of the most fun events, and if you’re new to town, one you must experience.

Sarasota Garden Club’s Annual Fashion Show Everything was beautiful at Sarasota Garden Club’s annual fashion show, Tutta Bella, including the Sigrid Olsen fashion show presented by the designer herself. Expect something molto, motto bella when the Club celebrates its 90th anniversary next year.

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4th Annual Women & Medicine Luncheon Health and wellness issues take center stage at this must-attend luncheon presented by The Women’s Leadership Council and supporting Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. This year, the latest trends and innovations in cancer care were presented by prominent local physicians Dr. James Fiorica, Dr. Kenneth Meredith, and Dr. Alissa Shulman.

JFCS Gala: Reflections – Celebrating 30 Years with a Caring Community This is always one of the top events of the social season. After an elegant cocktail reception, guests entered the magnificently decorated Ritz Carlton Ballroom to celebrate the work of JFCS in our community, enjoy a fabulous dinner, mingle with friends, and be entertained by the Sarasota Orchestra, which has been so generously sponsored by philanthropist Bea Friedman for the past 10 years. Don’t miss this one!

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Sarasota Film Festival Tribute Luncheon While the entire week of SFF was terrific – from its films to its opening night to closing night – one of its most special events honored Academy Awardwinning actress Olympia Dukakis. This annual luncheon is a chance to get closer to actors who have graced the screen for years and learn more about their fascinating career, beliefs and personal life. The classy and mega-talented Ms. Dukakis did not disappoint.

Van Wezel Foundation Gala Every year this gala delivers not only on star power, but also on execution. The cocktail reception buzzed with beautiful people, the elegantly appointed Bayfront tent created the perfect dinner setting, and the star of the evening, Josh Groban, was fabulous as he performed a variety of show tunes and fan favorites. Who will next year’s star be? We don’t know yet, but get ready, because when its announced, you’ll need to get your tickets early. Well done!

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Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Women’s Day Jewish Federation’s Women’s Day event always has the most interesting speakers who deliver powerful messages. And this event was no different. With her many achievements, Academy-Award winning actress Marlee Matlin proved there are no obstacles in life, only challenges to overcome, as she shared with guests how she did not let deafness stand in the way of her dreams. This event is always a winner.

SCF’s Avenues des Artistes The impressive art, theater and music programs of SCF were on full display as guests walked on brightly colored streets replicating Madrid, Florence and London. Each “street” was designed for SCF supporters to enjoy a gallery filled with students’ art and photography, while other students performed. Can’t wait to see where they take us next year!

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Sarasota Orchestra Season Opener Brunch Sarasota Orchestra’s Youth Orchestra, Summer Music Camp and students were the stars at SO’s Season Opener Brunch, where you not only get an array of delicious food, but you also get to hear some of the very talented musicians of SO perform.

Taylor Emmons Charity Golf Classic and Poker Tournament One of the most heart-filled events of the season, this event honors the memory of Taylor Emmons, a star student and baseball player at Out-of-Door Academy who died tragically in 2010, and raises money for scholarships for students who share his drive and passion for academics, the arts, and athletics.

The day starts with a golf tournament and continues into the evening with a fun poker tournament. It’s definitely a worthy cause run by special people.

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Make-A-Wish All White Party This divine and heavenly event benefiting Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida featured guests beautifully dressed in all white, and a frosted fortress of luxury – Michael’s On East’s ballroom adorned in white draping and decorations. Proceeds help grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions in our local community.

Conservation Foundation Palm Ball It is quite simply a magnificent gala at which everything is beautiful the setting, the people, the ambiance, the food, the entertainment and more. And even more magnificent is the generosity of its attendees, who are passionate about protecting the rich natural bounty of our land and water, now and forever. Don’t you want to conserve this place we love? Sure you do. There are lots of ways to help so call this vital foundation to find out!

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Sarasota Opera Gala “An Evening on the Nile” With Verdi’s “Aida” kicking off its winter season, event chairs Edie Chaiftez and Sandra Lundqvist perfectly orchestrated a very special Egyptian-inspired evening at the RitzCarlton. With massive palm table centerpieces on linens of gold, Sphinx statues, delectable pyramid- and sarcophagus-shaped desserts, and outstanding performances by Sarasota Opera Principal Artists, everyone was shouting bravo over this spectacular event!

Callaghan Tire Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament Full of golf legends, tall tales, trick shots, and camaraderie, this first-class three-day tournament hosted by Dan Callaghan, CEO of Callaghan Tire, has raised more the $600,000 for cancer research.

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Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s 15th Annual Golf Tournament A helicopter ball drop, fabulous auction items, and a record-breaking 204 golfers helped raise more than $100,000 for the physicians’ endowment to fund continuing education for the staff at Sarasota Memorial. SCENE publisher Ron Milton was the tournament chair.

Fore the Love of Habitat Comedy Night & Golf Tournament Laughter is the best medicine and golf is a sport of honor. Both were part of Habitat for Humanity Sarasota’s annual event as supporters raised their paintbrushes to support affordable housing in the community. Comedians at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre provided the evening laughs, and with every golfer’s swing the next day, came the honor of helping others. Be sure to catch the laughs and fun next year.

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RCAD Golf Tournament This tournament to raise scholarship funds for Ringling College students featured “Tips from the Pros�, a hole-in-one contest, and student speakers.

2016 Concession Cup The 2016 Concession Cup, a biennial amateur team match-play competition held at The Concession Golf Club, featured golfing legends Jack Nicklaus, and Tony Jacklin. The Concession Cup was created to celebrate amateur golf and it raises money to support charities in the Bradenton, Tampa and St. Petersburg area.

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Scene

Together

By Julie Milton

Weddings

LEA MEI + JAMES BUCHANAN The magnificent wedding of Lea Mei and James Buchanan was undoubtedly the event of the year, and one that those who were fortunate enough to attend will talk about for a long time. I know because I was one of the fortunate ones.

It all started with the traditional nuptials held at First Baptist Church of Sarasota that were filled with heartfelt moments and lots of tears. As the very beautiful and elegant Lea walked down the aisle on the arm of her father, Cafe Baci owner Roberto Mei, family and friends caught the first glimpse of her jaw-dropping custom-fit Ines Di Santo “Cologne” ivory tulle ball gown adorned with pearls, crystals, and delicate beaded lace appliqués. Her cathedral length veil dotted with pearls and crystals was framed by a beautiful custom tiara made by one of Sarasota’s most well known jewelry designers, Nikki Sedacca, who also made Lea’s matching bracelet.

With her classic, regal look, simple yet sophisticated hairstyle, warm and welcoming smile and sparkle that never left her eyes, this standout bride was indeed our local royalty on her very special day, and most deserving of my thoughts of a brunette Grace Kelly - she was our Princess Lea. Her proud mother, the lovely and vivacious Denise Mei, beamed with pride and also shined brightly as her daughter exchanged vows under a grand canopy of white and gold flowers with the man of her dreams, the charming and accomplished James Buchanan. Lea was flanked by her maid of honor, Rachel Palladino, matrons of honor, sister-in-laws Nicole Mei and Diana Buchanan, and eight bridesmaids who all looked stunning in their shimmering gold gowns and sleek chignons.

Denise helped her daughter honor family through traditional wedding elements. For “something old,” Lea wore a diamond cocktail ring given to her by her late grandmother, Marie Palladino, with whom she shared a very close and loving relationship. Her mother’s diamond earrings were worn for “something borrowed,” and the

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blue garter she wore all evening was the “something blue.”

James is the eldest son of another dynamic and much-beloved Sarasota couple - Sandy and Congressman Vern Buchanan. And while grooms never get the same coverage about what they wear (sorry guys!), James and his groomsmen, including best man brother Matt, looked dashing in their tuxedos with James’ bow tie framed by a classy white border. With tradition, family love and pride also an

opened only at Lea’s wedding.

important part of the Buchanan family, James added a unique and

The divinely delicious eight-tier wedding cake was designed

sentimental touch to incorporate memories of those he loved. His

with cream and gold-colored roses, and “pearls” around each lay-

grandfather was a fisherman and James inherited his fishing equip-

er. Everyone then enjoyed dancing on the custom floor adorned

ment. He used his grandfather’s fishing flies to make the cufflinks

with the couple’s initials surrounded with plush lounge seating,

he and his groomsmen wore and also placed more of his grandfa-

and late night bites as the fun continued close to the midnight

ther’s fishing flies inside the boutonnieres.

hour. The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display after

The stunning reception was held at our iconic Ringling Mu-

which the couple left the reception walking under the green arch-

seum Courtyard. From the creative archways of greenery with

ways as their attendants lined around them holding sparklers. As

hanging chandeliers, to the specially made artistic boards display-

guests departed, they received a memento of a beautifully framed

ing the table cards, to the flutist, guitar player and ballet dancers,

work of art – a gold rose – by local artist Debbie Danheisser.

to the elegant table settings, everything was perfect. Catered by

And there it ended. But with that ending, an exciting life jour-

Paul Mattison with the help of Café Baci, guests dined on several

ney began for Lea and James. It was indeed a fairy-tale wedding

exquisitely prepared and presented courses.

befitting a prince and princess that everyone in attendance will

A prayer for the couple was read by Sandy Buchanan and Con-

never forget.

gressman Buchanan delivered a wonderful, heartfelt speech about his son and his bride. But there was not a dry eye when Lea’s father, Roberto, spoke so eloquently about his love for his daughter, welcomed James to his family, and toasted the couple with a

Planners: Nicole Kaney of NK Productions and MMD Events | Venue: The Ringling Museum Courtyard | Catering: Chef Paul Mattison and Café Baci | Photographer: Justin Demutiis Photography | Flowers & Staging: MMD Events | Cake: Cake Zone | Music, Lighting & Sound: Serenade of Souls | Gown: Ines Di Santo, Blush Bridal

very special 1987 Chateau d’Yguem, Lur Saluces – a wine given to

| Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Linens: Nuage | Flute Player: Peter Simms | Guitar Player:

Roberto by Denise’s late mother who told Roberto that it was to be

Jane Hoffman | Ballet Dancers: Jump Dance Company

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SARA SARDELLI + KENNY RACHON This former principal dancer for Sarasota Ballet, who now serves as its outreach coordinator, packs a lot of punch in her tiny, delicate frame. For the six years Sara Sardelli graced the Ballet’s stage, her strength and artistry wowed audiences as she shined brightly in whatever role she danced. So it came as no surprise that on her wedding day, this Sarasota star again shined brilliantly as she began a new role as wife to her new leading man, Kenny.

Sara met Kenny in Indianapolis through mutual friends during their college years. She attended Butler University and Kenny attended Indiana University and Purdue, where he played Division One Tennis. They never dated then, but always had lots of fun and good times whenever they were together.

Fast-forward ten years to November 2014. Kenny was visiting his parents in Fort Myers and connected with Sara to have dinner in Sarasota the night before Thanksgiving. The couple immediately realized that the strong connection they made during their college years was still there and from that dinner on, they became inseparable.

Almost a year later when Sara’s sister, Lisa O’Donovan, and her good friend, Sarasota Ballet marketing director Mike Marraccini, knew Kenny’s proposal was imminent, they prodded him to propose during Tea & Tutus, a wonderful family event Sara orchestrated for the Ballet. But Kenny, not being one that likes to have the spotlight on himself, chickened out, and instead deciding to propose his way. The night before the event, he came home and proposed with flowers and a bottle of champagne. For Sara, it could not have been more perfect. They celebrated with friends afterwards at Shore Restaurant, one of Sara’s favorites.

The couple wed on May 6 at St. Martha’s Catholic Church followed by a reception at Michael’s On East. Sara planned every detail with co-owner Phil Mancini, who delivered everything exactly how Sara dreamed it would be.

But the very organized Sara, who planned the evening with specific timelines, was totally surprised when her friends Anais Blake and Kate Walsh Honea planned an unbelievable flash mob with several of Sara’s favorite dancers from Sarasota Ballet. For Sara, who is not one who typically likes surprises, it was one of her favorite moments of not only her special night, but of her entire life. She still keeps watching the video over and over!

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There were many special touches all evening long. Instead of the traditional tiny bride and groom sculptures atop their wedding cake, it was replicas of Sara and Kenny’s two dogs that made the top tier! Guests were also treated to a guided trolley tour in between the ceremony and the reception narrated by local attorney Bernard Walsh. Michael White provided caricatures for guests all night long and Jonathan Cortez entertained with his amazing vocals. After a delicious three-course dinner and three different cake choices, there was a late night slider station. But for this beautiful couple, the best part was having their parents and sisters there with them and loving every moment. That was their dream come true!

Sara’s “Sarasota mom” is dear friend and Sarasota Ballet supporter Sydney Goldstein. Sydney provided Sara with yet another very special moment. She passed her wedding band down to Sara who said, “It is so beautiful and special.

I can’t stop looking at it!”

Sara and Kenny took a “mini-moon” to Key West and will be going on their honeymoon later this summer.

Vendors: Venue: Michael’s On East | Officiate: Father Fausto, St. Martha’s Catholic Church | Ceremony Music: Joy Leitner, Virginia Bray, Matthew Dendy, David Bagaus | Hair: Janel Coyle, By Janel | Makeup: Eri Vincent Makeup | Flowers: Flowers by Fudgie | Cake: Center Ring Cakes | Rentals/ Décor: So Staged | Photography: Ryan Joseph Photography | DJ/ Vocals: Jonathan Cortez | Videography: Bill Wagy | Printed Materials: Spotlight Graphics | Bride’s Gown: Blush Bridal | Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu | Transportation: SRQ Trolley/ Primetime Limos | Caricatures: Michael White | Rings: Bride – Vintage; Groom – Diamond Vault | Draping Décor: Affairs in the Air | Lighting & Sound: Brent Greeno, Sights and Sounds | Babysitting: Indiana Cote, Sara Falstad

SHANNON KATHERINE O’BRIEN + FRANK HOWARD KERNEY III Shannon O’Brien learned from the day she was born that the fruits of life and knowledge were hers for the taking. She only had to pick wisely. And who better to teach Shannon about life’s many fruits than her parents, Tom and Leanne O’Brien, owners of O’Brien Family Farms in Bradenton! So when she married the man of her dreams, Frank Kerney, it was apparent that when it came to picking her life partner, her ability to select well was undeniable, and his was impeccable!

Frank, an attorney for Morgan & Morgan, is the son of Frank and Julie Kerney. He grew up in New Jersey attending Watchung Hills Regional H.S. in Warren, and then headed south to attend USF and Stetson University, College of Law. Shannon, a graduate of Manatee H.S. who received her college degree from the University of Florida and her undergraduate degree from UF’s Hough Graduate School of Business, is an accomplished businesswoman in her own right. The very fit and health conscious Shannon is the owner of Pure Barre in Brandon and Carrollwood. And despite her rigorous schedule running both clubs, she also finds time to handle marketing for O’Brien Family Farms.

The couple met at a house party. Shannon actually had a date that evening, but since it wasn’t going well, she decided to come home early. Her good friend (who also knew Frank) begged Shannon to come with her to the house party. She would soon learn

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that leaving her date early and attending the party would change her life forever. It was there she met Frank and the two quickly became inseparable.

Their engagement came on a Christmas Eve. Shannon got dressed preparing for a simple dinner with her parents and grandparents. But when she came downstairs, Frank played a video he made highlighting their best dating memories. He then got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. Afterwards, both families got together for their first official family dinner. Frank made sure to get Shannon her first pair of Pure Barre “Bride to Be” exercise socks as a gift!

A little rain on the couple’s wedding day didn’t stop it from being perfect. The ceremony, conducted by Pastor Arthur McClellan of First Church, took place in front of a large wall of flowers at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, as guests looked on seated in modern ghost chairs. Shannon’s magnificent Inbal Dror dress was traditional, yet had a modern flair. During the ceremony and cocktail hour, Classern Quartet played a fun and unique mix of classical and contemporary pop music. The festivities continued as guests entered the Ritz Ballroom for the reception, which glowed throughout from the tabletop mirrors and candles, and linens of blush tones and sequins. Evolution Party Band from Atlanta rocked the party and everyone danced the night away.

Shannon and Frank plan on honeymooning this Fall in France, Spain and Italy.

Vendors: Planner: NK Productions | Bridal Gown: Inbal Dror from The Collection Bridal | Veil: Homa Veils | Hairpiece: Erin Cole | Shoes: Rene Caovilla & Jimmy Choo | Wedding Rings: Custom designs by Westshore Diamond | Earrings: Erin Cole | Bridesmaids’ Gowns: Bella Bridesmaids | Photographer: Ryan Joseph Photography | Floral: Oneco Florist | Rentals: Ghost Chairs: 341 Events | Linens: BBJ Linens | Audio Visual: Encore Event Technologies | So Staged Events: Mirror Top Tables, Bars | Swag Décor: Draping, Staging & Up-lighting | US Tent: Dance Floor | Videographer: Voila Cinematic | Venue: Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (Ceremony & Reception) | Salon: Tammy Gamso of Fresh Salon | Band: Evolution Party Band from Atlanta, GA | Ensemble: Classern Quartet | Invitations: William Arthur from The Write Stuff | Calligrapher: Dotty McMillan

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SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW

Ahead of His Time but Never His Timing Gus Mollasis Interviews Dickie Smothers

He’s a father of six and a son to a father who died during World War II. But we all know him best as a brother, and one half of one of the most important creative comedy teams of all time.

Together with his brother Tommy, they’ve joked their way into comedy history as The Smothers Brothers by being funny with their unique brand of wit, their music, and impeccable timing that not only made you laugh, but think. His birth name was Richard Remick Smothers, but we’ve known him through the years as Dickie. Maybe you caught his act in a nightclub or comedy club, or a concert hall, or on the tube Sunday night when there were fewer channels, yet more variety on TV. The Smothers Brothers were ahead of their time, but they were never ahead of their timing.

Today, this Sarasota resident is still searching for laughs, but in the end, he would be content if after all the jokes, songs and skits, that he be remembered as someone who made you smile. As I got ready to sit down with this comedy legend, a smile was already forming on my face, as I couldn’t wait to take a look at some funny scenes from an interview of his life.

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Where were you born?

We were bred and born. Everyone else says it backward and it pisses my brother off. We were bred in New York City.

Governor’s Island. Federal land. So I don’t know where I was born. It’s hard to find our birth certificates.

Your contemporaries consider you to be pioneers leading a fight for the first amendment. Is some of your comedy and career dedicated even subliminally to your father who was killed during World War II? We were pre-war babies. My dad, a West Point graduate, died as a prisoner during the War. Our early bonding, or filtering, was in the Philippine Islands with troops coming home and mom working in a defense plant with our extended families taking care of the children. We had a maid and cook.

Why? Because we were rich? No. Dad was a prisoner and mom was filling bombers. There was a coming together back there that was rich, but the fallout was my mom became an alcoholic. Great lady when straight, but because of this upbringing Tommy and I got closer and that set us on our way.

Tell us one of your favorite scenes with you and Tommy growing up.

We’re talking being fatherless. Tommy was always the guy.

Big developmental difference if I’m four-years-old and he’s seven. He would take me places with him. He was not compliant – he was the strong willed child who would do things. I remember we had a pee contest. He said he could pee on me if I get on the other side of the fence. So I took the cushion off the lawn chair and said, “I’ll get behind here.” And I hid behind it. When you’re young, your pee has a lot of power (laughing). This is going to go into my standup at McCurdy’s. He arched the pee over the fence, it came down, hit me in the face and I ran and told mommy, “Tommy peed on me,” and he got in trouble.

When did you guys know that you were funny?

DS. I knew he was funny in 1959 at college. I’d graduated Redondo High School in 1957, then I went in the Army because they had reserves and I could get 20 bucks a month and I wanted to see what dad went through. I did six months of active duty and reserve and went to two junior colleges in California. Mom was drinking at the time and had a new baby from her third marriage.

Tommy was stuck in San Jose, working part time in a gas station, going to school, and trying to take care of mom. He finally told me, “I can’t do this. Dickie, can you come up and help me?” I was engaged to my high school sweetheart in Southern California. Of course I went up there. My girl gave me her ring back, a good thing, and I got a job at a fast food commissary delivering meat to the Silicon Valley, but it wasn’t the Silicon Valley yet. At 4 a.m., I’d unfreeze the chickens, get prepped, load up my truck, make my rounds, and stop by my house where mom was with Tommy. We’d offload a few steaks, chili, and some chicken pieces, not enough so they’d be missed - a little bit from each pan, so they were just short. We ate off that. It was pretty tough. We did that for a while, and he said, “Why don’t we get a singing group together like we had in high school.” So we did that to get ready

for a freshman dance. We wanted to try out in front of a crowd.

There was a little folk singing club that kicked off and made folk extremely popular. It was the first young people’s popular music that developed the concept and genre of college concerts. So it wasn’t our doing. Our timing was right to be there. We wanted to sing in front of an audience so we could get the failures out of there and know what was good. You don’t get to do that unless you have that audience. We sang three songs that weren’t folk songs. Tommy introduced them. He’d never done that before. He made up stories and they laughed at them.

How did Tommy develop his unique style?

In high school, he gave nomination speeches and the people always got elected. One nomination speech, I remember because he gave it to me, was “The General Objectives of Going to the Polls is to Vote.” He would do this really dead pan.

The thoughts that run through your mind: Is he copacetic? Is he congruent? All this double talk. No one knew what hell he was talking about, and they would start yelling at him. In speech class, he realized there were people that drove him crazy. They’d giggle and do these weird things. He had subtextually created an alter ego or another person inside of him. In San Jose, he led card stunts where he had to get people to follow the rules. “Okay you have your cards, the instructions are here. Now I know you’re going to want to throw the cards. They’re dangerous and can poke someone’s eye out. So afterward, please take the cards and wad them up. And when I say throw them, it’ll look like a blizzard up there.” He had that ability to have people listen to him even when they wanted to tell him to go blank himself. He had developed this without my knowledge, before I moved up there, this ease of being in front of people talking and giving the impression that he’d rather be anywhere else in the world. Very uncomfortable.

A little bit like early Woody Allen, where you knew he’d rather be anywhere else than on that stage. He’d walk around like a little wounded bird. He’d developed all this, which was a prequel to our performing together. This was fundamental and foundational.

What did Tommy bring to that first time? You have to get this right, because that’s the seed that got sprouted by timing. His fraternity was like Animal House, and burned down three times. We got up there and did our little thing and he got funny. They paid us in beer so I drank as much beer as I could. Then they said, “Could you come back and do it again? It was a little club on Cannery Row. About that time, again timing, the brothers that owned it bought a club right next to the campus near the fraternities. Bad news was that we had to join the union and it cost $125. We July 2016

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didn’t even have a car, let alone $125. So we moved with them to this new club where we got a bigger crowd. We lost our third guy, a high school friend, who married my girl that left me, so we tried a duet the first time we moved to this other club. We didn’t know how to do a duet. We had no skills and tools. Tommy was funny. We would just watch him be funny and then it would be time to sing. He’d sing a song, and then he’d be funny. They were funny introductions that were exaggerations. Comically, Tommy was a genius. He didn’t bomb learning a craft. He was just a natural – his timing and everything – and he’s very dyslexic. The college crowd was perfect because they were rude, sometimes drunk, sometimes tell you to go blank yourself, but they forced us to think on our feet. We did a year like that. Then we met this private detective who specialized in insurance fraud. He told us we should go to San Francisco and the Purple Onion, a very famous club across the street from the Hungry I, which was where all the top comedians like Jonathan Winters, played at the time. So he drove us up in his 49’ Mercury convertible. At our audition, we stood up there and we were pretty confident by that time. While we were doing our bit, this old lady was on the phone taking reservations and Tommy kept telling her to shut up during our show, but he wouldn’t stop doing his introductions. Everybody was laughing. And I said, “What are you laughing about?” They said, “That’s the owner’s mother.” The owners said, “We really like you guys.” So they gave us a job one night a week and the first night we worked they said, “Can you come back tomorrow?

The guy you’re replacing is sick.” That was a huge break. But one of many. Think of your life as connecting dots or links. If one link isn’t there, and it could be a tiny link, that means the whole thing falls apart or screws up your timing.

Tell me about Jack Parr.

When did you know that you had made it?

When people came out to see you, what did you hope they took away from your show?

When we went to San Francisco and got that “one” night.

The flamenco dancer didn’t come on stage because we got three encores our first show. Guess what we did for our encores? Our first three numbers. One at a time. The last encore we didn’t get any applause. We thought, “Maybe we should only do one encore.” Across the street at the Hungry I, the Limelight, an intellectually gifted folk group, were starving. We’d go over and talk to them and they’d come over and talk to us between shows. We did 10-12 minute shows. There were three acts and we were the bottom act. We got $288 a week. We’d go across the street and sit in the back and watch Professor Irwin Corey, Nichols and May, every comedian that was going on. We didn’t intentionally steal anything from them. The fact is we were so different, and that was one of the reasons why we made it.

What comedians did you idolize as you were coming up?

We didn’t idolize anybody. We just looked at them as our contemporaries who were more successful at that point. The people that I put on a pedestal, who are not of this earth, are my radio heroes. Red Skelton. Jack Benny. George and Gracie. Fred Allen. He was so acerbic and cutting. I’m a radio person. We hung around a radio speaker growing up.

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Jack Parr, who gave us our national break in 1961, said one thing. “I don’t know what you guys got. But I’ll tell you one thing. No one is going to steal it.” That’s the best compliment I ever had.

Finish the following sentences: Comedy is hard because…

It was never hard for us. It’s like picking fruit. We like the fruit and we’re in the orchard. Tommy’s genius kept picking fruit off the tree. We never had to plan. We never planned a bit. We never wrote it and said this is where we’re going to go. It’s like living life.

Performing with my brother Tommy was…

The most important, productive and joyous thing in my life.

The Smothers Brothers were funny because…

Of our wonderful defects.

In the team, Tommy was…

The leader, the follower, the inspiration, the vulnerable, the strong, the man who lead with his heart.

In the team, you were the…

Essential ingredient that made it all happen.

What makes you laugh?

Life makes me laugh.

What makes you angry?

Indifference. Apathy.

Most of our career we weren’t trying to give a message.

We talked and listened. The key to a team working together, like Nichols and May, is that that you exchange thoughts, and you don’t give the thought until the other person gives you their thought. It’s like ping pong. The art of conversation. It was our strength. We did 11 or 12 albums, and at least nine were live with an audience. Only one of them did we know what we were doing at the start – the first album, Live at the Purple Onion. We worked a year and a half and then we did this live album. Once we got on The Tonight Show, there was a demand for the album.

How difficult was it to play your instruments and do comedy at the same time?

It’s something that developed over time. We’re strumming and vamping, like when Tommy did John Henry. The improvisation and bits had their own lives and led us somewhere, but we never stopped there. George Carlin had a tree trunk of where the start and end of the show was. He went so far out on branches, you would think he lost it and then boom, he would be back at the trunk. It’s like being a jazz musician. It doesn’t matter how long the riff is, as long as you always came back.

Were your instruments your safe place?

It was essential. The music just felt right. I should be in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing basses. For the bulk of my career, I didn’t carry my bass because it was in my contract, so I played hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of different basses, and every one I played poorly. There’s no category for a man who played the most basses poorly or most poor basses.

Tell me about the time in your career of which you are most proud.

Early in our career, we’re walking down this descending parking lot backstage at the Hollywood Bowl. I came around the mountain with my brother, his wife, and my first wife, Linda, and we see the vast expansion and part of the shell. We walk out on that shell, which can carry a 100-piece orchestra, with a lake between the first row, and us and see 10,000 people going up the hill. We were standing there with an acoustic bass and an acoustic guitar and one microphone and we entertained them. There was a delay in the speakers back then. The sound took its time going out and coming back, and we had to wait for it. We were uncomfortable, but it really worked. They couldn’t see our faces.

Tommy said, “If they don’t see my face, how can I be funny? And our manager said, “How many record albums have you sold?”

What was the major difference from doing your TV shows in the 1960s and then in the 1980s?

We didn’t have an audience when we came back. The reason we came back in the 80s was for the 20-year reunion show. Doing this show was a thrill because everyone from the original show who was alive and well came back, and we didn’t do any tricks. It was a straight-ahead variety performance-oriented show, and I couldn’t find one review that wasn’t a rave. It was so loved, so embraced, that CBS gave us 20 specials after that. CBS who was really hurting at the time in ratings said let’s do five shows. Then they said that’s all we want. Then we would disband production people and everything. You don’t just show up and do a show. Then they would say we need four more in a different time slot. We got a huge rating our first show and then it went down the tubes because they were not what people wanted. We lost control of our show. That was the biggest mistake we ever made, letting the networks and others tell us what to do. Back in the 60s we got everything, because they thought Bonanza would bury us, and they had failed six times in that time slot. We beat them twice, and ended up being in the top 10 and top 20. We did this in the highest revenue-producing hour of the week on Sunday night. We did 72 shows. In the end, our show offended enough people, but it was never dirty. Still CBS felt it couldn’t handle two boys for one hour of their whole week, because we gave them their greatest anxieties. I must say Tommy acted like an obstinate teenager and a rebel, so they fired us.

your contract. It’s proper and acceptable. They had picked us for the next year and they fired us on April 18, right after Nixon was inaugurated, which is interesting. The good news is maybe had they kept us on until the public tired of us, people would have said that it was time for that show to go. It wasn’t time for that show to go. And we were opening the door, because of our timing of an entertainment show that dealt with social issues. Right after us, All in the Family came on, and being a politically incorrect show, it could probably not be put on TV today. Variety was dead until our show did it again. They were fading out variety shows and replacing Danny Kaye and Red Skelton. They were the old school and we were the new school. We get a lot of credit for doing something that we didn’t do for anybody – we did it for us.

They stepped on our toes and we fought back.

Bill Maher sites you as being a forefather of fighting the establishment and had you peaked today, you would have found a home at a place like HBO. Can’t really say. Where would Lenny Bruce be if he were around today? It’s contextual. Timing. You have to go back to the links. If that flamenco dancer didn’t get sick. Had we not met the detective that talked us into auditioning. Had we not worked with a guy in New York who wasn’t a favorite of Jack Parr, we wouldn’t have got on the Jack Parr show then. Let’s say we would have eventually, but the timing would have been off enough that we wouldn’t have gotten picked for that TV show.

It’s so fragile. The connections. And we had nothing to do with the connections. We were just doing our stuff.

How do you see the comedic landscape today as it pertains to college students, their attitude toward the first amendment, and being too politically correct?

This is just my opinion, and a young person can’t have my opinion because they weren’t in my era to know what it was like then. I say it’s uncomfortable and restricts freedom of expression. At the same time, we’re the most non-accountable and expressive generation ever. We hide on the Internet and say vile and awful things, and yet we are restricting. How can you have it both ways? But we do. It’s like going around with a modern day Internet KKK sheet on us. We are invisible out there. We can be invisibly great, honest and loving, or vile and evil and cause harm and wreck people’s lives. The thing that disturbs me is that it is people oriented. People created political correctness. It’s not government mandated except after the fact. All in the Family should be shown today just like it was then and it wouldn’t upset me. Tarantino makes Django and blacks are going crazy and the whites are afraid to laugh.

You’re a human being. You should be able to laugh at anything. It’s how we laugh and why we laugh.

You have been quoted as saying about your exit from CBS that you were not fired, you were murdered.

Many consider you and your brother to be important not only in the history of comedy, but also perhaps most importantly, as great defenders of the first amendment.

A cancelation is a normal thing of life. You have a life of a show, or a life of an athlete, or whatever, and they cancel

I believe there’s a wide spectrum of what’s funny. Has humor changed? No. There have always been vile, attacking, July 2016

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filthy and sickening types of humor and people who make a living on destroying people’s lives and reputations and making fun of their defects. That’s always been there. I don’t do it.

Tommy and I, if we were out there cutting our teeth today, we would hopefully use the same parameters when we grew up.

I’ve been in AA for 22 years and I go to five or six meetings a week with AA and Al-Anon. It’s become part of me. It hurts me. I can weep inside when I see the insensitivity of people to people and stranger to stranger. I think the short answer is that political correctness is way over board. Go back to Will Rogers and way back before him to Shakespeare. Comedy has always been that voice through exaggeration and satirizing that has made the rich and powerful uncomfortable. Tommy says freedom of speech isn’t in danger, freedom of listening is.

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind.

The Beatles appearance on your show: A thrill. Amazing. I want to take what they took for their genius. We were in the presence of history and didn’t know it at the time.

The Who appearance on your show: I was standing next to Bette Davis, and I swear she was smoking. After the drum exploded and chaos ensued, legend has it she took another puff of her cigarette.

Your appearance on The Tonight Show with Jack Parr: Essential. I believe in God, a higher power. Someone has had our back. Every move that happened, we took advantage.

Maybe we weren’t ready. It’s like a step. We got our fingers on top and pulled ourselves to another step and another. They weren’t our doing. What we accomplished in those ten years from the gas station, to delivering meat, to getting fired from TV for being a threat to national security and the moral fiber of the American public. Period. It was almost like where everything in the world came up roses. They weren’t gifts. Each one we had to stretch and we believed that we could do anything, not knowing, like what we don’t know today.

What was your favorite part of doing your show?

My favorite part was watching. I backed out of the creative process and Tommy was in the lead dealing with all the writers. I wasn’t going to say that I wanted to do this or that.

I liked to watch the process and see Tommy work it all out with everybody. I also loved meeting the guest stars like Greer Garson. When she came on the show, I couldn’t call her anything but Miss Garson. She said, “Dick call me Greer.” I told her I just couldn’t do that. She said, “That’s okay, then I’ll call you Mr. Dick.” If she knew me today, I would be Mr. Dickie.

Why do you think your act worked so well for so long?

We were two clean-cut guys, who were so natural and interesting and everybody’s brothers. When I look at Joan Baez and all those acts back then, they’re precious. I didn’t see how wonderful that era was. Sometimes you can’t see it when you’re in it. We showed up for work and did our job. We were in the dance. I never overestimate who we were. We’re not that im-

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portant. We’re part of that fabric. Our links were show business links. Then it was political links - multi-leveled and none had been done that way. Mason Williams said, “You were accidentally successful.” Mason, who wrote the theme song for The Smothers Brothers, made a mistake and left it in the song. His co-writer pointed it out and Mason said, “The Smothers Brothers base their act on mistakes. This is perfect.” The Smothers Brothers are a happy accident.

How did you find your way to Sarasota, and what’s your favorite way to hang out in Sarasota?

I discovered Sarasota through my sister who lived here. I love to go to Simons Coffee House and I love McCurdy’s, the classiest comedy club I have ever seen with a very legitimate institute of stand-up comedy.

What’s next for you?

Recently I went to this convention in Miami just to let people know that I’m not dead yet even though my brother is retired. “Hi, I’m Dick Smothers, I’m not dead yet. I’m still here.”

No one gave a damn. I want to let people know that after working 50 years with Tommy, I am going to school again like a typical Sarasota resident. I’m in my late 70s doing continuing education at FST. I’m doing little five and seven minute drop-ins at McCurdy’s. Why? I want to get back. I’m in the midst of producing a retrospective Smothers Brothers show to take locally to all the retirement homes. Because those people were in the prime of their lives when our show was on, so they remember, and it’s comfortable. I want to nudge the door open, so Tommy will look in and say, “Let me do a couple of bits in your show.” So, it’s for my brother.

Would you love to work with Tommy again?

It would be wonderful, like heaven.

What is your advice to anyone who wants to blaze a comedic path in show business?

When something excites you, if it’s being a concert pianist, a stand-up comic, making cupcakes, anything that’s moral, legal or ethical, follow it regardless of what money it brings in.

Is there a favorite joke or saying that you live by?

Have a nice day. If you want one. If you don’t want one, I’m not telling you what to do. That’s up to you. But maybe it’s a good idea if you don’t want one, give it to someone else.

Did mom really like you best?

No. If I put it on the Internet, it would be in triple capitals with five exclamation points. No! Thank God.

When people think of you and your brother years from now, what do you hope they remember?

They made me smile. That’s it. It’s not a political message.

We’re not there to teach. If they remember us, I would love for people to see us without any context, like you would see Charlie Chaplin or Laurel and Hardy. To see human interaction that was so precious, it made your heart smile.

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Buzz

The

Around Town

T

his season seemed packed with one-of-a-kind events and happenings that elevated the profiles of many organizations. From galas and charity events, to business openings and personal celebrations, there was no shortage of answers when I asked some locals to share their favorite event or happening of the past season.

“Our Gala was spectacular. The Sarasota Ballet dancers did such an emotional and inspiring performance, followed by a delicious dinner served in an elegant, lavishly decorated setting. Not a bad way to celebrate my birthday, which only comes once every four years!”

Janet Sperling, Wealth Management Specialist at Raymond James & Vice-Chair of the Sarasota Ballet Board of Directors (and Leap Year Birthday Girl!).

“It was the moment Dick Vitale was told at his annual Gala at the Ritz Carlton that they had just raised $2.8 million for pediatric cancer research (in one evening!).

He was beside himself with joy.

What a moment.”

Bill Wagy, Video Producer at Bill Wagy Productions

“Orchid Ball. Selby rocked it in 2015 and in 2016 doubled down with the 40th anniversary celebration.

A cake dropped from the ceiling to the dance floor – I mean that’s epic.”

Jen Smith Statler, Owner & CSO at BDN Solutions and 2016 Orchid Ball Honorary Chair

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“I love the high energy of the Humane Society of Sarasota County’s (HSSC) Paws on the Catwalk, with its breathtaking fashion show featuring gorgeous two- and four-legged models and a balloon drop finale!”

Chris Voelker, Proprietor at State Street Eating House + Cocktails & Board President of HSSC

“The highlight of the season every year is meeting new people and continuing friendships with such diverse and unique groups of people at remarkable event, with many of them sharing in my favorite event of the season, my 50th birthday party.”

Jean Rebel, Marketing Consultant at Modus Direct

“I’m excited that Selby Gardens has become such a cool dynamic venue – from the romantic champagne walk on New Year’s, to the live music on the weekends.

It’s great to see so many options for the community at this beautiful setting.”

Joey Panek, Senior Producer/ Weekly co-host of ABC7 Suncoast View

“A part of me will always yearn for the glamor and excitement of earlier years when the opening night party of the Sarasota Film Festival was held in The Ringling Museum Courtyard. Yet, as I reconnect with fellow film lovers, begin a ten-day long discussion of film, and dance the night away, it is the people who make Sarasota Film Festival’s Opening Night Party a standout year after year.”

Amy Warren, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Relational Life Institute and film lover

“Sarasota was definitely rocking this past season. All the parties, dancing, and events made each week unforgettable. As a local artist, I really appreciated Ringling College’s An Evening at the Avant-Garde to raise scholarship funds. It was not only inspiring, but also a blast! The costumes, caricatures, and marshmallow pops have been hard to forget.”

Avery Jackson, Artist

“Such an inspiring night at the Brian Bill Foundation Navy SEAL dinner honoring heroes – unlike any other event in Sarasota!”

“All of the fundraisers have merit, and the organizations all have a direct impact on our community, but I must say that the one event that stands out the most in my mind, was of course my wedding!”

Brent Greeno, Manager at Sights & Sounds AV

“My favorite event this year by far was Sarasota Opera’s production of Aida! The cast was strong throughout the entire production, the music was exceptional, and the stage construction and direction were unassailable. I had such a good time!“ Fred Murrell, President/CEO at Carbon Resources of Florida

“I moved here 10 years ago and had never been to a gala in Sarasota. I decided to attend the SPARCC Gala at Sarasota Yacht Club. I invited a couple of female friends, who were not able to go, so I decided to pull up my big-girl panties and go alone. I was seated at a table with a lovely group of people, and enjoyed the wonderful menu selection and music. The auctioneer for the live auction was also very entertaining! I would definitely go again – even if alone.”

Hayley Wielgus Winitz, News Anchor at ABC7 Sarasota

Anne Casanova, Makeup Artist at Trish McEvoy (The Met)

“There were so many standouts this year! I particularly enjoyed the culinary experience local chefs prepared from locally sourced ingredients at Foodlosophy, the gala for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. I also enjoyed the Firefly Gala, benefiting Forty Carrots. The mission of Forty Carrots strikes a chord with my husband and I, especially now being parents.”

“My social life pretty much involved opening up Sol’s NYC Deli and running deals through for Jesse (Biter Enterprises)”

Diana Buchanan, Owner/Designer at Diana E. Kelly

“The Sarasota Orchestra’s evening with Renee Fleming was a night to remember. To hear our own incredible orchestra, under the direction of Anu Tali, with an international superstar like Renee Fleming was superb.

The dinner before the concert was so special and the municipal auditorium never looked so fabulous. It was truly a special, once in a lifetime Sarasota night.”

Jocelyn Udell Stevens, Director of Leadership Giving at Sarasota Orchestra

Ben Kiekel, Attorney at Biter Enterprises

“My favorite moment this past social season was seeing two models on beautiful horses gallop by me at Pique Nique Sur la Baie benefiting New College.

I didn’t think it was possible for The Met to WOW me after the Forty Carrots Wine, Women and Shoes event, but they did!”

Melissa Howard, Philanthropist and Co-Chair of Wine, Women & Shoes 2016

“The Orchid Ball never disappoints for its sophistication and beauty, but under Roger Capote, it’s really been taken to the next level!”

Alex Miller, CEO at Mercedes Medical and candidate for Florida State Representative, District 72 July 2016

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“My personal highlight of the season was hosting a table of my valuable clients at Mote Marine’s Tea for the Sea, which was sponsored by WORTH New York, a company I have represented for over 16 years.”

Joni Bergs, Fashion Stylist at WORTH New York

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“Havana Nights - Designing Daughters annual gala! The theme changes every year, but this one was a stand out for me! All the girls had flowers in their hair and colorful dresses (my favorite). The guys wore traditional Cuban attire.

It was a night to remember. Stay tuned for next year’s theme. This gala brought in the most money yet.

Our best fundraising! I am chairing the grants committee this year and we are so excited to give back to the community.”

Brigid Hewes-Shaw, Owner at Tile Market of Sarasota

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“From all the events that I emceed and attended, it’s hard to pick one that stood out more than another. They were all great! There are so many social events in this wonderful community, and I would say what stood out are all the people who benefitted from the money raised for the charities and the people who were gracious enough to care by giving their time and money to help people in need.”

Bob Harrigan, Meteorologist ABC7 Sarasota

“I feel like I missed out on a lot this season because I was pregnant and had a baby in February, but from my perspective, I loved how diverse and engaging this season was. From Key to the Cure, to listening to General Petraeus at Ringling College Library Association’s Town Hall Lecture Series, to the inspiring Women’s Resource Center’s Renaissance Luncheon, and of course Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Cooking for Wishes, Selby Garden’s Orchid Ball, and so many more! It was such a great season!”

Amy Sankes, Owner at Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

“Avant-Garde at Ringling College was such a great gathering again this year, and all in support of scholarships for promising artists who bring characters to life.”

Dean Eisner, Retired Executive at Manheim, Cox, Sony & GE

“Mote’s Party on the Pass was the most fun party this season. The dress was island casual, so guests were comfortable. The food was excellent, highlighting many wonderful local restaurants, and the atmosphere was one-of-a-kind since we partied with a tank full of fish!”

Deb Knowles Kabinoff, Co-Owner at GulfStar Homes

“As a local event planner, an involved gal in the Sarasota community, and member of Designing Daughters, I continue to be impressed every year at the growth of philanthropy and the creative soiree’s thrown. My stand out picks are Orchid Ball, Circus Arts Gala, Designing Daughter’s

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Hot Havana Nights, Girls Inc Celebration Luncheon, and the many celebrations in town for new businesses, weddings and babies. It was a very-filled season!”

Ashley Lauren Gruters, Owner of SRQtees Weddings and Events

“My favorite events of the social season were the spectacular closing event for the completion of the Verdi cycle by Sarasota Opera, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County’s annual dinner, which gave me an opportunity to spend the evening with my daughter, Channing, and some of the most gracious kids from the clubs.”

Former State Representative Doug Holder (now candidate for State Senate)

Every one of these quotes paints an exciting picture of our area. As people shared their picks, I realized that many of them were personally involved in the event, either as an organizer or supporter. This illustrates what I always tell my regional marketing clients. The best way to get involved, grow your business, and fall in love with this area, is to support a cause that is important to you. Not only will others get to know you and your business, but you will also find out what is important to your potential clients. On so many levels, the benefit of supporting a cause with time or treasure far outweighs your investment.

So I challenge you during off-season to do a little research. Find out what organizations and events could use your help. Let me know what you find, my buzzing readers. As I’ve said in the past, I love to hear your

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stories. I will be hitting the street and digital airwaves for future buzz columns. If you have something to share, join the conversation on my new public Facebook Group @Undercover Buzz. Your post could influence the “Buzz on the Street.” Stay cool this summer and keep buzzing!

Suzette Jones is CEO and Founder of The Economic Buzz, a company focused on economic development and innovation. (theeconomicbuzz.com | sj@theeconomicbuzz.com)

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July 2016

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. Over

the next few installments of Literary Scene, I’ll be

adding in some of my favorites of these along with new titles by Florida authors. Enjoy!

Dating Death Florida author Randy Rawls’ latest novel presents an unpleasant but seemingly easy case for South Florida PI Beth Bowan — provide protection for sleazy politician Roger Adamson. What started as a favor for the Coral Lakes Chief of Police quickly turns into something deadly. Enter kidnapping. Homicide. A drug lord. And much, much more.

For Rawls, the setting of South Florida is a major player in his stories, and this novel is no exception. While Coral Lakes is a fictional town in South Florida between Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton, the rest is essentially the real stuff. Rawls explains, “In Dating Death, everything from the Everglades and canals to I-95 and the Florida Toll Road enter the story, not to mention warehouse areas, well-known local businesses, and amphitheaters.”

Although this book is #3 in the Beth Bowan PI series, it stands well enough on its own. And if you’re game for fast-moving, action-packed reading this summer, Dating Death might just be the high-octane dose you’ve been waiting for.

Rating: For more information about Dating Death (White Bird Publications, softcover, 328 pages, $18.99) or the author, please visit randyrawls.com

Hot, Hot, Hot BEA Titles

My (Underground) American Dream: My True Story as an Undocumented Immigrant Who Became a Wall Street Executive This is one of those stories that’s hard to believe — eleven-year-old Julissa Arce came from Mexico to the US on a tourist visa. When the visa expired four years later, she went underground as an undocumented immigrant and hid from the authorities, lying about her life to everyone. Even after she got a college degree and joined the ranks of Wall Street, she was never safe. This is an exciting and provocative read that sheds real light on the situation for young immigrants in America. Watch for its release in September 2016.

Rating: For more information about My (Underground) American Dream (Center Street, hardcover, 304 pages, $27.00) or the author, please visit julissaarce.com July 2016

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The Book that Matters Most I like Ann Hood. A lot. And not just because her short-story collection, An Ornithologist’s Guide to Life: Stories, is truly first-rate. She’s simply a very good writer who, again and again, writes captivating stories. And The Book that Matters Most follows Ava — whose 25-year marriage just blew up — as she seeks companionship and healing . . . in the welcoming arms of a book club. With the group-given task of bringing to the table a book that matters the most to them.

Ava rediscovers a book from her childhood that helped her through the death of her mother and sister, and now she’s determined to find that book’s author as part of her process of recovery.

This book is eminently readable and the story will sweep you right along. It’s a book you won’t soon forget.

P.S. Her publishers challenged her to visit 60 book clubs before her 60th birthday (December 9th of this year). If your book group needs a new title, consider this book about a book group and help her out!

Rating: For more information about The Book that Matters Most (W.W. Norton, hardcover, 368 pages, $25.95) or the author, please visit www.AnnHood.com

Sing for Your Life: A Story of Race, Music, and Family Bergner is a top-notch literary journalist, and Sing for Your Life is rightly being heralded as The Blind Side . . . for opera. It chronicles the trailer-park beginnings of Ryan Speedo Green’s life (add in an absent father, an abusive mother, and a stint in a juvenile detention center), and how he was on the fast track to nowhere.

Then at age twenty-four, this young black man won a nationwide competition hosted by New York’s Metropolitan Opera that launched his path into stardom.

Today, Green is a rising star with major roles at the Met and in some of Europe’s most storied opera houses.

This book is suspenseful and beautiful as it explores issues of family, history, race, hope, and resilience. You can’t go wrong with a summer hit like this one from New York Times Magazine contributing writer Daniel Bergner.

Rating: For more information about Sing for Your Life (World Castle Publishing, softcover, 318 pages, $13.99) or the author, please visit www.DanielBergner.com

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July 2016

HEALTH

What is Happening to My Face?

By Rita Altman, P.A., MPAS Sometimes you can’t easily tell a young child’s gender just from their face. They are recognizable mostly through socially created factors such as their haircut and clothing. Adolescence marks the beginning of serious differences in face and body. Then, after menopause, women start losing their differentiating factors again. As they age, Rita Altman, PA., MPAS

men and women become once more increasingly similar in the face.

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The changes to our appearance, whether in the face or the figure, depend on many factors including genetics, ethnicity, living conditions, work/life habits, diet, health,

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exposure to sunlight and wind, exercise or lack thereof, and usage of cosmetics or

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surgery. Exposure to the elements will line even a young face and traumatizing events can also accelerate aging, which become visible particularly in worry lines.

When we approach middle age (40s through 50s), our eyelids tend to get heavier, crow’s feet become prominent, we start to see downward folds in the corner of the mouth, and lips may start to thin causing vertical lines around the mouth. For women, menopause usually happens in their 50s, when the drop in estrogen dramatically starts to show facial changes. Jowls start to appear as bone loss begins to happen. Fat compartments in the face disappear, the skin loses collagen and elasticity, and gravity starts to pull the face down. Frown and smile lines become more permanent and visible even at rest, eyebrows become sparse and pockets appear under the eyes. Aging is just not for wussies.

But low and behold, the magic wand appears, and with a few injections, and a laser zap here and there, a more youthful appearance can be regained. We are living longer than we ever have in history, and we are taking charge of our own health and wellness. More personal training gyms are popping up, fewer people smoke, nutrition (what to eat, not where to eat) is a daily discussion, protein shakes have replaced donuts and Fitbits are becoming as common as cell phones. Botox and filler procedures have increased by over 300%. Lasers are dominating skincare for maintenance and we no longer have to age like our grandparents.

As the song goes, ”The Times They Are a-Changin”. It’s an exciting time to offer treatments that really do turn back the hands of time…tick tock…tick tock. Whether you are 20 or 92, there is an aesthetic treatment for you. Maybe it’s time to see how you can take care of the skin you’re in for a long lifetime.

July 2016

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BEACH READS

Paradise

A Ticket to

By Patrick T. Gray | Illustration by Christian Saenz

Harriet Milburn lurched dizzily as she reached the northeast corner of Bee Ridge Road and Tamiami Trail.

She had just crossed the intersection from the west side of the “Trail,” part of a daily track that she knew like the back of her very wrinkled hand. At her advanced age, she still loved her long “rejuvenation” walks, but today, at this very moment, she had to steady herself with her lucky umbrella.

She carried that umbrella everywhere, as she had done for so many years, even on this August morning in Sarasota, Florida.

She looked back at the crosswalk where she was certain — absolutely certain, mind you — that she’d been nearly run over by an ancient Cadillac. She planned to report three important things about that car: it had run the red light at a very slow rate of speed; she could see no actual driver; and it had kept going, slowly, as though nothing had happened. She was quite irritated and concluded that the police, as usual, would be too busy to go chasing after rich old people driving those hoity-toity battleships. Humph.

In the confusion of trying to help Miss Milburn, no one had taken a license plate number. One witness claimed to have seen a wisp of electric blue hair — no actual head, just the top of the hair — through the driver’s side window. Other witnesses said that the huge car had been traveling less than 20 miles an hour and had gone through the intersection — a major intersection at that — as though the driver did not even know it was there.

Harriet had been to the local Barnes & Noble and bought a magazine about vintage TV shows. The cover advertised a marathon, scheduled for next month, of her favorite old medical shows. Her head filled with the names of some of her favorite TV doctors: Quincy, Dr. Kildare, Ben Casey, Marcus Welby, and several others. She tried to picture their faces, but it had been too long. No matter, she was sure that she would remember them.

She had also bought — and this was her real prize — a picture book about old movies. Hollywood Picks the Classics.

Both were neatly tucked into her oversized purse.

She was aware that her daughter thought her obsessed with old movies and TV shows, but Harriet insisted that getting lost in those older worlds had helped ease her loneliness. She had never lacked friends and loved ones, but now, in her 90s, she had outlived most of them.

Movies don’t die.

Last month, Mark had installed a giant TV screen on her wall and what he called a bluish ray player, or something like that, even though the machine was black. Once a week, he had come over and sat beside her while they’d watched several of her favorites: Harvey and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, both with Jimmy Stewart; North by Northwest with Cary Grant; and, finally, Some Like It Hot, with Marilyn Monroe.

They saw Cary Grant dive into a cornfield when a lowflying airplane tried to kill him. The boy had even made popcorn! It was wonderful. Why, those other, snotty, little great grandchildren would never have done that. She decided to suitably remember that bright young man in her will, such as it was.

Harriet scanned her surroundings. Aside from the people crowding her, most things were right where they were supposed to be. Behind her was a McDonald’s, and facing her across Tamiami — for Tampa to Miami — where Bee Ridge Road became Bay Road, was the shopping center where she did most of her business: grocery, pet store, jewelry store, Hallmark, and a host of others.

She began to feel woozy. Waves of a peaceful bright light and a deep, harsh blackness traded places as they washed over her, ebbing and flowing and ebbing and... She put a hand to her forehead. Go away, she told them.

A deep, disembodied voice asked, “Are you ready?”

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She used her lucky umbrella to steady herself once again.

In addition to how she felt, her usually reliable eyes left her puzzled. She was certain that the impossible was right in front of her feet. Impossible!

It was the train that bothered her most of all. Tamiami was a highway — for cars and trucks. Now there were tracks.

Train tracks with trains coming from both directions. Loud, smoke-spewing choo-choo trains. They looked clean and new. Although, she thought, what was new supposed to look like? In all her ninety-two years, she’d never seen a live, working, choo-choo that wasn’t already an antique. And these trains made such funny, screeching, wailing noises, like sirens.

Her Irish grandmother had spoken of banshees coming for the dead. Perhaps…? No. Noisy brakes on the trains, probably, metal wheels on metal tracks, probably, and she was hearing them up close.

The southbound train stopped in front of her, and a uniformed conductor stepped down, took her things, and said, “This way, Madam,” Harriet looked around her. Now, except for this conductor, she was alone. There had been so many people.

Which train was this, anyway? She asked, “Where... ?”

“We’re going to Paradise, Ma’am. Unless you’d prefer Chicago. That’s the northbound train.”

“Goodness me, young man. Paradise would be just fine.

But I don’t have a ticket.”

“Let me look for it.” The conductor held up her purse, rummaged in it for a moment, and produced a small card with red, white, and blue stripes across the top.

Horrified that he was looking through her purse, Harriet began to complain. “There! You! Young man, give me back my —” “Ma’am, your ticket’s right here.” He held it up for her to see. “I’ll put it in a plastic bag with your purse and put them with your umbrella.”

He handed them up to what she assumed was another conductor.

She smiled at both of them.

The new conductor said, “This way please, Miss uh...

Miss Milburn.”

She followed him.

Harriet felt irritable in addition to being in some pain, but this new fellow looked like a nice young man — tall, handsome, and somehow familiar. She tried to smile.

Throughout her adult life, she had always tried to bury her pain when a handsome man was nearby — and it usually worked.

“What is your name, young man?”

“Smith, Ma’am. Jefferson Smith.” He spoke with a slight western drawl.

“You look like an intelligent man, Mr. Smith. What do you do when you’re not conducting?”

“I’m not a conductor. I was just helping. I like to be helpful, don’t you?”

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“Usually I do like to be helpful, yes. Now what is it that you do, exactly?”

He chuckled. “Temporarily, Ma’am, I’m a United States Senator, on my way to Washington, D.C. That’s our nation’s capitol, you know.”

“Yes, I know. That’s where they levy those damn taxes.”

Harriet began to think about this rather colorful man: Mr. Smith, on his way to Washington...

Mr. Smith continued. “It’s full of history and important people. The Washington monument’s there.”

“Yes, I know.”

“We lost our elected senator, you see, and they picked me — for reasons I don’t rightly know. My real interest is in the Boy Rangers. Let me tell you about them.”

“Another time, Senator, thank you. By the way, have you ever heard of Frank Capra?”

“Of course, Ma’am.” He paused. “You know, sometimes I think I talk too much. Why, sometimes they keep me talking for hours. My voice gets awful scratchy when they do that. Here, Ma’am, you need to sit peacefully. Let me give you one of my cards.” He reached into a pocket and handed her a business card.

Harriet frowned as she examined the card. “But this doesn’t say Smith. It says Dowd, Elwood P.” “It’s the writers, Ma’am. They’re always changing the script. Here, now, why don’t you have a seat right there, beside my good friend. Move over, Harvey, and give the lady some room. Ah, there, that’s better. Charlie runs a nice, homely tavern; don’t you agree?”

“Who’s Harvey? I don’t see anyone.” Harriet could only see Mr. Dowd, Elwood P. “Harvey’s my best friend. Six feet, three and a half inches tall — he’s a rabbit, you see.”

“No, I don’t.”

“That’s because he doesn’t know you very well. He’s actually a pooka. Hey, Charlie, bring something for my friends, why don’t you?”

After their drinks came, Elwood motioned to Harriet.

“There. That’s more like it. I like to have friends, don’t you?

Especially in times like these. Oh . . . hold on to the strap, now. It feels like we’re moving. Here, you need to lie down; let me help you with this belt.”

“I want to hold my lucky umbrella.”

After Elwood handed it to her, Harriet said, “You seem like a pleasant young man.”

“Well, thank you. Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be’ — she always called me Elwood — ‘In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.’ Well, for years I was smart.

I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.”

“Perhaps I will. Goodness, gracious! Young man, this doesn’t look like a train seat. In fact — my goodness, you have me strapped down.”

“Regulations, Ma’am. You’re going to be fine. Please turn

your head this way. That’s right. Now, look around. Look at your fellow passengers. Over there, for example, is Mr. Kaplan. Mr. George Kaplan. The writers have kept him in suspense. George even thinks he’s on the other train. The director does that, too. When Hitch is working, nothing is what it seems.”

“He thinks he’s on the other train? Bound for where? Oh, no, no — not to — ” “Chicago. Yes, Ma’am, I’m afraid so.”

“Oh, dear.”

“Elwood, will you please stop that?” A very handsome, middle-aged man, with a dimpled chin and a slight British accent, glared at her companion. “And get me off of here, will you? I’m supposed to be going to Chicago.”

Elwood P. Dowd had vanished. Mr. Kaplan looked puzzled for a moment, then addressed Harriet. “You know that, don’t you, my dear? I should be in Chicago.” He put a hand up to his mouth and whispered, “They think I killed a man back at the United Nations, but I didn’t.”

Harriet was certain that this George Kaplan character was part of someone’s vivid hallucination. She smiled and said, “Of course you didn’t, you poor dear. Now I hope you make it to — .”

“Some men are chasing me, trying to kill me. I don’t even know who they are.”

“That sounds serious, my dear.”

“It is, they even tried to kill me in a cornfield — they used an airplane! Can you believe it?”

“Of course I can, dear.”

He quickly added, “And I have to telephone Mother.

She’ll be terribly worried.”

“Yes, yes; of course you do.”

“Everything’s all mixed up.”

“I know dear. It all seems out of sequence, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, it does. Oh, I’ve just got to get to Chicago.”

Harriet gripped her lucky umbrella, ready to strike at anyone who believed that Chicago was where they ought to be headed.

She felt the train lurch and make a very tight corner. Do trains do that? It slowed down. Darkness came and went. Did they pass through a tunnel?

A disembodied voice said, “Have your ticket ready.”

Harriet held her lucky umbrella tightly to her bosom and then she heard music coming from the next car. She hoped it would drown out all the wailing and squealing. Or were they sirens? Brakes can certainly squeal; but, if the train was moving, why were there still so many shrill noises?

Three women came down the aisle. The prettiest one, a blonde, was saying, “I come from this musical family. My mother is a piano teacher and my father was a conductor.”

Another asked, “No kidding. Okay, Sugar, where did he conduct?”

“On the Baltimore and Ohio.”

Harriet, on recognizing the dialogue from Some Like It Hot, almost giggled.

As the three women passed on through, Harriet heard a smack and one of them yelled, “Fresh!”

The train’s movement stopped. There were new and different noises. She heard a loudspeaker but couldn’t make out the words. She saw a clock on one wall but couldn’t make out the time. In her eyes, there were bright lights of an unknown color. There were new smells. Odd smells. Pain seemed to laugh at her. It laughed at her, like it was an old friend. An old, old friend. She needed to wake up.

Harriet was startled as the real conductor materialized beside her and began to unfasten her seatbelts. Seatbelts... plural? Why was I lying down and strapped in? Oh, well. This conductor has behaved like a nice, proper, gentleman.

Someone seemed to move her from her seat on the train to another bed. This one had wheels. Wheels? Makes no sense, it must be a wheelchair. That’s right, think of it as a wheelchair.

She was in a long, noisy, corridor with flashing lights coming from somewhere. They must use a lot of disinfectant around here.

The noises all stopped. The harshness all stopped. She felt disoriented and a bit grouchy, but safe. That was it. Grouchy but safe and somehow invigorated. She felt pleasantly warm inside. Something has changed, she thought. Perhaps for the better.

A second man was there, also in white. His hair was gray at the temples and he had a warm, understanding way about him. “This way, Ma’am. Be careful, now. Here’s a big plastic bag with your lucky umbrella and your purse. You can hold it on your lap. Also, I have your ticket.” He held it up for her to see. “Remember — this is important: you must ask for it.

That’s a rule. You have to want to get in and you have to say so. Just ask for your ticket.”

“Why, thank you, I will. But young man, I don’t need a wheelchair. I’m only ninety-two.”

“Regulations, Ma’am.”

“Poo! Bosh on regulations! It’s that damn fool President again, I suppose. Always wanting my money. Money, money, money! Taxes and more taxes! Always wanting to change everything... especially things that don’t need changing. Well, I tell you, come April 15th the only thing that that man is getting is a piece of my mind — if they haven’t taken that away, too, the way they’re taxing everything these days.

Humph! Well, what’s your name, young man? You seem to be in charge around here.”

“Welby, Ma’am. I’m Dr. Welby.”

“Didn’t your mama give you a first name?”

“Marcus, Ma’am. Marcus Welby.”

“Marcus is a fine name.”

Everything seemed to be in bright pastels. A few yards in front of her were two similar doorways. One was painted a brilliant, peaceful white. It made her contented just to look at it. Standing in front of the white door were two young men in white coats. They were smiling angelically.

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She asked, “Who are they — those two?”

“Two of our residents, Ma’am.”

“Residents? Well? They have names, too, don’t they?”

Welby sighed, amused. “Yes they do. Doctors Casey and Kildare.”

Harriet smiled. “My, they’re handsome!”

“The nurses all agree with you.”

“I would expect them to, young man. Why, you’re all handsome around here.”

Harriet continued to stare at the young doctors. “They look familiar somehow.”

She looked around. “What’s that other door? The black one?”

The second door was a deep black, emblazoned with what looked like a flaming red coat of arms. Harriet squinted for a better look and saw that it was actually a large trident, the handle of which vertically bisected the number thirteen.

One word entered her mind, although she didn’t know why: Chicago.

And who’s that? The older one — there, in front of the black doorway. The one wearing a cheap suit. He looks like he’s just chewed his way through a bathtub full of sardines.

Maybe I spoke too soon about everyone being good looking.”

She looked sideways at Dr. Welby. “There’s always one, isn’t there?”

“You’re an interesting soul, my dear.”

Harriet frowned. “Am I? Well? Come on, before dinnertime comes and goes. Tell me. Who is he?”

“His name is Quincy. He was a medical examiner. He arrived about a month ago.”

“Don’t like him.”

Dr. Welby gave her a warm chuckle. “Dr. Quincy has had that effect on a lot of people. I hope you don’t...”

She banged her lucky umbrella on one of the armrests of her wheelchair. “Young man, I know handsome and sweet when I see it, and Old Sardine-Face over there isn’t. Look at him. Just look at him. His mother probably ran when he had the colic.” She paused. “Although... he does have promise, doesn’t he? Maybe he could be salvaged. Maybe. Probably would be, except for his disposition. He’d be handsome if he’d only smile. Hmmm. I wonder. I might just wager you that I could make him smile, given half a chance. Then, he might be a real catch. Oh, dear. I shouldn’t judge people like that, should I? I don’t know why I say such things. Sometimes I just open my mouth and out — .”

“Oh, but you should. You said exactly the right things.

We always post folks like Dr. Quincy there, right in front of Ward Thirteen, just so they can listen to nice ladies such as yourself.”

“Humph.”

Dr. Welby chuckled. “Dr. Quincy is preparing for his new responsibilities — or soon will be.”

“And just what are his responsibilities?”

“We’re still sorting that out. I told you that he was once a

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medical examiner. If he learns to smile a bit more, our board of trustees will probably approve him for Ward Seven.”

“Do you mean... ?”

“Yes, Ma’am. We each have our own roles and responsibilities. Hmmm. With your healthy attitude, perhaps you could help him with his. In this realm, we are known for our forgiveness and chronic, self-induced indigestion isn’t much to forgive.”

“Uh huh. Maybe.”

“You could do many wonderful things here, as long as you have your ticket, which I am still holding for you.” He held it up for her to see. “You have a choice to make. You know that, don’t you?”

Harriet shifted in her wheelchair. “I’m beginning to understand, yes, but roles and responsibilities? Not for me yet, young man. Not now, anyway. Not until I see the place for myself.” She stared for a moment at Dr. Quincy. “Hmmm.

This place might take some getting used to. I wonder.” She turned her head and, once more, contentedly rested her eyes on Doctors Casey and Kildare. “Hmmm. Getting used to?

Choices? Then again, maybe it’s not so hard to decide, as long as I have that ticket.”

She looked back at Doctor Welby. “You must tell me.

Those first two doctors. Where are they from? I mean what is that place over there?”

“Paradise, Ma’am. Technically, it’s Ward Seven, the one I mentioned earlier, but the nurses call it Paradise whenever those two residents are working.” Dr. Welby put a hand to his mouth and discretely cleared his throat. “Of course, nurses can be very protective.”

“Nurses? Oh, poo. Every nurse I’ve ever known thinks that Paradise is any place with good-looking men in it. Ha! Don’t worry. They won’t give me any real competition.”

Dr. Welby gently rocked back on the heels of his white shoes, and smiled again. “You really are interesting. I’m pleased to be your escort, Miss Milburn.”

“Thank you, young man. You’ve been kind, too. I’ll let you in on a secret. I used to be a knockout, you know. I was a circus girl. Worked the trapeze. Had a great figure. Muscles too, where they count on a woman. Even posed for a few calendars.”

Welby chuckled. “Yes, Ma’am, I’ll just bet you did.”

“Well, then, let’s get to it. Dr. Welby, grab my chair handles and head straight for Ward Seven — Paradise. For now, we’re going to ignore that sourpuss. Later, I’ll see if I can’t make him smile, too. And, if you don’t mind, young man, have my ticket ready. It looks like I’ll be using it.”

Patrick Gray began writing upon retirement and is now pursuing his lifelong dream of saving beautiful damsels, killing rotten evildoers, and keeping the world safe for mankind—in print.

Patrick lives in paradise, Sarasota, Florida, with his lovely wife of forty-eight years and a frisky West Highland White Terrier.

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REWIND A LOOK BACK THROUGH SCENE’S ARCHIVES

1992

“PUTTING ON THE GLITZ” IS SOMETHING THE BEAUTIFUL AND GENEROUS PEOPLE OF OUR COMMUNITY LOVE TO DO AND THESE HIGH PROFILE WOMEN OF THE 90S WERE NO EXCEPTION.

Local Celebrities Model Fashions A number of high profile Sarasota area women modeled elegant holiday apparel at a premiere showing of the 1991-92 fashions. The celebrity fashion show, “Putting on the Glitz,” was presented recently at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre.

Appearing in the select group of models were Joanne Koester, Carolyn Robinson, Edith BarrDunn, Lucy Sherry, Sunday Crew, Rene Woods, Carolyn Michel, Irene Herman, Lyn Elgart, Sandra Washington, Roberta MacDonald, Stephanie Lee Shaw, Annette Scherman, Dr. Carolyn Dixon, Rosie Turner, Diane McFarlin, Sally Milne, Linda Seaborne and Paulette Crabtree.

Celebrities modeled apparel from many area boutiques including Bastion, Fashion Door, Finishing Touches, Foxy Lady, Sacino’s Formal Wear and Sashay Around.

Bob Keehn of WDUV acted as master of ceremonies and fashion commentators were Sue Lilly and Kerry Kirschner. Co-chairing the event were Lucy Sherry and Dawn Bennington.

Top, Robert Turoff, Rene Woods, Tod Garthwain and Edith Barr-Dunn. Middle, Paulette Crabtree, Carolyn Michel and Sandra Washington. Bottom left, Carolyn Robinson, Sandra Washington, Diane McFarlin and Linda Seaborne. Bottom right, Sue Lilly and Kerry Kirschner.

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The Smoky Mountain Retreat AT EAGLES NEST

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