June 2011 by SARASOTA SCENE Magazine

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 54 YEARS

Jim Butler

Building Paradise

The

Real Estate ISSUE

JUNE 2011 $3.95 U.S.

Michael Saunders: One-on-One

Preserving Anna Maria Latest Market Trends

Star Graduates | Season Showstoppers

Waterfront & Estate Homes of Distinction

The Concession / The Lake Club / Waterfront / Your Homesite

www.AnchorBuilders.com

Our Passionate Approach has Created Extraordinary Residences in Sarasota for Over 20 Years Anchor Builders, an awardwinning building company founded in 1989, has redeďŹ ned what custom homebuyers have come to expect in elegant living. Founder Roy Dupuis personally oversees every step of the building process, working closely with the buyer to address such details as ceiling designs, custom built-ins, intricate molding details, and much more. So, whether your taste is Old World Traditional or Uniquely Contemporary, Anchor Builders will create that timeless and luxurious home just for you.

ROY DUPUIS

Models Open Daily 19110 Ganton Avenue, Bradenton, FL 34202

941.379.4405 New Model Coming Soon www.AnchorBuilders.com CGC 040371

Luxury Retirement Residences Starting In The $300’s Please Be Our Guest For A Tour Of Sarasota Bay Club! ~By Appointment ~ Call Kathryn Cooper Director of Sales

(941) 552-3284

1301 N. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, Florida 34236 • www.SarasotaBayClub.com

Remember that one kid in class who blew Show & Tell away? We’re that kid.

One of only 5 hospitals in the U.S. to win both awards 5 years in a row. There’s simply no competing with our Show & Tell this year. Sarasota Memorial stands proudly in front of the class of hospitals, locally and nationally, public and private. Receiving such prominent awards is indeed an honor. But providing the best, safest health care for you and your family is an even greater honor – and our true reward.

1700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 ı (941) 917-9000 ı smh.com HealthGrades is a leading, independent health care ratings organization, providing comprehensive ratings on 5,000 hospitals nationwide since 1998.

contentsfeatures fortyseven Real Estate June 2011

Volume 54 No. 7

Jim Butler's Paradise Homes Sue Cullen

Character Building Preserving & Restoring Historic Anna Maria Steven J. Smith

Looking Toward Tomorrow A Roundup of Graduating High School Seniors & Noteworthy Alums Ryan G. Van Cleave

One Heck of a Party Sarasota’s 1920s Real Estate Boom Sue Blue

2011 Showstoppers

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 54 YEARS

Jim Butler

Building Paradise

67 The

Real Estate ISSUE

JUNE 2011 $3.95 U.S.

Michael Saunders: One-on-One

Preserving Anna Maria Latest Market Trends

Star Graduates | Season Showstoppers

Cover / Jim Butler of Paradise Homes shares his winning formula of giving homeowners the high-end amenities they’ve dreamed of in affordable, standard packages. Photo by Cliff Roles.

Directing Awareness

Since 1989, the Center for Faith and Freedom has utilized its video production capabilities to document many of the social, economic, humanitarian and spiritual issues facing individuals and families in crisis. We take seriously our obligation to support and serve those citizens who may have been forgotten or overlooked by our fast-paced society.

To see samples of our award-winning video documentaries, visit us online: www.FaithandFreedom.org

Stuart J. Roth

Founder and President With 22 Telly Awards and an Emmy® Award for Advanced Media Documentary, the Center for Faith and Freedom represents the cutting edge of the multi-media industry.

7357 Merchant Court � Sarasota, FL 34240 � Phone 941.487.4061 � Fax 941.487.4062

contents

fiftynine 40

inside 12

From the Editor Julie Milton

24 37

Events Calendar

Arts & Culture Culture Matters

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

The Ringling Art Experience Ryan G. Van Cleave

Scenes from an Interview Michael Saunders

Gus Mollasis

Proﬁles The Visual Arts

Behind the Scene Debbi Benedict

The Thrill of Adventure New Dining Spots to Explore & Savor Susan Cullen

Curtain Call Steven J. Smith

Locally

socialscene 19 20 21 29 30 36 66

Ear Research Foundation International Symposium Y Foundation’s Element Au Children First’s FantaSea Gala Mote’s Party On The Pass • Junior League’s Child Advocacy Luncheon • JFCS Awards Celebration of Hope Dinner CVA Hall of Fame Luncheon

70 76 77 85 86 88 94 97

• Sarasota Film Festival’s Cinema Tropicale • HSSC’s Paws On The Catwalk Florida Winefest & Auction PNC Wealth Management / GCCF’s Women in Partnership Lecture 10th Annual SMHF Physicians Golf Tournament “The Espo” Golf Invitational 2nd Annual Barkitecture Event BGC Manatee Dancin’ With “Our” Stars MHCC’s CARE Dinner

Laurel Oak Laurel Oak CountryClub

Where the deer & the people play...

An Extraordinary Opportunity to Seize Life 2700 Gary Player Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34240 941-378-3399 www.laureloak.com Located 1.5 miles east of I-75 on Bee Ridge Road

COUNTRY CLUB

scene | from the editor

Summer Sizzler Series

ummer is here and the time is right for celebrations and much deserved time off. Whether you’re taking your dream vacation or relaxing on our own amazing beaches, there’s no better time to recharge your batteries

and concentrate on you. In this, our Real Estate/Summer issue, we go one-on-one with local real

estate icon Michael Saunders and learn a bit about the person, her journey and her predictions for our local real estate market. Local builder Jim Butler of Paradise Homes shares the winning formula of his high-quality yet affordable homes and the restoration and preservation of historic Pine Avenue on Anna Maria is a reality thanks to the initiatives of a few local businessmen. Inside this issue you will also learn the latest encouraging data on our real estate market, which indicates that Sarasota may be coming out of the slide much faster than other areas of the country. The local market is undoubtedly heating up, just like Subscribe and save! Purchase a Summer Series Subscription and get all three shows PLUS three $10 gift certificates to Caragiulos for only $45!

our summer. With our “social season” behind us, SCENE selects the most glamorous women, most fashionable gent, best events and best event moments. Catch up on who and what created the social buzz in our annual “Showstopper” awards. SCENE also proudly acknowledges some of our star high schools graduates who are already achieving amazing things. After reading their stories, you’ll know that these “kids are alright!” We’ll be busy producing some special issues over the next couple of months,

838 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 (941) 365-2494 www.theplayers.org 12

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June 2011

so be on the lookout for the next regular issue of SCENE in September – our Arts & Culture issue. On behalf of everyone at SCENE, we wish you a summer of renewed energy, good health and fun times.

scenesarasota.com

Café Gabbiano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

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scene

Locally Owned, Operated & Printed For More Than 54 Years CEO/Publisher: Ronald Milton

• Retirement Planning • Asset Management • Life Insurance

• Fixed Income • IRA’s and 401(k)’s • Annuities

Trevor T. Taylor

Executive Editor: Julie A. Milton Director of Sales: Hal Brin Special Issue Director: Debbi Benedict Art and Production Director: Michelle Cross

Wealth Manager

To schedule a complimentary portfolio review please call

(941) 822-0401

LCM Capital Advisors

1924 South Osprey Avenue, Suite 202, Sarasota, FL 34239 Trevor@LCMcapitaladvisors.com www.LCMcapitaladvisors.com Securities and Advisory Services oﬀered through JHS Capital Advisors Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. JHS and LCM are not aﬃliated.

Contributing Writers: Debbi Benedict, Sue Blue, Sue Cullen, Gus Mollasis Steven J. Smith, Ryan G. Van Cleave Photographers: Cliff Roles, Carissa Warﬁeld Principal Ofﬁce & Mailing Address: 7269 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34241 941-365-1119 • Fax: 941-954-5067 SCENESARASOTA.COM offers current and recent issues, a community calendar of events, social photos and much more! SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year by RJM

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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. R

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Women On The Scene Men On The Scene Doctors On The Scene The Giving Book Sarasota County Arts Council 2010/2011 Arts & Culture Guide

126 N. Orange Ave – Downtown Sarasota 941.330.9100 14

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June 2011

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The V Foundation for Cancer Research proudly acknowledges

Dick and Lorraine Vitale and thanks the

People of Sarasota and Surrounding Areas for supporting the

2011 Dick Vitale Gala

â&#x2122;Ś

The Perfect Choice for LBK Resident & Boater Pat DeCastro

ny sportfisherman looking for a high-end, quality sportfishing boat needs to look no further than Jupiter Marine, a family-owned and operated

builder located in Palmetto, according to Longboat Key resident Pat DeCastro.

DeCastro said he chose his 29-foot Jupiter over the competition because of its exceptional “fit and finish.” “I also like the performance of the hull,” DeCastro said. “It hugs the water, and it handles just like a sports car.” It should. Carl Herndon, president of Jupiter Marine, has earned worldwide renown over the last half-century as a builder of some of the world’s finest sportfishing yachts. With past achievements as the Founder of Blackfin Yacht and President of Bertram Yacht, Herndon has unparalleled expertise in the boat building industry. He was the first to perfect a unique hull pad design, resulting in Jupiter’s exceptionally dry and stable ride that it is famous for. Jupiter produces center-console offshore fishing boats from 26 to 38 feet in length, as well as a 39 foot Express Model, with accommodations to sleep 6. They specialize in building semi-custom boats for customers who won’t settle for a standard production vessel. This personalized level of service offers clients the opportunity to get more fully involved in the build process by working directly with the designers to develop the exact boat they want to own, just as DeCastro did. DeCastro sold his previous boat and partnered with Jupiter to customize a boat specifically designed to fit his particular needs. “I sat down with them, told them what I wanted, and they built it for me,” he said. The end result is a boat, just as DeCastro envisioned, with great overall economy. “With its twin motors, it is very efficient in fuel consumption,” he said, adding that he just loves the way his boat looks in the water. “It has wonderful lines, and it’s very sleek,” he said. “It looks great!”

For more information about Jupiter Marine visit www.JupiterMarine.com or call (941) 729-5000.

THE PERFECT BAL ANCE OF TR ADITION & INNOVATION

Relax and Mingle at the Bar Experience Elegant Dining Inside or Alfresco Private Dining & Off Premise Catering Available

New Dinner for Two Special Menu $59.95 Per Couple Including a choice of starter, entrĂŠe and a select bottle of wine per couple Available nightly starting at 5:00 Join us between 5:00-6:00 and receive a complimentary dessert to share Visit our menu online at cafeleurope.net Complimentary Valet Parking All Day Long

941.388.4415 | 431 St. Armands Circle | cafeleurope.net

scene | social

Ear Research Foundation International Symposium T he Ear Research Foundation of the Silverstein Institute recently hosted the 3rd International Symposium on Bone Conduction Hearing-Craniofacial

Osseointegration at the Ritz-Carlton. Over 300 medical professionals from 30 countries and 22 U.S. states were in attendance. Researchers, ENT physicians,

audiologists and anaplastologists came to hear 158 varied presentations on the latest in technological and surgical advancements for implantable hearing devices. Sarasota’s Ear Research Foundation was honored to host this conference through the work of Jack Wazen, MD, Director of Research. Dr. Wazen worked with an organizing committee of physicians from around the world to bring the top experts to Sarasota to present. The conference ﬁnale was an elaborate awards gala held in the Ringling Museum Courtyard. 941.365.0367/www.earsinus.com

Anne-Marie Riedinger of the Anaplastology Association, France, & Award Recipient, Gillian Duncan

Anders Tjellstrom, MD, Sweden, David Proops, MD, England, Paula Sauerborn, Dr. Barbara Boyan & Dr. Jack Wazen

Dr. Jack & Laura Wazen pose with the Zebra People

Attendees of the Conference in the Ritz Ballroom

Beth & Dr. Herbert Silverstein

More than a rare stone...

Marian Strickland Registered Gemologist

Member ISG, JEA, AGTA

Gone are the days of stuffy, boring clothes worn with predictable birthstone jewelry. When the heavens opened up and gave us killer jeans in so many styles, sexy tanks, feminine tops and little black dresses I’m pretty sure the angels sang. As if by magic, a spray of colors splashed across the fashion scene and our lives were transformed. Now, we have the power to choose what fits our mood and sets our personal image. As you wander through this enchanting world of colored gems, you will be amazed at their diversity. The natural stone called Zircon displays its fiery brilliance in an enchanting array of colors. Garnet, far from your grandmother’s dull dark stones, grandstands with a huge selection of colors in every shade except blue.

scenesarasota.com

The very rare grass green Tsavorite Garnet will simply take your breath away! Everyone knows what a sapphire looks like, right? Well, maybe not. Daffodil yellow, teal green, hot pink, spicy orange, royal purple and even color change join the well known cornflower blue to make up Sapphire’s marvelous symphony of colors. Spinel, Tourmaline, Apatite, Topaz, Tanzanite, Oregon Sunstone, Zultanite, Pearls and even Diamonds give us a kaleidoscope of choices to define our fashion sense. No question about it, Colored Gemstone jewelry is the perfect way to add your personal touch to your dress style, whether casual or black tie special. So whatever you do, do it in color!

Available at The Golden Image Jewelry Store 30 South Palm Ave., Downtown Sarasota 941.364.8439 • www.mymkdesigns.com

June 2011

| scene

scene | social

Y FOUNDATION’S ELEMENT Au

ore than 360 guests gathered for Element Au: Celebrating 20 Years of

Photography by Cliff Roles

the Y Foundation’s GOING FOR THE GOLD. Chaired by Debbi Seitl with

the assistance of her honorary co-chairs, guests were wined, dined and offered fabulous silent and live auction prizes. Coordinated by Jennifer Grondahl of Maestro Events with assistance from Steve Patmagrian, the Berlin Y Branch was elegantly transformed with traditional colors of gold and white throughout. Neal Van De Ree and Michael Klauber gaveled down an $81,000 live auction that included a fun turn of events as husband and wife Jeff and Susan Jones bid against each other for the privilege of taking 200 Y kids to an Oriole ball game next Spring. In total, over $500,000 was raised bringing the 20-year fundraising grand total to over $7 million

Debbie & Wayne Seitl

Denise & Roberto Mei

Exclusive

Rob Lyons, Vern Buchanan, Cindy & Carl Weinrich

Kim Githler & Margaret Wise

Scott Anderson, Flora Major, Michael Scott

dealer to the West Coast of Florida

Located at the pristine Riviera Dunes Marina Resort just off the Manatee River, our services include brokerage of new and pre-owned boats. Selling Your Yacht? Let Calm Water Yacht Sales showcase your boat with tremendous and prominent exposure to the perfect clientele.

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June 2011

941-981-3845 Ofﬁce

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scene | social

Children First’s FantaSea Gala A

mythical time was had by all at Children First’s FantaSea

Photography by Cliff Roles

Gala at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Event co-chairs Dr. Heidi

Anderson and Dr. Paul Brannan, Elenor and John Maxheim, and Jackie and Jim Rolfes hosted close to 300 guests at this elegant gala that earned $140,000 for Children First. The proceeds from this event will provide child care scholarship assistance, purchase classroom supplies, provide nutritious daily meals, and support family strengthening programs to over 600 of Sarasota County’s neediest children birth to ﬁve years of age.

Dr. Paul Brannan & Dr. Heidi Anderson

Philip & Rebecca Tavill

Jim & Jackie Rolfes

John & Elenor Maxheim

Rochelle & August Curley

Eyelids by the Expert PAUL A. BRANNAN, MD Oculo-Facial Plastic Surgeon

Do you look as good as you feel? DERMATOLOGY & OCULOPLASTIC CONSULTANTS (DOCs)

Visualize Your Potential 5880 Rand Blvd – Suite 201 www.DOCsEyelidExpert.com 941.925.3627

prevention, care & renewal of your skin MEDICAL SURGICAL COSMETIC

scenesarasota.com

June 2011

| scene

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

DO MUNICIPAL BONDS STILL BELONG IN YOUR PORTFOLIO? Courtesy of:

Ernie B. Garcia

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

ews about risk of defaults

Municipal bonds are debt obligations

has

some

issued by cities, counties, states and

investors to sell off at least

other government entities. Often

some of these ﬁxed income holdings,

called “muni bonds,” they are used to

but that may prove to be short-

fund projects that are considered by

sighted.

the municipality to be beneﬁcial to the

prompted

public good. Historically, municipal bonds have not generated national headlines, but the ﬁscal problems facing many state and

In exchange for funding public projects and services, investors

local governments have led to newsworthy concerns about

in municipal bonds receive a beneﬁt: The interest paid on

the future of these securities. As a result, by February 2011

municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income

investors had pulled nearly $40 billion from municipal bond

taxes. Moreover, interest paid to investors who purchase a

funds—the largest exodus from such funds in decades,

bond issued by a municipal entity located within their home

according to the Investment Company Institute.1 But were

state is typically exempt from state income tax, and interest

investors exiting an investment class that truly had taken a

paid on some bonds (called triple-tax-free bonds) is even

turn for the worse?

exempt from local taxes.

Before you decide whether municipal bonds still have a

Behind the Headlines

place in your own portfolio, it’s worth taking a closer look at

Should you choose to access the municipal market, it is

the asset class—speciﬁcally, how the features of municipal

important for you to know what you own, and ensure that what

bonds and whether their beneﬁts—such as the potential

you own is in line with your tolerance for risk. Just as important:

for tax-exempt income—merit consideration in the current

understanding that the municipal bond market is extremely

environment. These investments can still play a role in a long-

broad and diverse, frequently defying broad generalizations.

term investment strategy, as long as the risks associated with the bonds you own are aligned with your own risk tolerance.

For example, some municipal issuers may be strapped for

cash while others are in good ﬁnancial health. While a project

agency has assessed that there is incrementally greater risk of

s investment advice an important partto of a comprehensive wealthdefault. As a result, investors can begin the process potential funded by oneis bond issue may fail generate sufﬁcient advice about yourleaving estate, your business, your philanthropic your of assessing municipal bonds by ﬁltering out bonds with revenues, it unable to pay interest on its debt, another giving,

they deem too risky. projectand funded a different bond issue in the same city may stock position yourbylending needs. At Morgan Stanley Smithratings Barney,

no difﬁculty abundant revenues. full range have of services to generating help you grow, protect and transfer your wealth. You should be aware that insured bonds are typically assigned Furthermore, the municipal market has changed dramatically

the higher of either the issuer’s or the insurer’s credit rating. In

in the past few years, due to a signiﬁcant decrease in the use

the case of an insured bond, be sure to review the rating of the

of insurance by municipal issuers (following the credit crisis

issuer, which may be lower. Also keep in mind that you should

of 2008/2009) and a growing presence of ‘non-traditional’

not rely solely on ratings, as they are only one of several factors

municipal bonds. You should be aware that all muni bonds are

to consider when evaluating an investment.

mail me for a complimentary consultation to discuss how I can

with your wealth planning goals and objectives.

PS-1725

not created equal. Be sure that you understand all of the material terms and features of any municipal bond before you invest,

Rather than shunning this asset class altogether, investors

including the issuer/obligor the bond, sources of revenue, Ernieof B. Garcia

who can beneﬁt from tax-exempt income should work with

and creditworthiness of the entity backing the bond.

their Financial Advisor to determine whether certain speciﬁc Senior Vice President - Wealth Management municipal bonds or bond funds may be suitable for them Senior Investment Management Consultant

Know Your Investments

2 North Tamiami Trail, Suite 1100 Now more than ever, you need to understand a municipal Sarasota, Florida 34236

and, if so, take a closer look at these bonds or funds as a potential investment.

bond’s credit quality and the process by which it generates

941.364.7405 income. Most issuers are graded by credit rating agencies

For More Information

such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitchext. Ratings. Each 800.237.9441 405

For a complimentary review of your current municipal portfolio

agency has a different grading system, but AAA is typically ernie.b.garcia@mssb.com

or for receiving updated new and secondary offerings, please

the highest rating. www.fa.smithbarney.com/ernie_garcia Lower ratings indicate that the rating contact Ernie B. Garcia at 941.364.7405.

Ernie B. Garcia Senior Vice President - Wealth Management Senior Investment Management Consultant 1 Investment Company Institute, “Trends in Mutual Fund Investing,” February 2011.

27 Years of Experience

2 Interest on municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax. However, 2 North Trail, Suite Morgan Stanley Smith BarneyTaxLLC, its Typically, affiliatesstate andtax Morgan Stanley SmithTamiami Barney some bonds may be subject to the Alternative Minimum (AMT). exemption applies if securities are issued within one’s state of residence, and local tax Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended Sarasota, Florida 34236 exemption typically applies if securities are issued within one’s city of residence. The or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed value of fixed income securities will fluctuate and, upon a sale, may be worth more or on or thematurity taxpayer. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation less than their original cost value.

1100

Call Ernie Garcia for a complimentary consultation

and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and a second opinion of your investment portfolio. and other matters. Barney LLC,legal its afﬁliates and Financial Advisors do not render

Morgan Stanley Smith advice on tax and tax accounting matters to clients. This material was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer under US federal tax laws. You should always consult your own legal or tax advisor for information concerning your individual situation. Article by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Courtesy of your Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisor..

06/2010 GP10-01315P-Y06/10

bescene

Summer Calendar EVENTS & THEATER

Even the pool decorations were over the top at Sarasota Film Festival’s Cinema Tropicale event, at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Photo: Cliff Roles

Laughing Matters Through 06-18. Florida Studio Theatre/Goldstein Cabaret. Billed “A musical Saturday Night Live for Sarasota”, this show promises that laughter will be frequent. 941.366.9000/floridastudiotheatre.org

Sarasota Music Festival Through 06-18 Various times and locations. The Festival runs each Thursday through Saturday the first three weeks of June and includes artist showcases at Holley Hall and Saturday Symphonies at the Sarasota Opera House. 941.906.1555 / sarasotaorchestra.org/sarasotamusicfestival/festival.cfm

Shipwreck! Through 07-31 10:00 am G.WIZ The Science Museum. Enjoy interactive games and challenges that allow visitors to experience the thrill of shipwreck exploration while exploring some of the world’s greatest maritime stories. Tickets: $15 / 941.309.4949 / gwiz.org

Art After 5 Every Thursday from 06-02 through 08-25, 5:00 pm Ringling Museum. Enjoy the Museum of Art’s permanent collection and special exhibition galleries, cocktails and conversation on the loggia. Cash bar and seating available. Tickets: $10 / 941.359.5700 / ringling.org

Live From Downtown, It’s Friday Night! 06-03 6:00 pm Downtown Sarasota. Watch a ballet on Lemon Avenue, listen to Sax playing in Five

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June 2011

scenesarasota.com

Points Park, dance in the street, gallery hop, dine and shop. Open to the public. 941.366.7040 / downtownsrq.com

Music on Main – Lakewood Ranch Concert Series 06-03 6:00 pm – Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy the music of country rock band Shotgun Justice. Food, wine and beer purchases benefit Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. Leashed pets are welcome. Admission is free. 941.907.9243 / lwrmainstreet.com

A life well lived is full of choices. A full continuum of care community.

World Ocean Day Family Festival 06-05 11:00 am Mote Aquarium. Ocean conservation event with activities from Mote and community partners in conjunction with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This year’s Dr. Seuss theme is 1-2-3 and the Seas. Free with paid admission to the Mote Marine Aquarium. 941.388.4441 / mote.org.

Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein 06-08 through 06-12 Asolo Rep. Enjoy a fascinating journey as Hershey Felder brings the composer of West Side Story, Candide, Mass and more to life. 941.351.8000 / asolorep.org

10th Annual St. Armands Craft Festival 06-11 &12 10:00 am St. Armands Circle Park. Featuring more than 175 artisans and crafters. Open to the public.

Kobernick House – Independent Retirement Apartments

starmandscircleassoc.com

A nonprofit senior retirement community. Live a carefree catered lifestyle with all the amenities and services you want. Choice of apartment sizes with no expensive Buy-In.

A Midsummer Night’s Wish 06-11 6:00 pm Hyatt Place, Siesta Key. A night of great music and fun. Benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida, Sarasota Region. Tickets: $100 / 941.952. WISH / summerwish.kintera.org

Anchin Pavilion – Assisted Living A premiere assisted living community that is proud of its success. Focused on each individual needs this modern community provides 24 hour assistance to maximize an active digniﬁed lifestyle.

Marilyn: Forever Blonde!

Fanny Green Memory Support Unit

06-16 through 07-10 Asolo Rep. In this critically acclaimed, award-

Located in Anchin Pavilion. Loving 24 hour dedicated care and life enhancing programs for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related Dementia. All inclusive rate programs.

winning production, at the end of her life Marilyn Monroe wonders what it would be like to do life over again. 941.351.8000 / asolorep.org

The Foreigner 06-16 through 06-19 and 07-14 through 07-17 The Players. From the creator of “The Nerd”, laugh along with a group of mismatched characters staying at a resort-style fishing lodge where a very shy man is mistaken as a foreigner who doesn’t speak English. The comedy builds from the assorted secrets and scandals freely discussed in front of him. 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org

Roberta Macdonald: Songs, Stories and Sketches 06-22 through 07-06, Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. Spend an intimate evening with Roberta MacDonald as she reminisces scenesarasota.com

Benderson Family Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Located on the beautiful campus with Kobernick House and Anchin Pavilion is our new ultra modern skilled nursing center. Patient focused care is our mission and provides the highest quality of medical services and amenities to meet the needs and comfort of our patients.

Retire in Style

For Info Call 941-377-0781 or 379-3553 1951 North Honore Ave., Sarasota FL 34235 www.kobernickanchin.org

Assisted Living Facility License #AL8951 Skilled Nursing Center License #130471046 Sponsored by the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council, Inc.

June 2011

| scene

about her life in New York (High School of Performing Arts of

Designing Women Boutique Salon Series

“Fame” fame), Broadway (“South Pacific,” “Sherry,” “Cyrano”),

06-30, 07-28 & 08-25 11:30 am Designing Women Boutique.

Television (As the “Today” Girl before Barbra Walters) and more.

Featuring guest speakers, luncheon and fashion show. Benefits

941-366-5454/ thegoldenapple.com

Sarasota Arts & Humanities charities. Tickets: $16, Reservations required / 941.544.7612 / designingwomenboutique.org

Grandma and Friends 06-22 through 07-31 Historic Asolo Theater. Circus Sarasota and

Over the Tavern

the Ringling Museum of Art present “Grandma and Friends”, an

06-30 through 07-03 and 07-28 through 07-31 The Players.

hour of family fun and circus entertainment: acrobatics, aerial

A warm and hilarious look at family, growing up, and God.

acts, juggling, balancing, and above all – hilarious buffoonery.

941.365.2494 / theplayers.org

941-360-7399 / ringling.org/historicasolotheater

Becky’s New Car

See Rock City

06-30 through 07-17 Banyan Theater Company. A 50-something

06-22 through 07-10 Lemon Bay Playhouse. This tender portrayal

wife and mother meets a millionaire Prince Charming and faces

of married life, set against the backdrop of World War II, shows

a hilarious mid-life crisis of major proportions. 941.358.5330 /

the best of the human spirit and its ability to overcome any and all

banyantheatercompany.com

obstacles. 941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com

Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix

Selby Gardens Star Spangled Celebration 07-04 6:00 pm Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Featuring a

06-25 to 07-04 This week-long celebration is fulled with fun, ex-

star spangled tropical celebration with live music by “Impulse”,

citement and a variety of events all leading up to the powerboat

activities for children, lawn games and a bbq cook-out com-

race. Benefits the Suncoast Charities for Children. 941.371.8820

plete with beer, wine, and sodas. Tickets: $20 / 941.366.5731

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STARRING

SUNNY THOMPSON

“BEST TOURING PRODUCTION“

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A critically-acclaimed, award-winning play crafted from Marilyn’s own words and songs.

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scene |

June 2011

Asolo Rep’s artistic programs are paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

scenesarasota.com

Stop the World – I Want to Get Off Starts 07-06, Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. Tony Award-winning musical about the adventures of Littlechap as he makes his way through life. Features hit songs such as “What Kind of Fool Am I?”, “Once In A Lifetime,” “Gonna Build A Mountain” and “Mumbo Jumbo.” 941-366-5454/ thegoldenapple.com

Animals Out of Paper 07-21 through 08-07 Banyan Theater Company. Three intriguing characters become folded together, marvelously reshaping each other through the discovery that life and love can’t always be neatly arranged. 941.358.5330 / banyantheatercompany.com

Undaunted 07-21 through 07-24 The Players. Explore the conflict-ridden life of Alexander Hamil-

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ton as his wife and son deal with the public disclosure of his scandalous affair with a troubled young woman. 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org

Jesus Christ Superstar 07-28 through 08-06 Venice Theatre. Rock opera dramatizing Christ’s final days with explosive theatricality. 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com

I Do, I Do Starts 08-10, Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. Tony Award-winning musical by Har-

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vey Schmidt and Tom Jones () follows Michael and Agnes as they journey through the ups and downs of life together. The charming, tuneful score features such songs as “My Cup Runneth Over” and “Flaming Agnes” to name a few. 941-3665454/ thegoldenapple.com

Kiss The Moon, Kiss the Sun 08-11 through 08-28 Banyan Theater scenesarasota.com

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Beautiful ﬁtness studio with commercial rated equipment and free weights.

08-12 through 08-28 Venice Theatre. A musical spelling bee featuring six quirky

Personalized routines for your body type & ﬁtness level.

adolescents celebrating “the joy of nerdiness”. 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com

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10th Annual YMCA Hawaiian Luau

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08-27 7:00 pm Venice YMCA pool area.

Only $35 per hour or 12 hours for $300 ($25/hour).

Featuring drinks, food by popular area restaurants, raffles, prizes and live music. Benefits YMCA Children and Family Scholarship Fund. Tickets: $50 / 941.375.9108 southcountyfamilyymca.org

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scene |

June 2011

scenesarasota.com

scene | social

Mote’s Party On The Pass T

here was plenty of good food, good fun and goodwill to go

around at Party on the Pass, a recent fundraiser for Mote

Marine Laboratory’s animal hospitals. More than 300 dedicated sea fans turned out to support Mote’s efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine animals. Guests gathered in the Mote Aquarium courtyard while enjoying music, drinks and delicious food provided by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. Event sponsors were CAP Trust and Mote Scientiﬁc Foundation and in-kind sponsors were Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, L.P, and the Sarasota-Manatee Originals.

Tommy & Dena Smith

Carol & Bob Carter

Tom & Kristi Cail with Holly & Budd Moore

Stephen, Beth & Ellie Waskom

D’Arcy & Ray Arpke

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scenesarasota.com

June 2011

| scene

scene | social

Junior League’s Child Advocacy Luncheon T

he third annual Junior League of Sarasota Child Advocacy Luncheon Photography by Carissa Warfield

was held at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, and co-chaired by Jamie

Becker and Lydia Chapdelain. The event kicked off “Paint the Town Blue”, child abuse awareness month. Jesse White, owner of Sarasota Architectural Salvage; Family Safety Alliance, and Doug Staley, Program Director for the Child Protection Team of the Child Protection Center were honored for their passion and dedication to help end child abuse. Guest speaker was Allie Phillips, former Vice President of the American Humane Association.

Shana Zamikoff & Monica Barth

Lydia Chapdelain, Angie Stringer & Jamie Becker

Katherine Keeley & Graci McGillicuddy

Jenny Hime & Cindy Hill Ford

Marjorie Broughton & Nikki Taylor

JFCS Awards

FCS celebrated the conclusion of its Silver Anniversary at Michael’s On East. More than 200 volunteers, donors and community leaders attended the 25th Annual Photography by Cliff Roles

Meeting to recognize the Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients and participate in the installation of the newly elected Board Members & Ofﬁcers of JFCS. Congratulations to Award Recipients Marshall Bernstein, Joel Blumsack, Irwin Cooper, Roz Ehrenpreis, Jeanne Epstein, Howard & Betty Isermann, Kathy Killion, Julie & Ron Milton, Gene & Saralyn Oberdorfer, Roslyn Roz, Sarasota Bay Club, Leo Seligsohn and Ruth Siegel. Newly elected Board Ofﬁcers are: Rich Segall, Chair; Gerri Aaron & Larry Eger, Vice Chairs; Kathy Killion, Secretary; Barbara Brizdle, Treasurer and Marie Monsky, Past Chair. Newly elected Board Members are: Shaun Benderson, Audrey Coleman, Lauren Fineman, Ben Klein, Marion Levine & Randy Mallitz.

Rich Segall & Marie Monsky

scene |

June 2011

Roslyn & Konrad Ross

Roz & Irwin Cooper

Kathryn Cooper, Patti McClure, Michael Harding & Pamela Liu

Judy & Joel Blumsack

Adrea & Leo Seligsohn scenesarasota.com

Shore Thing Available at Dream Weaver (364 St. Armands Circle / 941.388.1974) and Planet (354 St. Armands Circle / 941.388.3706)

Tim Harding one-of-a-kind all occasion collaged silk jacket.

LEFT: Planet Pima knit cotton sweater and pants available in many colors. Necklace by Marilyn Arnold Palley. RIGHT: Original oneof-a-kind dress/skirt by Catherine Bacon of California. Also available in white/black.

The Concession R

Golf Club

enowned as the home of a top-tier 18-hole

time the golf course opened,” says the younger Cassidy. “He fell

course, The Concession Golf Club’s new owners

in love with The Concession.” Although owning a golf club was

have steadily been delivering on their promise

something they never dreamed of doing, the Cassidys stepped

to elevate all of its amenities to the same world-class stature.

up to purchase it when the developer needed to look for new

While physical changes are readily apparent, the underlying

strategies because of the economy.

spirit of the club remains rooted in providing an exceptional

While the exceptional quality of the golf course was recog-

experience for those who love the game while also offering

nized, having been named the best new private course of 2006

other enticements.

by Golf Digest, the other amenities had not been revealed. From

The Concession is steeped in the unique persona of the Ry-

a dusty gravel drive and a temporary clubhouse, the Club has

der Cup. Its very name and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course

transitioned to an entrance with beautiful pavers sweeping up

designed in association with Tony Jacklin commemorate Nick-

to an expansive clubhouse. Spacious, well-appointed men’s and

laus’ generous gesture in conceding a putt to Jacklin during the

women’s locker rooms and shower areas were added with dé-

1969 Ryder Cup, resulting in the first match tie in Ryder Cup

cor befitting a club that increasingly is gaining international

history. The Club, like the Ryder Cup itself, offers a less formal

renown. Refinements have been made to the course to create a

atmosphere while still adhering to exacting standards, says

challenging, yet enjoyable, experience for nonprofessional golf-

Bruce Cassidy, Jr., (pictured top right next page) whose father,

ers while retaining its championship qualities. That mission was

Bruce Cassidy, Sr., purchased The Concession in October 2009.

accomplished. LINKS Magazine recently named The Concession

“My father retired to Sarasota in 2006 at approximately the same

as a potential Top 10 U.S. Open site, and the Callaway Collegiate

Match Play will be held at the club in March 2012.

touted in articles as far away as China, Korea and the Middle

“People come here from all over the world to play,” Cassidy

East. This recognition helps ink arrangements with other top-

said. “We appeal to the enthusiasts who want to play the best

tier golf venues, allowing club members to play Lindrick Golf

course they can find, but we also want to appeal to the non-golf-

Club in England, Dismal River in Nebraska, and Medinah

ing spouse and their children. Our club demographic is about 15

Country Club in Illinois.

years younger than the average membership in this area.” With

“Our goal is to be one of the best courses in the country if

that in mind, a home in the development recently was purchased

not the world, but it’s not just the course or the food. It’s the

and converted to a fitness center.

personality we’ve created,” Cassidy says. “We have these world

In addition to signature golfing events like the Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic, annual Easter egg hunts, fishing tourna-

class products in Sarasota, but we don’t have the world class egos to go with them.”

ments and other events include the whole family. Sean Murphy of Anna Maria Island’s Zagat-rated Beach Bistro was contracted to elevate the culinary experience, and an innovative free culinary membership allows non-golfers to enjoy dining at the club. Making The Concession an international brand and destination are additional Cassidy objectives. A section of artist Joe Austen’s gallery at the legendary St. Andrews course in Scotland is dedicated to The Concession, and the club has been recently

7700 Lindrick Lane, Bradenton FL 34202 941.322.1922 | www.theconcession.com

scene | social

Celebration of Hope Dinner T

he Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast honored ESPN basketball analyst and Photography by Carissa Warfield

philanthropist Dick Vitale and Oncologist Dr. Larry Silverman with CSC’s highest honor,

the Stephen H. Goldman, M.D., Keystone Award during the Celebration of Hope Awards Dinner. The evening Co-Chairs Dr. Dwight Fitch and Dr. Claudia Mallarino of 21st Century Oncology and Honorary Co-Chair and Emcee Lauren Dorsett from ABC 7 presided over the evening’s events held at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch. Vitale is TV’s most prominent college basketball analyst and unofﬁcial ambassador for the sport. Dr. Silverman is one of the Gulf Coast’s leading radiation oncology specialists. Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast helps people affected by cancer learn vital skills to improve the quality of their lives and make them better partners with their medical professionals.

Dave Shaver, Sally & Doug Wright with Mary Beth & Jim Boz

Joe Najmy, Adela Rose, Patricia Schultz & Alfred Rose

Nick Bollettieri, Thomas Krug, Sherri Vitale & Murf Klauber

Dick & Lorraine Vitale

Circus Sarasota & The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art presents

GRANDMA a n d F r i e n d s!

Don’t Miss this Amazing Show! Featuring Grandma & other spectacular international acts…fun for “children all of ages”!

W e d n e s d a y, J u n e 2 2 – S u n d a y, J u l y 3 1 A ffor da ble Fa m i ly Fu n at the Histori c Asolo Theater!

TO PURCHASE TICKETS Visit www.Ringling.org or call 941.360.7399 36

scene |

June 2011

scenesarasota.com

scene | arts & culture PRESENTED BY:

June is bursting with events to satisfy any cultural palette! As you travel from Gershwin to Marilyn, make sure you stop to sample the wide variety of Sarasota’s culinary delights. Oh, and who doesn’t love a great craft festival?! 2

1) Gershwin & Friends June 5 & 7, 2011 “Gershwin & Friends” featuring the Bergonzi String Quartet combines the popular and light classical works of one of America’s most popular and enduring composers. One of the performance highlights is Gershwin’s “Clap Yo’ Hands” which will combine live performance with a 1926 vocal recorded by “Whispering Jack Smith” utilizing a then newly-invented device called a “microphone.” Also featured will be pianist Tian Ying a soloist in the ever-popular “Rhapsody in Blue.” Why it matters: The Artist Series of Sarasota presents live classical and popular perfor-

mances by world-class musicians from across the country and around the world. Each year between October and June the Series presents over fifty performances – and since 2006, most have been performed in the charming Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art. In addition, the Artist Series sponsors a statewide scholarship competition for careerpotential young musicians and in 2011 awarded nearly $30,000 in prizes.

2) Savor Sarasota June 1-14, 2011

Over the course of the two-week dining event, Sarasota area restaurants, many of which are Zagat-rated, will offer $25 multi-course dinners. The restaurant week menus typically include appetizer, entree and dessert courses. Some restaurants create menus specifically for Savor Sarasota while others will allow diners to select dishes from their current menus. Why it matters: Celebrate Sarasota’s culinary delights on a budget at one of more than 30 restaurants ranging from casual to elegant. The food spans many genres and the entire county, showcasing our area’s range of culinary excellence. Visit www.savorsarasota.com for an up-to-date list of participating restaurants, as well as menus, directions, deals, events, editorial features and more. Go Savor Sarasota!

scenesarasota.com

June 2011

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��

�� Le Grand Cabaret A spectacular revue of cabaret favorites performed by the Sarasota Orchestra conducted by Dirk Meyer and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe featuring Nate Jacobs and Chris Eisenberg

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Ensure Your Reservation Now This event has been a sell-out hit for six consecutive years, and this year’s promises to raise the bar yet again. Contact Josephine Eisenberg, Associate Development Director, 941.366.2224 ext 142 or jeisenberg@jfcs-cares.org

941-366-2224 | www.jfcs-cares.org

3) 19th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival June 18-19, 2011 Venice welcomes back its signature summer craft show! Whether you are a craft enthusiast or looking for that unique one-ofa-kind gift item, there is something for everyone. From folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, to personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and body products, a full spectrum of craft art mediums will be on display and for sale with prices ranging from as little as $3 to $3,000. All crafters will be at the festival with their work, available to discuss their art and inspiration. Why it matters: Miami Avenue in Downtown Venice will be transformed into an outdoor craft showcase. This highly anticipated art show is popular for the quality artists and crafters it features. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Venice Main Street.

Smooth. Solid. Beautiful.

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4) Marilyn: Forever Blonde

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June 18-July 10, 2011

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It is 1962 and Marilyn Monroe is in the midst of a photo shoot. She is 36-years-old, divorced for the third time, living alone, frustrated by Hollywood and tired of the label “sex symbol,” Marilyn longs to be respected for her talent and loved for who she really is rather than the character she has created for the silver screen. In this critically acclaimed, award-winning production, she wonders

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what it would be like to do it all over again.

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Why it matters: Asolo Rep proudly presents the award-win-

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ning one-woman play with music, Marilyn: Forever Blonde. The

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play features 17 songs by some of the greatest songwriters in

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the business from Irving Berlin to Harold Arlen to Johnny Mercer who give Marilyn some of their best work. All of the play’s songs were performed by Marilyn in her films and are used

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to help explain her story as she recounts a life of dreams and

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make-believe that catapulted her to the stars and ultimately found her crashing down to Earth to remain in our memory forever. Photo by Howard Petrella, Seattle Washington

This is a merely a taste of a few upcoming events and by no means an exhaustive listing. Want to see more events? Head over to SarasotaArts.org for additional events, artist profiles and infor-

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June 2011

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E C N E I R E P X E T R A G N I L G N I R E H T BY RYAN G.

VAN CLEAVE

Scene Magazine is pleased to pay tribute to the John

Ringling tradition of supporting local art and artists with “The Ringling Art Experience”. Each featured artist has a connection with the Ringling Museum of Art or the school named in his honor,Ringling College of Art and Design. What better way to continue John Ringling’s arts commitment than to provide a forum for the exciting new work being created right here on the Culture Coast? GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT In nearly every field of art, The Ringling College of Art + Design’s alumni are making headlines. Seven were involved in the making of Toy Story 2. Another created scenic design work for Busch Gardens and Sea World. Another is the official cartoonist and illustrator of Stuff the Magic Dragon, the mascot of the Orlando Magic. Another generates computer graphics for ESPN. Another has work in the permanent collection in the Native American Wing of the Smithsonian Institution. Yet another was responsible for much of the restoration work on the Asolo Rep Theatre. With Ringling College’s 2011 graduation still fresh in the minds of faculty, parents, and students, it seems appropriate to showcase three of the school’s newest graduates who are poised to add their own names to the list of alumni who continue to make their alma mater proud. Benjamin Kowalski (top left) A Tampa native, Benjamin has always been interested in art. His mom “still has boxes stuffed with everything from hand turkeys to miniature illustrated books.” But despite that early interest, his plans were to attend the University of Florida for architecture. That all changed when a friend who’d visited Ringling College told him to apply there, too. Soon after he did exactly that, Benjamin received the Presidential Scholarship which is given to the top incoming student in graphic design. Among the many awards Benjamin later received in his distinguished college career was his No Excuses Volunteering project that won a Best in Show Student ADDY award at the state level and will soon compete at the national level. “The biggest influence Sarasota has had on my work may be my love of bright colors,” Benjamin says, referencing the beaches, the landscape, the foliage, and the amazing Florida sky. He’s taking that love for color and contrast to an Art Direction internship at Leo Burnett, an international advertising agency based in Chicago. Whether he ends up working there full-time or not, he one day hopes to open his own small, private design studio. Alexandra Plemmons (middle left) Born in Dallas, Alexandra moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan at age five. After receiving

scene |

June 2011

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an International Baccalaureate Fine Art certiﬁcate in high school, she studied Art Education at Western Michigan University for two years. To satisfy her growing desire to be more directly involved in the contemporary art world, she transferred to Ringling College to pursue a Fine Art major

When is too much... too much?

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with a minor in Business of Art & Design. Among her numerous awards at her new

It’s never too much when your unique

school, she received a “Best of Ringling”

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award in a juried student show and the Vince Meil Fine Art Scholarship.

to banquettes, jewels to jardineres, ac-

Alexandra’s immediate plans are to begin the

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master’s degree program in Contemporary

and wide.

Art at Sotheby’s, London. Later, she hopes to

The only thing that’s too much? Those

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soccer, and softball for nearby Lakeland High School. Thanks to a scholarship at the Rhode Island School of Design, she studied graphic design there for two years before relocating to Sarasota to ﬁnish her undergraduate studies at Ringling College. “Being at a college where professors know you by name and genuinely care about your

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Marc S. Wolff

Southern Trust Financial Planning Having the knowledge and wisdom to achieve goals through

narrow scope of options, so with us, the client’s needs

long-term ﬁnancial planning is critical for an investment ﬁrm,

come first,” Wolff said. “At the same time, our assets are

but Marc S. Wolff understands that his ﬁrm’s success is

under the custody of National Financial Services, which is

measured by the satisfaction of each individual client.

a Fidelity company.

Ultimately that success is built on a foundation of relationships

What this means is that the company’s planners take the

based on the ﬁrm’s integrity, client trust, and a track record of

time to get a clear conception of each client’s goals and

performance. “Trust is key,” says Wolff, founder and president

objectives whether that is investing for growth or income

of Southern Trust Financial Planning. “We have a great history

or to preserve the estate for their heirs. “People will ask me

and encourage people to research our backgrounds.

whether a particular investment is good or not. I answer that it

As a full service, independent investment firm, Southern

may be good for some but not others,” he said. “For instance,

Trust Financial Planning offers a range of financial

investment decisions should be based on many different

planning tools from stocks, bonds and mutual funds to

criteria, not just age. Many older investors want conservative

life insurance, long-term care and annuities without being

income; however, some may want growth because they have

tied to proprietary investments, as can be the case with

funds invested for their heirs.”

larger institutions. “We have the flexibility to match a

Helping clients gain a greater understanding of ﬁnancial

client’s needs with an investment without being tied to a

planning and investments is one reason Wolff has conducted

over 700 workshops since he started in the investment

systems use very sophisticated computer algorithms for

business over 20 years ago. Clients are encouraged to ask

analysis and guide investors regarding how assets should

questions even if they are not directly related to issues the

be allocated based on current markets.

ﬁrm manages such as estate and tax issues, whether to buy

Even

though

modern

advancements

give

every

or rent a home, or purchase or lease a car. While the ﬁrm’s

advantage, old-fashioned open communication and

advisors are knowledgeable in many areas, they also have

dialogue are nurtured in a number of ways. “We are very

relationships with experts to whom they feel comfortable

proactive and like to get together with clients at least twice

referring for specialized advice.

a year,” Wolff said. “If we don’t hear from you in awhile,

Better customer service has been the secret to the ﬁrm’s

we’ll call you even if nothing needs to be reallocated or

growth over the past 12 years as well as a dedication to

modified.” Monthly newsletters inform clients, in plain

focusing on clients’ goals, long-term planning and managing

language, about ways to manage their funds more

risk. “Many investors don’t pay as much attention as they

effectively and let them know about options they may not

should to managing risk. Proper asset allocation is one

have considered. Weekly updates provide news about

way to protect assets, and there are other ways that clients

legislative changes, significant market shifts and anything

can protect principal and income without losing the upside

else that may impact their investments. In addition, there

potential,” he said. “There might be higher fees, but you have

are several client events every year with informative guest

to weigh cost versus beneﬁt.”

speakers.

Wolff believes that today’s easy-to-use technology offers

This personal approach has been a hallmark of

advantages in a number of ways. Highly sophisticated

Southern Trust Financial Planning since Wolff founded

ﬁnancial planning software tools and resources are used

the firm in his hometown in 1999. A Sarasota resident

during the ﬁnancial planning process. In addition, clients

since 1983, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business

can access all of their accounts online as can their advisors

from the University of Florida where he graduated with

who have the information easily at hand if clients have

highest honors and began his career with IBM, developing

questions. “We also believe that investors should have some

corporate and personal financial technical solutions. He

part of their portfolio dedicated to active management. If you

began his investment services career in 1987, and using

have been a buy and hold or index investor, you probably

the experience he gained, he decided to open his own firm

haven’t seen good returns for the past 10 years,” he says.

based on the principles of trust, openness and diligence.

“The markets are dynamic, and it’s important to stay on top

Today, the firm employs 12, including six financial planners,

of management systems that can give us an edge. Some

in Sarasota and Bonita Springs.

Marc S. Wolff

President-Investments, Owner/Branch Manager Investment Advisor Representative

Southern Trust Financial Planning Registered Representative, Securities America, Inc. 1800 2nd Street, Ste. 892, Sarasota FL, 34236 (941) 308-0041 www.SouthernTrustFinancial.com Mwolff@southerntrustfinancial.com Investment Advisory Services offered through Southern Trust Financial Planning, Inc. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Southern Trust Financial Planning, Inc. is not afﬁliated with Securities America Companies.

JIM BUTLER’S

PARADISE HOMES By Sue Cullen

High-end amenities abound in this “Elite” kitchen in a Lakewood Ranch Country Club East model home. High-end Viking® ranges and WoodMode® cabinetry are standard.

Paradise Homes are built with an understanding not only of what today’s homeowners need, but also of what high-end amenities they always have wanted but never dreamed would be standard features in an affordable new home. “We really are building a lifestyle, and our floor plans are designed for how people live today,” says Jim Butler, President of Paradise Homes. “Every home comes standard with an outdoor kitchen, which is great for al fresco entertaining, and the ambiance of a beautiful fireplace wall to gather around and take the chill out of the air in winter.” Also standard are many coveted upgrades such as granite throughout the house and high-end Viking® appliances, Wood-Mode® cabinetry, and Hinkley® lighting as well as green features including energy-saving

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double-pane impact-resistant windows. “Most buyers are looking

prey Ave., Sarasota, even though the overall new home construc-

for floor plans that are more functional,” Butler said. “They want to

tion market was at a low point. “Although people kept telling me not

use all their living space and are making purchase decisions based

to do this because the time was not right, we believed in our prod-

on what it will cost to live there and maintain it. They are foregoing

uct and went forward with a new Design Center and showroom,”

unnecessary space in order to get more upgraded finishes and

Butler said. “I went with my heart and my principles, and it’s been

amenities.”

a tremendous success. It’s one of the reasons why we are growing

With today’s still challenging economic times, Butler says it is

in this economy when others are not.”

important to think realistically, focus on continual improvement,

Butler credits this success to thinking outside of the box and

keep moving in a positive direction against all odds and maintain a

providing a truly value-driven product. Paradise Homes led the in-

humble attitude. That approach to business and customer service

dustry in creating its very popular three-tiered bundling of ameni-

has helped Paradise Homes beat the odds despite the economy.

ties, which allows homebuyers to know what they are getting with

The company has added 25 employees to its staff and, in 2008,

no hidden surprises. Homeowners can choose one of three levels

was able to open a 6,000 square foot Design Center at 3750 Os-

of finishes to fit their budget. “When they walk out the door of the

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model, they know exactly what they are getting and what it will cost. There are no unexpected expenses for upgrades. It’s all included,” he said. Paradise Homes offers a series of fully-customizable “jewel box” homes ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 square feet. Its Grand Series homes range from 3,500 square feet to as large as 10,000 square feet. “Although today’s market seems to be focused more on homes of about 3,000 to 4,000 square feet, Paradise Homes currently has homes under construction as large as 9,000 square feet,” Butler says. Three model homes are open in Lakewood Ranch’s Country Club East development, and two additional models are under construction in the Lake Club. The company also offers truly custom homes for those who want to create a design all their own from scratch. Besides being a preferred builder in Lakewood Ranch with ABOVE: Paradise Homes 6,000 square foot Design Center located at 3750 Osprey Ave., Sarasota. RIGHT: This striking second floor ceiling detail is standard in the “Grand Elite” feature package.

homes in Country Club, Country Club East, the Lake Club and the Vineyards, Paradise Homes also specializes in offsite projects. It currently has homes under construction on Casey Key, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and downtown Sarasota. While homebuyers may choose from a variety of customizable floor plans, these are not cookie cutter houses, and there’s no running from place to place to pick out flooring, lighting, cabinets and appliances. Homebuyers simply drop by the company’s Design Center, which also serves its sister company, Extreme Remodeling. A wide range of selections are available within each of the three finish levels. “Everything is customizable. We have four designers on staff to help with color selection as well as kitchen and interior design,” Butler says. The Design Center features American-made products, reflecting Butler’s deep patriotism and devotion to the American way of life. The ability to offer these high-end amenities and ease of selection in such a homeowner-friendly way stems from Butler’s choice to hire his own employees in most cases

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ABOVE: The “Prestige” feature package includes the luxurious amenities of this impressive master bath. OPPOSITE: Exceptional outdoor living is a signature feature of all Paradise Homes. The “Grand Elite” outdoor finishes include highquality Viking® appliances.

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rather than use a series of subcontractors to complete the work. At the company’s Venice facility, granite is fabricated, cabinets are built and materials are warehoused. “That way, our schedule is controlled by us, and we’re able to marry the best products to take the guesswork out of it for our customers. We focus every day on how we can improve our processes.” he said. Butler is so sold on the lifestyle he is creating that he is opening a 4,000-square-foot Viking Culinary School in Lakewood Ranch this summer, which he says will add a lot of excitement to the area since it is one of only several Viking Culinary Schools in the country. The new facility will have stadium seating for 32 for live demonstrations and events. There also will be a hands-on training area for people to work with the chef and prepare dishes themselves, and a retail area that will display and sell high end cooking accessories. Those looking to purchase Viking equipment may do so at the Osprey Avenue showroom. “The approach we’ve taken to new home construction has been very successful,” Butler said. “Our clients love it because they are looking for quality finishes and nice amenities, but they don’t want to be nickel and dimed with charges for upgrades.”

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CHARACTER BUILDING

Preserving & Restoring Historic Anna Maria In 1911 the Anna Maria Beach Development Company encouraged visitors to board the steamer on the mainland, sail to the City Pier, and promenade down to the Bath House adjacent to sugary white beaches to one of the most alluring year-round resort cities in the country. Now, exactly 100 years later, Anna Maria remains a distinctive island destination, preserving the beauty and charm that has delighted visitors from all over the world — not to mention the 1,800 residents who call the island home. Resorts, hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts abound to serve vacationers seeking a unique retreat where one can see the sun rise over Tampa Bay and set over the Gulf of Mexico. 52

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By Steven J. Smith

The island regularly hosts festivals and events that lure tourists and residents alike, such as its popular wedding festival, its Heritage Festival, Porch Parties every third Friday night, and the Anna Maria City Pier Centennial, which was held in May. Like great restaurants? Anna Maria’s got something for everyone, from the casual yet superb Sandbar on nearby Spring Ave., the satisfying Beach House on Bradenton Beach, and the laid-back and charming Waterfront Restaurant overlooking Tampa Bay, to the comfy cottage ambiance of The Sign of the Mermaid and the unsurpassed splendor of The Beach Bistro, which is deservedly included in Zagat’s “Top Restaurants in America.” For after-dark entertainment, you can’t beat the Island Players, the local community theater that has staged an impressive array of quality shows for 62 years. The island has also provided the backdrop for several Hollywood movies, including On An Island With You in 1948, which starred Esther Williams and Peter Lawford, and again in 1998-2003 in three more films: Palmetto, starring Woody Harrelson and Elisabeth Shue, The Perfect Storm, starring George Clooney, and Out Of Time, with Denzel Washington. Despite everything Anna Maria proudly offers, however, it seems hard to believe that just a few years ago a sizable chunk of what makes the island town so special was in danger of vanishing forever. scenesarasota.com

Longtime Anna Maria resident and restaurateur Ed Chiles was alarmed in 2005 when he saw the Pine Avenue Marina — along with the adjoining general store, boat works, and tackle shop — suddenly chopped up into five lots for residential housing. “One of the most important threads in the fabric of a community is its small business district,” Chiles said. “I didn’t want to lose that.” Realizing that all of Pine Avenue, which essentially serves as Anna Maria’s Main Street, could quickly transform into a residential neighborhood, Chiles — who owns the Sandbar, the Beach House, and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub on Longboat Key — along with fellow residents Mike Coleman and Ken LaRoche, promptly acted to avert further residential development. “We voted with our checkbooks and we bought 15 lots on Pine Avenue,” Chiles said. “We later sold three of those lots to an English couple who are also doing a similar project on the street.” Chiles and his partners, now known as the founders of the Pine Avenue Restoration Project, approached the city commission and proposed building 11 mixed-use, Old Florida-style buildings on Pine Avenue. The commission endorsed the plan and at this writing, six of those buildings have been completed, with the rest expected to be ready by 2012. The project is expected to cost an estimated $11 million. The buildings boast not only the unique quality and character of Anna Maria by incorporating historic designs and keeping to two stories in height, but also offer the very latest in green building practices: energy and water management, storm strength, native landscapes, and a minimum to their physical and environmental footprints. Chiles said the businesses in those six buildings are now 100 percent leased, with tenants lining up for the five to come. “There are a property management company, a podiatrist, and a hairdresser,” he said. Other businesses include Pink & Navy (a vintage clothing and furniture store), The Island Cabana (a home decor and fashion boutique), Emerson’s Studio Store (featuring cartoon prints, tee shirts, mugs, wine glasses, greeting cards, and paintings), Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost (an olive oil and gourmet food items shop), Bella By The Sea (a furniture, antiques, clothing and jewelry store), and Timeless Treasures (a shabby chic furniture and gifts boutique). Add in a soon-to-be-completed $850,000 boardwalk as yet one more community enhancement, and Chiles sees Anna Maria reacquiring the kind of charm that George Emerson Bean — the first permanent resident of the island — must have envisioned when he settled there in 1892. “The critical thing about Anna Maria is its character,” Chiles said. “Its unique, low-rise quaintness and village-like quality. We’re not Key West. We’re about big porches and native, sense-of-place landscaping. Our character is coin of the realm. That’s the value. That’s the precious commodity here.” Somewhere old man Bean is smiling. scenesarasota.com

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Tomorrow: Looking Toward

A Roundup of Graduating High School Seniors & Noteworthy Alums By Ryan G. Van Cleave

“Pomp & Circumstance” will soon be played in auditoriums everywhere. Tassels will be tossed. Picture will be shot (then posted on Facebook and tweeted like crazy). Super-sugary cake will be eaten. What’s easy to lose in all the graduation hubbub is how lucky we are to have such amazing, talented high school students living, working, volunteering, playing, performing, and learning right here among us. Here are just a few of those ready to move on to great things, plus a few who continue to make us all proud. CARDINAL MOONEY HIGH SCHOOL

and develops new roller coasters for Universal in Orlando.

Class of 2011 — President of the National Honor Society,

Class of 2007 — With her fiancé, Charles Trippy, Allison

Culhane Cole was a member of the Cardinal Mooney

Speed created “Internet Killed Television,” a web series

Medical Club, a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and a four-

that has had more than 150 million views on YouTube.

year member of the football team. He will attend Florida State University this fall.

Class 2007 — Datev Gallagher just graduated from the Florida State University college of Motion Picture Arts. This

Class of 2004 — After obtaining an undergraduate de-

April, her 6-minute “Mediocrity for Miracles” debuted at the

gree in business administration from the University of Flor-

Sarasota Film Festival.

ida and beginning graduate school in interior architecture, Diana Kelly decided to design a line of women’s shoes.

Class of 2005 — As the touring photographer for country

Now her shoes are available in 64 boutiques and special-

music star Brad Paisley, Brad Enos has visited 48 states,

ty stores across the country, as well as in the Bahamas.

many Canadian provinces, and two countries in Europe.

www.dianaekelly.com

His photos have been featured on the front and back covers of Billboard Magazine, Guitar Player Magazine, and

NEWGATE-FIELD SCHOOL

Country Weekly.

Class of 2011 — Colin Coon’s senior project was to convert a 1980 Mercedes station wagon to run on vegetable

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THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY

oil. He then took it on a six week cross-country

Class of 2011 — A singer, dancer, and pia-

trip to help make people more aware of alter-

nist, Jessica Bloch had lead roles in “Guys

native energy resources. Today he maintains

and Dolls” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

June 2011

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Class of 2011 — Tim Dobosz is the youngest of three siblings to graduate from The Out-of-Door Academy. He sang in the school

Clockwise from top left: Culhane Cole, Diana Kelly, Colin Coon, Daniel Landers, Lindsay Malloch & Ian Mullen

chorus, played lead in theater productions, and was a member of the swim and soccer teams.

founder of the Miami World Cinema Center, the first non-profit film studio in Miami. www.miamiworld.org

Class of 2011 — Campbell Meister was nominated for Girls Inc. Regional Volunteer of the Year thanks to her commitment to

Class of 2000 — Lindsay Malloch is currently in her residency

service and volunteerism.

at Shands HealthCare in Gainesville as an OB/GYN. She was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society during her time

Class of 2011 — A nationally-licensed SCCA race car driver,

as a medical student at the University of Florida.

Ian Mullen regularly completes on the Sebring, Daytona, and Homestead/Miami road racing courses. A National Honor Soci-

PINE VIEW SCHOOL

ety member, he has served over 700 hours of community service

Class of 2011 — A National Merit Finalist, Kaitlyn Terpstra has

and has been in multiple drama productions.

been performing at the Venice Theatre since the age of eight.

Class of 2011 — Meredith Vollmer is an accomplished cellist

Class of 2011 — A musician, longtime vegetarian, environmental-

and member of the girls’ varsity basketball team. She also served

ist and actor, Daniel Landers was a finalist on this year’s “X Fac-

as Student Council Treasurer.

tor” out of Britain. Voted ‘Europe’s Rising Star of the Year’ by the Euro Regional Charts, he has been a guest performer on variety

Class of 2004 — Sam Rega is the Chief Creative Officer and scenesarasota.com

specials in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. June 2011

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RIVERVIEW HIGH SCHOOL Class of 2011 — Honor student Nicholas Caldwell came less than a second from breaking the oldest prep swimming record in the country this year — the 500yard freestyle. He will be attending the University of Florida in the fall on a swimming scholarship. Class of 2011 — A student leader in the Executive Intern program, Mariah May runs the new Science Center and Plan-

��

etarium shows. This fall, she will attend Embry Riddle.

this ad to receive a complimentary express facial or chair massage with your appointment!

Class of 2003 — Comedian, improviser, clown, puppeteer, and actor Keith Saltojanes has appeared in “Iron Man 2, “Curb

Your Enthusiasm,” “The Mentalist,” and numerous other films and TV shows. Class of 1997 — Todd Johnson played safety in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills, the St. Louis Rams, and the Chicago Bears. He works as a substitute teacher at Riverview where he’s also the new head football coach. Class of 1972 — The boys’ basketball coach at Riverview for more than two decades, James Ward now serves as Riverview’s Athletic Director.

SARASOTA HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1997 — Herb Haygood played wide receiver for the Denver Broncos in 2002. He is a wide receiver coach at Saginaw Valley State University. Class of 1970 — Actor, writer, film producer, and comedian Paul Rubenfeld is best known for his character Pee-Wee Herman.

374 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota

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June 2011

. 941.388.1964 . www.ohmygauze.com

Ryan G. Van Cleave / ryangvancleave.com

scenesarasota.com

FOR SARASOTA REAL ESTATE A SOLID RECOVERY TAKES HOLD By Melba Jimenez of Michael Saunders & Company The facts speak for themselves. In fact, they’re practically

have reached a price threshold where the best ones sell almost

counties are suddenly purchasing properties at a pace not seen

212 bank-owned properties that were listed for sale in March

screaming! Home buyers throughout Sarasota and Manatee in Southwest Florida since mid-2005, which was the height of our local real estate boom. This time, however, instead of

rushing to buy before prices soar to new heights, buyers are

as quickly as they are listed. March was a good example. Of the through the Sarasota MLS, 198 of them—or 93.3%—were sold the same month. (Source: Trendgraphix)

The most recent snapshot of our market, for the month

anxious to take advantage of prices that are often more than

of March, reveals the total number of properties for sale

Our low market pricing, which many industry watchers are

of 2005. There were 904 properties sold during March, a 23%

50% below those boom-time highs of six years ago.

routinely labeling as “undervalued,” is not the only reason for the sudden rush to buy. Where our inventories of available

properties in all price ranges were once so bloated, you could postpone buying indeﬁnitely with the reasonable expectation

that prices would continue to drop. Now, they have entered

a zone where investors are pouncing on all the best priced

throughout Sarasota County at its lowest level since September improvement over February and an amount equal to 14.4%

of the total inventory. At this monthly rate, it would take 6.7 months to sell them all. A six-month supply is considered a

healthy balanced market. Anything below that usually signals the onset of a sellers’ market.

Pending sales, a reﬂection of current buyer activity, were even

properties the moment they hit the market. Consequently, we

more impressive in March. There were 1,392 properties bound

who are shocked to discover that inventories are trending

based on that particular rate of sales. March pendings were

are beginning to hear the ﬁrst groans of disbelief from buyers strongly toward levels that typically constitute a sellers’ market. This is what happened from 2001 through 2006 when real estate in our area appreciated a whopping 89 percent. Hindsight now

shows this was artiﬁcially achieved by over-leveraged “ﬂippers”

to contract, leaving just a 4.5-month inventory of properties 29.6% ahead of February, 23.4% better than March of 2010 and

the strongest indicator we have that closed sales will continue to remain strong for at least the next two months.

This is incredible news, as our real estate market is much closer

and was clearly unsustainable.

to recovery than most people think. So the next time someone

foreclosures, with many more expected to enter the pipeline

conﬁdently report that buyers are back with a vengeance and

Many of the fastest selling properties in today’s market are

before this unprecedented crisis subsides. Still, even foreclosures

asks you how the real estate market in Sarasota is faring, you can taking advantage of the best prices in a decade.

It’s about celebrating promises kept and dreams fulfilled … A BIG HUG BACK TO BETTY

�

A FUN-NOT-FANCY EVENING HONORING BETTY SCHOENBAUM

SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 6 AT THE HYATT ��

Scenes from an Interview:

Michael Saunders

by Gus Mollasis

Her vibrant blue eyes light up any room much like a Sarasota sun lights up any patch of shore along one of our pristine beaches. Michael Saunders has always had vision and a passion for this place. Looking back fondly at a town she loves and sells everyday, she speaks rev-

Where were you born? Tampa, Florida. I am Florida born and bred with sand in my shoes. I grew up and went

erently about Sarasota with that same twinkle in her eye

to high school at the Academy of the Holy

she was blessed with as a child fishing along the shores

beach cottage at the north end of Longboat

of northern Longboat Key. As the head of the iconic real estate company that bears her name, she has experienced the real estate market through all its seasons, storms, peaks, bubbles and resurrections. Through the good times and the bad, the one constant in an inconsistent marketplace has been her attitude. Michael Saunders effortlessly views the cup in her part of the world as half full and the water in it a beautiful shade of blue, while fixing her gaze on the future of a town she helped build and a place she affectionately calls home. Recently, I sat down with her and we discussed some scenes from an interview in her life. scenesarasota.com

Names in Tampa, but we always had a that my great Uncle bought in the late 1800s. He had a steamboat that provided the first reliable transportation from Tampa to Sarasota. Along the way he bought land, our cottage being one of those pieces, where we spent every possible moment from Friday afternoon when school was out to early Monday mornings. Many times Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just make it back to Tampa just in time for school. I really view the north end of Longboat as what shaped me. Describe one of your favorite childhood memories. Anytime I had sand between my toes, a fishing rod in my hand, watched dolphins, lay in the wet sand while looking up at fluffy white clouds in the blue sky â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every memory is June 2011

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special. We were taught very young to have an appreciation of

then see a financial return on the investment long term, they’re

our environment by our mother and father. You took one claw off

buying it for an investment. If they’re buying it for their home,

a Stone Crab whether they were looking or not and you took no

they’re not buying it to flip it, they’re buying it to raise their fami-

claws off a female Stone Crab. You only kept enough fish to eat.

lies, have it as second home and a retreat from the frigid north.

You never picked a live Conch if the animal was in it, because

They’re buying it for all the right reasons. We’ve had six very

the shell was beautiful. You were taught a reverence for nature

difficult years, and if, after going through that, we come through

and a responsibility as a steward as opposed to a taker.

the other end with the right values and right reasons for buying, then it all would have...maybe... (laughing) been worth it.

Describe your home growing up as if you were writing a real What makes a good home?

estate ad. A charming eclectic cottage settled in by the water’s edge, sur-

It’s very different for each person. What may be a good home

rounded by Australian Pines that created a symphony when the

for me may be the absolute wrong home for you. That’s one

wind blew with the multitude of nature surrounding you. Very

of the challenges of being a real estate agent. Don’t make as-

peaceful and renewing both spiritually and emotionally.

sumptions for your buyers or sellers. Try and dig deep and let them tell you what’s right for them.

Do you ever take any of this for granted? I never wake up ungrateful, not one day do I take for granted the

You are creating the perfect real estate agent from scratch.

beauty of this place, my roots, and my good fortune to be able

He or she is one part....one part...and one part....

to work in a community that I am passionate about.

A very value-based person with integrity and a deep caring, someone who is a humanist and who truly cares. Secondly,

How did you first get involved with real estate?

someone who is hungry and will go to all lengths to become

I was a probation officer. Quite honestly in real estate you need

a knowledge broker, to know what they need to know to guide

a lot of the same skill sets and values. You needed to care about

people to make one the largest financial commitments that they

the young person to make a difference in their life and be able to

will make. Finally, someone who will stay in touch and com-

motivate that child to make a decision from within. If you don’t

municate on a regular basis with their friends, past customers

truly care about your customer in real estate, you can’t accom-

and potential customers because if you don’t continue to build

plish their goals. In real estate we don’t sell anyone anything

a pipeline of business to let people know that you care and let

– they buy after being motivated from within to process and act

them know what is going on in the marketplace, then you are

on all the information and data that they have been provided.

going to be out of this business.

Are we too reliant on technology in today’s real estate market? We have access to so much information that years ago we were

Finish the sentence...A good real estate deal is one that... ...suits your goals and needs.

unable to get. To me technology is simply a tool that allows you to work faster and smarter as opposed to harder. If you use it as

How do you see your real estate industry impacted by the re-

a tool to accomplish your client’s needs, then it’s a good thing.

cent times?

If you let technology crowd out the caring of the person, then it’s

These are the most challenging real estate times that I have ever

not good. It’s never going to take the place of a committed and

encountered in my forty years in the business. The demands on

caring real estate professional, ever.

an agent today are really unbelievable. To help the general public understand where our industry is headed, you need to be full-

What does real estate mean to you?

time, all the time, immersed, passionate about everything, know-

It means so many things on so many different levels. In general,

ing everything about things that impact decisions. What I have

if you are willing and able it can mean a place that you purchase

always loved about this business and why I never get jaded but

as a home, a business, an investment, that can provide a sense

what I take seriously everyday, is that we are helping people make

of security, pleasure, a place to raise your family and entertain

the most important decision that they make even if they are ex-

your friends. I’m very happy we are back to how real estate used

tremely wealthy. For everyone it is an important financial decision.

to be. It never was anything anyone ever owned for a quick flip

It is also an emotional decision, psychological decision and a

or quick buck. It was something you bought for good old fashion

family decision. Just think about how where you live impacts ev-

reasons that you are buying for today, to stay in it. Sure, there

ery aspect of your life. So in order to guide people, we’ve always

are investors in the market and we are working with many, but

had to know our craft and know our trade, but today, the global

they are buying it for the real return. If they can buy it, rent it and

impact of things that are happening around the world, changes

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in banking, you name it, we have to have some knowledge to

sold. That wasn’t because of new household formations or big

help people navigate to the right decision. You can’t be part-time.

waves of immigration. Two million more homes were sold than

Today it’s more important to be all in or all out.

the normal number of homes and each part of the country had its share of that excess inventory. We in Florida just happened

What defines the Michael Saunders brand?

to have more of that excess of inventory because why wouldn’t

It goes across every aspect of our company. From agents, to

somebody want to own property in Florida and especially on

management, to marketing, to whatever...they have to be ex-

the West Coast? So my outlook is very, very hopeful because

ceptional. Exceptionally positive attitude, an exceptionally high

the same fundamentals are here that were here in 1970, 1980

standard that fits into our values, it is the foundation of our

and so on. This is an incredible place to choose to live. When

company and why we have been able to weather every storm,

you look across the country, there is no place that has the cul-

because these values we live day in and day out really are the

tural aspects that we do as well as good education and endless

boss. They run the company – Integrity, Values, Mutual profit-

recreational opportunities. The fundamentals of this area remain

ability and Communication. The one good thing through tough

sound. I think that 2011 is going to be much like 2010. I think

times and good times, when your name is on the door you can

the first half of 2012 we’re going to see up ticks, but we’re never

surround yourself with people that you respect, admire and that

going to see 80% appreciation in values. It’s not sustainable

you have fun with. When I interview someone, I want them to

and it’s not healthy.

be passionate about life, posses a positive can do attitude, be aligned with our values, and I want them to be excited about the

When do you think things will be back to normal?

potential to weave the fabric that is the Michael Saunders brand.

I think we are in a new normal. We have lending policies in place

It is a brand that the consumer can trust. Trust and care are the

to stabilize the marketplace. We are slowly wheedling away the

two elements essential today, and always will be. “Do you care

inventory in all price ranges. Do we still have foreclosures to

about me? And can I trust you?” I think that we have to answer

face? Absolutely! There is a wall of them behind this dam, be-

those two questions set forth by the consumer.

cause there was a halt on foreclosures until banks could truly prove they owned the assets. Those are going to come into

In your opinion, what was the biggest factor in the downturn

the market. Where and how many and at what speed is an un-

in the market?

known. We have absorbed most of the inventory that has come

Nobody was blameless. Everyone had some blame. Certainly

in over the last six years. Our foreclosures are off the market in

banks who became so deregulated that they were allowed to

about 28 days, because banks want them to gone quickly. I think

lend to anyone with no guidelines. It was, “No job, no credit, no

I’m very optimistic long-term and mid-term. In the short-term, I

down payment, no problem.” But then it also was the greed of

still feel that things like foreclosures can still affect our market.

individuals who thought, “I’ll take advantage of this. I don’t have a job, or credit, but I’ll take advantage of the banks who will

Fifty years from now what is the top thing you hope doesn’t

give me the money.” So they weren’t blameless. So everyone

change about Sarasota?

carries a little bit of that blame. Developers built because they

The people. People that have chosen to live here are unique.

thought there was a demand. We sold because banks made it

They are interesting and interested. They are involved in the

easy to buy. So I think that had there been more stringent lend-

community, the arts and education. We have a lot of things

ing requirements, a lot of that run up wouldn’t have happened,

that set us apart from other places and at the heart of that is

because people simply wouldn’t have been able to borrow the

the people.

money to buy the house. So I’m not putting the blame solely on the banks and the government for allowing them to make

If there is one thing that you could do to help Sarasota’s busi-

the kind of loans that they did, but face it, if people wouldn’t

ness climate, what would that be?

have been able to buy the house, there wouldn’t have been that

It would be to take big bold steps like supporting the Jackson

stampede to buy not one house, two houses, three houses and

Laboratories initiative to come into this market, investing in the

flipping homes in a month. And now we are working through

future of Sarasota, and we do need employment diversity. We

that one transaction at a time to recovery.

need high paying jobs that will spawn other industries that come in and cluster around them.

Where is the market headed in 2012 and beyond? Real estate is local. I could give you national numbers and num-

What is your favorite way to spend your spare time?

bers from any state. From 2002 through 2004, each year about

I still love to fish, especially fly fishing. I just love being part of this

five million homes were sold. In 2005, seven million homes were

wonderful natural environment.

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June 2011

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What is your favorite place or two to catch a meal? My house- Michael’s house. (Laughing) I love to cook and I am a great cook. I do a mean Curie, I love Italian. I love grilling because it’s easier and gets me outside. There are so many wonderful and different restaurants in this town. I make every effort to dine and shop at local businesses who, like all of us, have been struggling over the last six years. Where did your signature Michael Saunders scarf fashion statement come from? The scarf came from poverty. When I was growing up, I came from a very modest family, immodest in love but modest financially. When I got my first job and needed business clothes, I really didn’t have the money. My mother said buy the best jacket you can afford and find an accessory that will change the look of it. So it was the scarf that changed the look, from day one. I wore scarves when I was a parole officer. Describe your perfect day. You know I think that is the one thing I think we control that we can make every day a perfect day. So I try and make every day a perfect day. Your favorite singer, favorite movie and favorite book?

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My favorite singer is Tsa Porter, a local singer I am mentoring. She has great dreams and dedication. My favorite books are any of the classics. When I was young it was Nancy Drew, because I think it prepared me for real estate in that it taught me how to dig out hidden clues to solve a mystery. I like any of the old classics like Casablanca and African Queen. I don’t go to many movies because I don’t do dysfunctional or violent films because they are a waste of my time. How often do you drop into an open house? I did it last Sunday, actually. I can’t go to all of them, but I am passionate about every aspect of this business, and if an owner will allow an open house and an agent is willing to sit it open, I like to support them and their efforts. It’s important for agents to know that I care as much as they care. You have one day left in Sarasota...how would you spend it? I would spend it with my friends at the beach. If you weren’t Michael Saunders the real estate legend, what other profession do you think you would be exceptional at? I think I could run an exceptional, unique restaurant. Maybe something that specializes in comfort food. When all the properties are sold, all the listings listed, and the

You can dream it, we can build it! 62

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June 2011

all the sunsets set, how do you want to be remembered? I want to be remembered for making a difference. scenesarasota.com

I Crossed the Line... By Michelle Crabtree

County Line Road that is, now known as University Parkway. This road, which is the dividing line between Sarasota and Manatee counties, used to be called “County Line Road.” When I was a young girl, it was a dirt road that didn’t extend much beyond US 301. There was no I75 and certainly no thoughts about a Lakewood Ranch community. Much has changed over the last 50+ years of my life growing up in Sarasota. The Tamiami Trail (US 41) was the main route in and out of town.

more into Sarasota County close to Fruitville Road. I worked for SMR,

Tuttle Road was considered “way out east” and there was no Beneva

the developer of Lakewood Ranch, for 41⁄2 years and started when

Road. I’d frequently see people riding horses along DeSoto Road as

they had their 1000th homebuyer. I became the manager of the

the area was very rural. I don’t recall any businesses along Country

Visitor Information Center and remember the excitement when they

Line Road. The creation of University Parkway opened new doors.

got the first traffic light, then the first gas station, and then Publix! It

It is now a corridor booming with neighborhoods and businesses

is amazing to witness the incredible success of this community, now

stretching from the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on the

with over 7400 households!

waterfront, east to Lakewood Ranch and beyond. This has become an amazing gateway to Sarasota/Bradenton from I-75.

The commercial development on the west side of I-75 is a plethora of amenities and services. From the new world class rowing facility, to the

I grew up in Oyster Bay, an old neighborhood of Sarasota. It was a

“big box” stores, to local restaurants – everything is here! Just beyond

small town community. Traveling to Bradenton/Manatee County

the shopping areas are lovely neighborhoods ranging from Palm Aire

was considered “going out of town.” There was a great divide and

which began in 1957, to the newer Savanna Preserve townhomes

rivalry between Sarasota and Bradenton. Our Sarasota Bradenton

on the north side and The Meadows & Longwood Run on the south.

International Airport (SRQ) really is located in Bradenton. Sarasota

Soon one will be able to travel on Honore from Manatee County, south

was, and still is, known for being the “arts” community and Bradenton

through Sarasota to Venice.

has had more of an industrial and farming reputation. I love where I live in Mote Ranch, backing up to University Park Lakewood Ranch played a signiﬁcant part in bridging the two

Country Club and Palm Aire. I enjoy having the Braden River in my

communities. This “new town” began development in 1994 with the

backyard. I can take the canoe or our pontoon boat up the river to

concept of providing “a place to live, learn, work, play and pray.” There

the historic Linger Lodge or down the river to Ever Reservoir and can

now are great restaurants, shopping, the Main Street for community

enjoy the real “ole Florida” with an abundance of wildlife. Yet, in ﬁve

activities, a hospital, multitudes of schools plus higher level education

minutes I can be on University Parkway. I can get to my ofﬁce at

in addition to golf, Polo, and of course, housing needs that stretch

Michael Saunders & Company in Lakewood Ranch in ten minutes, to

the pricing spectrum from under $100K to the millions. Lakewood

downtown Sarasota in twenty minutes or to the beaches within thirty

Ranch has grown so much that it has extending east, beyond

minutes. I’m a third generation Sarasotan that crossed the line...but...

Lorraine Road, and north of SR 70, and has future plans to venture

I didn’t leave town.

A broker-associate for over 28 years, Michelle Crabtree is with Michael Saunders & Company. She can be reached at 941.724.HOME (4663) / sales@crabtreehomes.com.

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CVA Hall of Fame Luncheon

he 21st annual Community Video Archives (CVA) “Hall of

Photography by Cliff Roles

Fame” Video Premiere Luncheon was held at Michael’s

On East Ballroom. The 2011 Honorees are philanthropists Renee Hamad and Ulla Searing; and community supporters Margaret Callihan, Chairman, President & CEO of SunTrust Southwest Florida and Dr. Gordon E. “Mike” Michalson, President of New College of Florida. CVA was established in 1991. Its objective is documenting and preserving the living history of the community through biographic videos of Annette Scherman, Judy Fiala, Mike Michalson, Margaret Callihan, Ulla Searing, Renee Hamad & Chris Pfahler

outstanding individuals.

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Dolly Jacobs & Pedro Reis

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June 2011

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ONE HECK OF A PARTY Sarasota’s 1920s Real Estate Boom By Sue Blue No one paid much attention to the buzz be-

sea plane docked on Sarasota Bay.

ginning in the real estate market during the Sarasota winter of 1923-24 but those that

Newspaper headlines stated, “Fortunes

kept their ears to the ground were detect-

Made Overnight”. Proof was offered by

ing a slow and steady rise in land values.

the stories: a $700,000 profit on an 8,000-

By 1925 prices were shooting up to unbe-

acre deal made in less than three months;

lievable heights. Boom time had arrived!

the Watrous Hotel appraised at $65,000

Everyone went real estate crazy. The town

and sold for $225,000 a year later; Sena-

was swamped by real estate salesmen.

tor Trummell made a $10,000 profit from a

Dressed in white linen knickerbockers and

$750 investment; a local druggist netted a

waving their straw hats, these “binder boys”

$36,000 profit on his investment of $500.

became known as “The Knickerbocker

The best example of an almost-rags–to-

Army”. They called out the news of golden

riches story concerned Walter Coleman. He

overnight deals while scurrying around Main

left Detroit with his wife, five children and

Street and hurrying to meet the hopeful,

$80 in his pocket. By 1926 he had become

prospective buyers arriving daily at the Sea-

a real estate millionaire. Coleman developed

board Airline Railway Depot.

the Bay Haven and Riverside subdivisions and built the Bay Haven Hotel. Today, the

During this boom period, the Sarasota di-

hotel is part of the Ringling College of Art

rectory listed over 40 real estate agencies.

and Design.

A. S. Skinner’s company had a sales force

scenesarasota.com

of 46 strong. C. A. Bird’s ads proclaimed,

The media had a field day. Full page ads car-

“Buy from Us.” “Make Your Dollars Have

ried by the Sarasota Herald touted Sarasota

More Cents!” “Real Estate is the Basis of

as a “marvelous metropolis”. The Herald

Wealth.” “Honesty is the Foundation of All

published enlarged mail-away papers titled

Business.” Clark Warren’s ad simply stated

the “Mail It Away Edition”. The slogan for the

“He Knows Where Money Grows.” The C.

day became “Sarasota, Land of Glorified

Roy Kindt Company probably topped them

Opportunity” and ads in the northern news-

all by offering a birds-eye view of real estate

papers as well as billboards called out to

to prospective customers from a ride in a

tourists to “Spend the Summer this Winter in June 2011

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1223 PARKING INC. VALET SERVICES

Sarasota!” Native born pioneer and former mayor A. B. Edwards noted, “Ordinarily, it would have taken one hundred years for the average American city to acquire the same

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amount of public and private improvements as did Sarasota during that two and onehalf year boom period.” Locally, the Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce gave out greeting cards to real estate offices to attach to automobiles from other states allowing the visitors to park their cars for as long as they liked. The Sarasota

Hotels

Police Department introduced politeness

Country Clubs

the need to make visitors welcome. Tuckers

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CARLSONS

course training to their officers stressing Sporting Goods, located near Five Points, hung the prize tarpon of the day above the sidewalk next to their front door to call attention to the newly acquired real estate ads featured in their windows. Countless numbers of housing developments were platted. “Sylvan Shores” sprang up along Whitaker Bayou just off Tamiami Trail. “Midway”, located on Old Bradenton Road, was advertised as “Restricted, Exclusive, Finished” and “Emerald Isle” shined brightly on Tamiami Trail between Sarasota and Bradenton. “Avion” was known for “only being ten minutes from Five Points” and “Indian Beach Estates” was proclaimed as the location where “Dreams do Become Realities”. All of the new developments urged the public to “Act Now! Present Prices Cannot Endure!” Real estate man Roger Flory questioned some of the ventures. He voiced

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June 2011

giving a thought to the essential needs of drainage, available utilities and other improvements. However, the sale of docu-

• No Chemical Odor, Clothes Smell Fresh

mentary stamps quadrupled during 1925,

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building permits tripled and the population

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his opinion that speedy investors were not

had grown from 3,000 in 1920 to 15,000 by 1925. The Sarasota Daily Times headlined, “Sarasota Adds 2,400 to Population in 30 Days!” (November 12, 1925).

scenesarasota.com

Michelle

The Sarasota Boom Year of 1925 was particularly suited to that time in American history known as the Jazz Age. The feeling that anything could happen and all things were possible pervaded. The jazz music blaring forth from the real estate offices in down-

Realtor, GRI, ABR, PMN, TRC, CSP

town Sarasota was heard in far away Cali-

A third generation Sarasotan and Broker Sales Associate for over 28 years, Michelle Crabtree is a knowledgeable & dedicated real estate professional who focuses on accomplishing your unique needs.

fornia and Oregon via WJBB. The “Knickerbocker Army” could easily have performed as the chorus line participants in a 1920s Broadway musical. The carefree attitudes, the toe-tapping rhythms, and the singing of the cash registers all contributed to magical moments when millionaire dreams were cre-

941.724.HOME (4663)

ated. Fortunes could be made in real estate.

michellecrabtree@michaelsaunders.com sales@crabtreehomes.com

Peak real estate sales of October, 1925 totaled $11,420,000. By December, sales had dropped to $8 million. A cold snap was held

8325 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.907.9595

responsible. In September of 1926, a devastating hurricane roared through Sarasota officially signaling the end of the boom. In-

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vestment money dried up. The ranks of the “Knickerbocker Army” began to thin and eventually disappear. There were rapid reductions in rental requests. The “binder boys” packed their bags and left from the

d TRADEMARK

PAVERS c

Seaboard Depot on the trains headed north. Jazz tunes no longer spilled out on to Main Street from the closed doors of real estate offices. The party was over. During that small two and a half year period however, Sarasota had been transformed. It now had a first class business district of modern buildings, two “skyscrapers”, scores of apartment houses and hundreds of exceptional new homes. It could now boast three large modern hotels, seventy seven miles of paved streets, a new hospital, an excellent school system, a municipally owned golf course, parks, and playgrounds. Things weren’t so bad. And as we would come to learn time and time again, peaks and valleys are common in real estate and in life. But for those who feel like they’ve been in the valley a bit longer than they’d like, remember, there is nothing like the good old earth of Sarasota. scenesarasota.com

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scene | social SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL’S CINEMA TROPICALE

he 2011 Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) featured an

Photography by Cliff Roles

excellent slate of ﬁlms, major star power and jaw-

dropping events. Actors Christopher Plummer and Geena Davis were on hand to collect awards; film screenings were sold-out, and nightly parties rocked the town. Cinema Tropical at the Sarasota Yacht Club, was just one of the Festival’s standout parties. In addition to its annual festival, SFF develops year-long programs for the economic, educational and cultural benefit of our community. To become a member, visit sarasotafilmfestival.com.

Ray Collins & Dana Soldati

Norm Olshansky & Bev Austgen

Kathy & Jerry Jordan

Wand & Harold Libby with Teresa Phillips

Peter & Debbie Maltese

Mark Famiglio

HSSC’s Paws On The Catwalk T he Humane Society of Sarasota County’s 5th annual Paws on

Photography by Cliff Roles

the Catwalk luncheon was a huge success for our community’s

largest no-kill animal shelter. Nearly 300 guests, dressed in faux animal print for the “animal magnetism” theme, enjoyed the singing talents of “America’s Got Talent” ﬁnalist Chris Eisenberg and bid on silent and live auction items. The event’s signature people and pets fashion show was emceed by Les McCurdy and Ken Sons. Event chairs were Alex Miller and Chris Voelker. All proceeds beneﬁtted the Humane Society of Sarasota County.

Val & Tom Oechslin with Pam Tenaerts

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June 2011

Michelle Bilodeau with Buffy & Whitney Prewitt with Sherman

Laurel Corriveau, Vickie Grosvenor & Sherry Weinstein

Chris Voelker, Deborah Millman & Alex Miller

Carol Anziano, Ginny Hitchcock & Noelle Haft scenesarasota.com

2011

SHOWSTOPPERS

The 2010-2011 social season brought lots of hits and very few misses. In keeping with SCENE’s tradition of bringing you only the good news, we won’t be sharing the misses, just the fabulous hits! Fashion: Ladies: Lots of ladies wowed the crowds this season – younger, older and ‘tweeners alike! Here are just a few of the stand-outs. From left to right: Betty Schoenbaum, Yara Michaels, Diana Kelly, Molly Klauber, Chris Pfahler, Beathe Elden, Liebe Gamble, Pauline Joerger, Elisabeth Waters & Margaret Wise

Men: Phil King, the dashing executive director of the Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services Center, is our pick for the second year running. Come on, gentlemen. Give our dapper Phil some competition next season!

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June 2011

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Stand-Out Themes & Décor: Warm and beautiful lanterns with light beams dancing off sparkling glass dinner plates lit the room at the elegant Palm Ball beneﬁting the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Circus Sarasota’s Under the Big Top Gala was just good oldfashion plain fun proving once again that we truly are and always will be “the” circus town! Gorillas, horses and Groucho Marx mixed and mingled with the grinning guests at Senior Friendship Center’s Madcap Evening at the Circus. A feel-good night for sure! The vibe was young, hip, and cool and so were the party-goers at Sarasota Film Festival’s Cinema Tropicale at the Sarasota Yacht Club. With a pool ﬁlled with balloons and amazing acts happening allaround, SFF hit big with this one.

Most Memorable Events: Anytime your gala ticket comes with a performance from the Sarasota Orchestra or the Sarasota Ballet, we know they played in your mind long after they were over. JFCS Silver Anniversary Gala Sarasota Ballet 20th Anniversary Gala

Best Event Moments: The Sarasota Ballet Gala wowed the packed house with a surprise performance by Sarasota Ballet founder and former principal ballerina, Jean Allenby-Weidner, bringing everyone to their feet shouting and wildly applauding. Goose bump moment – sorry if you weren’t there! There was runny mascara and handkerchiefs galore at The Salvation Army’s Glitz at the Ritz when men and women of varied ages and backgrounds circled around the Ritz-Carlton ballroom to show their appreciation to those who support The Salvation Army. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Embarrassed laughter, combined with lots of hushed chatter, ﬁlled Michael’s on East ballroom when 97-year-old

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June 2011

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philanthropist Ulla Searing, one of four inductees into the 2011 Community Video Archives (CVA) Hall of Fame, told the crowd that she knows “everyone is waiting for her to die so they can get their money.” Now that’s a moment not soon to be forgotten!

scenesarasota.com

Photographers Choice: Man-about-town and everyone’s favorite photographer Cliff Roles picks two events that were a photographer’s dream. Hats off to... New College Foundation’s Pique Nique sur la Baie Red Cross Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

June 2011

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Dr. Dennis Corona –

PUTTING A SMILE ON YOUR FACE

Visiting the dentist may not be high on the list of things we really want to do, so finding the right family dentist with a reputation for friendly, knowledgeable and trustworthy patient-focused care can put a smile on our faces in more ways than one...

With his personable, down-to-earth approach, Dr. Dennis Corona has built thriving dental practices with two locations in Manatee County, Manatee Dental at College Plaza and Manatee Dental East, and now has expanded to Sarasota with the recent purchase of Bee Ridge Dental, 2947 Bee Ridge Rd., east of Tuttle Avenue in the Courtyard Offices. “We work very hard to provide a professional and comfortable atmosphere for patients, because who really wants to go to the dentist?” Corona says. “I try to be myself and to have an appreciation for what it’s like

being the person in the chair. We take care to develop a rapport with patients and create trust. That has been as responsible as anything else for our success.” The willingness to put himself in his patient’s shoes drives a culture of customer service and understanding at each of his locations. “We know there can be a huge stress factor based on fears that the visit will take a lot of time, be painful or result in the need for a lot of expensive work they can’t afford. We hear more monetary fears today than ever before,” he said. “To run a good practice, in addition to excellent dentistry, you have to be aware of the things that stand in the way of patients receiving the dental care they need and then get people to open up about them.” Corona has practiced dentistry in Sarasota and Manatee counties for 18 years and founded his own practice seven years ago to offer comprehensive dental care. Services include preventive exams and cleanings, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, root canals, fillings, implant restoration, crowns, bridges, denture relining and repair, partials, and emergency treatment for toothaches and broken fillings. “We try to offer as broad a

Dr. Corona with wife Nancy, son Vincent,

range of services as possible at the highest quality we can,

daughter Bianca and Golden Retriever Remy.

but refer to area specialists when necessary,” he says.

Both children attend Florida State.

clearly and avoiding unnecessarily long waits. “We don’t want Promoting good oral health, which also has an impact on

to make patients wait because that gives the impression we

patients’ overall health and wellbeing, is a primary objective

put no value on their time. We believe their time is as valu-

and drives Corona and his associates to stay abreast of the

able as ours,” he says. “However, we are treating human be-

latest techniques and technology. “The sound of the drill and

ings and sometimes things come up that are not predictable

injections are two things that cause people to postpone or

and may take more time than we anticipated. Each patient is

avoid dental work,” he says. “We have special techniques and

given the time they need, particularly for emergencies.”

materials relating to injections that can help ease the discomfort, and research continues into quieter drills. I have a cutting-

One of the most rewarding things, he says, is when patients

edge product on back order right now that looks promising for

thank him for taking the time to explain what needs to be

more comfortable injections. Of course, I will have to evaluate

done in a way they can understand. “Focusing on patient

it first to see if it lives up to promises. We’re continually looking

care has been the secret to our success,” Corona says. “My

for things that will make patients more comfortable.”

thought is that if you will give us an opportunity, we will show you the kind of care we give and hopefully earn your trust.”

Professional competence is important, but so is treating patients and each other with respect, Corona says. That includes being willing to explain treatments and procedures

Dr. Corona can be reached at Bee Ridge Dental, 2947 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. 941.921.7227

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Florida Winefest & Auction F

lorida Winefest & Auction celebrated ﬁne wine, fun, sunsets, dining, and wine Photography by Cliff Roles

tastings beginning with a series of winemaker dinners. This year’s theme,

“Come Discover Your New Favorite Wine”, showcased more than 35 boutique wineries. Vintners and proprietors from around the world personally introduced their spectacular wines, many of which have not been in Florida until this event. At Saturday’s fabulous brunch and auction at the Polo Grill, David Elswood, International Wine Expert of Christie’s London, was the guest auctioneer of limited-edition wines, rare vintages, and boutique wines. Since its inception, this annual event has awarded approximately $7.5 Million to disadvantaged children’s charities in Manatee & Sarasota Counties. ﬂoridawinefest.org

Cathy Rustin & Barbara Staton

Lauren McComb & Justin Lambert

Julie Pepi & Tommy Klauber Domenic DiMaio & Stewie Bitterman

David Yarletts & Pam Revels

Mark Ruffalo & Marcia Dove

HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE BE SAFE, SMART & READY In times of stress, it isn’t possible to remember everything. That’s why it is vital to have your property and assets documented before the unthinkable occurs. You need the services of DIGITAL SAFETY NET. It’s the Affordable, Essential & Simple Solution for all Residential, Small Business and Special Collections inventories.

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For more information and a free estimate, call Jeff and Anita Cordes at 941.713.4507 or visit www.DigitalSafetyNetFl.com 76

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June 2011

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PNC Wealth Management / GCCF’s Women in Partnership Lecture S

Photography by Daniel Perales

arasota’s PNC Wealth Management, in partnership with Gulf Coast Community

Foundation of Venice, held the fourth and ﬁnal “Women in Partnership” Lecture

event featuring former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift, the state’s first female governor and the first in the nation to give birth while in office. The event benefited the Junior League of Sarasota County and was held at Ringling College of Art and Design. The lecture series, each benefiting a different local nonprofit organization, brought nationally acclaimed women to the Sarasota area to increase awareness of and support for programs that empower girls, women, and families. PNC announced Dr. Larry Thompson, Governor Swift, Teri Hansen & Matthew Bower

that the lecture series will take place again in 2012.

Angie Stringer, Kathryn Shea, Marjorie Peter & Governor Jane Swift

Bobbi Morgan, Cindy Kaiser, Nancy Vafeas & Olivia Thomas

Jennifer Vett, Stephania Feltz , Kristen Nichols & Lee-En Chung

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June 2011

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scene | profiles

The Visual Arts... Angela Gonzalez Art has always been a major part of my life. Ever since I was a toddler, my mother surrounded and exposed me to various art media. She placed a paintbrush in my hand the moment I was able to hold onto that wonderful tool of endless creations. My easel held many works of art over the years, but drawing was always one of my favorites. As a Kindergartener, I entered my first art contest where I won best of show in my school district’s art fair. As I grew, my drawings and paintings excelled and advanced but I never knew my true potential until my junior year in high school when I decided to take Drawing One. My teacher, Mr. Craig Seidell, taught me proper shading and the use of values and I surprised myself with my abilities as they were unleashed on paper. After a year of drawing class, I took Advanced Placement 2D and Portfolio. I chose, with the advice of my art teacher, portraits as my concentration. I believe it is one of the most challenging and difficult types of drawing. My art has received various awards including Best of Show at the Rotary Art Show in Venice; top 25 at the Education Foundation’s Evening of Excellence where my piece was auctioned off for $1000; the Gold Key at The Scholastic, Inc. Art and Writing Awards; and, Best of Show at the South County Art Show as well as other first and second place finishes. I also received a $3000 art scholarship through the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota. I entered one of my works in the Congressional Art Competition and was awarded first place. This piece will be displayed in the corridor tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol Building for one year and will be seen by thousands of people. There will be a reception to honor all first place winning students across the nation in Washington D.C., which I will be attending. Though art has been with me since my childhood days, my true passion for it has grown in the past few years. Art is in my future plans and I look forward to the growth and challenges that college will offer. I hope I am given the opportunity to experiment with new types of art and will be introduced to welleducated teachers and peers in order to push my artistic talent forward. I’m going into fine arts and education, as those have been my two most admired areas in my life. Living in a family of educators, I’ve decided to combine my loves in hope of influencing younger generations and helping them find their true potential as individuals in society as my teachers and family have done for me. I feel that art is an excellent hobby for all ages used as expression in the world. I want to be able to direct students towards this way of expression in order to allow their individualism and talent to be discovered and flourish as it has been for me.

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June 2011

scenesarasota.com

...so rich in inspiration, ambition and sheer beauty. SCENE proudly recognizes the passion and talents of local visual artists in this new monthly feature. Artists are selected by an independent panel organized by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. Ron Sanders Ron Sanders is a Signature Member of the Paint America Association and Associate Member of the Oil Painters of America. The winner of numerous national and regional awards and honors, the artist’s work hangs in private and public collections throughout the United States, including the Indiana State Museum Collection. Ron’s expansive career through illustration, fine art and graphic design has equipped him to take on his latest challenge working on coin and medal design programs as an Associate Designer for the United States Mint through their Artistic Infusion Program. While in college Ron received training as an illustrator and went on to produce images for such clients as Spike TV, Doubleday Book Club, Chase Financial, The Boy Scouts, BF Goodrich and others through agents in New York and Chicago. But his training also included a strong foundation in academic fine art. After graduation, Sanders continued studying oil painting with award-winning artists Huihan Liu and thenpresident of Plein Air Painters of America, George Strickland. Ron’s original oil paintings have been sold through numerous galleries throughout the United States as well as being published as limited edition prints, including extensively researched historical images. Ron Sanders is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1989 from the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio, with a BFA in illustration and minors in advertising, photography, and fine art. He currently lives with his family on the Gulf Coast of Florida. sanders-studios.com scenesarasota.com

June 2011

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BehindwiththeDebbiScene Benedict

Separating her reading into work and personal, Patricia Courtois plans to read on her Kindle either at the beach, on her back deck under the grand oak tree or snuggled down on her favorite couch with lots of pillows. For work it’s Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

CAVITITES, DRY MOUTH, OVERWEIGHT, DIABETIC?

EAT CANDY! Practicing for over two decades in Sarasota, Richard J Greenspan,

and It’s Always Personal: Emotion in the

nce again I asked my friends,

Workplace by Anne Kreamer. For fun

“What are you reading this

she is reading The Girl Who Kicked the

summer?”

Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson, saying

Here’s

what

they

she is tearing through all three novels in

said.....

Sitting on her screened-in porch

the series and can’t put them down. Gift

the

from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Adirondacks, Jane Kiebitz will be reading

is a book she reads every other summer

her books on her new Nook. Starting with

just to reconnect with her inner self and

the three initial selections for her Junior

life’s priorities.

overlooking

Lake

Pleasant

League of Sarasota book club, she’ll read

Now that season is over, Peggy

Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff, Jane Eyre by

Wilhelm has a stack of “want to’s” to read.

Charlotte Bronte and Love Medicine by

Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken tops her list,

Louise Erdrich. She’s also downloaded

with Greg Mortenson’s Stones into Schools

DDS, educates his pa-

additional books to take with her including

next, and John Grisham’s The Confession

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks,

is right behind. Lucky to live on beautiful

tients that a dry mouth is

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and The

Sarasota Bay, she has a favorite chair by

an unhealthy mouth. Xy-

Paris Wife, about Ernest Hemingway’s ﬁrst

west windows that she loves to curl up in

wife by Paula McLain.

and read to her heart’s content.

litol candy and products

Legal eagle and Ringling Museum

The favorite place for Mollie Nelson

keep the mouth moist,

board member, Cliff Walters, typically

to read is on the deck at her farm in Franklin,

reads several books at one time. Right now

NC where she recharges her soul. She

sugar levels down, re-

he is reading Mellon: An American Life by

calls it the “farm” though she says the only

David Cannadine, a deﬁnitive biography of

thing she grows there is peacefulness. It

Andrew Mellon who was one of the most

sounds divine! Mollie says give her any Carl

inﬂuential businessmen of his time. Cliff

Hiaasen book at the end of a stressful day

says he would only recommend this book

and she’ll curl up on her bed for a night of

for those interested in historical ﬁnance

laughs. Nicholas Sparks reminds her how

index, Xylitol is diabetic-

as it is quite detailed and Mellon is not a

fortunate she is and the book of Psalms

friendly and tolerated

particularly endearing character. Another

reminds her how loved she is.

is The Power of Gold by Peter Bernstein

Heading to Rome, Florence, Venice

well by most everyone.

- a fun trip into the psychology of gold and

and Fabriano, Italy where she will connect

Visit Palmer Ranch Dental for samples of Xylitol products!

its ownership. Also in line is Younger Next

with a long-time friend, Pat Thompson

Year by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge.

is reading Rick Steves’ Italy 2011. She

This book helps identify how to mature

is taking her two children, Hunter and

Palmer Ranch Dental

into a stronger and healthier body over the

Sarah, as a celebration for their personal

age of 60. At least if he does not improve,

achievements – Hunter just ﬁnishing his

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he tells me at least he will know why! And

ﬁrst year at Ringling College and Sarah is

ﬁnally The Watchman by Robert Craig – he

graduating from New College. Husband,

says it’s a book with no socially redeeming

Larry is skipping this trip and going to

value except as an action thriller. That’s a

golf school instead. Pat is most looking

good enough reason for me!

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scene |

June 2011

scenesarasota.com

Marco in Venice with her children. She remembers being in Venice 34 years ago as a single woman in her 20’s. She tells me her life was a train wreck then and

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never did she imagine that she would some day be married to an extraordinary man and have two exceptional adult children. She feels truly blessed at her good fortune. If Ray Collins reads in bed, he usually falls asleep before he ﬁnishes the ﬁrst page, so he’s usually reading by the pool or the beach. Though he reads all the time, it is usually magazines and newspapers, but he is forcing himself to read more books such as The Four Agreements by Don Miguel

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to her by the Ringling board development chair, Mike Urette, whom she respects and admires because he leads by inspiring others, including her. M.C. Coolidge shared with me,

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“Believe it or not, I’ve never read Moby Dick and I’m tackling that epic story this summer as I house-sit for a friend who is traveling for the summer.” The home is situated in a private setting along the intercoastal, where the only break to the astounding quiet will be the sound of mullet plopping about the waterway. This home will be an inspired setting for reading Melville. When she finishes with the big fish, she’ll move on to a wartime-published copy of Auden’s poetry which she just received recently in the mail from a friend who was clearing out his Washington D.C. office. Melba Jimenez’s favorite remedy for when she cannot sleep is reading. A voracious reader, she always has several in the queue, including Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, by Laura Hillenbrand. scenesarasota.com

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Celebrating Our 37 Year Anniversary! June 2011

| scene

This page turner is about a former Berlin

Valerie Parsons &

Olympic participant who became a POW survivor and later regains his life to live it to its fullest. Another favorite is The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Carlos Ruiz Zafon wrote a second book, Angel’s Game, a little different from

More than Coverage...

...Conﬁdence

his ﬁrst one, The Shadow of the Wind, which was #1 in the Spanish bestseller list for a long time. They both take place in Barcelona during the 1950’s and although somewhat dark, they are full of suspense, romance and metaphors. She can’t wait

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to hear about next year’s selections from the three book clubs that she’s a member of. She promises to share the best picks with us next year. We can’t wait either! The mother of all social columnists, Marjorie North, reads everything by Susan Howatch, who wrote her favorite book, Wheel of Fortune, and asks my readers to let her know if anyone knows when her newest book will come out, as it’s been way too long! James Michener’s The Source is her second favorite, with

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Philippa Gregory’s books, and Ken Follett’s Pillars of Earth following close behind. She is particularly fond of English history

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and World War II with Cornelius Ryan’s The Last Battle probably the best she’s read, although Leon Uris’ Armageddon

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Hour Game, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, Five Questions by John Scherer, and Follett’s World With End. By the time she gets half-way through these, her darling Bill will have browsed through Barnes and Noble again, and another stack will appear. One change that has occurred since having six-year-old granddaughter, Bella, spend the night occasionally, is that she is re-reading poetry, especially Robert Service and Kipling. She tells me,

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scene |

June 2011

“Give me my newspaper in the morning and a good book in the evening, and I’m a scenesarasota.com

happy girl!” I’m right there with you, Margie! Suncoast Community Blood Bank’s Jayne Giroux especially likes to read on planes as it makes her forget she’s 33,000 feet in the air! Her book group has been reading the Stieg Larsson trilogy which they plan to discuss over the summer. Stephen King is a blood bank donor and recently shot a series of PSA’s for them, so smart Jayne is catching up on some of his books like Duma Key and has just finished Blockade Billy. She’s always been a fan but after working with the great Mr. King and seeing first-hand how altruistic he is, she has a whole new perspective. Though she would love to be able to lie in the hammock in her backyard and read a good book, unfortunately most of Sandra Terry’s reading these days are grant applications and emails! As executive director of the Laurel Civic Association, she will have about 100 students in her summer reading program and each will read at least six books apiece within a six week period. Though recently spending a lot of time caring for her daughter, Margarete van Antwerpen is reading Pearl Buck in China by Hillary Spurling and just finished The Women by T.C. Boyle about the four women in Frank Lloyd Wright’s life. She loved it! The book she is reviewing for next month is A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. Although she had seen the movie a couple of times over the years, Carol Poteat-Buchanan said reading Dr. Zhivago, by Boris Pasternak for her book club helped her focus on the writing. She was mesmerized by the language. One can visualize the un-harvested fields of ripe grain which Pasternak describes in such beautiful lines as “These flame-colored fields blazing without fire, these fields silently proclaiming their distress, were coldly bordered by the vast quiet sky, its face already wintry and shadowed by ceaselessly moving, long flaky snow-clouds with black centers and white flanks.” Living alone, Carol enjoys reading during her meals, especially breakfast – a terrific way to start the day! Anything by Janet Evanovich, especially her One for the Money series, makes Taylor Tollerton Collins laugh out loud! Something we could all use more of, so give Evanovich a try. Though he did not enjoy reading when he was younger, Chip Gaylor is playing catch up now by reading Catcher in the Rye and Catch-22 this summer on his month-long trip to “divers’ paradise”, Bonaire in the Dutch Antilles. ABC7’s general manager, Jeff Whitson, is currently reading How an Ordinary Guy Can Be an Extraordinary Man by Sarasota resident, Joy Weston. He tells me it’s full of positive messages, tips and anecdotes to help anyone, not just men, live an extraordinarily fulfilling life. In addition to being inspirational, it’s perfect for the busy executive since you can read the relatively short individual chapters without having to dedicate long periods of time. He also plans to pick up Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen for the beach this summer. Given Sarasota’s rich history with the circus, scenesarasota.com

June 2011

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and current release on the big screen, he think it is the perfect summer read for the Suncoast. Williams Parker attorney, Dan Bailey recently read for the second time Doris Kearns Goodwin’s masterful biography of Abraham Lincoln, Team of Rivals, a handbook on leadership, perseverance, and

keeping

one’s

balance.

He’s

presently reading a book by Ted C. Fishman bearing the unabridged title of Shock of Gray: The Aging of the World’s Population and How it Pits Young Against Old, Child Against Parent, Worker Against Boss,

Company

Against

Rival,

and

Nation Against Nation. Sarasota plays prominently in its opening chapter. Audio books are his constant companions and his preference is to imbibe audio books

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and Puerto Rico, it’s Bossy Pants by Tina Fey. A Diane Arbus biography has been waiting for her and she anticipates reading it at Lake Lure in the fall. A lovely book, The Art of Racing in

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Renee Phinney’s attention right now. She couch with a cup of tea or a glass of wine, depending on the day she’s had, and a good book. This book is an accessible, easily read novel that is layered and insightful. On the surface, it tells a tale of a dog and his relationship with a man and his family. Told from the viewpoint of the dog named Enzo, the reader is guided through the life of Denny Swift. Enzo is engaging, funny and insightful as he narrates the trials and tribulations of Denny’s life and his career as a race car driver. Enzo is left at home during the day while Denny goes to work. Denny leaves the TV tuned to “The Speed” channel, which Enzo watches and learns from. We, as readers, are encouraged to scenesarasota.com

look towards the next turn or our next goal even as we navigate the tricky complexities of the present. A Hand To Guide Me by Denzel Washington is what Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Gina Taylor is reading again for the second time. It’s the inspiring personal stories of legends and leaders and

scene | social 10th Annual SMHF Physicians Golf Tournament

hand from time to time and a gentle nudge to get on track and this

is the perfect book for that!

Concession Golf Club, netted more than $40,000 to beneﬁt the

the people who shaped their lives. Gina says everyone needs a

he 10th Annual Physicians Golf Tournament, recently hosted by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. at The

Bradenton’s gal about town, Susan Wilcox, will be getting

Physicians Endowment for staff education. Healthcare Foundation

caught up on book club books she missed this season like Major

Trustee Patricia Riley served as chair of the sold-out tournament.

Pettigrew’s Last Stand and Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.

The Bill Lyons Memorial Award, for low gross score was shared by

Two of her guilty pleasures are reading books by Stephen King and Jonathan Kellerman. King’s short story collection Full Dark, No Stars has spent months in the pile of books on her nightstand and she just bought Kellerman’s new one, Mystery. Susan has recently discovered author Sarah Addison Allen and recommends

two teams: William Colgate, M.D., K.C. Fox, Dave Ruth and Blase Sparma for the front nine holes and Donald Bly, Jack Courson, Sol Fleschman and Fred Starling for the back nine. Borrell Electric Co., Inc. and BCH Mechanical, Inc. were the top sponsors.

her novels for great summer reads. They are interesting, with a hint Photography by Cliff Roles

of magic in the stories - nothing too heavy or serious. The newest one is The Peach Keeper but she thinks that her ﬁrst one, Garden Spells is her favorite. Recently breaking his ankle, USF’s Dr. Arthur Guilford will spend the summer healing, with his feet up on his trusty ottoman. He just ﬁnished two excellent books by Michael Koryta - The Cypress House and So Cold the River. He tells me if you like a combination of suspense with a bit of supernatural then these are both winners. Earlier this spring he also read The Book Thief

Patricia Riley, Alexandra Quarles & Margaret Wise

Crystal Woodworth, Scott Elsbree & Mary Van Sant

by Markus Zusak, a wonderful and quite disturbing book dealing with World War II and the huge impact that Hitler had on the world and in particular the lives of children. Currently, he’s reading Under the Dome by Stephen King, a story about a Northeastern city that is suddenly covered by a dome, with no way to get in or out. He says it may take him the rest of the summer as it is more than 800 pages long. The Ringling College Library Association’s Town Hall series is always a good place to look to find books to read for the upcoming season. This year’s chair, Kristine Nickel says she will be reading those books including the ones by Laura Bush and Bill O’Reilly. She told me she likes getting acquainted

Dan Callaghan, Punir Mehta, Bruce Lesser, Robin Cartmell & William Bennett

with them before they are officially introduced. She also always reads one classic a year and, like M.C. Coolidge, it will be Moby Dick, too! So there you have it. Now rip out these pages, run to your nearest library or bookstore, and read, read, read. There is nothing better! Until the fall....TaTa! Debbi Benedict is SCENE’s society maven and Special Issues Director Contact Debbi at 941-483-4460 or debbi@benedictandco.com

Bill Colgate, Scott Lamoureaux & Ernie Garcia scenesarasota.com

June 2011

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scene | social

“The Espo” Golf Invitational F

or the past 18 years, the Florida Club Managers Association Photography by Cliff Roles

of America’s Gator Region has hosted a charitable golf

tournament beneﬁting All Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and Sarasota Special Olympics. This year, FLCMAA partnered with NHL Hall of Fame great Phil Esposito creating “The Espo” golf invitational. Many of Phil’s friends from the sports world, along with 250 other participants, gathered in early May at Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota and raised over $55,000. John Deere was the premiere sponsor.

Tammy & Dave Whalen

Wayne Whitman, Renee Puchalla & Tony Acevedo

Donna Hughes with Phil & Bridget Esposito

Wilson Randolph, Robbie Robertson, Dan Haubein & Bill Tyde

The Academy for Leadership and Social Development “Education during the formative years on topics such as developing good manners and leadership skills, setting personal goals, and coping with everyday challenges, is imperative in helping our youth realize and achieve their life aspirations.” - Stephanie L. Hefner, Founder The Academy for Leadership and Social Development (a not-for-profit organization) brings educational curriculum to children and teens that introduce character development tools, basic communication skills, and civility. Adolescents empowered with the knowledge of values, respect, and integrity are more likely to make healthy choices and avoid a downward spiral of conflict, truancy and crime. Programs and seminars are offered to schools, nonprofit organizations and after-school groups. Each area of subject matter offered by the Academy has proven to be effective in directing adolescents toward making positive decisions and utilizing basic life lessons in their daily lives, whether at school, work, home or on the playground. For further information about the Academy for Leadership and Social Development contact Stephanie L. Hefner Founder/CEO at ceo@academyforleadership.net or 941.487.4076.

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June 2011

scenesarasota.com

CUTTING

loose

ike a perfectly executed pas de deux — with a dash of hot Latin tango thrown in — Cutting Loose Salon & Spa has successfully wedded spa-quality pampering with the reality of clients’ often busy lifestyles. As soon as the front doors sweep open, it’s clear this is an extraordinary hair salon. Bold, sophisticated colors create a serene atmosphere with style. Whimsical names like the Color Café, where clients can sip wine or Cosmopolitans around intimate round tables, and the Lather Lounge, a.k.a. the shampoo area, encourage clients to let the tension melt away. “We have created a totally serene setting for our shampoo area where clients receive complimentary head and neck massage,” says Coral Pleas, who founded Cutting Loose and the adjacent salon, After Hours by Cutting Loose. Her son, Travis Scheuer, works in the business as a master stylist, educator and chief ﬁnancial ofﬁcer. Pleas’ daughter, Taelor Scheuer, also is trained as a hairdresser and handles the business side as salon manager. “Cutting Loose may be relatively new, but I’ve been around town in the salon business for 30 years,” says Pleas. “We’re a family business and are committed to creating a luxurious salon/spa to accommodate all of your desires.” This dedication has made the salon one of the area’s busiest in just three years and earned national accolades as a Top 200 salon by Salon Today magazine. Cutting Loose’s award-winning stylists are trained in the French style of sexy, wash and wear hair that gives three different looks for every haircut. Stylists all must progress through Pleas’ intensive apprentice program. These rising stars work in the After Hours Salon, which has an urban environment, later hours, and a lower price point. Traditional day-spa indulgences like facials and 90-minute massages, with or without hot stones, are available in the Pamper Lounge. Clients also can get an express massage or sit at the chic Facial Bar for an express facial and/or a makeover with internationally-renowned cosmetics from Face Stockholm. “Clients can have a facial while their color is processing or an eye or lip waxing in 15 minutes and go on their way,” Pleas said. “We are very selective in building our team and all have one goal, which is to exceed our guests’ expectations.”

8429 Honore Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34201 | 941-358-6000 | www.cuttingloose.net

scene | social

2nd Annual Barkitecture Event T

he second annual Barkitecture event was held at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club. This unique

fundraising event for Southeastern Guide Dogs showcased fanciful dog houses that were created by local builders and auctioned off to support Southeastern’s programs. Murray Homes’ “Murray’s Mutt Mansion” took home the People’s Choice Award that was decided by an online voting challenge. Overall, the event raised over $30,000 for the Palmetto non-proﬁt that provides world class guide dogs to the visually impaired.

Phyllis Siskel, Nancy, Blair & Brett Simmons

Auctioneer Craig Cerreta

Team Murray’s Mutt Mansion

Tanga & Bill Moyle with Jewel

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scene |

June 2011

scenesarasota.com

The Thrill of

Adventure By Susan Cullen

New Dining Spots to Explore & Savor

scenesarasota.com

June 2011

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DINING

ome of us dine for sustenance while others live to suss out new food experiences. Tracking down new food on the scene

can be more like a single-minded quest fueled,

perhaps,

some

primitive

impulse from our hunter-gatherer roots. Sarasota is truly blessed with wonderful dining spots whose longevity is testament to the ﬁne cuisine served year after year like Café L’Europe, the Bijou Café, Café Gabbiano,

Ophelia’s,

Mediterraneo,

Harry’s Continental Kitchen, and the list could go on. While we revisit these and other favorites time after time, discovering the mysteries of “the new place” adds a little thrill of adventure. Our dining scene has been enlivened with a number of newcomers, including Brasserie Belge on Main Street in Sarasota. With its rich, red walls as backdrop for crisp white tablecloths and dark-toned chairs, the restaurant creates an elegant, yet lively, atmosphere and brings back very fond memories of time spent in Belgium. Without knocking the French by any means, I have had consistently better food in Brussels than in Paris—and that is saying something. Brasserie Belge hits all of the right notes when it comes to classic dishes, and the service is exceptionally good. Moulesfrites, the iconic Belgian pot of mussels and side of fries, are on the menu, of course. The mussels come steamed to perfection in the diner’s choice of one of four broths and the frites are pleasingly crispy. Four friends recently dined there and shared the house specialty goat cheese salad. They were delighted that the kitchen took the time to divide the goat cheese in puff pastry evenly atop individual portions of the salad’s romaine, apples and nuts

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June 2011

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DINING laced with a honey vinaigrette. “People tell us that is the best goat cheese salad in Sarasota,” says James Newmerski, the day manager. European menu inﬂuences include the ham knuckle braised in broth for three hours,

True Mixed Media

then coated with mustard, honey and

They paint with sauces; they

breadcrumbs and roasted. The luscious

sculpt with cheese…their

meat gets a gourmet twist from a sharp

canvas, a gently warmed plate.

whole grain mustard sauce. It’s something you don’t ﬁnd everywhere. “We also serve steak tartare. A lot of Europeans come in here and order it,” Newmerski says. “That same beef is used to make our hamburger;

At Café Baci, we call these artisans “Chefs” and feature their masterpieces daily.

lean top of the round.” The 8-ounce burger with its selection of whiskey-ketchup, French mustard, and mayonnaise-herb sauces on the side, is very popular. It’s no wonder with a selection of great Belgian beers to wash it down.

Authentically Fresh. Authentically Italian.

4001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • 921-4848 • www.CafeBaci.net In another nod to European fare, Aria European is up and running on North Palm Avenue in the charming cottage that

THE PERFECT BLEND OF SPORTS, FOOD & DRINK

once was Zak’s Steakhouse. Opened by chef/owner Giorgio Oldano, the restaurant strives to use organic and local products as much as possible, says Chef Giovanni Tulino. European seafood, like Branzino or sea urchin, is ﬂown in fresh for daily specials. “I buy daily so it’s always fresh,” Tulino says. “Even the cheese we buy is imported from Europe.” While incorporating dishes from Germany and France, the inﬂuence of the two Italian men is apparent in appetizers like the eggplant rollatine and pasta e fagioli along with entrees that include a traditional lasagna with meat and béchamel sauces and porcini mushrooms along with housemade goat cheese ravioli in a creamy pesto. “Our menu is mixed north and south Italy because the owner, Giorgio, is a chef from Piedmont, and I am from scenesarasota.com

6606 South Tamiami Trail • 941-225-7200 • Open Daily, 11am-Midnight June 2011

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DINING

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5350 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228

941-351-5515

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scenesarasota.com

DINING Napoli in the south of Italy,” Tulino says.

Grilling Season

“We collide; my touch with his touch.” In addition to cozy interior spaces, Aria European also has dining in a garden-style courtyard. “It is so beautiful to sit outside here,” he says. “The restaurant is a very warm place. The room is small so you get very close to the customers and talk with them. I love this place.” Over the summer months, the restaurant will be featuring ﬁxed price menus and some wine tasting events.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar From Chef Charlie Flint’s Kitchen Grilling season is here and nothing beats the smell of burning embers on a warm summer evening. At Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar we grill our Prime steaks and chops on a 1800 degree monster grill that sears in those juices and makes an award winning steak. I am often asked how

Sadly, breakfast can be the least planned

to achieve the sizzle at home. I do grill over charcoal and wood. For the

and most rushed of the daily meals, which

home steak lover to achieve the best results, allow the coals to ash over

is too bad because really that’s no way

and then pile them to one side of the grill. This will become your hottest

to start a day. When life permits, there is something satisfyingly snug about sitting down at a café table — inside or out — with a steaming cup of coffee and a sinfully-

area and the place where you do all of your searing. Let your steaks and chops sit at room temperature for 15 minutes at home to take the chill out of the meat. Season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper and do

sweet, fresh-baked pastry that makes a

not use a grilling fork, piercing the meat will allow those wonderful juices

day seem truly special. The Savory Street

to melt into the grill instead of your mouth with each bite. After searing

International Café & Bakery on the corner of

on both sides, move your steaks to the side away from the coals to avoid

a renovated block on North Orange Avenue

burning and bring to desired temperature for more well done steaks use

has the right amount of charm for lingering

the lid and allow a little more time. Either way get outside and ﬁre up

over conversation or a book and “savoring” the fare and specialty coffees and teas. In addition to its range of pastries and

those grills. From James Shea’s Wine Room:

pies, the café serves a variety of breakfast

James Shea’s wine pick for grilling season and Father’s Day, try the

sandwiches on ﬂaky croissants and

boldest Cabernet on the Fleming’s 100 list. Faust Cabernet from

quiche. Soups are house-made and

Napa Valley is typical of a great Cabernet from this region. Grapes are

recently

Southwestern-style

selected from the Rutherford appellations of owner Augustin Huneeus,

black bean, tortilla soup, and potato corn

an appellation that produces some of the ﬁnest Cabernets. Mr. Huneeus

included

and cheese. Lunch specials may pair a soup with a variety of sandwiches as well as crab cakes, Italian ﬂat pies, salads, empanadas or quiche.

has always stood by the belief that “great vineyards make great wines.” Faust Cabernet is a big and lush wine with blackberry, cassis, and juicy red plums. Well balanced on the palate with acid and medium dry tannins. If you are stuck on what to get dad this year, a steak dinner and

A personal favorite is The Savory Street’s

a bottle of Faust Cabernet should send the message that you appreciate

non-traditional scone. The airy pastry is

all the times Dad grilled for you.

ﬁlled with white chocolate and slivers of

Join Chef Charlie Flint for a three-course lunch and grilling class. Call

almond, but is not overly sweet. Lingering

941-358-9463 for reservations, seating is very limited.

over this decadent delight outside or behind the café’s large windows gives just

ﬂemingssteakhouse.com/sarasota

another reason to love where we live. scenesarasota.com

June 2011

| scene

scene | social The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee Dancin’ With “Our” Stars

mcees, Vernon DeSear and Dana Opsincs, kicked off an evening of fun and DANCING and several local

celebrities participated in a dance competition. The panel of judges (Pat Glass, Tom P. Moseley and Corky Taylor) selected Bradenton’s best “celebrity” dance couple... congratulations to Steve Peebles and Tracey Vita! Dancing With “Our” Stars included fabulous food, libations, silent/ live auctions, entertainment by The Shaman Band and raised just under $30,000 to beneﬁt the Boys & Girls Clubs Celebrity Dancers

of Manatee County.

Tom P. Moseley, Pat Glass & Corky Taylor

Gina Brulato, Bonnie Mathers, Vicky VanVilef, Amy VanDell & Renee Bergman

Steve Peebles & Tracey Vita

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June 2011

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“Protecting you is our family business.”

We’ll be back in September with our annual Arts & Culture issue featuring a complete listing of season performances, exhibitions, festival, fairs, attractions and lots more. To order your copy and become a SCENE subscriber, call 941.365.1119 today or visit www.scenesarasota.com and click “Subscribe Now”.

Have A Great Summer! scenesarasota.com

CURTAINCALL By Steven J. Smith

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

couple in question. Although they vow to have a child together,

Ghost-Writer

each encounters outside temptations that threaten their moral

A play that delves into the process of writing doesn’t allow for

boundaries. Liron (Scott Kerns) is Daniel’s new lover, and Sutter

much dramatic action — which, frankly, is something of a problem

(Jason Bradley) has Edie’s eye. Will these interlopers wreck the

with this final offering of FST’s 2010-11 season. However the produc-

couple’s plan? Do Liron and Sutter have secret, selfish agendas of

tion ultimately flourishes — even soars — primarily due to the innate

their own? Is it even possible for a gay man and a straight woman

passion and force of Amy Tribbey’s riveting performance in the role

to create a family, while successfully serving the emotional and

of Myra Babbage, a typist hired to help set the dictations of novelist

sexual needs of each? The answers require a great deal of soul-

Franklin Woolsey (Colin Lane) down on paper under the occasional

searching, love, and trust.

interruptions of Woolsey’s jealous wife Vivian (Hollis McCarthy).

The storyline is neither for the faint of heart nor for one who

Myra starts off as little more than a transcriber of Woolsey’s

adheres to a strict interpretation of the nuclear family, which is

words, set in the claustrophobic studio he has rented away from

why this play is a real test for Sarasota’s conservative audience. I

his home and his annoying wife. Their relationship blossoms,

found it fascinating. The performances were uniformly strong, but

though, when she begins to make tiny suggestions that deepen

I particularly liked the charismatic Scott Kearns as Liron, whose

his words — and his work. What follows is a fascinating explora-

dark secrets and selfish aspirations push the emotional stakes of

tion of the creative process, and how Myra becomes Woolsey’s

this heady play almost impossibly high.

muse — and unconsummated lover. Then, in an unexpected turn,

Ahead on the Asolo’s season schedule are George Gershwin

the roles reverse when Woolsey suddenly dies and Myra must

Alone, Beethoven As I Knew Him, Marilyn: Forever Blonde, and

channel his creative energy from the Great Beyond in an attempt

Unplugged. For more on these shows as well as more from the

to complete his unfinished novel.

Asolo Conservatory, call the box office at (941) 351-9010 or visit

The audience serves as an unseen journalist Vivian has hired to ascertain whether Myra is an opportunist looking to profit as a

them online at www.asolorep.org.

from the afterlife. We get to draw our own conclusions, based on

THE WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE

how she tells us her story, which is related through flashbacks.

Hi De Hi De Ho! — Cab Calloway

collaborator, or a medium genuinely receiving Woolsey’s words

Although the truth is never fully revealed, Ms. Tribbey inspires us

Nate Jacobs does a star turn, magically transforming himself

to feel the love she develops for her employer, how his words en-

into the charismatic, energetic, and legendary showman, singer,

velop her life, and the pain she endures in an attempt to give birth

actor and fashion plate in the West Coast Black Theatre Trope’s

to his completed work.

latest offering, beautifully rounding out their first season at the

For more info on this or any FST production, or to order tickets, call the box office at (941) 366-9000 or visit them online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE The Innocents When a middle-aged gay man decides to have a child with the straight woman he’s known since college, trust issues are

company’s new digs on 1646 10th Way. Although the show is more of a musical revue than a storydriven, biographical theatre piece, it is vastly entertaining nonetheless — filled with information you may not have known about the man. For instance, did you know Cab Calloway’s family wanted him to be a lawyer, like his father? Or that he was mentored by Louis Armstrong? Or that he was among the first performers to develop the “scat” singing style that Ella Fitzgerald made so famous?

bound to crop up, and trust is a big part of what comprises this

Although Larry Parr’s script takes us down such drearily famil-

intelligent, funny, thought-provoking play. Daniel (Jud Williford), a

iar showbiz storylines as Calloway’s detours into womanizing and

corporate trainer, and Edie (Kate Hampton), an academic, are the

alcohol abuse, Jacobs manages to deliver a very real and immedi-

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June 2011

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ate sense of the man, living and breathing right before our eyes. Belting out such famous Calloway tunes as “Minnie The Moocher,” “Reefer Man,” and even “It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Porgy and Bess, Jacobs commands our interest and wins our hearts as he entertainingly recounts Calloway’s colorful, up-and-down journey through show business and life. Kudos also to Jasmine “Jaszy” McAllister, who plays literally all the women in Calloway’s life and Chris Eisenberg, who portrays the bandleader as a young man. A tip of the hat as well to Noah Tyson, who plays a hot piano. Call the box office for more information and reservations at (941) 366-1505, and visit them online at www.wbttroupe.org.

SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL This year’s festival was notable in that it featured some remarkable films that were made locally. Beautiful Noise tells the story of a free-spirited young singer in search of a reclusive, aging pop-rock icon from the sixties. Starring Danielle White as Dez, the young singer, Kimber Cleveland as Candy, her rocker friend, and Jay White as Noah, the pop star, it received an un-

scene | social

MHCC’s CARE Dinner M

ental Health Community Centers recently

(Community

held

its

Awareness

annual

and

CARE

Resource

Education) Dinner at Michael’s on East. The dinner honored Dr. Parlane Reid, CMO of Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and featured keynote speaker Dr. Xavier Amador who spoke on improved communication skills with mentally ill loved ones. The CARE program runs a series of educational seminars on mental health topics and seeks to promote awareness of mental illness.

precedented six screenings at the festival, all of which sold out. The remarkable 18-song score effectively propels the story forward as the performances of the lead characters movingly draw us into their world, wonderfully realized by director Steve Tatone of Sarasota. Jack Kerouac Slept Here is a heartfelt documentary of perhaps the most admired of all the writers of the Beat Generation, who spent a great deal of time in Florida, editing the final draft of his classic novel On The Road in the city of Orlando. Sarasota filmmaker

Carolyn & Ed Eagen, Frank Escobar, Bunny Coelingh, Rosemary Chase & Rick O’Connell

Gus Mollasis travels to Orlando to uncover Kerouac’s legacy and find out what his hero meant by “it.” Although that answer remains elusive, the journey is a rewarding one as Kerouac’s friends and writings emerge to help define this iconoclast’s imprint on American literature in the 50s and 60s. Mangrove Slasher 2, directed and produced by Sean Haitz, was shot entirely in Sarasota. The story surrounds a partying group of friends who get picked off one by one, by a shadowy figure with a large machete. More a campy thrill ride than a bona fide thriller,

Alex & Emily Quarles

this 47-minute film draws more laughs than screams. The Jonestown Defense, another film shot on location in Sarasota and directed by Greg Takoudes, examines the tolls taken on one man — and his company — in the recent real estate and financial crises. Christopher (Dennis Ostermaier) is a businessman facing the sale of his tech company (which will mean firing his employees) and the spectre of his impending divorce. Separated from his wife and son and living in a beach hotel, he wrestles with his conscience and his future. Though plodding at times, this movie deeply resonates with the economic desperation that has plagued Florida — and the entire country — over the last few years.

Howard & Betty Isermann

The Break Up, an off-beat, entertaining 5-minute glimpse inside the crumbling relationship between two third-graders, was written, produced, and directed by former Riverview student Shaun Greenspan. The movie provided some moments of genuine fun as we heard adult-like sentiments coming from the mouths of babes. A 9-year-old boy breaks up with his 8-year-old girlfriend on a pizza date. His reasons? His dwindling allowance, her expensive tastes, and an older woman — a fourth grader. Upon her rejection, the girl spits out that the boy was “a lousy hand holder,” and has bad breath. “Do me a favor,” she says. “Get a Tic Tac.” His defense? “I’m only nine.” scenesarasota.com

Suzanne Coelingh, Carolyn Eagen, Clint Mallard & Amanda Lyn Michael June 2011

| scene

scene | locally SHAPING OUR COMMUNITY ARTS AND CULTURAL ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES GRANT OPPOR-

sale of new, donated, and consigned jewelry, couture apparel/ac-

TUNITY

cessories, and fine home furnishings and estate liquidation services.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County announced the

designingwomenboutique.org

grant cycle for the 2012 John Ringling Towers Fund Awards. The John Ringling Towers Fund Awards were established to maintain the spirit

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $241,450 IN

of the John Ringling Towers after they were demolished in 1998. JRTF

GRANTS

Awards are available to individual artists in the categories of visual,

Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice awarded $241,450

performing and literary arts. Nonprofit organizations and governmental

in operating grants to help nine nonprofit organizations diversify their

agencies are also eligible for a separate award under the category of

income and cut costs enabling them to build their core businesses.

historic preservation. Both programs provide grants of up to $5,000.

Grant recipients include: The Florida Center for Child and Family

Self-nominations are also accepted. sarasotaarts.org

Development ($30,000); Exchange Club Family Partnership Center ($15,000); Asolo Repertory Theatre ($30,000); The Sarasota Opera

ASOLO REP RECEIVES $25,000 GRANT

Association ($30,000); Pines of Sarasota Foundation ($30,000); Wom-

Asolo Repertory Theatre received a $25,000 grant from Publix Su-

en’s Resource Center of Sarasota County ($27,000); The Perlman Mu-

per Markets Charities to support the theatre’s Education and Outreach

sic Program/Suncoast ($30,000); All Faiths Food Bank ($19,450); and

initiative, Access to the Arts. This program is a cornerstone of Asolo

Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities ($30,000).

Rep’s mission to educate the community’s children through participa-

gulfcoastcf.org

tion in superior educational programs. The support of Publix Super Markets Charities helps ensure that thousands of children will be able

THE CONCESSION GOLF CLUB TO HOST 2012 CALLAWAY COL-

to participate in and take full advantage of their experience attending

LEGIATE MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

high quality professional theatrical productions. asolorep.org

The 2012 Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship will be held March 18-20, 2012 at The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton. The

CHILDREN’S GUARDIAN FUND RAISES $50,000 FOR GUARDIAN

Concession Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course de-

AD LITEM

signed in association with Tony Jacklin, was named “Best New Private

Children’s Guardian Fund raised $50,000 at its second annual golf

Course of 2006” by Golf Digest magazine. “We are extremely proud to

classic at the Laurel Oak Country Club. The funding will support the

partner with University of South Florida to bring an event of this stature

Guardian ad Litem program, which serves the more than 1,000 chil-

to the Sarasota area,” said Bruce Cassidy Jr., general manager of The

dren in the 12th Judicial Circuit who have been abused, abandoned

Concession Golf Club. “The Concession offers many risk/reward op-

or neglected. Major underwriting was provided by the Springer Wealth

portunities. It will be exciting to see the best Division I collegiate golfers

Management Group, UBS Financial Services. Funds raised will also

tackle the course in match play.” theconcession.com

benefit Next Step Program, which assists youths who are aging out of care.

NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA HAS SIX FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS FOR 2011-2012

DESIGNING WOMEN BOUTIQUE & ESTATE SERVICES ANNOUNCES 2010 GRANT RECIPIENTS

New College of Florida has garnered six Fulbright scholars for 20112012, bringing the College’s historical total to 63 Fulbright recipients.

The 2010 grant recipients include Animal Rescue Coalition, Saraso-

This year’s awards—all from the 2011 graduating class—reinforce the

ta Orchestra, Suncoast Concert Band, Circus Sarasota, Community

College’s consistent ranking as a top producer of Fulbright scholars,

Aids Network, Ringling College of Art & Design, Sarasota Memorial

with one of the highest number of Fulbrights per capita among all

Healthcare Foundation, and Habitude, Previous endowments from

colleges and universities. Recipients are: Adam Bresnahan (Satellite

funds raised in 2010 were awarded earlier this year to Asolo Reper-

Beach, FL) Fulbright to Germany; Maia de la Calle (Aventura, FL) Ful-

tory Theatre, Sarasota Ballet, and the Senator Robert M. Johnson

bright to Mexico; Katharine Dean (Washington, D.C.) Fulbright to Na-

Endowment for Academic Excellence – New College. Additionally,

mibia; Danielle Korngold (Davie, FL) Fulbright to Russia; Jennifer Lieb

a scholarship grant was given to Florida State University. The funds

(Tallahassee, FL) Fulbright to Taiwan; and Ryan Tisdale (Sarasota, FL)

to support the grant program are raised through the marketing and

Fulbright to Germany. Ncf.edu

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June 2011

scenesarasota.com

  

   



PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #88

“A fine dining experience is one of life’s greatest joys – I would never want to compromise on this, and I don’t think our residents should either.” – Chef René

PLYMOUTH HARBOR – WHERE DELICIOUS MEETS NUTRITIOUS Five Star quality and service is an everyday reality at Plymouth Harbor. Just one example is Chef René Weder. From his coveted chef’s table to extravagant seafood buffets and a very popular Sunday brunch he enjoys getting to know each resident and preparing food to meet their speciﬁc preferences and needs. “Our tastes change as we get older, and dietary restrictions complicate our dining experience. Too often, establishments eliminate salt, or modify the preparation for all, which makes for an unnecessarily bland experience.” Personalized service and attention is a hallmark at Plymouth Harbor and can be found in everything we do. If you are searching for the ﬂavor of life at its best, think Plymouth Harbor – where quality of life, smart planning and the freedom to pursue your passions and new interests are top priorities. Call us today to get a taste of our award-winning campus, luxury accommodations and amenities.

Sarasota’s First Choice in Continuing Care Retirement Communities

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