June 2012

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 55 YEARS

The Vision Group Building with their Eyes on the Details

REAL ESTATE Lux Market is Back

Vacations:

Real Estate Advisor

Who’s Going Where

SHOWSTOPPERS

Sarasota Tomorrow Today

John Schaub

Season Highlights

SUMMER 2012 $3.95 U.S.

EMBRACE THE EXPERIENCE

THE CONCESSION GOLF CLUB Where Golf is our Priority

The Concession, an award-winning Signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, designed in association ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� in dining at Bistro at The Concession, where Members have access to a variety of exceptional culinary services. To inquire about The Concession Bistro, or schedule a private tour for your special event call Membership Director, Alan Pope at: 941-322-1922 or visit: www.TheConcession.com.

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Bird Key. BirdAnKey. exceptional An exceptional bayfront bayfront home built homeinbuilt 2007inthat 2007 is not that is Sarasota. not Sarasota.

Sophisticated Sophisticated living in living this inThethisRitz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Hotel GoldenGolden Gate. Downtown Gate. Downtown penthouse penthouse offers privacy, offers privacy, convenience convenience only exquisite, only exquisite, but hasbut state hasofstate the art of the features. art features. penthouse penthouse suite. Spectacular suite. Spectacular view. view. & luxury& luxury with custom with custom designed designed interior.interior. $3,295,000 $3,295,000 A3953432 A3953432 $5,550,000 $5,550,000 A3953628 A3953628 $3,675,000 $3,675,000 A3953915 A3953915 Diana Krysak Diana Krysak 941.993.4078 941.993.4078 Bernadette Bernadette CaswellCaswell 941.320.8265 941.320.8265 Joan Dickinson Joan Dickinson & Beth&Afflebach Beth Afflebach 941.914.0496 941.914.0496 or 941.737.1756 or 941.737.1756

Sarasota.

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Mainland Mainland waterfront waterfront home inhome Bay Point in BayPark Pointwith Parklarge with large Sarasota.

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ElegantElegant Key West Keystyle Westresidence style residence locatedlocated exclusive exclusive dock and dock sailboat and sailboat water. water. mainland mainland Bay Front Baygated Frontcommunity. gated community. $3,200,000 $3,200,000 A3958655 A3958655 $2,999,000 $2,999,000 A3954473 A3954473 $2,495,000 $2,495,000 A3958655 A3958655 Sylvia Zimmerman Sylvia Zimmerman 941.350.5022 941.350.5022 Jaime Carrion Jaime Carrion 941.928.8892 941.928.8892 Sylvia Zimmerman Sylvia Zimmerman 941.350.5022 941.350.5022

University University Park. Located Park. Located in one of in the onemost of thebeautiful most beautiful neighborneighborLongboat Longboat Key. Immaculate Key. Immaculate Mediterranean Mediterranean waterfront waterfront home inhomeOyster in Oyster Bay. Beautiful Bay. Beautiful residence residence with numerous with numerous upgrades upgrades and and hoods hoods in the area in thethis area residence this residence has all has the all modern the modern amenities. amenities.

CountryCountry Club Shores.

Club Shores. plenty plenty of room.of room. $659,000 $659,000 A3953155 A3953155 $1,950,000 $1,950,000 A3957780 A3957780 $1,795,000 $1,795,000 A39479419 A39479419 Dede Curran Dede Curran 941.928.3255 941.928.3255 Anka Eshak, Anka Eshak, PA PA 941.504.6374 941.504.6374 BrigitteBrigitte & Tina &vonTina Kessel von Kessel 941.266.2174 941.266.2174 or 941.266.2848 or 941.266.2848

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FL 34236 FL 34236 1.888.552.5228 1.888.552.5228

contentsfeatures fortysix Real Estate June/July 2012

40 42

Volume 55 No. 6

Super Luxury The Most Expensive Estate for Sale in Sarasota County Clear Vision The Vision Group Sue Cullen

46

Luxury is Back The State of Our Luxury Home Market Ryan G. Van Cleave

52

Scenes From an Interview Real Estate Advisor John Schaub Gus Mollasis

60

Season Showstoppers

52

42

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 55 YEARS

The Vision Group Building with their Eyes on the Details

REAL ESTATE Lux Market is Back

Vacations:

Real Estate Advisor

Who’s Going Where

SHOWSTOPPERS

Sarasota Tomorrow Today

John Schaub

Season Highlights

Cover / The Vision Group team of Mike Padgett, Cary Vorbeck and Jim Powers.

Photo by Rob Villetto/Villetto Studios. Location: The Vision Group model home in Marshall's Landing on the Braden River.

60

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contents

By Steven J. Smith | Photo of Georgia and Tom Blankenship by Cliff Roles

37

38

58

80

Arts & Culture 31

Culture Matters

58

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

76

Performing Arts Calendar Get Your Tickets to the Best Performances

78 80

The Visual Arts W. C. “Clyde” Burnett

89

Steven J. Smith

82

Community Philanthropy with Joy Weston

Locally 56

Literary Scene

Creative Camps Summer Programs for children

Giving 38

Steve Queior

90

The Artful Donors Malouf and Therese Abraham Steven J. Smith

Scene Locally Community News, Appointments

Education Matters Amazing Minds and Intellectual Happenings by Ryan G. Van Cleave

88

Sarasota Tomorrow Shaping Sarasota Today

Ryan G. Van Cleave Highlights Local Authors

86

Stories of Joy

How “Sarasota Tomorrow” is

Education

28

Tom Blankenship

Curtain Call Steven J. Smith Reviews Local Theatre

Making a Splash

and Awards

29 30 34 35 36 37 69

Social 18 22

Dick Vitale Gala Be Scene Calendar of Events

24 25

HSSC’s Paws on the Catwalk Luncheon Y Foundation Cirque du Gold

Children First’s Meet Me at the Tropicana Gala CVA Hall of Fame Luncheon New College’s Pique-Nique sur la Baie Florida Winefest & Auction FST’s Hegner Theatre Wing Cornerstone Unveiling Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Gala SFF Cinema Tropicale Behind the Scene Vacations: Who’s Going Where Debbi Benedict

79 85

SMHF Physicians Golf Tournament Taylor Morrison Esplanade Village Groundbreaking

scene | from the editor

Wedding Season Jewelry & Gifts available through June

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A

s a licensed Realtor®, I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of finding

families their perfect home. The look on their faces as they walk through the door of a home they love is priceless. And lately, that is precisely what

home buying has become again – buying a house you will live in as your home, not a house that you just want to flip. Inventory is shrinking, foreclosures are diminishing, prices are rising (slightly and correctly), new homes are sprouting and all in all, we are starting to breathe a sigh of relief. It feels like we’re coming out of that monumental funk we were in and climbing back to stability and calm.

In this, our Real Estate issue, there are lots of good reads that will steady your nerves when it comes to the state of our market. Real estate advisor and author

����������������������� ������� ����������������������� ���������������� ������

John Schaub gives us loads of sound advice in SCENES from an Interview. Sue Cullen interviews The Vision Group, a veteran team with vast real estate and building expertise who share their insight on rebuilding our landscape. SCENE contributing writer Ryan Van Cleave tells us that the luxury market is making a comeback as well.

And if you made some good money in the stock market this past year and happen

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to have double digit millions burning a hole in your pocket, you can buy the most expensive estate listed for sale in Sarasota County for a mere $16.9 million.

So as we gear up for some summer fun and vacation time, relax in knowing that our real estate market IS in recovery. And why wouldn’t it be? Who wouldn’t want to live on the Culture Coast? We just have to learn from the tenuous past few years and make sure the mistakes and greed of our last great slide don’t happen to us again. I find it hard to believe we would let them!

12

scene |

June 2012

scenesarasota.com

Quality time is precious.

The Kitchen & Bath Professionals One Call | One Team | One Place

We don’t want to waste any for you.

Sterling has the people, the products and the technology to make your kitchen or bath remodeling experience enjoyable, orderly, on time and on budget. Visit our showroom and see for yourself. From customized design, to the latest, high quality products, to the most experienced managers and installers, Sterling will make your remodeling dream a reality for most every budget. Many projects require only 1 to 2 weeks of construction time and we GUARANTEE it! Our competitors won’t!

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scene

Locally Owned, Operated & Printed For More Than 55 Years CEO/Publisher: Ronald Milton Executive Editor: Julie A. Milton Editorial Assistant: Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong Senior Account Executive: Wanda Martinetto Special Issue Director: Debbi Benedict Art and Production Director: Michelle Cross Contributing Writers: Debbi Benedict, Sue Cullen, Gus Mollasis, Steven J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave, Joy Weston

Photographers: Keith A. Millard, Cliff Roles, Rob Villetto

A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVE

Principal Office & Mailing Address: 7269 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34241 941-365-1119 • Fax: 941-954-5067 SCENESARASOTA.COM SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year by RJM

Ventures, LLC. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufficient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, art work and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged.

Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $19.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

Special Publications:

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Apply Now Pre-K3 through 12th grade www.saintstephens.org 941-746-2121

14

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June 2012

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County's Arts & Culture Guide Doctors On The Scene The Giving Book Leading the Scene Men On The Scene Women On The Scene

A World-class Education Get the free mobile app for your phone

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scenesarasota.com

N o r t o n ,

H a m m e r s l e y ,

L o p e z

&

S k o k o s ,

P . A .

Real Estate Practice Group attorneys Mike Infanti, Sam Norton, and Pete Skokos

Traditional Values.

Fresh Ideas.

For more than 20 years, Gulf Coast residents and businesses have trusted Norton-Hammersley for proactive counsel and personal commitment. With eleven attorneys practicing corporate, tax, real estate, construction, banking and probate law, as well as estate planning and litigation, Norton-Hammersley has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating. Visit www.nhlslaw.com or call us to learn more.

Sarasota City Center Suite 610 1819 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone: (941) 954-4691 Fax (941) 954-2128

www.nhlslaw.com

Family

is Life.

Enjoy it to the Fullest.

Laurel Oak

T H E P R E M I E R FA M I LY C O U N T RY C LU B

Member-owned since 1999, at Laurel Oak you will find very warm, welcoming, and friendly members. With abundant natural beauty teeming with wildlife, the Club’s many amenities include 36 holes of championship golf, 12 Har Tru tennis courts, a junior Olympic-size pool and a 45,000 sq ft clubhouse.

Whether you play golf or tennis, or like to socialize, dine and party with friends in a warm and inviting environment, we have a membership plan for your lifestyle. In addition to our retired members, there are many young families at Laurel Oak, giving the Club a very energetic, highly participatory membership with many family-oriented events throughout the year.

We invite you for a Club tour anytime or take advantage of our try-us-out membership, designed to allow you to experience Laurel Oak Country Club, with virtually all the privileges of a full member, before making the commitment to full membership.

Call today for your personal tour. Enjoy family and life to the fullest at Laurel Oak.

Secure your spot in one of Sarasota’s finest family country clubs. Schedule a private tour today.

941-378-3399 2700 Gary Player Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34240 www.laureloak.com A Private Club

scene | social

Look No Further Melba Gets Results

7 TH ANNUAL DICK VITALE GALA

M

ore than 800 people including 70 sports and entertainment celebrities crowded the Ritz-Carlton for the Seventh Annual Dick Vitale Gala to hear Dick Vitale’s

passionate plea to raise money in the fight against pediatric cancer through The V Foundation for Cancer Research. The event, hosted by ESPN’s John Saunders, honored Villanova University men’s basketball coach Jay Wright, former University of Maryland men’s basketball coach Gary Williams and college football coaching legend Lou Holtz.

Attendees enjoyed an after party with live music from R&B group The Spinners. The

In the top 2%

event, which raised well over $1 million, benefits research initiatives at All Children’s

when compared to all 3,200 Realtors in 2011 in Sarasota

“Our home really stood out due to Melba’s knowledge and marketing expertise and she sold it in only 34 days!”

– Jim and Nancy Fitch “I have been involved in multi-million dollar real estate deals for the past 40 years and I can confidently recommend Melba as being, by far, the best Realtor I ever dealt with.”

– Dick Pittenger

Melba Jimenez

Center in Gainesville. Since the event’s inception in 2006, the Vitale Gala has raised more than $8 million for cancer research.

Photography by Cliff Roles

“Your efforts in marketing our condo resulted in so many showings and better yet, a sale! It is obvious you are a hard worker and enjoy selling real estate” – Neil Goeppinger

Hospital in St. Petersburg, the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and Shands Cancer

Maurice & Vanessa Opstal, Matt & Megan Otto & Larry & Jennifer Fox

P.A.

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(941) 951-6660 W (941) 356-3970 C

Jay Wright & Gary Williams

Lou Holtz

Rick Pitino

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Fluent in Spanish and English Five Time Winner of “Best In Client Satisfaction” Award.

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18

scene |

June 2012

Dick Vitale & Mary Kenealy Barbetta

Ricky & Catherina Watters scenesarasota.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

THE SECRET THREAT TO YOUR RETIREMENT Courtesy of:

Ernie B. Garcia

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

N

Figures in the table were computed by Genworth based on the information from the 2011 Cost of Care Survey and represent private room costs for an individual in a nursing home, assuming a 5% annual increase.

o one wants to think about a time when they might need care for an extended period; it is an

uncomfortable situation to contemplate.

Long-term Care Defined

Yet with a population living longer than

Long-term care is service provided to

any generation before them, it’s important

anyone with a chronic disease, disability

to plan for that possibility. Approximately

or sudden illness who requires assistance

70% of Americans over the age of 65 will

with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such

need some form of long-term care during

as eating, bathing, dressing or moving

their lifetime 1—but many people first learn

from a bed to a chair. It also includes

about long-term care when they or a

supervision of people with severe cognitive

loved one need care. By that time, their

impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease

options are typically limited due to lack of information, the immediate need for services or insufficient resources to pay for services. Planning ahead allows you to have more control over your future.

or other mental illnesses that can limit a person’s ability to think or reason.

Understanding Long-term Care Insurance Many people purchase long-term care insurance to help protect their

The Cost of Long-Term Care Long-term care costs have soared in recent years and are expected to continue to rise. While there are several options to consider for funding long-term care — government-sponsored programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, for example —the reality is that many people will end up paying for long-term care expenses with their own resources. In 2010, 56% of individuals used their own savings to pay long-term care costs; another 32% relied on money from family and friends to supplement those expenses. 2 With the median annual cost of home care assistance at $43,472 3 today, if you need long-term care the cost of it could easily deplete your savings.

assets from depletion in the event they ever need the services previously discussed. Long-term care insurance generally provides coverage to those who are unable to perform two or more ADLs or require substantial supervision due to a severe cognitive impairment for at least 90 days.

The long-term care services can be received at home, in a nursing home, in an assisted living facility or in a community facility—as long as it is provided in accordance with a plan of care prescribed by a licensed health care practioner.

Questions to Ask When Considering Long-term Care Insurance When shopping for long-term care insurance, compare the features of

The Cost of a Private Room in a Nursing Home 1 YEAR OF CARE 3 YEARS OF CARE

policies and consider the following questions.

5 YEARS OF CARE

Coverage

Cost today $77,745

$245,091

$429,590

• What services are included in the coverage?

In 10 years $120,608

$380,217

$666,435

• Does the policy cover nursing home, custodial care or personal care,

In 20 years $196,458

$619,333

$1,085,553

or a combination of these services?

advice about your estate, your business, your philanthropic giving, your

stock position and your lending needs. At Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Benefits

Taxes

full range •ofAreservices to help you grow, protect and transfer your• wealth. benefits paid monthly or daily?

Are there tax implications when purchasing a long-term care insurance • Does the policy have a maximum lifetime limit?

policy or receiving benefits? Consult a tax advisor to learn more about

• Do I have to meet eligibility requirements before I can collect benefits?

the tax implications of long-term care insurance.

mail me for a complimentary consultation to discuss how I can Requirements could include assistance with daily living activities,

with your wealth planning andhospital objectives. cognitive impairment, or goals a prerequisite stay before

PS-1725

you are

eligible to receive nursing home benefits.

Protect Your Family and Your Assets Understandably, there are some difficult decisions that come with long-term care planning. However, a long-term care insurance policy

Elimination Period

can be a valuable extension of your existing risk management strategy.

• How long will I need to wait before I can begin receiving benefits?

By owning a long-term care insurance policy, you provide your loved

Typically the longer the period, the lower the cost of the policy.

ones with greater options for your care while relieving them from full-

• Can I afford to pay for long-term care services out of pocket until the

Ernie B. Garcia

elimination period ends?

Benefits protection

time caregiver responsibilities. Plus, with a bit of foresight, you can help protect your savings against the potential risk of long-term care

expenses so that you can focus on your other financial goals. Start the Senior Vice President - Wealth Management discussion with your loved ones today.

Senior Investment Management Consultant

• Does the policy have benefit protection features? Some policies have

2 North Trail,cost) Suite 1100 inflation-protection riders (availableTamiami for an additional that can help Florida 34236 keep the value of yourSarasota, coverage in pace with the rising cost of care.

941.364.7405 800.237.9441 ext. 405

For More Information If you’d like to learn more, please contact Ernie B. Garcia, 941.364.7405, www.fa.smithbarney.com/ernie_garcia.

ernie.b.garcia@mssb.com www.fa.smithbarney.com/ernie_garcia

Ernie B. Garcia Senior Vice President - Wealth Management Senior Investment Management Consultant 1 National Clearinghouse for Long-term Care Information website, 2011 2 Genworth 2011 Cost of Care Survey conducted by CareScout, April 2011. Annual cost computed based on $19 per hour and 44 hours of help per week.

3 Lincoln Financial Life Stages Survey: Long-Term Care, September/October 2010, www.LincolnFinancial.com

27 Years of Experience

Call or email me for a complimentary consultation and a second opinion of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended your investment portfolio. licensed insurance agency affiliate(s). or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed

Tax laws are complex and subject to change.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, itsfor matters involving taxation on the taxpayer.

Clients should consult their tax advisor affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding andimposed other legal matters. tax penalties that may be on the taxpayer. Individuals are urged to consult their personal tax or legal advisors to understand the tax and legal consequences of any actions, including implementation of any estate planning strategies or investments described herein.

941.364.7405 800.237.9441 ext. 405

©2010 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC

© 2012 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC457992 (02/12)

ernie.b.garcia@mssb.com Please visit my website for timely news and articles:

www.fa.smithbarney.com/ernie_garcia Follow me on

2 North Tamiami Trail, Suite 1100, Sarasota, Florida 34236

@ErnieGMSSB

bescene

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

Selby Gardens photo by Cliff Roles.

Farmer’s Market at San Marco Plaza

Tony Awards on the Big Screen

Every Friday from June 1 through August 31 San Marco Plaza, Lake-

June 10 Players Theatre 7:00 pm. Celebrate a night at the Tonys with the

wood Ranch 9:00 am. More than 35 vendors of fresh produce, seafood,

Players: rub elbows with your favorite performers and vote on choices for

cut flowers, coffees, pottery, herbs, and more. Free admission; benefits

winners of the night, complete with prizes and Broadway-themed food and

The Humane Society of Manatee County. 941.799.4213 |

drinks. Tickets: $15 | 941.365.2494 | theplayers.org

sanmarcoplaza.com

11th Annual St. Armands Craft Festival Savor Sarasota

June 11 – 12 St. Armands Circle Park 10:00 am. Featuring more than 175

June 1 – 14. Sarasota celebrates the highest concentration of Zagat-rated

artisans and crafters. Open to the public. starmandscircleassoc.com

restaurants in Florida with two weeks of three course feasts from participating restaurants. $15 for lunch; $25 for dinner | savorsarasota.com

AJC Summer Lunch and Learn June 13 Polo Grill 11:00 am. American Jewish Committee presents a sum-

World Oceans Day Family Festival

mer speaker series; this event features General Counsel Marc D. Stern.

June 2 Mote Aquarium 11:00 am. Family festival at Mote Aquarium cel-

Benefits the AJC. Tickets: $25 | 941.365.4955 | ajc.org

ebrating world oceans and the amazing creatures that live in them. Free with admission to the Mote Marine Aquarium. 941.388.4441 | mote.org

20th Anniversary Downtown Venice Craft Festival June 16 – 17 Miami Avenue. Some of the nation’s best crafters will offer

Art After 5

booths filled with paintings, stained glass, photography, personalized products

Every Thursday from June 2 through August 25 Ringling Museum

for children and dogs alike, and much more. 941.484.6722 | artfestival.com

5:00 pm. Enjoy the Museum of Art’s permanent collection and special exhibition galleries, and cocktails and conversation on the loggia. Cash bar

MAW's A Midsummer Night’s Wish

and seating available. Tickets: $10 | 941.359.5700 | ringling.org

June 23 Ritz Carlton Members Beach Club 6:00 pm. Delicious food and drink and great music poolside; event benefits the Make-a-Wish Founda-

Sarasota Music Festival

tion. Tickets: $100-200 | 941.952.9474 | wishcentral.org

June 4 – 23. The Festival runs each Thursday through Saturday the first three weeks of June and includes artist showcases at Sarasota Or-

Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Festival

chestra’s Holley Hall and Saturday Symphonies at the Sarasota Opera

June 23 – July 4 This week-long celebration is filled with fun, excitement and a

House. 941.906.1555 | sarasotaorchestra.org/sarasotamusicfestival/

variety of events up to and around the powerboat race. Benefits the Suncoast

festival.cfm

Charities for Children. 941.371.8820 ext. 1800 | suncoastoffshore.org

22

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June 2012

scenesarasota.com

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scene | social

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Pamper yourself at our award-winning Indonesian-infused holistic and medical day spa.

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Y Foundation Cirque Du Gold

M

ore than 400 people were wined and dined at the Y Foundation’s Cirque du Photography by Cliff Roles

Gold event with catering by Michael’s on East. Co-chairs Debbie Dannheisser,

Denise Mei and Dawn Epstein, along with event planner Jennifer Grondahl and Steve Patmagrian, pulled out all the stops in creating a colorful entertainment event centered around the circus theme. The evening featured performances by the talented Cirque Vertigo troupe and Nashville songwriter/singer Angela Kaset. Guests bid on three live auction valued at $230,000 with Tim Wilkins. A surprise ending that added considerable dollars to the coffers was Michael Klauber, who jumped on stage announcing that Y Foundation Prez Karin Gustafson would be retiring early next year and in her honor then put up for bid two dinners to be prepared by the Klaubers in their home.

Lynn Weddington & Michael Welly

Tom Schroeter & Kim Githler

Paul Bowman, Denise Mei, Dawn Epstein, Debbie Dannheisser & Karin Gustafson

Ron & Janis Collier

Jeff & Molly Jackson

Ultimate Customer Service...

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Cell: 941.685.3198 Office: 941.951.6660 DeniseMei@michaelsaunders.com 1801 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 DeniseMei.michaelsaunders.com scenesarasota.com

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Laurel Ridge Country Club

Enjoy championship golf, tennis, swimming & fine dining

Laurel Ridge Country Club is the perfect gathering place to rendezvous with old friends and make new ones!

Smoky Mountain Retreat

& the

Together they create an unparalleled lifestyle in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina The Smoky Mountain Retreat is nestled among the picturesque mountains of Western North Carolina only minutes from the Laurel Ridge Clubhouse. Plan a visit and stay in one of our luxury log home rentals while you search for your own dream home in the mountains.

We have a large inventory of home sites and completed homes, with breathtaking views

AT BARGAIN PRICES The market is improving rapidly but there is still time to find an exceptional buy!

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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A BUYERS MARKET! HOUSE/LOT PACKAGES FROM Contact Ron at 941.288.4282 or email at laurelridgeron@verizon.net

$275,000

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CHILDREN FIRST’S MEET ME AT THE TROPICANA GALA

A

t Children First’s Meet Me at the Tropicana Gala, 300 guests were transported to 1950s Cuba Photography by Cliff Roles

through the beautiful décor and themed meal recalling the classic Tropicana Nightclub. Children First President & CEO Philip Tavill shared with guests the mission and vision of the organization, explaining that proceeds from the event will fund childcare and scholarship assistance, purchase classroom supplies, provide nutritious daily meals, and support family strengthening programs for over 500 of Sarasota County’s neediest children.

John & Elenor Maxheim & Philip Tavill

Jo Rutstein

Dr. Heidi Anderson

Christian Ziegler & Bridget McGrath with Al & Kelly Purmort

Roger & Alisa Pettingell

Carol Butera with Carter & Kevin Donovan

Uniquely Beautiful... ����������������������������������

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MK Designs & The Golden Image Jewelry Store ������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������� �������������������

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CVA HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON

T

NO CHILD SHOULD GO WITHOUT HEALTHCARE

he Community Video Archives inducted four outstanding women into the CVA “Hall of Fame” at their annual Luncheon

celebration. The enthusiastic audience of almost 450 people viewed clips of the biographical videos, professionally produced

by CVA, and heard brief acceptance speeches from honorees Kim Githler, Debra Jacobs, Linda DesMarais and Betty Schoenbaum.

The complete DVDs are available for borrowing, like books, from any Sarasota County Public Library, the Jane Cook Library at New College and numerous other venues.

Your

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gift to

Front: Betty Schoenbaum, Debra Jacobs, Linda Desmarais & Kim Githler Back: Annette Scherman & Chris Pfahler

Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center

18 11,000

The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center needs your agencies help building a larger Children’s Health facility to provide affordable, accessible, and high quality client visits. healthcare for kids like Maria.

benefits

Serving Stephanie Shaw & Michael Saunders

Paul Hudson, Wendy Resnick & Phil Delaney

She is just one of more than 11,000 in our community receiving services at the Center every month.

Every month.

When planning your charitable giving, we ask you to consider the EVERY DOLLAR HELP US MATCH OUR GRANT! tremendous influence of a donation to Glasser/Schoenbaum Human RAISED WILL BE DOUBLED TO HELP AT-RISK Services Center. Please call Executive CHILDREN Director Phil King toTHE discuss the RECEIVE CARE THEY NEED. impact that you can have on the lives of so many.

1750 17th Street, Building J-One Sarasota, FL 34234 • 941-365-4545 gs-humanservices.org

Fran Dietz, Velda Turner & Jane Kirschner-Tuccillo scenesarasota.com

1750 17th Street, Sarasota 34234 | 941.365.4545 Phil King, Executive Director email: pking@gs-humanservices.org June 2012

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NEW COLLEGE’S PIQUE-NIQUE SUR LA BAIE

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he Bayside Gardens at New College of Florida were the perfect setting for the soldPhotography by Cliff Roles

out 29th Annual Pique-nique sur la Baie, which beneďŹ tted the New College Library Association.

Over 400 attendees donned customary hats and enjoyed a luncheon and fashion show produced

by Saks Fifth Avenue. Chaired by Aimee Cogan, event proceeds are used to purchase books and other materials for the Jane Bancroft Library at New College of Florida.

Paula Weisman, Jen Fox & Adora Thompson

Pat Thompson, Jane Summerville-Kiebitz, Debbi Benedict & Marilee Roberts

Chris Voelker & Alex Miller

Nora Johnson, Graci McGillicuddy, Nancy Wagner & Jennie Famiglio

Jacqueline Morton & Jackie Massey

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Aimee Cogan & Sally Schule

Deborah Blue, Margaret Wise & BJ Creighton

Ping Faulhaber, Kelly Gettel & Michelle Harvey

Jen Fox & Lindsay Mertzlufft scenesarasota.com

scene | arts & culture PRESENTED BY:

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This June and July, get kinda’ cage-y with dance, experience the tensions of South Africa, tickle your funny bone with improv, and explore the world’s oceans.

1) World Oceans Day June 2 Mote Aquarium’s World Oceans Day Family Festival will celebrate the world’s oceans through

2

entertainment and educational activities for children and families from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, June 2. Event highlights include games and crafts focused on green practices, marine exploration and conservation facilitated by Mote and other local organizations. The event includes activities such as face painting, marine magnets, coloring murals and much more!

Why It Matters: World Oceans Day is our planet’s biggest celebration of the oceans. This festival encourages our community to reach out to young people and help inspire them. The 2012 theme is “Youth: the Next Wave for Change.” The future of ocean conservation is in the hands of our youth and this festival gives them a chance to spark their interest. Sarasota being a Gulf-front community, it is important that youth understand that we must conserve its

3

beauty for present and future generations.

The festival is free with paid admission to Mote.

Photo courtesy of John Revisky/Mote Marine Laboratory.

2) A Lesson from Aloes June 28-July 15 Set in the home of an Afrikaner and his wife just after the failed Apartheid uprising, the couple has a devoted loyalty to the cause but feel a sense of failure which has led them to become dissolute. They are awaiting the arrival of their former compatriots, a black couple so affected

4

by the turmoil that they are about to leave the country. When the husband arrives alone, the two men have an emotional exploration of what has come to divide them. A New York Drama Critics’ Circle Best Play Award Winner.

Why It Matters: This play received reviews that applauded its treatment of race relations in South Africa as well as its dramatic structure. In his essay on Fugard’s plays, Michael J. Collins wrote that A Lesson from Aloes manages “without ever ignoring or mitigating the horrors of life in South Africa, to move beyond the particulars of place and affirm, in a world of cruelty and suffering, the value and dignity of human life everywhere.”

A Lesson from Aloes by Athol Fugard is at the Banyan Theater June 28-July 15 (tickets $28.50; box office 941-351-2808; website banyantheatercompany.com)

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Simply the best Italian food in town.

Restaurant & Wine Bar 5104 Ocean Boulevard | Siesta Key | 941-349-1423

3) Kinda’ Cage-y June 29 Fuzión Dance Artists director-dancer-choreographer extraordi-

You can dream it, we can build it!

naire Leymis Wilmott and internationally-known composer-pianist Francis Schwartz will collaborate to perform Schwartz’ composition “Kinda’ Cage-y” on the evening of June 29th in Felding Hall at the Sarasota Opera House as part of Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s “Celebrate Sarasota” Summer Music Festival.

Why It Matters: “Celebrate Sarasota” merges performances by nationally recognized professional musicians with a wide array of Sarasota area professional musicians, dancers, and actors in ten totally unique one-hour presentations. Fuzión Dance Artists is again featured in the evening performance on June 30th as dancer Jahrel Thompson is joined by drummer Scott Blum performing “Boom Boom Bah.” In all, performers from 16 organizations and 15 independent musicians will perform in the festival. Single tickets are $25.00, with discounts for multiple performances. For tickets and complete details visit www.artistseriesconcerts.org or call 941.360.7399.

To learn more about Fuzión Dance Artists, visit us online at www. fuziondance.org or by calling 941-345-5755.

4) Sarasota Improv Festival July 20-21 Florida Studio Theatre’s Sarasota Improv Festival brings two nights of comedy to Downtown Sarasota with ten of the hottest groups on the Improv scene nationwide. Acts from all over the country will perform on the Cabaret stage in the festival. It will also feature Improv workshops taught by the professional Improvisers attending the festival. This is a must-see event for anyone with a funny bone!

Why It Matters: Last year the Sarasota Improv Festival brought more than 60 performers to Sarasota from New York, Chicago, Atlanta and more. The festival was such a success that performances were moved to a larger venue to accommodate all the Improv enthusiasts who traveled from all over the South to the scene for a nonstop weekend of comedy. The festival is a great way for theatre patrons to experience a little piece of what the Sarasota art scene has to offer, and also offers a chance for local artist to improve their Improv skills through master classes taught by professionals.

Visit SarasotaArts.org for additional events, artist profiles and in-

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formation about Sarasota’s exciting season of arts and culture. scenesarasota.com

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scene | social

Florida Winefest & Auction

T

he 22nd Annual Florida Winefest Grand Tasting,

Brunch, and Charity auction held at the Polo Grill Photography by Cliff Roles

in Lakewood Ranch was a huge success. Proceeds from this event will benefit various disadvantaged children’s charities in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Over $7.5 million dollars has been awarded to 76 different nonprofit organizations since 1991.

Save the date for next year, when Florida Winefest & Auction will present “Sarasota Wine and Hot Air Balloon Festival” in April 2013!

Sandy Loevner & Steve Becker

Jennifer Blinkhorn, Marion Levine, Stew & Marji Bitterman

Julie Schroeder, Jaymie Klauber & Lisa Barnott

Amy & Ken Sussman with Laura & Dan Carnevale

Meredith Caruso & Katherine Hartman

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Pam Revels & David Yarletts

Tina Pontoni, Pamela Myers & Lisa West

Cathy Rustin & Barbara Staton

Marcia Dove & Mark Ruffalo

Dr. Joe & Elena Balzano scenesarasota.com

scene | social FST’S HEGNER THEATRE WING CORNERSTONE UNVEILING

F

lorida Studio Theatre’s staff and supporters recently gathered to

Your story continues here...

unveil the cornerstone on the Hegner Theatre Wing – part of the New

Gompertz Theatre capital improvement campaign made possible by the Hegner Family Foundation that includes renovating the Gompertz Theatre and constructing an addition with two new theatre spaces downtown.

Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, Associate Director Kate Alexander, Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins, Architects Jon Potvin and Alan Anderson, and FST Board of Trustees Chair Dennis McGillicuddy were joined by Sarasota County Commissioner Jon Thaxton and 40 donors, supporters, and staff members to celebrate the progress of the project and take private tours of the construction.

Toby & Eugene Halpern

Georgia Court & Kate Alexander

Betty & Richard Hegner

Sy & Shelley Goldblatt

You’ve worked hard all your life. You’ve raised family, taken care of others and served your community.

Along the way you’ve had some fun, experienced some heartache … and prepared so that one day you could enjoy the retirement lifestyle of your dreams. Well, that day is here and that place is Freedom Village Bradenton. We provide a lifestyle where you can do everything you want, while we take care of everything you need. We make the repairs; you can come and go as you please. We do the cooking; you do the dining.

We do the driving; you enjoy the ride. We do the landscaping; you smell the roses.

Best of all, your incredible new lifestyle comes with our exclusive Life Care Guarantee. Come visit Freedom Village soon and discover what the next chapter of your story holds.

To learn more or to schedule your personal visit, call (888) 904-2951.

From right to left: Carol Berry Director of Sales & Marketing Eleanor Lee Sales Counselor Kelly King Marketing & Event Coordinator

Jane Baisley, Carol Poteat-Buchanan, Phyllis Silverman & Barbara J. Lupoff

Your story continues here...

A Life Care Community 6406 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209 www.brookdaleliving.com Richard Hopkins, Dennis McGillicuddy & Jules Rose scenesarasota.com

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LAKEWOOD R ANCH COMMUNITY FUND GALA T

he Fete Ballroom was transformed into a magical evening for the 9th annual Lakewood Ranch Photography by Cliff Roles

Community Fund Gala. Over 200 guests enjoyed the Las Vegas themed event, which included casino tables, entertainment, delightful cuisine and a flambé station. Chaired by Barbara Najmy and Ron Masseo, the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in and near our community by promoting philanthropy, responding to community needs and granting funds.

Darrell Turner & Lynn Ross

Barb & Keith Davey with Cassandra Holmes

Kathy & Chuck Collums

Barbara Najmy & Ron Masseo

Rick & Coni Fawley with Lynn & Arthur Guilford

Diane Brune & Jeff Burkee

ENJOY YOUR BACKYARD WITH YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS IN THE PERFECT OUTDOOR SETTING.

Lloyd/Flanders

Patio Factory Supercenter 5615 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207 • 941-739-7711

3855 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 • 941-925-1986

www.patiofactorysupercenter.com

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SFF CINEMA TROPICALE H

undreds of film supporters attended The Sarasota

Film Festival’s island-themed celebration Cinema Photography by Cliff Roles

Tropicale at the gorgeous Sarasota Yacht Club. Guests mingled with celebrities including Dominic Monaghan and Penelope Ann Miller amidst a tropical atmosphere and enjoyed themed dining selections, cocktails, live music, and spirited dancing. The Flying Wallenda Family delighted guests with a high wire performance just before the night’s end. The evening was a memorable celebration of Sarasota, filmmakers, and the Sarasota Film Festival.

Frances Broussard, Roy Dupuis & Judy Holiday

Sam Davidson & Joshua Kehn

Geoff Bicknell, Nancy Mina & Jay Berman

Greg & Tatiana Twarowski, Kristi & Alberto Gutierrez

Lauren Walsh, Shirley Lascelle, Jennie & Mark Famiglio

Elegance Within Reach.

Surround yourself with beautiful cabinetry by choosing from over 100 door styles, wood species and finish combinations to transform your space into the home of your dreams.

Complete Home Renovations

941-342-3443

www.CabinetsExtra.com scenesarasota.com

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scene | giving

The Artful Donors Philanthropists Malouf and Therese Abraham’s generosity, love of the arts and keen wit add up to a legacy that will stand the test of time.

By Steven J. Smith | Photo of Dr. Malouf & Therese Abraham by Cliff Roles

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“I believe in the saying, ‘If it is to be, it is up to me,’” Malouf said. “We believe in historic preservation — things that would be torn down, if we had not stepped in — and even tree planting. Those things will go on beyond our lifetime.”

Dr. Malouf Abraham, Jr. and his wife Therese have made it their mis-

plant to Southwestern Public Service Company, and got a bond

sion in life to share their good fortune with the world by leaving a legacy

issue passed to improve our water and sewer systems.”

of art they have collected that will live on long after they’re gone.

The couple started wintering in Sarasota in 2001 and not long thereThe couple’s art collection consists of over 150 paintings, numer-

after joined forces with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

ous sculptures, and more than 250 antiques. It is housed in their former residence in Canadian, Texas, a reconverted Baptist church

In support of research indicating that the fastest-growing, high-

they named the Citadelle — 8,000 square feet of floor space, fab-

est-paying jobs will require proficiency in science, technology,

ulous brickwork, tall white columns, and stained glass windows,

engineering, and math, or STEM disciplines, Gulf Coast has

surrounded by lush gardens comprised of nine adjacent properties

committed $2.5 million to a five-year education partnership

the Abrahams secured. To learn more, visit www.thecitadelle.org.

with the Sarasota and Charlotte county school districts called STEMsmart. To prepare students for these opportunities, indi-

“I believe in the saying, ‘If it is to be, it is up to me,’” Malouf said.

vidual donors like the Abrahams, investments from the school

“We believe in historic preservation — things that would be torn

districts, and local and national businesses have enhanced Gulf

down, if we had not stepped in — and even tree planting. Those

Coast’s funding of STEMsmart.

things will go on beyond our lifetime.”

The Abrahams, through Gulf Coast, have directed gifts to Sarasota Although Malouf was born to wealthy businessman and politician

High School’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Malouf Abraham Sr. who made his fortune in the oil and natural

(STEM) program, the Sailor Circus, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts,

gas business, he made his own way in the world by earning a

Dreams Are Free, which educates children with special learning

medical degree as a young man. Drafted into the Vietnam War as

needs, and Children First, which serves over 550 of Sarasota Coun-

an intern, Malouf remained stateside and received the Air Force

ty’s lowest income children from birth to five years of age.

Commendation Medal as a captain and military doctor for his work treating military personnel and their families with allergies.

Malouf said that one thing more important than giving money is involving oneself directly in projects that benefit the community.

“I figured I could take dead germs and use them to stimulate immune systems, and it worked,” he said. “I did other things like

“We think the new class system will be manners, not money,

deliver babies. I really enjoyed that, and they appreciated me go-

which is the most false god of all,” he said. “Money will not buy

ing the extra mile.”

you good kids — in fact, quite the opposite. Once your reasonable needs are met, the rest should be used to make the world

Following his military hitch, Malouf and Therese moved back to

a better place.”

Canadian, where he operated an allergy clinic for 35 years. During that time, Therese made a splash in local politics by serving

Malouf added that the couple wants to see their good works take

as Canadian’s mayor for five two-year terms.

root and bear some fruit while they’re alive to see it, rather than long after they’re gone.

“You learn on the job as a mayor,” Therese said. “It takes time to get things done, but I got the streets paved by selling our light scenesarasota.com

“And we want the check to the undertaker to bounce,” he said.

June 2012

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SUPER LUXURY

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THE MOST EXPENSIVE ESTATE FOR SALE IN SARASOTA COUNTY

S

ecluded, secure and breathtakingly scenic, the eight-mile barrier island of Casey Key is nestled serenely between the Gulf of Mexico and Little Sarasota Bay. It is an exclusive playground for those craving sun, sea, sand and privacy and it currently boasts the most expensive home for

sale in Sarasota County.

Spanning over 300 feet of pristine white sand beach, a walled and gated compound with three separate custom residences majestically stands on nearly three lushly landscaped, Gulf-to-Bay acres.

The two principal homes in the compound share unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico, a seaside sculpture garden, a spectacular pool with cascading rock fountain, and access to two private boat docks. A third home hugs the scenic shoreline of Little Sarasota Bay and features three bedrooms, three baths and a caged pool overlooking the bay.

A newly-resurfaced tennis court, lighted for nighttime play, is situated between the two Gulf front homes. Several dining and sun decks with flawless water views and the estate’s private beach make this setting an absolute one-of-a-kind jewel for entertaining or watching our legendary sunsets. A private boardwalk provides beach entry.

If you have double digit millions burning a hole in your pocket, ($16.9 million to be precise) it is offered for sale by Nancy Moore and Terri Healey with Michael Saunders & Company (941.374.2200).

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CLEAR VISION

By Sue Cullen

Beautiful view of the Braden River from The Vision Group’s West Indies model home in Marshall’s Landing.

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The Vision Group team of Cary Vorbeck, Jim Powers and Mike Padgett.

The Sarasota real estate market has heated up this year to levels

parable construction.” Specializing in “on your lot” construction, The

it hasn’t seen since the boom days, and the area west of the Trail is

Vision Group can provide the option of design-build services for those

smokin’ hot with a resurgence of new construction and major remod-

wanting the flexibility of building the dream home they always wanted.

eling projects. The Vision Group is helping to lead the way and bring

Or homeowners may choose among a wide variety of designs from

a fresher look to the long-established neighborhoods that make up

The Vision Group’s vast portfolio of plans.

this esteemed area with homes that reflect a modern-day take on its architectural traditions.

An understanding of the shifts in the marketplace and the desire to deliver what today’s homeowners want is what brought three friends

Historically a highly desirable area in Sarasota to live, work and

together to form The Vision Group in 2010. Each member of the team

play, it’s not surprising that 90 building permits have been pulled west

brings a well-established track record in Sarasota real estate to the

of the Trail, from Mound Street to the Southpointe Shores area. It is in-

mix, says Padgett, who many may remember as the owner of Vision

teresting to see homebuyers in these areas taking a fresh, bolder view

Homes. With 20 years of real estate experience, he also holds a real

when it comes to both style and size of new construction. The typi-

estate sales associate license which has proven advantageous, par-

cal Mediterranean exteriors are giving way to the Plantation and West

ticularly for owners who are underwater in their properties. Jim Powers

Indies styles of architecture, says Michael Padgett, sales manager for

is a licensed general contractor who has had a hand in more than 400

The Vision Group. The Vision Group focuses on new construction as

projects in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. He uses his 20 years of expe-

well as building additions to existing homes in this area with a particular

rience in new construction and remodeling to oversee clients’ projects

specialty in Southside Village, the flower streets such as Hibiscus and

from pulling the permits to handing them the keys to the front door. The

Grove as well as waterfront properties.

third member is Cary Vorbeck, The Vision Group’s owner and CEO.

“We have found that people are looking for affordable custom built

Vorbeck brings extensive expertise in commercial real estate manage-

homes that offer luxury amenities, and that is exactly what we deliver,”

ment and development to the team. His experience allows The Vision

Padgett said. “With the lessons that we have learned from the past

Group to venture into the realm of building a new commercial building,

few years, we’re structured with very low overhead so we can offer

updating office space or giving a facelift to a strip mall.

higher-end homes that are 6 to 8 percent more affordable than comscenesarasota.com

The company’s current projects showcase the group’s wide range June 2012

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The Vision Group’s West Indies model home on the Braden River. of residential and commercial capabilities, including a new waterfront

out the building process. “A certain amount of hand holding goes with

custom home in Siesta Cove, a Key West style home on a canal

each project,” says Powers, “depending on whether the homeowner

near Siesta Key Village, three custom homes in Harbor Acres, and

has been through the experience before or not.” Padgett not only

two custom homes on the flower streets west of the Trail as well as

works with clients through the sales process, he is also involved in

renovating a 3,000-square-foot office space in Ft. Myers. The Vision

each step along the way: budgeting materials, time schedules, and

Group is also on the forefront of remodeling projects, which include

handling any changes that arise during construction. “That personal-

a 1,000 square foot addition to a 1970s era home in Phillippi Creek

ized service is one of the things that sets us apart,” he said. “Not only

and a two-bedroom with bath addition in Bent Tree Woodlands along

does it keep our overhead low, it also helps our clients because they

with a garage expansion.

deal directly with one of the members of the company and this helps

When it comes to newly built homes in well established neighbor-

eliminate the chances for communications to break down.”

hoods such as those west of the Trail, Powers says, “We do our best

Another way The Vision Group helps to ensure a client’s dream

to be sure the new home fits in as much as possible, and that includes

home matches the finished reality is by providing a unique 3-D color

preserving the mature trees that give these neighborhoods their char-

rendering of the home to help the homeowner visualize the end prod-

acter.” With its remodeling work, he says they are sensitive to the im-

uct. “We also aren’t as rigid when it comes to having the clients pick

pact of what such a major project usually has on the family still living in

out the little things like cabinet hardware and doorknobs in the early

the home while the work is going on. “Whether it is to increase the size

stages of construction,” says Vorbeck. “We know these things are im-

of the home, make changes to fit the lifestyles of today’s empty nesters

portant to the overall look and feel of the home, but for some it can be

or simply to update and refresh the look of the home, we take every

difficult to make those selections until they see how the space looks.

measure we can to make the experience as pleasurable as possible,”

It’s hard to make a decision from just a color swatch, and we are able

he says. “We can erect Visqueen walls and, if needed, install air filtra-

to give them that flexibility.”

tion to keep the dust to a minimum. Whether it is a new construction or remodeling project, we want it to be a fun experience for people.”

The Vision Group has also completed a model home in Marshall’s Landing off State Route 70, which is a great way to give prospective

Their company slogan “Building with our eye on the details” means

clients a chance to see the quality of its construction, Padgett said.

that Padgett and Powers both work closely with homeowners through-

Marshall’s Landing is a new neighborhood and is offering 36 home

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Rendering of West Indies style home by The Vision Group. sites on the Braden River with homes starting under $500,000. The featured model is a 2,865 square foot home, showcasing a Florida Coastal style that is fun and relaxing as well as functional.

to 6,000 square feet. It is listed at $1.35 million.

Another advantage of his status as a licensed real estate salesperson is the help Padgett can bring to homeowners who are upside

The home features three bedrooms and three baths and is laid out

down on their properties. He consults with them regarding the current

in a greatroom design with a movie theater/bonus room on the second

value of their property and potentially tying in a building project to in-

floor. Outdoor areas include a pool, paver patio and dock, which can

crease that value, ultimately allowing owners to liquidate and get out

accommodate a 21-foot center console boat. The all-waterfront gated

from under the property more beneficially than they otherwise could.

neighborhood is perfectly situated for boating with an easy 30-minute

To date, Padgett has been able to help five owners west of the Trail

trip to the Gulf and just two bridges in between. “When you step into

turn their situations around. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I like to

this home, it feels like you are on vacation, but you could easily live here

think outside the box and at the very least be able to offer other ways

comfortably year round,” Padgett said. “All you need is some Jimmy

of getting around problems,” he says.

Buffet and a margarita.”

This willingness to take the steps necessary to help others in dif-

Like all projects by The Vision Group, the model is teeming with

ficult situations extends to The Vision Group’s community involvement

luxurious touches, such as a stained tongue and groove wood ceiling

as well. Last month, The Vision Group helped support the Joey Powers

in the dining room, radiant granite countertops, crown molding, and

Stick-In-Bash. It is a lacrosse fundraiser named in honor of Joey Conner

themed details like solid wood louvered cabinets. When it comes to se-

Powers, Jim’s 16-year-old son and an avid lacrosse player, who passed

lecting kitchen appliances, homeowners can choose from top names

away from acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2010. The proceeds from

like Bosch, Thermador, Sub-Zero and Viking. Because of relationships

the event were donated to the 501(c)3 nonprofit Joey Powers Leukemia

built with vendors through the years, The Vision Group is able to get

Project, which assists other children and their families as they battle and

lower pricing on these and other high-end amenities, which also helps

cope with this disease. “Next year,” Powers says, “it will be bigger and

make their homes an excellent value for the price, Padgett said.

better, and we will feature a full lacrosse tournament: the first of its kind in

“All our homes are very energy efficient. Green building is very im-

the area.” That event will be held in June at the Premier Sports Camp in

portant to us,” he adds. The Vision Group builds homes with green

Lakewood Ranch, which has graciously donated the fields. More infor-

features like upgraded Icynene® open cell foam insulation, a 14 Seer

mation can be found at www.joeypowersleukemiaproject.com.

air conditioner, and impact resistant Low E windows framed in walls

From its residential or commercial construction and remodeling

engineered for structural integrity. The model home is at 5422 56th

work to community service, The Vision Group strives to bring its best

Court East, Bradenton, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

effort to the task. “Our goal is to deliver such exceptional client satis-

through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is available for

faction that we build our reputation as the premier builder along the

sale furnished at $649,900. A preview of the home and community are

waterfront and west of the Trail,” Padgett said. “I want people to know

online at www.marshallslanding.com.

if they want to build in those areas or anywhere else in the Sarasota/

The Vision Group also has a prime waterfront lot for sale listed by

Bradenton market that they should look nowhere else for the kind of

Padgett. Located on the mainland along the Intracoastal Waterway,

professional expertise and service they expect.” To see more about

the lot is nearly half an acre and can accommodate a home from 3,500

The Vision Group go to www.thevisiongroupllc.com.

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IS BACK 46

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The State of Our Luxury Home Market

BY RYAN G VAN CLEAVE

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My name is Ryan Van Cleave, and I’m in the market for a new luxury home. I’ve lived in Sarasota since 2007, and though I currently own a nice four-bedroom, three-car garage home near Tatum Ridge Elementary School, I’m actively searching for new homes. Twenty-two hundred square feet just isn’t enough for my growing family and booming home business. Realistically, we’d like to double our square footage and have a place suitable for entertaining prospective clients and business partners. And if it’s waterfront property, so much the better. Who doesn’t want to enjoy the natural beauty that the Gulf provides?

Apparently, I’m not the only one looking to upgrade my living arrangements. Tom Heatherman, the Corporate Communications Director for Michael Saunders & Company, says, “The real estate market in Sarasota County has been in a strengthening recovery for some time now. To wit, here at Michael Saunders & Company, our dollar volume in March was 52% ahead of last March and our first quarter results were 31% ahead of last year.”

Why is this happening? Personal wealth has recovered enough that luxury home buyers now have the confidence to start looking and, if the value is there, actually make offers. Heatherman explains: “In March, for example, sales of $1 million-plus homes in Sarasota County were up by 63.6% compared with February and by 56.5% compared with last March. As proof that the recovery will continue, monthly pending sales are also trending at record levels.”

But just because sales are happening, don’t think that this is a luxury real estate boom.

Not yet, anyway. Like buyers of any price range, we’re all well-informed and unlikely to bite on an overpriced listing, which is the biggest blunder a home seller can make.

The property might have everything going for it – terrific design, great location, and first-rate appointments – but if the final numbers skew beyond what the market can realistically bear, it’s a “no sale.”

As a buyer, I know that the number one mistake I can make is to be hesitant to move forward once I find the right place at the right price. “If you have to sleep on it, you probably won’t sleep in it,” Heatherman wisely says. And to that end, I have my checkbook ready as I scan MLS listings and drop in for showings.

Here’s the reality: with luxury properties now selling for 40-50% below boom prices, it’s not unheard of for a property to receive multiple offers on the day it’s listed.

This time around, however, the competitive bidding is not the product of wild, irresponsible, and uninformed speculation. “Nor is it producing huge spikes in prices,” Heatherman explains. “Instead well-informed, well-capitalized buyers find their low prices and long term investment potential worth competing for.” For patient buyers like me, this is good news. It means we won’t experience much in the way of price increases in the luxury market for the next year or so, as inventories decline even further. But eventually there’ll be a rise in prices, particularly in those neighborhoods with little or no inventory to meet the growing demand.

Last year alone saw 250,000 people move to Florida, which is ending the lull created by the recession. It’s no surprise that a good number of these people are drawn to the Gulf Coast for our climate, culture, beaches, and superior lifestyle options. As

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Personal wealth has recovered enough that luxury home buyers now have the confidence to start looking and if the value is there actually make offers. scenesarasota.com

Heatherman points out, “Ours has always been a market that sells itself. So it’s hard not to feel bullish about the future.”

Now that the signs of recovery are emanating from all of our key employment sectors, as well as from our northern feeder markets, our luxury home market seems as bullish as it’s ever been. Plus, with more and more baby boomers retiring all the time (10,000 a day!), we expect to welcome a disproportionate share of them to our part of the Sunshine State.

The buyers aren’t only coming from up north, though. Judy Kepecz-Hays, a top luxury market agent at Coldwell Banker, says that for the past few years, the majority of her luxury home-buying clients were from Europe. But lately, it’s back to mostly Americans, with a few Canadians and Europeans buying too. The most popular price range? Half a million to just over three million.

Her colleague, Sue Wolverton, the Southwest Region Senior Vice President of Coldwell Banker Residential, notes that there’s renewed activity for purchasing and constructing new homes on any “infill” lots in Longboat Key, Lido, Bird Key, Siesta, and areas west scenesarasota.com

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of the Trail including Harbor Acres. “At one time this quarter, there were 17 homes under construction on Bird Key, something we have not seen in years. Many homes are contracted homes, but there are some speculative homes under construction.”

Wolverton is also seeing changes in markets under $1 million. There’s a “new generation of buyers and many more strollers throughout the city. Sarasota, which was once priced too high for young professionals, is now becoming a haven for younger families creating a renewed vibrancy and energy for the community.”

Maybe my next SCENE article will be written from a second-story office in my new home that overlooks the Gulf. Like all savvy homebuyers, though, it’s got to be a true love connection or it’s not worth doing. A luxury home, especially when it’s not a second home, has to fit and feel just right. I’m certain that the right one’s out there.

With the help of knowledgeable professionals, I’m sure I’ll find it.

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Scenes from an Interview:

John Schaub

Real Estate Advisor & Author

by Gus Mollasis

He’s the kind of guy that you welcome as a neighbor, cherish as a friend, hope for as a landlord, and trust for the best real estate advice. John Schaub has forgotten more about real estate than most real estate professionals will ever know. He adheres to simple principles while helping many gain independence by buying into a version of the American Dream, one house at a time.

On the street where he lives, you will find neat lawns, well kept houses, and a man who believes in building long-term relationships to last a lifetime. John Schaub is a man who puts his heart where his hammer is, as evidenced through his work with Habitat for Humanity. He’ll remind you of Jimmy Stewart’s character George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life, while furthering Jimmy Carter’s signature cause. He’s written many books and given many seminars on his passion for real estate. But that’s not all this churchgoing graduate of the University of Florida is about.

Recently I sat down with him to take a look at some of the scenes from an interview of his life.

Where were you born?

Saint Petersburg, Florida. I’m a Florida kid born and raised.

how to fly back in 1968.

Describe your home today.

Valerie and I have lived in the same old two bedroom house,

Describe your childhood home.

built in the 1940s in Harbor Acres, since 1980. We’ve remodeled

My dad grew up in Tampa and our family goes back a couple

a couple of times. We love living close to downtown and we love

of generations. He worked for Maas Brothers department

living in the same house.

store and after World War II he was responsible for opening up new stores and getting them operational. So we moved

Is buying a home still the American Dream?

from Tampa to Lakeland to Sarasota where he opened the

I think so. It’s about much more than just money. People want

old Maas Brothers store that used to be on Main Street. He

to have a place that they own and that no one can kick them

loved Sarasota, so we stayed, and I’ve lived here since I was

out of. They have a nesting instinct and want the ability to

six years old.

paint their home any color they want, plant a garden there, park their car where they want. That’s different than living in

What is that delicate balance between development and overde-

an apartment or renting from somebody else. That’s a natural

velopment?

thing for most people. Now some folks just don’t want the re-

Change is inevitable in life. I think people have a romantic notion

sponsibility of a house. I’ve had tenants for twenty years. And

of how things used to be, sometimes remembering things better

when they rent that long, it’s like their home. One thing I tell

than they actually were. Sarasota is a much better town than it

all my tenants is that they can live there as long as they want.

used to be twenty or thirty years ago. There are much more things

That gives them some peace of mind that the house won’t be

to do and see here today, and education and the quality of life is

sold out from under them. I’m a long-term investor. I buy my

much better. There are fewer mosquitoes and while we do have

properties to hold them for a long time. I tell them, if you move

more traffic, people don’t remember that 41 was a two lane road

into my houses you can move in forever.

and we had traffic back then. And when you got behind a truck, you were stuck. I think it is one of the best real estate markets in

What’s your Reader’s Digest version of what went wrong with

the world. Sarasota is not going to change for the worse; it will

the housing bubble?

continue to change for the better.

Credit got too loose. It happens in cycles. The cycle repeats itself every ten years or so, depending on how long people’s

Did you ever have a tree fort?

memories are. It happened before, and it will happen again.

I did. Several of them, I liked to climb trees. As kids we used to build

People forget that borrowing money is a double-edged sword. If

them in the woods. I always liked to be up high; I’m a pilot. I learned

you can’t pay it back, it hurts.

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When will the housing market truly turn around?

learned was that this can happen, property values can drop by half.

It’s turning around now. The statistics I look at are number of days on

Personally we are in good shape and have come through this fine. I

the market and inventory on the market. The volume of foreclosures

have properties that we bought in 1973. If you buy and hold, you’re

is declining and when all the foreclosures are gone, there will be a

not hurt as much when the markets go through radical cycles.

shortage in inventory. New inventory is not being created, and in a town like Sarasota that is growing it will be a good time to be a seller.

What principles do you have to abide by to make good decisions

People out there are buying and investors are more optimistic.

and investments in the real estate market?

Honesty is the grounding principle. This is not a short-term busi-

What is the best advice you can give to a couple buying their first home?

ness. You have to have a long-term plan to succeed. I won’t buy a

Don’t buy too big a house. Most people go out and buy way more

property that I will not keep at least ten years. Most of my business

house than they can afford. They can’t afford the furniture. People’s

comes from referrals, from people who know me, and have dealt

expectations have ramped up. When I was growing up we had a tiny

with me in some capacity. It goes back to honesty and building

home of about 800 square feet for our family and my dad had a good

trust with people.

job with the department store. Now people want 2,200 square feet with granite everywhere. I didn’t see granite until a few years ago.

Describe a time when you surprised yourself and even outperformed your expectation?

What is the best advice you can give a couple regarding their first

Sometimes you get lucky. But lucky is not a business plan. Some-

investment property?

times you buy at the right time and ride the wave of the market. I’ve

You want to buy a house that you can rent to someone you can

done that more than once.

relate to. Buy in a neighborhood that you are comfortable in. Don’t buy a house that you wouldn’t live in. I would live in any one of my

Was there ever a time that you got burned? What did you learn

investment properties. And rent to people who have lots of stuff.

from that experience?

And stuff is kids and pets. Once people move in with their stuff, they

There have been times when I have gotten burned. I’ve made mis-

don’t want to move out.

takes, and that has happened because I didn’t listen to my own advice and follow the principles that I teach in my books and seminars.

What is your general advice about investing in real estate?

But that’s human nature, to see if you can break the rules and get

It would be the title of one of my books, Build Wealth One House at

away with it. Part of it is greed. I just sold a house that I bought in

a Time. People in this country have the ability to buy real estate, and

2006, the only one I bought in that four year period during the run

that is fairly unusual when compared to other parts of the world. Here

up, and ended up losing $115,000 on the deal. Now that’s a pretty

we have easy financing, reasonably priced houses, and we have a

good seminar. I went against my own advice and tried to make a

strong rental market so you can buy a house and rent it to a good ten-

quick buck. That has never been my strategy. I am a long-term guy.

ant and it makes a good investment. When it came time for my father

I broke all the rules, and it ended up costing me.

to retire at age 65 from the department store, he didn’t have the kind of income he desired. So we went out and bought him three houses

What is your advice to investors out there today?

that covered the expenses, one at a time. We got them paid for and

Buy and borrow. Rates have never been this low. Don’t go out and

he rented them out until the day he died. He had three income checks

buy twenty. Buy one at a time.

coming in every month. And now we still own the properties.

What makes this such an attractive place to live for so many people?

Describe your seminar Making it Big on Little Deals and the

Natural beauty. Being on the water; I love the water. I couldn’t live

theory behind it.

in the middle of the country and not be near the water. But it’s also

I started off trying to make it big on big deals. I thought as a young

the high caliber of people who live in this town, who are affluent,

man that I would go and make a million dollars on one deal and

educated, and involved in nonprofit work. It’s an easy place to live.

retire. It’s hard to collect that big a commission on a deal. I had my

There are wealthy people who spend their money. If you are willing

hat handed to me, so I decided that slow and steady was a better

to work in this town, then you can make a living in this town.

approach. I have hundreds and thousands of students who have made money buying one house at a time.

What is your opinion of investing in condos?

I don’t like investing in condos. I don’t like having associations or

Is there a general motto you could put on a bumper sticker that

committees telling me who I can and can’t rent to or who I can sell

sums up your real estate philosophy?

to. It slows the process down. The association fees tend not to go

“Be nice” is what I would put on a sticker. I think we can and should be

down. I also feel that I can manage my properties more efficiently

civil to each other. Regarding real estate, I tell people to own their home

than an association can.

“Free and clear as fast as you can.” It gives you a lot of security.

You advise investing in properties that are in single family homes Is this the toughest market that you have seen?

54

in quality neighborhoods. Describe that theory?

Probably, yeah, it’s certainly the one where property values have

I buy houses in neighborhoods that are nicely maintained. I don’t

declined the most. I was surprised at how bad it got. What we all

buy properties in neighborhoods that are full of rentals.

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You have done a lot of work for Habitat for Humanity – how fulfilling is that, and is it important in defining who you are?

Aside from real estate, what is your passion?

Real estate definitely is my passion. But education is also my passion

I got involved with Habitat when Millard Fuller came to town and

and so is helping people get into houses. Don’t forget the State College

I heard him speak. He really inspired me to get involved in the

of Florida Foundation, because the local community colleges do really

community. I bought into the idea that helping somebody help

good work. Too many kids end up with massive debt and degrees that

themselves makes a lot of sense. I am also involved in another

don’t train them to do anything. If you stick with the basics and get a

organization called the Fuller Center for Housing. I am on the local

good two year degree, get some math behind you, some accounting

and international boards of both organizations. It’s very reward-

or nursing and dental hygienist courses: that’s what we teach at the

ing to work side by side with a family that wants to build their

State College of Florida, work force degrees. We train them to get a

own house. That’s pretty special. And I’ve done that all around the

better job. It’s open to everyone, and that’s how I got into college. My

world. It’s even more special overseas. When people get a house,

grade point average started with a two and ended with a zero.

it’s a miracle to them.

What is your key to a good life?

Finish the sentence: Owning a home gives a person...

Hope.

Balance. It’s balancing family with making money, balancing having a good time with work. You have to get involved. People who are not involved are not as happy.

Owning an investment property should give a person...

Some satisfaction and financial hope.

Is Sarasota the final move for you?

I’ve been here all my life, I’m not going anywhere. My daughter

Do you know in your gut if a deal is a good one or not?

I know in ten seconds if I want the house or not. You can just tell.

says, “Dad, you can live anywhere in the world. Why Sarasota?” I love it here. We travel a lot, but this is home. I don’t see how you improve on Sarasota.

What do you hope people take away from your seminars and books?

That the real estate business is a good business. It helps people

After all the homes have been sold and the books signed and

that you buy property from and rent property to. Some people have

seminars given, how do you want to be remembered?

this negative vision of landlords. I don’t see it that way. I take a posi-

As a guy who tried hard and made a lot of friends along the

tive approach to dealing with people.

way.

NEXT UP: August Beach Reads The perfect issue for a lazy summer afternoon and to share with friends.

Features short stories from notable local and Florida authors including: Critically Acclaimed, Bestselling Author Julianna Baggott New York Times Bestselling Author Scott Ciencin Florida Book Awards Gold Medal Winner Ward Larsen Story illustrations by Ringling College of Art + Design students scenesarasota.com

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How Sarasota Tomorrow is Shaping Sarasota Today

By Steve Queior

“Sarasota Tomorrow� is a five-year initiative of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce to enhance the economic climate of our city. The initiative’s goals are coming to fruition, largely due to the investment of financial resources, creative problem solving and energetic commitment of the forward-thinking businesses and governmental entities that are part and parcel of this process.

Our commitment back in 2008 was to create 3,400 jobs and infuse $100 million of new economic activity across Greater Sarasota during the ensuing five years.

We are well on our way to reaching that goal in 2013. The $1.7 million invested in Sarasota Tomorrow to date has generated 2,500 jobs and very close to that $100 million goal of positive economic impact that has and will continue to benefit our residents, businesses and local government.

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I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished as a partnership and team, usually working behind the scenes. It’s the outcome that’s important, not our need for recognition. But I do welcome this opportunity to point out just a few of the ways the Sarasota Tomorrow initiative of your Chamber of Commerce has enhanced the quality of life for our citizens.

Jobs, of course, are number one. These are good jobs that provide above-average pay for our young people as well as those reentering the workforce. We’ve done this by offering temporary tax relief to employers investing in new facilities and equipment. This means training, and we’ve invested heavily in resources for students and classrooms. We led the effort for passage of a local referendum vital to our youngsters and teachers. We saw construction jobs in our area nearly disappear, at the same time as needed repairs to US 301 were evident. We lobbied hard to get that improvement project included in the state highway budget and put Sarasotans to work. In our efforts to support business development, we have focused on those that are environmentally friendly, and have created a Green Business Leadership Committee within the Chamber.

Long known as a tourist economy, Sarasota Tomorrow is working to diversify and expand that base through sports and recreation tourism. Our efforts kept baseball – specifically the Baltimore Orioles – in town, with a beautifully renovated stadium that has drawn thousands of new visitors. Thousands more are coming to Sarasota for rowing regattas, and Sarasota Tomorrow is supporting the construction of a world-class rowing facility at Nathan Benderson Park. In fact, construction began this March. Soccer, swimming and more sport venues are also on our list of sports tourism initiatives to enhance the quality of life of our citizens and our guests.

It’s traditionally been difficult to keep Sarasota’s young talent here at home. The opportunities simply weren’t here for our best and brightest. That is changing with Sarasota Tomorrow’s emphasis on expanding college internships and broadening the opportunities for graduates to return to Greater Sarasota and fill newly created good jobs.

The heartbeat of every city is in its downtown, and Sarasota Tomorrow joined other organizations to fund a Sarasota Downtown Economic Development Coordinator position. New employers and attractions in the heart of our community have been launched or are on the drawing board. New retail, continued downtown improvements, expanding the city’s core to include the bustling Rosemary District – all of these are visible and positive changes to our city’s landscape. Our next challenge is to redevelop North Tamiami Trail. We believe it can be both a beautiful gateway to the city and a vibrant corridor of regional activity.

You’ll note that many of the initiatives described here are tangential to Sarasota’s real estate base. With a more vibrant downtown, better recreational facilities, a strong emphasis on education and training, especially job creation, the Sarasota Tomorrow initiative is a major force in bringing industrial, commercial and residential real estate back to life.

Connect: Sarasota Tomorrow invites all interested individuals, businesses and government entities to participate in its journey. Please visit our website, www.SarasotaChamber.com, for more information, or call the Chamber (941-955-8187) today, to become involved in the Chamber and its Sarasota Tomorrow efforts to improve our economy and quality of life. Steve Queior, CCE, is President of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. scenesarasota.com

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Pinegar Pinegar added added that Tomthat made aTom financialmade contribution a forfinancial the he said. contribution “Thousands of kids come for with thetheir parents, he for said. three, “Th

aquatic aquatic center’s center’s new scoreboard, new scoreboard, but was quick to point but out thatwas four, quick five days.to In the point summerout of 2013, that the Pan American four, Masters five day

hehewas was also also instrumental instrumental in raising the necessary in raising funds from the Championship necessary will befunds held here, from bringing in thousands Championsh of adult

many many other other families families and businesses. and It isbusinesses. his contributions of time It is his athletes contributions from all over North of and time South America.athletes That’s huge. from

and andtalent talent that that have made have the biggest made difference thetobiggest Sarasota area difference These eventsto will Sarasota bring in millions of area dollars to the community.”

These event swimmers, swimmers, both both young and young adult. and adult.

It is projected that the Pan American Masters Championship It is projecte will

“We “We do do a lot a oflot big swim of big meetsswim and programs meets here atand our facility programs bring $4 million here to $5 atmillion ourin facility economic impact to bring the Sarasota $4 mill and andthere’s there’s a big a volunteer big volunteer committee that steps committee up,” Pinegar said. that area steps in Juneup,” 2013. This Pinegar marks the said. first time that thearea event is in being June

“Tom “Tom isis ourour current current volunteer head volunteer for hospitality.head He cooksfor and hospitality. held in North America He –cooks a decision and made largely on held the strength in North

slaves slaves over over a hot a stove hot for days stove on end for anddays feeds literally on hundreds end andof feeds the facilityliterally and the quality hundreds of its offerings. It’s aof levelthe of excelfacility

lence inmeet which Blankenship has played no smalllence part. Pinegar in whi of of coaches, coaches, parents, parents, and officials and over a swim officials meet weekend.” over a swim weekend.”

said Tom’s generosity has absolutely put the Selbysaid AquaticTom’s Ceng ter andin its myriad programsTom on the map.

Founder Founder of the ofmedical the medical billing firm Partners billing in Practice, firmTom Partners rePractice, re-

ter and its m

cently cently sold sold his share hisofshare the business oftothe devote business himself to his new to devote himself to his new

career career asas a “serial a “serial entrepreneur,” entrepreneur,” dividing his time as part dividing owner “He his hastime three of as his kids part on our owner swim team,” Pinegar “He said. has “His thre

of ofan an ITIT company, company, part ownerpart of a medical owner group, of and a explorer medical wife Georgia group, swimsand on ourexplorer adult Masters swim team, wife andGeorgia they

of of other other assorted assorted interests. He interests. also spends quite Hea bit also of hisspends time donated quite the Masters a bitbanquet of his in time March, offering donated their beautiful the

at at the the Selby Selby Aquatic Aquatic Center, watching Center, his familywatching take to the waterhis home family as thetake venue, as towell the as paying water for the food home and entertainas the like likefish. fish.

ment. He also funded new flooring and refrigeration ment. equipment He als

in our hospitality room. He’s a wonderfully low-key, inhumble our and hospit

down-to-earth He once told me that all he wants down-to-ear to do is to “Everybody “Everybody in my in family my swims, family even though swims, I’m a sinker,” even Tom though I’m guy. a sinker,” Tom

leave the program betterfan than when he found it. He’s leave very pasthe pro laughed. laughed. “I can’t “I can’t swim to save swim my life.to Butsave I’m a bigmy fan oflife. the But I’m a big of the

about community. seeing our swim teamIt’s — and our sionate YMCA — be-abou swim swim program program and what and it doeswhat for kids it in the does community. for It’s kidssionate in the come successful.” the the toughest toughest sport that sport I’ve ever that seen, I’ve and I never ever realized seen, the and I never realized the

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June 2012

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SEASON

SHOW STOPPERS Photos by Cliff Roles

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Whew! What a season! Kicking off with Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Key to the Cure in October and running all the way to the Dick Vitale Gala in May, events were back bigger and better than ever! SCENE social photographer Cliff Roles was everywhere this season and if he didn’t take your photo, then you just weren’t where you should have been. From worldrenowned celebrities to local stunners, here are some of the season’s Showstoppers.

STANDOUT FASHION:

Kelly Engel

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MS&Co. Realtor Deborah Beacham

Artist Debbie Dannheisser

Money Show CEO Kim Githler

Wendy Feinstein

Event Planner Mary Kenealy Barbetta

SMHF’s Alex Quarles & SMH’s Gwen MacKenzie Vet Neurologist Dr. Anne Chauvet

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STANDOUT COSTUMES: MSSB Finanical Advisor Aimee Cogan

Jacqueline Morton The Orchid Ball

ABC 7’s Lauren Dorsett

Planned Parenthood’s Halloween Bash

Asolo Rep’s Ragtime

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STANDOUT DECOR, SETTINGS & THEMES: Palm Ball – Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil

SMHF’s Corinthian Gala

Children First Tropical Nights Gala

Van Wezel Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala

SFF’s Cinema Tropicale

Ear Research Foundation’s “Hollearwood”

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SMHF’s Key to the Cure

Y Foundation’s Cirque du Gold

CELEBRITY SCENE:

STANDOUT FOOD:

Hermitage Artist Retreat’s Artful Lobster Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Lecture Series featuring Laura Bush, Bill O’Reilly & Roland Fryer

Sarasota Film Festival – Frank Langella Ringling College Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab with Edward Burns, Elijah Wood & Forest Whitaker scenesarasota.com

June 2012

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28th Annual Super Boat Grand Prix Festival June 23 – July 4

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VIP Tickets Available Festival Parade of Boats (June 29) & Grand Prix Race (July 1) Meet Race Teams Up Close at Powerboats By The Bay (June 29 & 30)

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scene | social

Behind the Scene

Society Maven Debbi Benedict Gives the Latest Scoop

scenesarasota.com

Flying hither and yon, be it the Hamptons or

to visit dear soccer friends and spending

the Vineyard, most of Sarasota society flees

“plenty of pub time” with them, Patricia says.

the area to cooler climes come the summer.

Hmmm... sounds like there is going to be an

A few special friends shared their vacation

awful lot of drinking going on, but that is just

plans with me and they sound truly divine.

so European!

Poodle, you just know the swells go to all the

Oh, to have a mother like Noelle Haft.

best locales! I am in such a jealous fever just

(I’m sighing here.) Alex Miller shared with

hearing about all the fabulous places they are

me that her mom is chartering a yacht to the

jetting off to. Alas, I will have to content myself

Galapagos Islands for their family and close

this summer by just sticking my head in the

friends. They plan lots of great diving and

freezer every now and then.

enjoying the beauty of the islands. I have read

Ooh la la, grand Paree! Patricia and Roger

a lot about the islands and it sounds like they

Courtois will be heading to Europe for two

are an ecosystem treasure. What a wonderful

weeks this summer – first to Paris to visit

gift Noelle is giving her family.

Roger’s family and also to meet up with friends

This trip is just so Chip! Chip Gaylor and

from Switzerland for fine dining and good wine,

his partner Jody Fountain, along with good

along with side trips to Lyons and Versailles.

friend Sandy Loevner, are taking a 15 day

After that bacchanalia of delights, they are off

transatlantic voyage from Fort Lauderdale

to London for a few days, ending up in Leeds,

to Amsterdam. They’ll be stopping at the June 2012

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Azores,

Lisbon,

Le

Harve,

Dover,

then finally arriving in Amsterdam.

Chip told me he always wanted to take a transatlantic voyage, and to visit Amsterdam to see the Van Gogh Museum and the Sex Museum (oh, my, I’m not so sure I could visit this museum with a group of people), so it was a no

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brainer to take advantage of this trip. It Recent Finds: • Old Charm Bracelet with a Rare US Coin (Value: $3,000) • Rare 1943 Copper Cent (Sold at Auction for $300,000)

• 1st Edition of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer (Sold to a NY Collector for the price of a new car)

all sounds utterly romantic to be sailing the on high seas!

Margaret

Wise

told

me

very

succinctly that she is going to Italy and Turkey for a few weeks, spending time in New York, and then having a family reunion right here at home. What is she doing in those places? I have absolutely no idea. Your guess is as good as mine. I

Member: Antique & Coin Collectors Association

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actually considered making some things up, but decided against it. I’ll just let you use your own imagination; let’s think luxury though. I really can’t imagine our dear Margaret roughing it, can you?

Traveling to opposite sides of the continent, Varinia Van Ness will first go to Hope Town, Bahamas, renting a boat to go island hopping, tasting Bahamian food, and stretching out on the beautiful beaches to rest and relax from her busy law practice. Then she’s going on a road trip from Seattle to Vancouver.

Along the way, she’s planning on hiking around the forest and enjoying the cool weather. Just the kind of relaxation a girl needs. No stilettos on this trip!

Starting the adventure of being empty nesters, Veronica and Jay Brady are getting son Steven off to UCF in late June and then heading to the Breakers for

the

Leadership

Florida

annual

meeting. This year daughter Meredith is staying in Gainesville for the summer, so it’s just Jay and Veronica. How I remember that first year when both of

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June 2012

. 941.388.1964 . www.ohmygauze.com

my children were off to college. It was truly divine. When the first one left, I scenesarasota.com

cried for days. When the second and last one left, it was yippee – I’m free!!

Sailing on the Cunard cruise ship from London to Norway and back for

Michelle Crabtree

Realtor, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, GRI, PMN, ABR, TRC, RSPS, AWWD, SFR, GREEN

2011 Five Star Real

the famed Cardiovascular International

Estate Agents “Best In Client

Symposium, Alex Quarles is making

Satisfaction” – 4 Years

her fourth trip with several others from 2010 Florida Realtor Honor

Sarasota. It sounds to me like they

Society – 4 Years

are making these serious symposiums much too much fun, don’t you think?

2010 Director, Sarasota

Since she hasn’t had a day off since

Association of Realtors (SAR)

last September, Jaymie Klauber is

– 3 year term

really looking forward to spending the

2009 Women’s Council of

summer in Middleburg, VA with her

Realtors (WCR) Sarasota

horses. Hey, horses need vacations, too! Actually, Jaymie always sends her horses up north in the summer and this year she is joining them. She fell in love with the area after friends from the polo club told her about it. Renting a 22acre ranch with a fabulous house from 1802 and her horses in the paddocks,

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she told me she’ll exercise, work a bit every day remotely, read, ride, go to the quaint town and sit in the café and visit with the horse-loving local population, relax, enjoy some visits from husband Tommy, and go to Washington, DC occasionally for good shopping, dining

Dakkak

& civilization. Sounds dreamy. Can I visit too, Jaymie?

Insurance

I wonder if Elton John will sing my favorite song, Tiny Dancer, when Larry Bold and wife Carol White see him at Caesar’s Palace when they go to Las Vegas? To me, that would be worth the whole trip! Later in the summer,

We Protect What’s Important To You Because You’re What’s Important To Us!

Larry will fl y to Malaga, Spain and meet Scottish sculptor Malcolm Robertson

Full-Service Agency:

and Swiss friend Guido Koller. Larry met Malcolm when the artist was in

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residence at the Hermitage, where Larry is currently board president. They’ll rent motorcycles and ride the mountains of

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southern Spain for six days, at which time their wives will join them to tour scenesarasota.com

George & Mary Dakkak

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“Protecting you is our family business.”

June 2012

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southern Spain and Portugal for a week.

You just know the travel has to be about food with Judi Gallagher, chef extraordinaire. Judi and Marsha Fottler will voyage to the Kennebunkport Food and Art Festival seeking culinary delights for their Flavors & More website. Then they will sashay over to Portland and cover all the hip and trendy restaurants. Being a New England gal, when I asked Judi what she was most looking forward to, this is what she said: “Lobsters, scenery, art, lobsters, interviewing chefs, shopping in Freeport, did I mention lobsters?” Sssh, don’t tell the lobsters that Judi is coming; I don’t want to scare them!

The adorable Diana Kelly (don’t you just want to squeeze her, she’s so cute?) is taking a family trip to London and the Norwegian fjords, then up to the Arctic Circle to see the polar bears, kayak on the fjords and go ice hiking on the glaciers in the glow of the midnight sun. And to top it all off, they will be traveling on the new Queen Elizabeth ship; how scrumptious! This is one roaming gal who will also be sunning on Useppa Island, roaming around Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley, and heading to Atlanta and New York City for trade shows. Oh, to be young and in demand!

Visiting relatives in reverse are Margaret and Matt Callahan, who will be receiving friends and family right here at home. Who wouldn’t want to come to paradise in the dead of summer?! Of course, lately it seems that it is actually hotter up north than it is here, so maybe they have the right idea after all! The Callahans will get back to Nashville a couple of times to see the family and visit old friends. After all, Margaret has to take time to reinforce that darling southern lilt in her voice that we all find so dear.

Have you seen the Facebook photos of Charlie Ann Syprett on her little scooter? The poor dear fell down her front porch steps and as they say, the rest is history. She and Jim were planning a trip to Alaska, which now unfortunately has been put on hold, so it looks like she will not be doing anything adventurous. She is looking forward to visiting Deb Knowles and Larry Kabinoff in Colorado where she hopes to relax and enjoy the view.

While everyone else is out hiking and biking, she tells me she will be content to sit, sip and read. I had to do that one summer five years ago when I broke my ankle and as I look back on it, while frustrating at the time, it was one of my most relaxing summers on record! Give in and enjoy it Charlie Ann, it might be the only time you get to do that - ever!

Speaking of the delightful Deb Knowles and Larry Kabinoff, they will be spending the summer at his beautiful home in Cascades, Colorado at the foot of Pike’s Peak. Just the sound of that is cool and refreshing! Deb said they are welcoming Sarasota friends who want a little break from the Florida heat and humidity, including the Sypretts, Bibb and Pam Swain and Jennifer and Larry Saslaw. Deb showed me photos of the abode and it is fabulous! It is tucked right into those gorgeous, majestic mountains!

Taking their motor home to North Carolina for the month of August, Tom and Annette Dignam will stay two weeks at a park in Lake Toxaway. They like to go to classical music programs in Cashiers and Highlands. Bev Koski usually meets them for one of the concerts and they all go to dinner, just like down here! Other cultural activities they usually engage in are concerts in Brevard; then they take their lawn chairs and go to the entertainment on Friday night in Hendersonville. Another stop is Flat Rock for two weeks, as it has the state theater of North Carolina. This charming couple will celebrate their 50th anniversary during the trip on August 18th. As you probably know, that area of North Carolina is called Little Sarasota because it is just crawling with us during that time

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of year. If you’re up there during that time, you’ll probably see them!

Getting together once every other year in Atlanta to remember family roots and see how many of them have become successful, despite many adversities, is the highlight of Audrey Coleman’s husband’s family reunion. The itinerary includes a Friday night get-together

Celebrating 26 Years In Business

Opening the Doors to Beautiful Interiors

and a family picnic on Saturday, along with an elegant banquet that night. The culminating activity is on Sunday with church service and a farewell family luncheon. Then she’s off to Pittsburgh, where she grew up, for the national conference of an organization called “The

Circle-lets.”

The

membership

consists of African-American business and professional women from all over the U.S. Finally she’ll end up in Jekyll Island at the very swanky and historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel for much needed rest

Photos © Greg Wilson 2004

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and relaxation. I would most definitely need that after a reunion with my family!

Spending special time with his children each summer has taken Brad Baker and family to all 7 continents and over 60 countries. Their best trip was renting a car and driving through 12 countries in southern Africa. Well, he thinks it was called driving. He told me if I go, just be sure to bring lots of spare tires and gas and watch out for the lions! This year, his kids want to go to Japan. Brad has already been there once this year. He finds it amazing and very different from most places. Everything is clean and runs on time, and the sushi is great. The part of the trip he is most looking forward to

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is Hiroshima. He said it’s a sad memorial to humanity, but a piece of education he wants to be a part of. Upon their return, he hopes to go to Italy to visit Tuscany, because each year they have a festival where towns battle each other within the

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walls with crossbows and swords – with scenesarasota.com

June 2012

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a much better Madrigal dinner than you get in Sarasota. Winding up his summer, Brad hopes to rent a house in Argentina for a month to work on his Spanish and his tango. I can see Brad dancing the tango. We will definitely have to see a display of this talent at social events this year, don’t you agree?

Sunny California is calling artist Elizabeth Van Riper to visit friends in San Diego, then up to Manhattan Beach to visit family, continuing through Carmel, Monterey and then to San Francisco to call on Gump’s (who has been carrying her line of Art for Everyday), and on to Berkeley for a family wedding. It will be a busy two week trip of fun, family and marketing for her Art for Everyday home and personal accessories. Then she’ll take a restorative trip to visit her daughter and two little granddaughters in Taos, NM. Elizabeth will ship out art supplies and set up a studio on her property and do new work, contemplate the mountains, the simple life, and bond with her granddaughters. She’ll ship her art supplies once again to the Adirondacks, this time for a four week visit with her sister at her turn of the century Adirondack camp on a bluff overlooking Lake George.

She’ll set up a studio on the side porch and do new work while she visits with family and enjoys the lush green mountains and the start of fall. Her husband will be training for the Adirondack Marathon on Sept 23rd so conditioning in the higher altitude will be vital to his triumphant run.

As Janet Hunter told me, sometimes bigger is not better. She was talking about their new RV: they have downsized to a 21 footer. She and John will be making a trip in it to Toledo, OH for their grandson’s wedding and then who knows where they will end it. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?

Making sure she isn’t away from her clients too long at one time, top-notch financial planner Aimee Cogan and husband Chris usually take either long weekends or one week during each month of summer to do something fun. A Disney cruise with daughter Bella is on tap and then Playa Del Carmen, Mexico for family fun with cousins, zip lining, snorkeling, and really good margaritas and seafood tacos! Then onto Cashiers, NC for another week of hiking, tubing on the lake, and good fresh air with friends, along with a week at Belgrade Lakes, where they have a family house, and Bar Harbor, Maine for fresh garden vegetables, whale watching, reading books and yummy lobsters. Napa Valley and Big Sur are destinations for some mommy and daddy time after school starts.

That sounds like a really terrific and busy summer. I think I might have to take a vacation after all that!

Five acres right at the top of the highest mountain in Tennessee is where Linda DesMarais and husband Doug Barker will spend time this summer. It’s the Barker family retreat that’s full of tall trees, deer and even a momma bear and her cub. Who will be tagging along this year? Their new bearded collie puppy Max, who loves the mountains too. Just keep him away from that momma bear!

“Canopy Meg” Lowman will once again take a group of citizen scientists to the Peruvian Amazon, where they assist with canopy research and scientific discovery in the world’s greatest rainforest. Accompanying her this time are some New College students, leaders from Sarasota and St. Petersburg, and also North Carolinians, where she is currently working. In addition to this special annual voyage, she will travel to South Korea as an invited speaker at the International Congress for Entomology (aka, bugs!) to present her findings about biodiversity conservation in the forests of Ethiopia. That Meg is quite a woman! I can’t even imagine doing all the things she does.

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In August, Larry and Pat Thompson will lead a Ringling College of Art and



Design group of 40 art lovers on an artfilled journey to one of the world’s major art centers: Santa Fe, New Mexico. The group will be immersed in the rich history, extraordinary culture, and breathtaking scenery of this jewel of the southwest. I have always wanted to tour that area and I think Pat’s description sounds incredible!

Some of the stops along the way are The Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair (SOFA) and private tours of some of the city’s finest museums: The Georgia O’Keefe Museum and the O’Keefe Research Center, The Museum of International Folk Art, The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, and the New Mexico History Museum. Oooh, how I love a private tour! Then they have special access visits to the studios of area artists including Betsy Ehrenberg, Nedra Matteucci, and Star Liana York and a



                   



      

behind-the-curtain tour and performance by the renowned Santa Fe Opera, along with specially arranged visits to the Bradbury Museum in historic Los Alamos, El Santuario de Chimayo, known as “Lourdes of the Southwest,” and San Ildefonso, the New Mexico Pueblo famous for its black-on-black pottery. In between all of this, the group will enjoy the best, most creative cuisine from Santa Fe’s

dream _it

live _it

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

Dreaming of the ultimate urban lifestyle? _ Downtown Sarasota has IT!

renowned restaurants including Casa Sena, Restauranté Rancho de Chimayó, and Restaurant Martín. They’ll stay at The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, located steps from Santa Fe’s historic plaza. This sounds like perfection. I think they might never want to come home!

Where will you be going this summer?

Until next time...TaTa! Debbi Benedict is SCENE’s society maven and Special Issues Director. Contact Debbi at 941483-4460 or debbi@benedictandco.com

scenesarasota.com

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scene | performing arts

CALENDAR LOVE PERFORMING ARTS? GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE BEST PERFORMANCES IN TOWN

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 941.351.8000 / asolorep.org Fanny Brice, America’s Funny Girl Through June 17 Fanny Brice’s gift for comedy and expressive singing made her one of the most beloved celebrities of the American theatre.

Love, Loss, and What I Wore June 22 – July 15 With a message that goes straight to the heart of all women (and the men who love them), in Love, Loss, and What I Wore, fun is One Size Fits All.

BANYAN THEATER COMPANY 941.358.5330 / banyantheatercompany.com A Lesson From Aloes June 28 - July 15 Set in the threadbare home of an Afrikaner and his wife in Port Elizabeth, South Africa just after the failed Apartheid uprising, the play explores the politics of division and emotion’s ability to transcend.

The Piano Teacher July 19 - August 5 One day, an elderly widow finds herself compelled to call her old piano students. But is it out of loneliness or a darker need?

Crimes of the Heart August 9 - 26 Warm-hearted, irreverent, and brilliantly imaginative, the play is set in rural Mississippi where the three vastly different Magrath sisters, long separated, have gathered to tend to the last days of their elderly father.

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE (FST) 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org Reel Music (Goldstein Cabaret) Through June 17 Journey from the Land of Oz to the nightclubs of Casablanca to the high-flying adventure of Top Gun in a celebration of the greatest movie songs ever written.

Das Barbecu (Keating Theatre)

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June 13 - July 9 Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle set in modern day Texas with some country western twang!

Full of heart, this witty fable of love conquering greed is the ultimate musical joyride.

Talley’s Folly (Gompertz Theatre) July 11 - August 12 In the romantic setting of a moonlit boat house, Jewish accountant Matt Friedman has one chance to win Sally Talley’s heart.

This beautifully-written tale proves how difficult and terrifying relationships can be, while celebrating the transformative power of love.

Perfect Wedding (Keating Theatre) August 1 - September 1 On the morning of his wedding, Bill wakes up in his honeymoon suite with a dreadful hangover and a naked woman next to him.

But this isn’t his bride-to-be. In fact, Bill has no idea who she is.

THE GOLDEN APPLE DINNER THEATRE 941.366.5454 / thegoldenapple.com Moonlight and Magnolias Through July 1 David O. Selznick is determined to rewrite Gone With The Wind – aided by a script doctor who’s never read the book and a director whose tastes are more ruby slippers than Sherman’s March to the Sea. All Shook Up July 10 – September 2 With a storyline built around Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and songs made famous by Elvis Presley, All Shook Up tells the story of a small town girl with big dreams and the motorcycle-riding stud she falls for.

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE

THE PLAYERS THEATRE 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org Taffetas June 14 - 17 and July 12 - 15 A nostalgic tribute to the best music of the 1950s. Featuring songs from the McGuire Sisters, The Fontane Sisters, The Chordettes, and other great girl groups of the 50s.

Terra Nova June 21 - 24 and July 19 - 22 In 1910, two sets of explorers attempt to be the first expedition to reach the South Pole.

This haunting play is about the group that does not return.

Lettice & Loveage June 28 - July 1, July 26 - 29 Written by Peter Shaffer of Equus and Amadeus fame, this English comedy asks: While touring historic homes, is it better for the guide to tell the truth and be bland or to exaggerate and entertain?

Stay August 9 - 12 A desperate woman attempts to keep her husband from leaving her by convincing him that he’s blind. As she struggles to keep him, her lies become all too real.

RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 941.359.5700 / ringling.org Summer Circus Spectacular (Historic Asolo Theater) June 19 – July 27 Presented each year in collaboration with Circus Sarasota, the Circus Spectacular displays the full spectrum of the Ringling legacy while providing delightful summer entertainment for children of all ages.

941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.org

VENICE THEATRE

Steel Magnolias June 27 – July 15 More than the story of a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, this is the story of a circle of friends whose lives come together there.

Gotta Luv It Band June 16

941.488.1115 / venicestage.com

Bandana July 14 The Boomers August 18 scenesarasota.com

Pre-Hike Festivities 3:00-5:00 pm at Macy’s Registration Welcome Reception Silent Auction 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm 1K Walk Begins at 7:00 pm Inside Westfield Sarasota Square Mall Outside Macy’s Entrance

Tuesday – June 26, 2012 Presented By

Sarasota Square

High Heel Hike Founder

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Proceeds Benefit

Individual Walkers And Teams Welcome Go For The Crown!

Start Fundraising Today To Help Local Children With Autism

Register Now! WWW.HIGHHEELHIKE.COM

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scene | performing arts

CURTAINCALL STEVEN J. SMITH REVIEWS LOCAL THEATRE

ASLOLO REPERTORY THEATRE Hamlet, Prince of Cuba

Perhaps the Spanish-spoken version of the Bard classic, which moved to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center following its Asolo run, will wield more Latino heft. As for the English version, it was simply a decently trimmed and cleanly performed

which includes Taffetas, Terra Nova, Lettice and Lovage, and Stay. For more information about these shows or to secure tickets, call the box office at 941-365-2494 or visit them online at www.theplayers.org.

THE MANATEE PLAYERS

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

production. For me, the production lacked real Cuban flavor with

Although Wendy James is a glowing exception in the role of Milly,

only four Hispanic actors (Frankie J. Alvarez as Hamlet, Mercedes

the musical struggled to live up to its lofty singing and dancing require-

Herrero as Gertrude, Emilio Delgado as Claudius and Andhy Men-

ments. That said, Miss James is radiant as bride to the oldest brother

dez as Laertes) and a movable set (designed by Dane Laffrey) that

Adam (William E. Masuck) — schooling him and his brothers Benjamin

represented what appeared to be a generic alley. Only in the last

(Jason Moore), Caleb (Alex Beach), Daniel (Joseph Rebella), Ephraim

couple of minutes did I get a sense that the play might be set in

(Keston Law), Frank (Killam Tyler Johnson), and Gideon (Jason Ellis)

Cuba around the time of the Spanish-American War, when Fortin-

on the finer points of love and relationships. Her interpretation of the

bras (Tony Stopperan) appeared on the scene in the guise of Teddy

songs “Wonderful, Wonderful Day,” “I Married Seven Brothers,” “Goin’

Roosevelt to clean up the mess and set things right.

Courting,” and most especially “Glad That You Were Born” make this

Mr. Alvarez gave a sincere and spirited performance as Hamlet,

show worth seeing. She is just terrific. I did enjoy the “Social Dance” se-

while Doug Jones shone admirably in the nicely contrasting roles of

quence, during which the brothers attempt to outdo their fellow suitors

Polonius and the Gravedigger, and the judiciously streamlined play

in impressing the girl town folks.

was performed in a crisp couple of hours or so.

Next up is Fanny Brice, America’s Funny Girl, which runs through

Next up is Legally Blonde (Aug. 16-Sept. 2), followed by Evita (Sept.

20-Oct. 7), Pump Boys and Dinettes (Oct. 25-Nov. 11), Forever Plaid Tid-

June 17, followed by Love, Loss, and What I Wore, an intimate collec-

ings (Nov. 29-Dec. 16), Anything Goes (Jan. 17-Feb. 3), A Funny Thing

tion of stories by Norah and Delia Ephron, running June 22-July 15. For

Happened On The Way To The Forum (Feb. 21-March 10), Miss Saigon

more information about the Asolo’s season or to order tickets, log on to

(March 28- April 14), and Fiddler on the Roof (May 2-19). For more in-

www.asolorep.org or call the box office at 941-351-8000.

formation about any of these shows, contact the box office at 941-748-

THE PLAYERS THEATRE The Full Monty

The Players closes its 2011-12 season in style with a spirited,

5875 or visit them on the web at www.manateeplayers.com.

FSU/ASOLO CONSERVATORY Cloud Nine

moving, and downright fun production of this lively musical based on

This challenging gender-bending piece, which takes a bitingly

the 1997 film about six unemployed men who form a striptease act

satirical look at British colonialist attitudes and the quest for identi-

to make some cash. Touching on such contemporary issues as un-

ty (nationalistic, sexual and personal), was deftly pulled off by a tal-

employment, child custody, depression, impotence, homosexuality,

ented troupe of young actors under the steady hand of director Greg

suicide, and how we look at our bodies, the show never wavers in its

Leaming. Everyone had a moment to shine, but my personal favorite

relevance and entertainment value.

was Jesse Dornan, whose Act One portrayal of Betty brilliantly mixed

Director Jared Walker does a phenomenal job coaxing winning

her desire to be the good British wife to husband Clive (Joseph Mc-

performances from Jeffery Kin as Jerry Lukowski, who organizes the

Granaghan in a nicely stiff-upper-lipped performance) while serving

act, and Tim Fitzgerald as his portly best friend Dave. They’re joined by

her baser desires with worldly explorer Harry (Francisco Rodriguez)

Tony Boothby (Malcom), Mike Phelan (Harold), Steve Bikfalvy (Ethan),

and fighting off the sexual advances of Ellen (Kelly Campbell), nanny

and Gordon Gregory in my favorite performance of the evening, as

to her gay son Edward (Lindsay Tornquist). Got to say the first act was

Noah (Horse) Simmons. Mr. Gregory’s rendition of the song “Big Black

more fun than the second, but that was more an issue with the play it-

Man” absolutely stopped the show. Bobbie Burrell shone brightly as

self — flashing forward 100 years to examine identity issues in Britain’s

well as Jeannette, a tough-as-nails musician who “shows up, piano

modern society — than with the highly capable cast.

and all,” to accompany the boys’ rehearsals. Congratulations also to

Cloud Nine wraps up the Conservatory’s 2011-12 season. Plays

Musical Director/Keyboarder Rick Bogner, who kept the musical num-

on the 2012-13 calendar will include Twelfth Night, The Aliens, Stop

bers coming at us with style and panache.

Ahead on the Players’ schedule is their Summer Sizzler Series,

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June 2012

Kiss, and Candida. For more information, call the box office at 941-3518000 or visit them online at www.asolorep.org. scenesarasota.com

scene | social

SMHF PHYSICIANS GOLF TOURNAMENT T he 11th Annual Physicians Golf Tournament,

hosted by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare

Photography by Cliff Roles

Foundation, was recently held at Laurel Oak Country Club. Both the East and West courses were used to help facilitate play throughout the day for the 176 golfers. Winners received their awards and prizes at a dinner following the tournament.

Co-chaired by Patricia Riley and Carroll Hunter, the event netted more than $40,000 to beneďŹ t the Physicians Endowment for staff education.

Art Kuh, Ron Lee, Pat Robinson & Brien Holehouse

Aaron Thiel & Chris McGee

Tim Jones, John Jones, J.T. Teller & Rich Paladino

Mike & Sherry Edwards with Burt Farbman

Scott Greer, David Chadwick & Corky Taylor

Gris Bettle, Kaye Chase, Bob Strasser & David Verinder Jeff Kaminske, Bob Geyer & Vance Dickinson Nick Marsala, John Jones & Jon Whittemore

Ernie Garcia, Chris Welter, Doug Grice & Dan Bonora scenesarasota.com

Shaun Kelley, Alex Quarles, David Verinder & Matt Harrell June 2012

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scene | profiles

The Visual Arts...

W.C. “Clyde” Burnett With the nationally recognized Ringling College and a wealth of public art, Sarasota is a town that works hard to maintain its standing as the capital city of Florida’s culture coast. But although up and coming artists and outside talent have long flocked to town, there is also a great deal of local skill to be found. A new initiative launched by the City of Sarasota seeks to celebrate that connection by displaying artists’ work in publicly owned buildings.

The project aims to facilitate access to the work of local artists, says volunteer public art coordinator Virginia Hoffman, who is exhibition manager for the program. “As a renowned cultural community with a tourist-based economy, we felt it was timely to start a city-run program that gave access to the works of area artists. So far, we’ve been delighted with the results.” Art finds a home in municipal spaces for three month rotations; this cycle, the works adorning the Federal Building are set inside the dreamy Southern Gothic world of painter W. C. “Clyde” Burnett.

Since 1951, his work has ranged from direct representation of nature to cubistderived images, abstract-expressionism and regional surrealism. Burnett’s vivid, dreamlike paintings are drenched in a symbolic language all his own. Horses gallop through the sky or over the dreaming body of a sleeping man; man-

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June 2012

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.

nequins recline against giant apples; a naked blue man rides his bike past a tree that is blossoming with hearts; and storm clouds and fiery rain glide through the walls of a lonely room.

The artist says that, throughout his career, “I’ve used exploratory techniques, including dripping, flowing, blotting and smearing paint, as a means of discovering forms. The result has been an emergence of forms which relate to deep-seated emotions and ideas.” After working as an artist/illustrator for the US Department of Defense immediately after graduation from the University of Georgia, Athens, he took a position in display advertising with Sears-Roebuck and Co. until 1956.

That same year, Burnett moved to Sarasota to enter a role in advertising sales for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. In 1961, Burnett was promoted by the Herald-Tribune to act as their Arts Editor/Art Critic/Special Assignment Writer. Eight years later, he was lured back to Georgia and hired as Arts Editor/Art Critic for the Atlanta Journal, a post he held until 1983. He retired from the Atlanta Constitution in 1990 and currently lives and works in Sarasota.

His current work offers an unusual alternate version of both Florida and the greater region of which it is a part: vibrant colors, deep shadows, and indistinct figures no less formidable for their melancholy. Women wander beaches clad in outdated blood red finery, oblivious to shuttles launching in the background, while shadowy wolves and foxes (and the occasional armadillo) keep silent guard. Florida, like so much of the South, is a constant juxtaposition between old and new, wild and tame, light and dark. The exploration of this tension brings an intriguing sense of depth to Burnett’s work – and by supporting it, the city adds another layer of definition to our faceted and fascinating nurturance of the cultural arts. scenesarasota.com

June 2012

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scene | giving

By Joy Weston

T H E P E O P L E & PA S S I O N B E H I N D C O M M U N I T Y P H I L A N T H R O P Y

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can

never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

The idea that we create our own reality was articulated well in Viktor

But according to Dr. King, “we are all caught in an inescapable net-

E. Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning, based on his observations

work of mutuality, tied together into a single garment of destiny. What-

during time spent in a Nazi concentration camp. He suggested that

ever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” So naturally the United

the prisoners who survived better than others chose to deal with the

States was also experiencing its own highs and lows. In April 1914,

difficult circumstances by remaining true to the core of their authentic

newspapers all over the country were reporting the tragedy of seeing

self. Despite the horrific conditions and total lack of human decency

over thirty-five thousand workers killed because of job related acci-

they were forced to endure, these individuals chose to remain hope-

dents, as well as what historians dubbed “the culminating act of per-

ful, optimistic, and even philanthropic in the purest sense of the word.

haps the most violent struggle between corporate power and laboring

These actualized human beings repeatedly tested their own courage

men in American History,” when the National Guardsmen in Ludlow

and fortitude by unselfishly caring for others in any way they could,

Colorado set fire to the tent camp of displaced workers in what would

while refusing to let their enemies conquer them through feelings of ha-

later be called the Ludlow Massacre. Yet at the same time, in the same

tred, oppression and defeatism. As Joyce Appleby so perfectly stated,

year, other realities were being set into place that positively changed

“Our sense of worth, of well-being, even our sanity depends upon our

our own community for the better. The first community foundation was

remembering. But, alas, our senses of worth, our well-being, our san-

established in Cleveland, and the seeds were planted for the national

ity, also depend upon our forgetting.”

Big Brother and Big Sister Organization to become the largest youth

Now I know that this discourse may seem a bit esoteric, especially for a philanthropic piece, but if you will stay with my thread of thought I will show you how important it is for each of us to create our own positive reality. And when you choose to rise above whatever, to test your own courage and fortitude, amazing things can be accomplished. To make my point, let’s pick a year – say 1914 – and together we will ex-

mentoring organization in the United States. Ain’t life grand?

“You can design and create, and build the

most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

– Walt Disney

plore the perceived differences in reality and how they affect us today.

The year 1914 was a common year; it started on a normal Wednesday according to the Julian calendar. Yet this particular year had a huge impact on the landscape, literally and figuratively, of the world.

On a sunny day in June, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was brutally assassinated in Sarajevo. This act set in motion a series of mindless events that culminated in the world’s first global war, World War I. In many places, these were considered the worst of times as numerous cities, countries, and many, many lives were destroyed. Yet in the same year in a not-so-distant place, others were celebrating the best of times. Robert Bárány, another Austro-Hungarian, had won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Pathology. Do you think that these two men, their families, friends, associates or hometown, not to mention the history books, experienced a different reality around that time? I think so.

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June 2012

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was an idea originally conceived by Irvin Westheimer, a Cincinnati businessman who came upon a poverty-stricken lost child scrounging for food and immediately saw the need of a father’s influence. Even though he initially focused on boys in the Jewish community, his commitment spread to help all sorts of young boys. His efforts inspired a court reporter named Ernest Coulter to embark on a nationwide lecture tour in 1914 to spread the message, which was the beginning of the Big Brother Big Sisters of America organization as we know it.

BBBS provides one-to-one mentoring relationships between children and adults, with the purpose of providing friendship, emotional support and guidance to youth through their involvement with positive role models. “Making a difference, one child at a time” is their motto; they rely heavily on volunteerism and financial support from public scenesarasota.com

and private sources to deliver quality programs and services. All ages,

The organization assigns a Family Advocate that works directly with

religions, and ethnic groups are welcomed as long as the volunteer

the entire family to ensure that basic needs are met in achieving self-

mentors agree to a minimum one year commitment, spending time

sufficiency at home and at school. They help adults obtain the skills

with their little brother or sister two to four times a month. Recently I at-

necessary for successful parenting, job training, and enrolling in an

tended The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast "Déjà vu: Friday

educational program. One of the most inspiring program additions

Night at the Movies" fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. At the

is Early Childhood Education, for families who do not meet income

event I met two exceptional young women, 82-year-old Sara and her

guidelines to qualify for free or low-cost services. There is also the Nur-

adorable 15-year-old little sister Kathy.

turing Dads Initiative (with over 1,330 graduates), Career Readiness for

Sara Peterson is the daughter of a college professor and married an-

women, and Grand Champions for grandparents and other relatives

other one who became a college president. A certified special needs edu-

raising young family members. A great example for creating the reality

cator herself, she launched a program in Massachusetts to intervene with

of a healthy family in all respects – kudos!

young challenged children not yet in kindergarten to help better prepare

Owner of Main Street’s Blackbird Home Gallery Mindy Rollins and

them for the school experience. When she came to town, she got involved

her husband Wayne, who moved from Atlanta to LA before landing on

with the American Association of University Women through a church

Longboat Key with their two munchkins, are great examples of devo-

program that also was involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She im-

tees to causes that help children.

mediately saw how she could help a child find her way, live up to her own

Mindy Rollins: “We really like what Forty Carrots is doing and sup-

potential, and go on to make a difference to many others.

port them as well, but Children First has a huge place in my heart.

Sara Peterson: “Kathy has been my little sister now for nine years.

Wayne and I have two young children, and because we know that we

When we first came together, she was suffering with attention defi-

are blessed financially and with family support, we are very aware of

cient problems which actually made her fail the first grade. Through

what it takes to create a healthy family in all respects. I can’t imagine

the years I’ve encouraged her to love books and reading, and to

what a parent rearing a child must be going through. Not just one

stay focused on each project she takes on. Now she is an honor

child, but one family at a time is Children First’s approach and they

student who excels in almost everything she does, and has given

are doing a brilliant job. You can nurture a child in a wonderful envi-

me the greatest gift in the sense of personal satisfaction. I see her

ronment, but if you send them home and there is no family support, it

overcome so many obstacles as she flourishes and gets more ac-

is so hard. CF programs for couples, grandparents, single dads and

complished with each year. I would also like to say to all the seniors

single moms are really about a parent being dramatically involved

that are reading this piece who want to stay youthful longer: become

with their children – an advocate who is there to help. Entire families

a Big Sister or Big Brother. Nothing works better than mentoring a

are encouraged to work together to create a healthy environment

younger person as you give them a sense of foundation and ma-

that creates healthy children and adults. Ultimately giving back to

turity, while they teach you things you either forgot or never knew!

our community what it needs the most: Better educated individuals

Chronologically I am 82 and Kathy is 15, but when we are together

in all respects, who will make a positive difference in the world.”

we are both ageless, and for sure I always feel as if I am getting back a lot more than I give.”

“Go to the people. Learn from them. Live with

“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced. The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.”

them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. The best of leaders know that when the job is done and the task is accomplished, the people will say, we have done it ourselves.”

Nobody can do everything but everyone can do something, is the

– Lao Tzu

prevailing thought that follows my thread of creating your own reality.

- Søren Kierkegaard

Clearly Fredrick Goff, forward thinking attorney and bank president of American theologian Horace Bushnell once said, “The more diffi-

the Cleveland Trust Company, felt the same way when he started the

culties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant

first community foundation as a component of his bank in 1914. His

and the higher in inspiration his life will be.” Assuming he is correct,

goal was to create a philanthropic vehicle to facilitate donors’ chari-

everyone involved with Children First must certainly be inspired beings.

table intentions in perpetuity, as well as to establish a system whereby

From the strong and committed guidance of its executive director Phil-

people of modest means could engage in large scale philanthropy

lip Tavill, to the dedicated board of directors and well-trained staff that

by pooling their contributions. This idea eventually led to hundreds of

serve six hundred of Sarasota County’s most vulnerable children and

thousands of individuals from all backgrounds joining their local com-

their families, the organization is highly respected for its results. They

munity foundations. More than 650 community foundations serve ur-

offer early childhood services through the Head Start and Early Head

ban and rural communities throughout the United States, collectively

Start programs that help provide all children with what they deserve:

holding about $32 billion in combined assets and making local grants

a safe place to learn, nutritious meals, and a nurturing environment.

of approximately $2.6 billion annually. And that doesn’t include the 37

Children First has been recognized by the National Head Start Asso-

countries outside of the USA who are following the lead.

ciation as a Program of Excellence and ranks in the top one percent of all Head Start programs nationwide. scenesarasota.com

The philosophy of multiplying the impact of gift dollars by pooling them with other gifts and grants was really maximized with the 36-Hour June 2012

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Giving Challenge – a first of a kind online fundraising event in South-

osity board headed up by the delightful Sandy Loevner, a group of

west Florida – made possible by the combined efforts of the Com-

dedicated volunteers and only one paid staff person ensure that the

munity Foundation of Sarasota, Gulf Coast Community Foundation,

monies raised by Florida Winefest are directed to the children, not to

Manatee Community Foundation and the Patterson Foundation. This

the charity’s coffers. The mission statement for this organization that’s

tour de force extended way beyond Southwest Florida, with donors

been helping our community since 1992 is “to provide the children of

coming from all 50 states and 24 countries (including the UK, Spain,

our community the opportunity and encouragement they need to real-

Russia, Peru, Australia, Mexico and Canada). An incredible $2,401,601

ize their dreams and potential while providing the life skills necessary

was ultimately raised on March 27th and 28th, and the challenge gen-

to become productive members of society.”

erated 10,705 donations in support of 109 area charitable organiza-

With a schedule of events patterned after the Napa Valley Wine

tions that participated in the Giving Partner program. The Foundations

Festival, this year saw twelve winemaker dinners held at various

pledged $501,000 in matching dollars and special grant prizes. One to

locales throughout Sarasota, a beach feast that overtook the Long-

one matching up to a thousand dollars per donor per organization was

boat Key Club and Resort, a Sunday Brunch Wine Charity Auction

met in the first four minutes of the doors opening at 6 am! Kudos and

at the Polo Grill Ballroom, educational seminars hosted at the Vi-

hurray for all participants – we are awesome!!

king Culinary Center, and a nine course meal with paired wines pre-

Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of The Community Foun-

pared by celebrity chef Chris Covelli for 100 guests to reenact the

dation of Sarasota County: “While we knew what a generous

first class meal served on the Titanic the night it sank. Over twenty

community we live in, the level of giving truly exceeded our high

events priced between $25 and $250 apiece brought together four

expectations and we’re thrilled with the success of our first Giving

to five thousand people, making this wonderful vision a role model

Challenge. Supporting nonprofits that are doing a terrific job to bet-

for pure philanthropic reality! Cathy Rustin is one of those dedicated

ter the quality of life is very inspiring.”

board member/volunteers I spoke of, and she couldn’t say enough about the joy of working with Winefest.

Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community

Cathy Rustin: “When we lived in Orlando, I was very involved

Foundation: “What might not have happened on its own—more

with many different philanthropic organizations, so I was eager

than $2 million in local charitable giving in just a day and a half—was

to get involved with the right ones when we moved here 10 years

achieved because of the teamwork of individual donors, nonprofits

ago. Maybe it is because my husband and I have two wonderful

and foundations joining together in the spirit of philanthropy.”

children we have adopted. But when I heard about Winefest, an organization that helps so many kids, I knew I had found my place.

Marilyn Howard, executive director of the Manatee Com-

Sandy Loevner, our fearless leader, is an amazing person as was

munity Foundation: “We succeeded in our goal of raising money

her husband Jerry. She takes no salary, yet she gives so much

for nonprofits, while reaching new donors. The success of the

of her time, talent and resources to help give away thousands of

event also demonstrates the progress our nonprofits are making

dollars a year. As a board we visit and monitor the programs we

in reaching out to their supporters using social media and online

give grants to throughout Sarasota and Manatee, and these trips

technology.”

are so heart touching and transformational....truly amazing. Our board is made up of several interesting and very proactive people.

Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Founda-

Two notables are Paul Mattison and Chris Covelli, both excellent

tion: “The heart of philanthropy in our region beats with vibrancy

local restaurateurs, chefs and philanthropists. Both are extremely

and strength of generosity. Just as inspiring is the informed deci-

active and generous on behalf of Winefest, cooking for private

sion-making made possible by a 24-7 web platform that spotlights

winemaker dinners and our signature fund-raising events. Next

our local nonprofits.”

year we’re adding some real excitement with hot air balloons and

A fabulous accomplishment that was the manifestation of a Fred-

changing our name to the Sarasota Wine and Balloon Festival.”

rick-Goff-envisioned reality: to establish a system whereby people of

Fine wines, great food, hot air balloons, and the ability to help

modest means could engage in large-scale philanthropy by pooling

needy children. Seriously, could any organization give you more

their contributions. I for one loved being a part of it all.

reasons to get involved? I doubt it!

Everything begins with a decision. Once we choose our own per-

“To play a beautiful song for two people or a thousand is the same song, and the amount of thanks you receive isn’t part of that song.”

ception of reality, regardless of how others or circumstances try to

– Author unknown

once said “Act as if what you do makes a difference, because you

craft that perception, the stories we each write can be amazing. Life is not about what happens to you, but about what you do with what happens to you. And as long as you remember that William James do,” you will! En-JOY!

Right or wrong isn’t the issue, it’s just what is so: People become more willing to part with their money for good causes when they get something in return for their efforts. The organizers of Florida Winefest wisely don’t even bother to refute that fact, they just go with it – and in return have been able to award more than $7.5 million in grants

Joy Weston is an internationally bestselling author, speaker, presentation coach and a devotee of making a difference. Contact Joy@JoyWeston.com.

to over seventy-five Southwest Florida children’s programs. A gener-

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June 2012

scenesarasota.com

scene | biz social

TAYLOR MORRISON ESPLANADE VILLAGE GROUNDBREAKING

M

embers of the Taylor Morrison team, Lakewood Ranch officials, business leaders and governmental representatives celebrated the

recent groundbreaking of the Amenity Center at Esplanade by Taylor Morrison.

The Amenity Center will include a well-appointed clubhouse, lagoon-style and lap pool. Spa, barbeque and fire pit, pickleball and bocce courts, fitness lawns, canoe, kayak launch and fenced ballpark. The clubhouse will have a grand ballroom, fitness and aerobics center, billiard room and library, and a cards and craft room. Esplanade is the first and only active-lifestyle village within

Maria Amundson, Andy Sorenson, Rhonda Fleming-Hill & Andrew Nikiforakis

Lakewood Ranch.

A SOLO REP REPERTORY THEATRE F L O R I D A’ S P R E M I E R P R O F E S S I O N A L T H E AT R E � � � S A R A S O TA

AN INTIMATE COLLECTION OF STORIES BY

DIRECTED BY

BASED ON THE BOOK BY

NORAH EPHRON & DELIA EPHRON ILENE BECKERMAN KAREN CARPENTER

“AN ACT OF

“BEST OF “WITTY BRILLIANCE! THE YEAR!” & WISE!” A MUST SEE!” –TIME OUT NEW YORK

–VANITY FAIR

WITH EMMY ® AWARD-WINNING STAR OF M*A*S*H

Loretta Swit S P O N S O R E D BY

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JUNE 22–JULY 15���941-351-8000���ASOLOREP.ORG scenesarasota.com

June 2012

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scene | education

EDUCATION MATTERS

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

SCENE continues its community-centered focus by presenting some of the most exciting intellectual happenings taking place in our community. Education Matters focuses on higher education, with an emphasis on difference-making programs, professors and students. This month, we proudly feature State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

As the oldest and largest public college on Florida’s Cultural

scene for quite awhile; for example, having student films on

Coast, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has a sin-

the bill, taking part in seminars and presentations, and invit-

cere commitment to both arts education and performance. One

ing filmmakers into their classrooms. “But never anything as

of the ways this commitment impacts our community is the role

involved as the five films we co-presented with the Festival this

played by the SCF Film Program in hosting the Sarasota Film

year,” says Jacobs. “Our students take part in other festivals,

Festival. Since the inception of the Sarasota Film Festival, SCF

too, such as the Austin Film Festival, the Florida Film Festival,

students and faculty members have been involved as volun-

CineWorld, Ft. Lauderdale, etc., so this local one is a great op-

teers, panelists, speakers, advisors and audience members.

portunity to continue the circuit.”

SCF’s participation in the 2012 festival expanded outreach to the public, providing the opportunity for the community to experience several new films, as well as exhibits, speakers, and filmmaker panels.

SCF has been involved with films much longer than most would realize. Back in the early 1970s, they were the first two-year college in the state to offer History of Motion Pictures as a credit course. But it’s only in the past decade that

SCF’s own film program was developed and is currently di-

they’ve gained real notoriety for their film program. Movie-

rected by SCF film production technology professor Del Ja-

Maker magazine named SCF among the world’s best film

cobs. Del is a 35-year resident of Sarasota County who has

schools at two-year colleges, citing their program’s diverse

been involved as an educator in the local film culture and in

curriculum and internship opportunities.

film exhibition, promotion, production, festival coordination and advisement. As a film critic and the author of two books on film, Jacobs points out that the college has been part of the festival

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June 2012

About the current state of the program, Jacobs explains: “We are comparatively under-budgeted in light of those four-year

scenesarasota.com

schools so we have strengthened our non-fiction/documentary production track, emphasizing real-world experiences and issues as subject matter. There are still production classes in fiction, narrative, even avant-garde film, but I admire the way our students touch the community in which they live by creating meaningful works while learning the craft of digital communication.”

Students gain real world experience through two outreach efforts: providing video Web content for Girls Inc., and working on the Manatee County emergency preparedness video for residents with special needs, produced for the Emergency Management Division of the Public Safety Department in Manatee County.

SCF has almost 500 students in film/integrated media courses with one-fourth of those in classes in digital media production.

Classes in the film program are taught on SCF’s campuses in Bradenton, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, where students can work toward two degrees — the Associate in Science in Multimedia/ Film (a workforce-oriented degree), and the Associate in Arts degree (which parallels a university degree).

This past year, a film by SCF student Amanda DiMase was shown at the Sarasota Film Festival. A humorous take on misunderstanding, Just My Luck is a short silent film that follows a young man trying to return a book to a lovely, long-haired brunette.

“I’ve been interested in film since middle school,” says the 24-yearold DiMase. “My first experience was in 6th grade when I had to write my first script for my language arts class. I became so absorbed with storytelling that I wanted to turn my script into a film for others to see.”

Above: SCF film production technology professor Del Jacobs.

Right: Peter Gedeon, SCF fine and performing arts lab assistant, was selected for the Federation of International Photographic Art (FIAP) sponsored by 1st Budapest International Digital Photo Contest’s showcase.

Gedeon’s “Misgivings I” photo won Honorable Mention.

One of the real lessons that she learned during the process of making Just My Luck was to surround herself with reliable people. “My original editor for Just My Luck dropped out of the project and severed all ties without telling anyone,” DiMase said, explaining that she then had to do all the editing herself.

About her experience at SCF, she says, “If it wasn’t for my professors I don’t think my film would have been in the festival. They push their students to do their best, and after they saw my short they encouraged me to submit it into the festival.” And from here? Her dream is to have her own production company and win an Oscar. “The only way to dream,” she says, “is to dream big.”

SCF students are involved in much more than just film production and film studies, however. For instance, their music students won awards and scholarships at the Florida Community College Activities Association Winter Music Symposium at Florida Atlantic University. As one of 14 colleges to participate in the symposium, SCF won four of the nine categories in the Student Artists Competition. SCF student winners were Dan Wesson, percussion; Connor Milstead, guitar; Fernando Valbuena, piano; and Colton Cason, jazz vocalist were featured in an artist concert at the symposium, and each received a $2,000 scholarship to attend any Florida college or university.

Clearly, SCF is adding to our cultural capital which makes Sarasota even more of a creative and artistic hub. Perhaps DiMase will go on to make SCF proud the way Class of 1995 Ringling College of Art + Design graduate Brandon Oldenburg of Moonbot Studios did for Ringling College this past year when he won an Oscar. For more information on State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, please visit: scf.edu. scenesarasota.com

June 2012

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Creative Camps Is your child the next Baryshnikov, Callas, Einstein or O’Keefe? Help them unleash their creative talents at these amazing local summer programs.

Art Center Manatee 941.746.2862 / artcentermanatee.org

Camps for young artists in pottery, jewelry, cartooning, masks, sponge painting, watercolor, world art, printmaking, caricatures, digital photography, origami, and more.

Art Center Sarasota 941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org Students will explore mosaics, painting, drawing, felting, dyeing, collage, animation, video, sculpture, and experiment with a wide range of media across a spectrum of themes (monsters, magic, music, and more).

Florida Studio Theatre 941.366.1350 / floridastudiotheatre.org Provides opportunities to explore all aspects of the theater: acting, movement, music, dance, improvisation, magic, and stagecraft.

Special courses available for blind, physically and mentally challenged youth.

G.WIZ 941.309.4949 / gwiz.org Programs explore unusual aspects of science and technology, from what it’s like to be an astronaut to magical science classes at Sarasota’s version of Hogwarts. Courses also offered in robotics programming and time spent in the fabrication lab.

Manatee Players 941.748.0111 / manateeplayers.com Broadway Boot Camp Jr. (followed by Broadway Boot Camp; the two can be taken in sequence) gives performers intensive training in acting, technical theatre, and performance preparation. Both camps culminate in a stage production of a hit musical.

The Players Theatre 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org During two four-week sessions, students learn the magic of musical theatre through acting techniques, dance, singing, play production, theatre games, makeup application, and more. Participants attend one field trip per session and appear in a musical revue together at the end of their time at camp.

Ringling College of Art and Design 941.955.8866 / ringling.edu Studios and courses for students entering the 7th-12th grades focusing

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June 2012

on drawing, fine arts, illustration and design, and various digital arts (animation, photography, and digital film among others).

Ringling Museum of Art 941.359.5700 / ringling.org Attend performances of the Summer Circus Spectacular and participate in a self-guided scavenger hunt on the grounds and gardens of the Ringling Estate.

Sarasota Ballet 941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org Summer camps, private lessons, intensives and mini intensives for all levels of students wishing to take classes in ballet, pointe, prepointe, jazz, modern, and stretching.

Sarasota Opera 941.366.8450 / sarasotaopera.org Sessions in singing, acting and movement, opera 101, sets, wigs, makeup, and costumes, all led by professional singers, instrumentalists, technicians and stage crew from the Sarasota Opera. No audition is required.

Sarasota Orchestra 941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org Activities for string, wind, brass and percussion students include daily rehearsals in a large ensemble, a technique class, and skillbuilding in a rhythm class. No prior experience required.

Venice Art Center 941.485.7136 / veniceartcenter.com Classes offered across every discipline supported by the Art Center, including but not limited to clay, paint, fine art photography, cartooning, mixed media, basket weaving, fused and stained glass, mosaics, and recycled art.

Venice Symphony 941.716.3313 / thevenicesymphony.org Two week camp at Island Village Montessori School providing music education and exploration of stringed instruments.

Venice Theatre 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com Courses in acting, directing, singing, audition preparation, and foundation classes for children and teens. scenesarasota.com

cene

LITERARY S

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Midwest who said Unlocked changed his life. “I don’t write to authors,” he began, then went on to explain that he, too, was an outcast and sometimes felt like acting out as does Blake in the book. But reading this book let him know he wasn’t alone. “I understand Blake. And I understand Andy, too. And realizing others might feel and think the way I do makes ME feel a lot better.” What better praise for an author than that?

I wrote Unlocked because on Valentine’s Day 2009, a kid named Steven

The first author featured in this month’s Literary

Phillip Kazmierczak brought an arsenal of weapons into the classroom I

Scene is South Florida resident Robert Logan

used to sit in at Northern Illinois University, killed five people and wound-

whose latest novel is In Dreams (Peppertree Press,

ed twenty-one more before taking his own life. The chair I used to sit

hardcover, 222 pages, $14.95). This psychologi-

in during math class was riddled with bullets, which gave me pause for

cal thriller thrusts 30-year-old history teacher Jack

many weeks after.

Corbitt into the world of serial killers. His town

I think about that poor, lonely kid in my book and how he helped that

– bucolic Magnolia Creek, near the foothills of

poor, lonely kid in the Midwest who wrote to me, and I’m proud of Un-

the Rockies – has seen three women killed in ten

locked in more ways than I can explain.

days. Equally troubling is that these seem just like the series of murders the Hillside Ripper committed forty years ago.

Classics Revisited

Corbitt is more than just a worried member of the community. Thanks

This month’s classic book to revisit is Stephen King’s On Writing (Scrib-

to a rare brain disease, he’s suffered unusual premonitions throughout

ner, 2010, softcover, 291 pages, $16.00), which is

his life, and now the tumor is growing. Experimental treatments give him

subtitled “A Memoir of the Craft.” You don’t have

wild dreams where is transported back to 1971 – when the Hillside Rip-

to be a writer to get a real kick out of this gem.

per was hard at his gruesome work. “Each time Jack awakens from his

You don’t even have to know any of King’s books,

bizarre dream,” says Logan, “he quickly realizes the events of the past

nor do you have to care about horror movies or

have changed in a drastic way because of his interaction with [investiga-

scary books.

tive reporter] Maggie Roper.”

One of King’s gifts as a storyteller is how he can

This book deftly plays with past and present in a high-octane race against

make a scene come alive by knowing exactly what

time. One thing, too, seems clear: the police have it all wrong. The only way

to put in and (more importantly) what to leave out. The dozens of an-

to solve the current murders is to solve the past ones. And only Corbitt can

ecdotes about his life that he shares are short, hilarious, and poignant.

do it. But will he be able to do so before the murderer strikes again?

Who knew he had a trouble-making older brother who got such a kick

Readers of Dennis Lehane, Jonathan Kellerman, or Lisa Unger might

out of finding mischief for young Stephen? To read about the poison ivy

find Logan’s latest effort a rewarding read. And for those who want

rear-wiping incident, you’ll absolutely cringe. And to hear his recounting

more, Logan is hard at work on his next book: tentatively entitled Ex-

of how a van smashed into him from behind as he walked over a hill

treme Beliefs, the first installment of a psychological political thriller tril-

– King suffered a collapsed right lung, scalp lacerations, and a broken

ogy. “This story has been brewing in my imagination for several years,”

hip, plus a leg so shattered that doctors initially recommended amputa-

explains Logan, “and it will highlight the battle between good and evil...

tion – you’ll be in awe of his resolve to survive.

that has been raging since the dawn of mankind.”

For those who do want to know some of what this master writer has to offer, here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

This month’s second feature is my own young

“Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the

adult book, Unlocked (Walker Books for Young

reader’s.”

Readers, 2011, $15.99). It’s a story about Andy,

“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual

a high school freshman outcast who is pressured

from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”

to steal his janitor father’s keys to find out if the

“Get busy living or get busy dying.”

rumors are true: does his classmate Blake have a

“The most important things are the hardest to say. They are the things

gun in his locker? I typically don’t mention my own

you get ashamed of, because words diminish them – words shrink things

books in the dozens of reviews I do for SCENE

that seemed limitless when they were in your head to no more than living

and other venues each year, but there are three reasons why I felt com-

size when they’re brought out. But it’s more than that, isn’t it? The most

pelled to do so this month.

important things lie too close to wherever your secret heart is buried, like

Reason #1: The American Library Association recently named Unlocked

landmarks to a treasure your enemies would love to steal away.”

a “Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers,” which is a list of books specifi-

King is a once-in-a-generation talent – ranking third on the 2010 Forbes

cally aimed at “encouraging reading among teens who dislike to read for

highest-paid author list, earning more than $34 million that year – and

whatever reason.” As a former reluctant reader myself, this honor means

this book proves his importance again and again. It’s a terrifically en-

as much as does Reason #2: the Gold Medal in Young Adult Literature

tertaining read that manages to offer real insight into reading, writing,

award given to this book by the Florida Book Awards.

and publishing that even laymen can appreciate. I can’t recommend this

Reason #3: I recently got an email from a middle school student from the

book enough.

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scene | locally

NEWS SHAPING

OUR COMMUNITY HUMANE SOCIETY NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

After conducting a national search, the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Sarasota County announced Kristi Dorman Bratzke as its new Executive Director. Ms. Bratzke has served as interim Executive Director since January of this year. Ms Bratzke has extensive marketing, development and managerial experience. The mission of HSSC is to provide abandoned pets with compassionate care and shelter while promoting responsible pet ownership and securing permanent homes. www.hssc.org

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HONORS NURSES Sarasota Memorial Hospital recently named the 10 winners of the 2012 Nurse of Excellence Awards and four honorees for the 2012 Patient Care/Multi-Skilled Techs (PCT) of Excellence Awards. According to SMH, the winners were singled out by hospital leaders and peers from thousands of staff members for their exceptional care, teamwork and expertise. They are: Keila Abreu, Carolyn Alvarez, Denise Brown, Mark Campbell, Steve Finsted, George Langford, Ann Monville, Lynne Post, Krystal Ramos, Natalia Rodov, Sherrie Sheppard, Christopher Sienko, Gale Skiver, and Amanda Torney. Eva Valenzuela was named Preceptor of the Year by the University of South Florida for her outstanding mentorship of nursing students. www.smh.com

JOHN RINGLING TOWERS FUND GRANTS OPENING SOON The Arts and Cultural Alliance will begin accepting applications for the 2013 cycle of the John Ringling Towers Fund Grants on June 8. JRTF Grants are available to individual artists in the categories of visual, performing and literary arts. Nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies are also eligible for separate grants under the category of historic preservation. Both programs provide grants up to $5,000. An artist from each category will also be selected to receive a residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood. www.sarasotaarts.org/grants

SARASOTA & BRADENTON VOTED #1 & #2 ARTS DESTINATION American Style Magazine has released the results of its 2012 Readers’ Poll and Sarasota was voted the number one arts destination among small cities (populations under 100,000) and Bradenton was selected number two. Special mention was given to The John and Mable Ringling

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Museum of Art’s Art after 5 series and St. Armand’s Circle’s first Wednesday art events. The city beat out Asheville, Santa Fe, Taos, Laguna Beach and Aspen, among others, to claim its place at the head of 2012’s list.

CHILDREN FIRST RECEIVES JEROME & MILDRED PADDOCK FOUNDATION GRANT Children First received a $15,000 grant for Nutrition from the Jerome and Mildred Paddock Foundation. Children First provides over 50% of each child’s weekly nutrition through breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, helping at-risk children in the community. All of the meals are planned by a Nutrition and Health Safety Specialist and approved by a licensed Dietician. Founded in 1961, Children First was designated as one of the top 22 Programs of Excellence in the country out of 2,700 similar programs. The agency’s mission is “strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and wellbeing.” www.childrenfirst.net

SALT & LIGHT PRODUCTIONS ACCEPTING COSTSHARING GRANT APPS FOR SUMMER 2012 Salt & Light Productions, an award-winning project of the Center for Faith and Freedom, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving communities across the nation since 1989 with its multi-media and production capabilities, is accepting cost-sharing grant applications for summer 2012. Through its selection process, Salt & Light will offer a limited number of nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies a cost-sharing grant that will subsidize a percentage of the production costs associated with its video presentation. Salt & Light Productions has been the recipient of 2 Emmy and 34 Telly Awards. www.saltandlightproductions.org

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE LAYS CORNERSTONE FOR NEW THEATRE WING Florida Studio Theatre’s staff and supporters unveiled the cornerstone on the Hegner Theatre Wing – part of the New Gompertz Theatre capital improvement campaign that includes renovating the 6,000 sq. foot Gompertz Theatre and constructing an 18,000 sq. foot addition with two new theatre spaces. The $6.8 million dollar campaign is the largest capital program in the 38-year old theatre’s history and will double the number of renovated stages on the theatre’s campus located in Sarasota’s historic downtown. www.floridastudiotheatre.org scenesarasota.com

                                         

  



  

   

FOREVER BETTER

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