October 2012

SARASOTA | MANATEE

TAYLOR MORRISON:

1st Annual Truffle Festival

Conservation Foundation: Saving Our Land & Legacy

OCT 2012 $3.95 U.S.

Inspired Living

EMBRACE THE EXPERIENCE

THE CONCESSION GOLF CLUB The Concession, an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, designed in association with Tony Jacklin, is situated among towering oaks in a serene natural setting. Experience the finest 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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The Good Life October 2012

Volume 55 No. 9

44 44 TASTE OF THE WILD From wild speakeasies to the most gourmet delicacy, the first Annual Wild Truffle Tasting and Festival shows that some of the best things can only be found underground.

By Kate Sullivan

48 INSPIRED LIVING Local building titan Taylor Morrison exemplifies the good life in its comfortable top-of-the-line homes.

By Sue Cullen

55 SAVING SPLENDOR In a state renowned for its natural beauty, the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is actively working to protect that bounty for our children’s children and beyond.

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

59 LIVING THE GOOD LIFE...

AT ANY AGE A look at four of the Sarasota Bay Club’s thriving retirees, and how they define the good life in our fair city.

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

48

62 PAR EXCELLENCE For golfers of refined taste who hold golf’s rich history close to their hearts, The Concession Golf Club represents the best of tradition and excellence.

By Steven J. Smith

ABOUT THE COVER Taylor Morrison’s Umbria Model located in the Camargo neighborhood in Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch. Photo by Rob Villetto, Villetto Photography

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scenesarasota.com

Stuart J. Roth

Founder and President

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DEPARTMENTS

37

20 OCTOBER EVENTS CALENDAR 26 PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR 80

28 SOCIALS Gold Coast Eagle Hosts Bollywood/Hollywood, ESPO Charity Golf Invitational (29).

30 SCENE LOVES Reset your palate for fall (and our social season, of course) with a taste of some treats that Scene loves.

By Michelle Rinaca

35 CULTURE MATTERS The Arts and Cultural Alliance rounds up some can’t-miss events as this season gets off the ground.

37 REAL ESTATE

One With Nature A peek at a luxuriously relaxing home nestled along the Gulf on Siesta Key.

38 GIVING MATTERS

A Sweet Second Act Love and philanthropy blossom in a pairing that grew out of a single act of compassionate generosity.

By Steven J. Smith

64 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW Warm and winding portrait of the director of the John and Mable Ringling Museum, Steven High.

By Gus Mollasis

75 BEHIND THE SCENE Social columnist Debbi Benedict gives the latest scoop.

By Debbi Benedict

80 THE VISUAL ARTS Ringling College of Art + Design professor and latest John Ringling Towers Fund grantwinner Michael Wyshock defies entropy in his work, plucking a surprising order out of chaos.

82 HEALTH MATTERS Cervical Cancer Prevention

By Edgardo J. Aponte, MD, FACOG

True Beauty

By Marguerite Barnett, MD

70 EDUCATION MATTERS

84 STORIES OF JOY

This month we take a look at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, which is engaged in building a strong bedrock on which our schools can build to even greater heights.

By Joy Weston

88 LITERARY SCENE

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

90 SCENE LOCALLY News shaping our community.

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scenesarasota.com

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FROM THE EDITOR

O

h, the good life, full of fun seems to be the ideal... I couldn’t stop singing this Tony Bennett song while putting together this issue, themed “The Good Life.” OK, so the rest of the lyrics don’t exactly fit but there’s

something about Tony Bennett crooning about the good life that sure makes me feel better! And I think we can all stand to feel better about things and life in general.

With that in mind, I know you’ll enjoy reading about four thriving retirees living the good life right here in Sarasota. Despite being in their golden years, they haven’t seemed to slow down very much at all. They’re living proof that age is just a number – good for them.

Through the vitally important work of the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, the future of our children and grandchildren is certainly brighter. In this issue, meet Foundation President Christine Johnson and learn the critical reasons to join the Foundation’s effort to protect our bays, beaches and barrier islands – a better life for all, for sure.

Napa, Asheville, and Oregon move over. You are no longer the only places in the U.S. boasting Truffle Festivals. On November 16th and 17th, Sarasota celebrity

chef Christopher Covelli pairs with Sandy Loevner’s Florida Winefest & Auction to host Florida’s first Wild Truffle Tasting and Festival benefitting local children’s charities – all for the good.

Builder Taylor Morrison brings a smile to our face for several reasons. The first being that they have lots of new homes being built in several different local communities. Second, because that means people are buying new homes and that’s really good for all of us.

You can tell that everything in this issue is all good, as it usually is in SCENE. So here’s to Tony Bennett and let’s hope he keeps singing about “La Belle Vie” as long as SCENE Magazine keeps writing about it, which we hope is at least another half a century! Now that would really be good!

Who’s

Behind

?

SCENE

It’s none other than Big Man On Campus Dr. Larry Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art + Design. Thanks, Dr. Thompson, for sharing in the fun! For a chance to guess who’s behind this issue of SCENE, keep an eye on our Facebook page mid-month.

www.facebook.com/SarasotaScene 12

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2012

The most anticipated home tour of the year

has finally arrived Lakewood Ranch unveils 49 luxury, furnished model homes by 16 award-winning builders. With prices starting in the $150s, you’re sure to find a new home on the Ranch that suits your lifestyle perfectly.

In 2012, Lakewood Ranch was ranked as the ninth best selling master-planned community in the United States!

Boutique shopping, dining, world-class golf, polo, cricket, a sports campus venue and community events are just a sampling of the award-winning amenities available.

Make Lakewood Ranch your home and be part of the top 10 places to live in the country. Call or visit one of our three information centers and pick up your FREE 2012 tour guide.

EXIT 220

LORRAINE RD.

64

BRADENTON 70

EXIT 217

INFORMATION CENTER

EXIT 213

UNIVERSITY PKWY.

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PREMIER SPORTS CAMPUS

LAKE CLUB INFORMATION CENTER

October 26 - November 18, 2012

INFORMATION CENTER

SARASOTA POLO CLUB

FRUITVILLE RD.

41

SARASOTA

University Information Center Directions:

Take I75 to University exit 213, head east just past Lake Osprey Drive; University Information Center on right.

G O TO W W W. L A K E WO O D R A N C H . C O M F O R F U L L TO U R G U ID E

941.907.6000 Tour daily! Information Centers & Model Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Sunday Noon – 5 p.m.

Homes with home sites from $150K to over $5 million Prices subject to change without notice.

LOCALLY OWNED, OPERATED & PRINTED FOR MORE THAN 55 YEARS CEO/Publisher:

Ronald Milton

Executive Editor:

Julie A. Milton

V.P. Sales & Business Development Art Director:

Dan Downey Michelle Cross

Editorial Assistant:

Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong

Account Executive:

Wanda Martinetto

Special Issue Director: Distribution: Contributing Writers:

Debbi Benedict Dick Jackson Debbi Benedict Sue Cullen Gus Mollasis Steve J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave Joy Weston

Photographers:

Keith Millard Cliff Roles Rob Villetto

Address Phone Fax Website

7269 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34241 941-365-1119 941-954-5067 www.scenesarasota.com

SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year by RJM Ventures, LLC. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. SufďŹ cient 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: Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County's Arts & Culture Guide,

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues 14

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October 2012

Doctors On The Scene, The Giving Book, Leading the Scene, Men On The Scene & Women On The Scene. scenesarasota.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.

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CALENDAR

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

Lakewood Ranch Music on Main Street. Photo by Cliff Roles.

27th Annual NAACP Freedom Awards Banquet October 4 Sarasota Hyatt 6:00 pm. The Sarasota County Branch of the NAACP honors volunteers and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community. 941.355.2097

Flip Flops and Fashion October 5 Sharky’s on the Pier 11:30 am. Luncheon and fashion show benefitting Children First. Tickets: $65-95 | 941.953.5507 ext 138 | childrenfirst.net

A River of Art in Blue Artwalk October 5 & 6 Village of the Arts. Artwalk celebrating blue and blues-themed art, music, and food to celebrate the opening of Bradenton’s Riverwalk. 941.746.4556 | villageofthearts.com

2012 Equality Suncoast Gala October 7 Selby Gardens Great Room 4:00 pm. Featuring guest speakers, full bar and award ceremony.

Benefits Equality Florida. Tickets: $100 | 813.870.3735 | eqfl.org

Gartenfest Every Sunday in October 1:00 pm Selby Gardens. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy top local performing artists in a biergarten atmosphere under Selby’s banyan trees. German Food, beer, and wine. Free with paid admission to Selby Gardens. 941.366.5731 | selby.org

4th Annual Ringling International Arts Festival October 10 – 13 Ringling Center for the Arts. Celebrate the rich diversity of the world today with performances in dance, music, theater, and film - plus soul stirring music and sunsets in the James Turrell Skyspace, and an unforgettable closing night in the Museum of Art Courtyard. 941.359.5700 | ringling.org

8th Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale October 13 Bee Ridge Park. Proceeds support the Master Gardener program and its educational outreach programs. Rain or shine. Master Gardeners will answer questions and offer free advice regarding proper plant choices, care tips, and suggestions on proper locations for the plants. 941.861.9807 | mghelpdesk@scgov.net

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61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

Fall Opera Season October–November 2012

Special Events 2012–13

RIGOLETTO LITTLE NEMO

Curtain Raiser Dinner

Giuseppe Verdi Oct 26, 28 (m), Nov 1, 3, 7, 12 (m)

IN SLUMBERLAND

Daron Aric Hagen & J.D. McClatchy Saturday, Nov 10, 5:30 pm & Sunday, Nov 11, 12:30 pm Sarasota Youth Opera World Premiere.

Two performances only—don’t miss out!

Winter Opera Festival February–March 2013 TURANDOT Puccini Feb 9–Mar 23 THE PEARL FISHERS Bizet Feb 16–Mar 22 A KING FOR A DAY Verdi Mar 2–24 OF MICE & MEN Carlisle Floyd Mar 9–23

Sunday, October 21, 6:30 pm Don’t miss this traditional start to the Sarasota Opera social season!

The Little Nemo in Slumberland Dinner

Sunday, November 10, 7:30 pm Celebrate with the team behind this world premiere at this fundraising dinner to benefit Sarasota Youth Opera.

The Opera Gala

Saturday, February 2, 6:30 pm Enjoy a decadent four-course dinner, a performance by Sarasota Opera artists, and other surprises—and then dance the night away to a live orchestra!

FREE Mobile Opera App Scan the code to download Sarasota Opera to the palm of your hand.

(941) 328-1300 | sarasotaopera.org SEASON SPONSOR Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Little Nemo in Slumberland and its programs are made possible by the following organizations: The Joy McCann Foundation | William and Casiana Schmidt | William E. Schmidt Foundation, Inc | Cordelia Lee Beattie Foundation of Wachovia Bank, N.A. | Hyatt Sarasota

14th Annual Patricia Snyder Golf Tournament October 13 Laurel Oak Country Club. Golf tournament to benefit the Patricia Snyder Children’s Fund at Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. Tickets: $110-125 | 941.917.1286 | smhf.org

Interior Design Society’s 2nd Annual Party on the Pass October 13 Sarasota Sailing Squadron, City Island 6:00 pm. Cookout, si-

The Greatest Thing

About Having A Choice Is The Freedom to make it.

lent auction, live music and dancing courtesy of the sToneFish Band. Benefits Trinity Charities and the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Tickets: $25-30 | 941.928.7015 | idsarasota.com

Riverwalk Grand Opening Celebration October 18 Riverwalk Pavilion & Event Area 5:00 pm. A community celebration of the redeveloped riverfront with live music by State College of Florida’s chamber choir, jazz combo, guitar ensemble, string quartet, and brass choir. Ceremony, ribbon cutting, and refreshments. Free of charge. realizebradenton.com

SMHF’s Key to the Cure October 18 Saks Fifth Avenue. A kick-off party launches a four-day shopping event at Saks Fifth Avenue during which a percentage of sales will benefit women’s cancer programs at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Tickets: $60-100 | 941.917.1286 | smhf.org

12th Annual Anna Maria Island Bayfest October 19 & 20 Pine Avenue. Music, food, arts & crafts, car show, kids zone, and live music.

Mote’s Night of Fish, Fun, and Fright October 19 Mote Aquarium 6:30 pm. Trick or treating, shipwreck-themed haunted house, food, drink, and underwater pumpkin carving in the shark tank! 941.388.4441 x509 | mote.org

6th Annual Golf Tournament and Church Challenge October 20 Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club 7:00 am. Benefits Samar-

Freedom FREEDOM VILLAGE BRADENTON

Life can be a wonderful adventure at any age, especially when you have the freedom to make your own decisions about where and how to live it. Freedom Village is designed for those who appreciate extraordinary independence.

itan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast. Tickets: $100 | 941.926.2959 | samaritangulfcoast.com

18th Annual Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival October 20 – 21 Main Street 10:00 am. Jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing, and an expansive green market. artfestival.com

To learn more about our exceptional community, call 1-888-904-2951 or visit www.brookdaleliving.com today.

Sarasota Opera Curtain Raiser October 21 Michael’s Wine Cellar 6:30 pm. Celebrating the kickoff of the 2012-2013 season. Tickets: $185 | 941.366.8450 x402 | sarasotaopera.org

Women’s Health Expo October 25 Doctors Hospital of Sarasota 5:00 pm. Free health cholesterol screening, blood pressure and BMI readings, bone density heel scan (must RSVP before October 18), stress reduction techniques, life enhancement and wellness information as well as light bites.

888.685.1596 | doctorsofsarasota.com

Mental Health Community Centers Inc. Show of Shows October 25 Michael’s on East 6:30 pm. Dinner, silent auction, and pre-

Your story continues here...

A Life Care Community 6406 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209 www.brookdaleliving.com

view of upcoming performances by Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Pops, Players Theatre and West Coast Civic Ballet. Benefits the programs of

51280EF-ROP08-1012-LB

Prospect House. Tickets: $125 | 941.953.3477 | mhcci.com scenesarasota.com

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Cemeterror October 26 – 27 5718 Antilles Drive, Sarasota.

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Yard haunt; donations benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. cemeterror.com

Sarasota Pumpkin Festival October 26 – 28 Sarasota County Fairgrounds 12:00 pm. Benefits All Children’s Hospital and Kid’s Force. Features performances, pumpkin patch and maze, hayrides, haunted house, pie eating contests, midway amusement area, food and craft vendors, and beer garden. Tickets: $25 - $49.95 | 941.706.3102 | sarasotapumpkinfestival.com

2nd Annual International Beer Fest October 27 Main Street Lakewood Ranch 5:00 pm. Beer sampling, food from local restaurants, live entertainment and a Halloween costume contest. Benefits the Humane Society of Manatee County. Tickets: $25-65 | 941.757.1548 | lakewoodranch.com

Mote’s Oceanic Evening 2012 October 27 Ritz-Carlton 6:30 pm. An elegant evening of dinner and dancing to launch the Mote Marine Laboratory Legacy Society and recognize founding director Eugenie Clark.

For more information or to host a table, please contact Glenda Wright at 941.388.4441 x316 or glenda@mote.org.

Planned Parenthood Safe Sex Halloween Bash October 27 Michael’s on East 9:00 pm. Halloween themed fundraiser features open bar, light refreshment, DJ, dancing, live entertainment and a costume contest. Benefits sexual health and prevention education programs of Planned Parenthood. Tickets: $75-100 | 941.365.3913 x1124 | safesexhalloweenbash.com

Wit and Wisdom of Aging Luncheon

Estate Buyers | Coin Appraisals | Antique Appraisals Mark Cooper is widely known

October 30 Michael’s on East 11:30 am.

for his professional expertise in

Moderator,

correctly valuing old coins and

Teri

Hansen,

President /CEO

Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Panel-

collectibles getting top dollar for his client’s

ists include award winning journalist Jack

treasures. His company, Cooper Enterprises

Perkins and pro golfer Tony Jacklin. Benefits Pines of Sarasota Foundation. Tickets: $85 | 941.955.6293 | pinesofsarasota.org/wit

13th Annual Sarasota Signature Chefs Auction – “A Recipe for Healthy Babies” October 30 Polo Grill 6:30 pm. Chefs auction benefiting the March of Dimes. Tickets: $75 | 813.898.4958 | mcurry@marchofdimes.com scenesarasota.com

of Sarasota, Inc. is a trusted, local business committed to customer satisfaction since 2003.

If you have valuables lying around collecting dust call Mark Cooper or bring them in for a free no obligation valuation.

Antiques Radio Show Have something old and always wondered ‘Is it worth anything”? Now is the time to find out. Listen live twice weekly Wednesdays 12 noon -1pm.

WWPR 1490am Manatee, Sarasota, Tampa, St Petersburg. & Sundays 8am - 9am on WTMY 1280 Sarasota, Bradenton & Venice.

Member: Antique & Coin Collectors Assoc.

2116 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota • 941.923.5100 • www.cooper-enterprises.com HOME APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE October 2012

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PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 941.351.8000 / asolorep.org The Tragedy Of Macbeth (Cook Theatre) October 2 – November 27 Tempted by the prophecies of three witches, Macbeth’s ambition to be King of Scotland leads him into a world of evil, deceit, and murder.

Twelfth Night (Cook Theatre) October 30 – November 18 A young woman finds herself adrift in a foreign country and masquerades as a boy to keep herself safe.

resses at the Double Cupp Diner, a dinette located somewhere in North Carolina.

SARASOTA OPERA

THE PLAYERS THEATRE

Rigoletto October 26 – November 12 The story follows a hunchbacked jester as he tries to shield his daughter Gilda from the evils of the world – only to have it unveiled that she is in love with the lascivious Duke of Mantua who has deceived her to win her heart.

941.365.2494 / theplayers.org Nunsense October 25 – November 4 The surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken (the ones who survived the vicious bout with tainted vichyssoise) are at it again!

These starstruck nuns will sing, act, and dance their way into your hearts.

RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART

941.366.8450 / sarasotaopera.org

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 941.953.3434 / sarasotaorchestra.org

941.359.5700 / ringling.org Upcoming: The high-spirited musical, 1776 (Mertz Theatre) November 16 – December 22

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org The Wanderers... Let’s Twist Again October 17 – January 6 Smokey Joe’s Café October 31 – January 6

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE 941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com Arsenic and Old Lace October 24 – November 11 Two charming ladies, beloved in their genteel Brooklyn neighborhood, are populating their cellar with the remains of their roomers until their nephew Mortimer stumbles onto their secret.

MANATEE PLAYERS 941.748.5875 / manateeplayers.com Evita Through October 7 This classic chronicles the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, telling of the enormous wealth and power she gained and the means by which she became the beloved Evita.

Ringling International Arts Festival October 10 – 13 Celebrate the rich diversity of ideas and forms at play with performances in dance, music, theater, and film – plus soul stirring music and sunsets in the James Turrell Skyspace and an unforgettable closing night in the Museum of Art Courtyard.

SARASOTA BALLET 941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org The Uncommitted (FSU Center for the Performing Arts) October 26 – 28 Florida’s only appearance of Michael Fleet and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.

Innovations: Once Upon a Time (Sarasota Opera House) October 6 When popular fables are combined with great classical music, the stories come alive.

Great Escapes: Stompin’ At The Savoy October 10 – 13 A concert of swinging jazz music, including songs by Goodwin and Gershwin.

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 941.953.3368 / vanwezel.org John Legend October 19

VENICE THEATRE 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com The 39 Steps October 2 – 21 Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel and add a dash of Monty Python for a fast-paced whodunit featuring an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance.

The Rocky Horror Show October 12 – November 3 That sweet transvestite and his motley crew are back! Get ready to talk back and play along with newspapers, noisemakers and boas. Not recommended for pre-teens.

Pump Boys and Dinettes October 25 – November 11 The musical tells the story of four men who work at a gas station, and two women wait-

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scenesarasota.com

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SOCIAL

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Hosts Bollywood/ Hollywood Prashant Shah, owner of Bollywood/Hollywood, visited Sarasota with his family to scout a location for a motion picture to be shot in the area. During the visit, John Saputo of Gold Coast Eagle Distributing hosted a reception for the Shahs at the company’s conference center in Lakewood Ranch. The event was studded with attendees associated with the Sarasota Film Commission, along with county officials, business owners, and Sarasota Photos by Keith A. Millard Photography County professionals.

Jiten Patel, Jay Patel & Jim Shirley

John Saputo & Fran Lutz

Keri Nakamoto, Victor Young & Joe Barbetta

Dr. Anila Jain, John Saputo, Dr. Mona Jain & Kailash Jain

Emily Shah, Jeanne Corcoran, Prashant Shah, Elizabeth Shah & Wanda Martinetto

Ultimate Customer Service...

Denise Mei REALTOR®

“As a service industry entrepreneur for many years, I know what it takes to make your home buying experience perfect. It’s the only way I know how.”

Cell: 941.685.3198 Office: 941.951.6660 DeniseMei@michaelsaunders.com 1801 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 DeniseMei.michaelsaunders.com 28

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SOCIAL

ESPO Charity Golf Invitational Laurel Oak Country Club recently hosted the FLCMAA & Phil Esposito Charity Golf Invitational benefitting All Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and the Special Olympics. Attendees included NHL Hall of Famer Phil Esposito and several current and former Tampa Bay Lightning players. The 18-hole Invitational was held on both of Laurel Oak Country Club’s pristine courses and featured delicious food and drink from several prominent country Photos by Cliff Roles clubs in the area.

Tammy & Dave Whalen

Joe Perno, Steve Kennedy, Dan Lacroix, Wassam Rahman & Buddy Davis

Fred McGriff, Renee Puchalla & Phil Esposito

Paul Francis, Frank Tartaro, Phil Esposito & Lenny Tartaro

Pamper yourself at our award-winning Indonesianinfused holistic & medical day spa. ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ ����

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SHOPPING

As we leap into fall and the long, hot days of summer become a faded memory, taking in brisk, cooler days, sporting light sweaters, and sipping hot cocoa become welcome changes. And sometime this month, visitors and “birds” join us to enjoy our sights, shops, theater, and restaurants – the special things we have at our beck and call all year-round. So before they buy everything up, here are some of the things SCENE Loves for October.

By Michelle Rinaca

Put Yourself on a Pedestal

Pretty as a Picture

Take your home décor to the next level with this rich grained wood

Make it easier to shine outwardly

pedestal, with gold and silver leaf.

with these handy little compacts

Its sweeping design will have your

of lip gloss or dual lip and cheek color by

friends swooning. Now you just have

Kevin Aucoin. Options shown: Pravella,

to decide what to place, besides

Cloudaine, Anastasia, Valentina, Vizcaya,

your good taste, on the pedestal.

Tresbelle & Liquifuschia.

Price: $731. Envie, 1411 First

Price: $24 - $27. Ana Molinari, 52 S. Palm Avenue,

Street, Sarasota. 941.366.7027.

Sarasota. 941.365.7434. anamolinari.com

enviehomedecor.com

Blissfully Beautiful Store all of your little treasures in this handmade glass box. Compact in size, it measures only six inches wide and has a mirrored bottom that will reflect your smile every time you reach inside.

Price: $248. M.L. Gosling, 43 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota.

941.366.2500. mlgosling.com.

Wings of an Angel Your heart will take flight with this stunning one-of-a-kind, handmade Murano glass necklace by Dale Levy. The Dale Levy jewelry line ranges from $80 - $530.

Price: $420. ITesori, 1405 First Street, Sarasota. 941.907.9296. i-tesori.com

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Brighton Your Day This little black bag has heart. It’s so versatile you can take it to the board room or to the martini bar.

Price: $270. Brighton, 444 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle.

941.388.3230. brighton.com.

Get Wrapped Up If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind, look no further with this vintage Suzani-style jacket. With fabric from Uzbekistan, bright exotic patterns, and a light and airy feel, it’s the perfect wrap.

Price: $198. Oh My Gauze, 374 St. Armands Circle. 888.694.2893. ohmygauze.com

Beautiful Princess Your favorite little lady will be the star of the party, as she shines in this grey dress flickered with the perfect shade of pink and an elegant silver bow. Available in 12 months through 5T. Price: $79. Little Bo-Tique Children’s Wear, 367 St. Armands Circle. 941.388.1737. littlebotiquechildrenswear.com.

Spice Up Your Life Tantalize your taste buds with these savory spices and rubs. Buy them separately or as a set; they’re perfect for the chef in your life.

Price: $24 - $45. The Spice & Tea Exchange, 345 St. Armands Circle. 941-388-1411. spiceandtea.com.

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SHOPPING

Outdoor Comfort

By Steven J. Smith

Mark Beede’s Patio Factory Supercenter Combines High Quality and Great Pricing.

Mark Beede, co-owner of Patio Factory Supercenter will quickly tell you he’s not the reason his company is so successful — it’s his wife, Kimberly, who is the real driving force behind the operation.

“She is a very strong businesswoman,” he said.

“She is the one who deserves all the praise, not me. She’s done a phenomenal job and thanks to her the company has grown very quickly in a tough economy.”

Beede added Kimberly’s parents manufacture about 85 percent of what you’ll find on the sales floor of the company’s three locations – in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Clearwater, and another to open soon in Brandon – where just about every kind of outdoor furnishings are available at rock bottom prices including sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs, action rockers, chaise lounges, and deep seating sectionals in 150 different fabric choices. Manufacturing was pretty much all the company did until 2007, when they decided to open a retail store to the public.

“Retail stores that have big holiday sales have margins. Our margins are “The idea was that we’d open up a dealer location,

significantly smaller, because we manufacture almost everything here. It’s a

where we could fly the dealers in and look at everything

phenomenal deal for the public.”

we had on the floor,” Beede said. “But it’s turned into a very successful retail operation where we give the

The company’s secret to succeeding in the current economic climates lies in

consumer a break and we can still serve our dealers. It

offering customers quality products at prices they can’t find anywhere else.

worked out great. We have no-haggle pricing, which allows for the customer to come in here and buy patio furnishings cheaper than anywhere in the world.”

Beede added that the deeply discounted pricing and

“People want what’s good,” Beede said. “Even people who can afford to pay more still want that quality piece at a reasonable price. They want to know they’re not replacing it after two years. They want to know it’s going to stand the test of time.”

unparalleled selection are what set Patio Factory Supercenter apart from its competition.

3855 Clark Road, Sarasota | 941.925.1686 5615 14th Street West, Bradenton | 941.739.7711

“We’re a company that doesn’t have sales,” he said.

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www.patiofactorysupercenter.com scenesarasota.com

Peter & Susan Migliaccio invite you to experience the warmth, comfort and world-class food at their new, downtown Italian Restaurant.

1213 N. Palm Ave. | Sarasota, Florida 34236 | 941-366-1840 | www.casa-antica-restaurant.com | casanticarestaurant@aol.com

More to come in the November issue of SCENE Magazine

Pro-Legends of Golf Jim Albus • Andy Bean • Bobby Cole • Jim Dent • Allen Doyle • Dow Finsterwald • Robert Gamez • Gibby Gilbert • Jenny Gleason • Mikes Goodes • Lou Graham • Jerry Heard • Jim Holtgrieve • Tommy Horton • Sean Jacklin • Tony Jacklin • Warren Jacklin • Doug Johnson • Jim Holtgrieve • Tommy Horton • Larry Laoretti • Wayne Levi • James Mason • Jim McClean • Bob Murphy • Bobby Nichols • Lonnie Nielsen • Jay Overton • Jim Owen • Phil Parkin • Brett Quigley • Dana Quigley • Joe Rassett • Tom Shaw • Hollis Stacy • JM “Woody” Woodward • Jimmy Wright • Larry Ziegler

Pros subject to change without notice.

FIFTH ANNUAL

H A N G A T L HA

L LL A G

E

E

CA

IR

NT

IR

CA

FIFTH ANNUAL

2010

2010

Charity ProAm

Charity ProAm 3 Day Event: November 1-3, 2012

Hosted By:

Sponsored By:

The Ritz-Carlton Members Club Callaghan Tire Waste Pro The Concession Golf Club Scene Magazine Bridgestone Tire Moffitt Cancer Center Continental Tire

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Friday, November 2, 2012

Saturday, November 3, 2012

The Concession Golf Club or

The Concession Golf Club or

The Concession Golf Club or

The Ritz-Carlton Members Club

The Ritz-Carlton Members Club

The Ritz-Carlton Members Club

• Practice – Call for tee times:

• 7:00 am – Breakfast

• 7:00 am – Breakfast & Final Round

The Concession Golf Club -

• 8:30 am – Shotgun Start

• 8:30 am – Shotgun Start

941.322.1465 or The Ritz-Carlton

• Lunch on the course.

• Awards Party after Golf to include

Members Club - 941.309.2900.

• 6:00 pm – Tall Tales Party,

• 5:00 pm – David Edwards

The Bradenton Country Club.

Cocktails & Steak Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton Members Club.

Trick Shot Artist.

• 6:00 pm – Pairings Party and Auction.

More Than $200,000 Donated to “Golfers Against Cancer”

Callaghan Tire: Call Dan, Patty or Patsy for Information or Registration - 941.751.1577

ARTS & CULTURE PRESENTED BY:

1 1) 14th Annual Awards Celebration October 22

2

Imagine a complimentary evening at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the auditorium filled with avid arts and culture supporters, the energy and excitement: palpable. Guests will be treated to performances by Asolo Repertory Theatre, Fuzion Dance Artists, Jazz Juvenocracy, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Each year, guests leave feeling inspired by the evening’s recognition of grant recipients, award winners and leading advocates for arts and culture.

Why It Matters: This free event is an opportunity to recognize and say thank you to those who share their talent, time, and resources to enrich our lives through the arts. This celebration serves to emphasize that Sarasota is truly a community where artistic expression and inspiration meet.

2) The Arts Mean Business October 23

3

The EDC of Sarasota County and the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County invite you to lunch with Randy Cohen, vice president of research and policy for Americans for the Arts, who will share results from a comprehensive study on the national and local economic impact of the non-profit arts and cultural industry.

Why It Matters: More than 100,000 nonprofit arts and culture organizations act as economic drivers in the United States — creating a vibrant industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a key element of the tourism industry. Cohen, vice president for research and public policy at Americans for the Arts, will discuss results of the comprehensive study conducted by the organization to document the vital role played by the nonprofit arts and culture industry, and their audiences, in strengthening our national and local economy.

3) Ringling International Arts Festival October 10-13 Once again artists from around the world are coming together under the artistic direction of the Baryshnikov Arts Center for the Ringling International Arts Festival. The rich diversity of ideas and forms at play in the world today will be celebrated with performances in dance, music, theater, and film – plus soul stirring music and sunsets in the James Turrell Skyspace and an unforgettable closing night in the Museum of Art Courtyard.

Why It Matters: This is your opportunity to be a part of a vibrant cultural gathering of artists and audiences. You are welcomed to create your own Festival by choosing from 140,000 square feet of museum exhibitions to explore.

4

4) Sarasota Chalk Festival October 28- November 4 The 2012 theme is “Circus City, USA.” It will bring you back to the 1920s when Sarasota’s serene seaside shores became Ringling Brothers-Barnum & Bailey’s Circus winter home. A time when trains would roll into town carrying circus families from around the world and cargo of elaborate costumes, massive tens, and exotic animals so they could practice their fearless acts throughout the winter months.

Why It Matters: The Sarasota Chalk Festival hosted the most important contemporary street painting venue in the world last year (2011 Pavement Art Through the Ages) with over 250 of the most renowned artists participating for the first time in one location and 200,000 visitors attending. Local artists were joined by artists from all over America as well as international artists from Australia, Italy, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, Mexico, Japan, Peru, France, Brazil and Germany.

Visit SarasotaArts.org for additional events, artist profiles and information about Sarasota’s exciting season of arts and culture.

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Wynonna’s Rockin’ Christmas

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Michael Bolton

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REAL ESTATE

ONE WITH NATURE This beautiful beachfront sanctuary is the Scene team’s property selection of the month. Majestically poised along the shimmering Gulf of Mexico waters bordering Siesta Key, this masterfully designed retreat invokes distinctive Asian-inspired aesthetics to achieve a unique harmony with nature. A feeling of tranquility prevails as this private sanctuary rests on two sprawling acres stretching from the white sands of the beach to a calm lagoon and encompassing a main residence and a two-story guesthouse buffered by a lush Japanese garden.

Following a detailed, irreproducible plan of reconstruction, the owners enhanced the home’s original footprint to create a true haven of serenity resplendent with the beauty of water, nature and relaxation.

Rich cypress wood adorns the guesthouse and forms a welcoming covered walkway leading to the main residence. Floor-toceiling glass doors open to panoramic views of Gulf waters in the expansive master suite, which manifests the sensation of ultimate seclusion on one of the nation’s most revered beaches.

Pocket sliding-glass doors help create an indoor/outdoor feel for the expansive kitchen, which features tucked away, top-of-the-line appliances to maintain the home’s overall clean-lined aesthetic.

Dark wenge wood trim accents the ceiling in the dining room, where artist Yuri Tsuzuki’s series Trees lines one wall.

Meticulously designed and conceived by Peter White and Jon Russo, the extensive, well-manicured landscaping applies the minimalist philosophy of Japanese gardens and affords a spot for quiet contemplation. The open courtyard pool

7858 Sanderling Road, Siesta Key $10.9 million Contact Mel and Jan Goldsmith at Michael Saunders & Co. 941.383.6673 scenesarasota.com

and summer kitchen area are enveloped by South African ipe wood decking, perfect for enjoying undisturbed reflection or entertaining guests.

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GIVING

A Sweet Second Act George Kole and Judy Zuckerberg

By Steven J. Smith | Photo by Cliff Roles The romance that would forever change the lives of George

operations supervisor for Trans World Airlines.

Kole and Judy Zuckerberg began with an online plea for help.

“My daughter said he could be a murderer, my best friend said “I was on a message board, just before the millennium,” George

he could be a rapist, and my son said, ‘Why don’t you go?’”

remembered. “I’ll never forget Judy’s message. It said, ‘Can

Judy said. “So I did.”

anybody out there help me?’ I wrote, ‘I don’t know. Maybe I can.’ She wrote back, ‘Are you real, or are you a figment?’”

She took a leap of faith, taking a couple of days off from managing the prosperous industrial complex she inherited from her

Judy was seeking the aid of someone who could help her better

father in Saddle Brook, NJ to meet George in Orlando. It was

understand how to use her new computer, but she knows now

love at first sight. Within a couple of years they were married,

her call for help went deeper than that.

living in New Jersey, but looking for a place in Florida to live due to Judy’s health. Sarasota beckoned. After hopping around

“I needed to smile,” she said. “I needed to laugh. I had just

the area, they settled just off St. Armands Circle in a beautiful

gotten my divorce after 39 years and was still reeling from the

home that overlooks Sarasota Bay.

death of my son a year and a half before. I was dealing with a lot of sadness and a lot of anger.”

“Now it was time to join the community,” Judy said. “We wanted involvement with people. We wanted to do something that

When George typed, “Who are you?” in response to her mes-

was hands on.”

sage, Judy hesitated. Told by her friends that she should never reveal the truth about herself to any stranger online, she came

A friend referred them to an event whose featured speaker was

up with an identity to put him off the scent.

Greg Leamming, director of Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Conservatory. The Conservatory is a three-year actor training program;

“I said I was a lesbian nun, and no longer in the Order,” she said.

each year, a select group of about twelve young actors is culled from an exhaustive round of auditions to develop the emotional

George didn’t quite know what to make of that, or of her typing

and technical skills required to excel as a professional. Those

ability, either.

actors need sponsors. Judy and George found their purpose.

“From the way she typed, I thought she was from Eastern Eu-

“The more we got involved with those kids, the more we en-

rope,” he laughed. “Her typing left a lot to be desired. But I

joyed it,” George said. “It keeps us young. And we kept getting

found her very interesting, so I directed her from that message

more and more involved. We’ve sponsored or helped seven

board to a chat room, where we could converse more easily.”

young actors so far. We’ve gotten on committees. Judy’s now on the executive board of the Asolo. We’re on an advisory

The chat room led to phone calls, which led to their first meet-

board to Florida State University. And I just got elected to the

ing, in Orlando, where George worked at the time as a flight

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s board.”

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To purchase tickets, view our auction items, and learn more about The Artful Lobster and The Hermitage Artist Retreat, visit www.hermitageartistretreat.org.

For more information, call Janet Hunter

at 941-371-6798 or email janet.hunter@comcast.net

on the Gulf-front campus of The Hermitage Artist Retreat 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood, FL 34223

“Give us a cause and we’ll fight for it,” Judy added.

Those causes include Planned Parenthood, Embracing Our Differences, and Jewish Family & Children Services, to name a few. In fact, the causes became so numerous, George and Judy needed help in sorting them out.

Enter Gulf Coast Community Foundation, where they established a donor advised fund. They now have a “charitable checking account”, at Gulf Coast from which they send donations to the nonprofits they support.

“The reason that we’re involved with a lot of things is because we were introduced to most of them through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation,” George said. “We’re living the good life here. It makes us feel good to be able to use the money we have for nice causes. We get back so much.”

Judy agreed, recalling a time four years ago when the Asolo Conservatory program was in financial trouble due to major cutbacks in state grants. George and Judy held a small get-together at their home to raise awareness among their associates in the community.

World Class Tailoring

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“I said at the time that this is the only time we write a check and we truly get back more than what we give,” Judy said. “Because of the involvement we get in being a part of something as wonderful as this. There was a woman sitting here who just gave $25,000 on the spot!

It was amazing. She then took on a student, and she’s in her fourth year of doing that now. Getting involved like this gives us such peace of mind. It’s not just giving money, you give of yourself.”

Studio Five at 1530 Dolphin Street • Sarasota, FL 34236

941.366.7780

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THE PERFECT BAL ANCE OF TR ADITION & INNOVATION

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

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

941.388.4415 | 431 St. Armands Circle | cafeleurope.net

Experience & Cutting-Edge Knowledge Dr. Carola Fleener and her daughter Barbara join forces to provide quality pediatric care.

Sarasota Children’s Clinic has helped two generations

order to give them a familiar face and continuity of

of children grow up healthier since it opened 43

care should they become ill as they transition into

years ago and now, as a third generation of patients

college and other activities. It draws patients from

is born, this practice welcomes a second-generation

many different cultures; Dr. Barbara, Dr. Carola, and

pediatrician – Dr. Barbara Fleener has joined her

most of the staff are fluent in Spanish, contributing

mother, Dr. Carola Fleener, in practice. Once upon

to patient comfort in a medical setting.

a time Miss Barbara, 9 months old, was seen as a patient in this very office.

Rounding out the trio of providers is Lisa Ann Bernard, ARNP, a pediatric nurse practitioner who

Dr. Barbara is an alumna of Pineview and went on to

has been with the Sarasota Children’s Clinic for

graduate with honors in violin music at Florida State

14 years. The providers and staff strive to create

University, following which she obtained her medical degree at Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Barbara completed her pediatric residency training this June at the highly ranked Washington University School of Medicine program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri. She is on staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she routinely makes an early acquaintance with the next

a supportive, informal environment that reduces anxiety levels in parents and children. That includes a walk-in hour at 8 a.m. for those who

Sarasota Children’s Clinic

have had a rough night with a sick child. In addition

3920 Bee Ridge Road, Bldg A, Suite C

to the usual well care visits and immunizations,

Sarasota FL 34233

the clinic follows many children with chronic

941-923-3667

underlying conditions, asthma, and , and manages some acute injuries. All three providers love giving

generation of babies in the nursery. Mother and

back to the community – Dr. Barbara and Lisa Ann

daughter have been “talking medicine” for several

recently participated in the Day of Hope program

years now. “My daughter brings today’s cutting edge

to provide medical services as part of the Sarasota

knowledge to the practice, and I am sharing my

Baptist Church’s program to help less privileged

23 years of experience,” says Dr. Carola. “We are

children prepare for the upcoming school year.

very committed to providing our pediatric patients

“It’s very rewarding to participate in children’s

with the best medical home to give the children a

health in this community,” Dr. Barbara said. She

healthy future.” The practice continues to follow its

is very excited about joining the practice here.

patients into young adulthood (24 years of age) in

Welcome back, Dr. Barbara Fleener!

scenesarasota.com

“It’s very rewarding to participate in children’s health in this community.”

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Tasteof the Wild

By Kate Sullivan

When in Manhattan, celebrity chef Christopher Covelli is sworn to secrecy when appearing on the Rachel Ray broadcast. Producers of the show ask him not to disclose the restaurant location where the show’s cast parties are held.

Private cast parties are at a secluded hot spot that resembles a 1930s speakeasy with a “ring the bell and tell ‘em Randy sent you” atmosphere. At this point, if you are playing detective, the cast does not go to the legendary Chumley’s that lasted in the West Village for more than 80 years. It closed, but rumors are that it will reopen next year.

To join Rachel Ray’s cast, celebrity guests, and the show’s crew, a visitor had to carefully walk down the mysterious stairs (hint: near 18th Street near Manhattan’s West Village) thinking, “When did Prohibition return and did I remember to take Charleston lessons?”

Covelli did not mention how long it took him to recover from the cast party in Manhattan, but now that he is in Florida, he is planning his own “wild” tasting event. Dancing the Charleston, no. But the ingredients for these tastings, at more than $1,000 per pound, may soon put the price of spot gold to shame.

As the chef-in-residence and general manager of the Lakewood Ranch Viking Culinary Center (www.lwrviking.com), he opens his culinary curtain to unveil an extraordinary event. Not a cast party where you’ll need to wear flapper outfits. It’s a tasting of wild things, and a discovery of aromas that evoke dreams of the Renaissance dining experience.

This event, held Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17, is the brainchild of Christopher Covelli and the team at Florida Winefest & Auction (FWA). Covelli is hosting Florida’s Wild Truffle Tasting and Festival, a two-day event for Gulf Coast locals and travelers to understand the flavors of rare culinary truffles and truffle products, including aromatic truffle oils. “There’s nothing like it around. We want to do this every year,” Covelli says.

In addition to living in Sarasota, he has lived in Barcelona and in Italy’s Tuscany region. In the US, he ran a quaint seaside B&B (www.christophersbythebay.com) in Cape Cod, still named after him. He has lived, cooked, and enjoyed life around the world.

In Tuscany, where he teaches part of the year at the Toscana Saporita Cooking School, he created a white pizza that met some resistance from the chef/owners, but the ingredients were so authentic that he creates truffle pizzas whenever he is in Italy. The ingredients: “There’s grilled zucchini, smoked scamorza cheese, and I drizzle white truffle oil over it.”

At FWA’s November event, he is creating a reservation-only fundraiser, fun and elegant, where you’ll discover secrets of an underground morsel nibbled by royalty and regents.

Covelli says this special party-with-a-purpose supports at-risk children. His philosophy about fundraising is simple.

“It should benefit those who need it, and it should not be about what the donor gets in return. I give to give, not to receive.”

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On November 16th & 17th, Sarasota Celebrity Chef Christopher Covelli and Florida Winefest & Auction host Florida’s first Wild Truffle Tasting and Festival, benefiting local children’s charities.

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October 10–13, 2012

Sarasota / Bradenton, Florida

Music / Dance / Theater / Film

Join us in the Museum of Art Courtyard to enjoy an array of New Orleans inspired cuisine and raise a toast to RIAF 2012. Featuring the world-famous New Orleans music machine, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances.

IN THE MUSEUM COURTYARD

������������������� MUSEUM MEMBERS $75 NON-MEMBERS $85

“ Twenty-five years from its New Orleans debut, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band continues to be a national treasure: steeped in both the past and the present, impossible to categorize, and mighty funky.” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

CLOSING NIGHT PARTY WITH THE RinglingArtsFestival.org 941.360.7399 | Follow us:

DIRTY DOZEN

BRASS BAND���������������������������

He became involved with the nonprofit FWA as a guest chef in 2003.

In 2010, he was appointed a member of

DESTINATION.... FUN!

the FWA’s board of directors and supports the mission statement: To provide funding for programs to qualified charitable organizations which assist disadvantaged children, youth, and families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

He wants to make a difference, and says, “I see constant growth in the child – by helping with their education.”

For this event at Lakewood Ranch, one of the presentations will be white truffle pasta. Special vintages from boutique wineries will be paired with the exotic pasta.

Covelli says he expects 200 to attend the two-day event to discover the exotic aroma and flavor of the wild truffle at workshops designed by the Viking Culinary Center’s celebrity chef and the center’s guest chef from Italy, Sandra Lotti (www.toscanasaporita. com). These two chefs are legendary with Italian cuisine, and discuss hunting the wild truffles, truffle dogs, and the stories surrounding the wildly expensive “mushroomlike aphrodisiacs” treasured by gourmets.

Both spend time teaching at the prestigious James Beard Foundation House in

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

New York City – which, incidentally, is nearby the secret Rachel Ray cast-party pub location (still a secret).

When attending Florida’s Wild Truffle Tasting and Festival, ask Chef Covelli for the recipe for his truffle pizza. If you have a glass of wine, ask him to reveal the location for the next cast party in New York City. Also ask him to tell you the story of Gioto, the truffle puppy.

To secure a reservation for the two-day event, November 16-17, contact the Florida Winefest & Auction in Sarasota. Call (800) 216-6199 or (941) 952-1109. Seating is limited.

For more information, visit www.Flori-

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

daWinefest.org and join the community in supporting and enjoying this outstanding fundraiser.

Kate Sullivan would love to hunt with a truffle puppy named Tuscany. The editor of WordSmitten Media, Inc., she produces an award-winning radio broadcast in NYC featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning authors (About the Books). She says interviewing smart people sharpens her appetite for tiny wild things. She lives in St. Petersburg.

scenesarasota.com

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   

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TAYLOR MORRISON

Inspired

Livi

By Sue Cullen

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B

risk sales in communities spanning from Bradenton to Venice bear witness to the sparkle Taylor Morrison has added to the area’s new home market. Displaying an array of well-

ng

appointed new homes designed to appeal to today’s buyer has helped Taylor Morrison

spark the excitement that was sorely missed while the real estate market languished.

How lovely it is to walk into a new model home once again and feel the lift of the heart that acknowledges one has entered truly beautiful surroundings. That sense of pleasure is unmistakable when entering Taylor Morrison’s newest model, the 3,600-square-foot Umbria in the Camargo neighborhood of Country Club East in Lakewood Ranch. Stepping through the front door, high ceilings and an open floor plan give an expansive feel while a wall of oversized glass pocket sliders offers a sweeping view past a large pool with its enticing sun shelf and spa to the golf course beyond.

As attractive as the view is – the course was designed by the internationally renowned golf course and landscape architect Rick Robbins – the eye is quickly drawn to exquisitely executed details like the stone wall in the family room and the living room’s coffered ceiling and built-in display shelves that surround the gas fireplace and whose mirrored backs bathe the room in reflected light. It is not surprising that the Umbria floor plan is an adaptation of an award-winning plan from Taylor Morrison’s Ladera community that earned Best in Category in a Tampa area Parade of Homes.

“With the Umbria model, we wanted to showcase what Taylor Morrison can do in the luxury market. It is a very functional floor plan, and the home is filled with luxurious touches,” said Cammie Longénecker, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing. “What stood out for the judges was the kitchen, where even the most discerning chef can cook and still have plenty of room for guests to socialize. The spacious 1,000 square foot lanai with its covered outdoor kitchen and multiple seating areas also was particularly noted.”

As much as the home lends itself to entertaining, meticulous attention has been paid to private spaces as well. Wide double doors open the den/office space to the living room at the hub of the house or can be closed if uninterrupted, productive time is required. The model also has a bonus “get away” room adjacent to the lanai, which can be used as a media/game room or a quiet retreat for family and guests to enjoy beautiful backyard or golf course views.

The master bedroom also is designed as a serene haven with lanai access. His and hers amenities make the suite extremely functional with separate closets, double sink vanity with granite countertops, an oversized garden tub, and a separate shower and water closet.

The Umbria was designed with both seasonal and fulltime residents in mind. Three guest bedrooms, located in a wing separate from the master bedroom, accommodate visiting family and friends or a growing family. A Jack and Jill bathroom allows everyone the access needed to be ready on time for school or a night out. The third bedroom has its own bath. “The idea is to promote togetherness, functionality and livability. That’s what people are looking for these days rather than just picture perfect rooms,” Longénecker said. “Even though the Umbria has a separate living room, it really is like having two family rooms in the home.” The interior design is traditional with a contemporary feel, and draws its color palate from the earthy, harmonious hues of Tuscany.

Umbria homes are priced from $555,700, and the model is located at 14805 Camargo Place in Country Club East. The area retains its lush appearance and serene natural setting with pristine preserves, lakes and wetlands in keeping with Lakewood Ranch’s commitment to creating green communities. It is the nation’s largest master planned green community.

All homes within the Ranch are built to the Florida Green Building Coalition’s standards for energy efficiency, clean indoor air, sustainability, and drought-resistant landscaping.

Country Club East was designed as a live-work-play community. While it may be hard to tear oneself away from these lovely homes, the neighborhood allows easy access to a variety of shopping, dining and recreational activities. In addition to the 18-hole Rick Robbinsdesigned golf course, the clubhouse features a resort-style pool and cabana area. Residents may also choose to join the nearby Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Taylor Morrison is getting ready to unveil another model in Country Club East’s Haddington neighborhood.

“This model is smaller than the Umbria, but will definitely captivate homebuyers with its po-

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tential for great indoor/outdoor living,” Longénecker says.

“Without giving away too much, I’ll just say I think people will love the extensive outdoor bar area and fireplace.”

Longénecker’s assurance that homebuyers will love the features built into Taylor Morrison’s wide array of area homes, which range in price from mid-$100,000 to more than $500,000, has to do with the company’s stature.

Based on 2011 revenues, the company is North America’s largest U.S.-based, privately owned homebuilder as reported by Hanley Wood, whose publications focus on the construction industry. “We hear what homebuyers are dreaming about for their homes, and we are constantly incorporating those dream features into our plans,” she said.

“That’s why our tagline is, ‘Homes inspired by you.’”

“Today’s homebuyers are continuing to be inspired by the trend to “jewel box” homes,” Longénecker says. “We

Opening page, above and right page: Taylor Morrison’s Umbria Model in Camargo in Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch

see many discerning buyers who understand they could purchase a 3,000 square foot home, but prefer to buy a 2,500 square foot home and really deck it out as a true reflection of themselves.” Buyers also love the idea of having a casita. “We usually think of large estates having a casita,” she said, “but people like extending their living space outdoors with casitas attached to the house. It’s like having an extra room.”

An example of that is seen in the Lazio floor plan that Taylor Morrison is building in the Esplanade, which is a short drive north of Country Club East and also in Lakewood Ranch. The Lazio offers an optional large casita incorporating an outdoor kitchen and fireplace. Esplanade is designed for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. It is the only community in the region that has a full time activities director who organizes activities and social gatherings for residents. “I tell people to think of it like camp for adults. Everything is planned for you, and you just have to show up and enjoy,” Longénecker said. “People can participate as much or as little as they like, but they seem

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to really enjoy the idea because neighbors already have had several meet and greets, and their homes aren’t even finished yet.”

The active lifestyle component seems to have struck a chord with buyers who also are taken with Taylor Morrison’s three distinct collections of single-family homes and villas available from the low $200,000s. The sales center just opened in January, and phase one is already more than 50 percent sold. The community’s resort-style amenities, which are slated to be finished in the first quarter of 2013, feature a heated, lagoon-style and lap pool, spa, and resistance pool. An outdoor fire pit is perfect for gathering around on cool evenings, and a formal events lawn, miles of walking trails, and Pickleball and Bocce courts offer daytime diversions. The clubhouse will house a gathering room, fitness center, private library, catering kitchen, a billiards room with library, a card and crafts room, and a covered lanai.

Recognizing that pets have become an important part of our lives, Taylor Morrison is building a private bark park in Esplanade, and also in its gated Verona Reserve neighborhood in Venice. While the dogs romp in the fenced park, their owners can socialize in the covered seating areas. Watering stations ensure the pooches stay hydrated. Verona Reserve offers a maintenance-free lifestyle and a clubhouse featuring a gathering room, complete fitness center and picturesque lagoon-style swimming pool surrounded by an expansive deck and cabana area. Convenience is the byword for this community of single-family homes and Parade-of-Homes award-winning attached villas located just off the roundabout at Jacaranda Boulevard and Venice Avenue. A new Publix shopping center anchors the community’s entry, making it easy to zip to the store by bike or golf cart. Residents are just 5 minutes from downtown and additional shopping and a short hop from I-75. Home prices start from the high $100,000s.

A brand-new, intimate development of just 95 single-family homes has broken ground off of Lockwood Ridge Road in Southern Manatee County. The land currently is being developed for Arbor Reserve, and a model home is scenesarasota.com

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Left: Taylor Morrison’s Castello Model

Below: Taylor Morrison’s Lazio Model in Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch

expected to be complete in early 2013. “We are developing Arbor Reserve with families in mind with its easy access to Sarasota, Bradenton and I-75 along with its proximity to some top-rated schools,” Longénecker said, “but it works just as well for the retiree or seasonal owner. It has great amenities planned and the fees are low.” The neighborhood provides an extremely picturesque setting with home views of lakes and the area’s natural beauty.

Amenities will include a pool, cabana, gazebo, playground and sports court.

Feature-filled homes and amenity-rich neighborhoods have been luring wait-andsee buyers. Sales at Taylor Morrison are up 20 percent this year compared with revenues at this time last year, and traffic at its models is up 25 percent anticipating even greater demand to come. “People are starting to see that the bottom is in their rear view mirrors, and with prices hovering at very affordable levels and historically low interest rates, it really is the perfect time to buy,” Longénecker said. Taylor Morrison’s enviable sales success can be credited to its people. “It really is our people who make all the difference. You can’t build beautifully designed, quality homes with exceptional value without the best, most accomplished staff in the industry,” she says. “Their dedication to the homes and communities we build means that we confidently stand behind our homes and offer customer service recognized for excellence throughout the building industry.”

Taylor Morrison Sarasota Area Communities (more communities announced soon): Country Club East at Lakewood Ranch Umbria Model 14805 Camargo Place 941.799.5537

Esplanade at Lakewood Ranch

Verona Reserve in Venice

Arbor Reserve in Bradenton

Palma Sola Trace in Bradenton

5 Models 5235 Esplanade Boulevard 941.799.5496

3 Models 2453 Terracina Drive 941.484.5369

Model completed in early 2013 866.495.6006

2 Models 7335 Skybird Road 941.761.0587

www.Taylor Morrison.com

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SAVING

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION OF THE GULF COAST AND ITS PRESIDENT,

CHRISTINE JOHNSON,

ARE

AT THE HEART OF PRESERVING THE BEAUTY AND NATURAL INTEGRITY OF

FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENT.

By Ryan G. Van Cleave. Photo by Clyde Butcher.

For those of us who’ve ever found garbage on the beach, seen

Christine Johnson, Conservation Foundation’s president, details

animals driven from their habitats by new developments, or

their goal more clearly, saying, “We save land so that future gen-

watched beautiful landscapes get paved over, the mission of

erations can enjoy the plants, animals, and beautiful environment

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast makes us all feel

that we all benefit from today.” Johnson explains that they go about

a little better: they “work to protect the character, natural in-

saving land in three key ways: (1) they can purchase the land, (2)

tegrity, and biodiversity of Florida’s Gulf Coast bays, beaches,

they can place a conservation easement on the land, or (3) they

and barrier islands.” Basically, they’re like a modern day Teddy

can work with government entities or other not-for-profits to do (1)

Roosevelt (who started the National Parks system to save land

or (2). Collaboration is at the heart of what they do, working with

for public access for both now and tomorrow).

landowners, businesses, and government to preserve the beauty

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‘‘EVERYBODY SHOULD BE FOR PROTECTING OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

AFTER

ALL, ISN’T

IT WHY WE LIVE HERE?

’’

Photo by Cliff Roles and natural integrity of Florida’s environment.

Sarasota Bay. That property now serves as Conservation Foundation’s headquarters. True to form, plenty of other organizations and

Johnson adds that we might be surprised at the vast cross-section of

groups – Historic Spanish Point, Sarasota Crew, Sarasota County

the public who support land conservation. “While some environmen-

Extension Services, Osprey Revitalization Committee, The Found-

tal issues can be controversial, protecting our natural resources for

ers Garden Club, and Art Center Sarasota, to name just a few, are

future generations is generally considered a common sense solution

benefitting from this preserve. Additional land preserves have

to many issues, from public health to agriculture,” she says. “From the

since been set up to protect critical habitat areas and retain public

federal to the local level, land conservation enjoys bipartisan support

access to the water in such places as Manasota Key, Casey Key,

that crosses political, socioeconomic, and geographic lines.”

Siesta Key, and Pine Island.

The organization started in that same spirit of collaboration in 2003

Johnson points out yet more collaborative efforts, such as how one

when a group of those conservation-conscious citizens Johnson’s

of Conservation Foundation’s notable early land trust projects was

talking about joined together to begin a land trust. Soon after, Con-

helped by a grant from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation,

servation Foundation of the Gulf Coast was born as a membership

which enabled Conservation Foundation to purchase an unsight-

organization with a board of trustees, committed volunteers, and

ly parking lot on Venice Island. After a good deal of engineering

communications materials generated by the Ringling College of Art

and construction work, this became Michael Biehl Park in April of

+ Design’s Design Center.

2007 and will be owned by Conservation Foundation in perpetuity.

Something that everyone should realize is this: Conservation Foun-

In 2005, Conservation Foundation received a $6.6 million grant

dation’s parks are open to the public free of charge. Most privately

from the Florida Forever program to acquire 4.3 acres on Little

owned parks in the U.S. are not.

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But Conservation Foundation isn’t just about creating parks or saving land. They work to save water and coastlines, too, so “we [can] protect our waterways, fish, and sea mammals,” explains Johnson.

“This in turn ensures our economy and quality of life are protected, since everyone who either lives or plays in Florida are here because of our environment.” To date, they’ve helped protect over 15,000 linear feet of waterway, not including canals or interior wetlands. To put that in terms most of us can understand, that’s about 42 football fields’ worth of waterways.

In Conservation Foundation’s nine years of existence, they’ve managed, with the generous help of partners, to protect over 8,400 acres of land on 24 properties. That’s about 6,900 football fields’ worth!

While that’s a pretty impressive number, it’s just the beginning.

Johnson explains, “We are dedicated to being here forever, because

TO

BECOME INVOLVED IN PRESERVING

FLORIDA’S GULF COAST, CALL 941.918.2100 OR VISIT W W W.CONSERVATIONFOUNDATION .COM .

THE LAND AND LEGACY OF

land lasts forever; we are financially sound. While there are over 1,700 land trusts in the U.S., less than 10% of those have been awarded ac-

FALL FA MILY FESTIVAL

creditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. We are one

Saturday, November 3, 2012 Bay Preserve at Osprey 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

of the few accredited land trusts because we have adopted and implemented ethical guidelines and standards of practice.”

In 2007, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast was named acquisition agent for the Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program, where they have helped to protect

Featuring old-fashioned games, live music, and naturebased art projects and woodcrafts. All are welcome!

For sponsor opportunities or more information, call 941.918.2100.

more than a dozen properties. Two years later, they were awarded the acquisition contract for The Neighborhood Parkland Program.

And to help promote eco-tourism in our area, Conservation Foundation worked with Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County and Sarasota County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, to develop www.srqecoseeker.com. This site showcases all the great “outdoorsy” things to do, plus some secret hideaways, Old Florida restaurants, and nature tours too.

For those who like concrete numbers, here are some from Conservation Foundation that we can all feel pretty good about.

200 – The number of fish species protected in Matlacha Pass (Charlotte Harbor) 318 – The number of plant species protected throughout Conservation Foundation’s service area 2 – The number of Snowy plover chicks fledged at Siesta Key Conservation Area 4 – The number of art exhibits in the 1931 Burrows-Matson House 8 – The number of outdoor education programs for all ages, ranging from turtle talks to trail rides 1000 – The number of attendees at the 2011 Fall Family Festival at the Bay Preserve in Osprey (come join them for this year’s free event on November 3rd, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)

Thanks to the conscious efforts of involved citizens, business, and government, Conservation Foundation will have future partnerships as they keep working to improve those numbers, to improve the Gulf Coast ecosystem, and to improve our overall commitment to the Florida environment. We are fortunate that Floridians seem to be concerned about the stewardship of our planet.

And the result could be an emerald necklace of pocket parks and protected places along the Gulf Coast for future generations to enjoy. scenesarasota.com

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� Li e...

Living the Good at Any Age

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Meet four retirees who do much more than pass time at the beautiful Sarasota Bay Club.

They’re all living life to the fullest – teaching, studying, dancing and thriving.

Ursula Pearson doesn’t act her age. She loves to dance. She participates in a poetry club. She writes short memoirlike essays. She’s quick-witted, spry, and a dazzling conversationalist (in multiple languages). Imagine how surprised people are to learn that she’ll turn 101 just before Christmas.

Sarasota has been attracting active, aging people like Pearson from all over the world for decades. The draw? The beaches. The weather. The art and cultural climate. The lack of traffic. The people. And just when you think you’ve identified all the reasons retirees love our area, you hear another one and think, “Yes, that’s a terrific thing about our city, too.”

Pearson came to Miami with her physician husband in 1936. “We watched that little city grow and grow,” she says. That’s the same potential she sensed about Sarasota, too, when a physician friend urged them to come visit in 1967 for the 4th of July weekend. They immediately fell in love with the area, and not just because they realized how many people they already knew. It wasn’t long before they divested themselves of her husband’s Miami practice and moved to Longboat Key. “There was art and culture,” Pearson says about that time. “It was maybe embryonic, but it was there. And we knew it’d grow like Miami did.” She took courses at New College and wrote for the newspaper of the Jewish Community Council. They both kept busy, until her husband passed away on Easter Sunday in 2004. But the loss didn’t slow Pearson – it’s not in her character to succumb to hardship or setbacks. She has a graduate degree in romance languages from Yale University and studied abroad in Paris. During WWII, she taught American History in a high school in Mississippi; after her husband shipped out, she taught Latin at a prep school in New Haven, Connecticut, where she’s originally from. She even managed the office for her husband’s practice. In short, she’s a “make the most of what you’ve got” kind of person and always has been. scenesarasota.com

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B OB WAGNER , R HODA ROTH, URSULA P EARSON & HARVEY ROTHENBERG

Photo by Cliff Roles

It’s no shock, then, that Pearson isn’t just surviving at her impressive age but seems to be thriving. It’d be hard to name a group at Sarasota Bay Club that she doesn’t belong to. She seems to know everyone by name. She reads, writes, and loves music. And she even finds time to volunteer at Designing Women Boutique, which is located just across the street.

These days, Pearson uses a walker, but she’s quick to point out that she doesn’t need it. The only reason she has it?

“For security.” Not so long ago, she stepped in something sticky and it held the bottom of her shoe to the floor. The result was a faceplant into the ground. But don’t be fooled by the glasses – she made it some nine decades without them and still sees well enough now to know what’s what.

“I watched the telephone go from being a novelty to a necessity, and I remember when my father got his first car and his father said, ‘You can drive it, but don’t take the children in it!’” she says. Give her a little time, and she can tell stories like nobody’s business: even after 100 years of living life to the fullest.

• • • • • Also living the good life at Sarasota Bay Club is Bob Wagner, who’s been in Sarasota for twenty-five years. He’s only lived at the Bay Club for a year, however. “There’s movies ever night, musical performances periodically, lots going on all the time,” he says about his new home at the Bay Club right off 41, just north of the Van Wezel and Fruitville Road.

A Chicagoan, Wagner grew up in Oak Park, Illinois – the same school Ernest Hemingway once attended. “Oak Park has more Frank Lloyd Wright buildings than anywhere else,” Wagner says, adding that it was also the largest village in the US until Skokie, Illinois grew bigger. For many years, he worked for Northern Trust Bank as a trust officer, handling investments and estate services. After so many years of shoveling snow and dealing with the Midwest cold, he jumped at the chance to start up a bank branch in a place he’d never heard of – Longboat Key. So in 1987, he came down to Florida with his wife and never left.

Wagner kept working for Northern Trust Bank well past 65, but eventually decided it was finally time to retire. The idea of leaving the Sarasota area never crossed his mind. “The word is pretty good about Sarasota,” he says. “The weather, the cultural events, the facilities. It’s a great place.”

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One of the things Wagner likes most about living at Sarasota Bay Club is the beautiful view of the Gulf. “Just like what I had on Longboat Key,” he adds. He’s a big fan of the swimming pool, plus the five-day-a-week exercise program run by a professional instructor. While nobody is as active with local groups and organizations as Pearson, Wagner does keep pretty busy socially.

• • • • • Rhoda Roth lives her life a little differently from most retirees. While she thinks it’s terrific to have so many groups and things to do right there at Sarasota Bay Club, she likes to get out. And get out she does. For one thing, she’s a huge fan of golf. She’s got a membership at the Bobby Jones Golf Club, where she plays regularly with two different groups.

She even got a hole-in-one ten years ago at Venice Golf Club, she’s eager to point out. Roth also likes to be out just doing stuff, whether it’s attending a lecture, looking at art, playing bridge, or visiting friends.

Art has been a big theme in Roth’s life. She taught advertising at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and visited Paris many times over a 12-year period to photograph French fashion collections and lecture about them. She was even commissioned by the French government to write a book on the history of French fashion – she‘s got terrific pictures of the French embassy, “a champagne glass always in hand.” She’s also responsible for bringing the first French haute couture show to the Fashion Institute of Technology in the 1980s. “In that era, French menswear was first coming to Lord & Taylor and stores like that.” It was a different time and Roth was at the forefront of her industry, pushing ahead, wanting to do more.

Even today, Roth doesn’t want to stay with the status quo. She’s a doer, and one of the things she does is educate herself.

“If you’re going to do something, take the time to do it right,” she says. And that’s why when she was first going to France, she went to the International Center of Photography in New York City to learn how to use her new Nikon. And years later, she went back to school at age 40 to get all the degrees needed to be able to teach. A professor who took interest in her gave her this wise advice about keeping busy and doing things well: “Time passes. Do something with it.”

• • • • • A fourth retiree living the good life at Sarasota Bay Club is New York native Harvey Rothenberg, whose name you might recognize for a variety of reasons: 1) He served in a number of capacities with John Lindsey (New York City mayor from 1966-1973).

2) He spoke out in the McCarthy era and gained some notoriety.

3) He was one of the founding members of the Van Wezel Foundation.

4) He served on the board of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation (1992-1995).

Add in that he’s been to Israel 49 times; served as CEO for an apparel company; got a business degree at night school; served in WWII as a skipper of a landing craft; and was a gun runner for some Jewish Palestinians (“I brought money to Hotel 14, right next to the Copacabana in NY, and we’d get guns from Czechoslovakians that I’d send to the Middle East”), and it’s clear why he felt the need to write his own memoir. He only printed a limited number of copies so it’s hard to find now, but the black-and-white pictures of his days in politics alone are worth the trouble of seeking out a copy.

These days, Rothenberg devotes a lot of his time to helping others. Specifically, the kids at Bay Haven School. It started ten years ago when he showed up and said, “I’ll literally do anything. Take out the trash. Make copies. Whatever.”

Now he assists in a range of areas from grading tests, helping with fourth grade special education, and working with fifth graders on their math. “I’ve learned a lot!” he jokes about his experiences there. For his efforts, he was named “Outstanding Senior Volunteer in Sarasota County,” which is an honor he’s extremely proud of.

His daughter-in-law keeps asking for Rothenberg and his wife to come live near them in Boston. They’re proud greatgrandparents, after all. But they like it here. “Come visit us,” is their response every time.

• • • • • Take any four local retirees and you’ll find four different but equally interesting stories. This isn’t a place where people go to huddle in front of a TV and waste away the years. We’ve got a vibrant, cosmopolitan community here with lots of opportunities for people of all ages. But from what we’re seeing from the likes of these four, it might be retirees who are enjoying our fair city to the max. Here’s to the good life! scenesarasota.com

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PAR EXCELLENCE For golfers of refined taste who hold golf’s rich history close to their hearts, The Concession Golf Club represents the best of tradition and excellence in a world-class, yet comfortable and relaxed setting.

By Steven J. Smith. Photo of Alan Pope by Keith Millard.

The Concession Golf Club was named for Jack Nicklaus’ famous

“I’ve signed up 17 new members since April 1, and I get three to

act of sportsmanship, when he conceded Tony Jacklin’s two-

four calls a day about new memberships,” he said. “Things have

foot putt in the 1969 Ryder Cup. Today the six-year-old course,

been picking up a lot. Right now we have 145 members. Our

which was designed by the two golfing legends, concedes noth-

goal is to get to 200 local members and then fill the Club with

ing — except a wonderful day of golf followed by an unforget-

national members.”

table dining experience.

Bruce Cassidy Sr., the club’s owner, bought the operation from Alan Pope (left), the club’s director of marketing and member-

Core Development, the overall project developer, for an un-

ship sales, said Nicklaus’ gesture to Jacklin is apparent in al-

disclosed price in 2009 and installed his son Bruce Jr. as the

most every aspect of the state-of-the-art, 520-acre, 7,474-yard

club’s general manager.In an effort to broaden its appeal, the

course, which features towering pines, scenic water features,

club invited Jack Nicklaus to walk the course last spring to elicit

and breathtaking vistas.

suggestions on ways to keep it challenging for scratch golfers, yet still playable for average duffers.

“Everything around the golf club here is about sportsmanship and basically having a good time,” Pope said. “Making The Concession

Another important aspect of The Concession’s evolution lay in cul-

even more special, is that we have a lot of high profile members

tivating its dining aspect. Cassidy partnered with Sean Murphy,

here including celebrities, PGA and LPGA players. The course de-

owner of the Beach Bistro — a world-renowned Holmes Beach

sign offers a natural, uninterrupted experience. We’ve got deer,

restaurant that has won high marks in Zagat surveys — to open

some Florida panthers. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

food and beverage operations at The Concession.

Pope added that although 1,200 acres adjacent to The Conces-

“Sean basically offered the same menu here that he does at the

sion have been set aside for the eventual construction of 236

Beach Bistro,” Pope said. “He helped manage the restaurant and

custom-built homes, the course itself does not — and never will

brought some of his own staff over from his restaurant. It’s open

— have any homes built on it. The course was designed to hold a

from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, and 11 a.m.

tournament on the scale of the Ryder Cup that inspired it. When

until 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday evenings.”

it opened, Golf Digest ranked it the Best New Private Course of 2006. In 2009 Golf Magazine lauded it as one of the Top 100

Anyone wishing to dine at The Concession need not become a

Courses in the U.S., and it retains its lofty ranking today while at-

club member, he added, but may purchase a culinary membership

tracting scores of new enthusiasts every year. The 2012 Callaway

instead — funds from which go toward meals purchased at the

Collegiate Match Play Championship was held there, as was the

restaurant. “This partnership has been a huge success,” Pope said.

Big Ten Championship which will be returning again next year.

“Dining has become a critical element of the Club’s experience.”

Pope said The Concession has survived the recent economic

If you would like to tour The Concession Golf Club (www.

downturn remarkably well: mainly due to its peerless design, phe-

theconcession.com), or for information on culinary member-

nomenal upkeep, and a sharp eye for diversification.

ship, contact Alan Pope at 941-322-1922.

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Scenes from an Interview:

Ringling Museum Director

Steven High

by Gus Mollasis

He comes from a small town with a big sky. His name begs him to shoot for the stars while building the stature of the museums that have been a part of his life. Wherever he has been, he has taken those institutions to a higher place. A prior stop at Savannah’s Telfair Museum helped further prepare him for his position as director of the Ringling Museum of Art (RMOA). Grateful for the opportunity and humbled to lead this one-of-kind place which is synonymous with Sarasota, Steven High has one eye on the past and one on the future when it comes to all things Ringling.

And of course he has a good eye for art and its history, following his instincts all the way from Twin Falls, Idaho to Sarasota, Florida. He has high expectations when it comes to building upon the legacy that is the Ringling Museum of Art. Recently, I sat down with Steven High and we took at some of the scenes from an interview from his life.

Where were you born?

Twin Falls, Idaho, a small town of about 25,000 people.

art history. From there, I transferred to Antioch College in Ohio where I received a B.A. in Art History. I went to Williams College in Massachusetts for my graduate work in Art History and

If you painted a picture of your childhood what would it look

to Virginia Commonwealth University for an MBA.

like? What style?

It would be an environmental scene. Growing up in Twin Falls

What has life taught you about art that was different from

you were constantly aware of light, space and sky. It’s a very dry,

your formal education?

high altitude environment with all of its beautiful mountains. So

Working with art and artists has reinforced that there are

it would be an environmental piece by a contemporary artist.

no cut and dry answers to things. There is a constant nuance, change and shifting that occurs in the world, which

Did you want to be an artist when you grew up?

artists explore and bring out in their work. And as we look

No, I actually came to running a museum through art history.

back across time we see those changes and shifts repre-

Growing up where I did, there were not a lot of museums there. I

sented through artistic expression.

never went to an art museum until I went to college. It was a vocabulary out of my existence. I was always a good historian who was

Are great artists born or made?

interested in history. So when I took art history courses, I became

They’re certainly born, but they have to have proper condi-

captivated by the art world because it gave a nuance to a world that

tions in order to excel. That comes with a diverse educational

I was never really experienced with through other means.

experience, and the opportunity to experience things as well.

Do you remember your first encounter with the world of art?

What is art?

I had experiences in middle school and high school but I

Art is a form of communication, an infinitely more complex

wasn’t really attracted to or intrigued by art until much later

form that can reach out and communicate ideas and con-

when I was in college.

cepts in a different language.

Where were you educated?

I did a year and a half at the University of Utah, where I got my first taste of art history and where I was exposed to Asian and Western scenesarasota.com

Was there a time in your life when you entered a museum and the light clicked and you realized this is what you want to do?

I was in San Francisco working at the Museum of Modern October 2012

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Art. It was my first serious museum job. I was still yearning

You mentioned that one of your goals was to make the museum-

to be a writer. So we, the woman who is now my wife and

going experience more comfortable and accessible to people

I decided to move to Boston, a town where I always wanted

who were less apt to frequent museums. Expand on that please.

to live. We didn’t know a soul and I was looking around for

At RMOA, we have tremendous assets that people are not re-

ways to make a living and ended up getting a job at MIT in

ally aware of. The collection is fantastic. Our Circus Museum

their museum. It was at that point I realized it was something

is one of the largest in the world. With all these different as-

I liked to do. You are constantly learning, the days are never

sets we want to focus on making them better and improving

the same, you are meeting interesting people all the time, and

them. And yes, I want the community to feel that this is their

you are dealing with ideas. And the organisms themselves are

museum – and maybe in some ways, over the years, in its

interesting and complex and much more involved than simply

different iterations maybe some of that has been lost. We are

hanging a painting on the wall.

working on reaching out into the community and I spend a lot of my time out in the community serving on various boards

What makes a museum great?

in town, and that’s an important role. We want to convey that

A combination of factors, obviously, a collection of ob-

we’re here, we’re part of this community and that we care

jects that really tell a story and are of the highest quality.

about this community. And what we do here, we hope, helps

It’s the people, the staff and volunteers that make it hap-

everyone in the community.

pen. It’s the leadership and the board working together.

It’s the community that helps support the institution by

Your philosophy on building a museum involves creating a

visiting, being engaged and getting involved with the mu-

thriving membership versus just looking at bottom line atten-

seum. Without any one of those groups, a museum is not

dance figures: creating a shareholder relationship with your

going to be great.

patrons, if you will.

We do really well with admissions. Last year we had over

Is the Ringling a great museum?

315,000 people come through the museum. I look at mem-

I think the Ringling is a great museum. I think we can be

bership as a way of getting the community engaged. With

greater. I would not have come here if it was just to keep

membership, people will come back multiple times. We

it the way it was. We have all the elements here. The col-

build programs that reinforce membership. At the entry

lection here is fantastic. You look at this work (hands me a

level, if you come here three times during the course of a

brochure) by Veronese that is the central piece of a major

year you have paid it off, so that’s a good investment. And I

exhibition that is upcoming this December. We are con-

want people coming here six, eight, ten times a year, so we

stantly borrowing major pieces from all over the country

built programs that make that possible. Our education pro-

based on the quality of the collection that we have here.

grams, our lecture series, our Ringling Underground (events

It’s a collection that runs the entire gamut. We have work

aimed at the college and young professional crowd), our

created in 500 BC and works that were recently created.

Ringling by the Bay (a live music event at the Ca’ d’Zan free

In fact our Turrell Skyspace Sunset, which is the largest

to members and with Art After 5 Museum admission) are all

James Turrell piece ever, opened last December. And that is

ways of bringing people back so they can see the value of

something that is very much of our time and coincidentally,

a RMOA membership.

it’s about me as well. It’s about light, perception and it’s about re-thinking the environment by immersing yourself

How do you brand RMOA, which has so many diverse and

in that experience.

interesting parts and components?

That’s a great challenge because we are not entirely happy

Take me through your typical day.

on how it is branded at this particular time. We are going

I get up early and read around 5 a.m., then work out for about

through that process right now with staff trying to determine

an hour. Then I come to the museum, where I go through e-

how people refer to the museum, how they use it in short

mails, have meetings, and do an array of things that deal with

hand, and if they are talking to someone, what they are saying

the museum. But my main work now is looking toward the

about the museum.

future, really focusing on strategic planning, vision and identifying those parts of the institution that we have the greatest

Finish the following statements:

potential to expand.

You have to visit Ringling Museum because...

This is a unique space. It is a WOW space. If you walk any-

Sarasota is a great town for the arts because...

66

where on this campus, you are wowed. The majority of people

You have such great resources available; you have the assets

have no idea what they have here. Until you have been here

in place and you have the people that support them.

on campus you have no idea.

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Ca’d’Zan is special because...

Of its architecture, but it’s really special because of John

able to use to bring these works here. (Exhibit info is listed at the end of this interview)

and Mable Ringling. Their style and sense of themselves is totally immersed in that house. As you travel through the

If you could have a conversation with John Ringling, what

house, you cannot separate the building from the people

would you say to him?

who lived there.

That would be an interesting conversation, wouldn’t it? He wanted to leave a legacy to the citizens of Florida and over

When you visit the Circus Museum make sure you...

the last 50 some years that this museum has been operating

See the Miniature Circus. It’s an incredible accomplish-

we have seen that legacy continue to grow in power and

ment by one individual (Howard Tibbals) who, through

impact. I hope he would be proud. I think that maybe the

his patience and commitment through his entire life, built

Circus Museum would be a component that he would be

this piece. It’ a once in a lifetime experience to see and

surprised by because that was never part of his legacy. It

while there are model builders out there who have done

was in fact set up by the first director. But I’m very proud of

great things, no one has come close to what he has accom-

that, because the Circus was so important to John’s ability

plished.

to build this collection.

Our art collection is....

World class. We have works that are constantly traveling

After all the exhibits have been closed, how do you want to be remembered?

around the world. It is one of the great collections particu-

I hope my legacy as a museum director is that the museums

larly in our Renaissance and Baroque collections.

I’ve worked in were left in a much better place under my leadership. It is my hope that during my care of this facility,

Don’t forget to stop by the Rose Garden and...

Smell the roses.

the museum grew in stature, and that its ability to reach out in its community and the staff grew with it. The staff and volunteers are what make this place real. I hope that RMOA

What excites you when you walk into a museum?

What excites me are the different ways they are presented

and its staff are stronger and in a better position, and that their work is appreciated and respected.

and what they tell me about different communities. What excites me about our museum? Its fabulous location, looking out over the bay. There are so many areas on this campus where I say, wow, I’m just so glad to be here.

Paolo Veronese: The Master and His Workshop in

When you visit other museums, can you go for pure enjoy-

Renaissance Venice is the

ment or is one eye always watching and keeping track of

exhibit referenced by Ste-

what the other guys are doing?

I look at everything. I look at how the walls are, the light-

ven High in this interview.

ing system, security. I look at how they operate the mu-

It opens December 7, 2012

seum. You’re looking at their collection and you’re either

through April 14, 2013 in the

leaving jealous or you’re leaving proud about your muse-

Ulla R. & Arthur F. Searing

um’s collection.

Point out a surprise that you hope the public notices the next time they visit RMOA. If you have not been on the grounds in a while, you will be amazed with the grounds because they are in the best shape ever.

Wing at RMOA. The exhibition features works from all periods of Veronese’s activity and sheds light on the artist as a masterful, deeply empathetic storyteller and narrative painter whose works are invested with rich layers of meaning. Pictured here is Veronese’s beautiful and bril-

What is the exhibit that you have been most proud to be a part of in your life?

I am truly excited about the upcoming Veronese Exhibit.

This was the first painting that John Ringling bought. It’s

liantly colored Rest on the Flight into Egypt, truly a jewel in Ringling’s crown. It is the first Old Master painting that the Museum founder, John Ringling, ever bought.

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Café Gabbiano

Reinventing a Tradition of Excellence

Café Gabbiano, one of Siesta Key’s best-loved dining destinations, now has new owners who are adding their own touches while preserving the reputation for fine Italian food and a welcoming, sociable ambiance. Marc Grimaud, owner/operator, and his uncle, Peter Tracy who is general manager and operating partner, took the reins this summer working alongside the restaurant’s key, experienced staff.

“My wife, Laura, and I have vacationed on Siesta Key for years. We love it here, and think this is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Grimaud said. “My early roots were in the restaurant business, and I wanted to get back to it. Peter Tracy has been in the hospitality industry for 25 years, and I feel very fortunate he decided to join me at Gabbianos.” The slower summer season has allowed them to get to know restaurant regulars. “We’re really enjoying getting on a first name basis with our core clientele,” Tracy said, “and we’re looking forward to meeting our seasonal guests and hearing what they think about the changes we’ve made.”

The changes include daily by-the-glass wine tasting flights for $10 and a four-course wine-pairing menu available Sunday through Thursday. Wine remains a core element of the Café Gabbiano experience with more than 3,000 bottles and 220 varieties. Grimaud is a certified sommelier and says he is exploring additions of California, French and other world wines. More wine events are planned for members of the popular Wine Club as well as for the public. The restaurant now also has a full bar and a Siesta Hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m. with $5 appetizers and drinks.

Peter Tracy with Laura & Marc Grimaud

Later this month, a prix fixe Sunday brunch will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with freshly prepared entrées and complimentary Bloody Mary, Mimosa or champagne. While Café Gabbiano’s menu has remained the same, Grimaud said there was no place on the Key to get a great steakhouse-style steak, so Allen Brothers dry-aged filet mignon and New York strip steaks have been added to the menu selection. Tracy’s managerial experience at the Chart House in California and Morton’s Steakhouse made this an easy addition. “We know how to serve up a great steak,” Grimaud said.

The restaurant now is available for weddings, off-site catering and other events. Sunset baskets are another new addition for those who want to grab some appetizers and a great bottle of wine and head to the beach for sunset. Café Gabbiano also will cater holiday dinners and will be open on Thanksgiving to offer families and friends on the Key a delicious turkey dinner with all the fixings, packaged to go, for parties of six or more.

Grimaud wants to be a part of the community and plans to participate in the Crystal Classic, Forks and Corks, and the grand opening of the Sarasota Museum of Art. Both men want to continue building relationships with patrons online through Facebook, Foursquare, Open Table and a new website, www.CafeGabbiano.com, while never forgetting what has made Café Gabbiano so popular. “We try to touch the table of every guest,” Tracy said. “We and our staff want to give everyone a phenomenal experience.”

Café Gabbiano is located in the Siesta Village Plaza at 5104 Ocean Boulevard, just a few blocks from the beach. 941.349.1423 | www.cafegabbiano.com Maurizio, Chef Paolo, and Marco

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 the differencemaking programs, organizations, faculty, and students of our area schools. This month instead of focusing on a single school, we proudly feature the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

When most people think about dynamic education opportunities and

an aquarium, toured a museum, watched a play, or explored a nature

events in our area, what comes to mind? New College? The Ringling

preserve. Ask any teacher and they’ll rave about how these primary,

College of Art + Design? The NewGate School? Out of Door Acad-

firsthand experiences are incredibly effective in helping kids learn and

emy? Pine View School? Well, whatever your choice, maybe you need

get excited about learning. So why aren’t these kids getting those op-

to rethink it: the Education Foundation of Sarasota County is working

portunities? Generally, it’s lack of access and/or lack of funds.

wonders. They might not be doing classroom teaching, but they’re the ones helping many of our classrooms work better.

Enter the Education Foundation. With the help of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, the Science and Environment Council, and the Patterson Foun-

While it was incorporated in 1979, the nonprofit organization didn’t

dation, Sarasota County Schools launched www.EdExploreSRQ.com in

really get going until 1988, when a task force of Sarasota citizens met

the summer of 2011. The searchable database helps match teachers’

to discuss current issues in public education. What they determined

classrooms with experiences that support key curriculum goals. At the

was that government wasn’t enough. To make public education work,

same time, the Education Foundation launched Exploration Grants to

we needed to supplement the cost of educating our children through

help fund these experiences through the generosity of private donors.

private grants and donations. Over the next two decades, the Education

In the first year alone, 42 teachers and teacher teams received Explora-

Foundation provided over $14 million of direct fiscal support to Sara-

tion Grants of $1500 or $5000, which positively impacted the lives

sota County Schools to support their mission: “invest in every child’s

of hundreds of students and gave them unforgettable experiences at

success through the generosity of our community.” Here are just a few

venues like Mote Marine Lab, the Ringling Museum, and the Sarasota

of the exciting things they’ve been up to recently.

Orchestra. Of an Explorations experience, one student recently said: “I

Explorations

felt like I was a flower opening up.”

While we all think of Sarasota as a booming artistic community, the

“The Explorations program is opening new worlds to children, stimu-

truth is that literally thousands of our local children have never visited

lating their curiosity and love of learning,” explains Susan Scott, the

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Foundation’s Executive Director. “Imagine a second grader who’s never been across the Ringling bridge, much less set foot in an art museum or touched a starfish. To see these children’s eyes light up with curiosity is heartwarming.” Scott points out that another great outcome is that teachers see students’ test scores and classroom behavior improve. The students get

Do it Right From the Start

more social, ask more intelligent questions, and become a better audience.

“What a wonderful testament to the impact of Explorations!” says Scott.

The Patterson Foundation supports the Exploration Grants program and is

Renovation & Construction

matching every new or increased gift – dollar for dollar – up to $500,000. For more information about the program, please visit www.EdExploreSRQ.com.

Texcellence The Texcellence Computer Donation Program is a collaboration between the Sarasota County School Board and the Education Foundation. Driven by a recent $100,000 award from the William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation, the Foundation is prepared to donate another 1,000 home computers to help give area students the digital resources necessary for effective learning. Consider that the Foundation gave out their 5,400th computer this year, and you can imagine the type of impact this has hads on our community since they began the program in 2007.

Who’s receiving these free computers? Qualified students on free or reduced price meals simply register for a two-hour after-school or weekend workshop; afterwards, they receive a refurbished PC. In these workshops, students and their families learn how to set up and use the computers. They also get training in the use of flash drives and the pre-loaded educational software that’s designed to complement what’s going on in each student’s classroom. For those families that want Internet access, they can get a discounted subscription for broadband Internet for only $10 per month.

“Our Texcellence goal for 2012-2013 is to reach another 1,000 households,” says Laura Breeze, the Advancement Director of the Foundation.

“We still have 16,000 local kids living on the other side of the digital divide. I hope we can change that soon.”

Teacher of the Year Award Victor Fernandez, a Cuban immigrant who learned English as a second language, is the music teacher and orchestra director at Booker Middle

Getting it “right” from the start is the experience we deliver at UrbanTrend. Our integrity, dedication and excellence sets us far apart from the rest. We promise to deliver prompt, professional service and the finest materials and craftsmanship to ensure your ultimate satisfaction.

School. Like most music teachers throughout the country, he has the tough task of getting kids excited about choosing music over video games, TV, and movies. But instead of just going through the motions by letting music and learning take a back seat, he just tries harder. What he’s come to be at school is a leader and a force for positive change.

“Every day, I strive to be the best that I can be,” the young, ponytailed Fernandez says, smiling. “And I hope that sets the example for the students to strive

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to be the best that they can be too.” From the impact he’s had on the lives of his students, it’s clear that his messages are powerfully getting through.

In addition to earning the title of Teacher of the Year of Sarasota County, Fernandez also received the keys to a 2012 cherry red Chevy Cruze which he gets to drive for the entire year. All he has to do in return? Keep up the great job teaching and represent his school district at the Florida Department of Education/Macy’s Teacher of the Year gala this summer.

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Additionally, he’ll serve as the community spokesperson for the teaching scenesarasota.com

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Exploration Grants give students the opportunity to gain access to local educational attractions, such as the Ringling Museum

profession throughout the 2012-2013 academic year.

The Teacher of the Year Award is offered by the Education Foundation in conjunction with Sarasota County Schools.

• • • • • One thing that Scott really appreciates is how many generous people volunteer their time to help make a difference – over 9,000, at last count.

“People in our community care so much about our children and their success in the classroom that they give hours and hours of their time,” she says. “Tutoring, judging science fair projects, reading and evaluating classroom grant applications, organizing and hanging student art exhibitions – we have people waiting in line to volunteer.”

But it’s not enough. And that’s why the Education Foundation is committed to helping, too. We’re lucky the Foundation’s such a dedicated, integral part of our community because no matter who ends up in the White House this coming election, one thing is sure: we’ve got a better chance of weathering any cuts to the budget thanks to the Education Foundation, which awards a million dollars each year to initiatives such as the Regional Science, Engineering, and Technology Fair; the Academic Olympics; classroom grants; fine arts programs; and literacy initiatives to help struggling readers.

So the next time you think about our ever-improving school system, go ahead and think of all the involved parents, terrific teachers, and dedicated administrators. But also take a moment to appreciate the tireless work the Education Foundation does behind the scenes of so many of our successes.

For more information on the Education Foundation of Sarasota, please visit: www.EdFoundation.net, or call 941-927-0965.

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AJC West Coast Florida 2012 Civic Achievement Award Dinner HONORING

Margaret Callihan Chairman, President, and CEO SunTrust

Thursday, November 15, 2012 6:00 p.m.

Michael’s On East, Sarasota, Florida

DINNER CHAIRS

Gerri Aaron

Flori Roberts

Matt & Lisa Walsh

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Gregory L. Miller Chief Economist, SunTrust West Coast Florida www.ajc.org

For Sponsorship and ticket information: AJC Regional Director, Brian Lipton: 941-365-4955 or liptonb@ajc.org

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SOCIAL

Behind the Scene

Society Maven Debbi Benedict Gives the Latest Scoop

scenesarasota.com

Pop the champagne corks and let the

was probably sitting in the back seat! After

season begin, Poodle! Did you take last

cocktails, it’s into the theater for a performance

month’s column advice to heart and make

from the world-renowned Mark Morris Dance

your game plan? The season is long – pace

Group, followed by an exquisite dinner in the

yourself. What are you most looking forward

South Galleries of the museum. My very most

to this year?

favorite black tie event ever was the opening

I am delighted beyond words that the

night of the Searing Wing with dinner in the

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is

Rubens Galleries. It was sublime, dining in

embracing a big gala for the Opening Night of

the presence of such greatness. Dr. Virginia

RIAF. The museum deserves a glorious black

Brilliant, curator of European Art, will speak

tie event, which it has been lacking the past

briefly in each gallery about the theme of the

few gala-barren years. The magical evening

gallery and highlight important pieces. All of

starts at the Center for Performing Arts. I am

this will be happening while a violinist strolls

told that as a special treat, Mable Ringling’s

beguilingly throughout. The museum’s own

gorgeous convertible will be on display for

Treviso Restaurant is catering. Who is chairin?

the first time! I can see Mable driving up

That would be Dan Denton and Michelle

that long driveway to Ca’ d’Zan, sun shining

McKay, the beautiful and charming wife of Sen.

on her glowing skin, wind blowing in her

John McKay (for whom the museum’s Visitor’s

hair, but then again, she had a driver, so she

Center is named). Though this event has one October 2012

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of the most expensive tickets in town, as it should be, they are

Children First’s Flip Flops and Fashion Luncheon is the perfect

almost sold out as of this writing. For a much less expensive

end of summer/beginning of fall event. As the first luncheon

ticket, you can attend the Closing Night Party with the Dirty

of the season, it’s nice to ease back into the social whirl with

Dozen Brass Band in the museum courtyard – or just do both!

a carefree and casual beach soiree. Co-chairs are Leslie Jones,

Last year for the first time, I attended Community AIDS

Denise Mei, and Kelly Quigley. Honorary chairs are Jackie

Network’s CANDance and I absolutely adored it! If you have

Rolfes and Donna Pachota, who along with her husband Mike

never been, you are missing a terrific time! For the uninitiated,

is the owner of Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice, where the

the event is a local Dancing with the Stars and is being held

luncheon has been held for the past five years. Held under

at Michael’s On East. This year’s celebrity dancers are Berlin

a tent on Caspersen Beach, you are encouraged to wear your

Patten attorney Jamie Ebling, philanthropist Bambi Famous

flip flops and casual tropical attire. Well, I don’t think I can

Kaine, man-about-town and Glasser Schoenbaum Executive

go quite as far as wearing the dreaded flip flops, but I always

Director Phil King, newest Pure Barre owner and Dr. Bill and

love an opportunity to pull out my Lilly Pulitzer! The fashion

Elle McComb’s not-so-little-anymore girl Lauren McComb,

show will feature clothing and swimsuits by Captain’s Landing,

family practice doctor Kristen Paulus, State Farm insurance

L. Boutique, L. Kids, Sarasota Brides, and Sunbug. Lots of local

agent George Quarterman, and attorney/TV star and newlywed

stars and their children are models, which is always fun to see.

Anne Weintraub. Penny Hill and Jackie Rogers are once again

Signature Sponsor is Macrae Family Foundation and Flip Flop

chairing and the producer is Stephen Sieg. For those of you who

Sponsors are Apisdorf Charitable Foundation, Café Baci, and

want to be twirled around the dance floor with professionals,

Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

the ever-popular taxi dances will also be part of the evening.

A sea of pink is what you will see at Sarasota Memorial

Last year Rita Greenbaum won the professional vote, while

Healthcare Foundation’s Key to the Cure party at Saks Fifth

Scott Anderson raised the most money ever. I bet Miss Anne

Avenue. Last year over 700 crowded the store, so this year they

will give Scott a run for his most money raised title!

are doing what any good fundraiser would do: up the ticket price.

With the Gulf of Mexico’s sparkling waters as the backdrop,

It is all about supply and demand in the fundraising business! This

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s

2012 Safe Sex Halloween Bash Saturday, October 27

Michael’s On East, 9pm-1am ����������� �������������� ���������������������

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

$75 in advance / $100 at the door Proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood’s sexual health and prevention education programs.

safesexhalloweenbash.com

or by phone 941.365.3913 ext. 1124 76

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is one of the most popular parties around, appealing to all age groups. You see just everybody there. Dr. Allison Silver and Saks GM Sally Schule are the co-chairs. Saks display manager Robert Roubideaux will awash the store in pink lighting, which is flattering

You can dream it, we can build it!

to all of us – probably to make us all feel more beautiful, so we’ll spend more! Josh Sizemore will make balloon animal corsages and you will be able to pair those with pink glitter tattoos – I am just all a-twitter at the utter fun tackiness of it all. This year’s annual t-shirt is designed by Carolina Herrera and will be worn

by Penelope Cruz in all the national press. No decorated bras this year, but a new twist! You will be able to buy pink ribbon keys that will open prizes around the store. The big prize, and a separate ticket, will be to open an armoire packed with goodies including silver Jimmy Choo shoes. Is the “silver” in honor of Allison? I think that’s a perfect tie-in! Tervis Tumbler is the Key Sponsor and will be donating those fabulous Tervis Tumblers to attendees. I always think that those are the best party favors around! Finally something that is useful! And those terrific big bottles of perfume that Saks sometimes gives at events are pretty nice, too!

Planned Parenthood’s Safe Sex Halloween Bash invitation looks a bit demonic with a very wicked Little Red Riding Hood holding an ax! The theme is Deadtime Stories; guests are encouraged to dress in the character of popular children’s fairy tale characters or images and twist them in inventive, creative, and ahem, unexpected ways. Co-chairs are Kate Atkin, Christine Fraser, Kim Mancini, and Veronica Pastore. The event is moving from the Van Wezel to Michael’s On East, but the décor will stay as creepy and macabre as ever, along with being raucous, glamorous, and definitely over the top! What would a safe sex party be without a Safe Sex Fairy? The lovely, towering, and outrageous Beneva Fruitville, of Drag Queen Bingo fame, will serve in that treasured capacity. Who will be the entertainment?

You know I can’t tell. It is always a huge secret, but count on it to be edgy, dramatic and on-theme. DJ Imminent will be spinning tunes. A few interesting tidbits that were shared with me...Did you know that many photos are taken in the bathroom at the bash? No, not those kind of photos, Poodle. The committee tries to capture the spooky, but zany décor that is as sexy as out in the main room. Past bathrooms have featured giant inflatable bananas, a crime scene, and a sex shop. Everyone also looks forward to the annual candy bar that provides lots of yummies, which in the past has included candy in a coffin, on wildly stockinged mannequin legs, and creepy clown faces. Do you have your costume ready yet?

The big excitement at last year’s Pines Foundation’s Wit

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and Wisdom of Aging Luncheon at Michael’s On East was the scenesarasota.com

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paddle raise. Person after person literally jumped up to donate $1,000 here and $1,000 there. Estelle Crawford was practically beside herself! Hopefully this year, someone once again will step up with a matching donation and they will get to do the whole thing over again! Cochairs are Kim Bald and Melissa Lerner and they have planned a very special panel including the avuncular journalist and correspondent Jack Perkins, former manager of Keep Sarasota Beautiful, Sandra Washington, and US Open and British Open champion Tony Jacklin, who will regale us with their thoughts on aging. Panel moderator is Teri Hansen, President/CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF).

A humorous new film noir style video will be debuted at the luncheon and I am told there will be a mystery narrator who will have their face unveiled at the very end. I know who it is, but am sworn to secrecy. You’ll have fun guessing the mystery person! Major sponsors are GCCF and Harlee & Bald.

I saw that Goodwill Foundation is hosting an Ambassador of the Year dinner at the Hyatt Regency. But then I noticed there were four honorees. Shouldn’t it be “ambassadors”, with an “s”? Maybe they plan on having a pageant or a mixed martial arts competition to see just who will be the reigning winner and the one true ambassador. Out of the four – Margaret Callahan, Lee Peterson, Stuart Roth, and John Saputo – I do think Margaret could take them all in either competition. She does look like she could be a past pageant winner and with those guns she calls arms, she would be a tough MMA fighter! I am sure it will all be very demure and they each will get the opportunity to wear the crown, so don’t buy a ticket expecting any real mayhem. The evening’s sponsors are CS&L CPAs and Re/Max.

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Sarasota Opera’s Curtain Raiser dinner at Michael’s Wine Cellar is a very patrician and civilized event. It’s an opportunity for all of the opera’s devotees to gather

Michelle Crabtree

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

2011 Five Star Real

together for a fall reunion and celebrate the

Estate Agents “Best In Client

start of the opera season. I was overjoyed

Satisfaction” – 4 Years

when the opera started performing a fall

2010 Florida Realtor Honor

opera. It just seems like a much more

Society – 4 Years

sublime experience than during the more ambitious winter opera season when four

2010 Director, Sarasota

operas are in repertoire. Since moving

Association of Realtors (SAR)

the dinner from the restaurant to the

– 3 year term

wine cellar, it has taken on a much more

2009 Women’s Council of

magical and intimate quality. The small

Realtors (WCR) Sarasota

live auction always has such an interesting

“Business Woman of the Year”

array of experiences for the opera lover, including a private dinner with the opera’s principal tenors and backstage seats for the Pearl Fishers. That way you can truly feel a part of the opera production and watch the madness and grace that goes into putting on a production of this magnitude

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and skill. The evening culminates with a selection of arias performed by the opera’s studio artists. How divine! SunTrust is sponsoring the evening.

If you are missing your Mote Marine Oceanic Evening invitation and wondering why, let me give you the scoop....This year, Mote is celebrating on a much quieter and intimate scale. They are launching the Mote Marine Laboratory Legacy Society and fêting Mote’s founding director, Dr. Eugenie Clark. You can still buy a table at the event, but be prepared to bring your checkbook!

Season is upon us. Don’t waste your time sitting home watching Here Comes Honey Boo Boo! ...Okay, you can DVR it, but also get out, buy a ticket, support your favorite organization, and do what Sarasota does best: attend a charity event!

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

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Visua l Arts...

Michael Wyshock Though fairly new to Sarasota, multimedia artist Michael Wyshock has wasted no time in making a splash on the area arts scene. The painter, filmmaker, and video artist is a Ringling professor who has exhibited at COP15 in Denmark, Art Basel in Switzerland, and the Museum of Modern Art in Valencia, Spain. A bit closer to home, he was recently awarded the Sarasota Arts and Cultural Alliance’s John Ringling Towers Fund grant.

Wyshock’s work represents a wild appreciation of the beauty that is engendered by chaos. In an artist statement he says, “Shape against line where light separates or bends are constant considerations in my work.” Juxtapositions in shape and line are supported and reinforced by juxtapositions of materials – the artist works with paint, film, animation, fabric, water, plastics, and crumbled glass.

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...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.

His pieces seethe with conflict, which is both a response to environmental contamination and an examination of the struggle taking place within some paintings themselves: overlapping layers of paint violently obliterate what has come before. But there is also an element of his work that is unifying and redemptive, inviting collaboration rather than competition.

The artist’s current project is a triumph of working together – between artists and among species. With Mark Anderson, Wyshock is constructing a 30 foot tower in Myakka City for the Lemur Conservation Foundation. The lotus-shaped observation deck will allow scientists to study one another, socialize, and learn together. Further collaborative works included 2010’s Aquatic Dream Machine (about Gulf Coast coexistence among species) and Water Lilies, which examined the movement of light above versus underwater.

Continuing the scientific co-creating theme, the work for which he won the John Ringling Towers Fund Award will culminate in a series of interactive light sculptures for the Oklahoma Science Museum. In the installation, DNA strands will be reimagined as cosmic serpents moving through a forest of plastic trees and plants illuminated by LED lights. Layered with patterns and color from video projections, the forest of plastic will respond to bodily movements from viewers as they traverse the landscape. The result? A dynamic, self-constructed viewing experience powered by the ability of changing and rhythmic light to change what we see and how we respond.

Like much of Wyshock’s work, the result of all that chaos will be a surprisingly organic order. As the artist observes, “When a work is finished, the lines and shapes have stabilized one another and through the creation of the piece they have found the appropriate way to sit against each other.”

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HEALTH MATTERS

Cervical Cancer Prevention

By Edgardo J. Aponte, MD, FACOG

Each year, in the United States, there are 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed and about 4,000 women die from this disease. Cervical cancer can be largely prevented by regular Pap tests. Approximately half of all cases of cervical cancer are among women who have never undergone one. If cervical cancer is detected and treated in its early stages, it is possible to cure up to 90% of women who suffer from it.

The main cause of cervical cancer is an infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Edgardo J. Aponte MD FACOG

There are many types of HPV. Some of the serotypes, named “high risk,” may cause anal,

practices at OB-Gyn Women’s

cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and head and neck cancer. HPV infection is very common

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and is transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. Studies indicate that

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at least three out of four people who have sex will get a genital HPV infection at some point

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in their lives. HPV enters cells and causes them to change and grow abnormally. Generally,

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the woman’s immune system destroys the virus quickly and the infection goes away on its own. But in a small number of women, things do not happen this way. These infections are described as “persistent.” The longer the HPV is present in the system and the older the woman, the greater the risk that the virus may damage to the cells of the cervix.

In addition to the infection with the HPV virus, there are other factors that may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. These are: smoking, HIV virus or any condition that affects the immune system, use of birth control pills for a long period of time (5 years or more) and having given birth to 3 or more children.

At present there are two vaccines that protect against certain types of HPV, including two of the types that are responsible for most of the cases of cervical cancer. These vaccines stimulate the immune system to combat an infection from these types of HPV if the person is exposed to them.

There is also an HPV test. The test is used in conjunction with the Pap smear in women 30 years or older and as follow-up test when a woman has an abnormal Pap smear. Also, it is used to detect types of high-risk HPV before visible cervical cells changes occur.

How can we prevent cervical cancer?

The best way to prevent cervical cancer iS to receive the HPV vaccine. There are two vaccines available in the market, Gardasil and Cervarix. Gardasil vaccine protects against the two most common HPV serotypes that causes cervical cancer (16 & 18) and the two most common HPV serotypes that causes genital warts (6 & 11). Cervarix vaccine protects against the two most common HPV serotypes that causes cervical cancer (16 & 18). Both vaccines are given in 3 doses over a 6 months period. The vaccine is recommended for women between the ages of 9 to 26 years old. Visit your gynecologist regularly to perform a Pap test that can detect precancerous lesions and follow up with your gynecologist if your test is abnormal.

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HEALTH MATTERS

True Beauty

By Marguerite Barnett, MD

The Bible says, “What does it profit a man if he gains the world yet loses his own soul?”

This spiritual reminder that there are things more precious than material things has a corollary on the physical plane. What does anything matter if you don’t have good health?

As a plastic surgeon, I encounter this on a daily basis. Patients come to me to address a wrinkle or a lump of fat without dealing with the underlying contributors to the problem.

Lifestyle issues such as smoking, excessive sun exposure, and improper nutrition to name a Dr. Barnett is a Harvard/MITtrained physician double board certified in general and plastic surgery. She owns and oper-

few, all are expressed in the external appearance. Using my skills to deal with these issues seems to me like painting on drywall rot – an utter waste of time. It is far better to address the foundations. The good news is that these issues can be addressed. Even genes, while randomly inherited from our parents, have variable expression depending on environmen-

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tal factors we are only now beginning to decipher. That is why identical twins can have

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great differences between them even though they share the same genes. In simple terms,

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you have a great influence on your health. Our mothers harped on getting plenty of sleep and exercise as well as eating properly. I would add avoiding toxins to that list. These are simple things that are not necessarily easy. Too often we have excuses. I’m too busy. It’s too expensive. It’s too difficult or too inconvenient. These are just excuses.

How much is your health worth? Sadly, many people don’t realize how valuable it is until they lose it. I certainly have excuses for not exercising. I’m the owner of three businesses, a busy surgeon, an employer, an entrepreneur, and involved in many organizations. My days frequently begin before sunrise and end well after sunset even in the summer and on the weekends. Yet because of my family history of heart disease and my personal risk factors for thinning of the bones, I know how critical exercise is for keeping me healthy. It can be as structured as a couple of classes a week at my favorite exercise establishment (Apple Jelly Studios) or as simple as refusing to let my sweetie carry all the heavy bags to the car (Poor guy, I am sure some people think he is lazy but it’s my fight against osteoporosis), doing my own gardening, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. I make these small “sacrifices” knowing that like savings in the bank, they will sustain me as I age. The really delightful thing is I also see immediate gratification. I notice more energy. I have also developed a community of friends from classes and circles. If I skip exercise, my mood is unquestionably worse and my weight creeps up because I love to eat.

So, really, what’s your excuse? Take responsibility for your health. Even if you feel you have lost it, there are steps you can take to maximize your fighting chances and they do not involve lying in front of the TV stuffing your face while feeling sorry for yourself. There are many different types of health: mental, emotional, spiritual as well as physical. You need health in all directions but if one is blocked, strengthen the others. That to me is true beauty and under those circumstances, when health is maximized, my job becomes more like frosting on the cake.

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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

“It’s a strange thing, but when you are dreading something, and would give anything to slow down time, it has a disobliging habit of speeding up.”

– J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire It all goes so fast. First there was June, when the fragrance of freedom

in the next moment I thought of my adored BFF Betty Schoenbaum who

wafted softly into our days and thoughts of mid-summer magic occupied

would have had the perfect response to this man’s complaint: “Don’t

the nights. Then came July, when the matchmaker of sultry summer treats

wait, give as much as you can now while you are still alive. Enjoy being a

met the babes of bliss... fresh shucked corn, sweet ripe tomatoes, cold

part of the difference you are making now!” This message is one she has

crisp wines and breathtaking sunsets. August, reckless, wanton, almost

taken around the world as an incredible role model for giving in kindness

too hot to handle – breathing down your neck before it’s even noon, yet

to create more love. So, embodied with Betty’s spirit, I responded to his

fully embraced when offering up a breezy evening of delight.

remark with a story that kindly said it all. Hopefully it will inspire a reader

A moment later September was here, bringing an abundance of ripe

or two to adjust their way of thinking as well!

melons and succulent figs to help ease the pain of seeing the last of

“One day the pig came over to the cow and complained, ‘People

no-regret holidays as “real life” looms in the future. Now in a blink of

always talk about your friendliness and how much they like you and

the eye the month of October has arrived, bringing a symphony of per-

they never say that to me. I know you are sweet and you do give them

manence and change between our past indulgences and present plans.

milk, but they get so much more from me. They get ham and bacon and

Calendar listings and invitations announcing the beginning of a new sea-

lard, and they can even cook my feet! And yet, no one likes me. Why is

son for sharing and giving are here, offering up unlimited possibilities for

that?’ The cow thought it over a bit, and then turned to the pig and said,

each of us to become a better self while creating a better world. Let me

‘Perhaps it’s because I give to them while I am still alive.’”

be one of the many to welcome one and all.

Time really does go by so fast; events and people come in and out of our lives, each bringing unique gifts not to be missed. Throughout my life I have had the pleasure of living and working in various cities in the US and abroad, traveling by boats, planes, cars and the rails. Along the way I have had the privilege of meeting some truly exceptional individuals, who by inspiring example have changed my life.

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”

– Cesar Chavez

Women and men, younger and older, independent in their imagination, never considering their dreams or fantasies for a better life a mere whim,

Because my vocation and avocation are about using the power of

but more like a holy whisper of what’s possible. Since coming to Sarasota

the mind to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, I have always felt a

my list of mentors and role models has grown by leaps and bounds, and

deep sadness, pain, and compassion for those who have to deal with the

their influence is felt and seen in so much of what makes this town so

challenges that come with mental illness. So when I first became aware

special. In this issue, I want to share just a smattering of organizations and

of the Mental Health Community Center, whose mission (and passion) is

people that have enlarged my heart and those of so many others.

to provide daily support and resources that enable persons with mental

The other night I was at dinner party, aka soirée, when the subject of philanthropy came up. Sitting across the table from me was a man engaging in one of

illness to maintain a healthy, productive lifestyle and transition to the mainstream of our community, I needed to know and do more.

my least favorite activities: complaining for all to hear. “Lots of my friends and

I was delighted to see that their efforts included community awareness

associates say that I am really stingy and selfish. Yet what they don’t know is

to help defeat stigma and encourage treatment, as well as to enhance

that in my will I have donated almost everything to charitable causes.”

emotional health through vocational and educational opportunities plus

Hmmm, he doth protest too much was my first reflection, and then

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October 2012

social and recreational activities that encourage personal growth and inscenesarasota.com

dependence – the same life skills I’ve coached and lectured on for decades. Prospect House, Beacon House, Selby House and North Port Center are all a part of the center. Since more and more people are suffering from various forms of mental illness, if you would like to touch someone’s life and make it better you can

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of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.”

– Saint Augustine Going to the other side, age and organizationally speaking, I want to tell you a little bit about two foundations whose efforts have really impressed me. The first one is The Pines of Sarasota Foundation, which was created for the sole purpose of ensuring that Pines of Sarasota will continue to deliver exceptional assisted living, skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s dementia care, regardless of one’s financial resources.

As a foundation, their goal is to ensure that, regardless of the economic environment or the financial capacity of their residents, Pines of Sarasota will continue to be a home and community that ensures quality and compassion every day for its aging residents. This ongoing responsibility includes the need for new construction, medical equipment, and renovations. Albert Einstein once said that when you stop learning, you start dying.

The Pines Foundation obviously agrees, as one of their goals is to make available as many developments as possible in the education of our elders and honor their desire to grow and improve themselves through knowledge and continued good health. Since sixty is the new 40, and 80 is the new 60, and 100 is... well, a blessing, I think supporting The Pines and their efforts (since if God is good to us one day we might be there) is a good thing. If you agree, why not join a bunch of us at their Wit and Wisdom luncheon on October 30th? If it’s anything like last year’s event, it will be a great day.

“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not.”

– Mark Twain Yuck. What a terrible notion. My game plan is to continue living my life eating, drinking and doing exactly what I like while still being consciously aware of taking care of my health – even though Mr. Twain suggests the opposite! But knowing the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Foundation is around the corner and on

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the case helps me sleep at night. Headed up by the bright, savvy and accessible President, CEO & Trustee Alexandra Quarles, the foundation was created to support Sarasota Memorial Hospital Health Care System and other healthcare programs, led to greatness by another exceptional President & CEO, Gwen M. MacKenzie.

SMHF’s mission is to improve the delivery of healthcare for the Sarasota area through the acquisition and utilization of philanthropic funds, and they do that very well. The amazing support – that has helped Sarasota Memorial provide the latest in technology advancements and ongoing education in cardiology, oncology, neurology, pediatrics, technology and research, so they can retain the best and the brightest – is truly a spectacular accomplishment. And even though taking care of my mind, body and soul is a high priority, I for one am happy that my favorite hospital will only get better and is there for me if needed, thanks to SMHF’s support. If you agree, maybe you will want to meet me on October 18th at the fabulous Saks Fifth Ave for the Key to the Cure event.

The very young to the very old and everyone in between need to feel loved and valued, and that someone out there knows they exist and cares. Marianne Williamson said, “In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”

When Michelangelo was asked how he created a piece of sculpture, he answered that the statue already existed within the marble. As he saw it, his only job was to get rid of the excess marble that surrounded God’s creation. So is it with each of us. Our only job is to do the best we can with what we have and who we are in this moment. Carving out a masterpiece that makes a difference in your own unique way, creating your Story of Joy that I can share with others, may be just the collaboration that creates a better new world. Until we are together again: En-JOY!

Joy Weston is an internationally best-selling author, speaker, presentation coach and a devotee of making a difference.

Contact Joy@JoyWeston.com.

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cene

LITERARY S

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

This month’s featured author is Stuart, Florida resident Kendra T. Brown, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist whose forthcoming book is Eavesdropping: As Real Women Talk About the Gifts and Challenges of Aging (Rainbow Books, trade paper, 128 pages, $14.95). What made this book leap out at me was a prepublication endorsement from Jim Lehrer of PBS’s The News Hour. He wrote: “This is THE book for mature women and those in anyone’s life – including my own. The understanding and advice about everything from traveling alone (demand a good table at a restaurant, stay in bed and breakfasts) to dealing with profound loss (sometimes means liberation, don’t be a victim) are truly words to live by. Onward!”

Here’s the thing – Jim Lehrer’s right. Dr. Brown’s book is full of honesty and wisdom about the process of aging. That’s why it’s the only new book I’m writing about this month rather than the two or three I normally cover. It deserves the extra space and attention. You’ll see what I mean in a moment.

The book came about because Dr. Brown got intrigued by how many older women sought therapy for situational depression, despite having thrived in life before. Seeking solutions for her clients, she organized a group (self-named “The Pages”). She knew she could count on these ever-evolving women to discuss vital issues of aging, such as love and loss, troubles and triumphs, obstacles and opportunities. As the group met, they quickly proved themselves to be just what she was looking for: women who cut through the bull and talked about real issues in useful ways.

The idea for this book’s title and format – eavesdropping on those important, rarely heard conversations – came when The Pages realized how informative, supportive, and humorous the meetings were and how much others would benefit by hearing them. “We decided the book might be more interesting if it were fictionalized,” Dr. Brown explains. “We created the format: a woman comes to the library seeking a quiet place to work on a project. She finds the ideal place, and is soon frustrated when she is interrupted by the chatter from the next room (us!). She begins to purposefully eavesdrop on us and write down what she hears.” With that format in mind, they hired local writer Pat Austin to get them started.

Then Dr. Brown took over and finished the book.

Dr. Brown pointed out that most of us see media images of retirees having constant joy and fun: golfing, swimming, relaxing poolside, playing cards. It’s common, though, for people who have all that recreation to still feel unsatisfied; perhaps questioning their own experience. “What’s wrong with me?” Dr. Brown responds, “A happy, satisfying life is about re-creation, in addition to recreation.” In short, we need new role models for joyful, active longevity! Sticking with what worked in your 30s and 40s is rarely the answer. “Most importantly,” Dr. Brown adds, “one doesn’t have to do it alone. Membership in informal groups, like The Pages, is one way to gain wisdom and be supported. In our culture, with its emphasis on individual effort, we can fail to appreciate the benefits of community.”

Here’s just a bit more of the wisdom and insight that this book provides: Everyone needs a “village” (a network of support) of her own making.

Villages are not static. They can and do change, sometimes because we want them to change and other times because change is inevitable.

We are interdependent by virtue of being human. Celebrate that fact.

For those who want more than just eavesdropping on these delightful, revealing conversations, Dr. Brown includes four nuts and bolts appendices (on such things as writing an ethical will and starting your own version of The Pages group) and a short but solid list of suggested readings. Like Lehrer said, this is a good book for the adult women in anyone’s life. Go ahead and give them the latest Janet Evanovich or Mary Higgins Clark book for Christmas, but feel free to slip this one in the stocking too!

Eavesdropping: As Real Women Talk About the Gifts and Challenges of Aging is available now from Rainbow Books (an independent Florida publisher). Get a copy at Amazon, www.bookch.com, or your own favorite virtual or realworld bookstore. Learn more about Dr. Brown and The Pages at www.KendraBrownPhD.com.

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Classics Revisited This month’s classic book is one of my favorite bedtime readings: Robert Fulghum’s 2004 revised edition of the 1988 blockbuster All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten (Ballantine Books, mass market paper, 240 pages, $13.95).

Fulghum is that sagacious, yarn-spinning grandfather we all wish we had in our lives to teach us what we really need to know about the world. While I appreciate the dry humor that makes these pithy essays read so smoothly and effortlessly, what I like most about his writing is that he takes big ideas and makes them simple, clear, and relatable. This is the same thing Malcolm Gladwell (author of Blink, The Tipping Point, and Outliers) does so well, except Fulghum’s got a bit more down-home charm and a little less science to him.

Here’s a refresher from the collection of short (and sometimes very short!) essays that Fulghum offers in this book: “You may never have proof of your importance, but you are more important than you think. There are always those who couldn’t do without you. The rub is that you don’t always know who.”

“Think what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are – when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.”

“Speed & efficiency do not always increase the quality of life.”

“Remember, most of us got something for nothing the first time just by showing up here at birth. Now we have to qualify.”

There’s a reason that so many things Fulghum wrote have been so often repeated that some of them have become clichés. He’s wonderfully wise and the book communicates that easily.

If you’ve never read All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, do so this month. If you have read it but it’s been a few years, hurry back and snuggle up with it one more time. Reading (and re-reading) Fulghum is like the experience of revisiting a long-unseen friend that, once you get gabbing again, instantly has you wondering how you ever managed without them for so long.

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LOCALLY

NEWS SHAPING

OUR COMMUNITY FORMER NYSE PRESIDENT WILLIAM R. JOHNSTON ELECTED CHAIR OF NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA TRUSTEES

initiatives. Gulf Coast’s Board of Directors earmarked up to $150,000 to conduct the comprehensive hunger assessment in partnership with All Faiths Food Bank and Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-

William R. Johnston, former president and chief operating officer of the

relief charity. Gulf Coast awarded a $50,000 grant to the John and

New York Stock Exchange, has been elected chair of the New College

Mable Ringling Museum of Art to support the museum’s Art of Our Time

of Florida Board of Trustees. In addition to Johnston, the New College

initiative, which includes the Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF).

Board also elected Keith D. Monda, former president and chief operating

The Ringling Museum estimates that the Art of Our Time initiative, when

officer of Coach, Inc., as vice chair. Both Johnston and Monda’s terms run

fully implemented, will increase the institution’s total economic impact

through 2014. www.ncf.edu

by nearly 15 percent, bringing that figure to more than $20 million annually. www.gulfcoastcf.org

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD CHAIR The Sarasota Orchestra announced the election of Anne Folsom Smith as Chair of its Board of Directors. Officers for the coming season were selected and six Board members were added. Of the six members added to the Board, four are new to the organization and two are returning.

Folsom Smith has served on the Sarasota Orchestra’s Board of Directors since 2003. www.sarasotaorchestra.org

SARASOTA MEMORIAL EARNS NATIONAL HONOR FOR WOMEN’S SERVICES Becker’s Hospital Review recently released its list of “100 Hospitals With Great Women’s Health Programs” and Sarasota Memorial Hospital was one of only six hospitals in the state and the only provider in the Southwest Florida region to earn a spot on the national publication’s honor roll. To compile the list, which recognizes some of the most outstanding providers of women’s health in the United States, Becker’s Hospital Review consulted

BRADENTON AREA CONVENTION CENTER COMPLETES $6.5 MILLION RENOVATION The Bradenton Area Convention Center (BACC) has completed an 18-month,

a number of resources, including clinical accolades, quality care and women’s health proficiencies and awards. www.smh.com

venues with a variety of aesthetic and functional improvements. Located

SARASOTA COUNTY NAMED AMONG 100 BEST COMMUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

on the Manatee River, the newly named Bradenton Area Convention Center

Community Youth Development of Sarasota County announced that

features 60,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, seven spacious breakout

Sarasota County was named one of America’s Promise Alliance’s 100 Best

rooms, and new outdoor options for events. www.mymanatee.org

Communities for Young People presented by ING. The national award

$6.5 million renovation, updating one of Manatee County’s largest meeting

was given to Sarasota County to recognize its outstanding and innovative

MICHAEL E. MOORE JOINS RCAD AS VP FOR ADVANCEMENT

work in addressing the high school dropout crisis and for its programs and services that make it an outstanding place for youth to live, learn and grow. An emphasis on education and youth safety are key factors in

Ringling College of Art and Design has announced the appointment of

Sarasota County being honored as a 100 Best community winner for a

Michael E. Moore to the position of Vice President for Advancement,

second time. www.cydonline.org

bringing over 25 years of experience in organizational management and fund development to the college. Prior to Ringling, Mr. Moore served on the University Relations leadership team at UC Santa Cruz, guiding the university’s $300 million comprehensive campaign. www.ringling.edu

THAXTON JOINS GCCF AS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Gulf Coast Community Foundation announced that Sarasota County

GCCF ANNOUNCES NEW FISCAL YEAR GRANTS

Commissioner Jon Thaxton has been hired as Director of Community Investment. As Director of Community Investment, Thaxton will engage

Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently approved $244,000 in

donors and community partners through initiatives in workforce, economic

grants, including funds for a major study of the region’s hunger-relief

development and other Gulf Coast priorities that will result in systemic

system and support for one of the area’s most significant cultural

improvements throughout the region. www.gulfcoastcf.org

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