Longboat Observer 12.13.12

bserver O Happy Hanukkah!

LONGBOAT

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

NEWS

Longboat Key novelist pens his seventh thriller.

PAGE 5A

OUR TOWN

+ You can’t fool observant Observers Longboater Mary Lou Johnson snapped this photo of her husband, Bill, catching up on his latest Observer news on a recent cruise to Grand Cayman.

He couldn’t fool Observant folks like yours truly.

He was actually reading a copy of the Cayman Free Press’ The Observer.

Recent stories on the Press’ website, compasscayman. com, include items about turtles and signage clutter, leading us to think that we might have a few things in common.

It was the final issue of the paper’s Sunday edition, according to its website. The paper now publishes five days a week.

+ Will Perry bus make a Key stop?

Unlike the Longboat Key trolley, this bus doesn’t circulate the island on the hour.

And its rider isn’t exactly your average Joe. Still, we’ll be on the lookout for part-time Sanctuary resident/Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry’s tour bus this week.

Why? We don’t want to miss a thing, of course. And Aerosmith performed Tuesday night at the Tampa Bay Times forum with Cheap Trick as part of its “Global Warming Tour,” meaning that Perry might be spending a few days on the Key. And, even if you don’t see the psychedelic colors of the tour bus, you might just see the rocker himself. One Observer staffer was delighted in the summer of 2011 when Perry happened to walk her way on a Key beach.

free • Thursday, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Neighborhood

DIVERSIONS

St. Armands sparks holiday cheer at annual lighting of the tree.

PAGE 1B

Holiday cookie recipes flavored with history.

INSIDE

CHECKOUT TIME by Robin Hartill | City Editor

A store is born The bakery staff will be there at midnight.

By 4 or 5 a.m., deli employees will arrive.

Store Manager Andy Lapin will report to work by 6 a.m.

At 7:45 a.m., longtime Longboat Key Publix employee Vicki Workman, aka “Miss Vicki,” will cut the ribbon.

The moment the Key has been waiting for will come 15 minutes later at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 13.

That’s when Longboat Key’s Publix will open its doors, making shopping a pleasure, once again.

According to Shannon Patten, media and community relations manager for Publix Central and South West Florida division, Publix sometimes has a line outside when it opens a new store.

When doors open, customers will see the newest Publix prototype.

“The overall look and feel is unique,” Patten said. “We wanted to come up with a store where customers could explore an array of foods and services under one roof.”

The first Aprons Simple Meals dish that will touch their lips will be praline French toast made with a loaf of Publix breakfast bread and pecan halves, along with several pantry items.

The first several-hundred customers will also get various samples, giveaways and free gifts.

But, even if you don’t make it on the first day, there’s still plenty to check out.

There’s a seating area with free Wi-Fi, event-planning station, full-service floral department, en-

SEE PUBLIX / PAGE 2A

The offerings of the new store include an enhanced international products selection.

It’s time to cross a new Publix off of your wish list, because the island’s new store has arrived.

A seating area with free Wi-Fi is located near the deli and salad bar.

Photos by Robin Hartill

The new Longboat Key Publix is the chain’s newest prototype, which includes a wider floor plan and more opportunity to browse the store, according to Shannon Patten, media and community relations manager for Publix Central and South West Florida division.

INSIDE: More photos of the new store | Now and then comparision | Are your favorite employees returning?

PROPOSAL ACCEPTED by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

Proposed fire contract freezes pension plan The town and the union agreed to a proposal that freezes the current pension plan and shifts employees to the Florida Retirement System.

Longboat Key has reversed its hard-line stance against offering a pension plan to its firefighters.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the town offered them a proposal with a state pension-plan option that both parties accepted.

“We have done a lot of soul searching and had a lot of discussions,” said town labor attorney Reynolds Allen. “We took a pretty strong position from day one that we don’t want to be in the defined-benefit business at all. But,

we have also heard you and heard from your chief, which has a lot to do with what we are recommending.”

The accepted proposal includes: • Freezing the current pension

INDEX Briefs....................4A Calendar............ 15A

Classifieds ........ 29A Cops Corner....... 10A

Crossword.......... 28A Opinion.................8A

Real Estate........ 26A Weather............. 28A

Vol. 35, No. 21 | Two sections YourObserver.com

plan after allowing six current firefighters to enter the Deferred Retirement Options Program (DROP).

• A 3% cost-of-living allowance wage increase in year one and raises and cost-of-living increas-

SEE PENSION / PAGE 12A

AMERICA’S NEWSPAPER

2A YourObserver.com

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

PUBLIX / FROM PAGE 1A hanced organic, gluten-free and international selections and seafood, deli and bakery departments, olive bar, salad bar, Pacific wok station and more.

Plans for Publix received Longboat Key Town Commission approval in February. The former store closed in April for eight months’ of construction.

The Dec. 13 opening date means that Publix got its holiday wish: a new Longboat Key store before Christmas, as representatives previously stated was their goal.

Assistant Store Manager Amanda Cypners stocks spices in preparation for the store’s new opening.

Above: The Longboat Key Publix features a variety of bulk products such as nuts and candy.

Now & then Now Then Store square footage 49,533 38,565 Total shopping center parking 384 311 Employees (varies seasonally) 200 120

Lapin

They’re ba-ack Andy Lapin is back as the Longboat Key Publix store manager — and many of the store’s 200 associates worked at the island store prior to its closing in April.

Lapin was assigned to a Tampa store during the Key store’s eight months’ of construction. The store’s remaining associates were assigned to other locations in the area. Although some associates chose to remain at their new stores, many are back at the Longboat Key Publix, along with about 70 new employees.

Lapin served as meat manager of the Key store from 1995 to 1998, returning in 2006 as store manager.

His thoughts on the new Publix: “It’s awesome,” he said.

Right: Deli clerk Kristina Pepin arranges cheeses in the store’s more than 100 varieties of cheeses from the United States and around the world. The staff will include a certified cheese specialist.

Deli Retail Improvement Specialist Connie Pittman and Deli Manager Linda Montgomery plan for the salad bar at the new store.

The wine department offers an enhanced selection, including fine wines made with organic grapes, and a chiller that allows customers to pop in a bottle and return after shopping to their chilled selection.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

3A

sticker shock

by Kurt Schultheis | Managing Editor

CANINE QUESTION by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Beach debate dogs commission Burying GMD A debate about allowing dogs beach access has tongues wagging once again at Longboat Key Town Hall.

The great dogs-on-thebeach debate has been unleashed once again at Longboat Key Town Hall.

Four commissioners gave consent to move a report by the LBK-9 Coalition, a citizens group that formed late last year to gather information about allowing dogs on the beach, forward for discussion at a future workshop during the commission’s Dec. 3 regular meeting.

“It’s not a blueprint for a dog beach, and it’s not a specific path to a dog beach, but we felt there was enough information there to bring it back to you,” Committee Chairwoman Laurin Goldner told the commission during Monday’s meeting.

Mayor Jim Brown said he asked Goldner to present the committee’s report during the public comments portion of the Dec. 3 meeting rather than listing the item on the agenda.

“Until we had the opportunity to sort of get our arms

around what the committee had done, I didn’t want people just showing up as can often happen when you advertise something,” Brown said at the meeting.

In other words, people often interpret it as a command: “Speak.”

Or at least they did Oct. 20, 2011, when the commission discussed the idea at workshop.

A standing-room-only crowd filled commission chambers during that meeting.

From opponents, commissioners heard tales of contracting tapeworm and turtle impacts. Supporters spoke of the sadness they felt at having to look at their dogs and tell them they couldn’t go to the beach and cited research about the psychological benefits of dogs.

The commission opted to form a committee to explore practical issues of allowing dogs on the beach but later

decided against any commission involvement, making the group a citizens committee.

Brown emphasized what he was seeking at Monday’s meeting: “The question tonight is, do we want to move this to a public workshop and then we’ll have that scheduled?” he said.

But after four commissioners agreed to move the report forward, Richard Perlman, who served on the LBK-9 Coalition, spoke against the decision. He said that only five of seven members attended the committee’s last meeting and that he and fellow member Cyndi Seamon, who, like Perlman, opposes dogs on the beach, didn’t agree with moving the report forward.

“The paper that you have, with all due respect to Laurin, is the opinion of three out of five people,” he said.

Perlman told the Longboat Observer that he believed the report left out important en-

vironmental issues. He also described moving forward the dogs-on-the-beach discussion as “premature.”

“That’s a time-consuming event when we have what I think are more important issues,” Perlman said.

Goldner told the Longboat Observer that all seven committee members planned to attend the most recent meeting, but two didn’t attend for unknown reasons.

The group’s mission was to “have enough positive information to bring back to the commission to have a dog beach on Longboat Key,” while also considering opposing positions, Goldner said.

“Our goal was to look at those opinions and see if there was actually a middle ground and a commonsense approach that would allow us in the end to recommend a dog beach,” she said.

Expect to hear lots of backand-forth barking at Town Hall between now and February — the month Brown said the commission would likely discuss the issue at workshop.

PEPPERMINT PALS

Rachel S. O’Hara

Josie Macaluso and her twin cousins, Chloe and Claire Macaluso, had fun at the 34th annual Holiday Night of Lights Friday, Dec. 7, on St. Armands Circle. The evening included performances and a Santa parade and concluded with the lighting of the tree. To see more photos, see page 1B.

power lines proves costly

It’s unlikely the Longboat Key Town Commission will ask residents to foot a bill to bury Gulf of Mexico Drive power lines.

The price tag to bury Gulf of Mexico Drive power lines gave the town commissioners a jolt.

The mere mention of the $70 million to $100 million ballpark figure at the Monday, Dec. 10, regular workshop left it doubtful that the Longboat Key Town Commission will ponder the idea again.

“It’s an extremely high number,” said Mayor Jim Brown, who recalled the cost reaching close to $70 million the last time the issue was raised a few years ago.

Florida Power & Light Co. representatives attended the workshop to discuss the possibility of burying the lines and present costs.

To perform the work, FPL would replace every nine to 10 electrical poles with an 8-foot green power box, with the possibility of 50 to 75 such boxes being placed along Gulf of Mexico Drive in place of the power poles that run along an 11.5-mile stretch of Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Commissioner Lynn Larson and Vice Mayor David Brenner had asked for the cost estimates, calling the overhead power lines ugly and unbecoming of Longboat Key. Even if the town were interested in burying the lines, a referendum would have to be put to the voters to see if they would be interested in footing such a bill. FPL charges residents for such a service through a special assessment on tax bills, establishing a municipal service taxing unit or establishing an incremental payment system.

FPL representatives also explained that it would be difficult to get service back online after a hurricane passed through because the power lines would still be flooded days after a storm surge.

Advantages to underground power lines include better reliability in poor weather, fewer power interruptions and no poles or wires overhead.

Disadvantages include longer duration of outages when power goes out, making the underground facilities more susceptible to water, longer repairs and a shorter expectancy than overhead services.

HOLIDAY WISH by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Parking changes make merchants’ ‘nice’ list St. Armands merchants can cross one item off their holiday wish lists, following a commission decision to return parking policy to pre-March enforcement.

Many St. Armands merchants saw their Christmas wish come true just before Thanksgiving. It came not from Santa Claus, but from the Sarasota City Commission when it voted Nov. 20 to ease parking restrictions on the Circle, essentially making it the same as it was prior to March.

Since then, merchants report few, if any, parking issues.

“I don’t have people coming in here in tears anymore,” said Chris Lynch, coowner of Lynches Pub & Grub, who after the previous policy went into effect last spring, began making a point of warning visitors if they parked over the line in parking “boxes.”

“It’s all good now,” she said. “That was a nice Christmas present.”

Angela Johnston, owner of Les Ciseaux Hair Salon and Day Spa, said that she has heard positive feedback from customers, which has been good for business.

“People don’t seem to have that stress level where they’re watching their clocks,” Johnston said. “The feeling was that they (the city) weren’t encouraging people to be here.”

The commission voted to make parking restrictions uniform on the Circle and in downtown Sarasota and Hillview’s Southside Village last March, after agreeing to bag downtown parking meters that were unpopular with merchants and visitors.

The decision effectively increased parking enforcement from the previous 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours Monday through Friday to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. six days a week.

Many St. Armands merchants argued that traditional approaches to parking enforcement weren’t effective on the Circle, where the majority of visitors are tourists.

They worried about the impact on their businesses during the holidays, which are followed by peak season.

The commission agreed last month to eliminate Circle parking enforcement after 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday, along with Saturday enforcement, and add 200 extra parking spaces on the Circle, primarily for residents and employees.

Commissioners also agreed to remove “box” parking lines around the Circle, which merchants said often created a “domino” effect when one motorist was parked incorrectly, which resulted in multiple drivers parking outside of their allotted spaces.

Boxes were removed during the week of Thanksgiving.

“The City Commission listened to our concerns,” said Eric Seace, owner of Planet and president of the St. Armands Circle Association. “The problem has really seemed to simmer down. They acted very quickly.”

Many merchants feel that a longer-term solution is needed for the Circle’s parking issues.

“We all know the deep need for additional parking and public restrooms,” Seace said.

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NORTH AMERICA’S BEST OVERALL LOCAL NEWS SITE

MOST READ STORIES ONLINE LAST WEEK: 1. “town issues Colony requirements” (Dec. 5) 2. “town attorney submits resignation letter” (Dec. 4) 3. “Lido Key condo evacuated for fire” (Dec. 4) 4. “town attorney resigns” (Dec. 5) 5. “UPDate: town, firefighters find common ground” (Dec. 7)

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NEWSBRIEFS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

An evaluation committee, made up of employees and board members from the town of Longboat Key, interviewed two planning consultants Tuesday, Dec. 11, to be hired to help the town revise its codes and Comprehensive Plan. The process will rely heavily on community input.

Representatives from both Strategic Planning Services and ACP Visioning & Planning answered questions from the committee in charge of making a recommendation to the Longboat Key Town Commission.

Both companies believe the town’s codes need to be changed to promote redevelopment and a variety of community meetings and web-based outreach to seasonal residents needs to be performed.

The companies also believe extensive research is needed to see how much business and commercial property the island can realistically maintain.

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Construction on a new roof for Whitney Beach Plaza began Monday, Dec. 10.

Rich Juliani, principal of the Boston-based JKI Investment Capital LLC, has promised a $2 million renovation and overhaul of the entire plaza.

Building official Wayne Thorne said the roof permit has been approved and he is in discussions with Juliani and other partners for additional permits.

Bradenton attorney Ryan Snyder, along with Juliani and some other undisclosed investors, said they are pulling permits for an up-to-$2 million complete renovation of the plaza and already have plans for a liquor

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+ Town interviews planning consultants

Meetings agendas

&

 Firefighters’ Retirement System Special Board Meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17.  Town Commission Regular Meeting — 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7.  Zoning Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting — 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 10.  Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting — 10 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 14.  Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting — 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 15.

All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, unless otherwise noted. store and other interested tenants.

Snyder, now listed as a managing member for a new limited liability corporation formed for the plaza, said the plan is “to inject about $1 million in the next three- to-six months.”

+ Town accepting Toys for Tots donations The Longboat Key Police Station and Longboat Key Town Hall are looking for toy donations for Christmas.

Toys for Tots bins are located at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, and the Police Department, 5460 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

+ Correction Longboat Key Town Commission candidate Larry Grossman never reviewed plans submitted by Longboat Key mayor and architect Jim Brown when he worked for the city of Alexandria, Va., planning office.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Longboat Island Chapel’s congregation will vote in January on whether to accept the Rev. Dr. Vincent Carroll, of Sarasota, as the church’s senior minister.

The search is over at Longboat IsGill served the congregation for 12 land Chapel. years.

Nearly one year after the resigHe and the chapel’s board reached nation of the Rev. Kenneth Gill, the what was described as a “separachapel’s board of trustees has voted tion agreement” last January amid a to accept a search committee’s pro- growing schism within the congreposal to hire the Rev. Dr. gation in which some board Vincent Carroll for the members had questioned position of senior minhis leadership. ister.

Gill has since formed a Carroll has been a congregation, the New Vilguest minister at the chalage Chapel, which meets pel for several Sunday for services in Sarasota. services in past months Following Gill’s resignaand currently serves as tion, the chapel faced a summer pastor at The challenge in searching for Little Stone Church on a new minister. Because it’s Mackinac Island, Mich. an interfaith congregation, Courtesy photo He and his wife, Molly, it lacked the formal hierThe Rev. Dr. live in Sarasota. archy of many denominaCarroll served for 27 Vincent Carroll tions. years in the Navy ChapThe congregation conlain Corps with tours in Vietnam, sulted with the International Counthe Carrier Lexington and Battleship cil of Community Churches to deNew Jersey, and has also preached termine how to proceed. It formed at Camp David. He held the post of a nine-member Pastoral Search senior chaplain both for Naval forc- Committee, which distributed a es in Europe and at the U.S. Naval questionnaire to congregants asking Academy, according to a news re- what qualities they sought in a new lease. senior minister.

Prior to his military service, he was Responses suggested that memassistant pastor at First Presbyterian bers wanted a pastor who would Church, in Rochester, Minn. deliver a high-quality sermon each The congregation is expected to week and also ranked qualities such officially vote to accept Carroll for as leadership and inspiration as high the position at the chapel’s annual priorities. meeting Jan. 13, following Sunday Since Gill’s resignation, guest minservices. isters have led Sunday services.

Q&A with Longboat Key novelist H. Terrell Griffin Longboat Key novelist H. Terrell ‘Terry’ Griffin discuss his seventh novel, ‘Fatal Decree,’ which comes out in January.

Describe the plot of ‘Fatal Decree.’

It’s about a serial killer who has shown up on Longboat Key and murders a resident, and the woman’s body is placed where Longboat Key Police Detective Jennifer Diane “J.D.” Duncan is bound to see it. It turns out that the killer has left the same signature that he had left on four women in Miami 12 years before, when J.D. was younger.

Some of the characters are based on your friends, such as Logan Hamilton and Jock Algren, who have died since you began writing the series. Do their characters continue to evolve?

I think of them in a sense as being preserved in amber. They were what they were the day they died. Their personalities are set in stone, but more of them might be revealed.

Some of Matt’s favorite places, such as Tiny’s, have closed and the inspiration behind many of his friends have died. What would Matt think of Longboat Key today?

I think Matt would be cognizant of the changes. We’ve lost a lot of good restaurants and bars and a lot of people who would have been Matt’s friends. Matt, I think like all of us, would look back and think how great things were a few years ago. But I think he would have embraced (the changes). For him, one change was when J.D. showed up.

Many of your characters are based on real people. Where do you get the inspiration for your bad guys?

My wife says those are the product of a sick

Robin Hartill

H. Terrell “Terry” Griffin holds a copy of his newest novel, “Fatal Decree,” published by the Longboat Key-based Oceanview Publishing.

mind. She may be right. I’ve never known people like that.

Would you ever consider writing a novel with a different cast of characters?

I’m about halfway through a book like that that takes place in Europe. I’ve been working on it for three or four years. I sit down and start writing, but then I miss my Longboat characters and I write another Longboat book.

ONLINE: Five Things You Didn’t Know about H. Terrell ‘Terry’ Griffin. www.YourObserver.com

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Longboat Island Chapel makes likely pastor selection

WHODUNIT by Robin Hartill | City Editor

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call to service by Robin Hartill | City Editor

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Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

SEASON OF SHARING

Barbara Blumfield

St. Armands 388-3323

Barbara Blumfield, a Sarasota Bay Club resident, has donated to Season of Sharing for the past 10 years.

Each week through December, The Observer will feature a local donor who is involved with Season of Sharing, a 13-year, community-wide fundraising partnership created by The Community Foundation.

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paign in the newspaper, she saw an opportunity to put her giving nature to use.

“Season of Sharing caught my attention immediately,” she says.

“When I see the families, and I realize they’re the ones being helped, there’s a real one-to-one relationship. There’s an opportunity to help right here in Sarasota.”

Now, 10 years later, Blumfield continues to donate to the campaign annually. She says that though she’s also involved in donating to the local arts scene, supporting organizations such as the opera, ballet and orchestra, the Season of Sharing campaign offers a unique philanthropic opportunity that keeps her donating each year.

“It’s such a worthwhile cause,” she says. “One hundred percent of the money goes to charity. It reaches so many so many people — it’s beautiful.”

— Nick Friedman

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Barbara Blumfield has had a giving spirit since she was a child. She says that seeing her parents help friends and relatives move from Germany to the United States, to escape the Holocaust, inspired her to start helping people in any way possible, so she started donating to her temple and the Jewish Federation.

“That stuck in my mind the most,” she says of her parents’ generosity.

“It just became the natural thing to do — the thing you wanted to do. My father was in a position in which he was lucky enough to have some money, and he wanted to be able to help those in need.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Blumfield moved to Alton, Ill., a small town, which she says helped her be more aware of issues taking place on a local level.

She began visiting Longboat Key in 1993 as a snowbird, and she says it wasn’t long before she fell in love with Sarasota’s local arts scene and thriving culture, in which she became involved.

Despite its reputation as a relatively affluent area, Blumfield also realized that there were a lot of local families in need of help, and when she read about the Season of Sharing cam-

LETTERS + Longboat Key should hire an attorney for all Dear Editor: With the resignation of Town Attorney David Persson, perhaps it is indeed time for a change.

Not merely changing the honorable man who has served us faithfully for 22 years, but we should consider changing the overall manner in which our town obtains legal counsel.

It has been quite evident that during Persson’s tenure, he was strictly responsible to the town commissioners and not to “We the People,” who were actually paying for his services.

In all candor — and with a fervent desire — the replacement for Persson must be directly on town of Longboat Key staff. In that situation, as is the case with our many other exceptionally qualified town-employed professionals, he would be directly responsible to the town manager and thence to the town commissioners and the same “We the People,” who are paying for these services.

Then, he would truly be the town’s attorney — and not just the attorney of the Town Commission.

Of course, it would be a significant savings, but — and of ever greater importance — we would then be sure of full-time attention and loyalty, without the threat of a potential conflict of interest by engaging another still-practicing local attorney who could still have other clients and interests in our greater community.

Bradford Saivetz Longboat Key Editor’s note: Apologies to Mr. Saivetz.

In last week’s editorial on the resignation of Town Attorney David Persson, we

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mischaracterized Mr. Saivetz’s inquiry to the town for legal fees. His request was to determine whether the town has incurred unreimbursed legal expenses to which it is entitled, not to question Persson’s expenses.

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+ New system breaches residents’ privacy Dear Editor: Longboat Key Association, personified by its president, Bob Goodman, is in the process of installing a new electronic gate control system on both ends of Longboat Club Road. This was done in the face of objections by many residents who will be forced to live with multiple problems of this very user-UNfriendly and expensive system.

The most galling feature of the new arrangement is the fact that the system monitors and records — by name and precise time — the movement of the residents through the gates.

Incredible? Yes, but true! Every time one of us goes through the gate, Big Brother records exactly who and when we crossed the gate. When asked the reason for this unauthorized spying, Goodman’s explanation was: “enhanced resident security.” That is as disingenuous an excuse as one can dream up, considering that the gate attendants routinely wave through any and all strangers and records are kept only of residents.

It all makes us wonder: on whose behalf is this assault on our privacy being perpetrated? And what other use will Big Brother (and the third-party contractor doing it) make of the information collected without the targets’ permission?

Fred D. Ross Longboat Key

Sarasota, Florida 34239

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LONGBOAT Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Observer opinion | our view LONGBOAT

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor & CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@ yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@ yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh Parry, ewalsh@yourobserver.com Deputy Executive Editor / Jessica Luck, jluck@ yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Kurt Schultheis, kschultheis@ yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Randi Donahue, rdonahue@yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz, nschwartz@yourobserver.com City Editor / Robin Hartill, rhartill@yourobserver. com Community Editor / Katie Hendrick, khendrick@ yourobserver.com Web Editor / Eddie Kirsch, ekirsch@yourobserver. com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Mallory Gnaegy, mgnaegy@yourobserver.com Staff Photographer / Rachel O’Hara, rohara@ yourobserver.com Copy Editor / Maria Amodio, mamodio@ yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@ yourobserver.com East County Advertising Manager /Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Digital Sales Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Rosemary Felton, rfelton@ yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Advertising Executives / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com; Cynthia Berloni, cberloni@yourobserver.com; Penny DiGregorio, pdigregorio@yourobserver.com; Chris Kelley, ckelley@yourobserver.com; Robert Lewis, blewis@ yourobserver.com; Rose Mango, rmango@ yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@ yourobserver.com; Charlotte Owen, cowen@ yourobserver.com; Kenji Trujillo, ktrujillo@ yourobserver.com Sales & Marketing Coordinator / Leslie Gnaegy, lgnaegy@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com; Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com; Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com; Courtney Callahan, ccallahan@yourobserver.com Interactive Art Director / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@yourobserver.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Danae DeShazer, ddeshazer@yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com; Chris Stolz, cstolz@ yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Accounting Manager / Kathy Klein, kklein@ yourobserver.com Administration-Subscriptions Coordinator / Donna Condon, dcondon@yourobserver.com ©Copyright The Observer Group Inc. 2012 All Rights Reserved

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The real fix for schools With Florida being a typical bipolar, right — that Florida’s economic future and 50%-49%, blue state-red state with fortunes will hinge on how well today and a predominantly left-leaning media, tomorrow’s Florida children are educated Republican Gov. Rick Scott seldom gets and able to perform in the 21st century credit for the good he does and is doing. economy.

Surely you didn’t read anywhere in But after reading Scott’s College and Florida’s mainstream media that Gov. Scott Career FIRST agenda, we couldn’t help received a standing ovation last month in but jump to the conclusion that this is Washington, D.C., when he another color of lipstick and a spoke at the Federalist Society’s different dress on the same tired National Lawyers Convention. and bedraggled state public Scott told his audience, among education bag lady. other things: Scott hasn’t been in Florida “My message is simple. long enough to have seen Everything we do in what we have over the past 30 government must be focused years — year after year, decade on helping families pursue their after decade of governors and dreams by getting a great job, lawmakers attempting to turn a quality education for their Florida’s public education FIRST children and keeping the cost systems into something they AGENDA of living low. never will become, nor are ONLINE “In fact, every day, when capable of becoming.

To read Gov. confronted with a new Sure, they make progress Scott’s College legislative idea or proposal, I now and again — Gov. Jeb and Career FIRST first ask, ‘How will this impact a Bush is often cited as the most agenda, go online to: flgov. family making $40,000 a year?’” successful in implementing com/2012/10/25/ Those who know Scott know reform in the past 30 years. governor-rickthat what he says is the way he But the truth is, little, if scott-announceslives. He is relentless in staying anything, has changed. Just college-andfocused on a goal. (If only those look at the SAT scores in the career-firstin Washington would follow accompanying box. And keep in agenda/) through on Scott’s message.) mind the scores have hovered Lately, Scott particularly and deteriorated even after has emphasized his goals scores of legislative reforms for education. We all have and millions upon billions of SAT SCORES: heard his wanting to push more dollars poured into the NO IMPROVEMENT public education systems.

“STEM” degrees at the SAT mean scores of university level — degrees You can detect from Scott’s college-bound students. in science, technology, College and Career FIRST engineering and math. agenda that he is trying FLORIDA He, likewise, appears to maneuver and reform Reading/Math 1995-96........... 498/496 determined to reign in the within the system, offering 2000-01........... 498/499 ever-rising costs of a college mild reforms likely to gain 2005-06........... 496/497 education. And, in late support of legislators, 2008-09........... 497/498 October, he introduced his teachers and parents. Scott 2009-10........... 496/498 “College and Career FIRST isn’t stupid; he knows few 2010-11........... 487/489 (Focusing Investments people would tolerate what U.S. on Results for Students really must be done. He has 1995-96........... 505/508 and Teachers)” education learned about “government 2000-01........... 506/514 agenda for the 2013 in the margins,” drip by drip.

2005-06........... 503/518 legislative agenda.

Here’s the truth about 2008-09........... 501/515 It’s safe to say Scott public education in 2009-10........... 501/516 laid out for the Federalist America: It has become an 2010-11........... 497/514 Society that in the last abject failure, the epitome of Source: National Center two years of his first term, for Educational Statistics socialism. the top-three items on Think of it this way: No his agenda will remain one owns Florida’s public jobs, education and reducing the cost of schools. Sure, taxpayers do. But they really government for taxpayers. don’t have an owner’s control; they don’t Readers of these pages know we have make the rules. They send their money to been among Scott’s staunchest supporters Tallahassee where 160 elected politicians from the day he declared his candidacy dictate how 67 school boards with 300,000 for governor. He, so far, has remained true employees in 4,000 schools are to educate to his campaign pledges — far unlike his more than 3 million students. most immediate predecessor, refusing to And what do we think is going to happen shift his principles for the sake of political in such a system — in a system in which so expediency. He’s pragmatic about this many parents believe, because their sales position, too: Scott is ready to accept taxes and property taxes fund the public voters’ rejection in 2014 for doing what he schools, that they abdicate the education believes is right rather than doing what of their children to a monopolistic might be popular. bureaucratic system?

We’ll take exception, however, to Scott’s We get exactly what we deserve. efforts on education. We’ll applaud his We wish Gov. Scott well in his efforts earnestness and determination to try to to reform Florida’s schools, but little will improve Florida’s public education system. change. The only way to reform public Scott never walks away from challenges education is to blow it up and — yes — let on the job. He is convinced — and he is the private sector sort it out.

THE CASTAWAY by Jorge Blanco

AN ECONOMICS LESSON FOR BARACK OBAMA President Obama’s insistence on punishing anyone who earns $250,000 or more a year — i.e. who trades peacefully and fairly with another his labor for money — reinforces what most American proponents of free enterprise have known for the past four years: Obama is driven by socialistic ideology, not by economic common sense.

Raising taxes, especially the income tax, on anyone retards economic growth and kills jobs. In few instances is this better explained than in a classic book that should be required reading in all U.S. high schools and colleges: “The Income Tax: The Root of All Evil,” by Frank Chodorov, 1954.

To wit, the following excerpts: “If we examine the income tax carefully, we find that it is not a tax on income so much as it is a tax on capital.

“What the government takes from me is not what I consume, but what I might have saved. To be sure, I might have spent some of it for a new suit or to paint my house, but some of it I might have put in the bank, where it would have become available, at interest, to someone who would have used it to build a new factory, enlarge his plant, open a store or buy a farm.

“That’s what generally happens to savings. Certainly, a good part of the earnings of a corporation are put to plant improvement or expansion, which it cannot effect if the earnings are confiscated. Hence, the effect of income taxation is to impair the capital structure of the country.

“Since all wages come out of production, and since the amount of production is in proportion to the amount of capital in use, it follows that the income tax, by depleting capital investment, tends to reduce both job opportunities and wages.

“Furthermore, the goods that are not produced because of the lack of capital surely do not help the consumer; the less goods on the market the higher the prices he must pay.

“The income tax therefore hurts the wage earner to a far greater extent than by what is filched from his pay envelope. It hurts him by increasing his cost of living and reducing his earning power.”

The way Obama sees it, that is “fair.” In truth, Obama is “soaking” not the rich, he’s “soaking the poor.”

It’s remarkable that in a country where everyone knows the private sector is better at everything than is the government, we persist in letting our most valuable possessions — our children — become wards of the government.

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

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EAST COUNTY Observer

Pelican Press

Sarasota Observer

+ Manatee Schools deficit grows

+ Emergency management talks

+ Hudson Bayou battles speeders

Manatee County’s Interim Superintendent of Schools David Gayler announced Dec. 4 that he found another $7 million of unbudgeted items in the district’s budget, a number that added to the $3.4 million deficit announced in September.

Now, his goal is to install a process that prevents these things from happening prior to the new superintendent coming aboard.

Gayler aims to find $2.8 million in savings, to fund more unbudgeted items announced last week, such as overtime pay, money for the international baccalaureate program at three schools, busing to athletic events and band uniforms.

Gayler said a 1% bonus promised to staff, totaling $2.5 million, was left out of the budget while budget estimates for utility bills and payment for unused sick and vacation days are under-budgeted by $1.5 million.

In addition, Gayler revealed no one person was assigned to coordinate full-time equivalent counts, which is used to get money from the state. Instead, the role was spread among schools and departments, which resulted in 17,000 errors and $5 million lost revenue.

Siesta Key Association member Bob Luckner recently took a seat on the Sarasota County Fire-Rescue and Emergency Management Advisory Board.

During an SKA meeting, Luckner outlined issues the county’s emergency operations currently face, including scarcity of medical supplies, and said that although he’s an at-large member, he would keep Siesta in mind with board decisions.

Speeding continues to be a problem on Orange Avenue, the north-south street often used as an alternative cut-through to get to and from south Sarasota. Michael Schneiderman, who lives directly on Orange Avenue in the Hudson Bayou neighborhood, sent an email to City Commissioner Terry Turner, Dec. 5, asking city officials to consider installing two additional speed tables, on a quarter-mile stretch of Orange Avenue.

Even more traffic has been temporarily rerouted to Orange Avenue because Osprey Avenue has been closed for construction work on the lift station No. 7.

+ Leash rule considered at park In January, city commissioners will discuss whether to extend the leash ordinance to Payne Park, the city’s $8.8 million signature park that opened in 2007.

A resident recently sent an email to commissioners about unleashed dogs in Payne Park. Although a city ordinance requires pet owners to keep dogs on a leash at several other city parks, including Bayfront Park, Island park, Gillespie and Arlington Park, there is no regulation at Payne Park.

Another option would be for the city to build a separate fenced dog area where dogs can run freely, but that would require that funding be set aside.

+ TAC asks for lower speed limit The Sarasota County Traffic Advisory Council voted unanimously Dec. 10, in favor of decreasing the speed limit of a half-mile stretch of Midnight Pass Road.

The petition was to lower the 40-mile-per-hour speed limit between the intersections at Vista Hermosa Circle south to Sanderling Road by 15 miles per hour.

Sarasota County commissioners will consider the request early next year.

Visit our sister websites FOR MORE NEWS: PalmCoastObserver.com | PlantCityObserver.com | OrmondBeachObserver.com

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Dumpster diving 11:36 p.m. — 4800 block of GMD. Suspicious Circumstance. A man said that he thought it was OK to Dumpster dive after police noticed his vehicle on a construction site. He had noticed workers throwing away Styrofoam earlier and didn’t have time to ask them for it, so he returned after his restaurant shift was completed. Police gave him a

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Dec. 3 Cut calls 9:04 a.m. — 4100 block of GMD. Harassing Phone Call. A dog groomer reported that a man has called, texted and emailed her multiple times because he wasn’t happy with the service.

Police told her to inform the man that she no longer wants him as a client and to call if the situation escalates.

The report didn’t indicate whether the dog was happy with its haircut.

warning for trespassing on a construction site.

Nov. 30 Wrong number 11:26 a.m. — 2100 block of GMD. Abandoned 911 Call. A condo manager said that an abandoned 911 call came from a resident who misdialed a number.

Visit our website to read more Cops Corner reports. www.YourObserver.com

Dec. 10, 1997 — 10:13 p.m. Schooner Lane. Noise Disturbance. Search of area where women were screaming. Located tourists in pool. Both were fine. Both screaming because the water in the pool was cold.

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Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

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Donations can also be mailed to PO Box 49587, Sarasota, FL 34230-6587.

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YourObserver.com

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Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Kurt Schultheis

Discussions between town staff and firefighters for a new contract lasted more than 12 hours last week at Town Hall.

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es in years two and three of the contract, only if other non-represented town employees receive such a raise.

• Allowing all current and future firefighters to participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) pension plan, with the town agreeing to match employee contributions up to 13%.

If any additional contribution is required by firefighters to fund their pensions, it’s up to the firefighters to pay for it out of their paychecks.

This year, FRS is requiring employees to pay a 17.9% pension contribution. Under the proposed deal, the town would pay 7.45% and the firefighters would pay 7.45%, along with an additional mandatory FRS contribution of 3%, that puts the firefighters’ contribution at 10.45%.

If the FRS required contribution rose, as an example, to 27%, the town would pay no more than its cap at 13% and firefighters would pay 14%, plus the additional 3% contribution, which would result in a decrease in pay for firefighters during that year.

As part of the proposed contract, firefighters are also eligible to have personal time and emergency leave counted as hours worked for overtime eligibility. Both parties have made additional agreed upon changes to the former contract.

When firefighters tried to counter with further wage increases and step-plan wages for years two and three of the contract, Town Manager Dave Bullock told firefighters it wasn’t going to happen.

“Just so I’m crystal clear, I’ve laid it all out there with 3%,” Bullock said.

Firefighters might take the 3% increase in year one and stagger it among themselves to give those who have been employees longer a larger increase because they have not received a wage increase in the past four years.

Bullock has directed the union to take the proposed contract language directly to the union for ratification. But he wasn’t willing to say the Longboat Key Town Com-

mission was ready to ratify the proposed contract yet.

“All I can do is take this forward and recommend it, and that’s what I will do,” Bullock said.

The commission’s goal is to freeze the town’s pension plans and cap more than $27 million in unfunded liabilities for which town taxpayers are left holding the bag.

Tuesday’s agreement was a big change from negotiations that were held last week.

Bullock and Allen refused to give firefighters an FRS retirement option Friday, Dec. 7, explaining the plan and its future risk would give firefighters the option of asking for wage increases to cover increased FRS costs.

But that stance changed after Bullock held an executive session Monday with the commission and immediately called for Tuesday’s negotiation session.

When asked after the meeting why he had softened his stance on the FRS option, Bullock said, “I do what I think is in the best interest of the town and we will see where this goes.”

The agreement comes after 12 hours’ worth of discussions in two days last week and a variety of counterproposals that were swapped back and forth. One counterproposal included a 17% wage increase and no retirement option for firefighters.

Last week, Longboat Key Fire Rescue District Vice President Keith Tanner expressed disappointment with negotiations and said not offering a pension plan would force experienced firefighters to find work elsewhere and decrease the level of fire service Longboaters have come to expect.

Tanner said he was “pleasantly surprised” by the FRS option to which both sides were able to agree.

“Our overall objective was to keep some sort of a defined-benefit plan, and I think this will be ratified,” Tanner said. “Hopefully, this is a time when both sides can heal their wounds after four years of negotiations and we can concentrate on making this a nice place to work again. Enough is enough. It’s time to move forward.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

13A

N O W O P E N WELCOME TO YOUR NEW PUBLIX in Longboat Key Get ready for your new neighborhood Publix! You’ll love all that it has to offer: prepared foods, a specialty cheese section, an expanded wine selection, sushi, free Wi-Fi, and more! Plus, services like Publix Aprons Event Planning.

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Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Shopping Extravaganza Annual Holiday

The Longboat Key Town Commission attempted a cover-up operation at its Dec. 17, 1998, workshop.

Its mission: Discuss an ordinance that would prohibit nudity in public places on the isLONGBOAT land.

LORE The previous summer played out like “Longboat Key Gone Wild.”

In August, a 67-yearold man from Lincoln, Neb., was arrested and charged with exposure of sexual organs and undressing on the public beach at Beer Can Island, both misdemeanors.

The arrest followed a string of complaints about inappropriate behavior on the town’s beach, including a report about a couple having sex on Whitney Beach in the middle of the day.

Police tried to curb nude sunbathing with undercover sting operations in which they posed as beachgoers and patrolled Beer Can Island on an undercover boat. Several citations and arrests resulted.

But those arrests revealed a loophole in state laws and the town’s ordinance involving nudity.

Technically, it wasn’t a violation of state law just to be naked in public. The nudity had to be combined with some lewd action.

The town’s ordinance was also flawed because it stated that it was against the

This week in history Genaro Menendez, the 6-foot-4 longtime wholesaler known as “Tiny,” bought the liquor store then known as Longboat Package Store at Whitney Beach Plaza, according to the Dec. 14, 1979, issue of the Longboat Observer.

The purchase marked the beginning of the institution that would become known as Tiny’s, although the bar wouldn’t open until 1984. law to undress on a public beach. So, essentially, if a nude person drove to the beach or walked to the beach in the buff, that person wouldn’t be in violation of the ordinance.

The proposed ordinance that commissioners discussed Dec. 17, 1998, specifically stated that it was against town code to “knowingly or intentionally appear nude in a public place,” which led thenMayor Ray Metz to joke: “We’re not going to have any fun on the island at all.”

That ordinance is now in effect today — meaning that the only groins allowed to be visible on the beach are the ones that control sand loss.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

15A

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Sunday, Dec. 15 Porsches in the Park — takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on St. Armands Circle. Porsches from across Florida will be on display. The event features live entertainment, raffles and food catered by 15 South Ristorante. Contact Margharita Komyati at 921-8007.

Mote Saturdays With Santa Jaws — takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Dec. 15 will be the last day in which Mote’s mascot, Gilly the Shark, will be dressed as Santa Jaws for the holiday season. Photo-ops are free with Mote admission. Call 3884441.

Moore’s Kids Party — takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, 800 Broadway. The event will feature gift bags, face painting and milk and cookies for children prior to the 6 p.m. boat parade. Call 383-1748.

Ninth Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade — begins at 5:30 p.m. at Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant and Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub on Broadway and ends at Seafood Shack Marina, in Cortez. All boats are welcome, with no entry fee. The parade offers a $500 grand prize, $500 “Best Powerboat” prize and $500 “Best Sailboat” prize. Toy donations for Manatee Toys for Tots are requested. Pre-registration is required to compete for cash prizes. Call 780-3547 or visit CortezYachtClub.org.

Sunday, Dec. 16 Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra ‘Island Holiday’ Celebration — takes place at 2 p.m. at CrossPointe Fellowship, 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. The concert features a sing-along of popular holiday music, Handel selections from Messiah and a Tchaikovsky selection. Featured vocalists will be Joy Leitner, Megan Schmidt, Martha diPalma, David Kessler and Jinho Park.

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Thursday, Dec. 20 ‘How the Secret Illnesses of U.S. Presidents Have Affected World Politics: A Combination of History and Medicine’ Series — continues at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 and Dec. 27, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road.

Dr. Allan Schwartz, professor of medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, will present. Call 383-3428.

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that is home to as many as 18,000 pairs of native water birds. At Mosaic, we are dedicated to the protection of local wildlife, and equally dedicated to the creation of local jobs and economic opportunities.

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16A YourObserver.com

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

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18A YourObserver.com

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

1923-2012 by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Former Mayor Legler served a constructive nine years Former Mayor Kennedy “Ken” Legler Jr., who served nearly nine years on the Longboat Key Town Commission, died Sunday, Dec. 9. He was 89.

Legler was at the dais when the commission approved many key projects, including construction of a new Town Hall, police station and public works building, the completion of the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center and Joan M. Durante Park, beach renourishment and canal dredging. In 1997 he made the motion, Legler which passed 6-0, to promote Bruce St. Denis to the position of town manager.

“He was instrumental in revitalizing the town,” said former Mayor Ron Johnson, who served with Legler on the commission.

He cited Legler’s role in the approval of new town facilities as one of his accomplishments.

Born Oct. 21, 1923, Legler grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and served as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. While stationed in the Philippines, he met and married his wife of 67 years, Erlinda.

He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Denison University, in Granville, Ohio, followed by the University of Cincinnati Law School, where he earned high honors and the Order

of the Coif.

Legler practiced law for nearly 40 years and was a partner at Pickerel Schaffer and Ebeling. He served as president of the Dayton Bar Association and was also director of Goodwill Industries for 30 years.

He retired to Longboat Key, where he served from 1990 to 1994, on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and then from 1994 to 1996, on the Planning and Zoning Board. In 1996, he was elected to the commission and served for the next nine years, including two years as mayor from 2000 to 2002.

In October 2004, Legler, who lived in Country Club Shores, resigned from the commission to move to a Bradenton condominium.

Legler was a member of the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club and served on the board of governors of Bird Key Yacht Club.

Legler is survived by his wife, Erlinda; son, Kennedy Legler III, of Bradenton; daughter, Mary Ann Weiler, of Bronxville, N.Y.; and four grandchildren.

A service will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3011 19th Ave., Bradenton, Fla. Memorial contributions can be made to Goodwill Industries.

OBITUARIES Nancy Berkely

Nancy Berkely, 90, of Sarasota and Dodge City, Kan., died Dec. 5.

Mrs. Berkely graduated in 1944 from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She was installed into PEO Chapter DZ in 1945 and served as its president in 1957.

Mrs. Berkely married Joseph Berkely in 1944. The couple shared a love of boating. Their first vessel was a surplus life raft, which they paddled around Ford County Lake in Kansas.

A member of All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church on Longboat Key, Mrs. Berkely lived a faith-filled life.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph; daughter, Nancy; one grandson; and two great-granddaughters.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 14, at Plymouth Harbor, 700 John Ringling Blvd. Memorial contributions may be made to Plymouth Harbor Legacy Foundation, c/o Toale Brothers Funeral Home, 40 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, Fla., 34236.

David Lund

David Lund, 80, of Longboat Key, died Nov. 29.

Mr. Lund served in the U.S. Navy for more than 26 years and retired as a decorated captain. One of his greatest achievements in his military career was his deadstick landing on the USS Leyte,

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when his disabled plane barrel rolled immediately following takeoff. His quick thinking saved his plane and crew.

Mr. Lund had a long and successful career in the incentive-and-travel industry, primarily in the Minneapolis area. He started at the Gold Bond Stamp Company in the early 1960s where, as general manager, he played an integral role in starting the Performance Incentive Company, predecessor to Carlson Marketing Group. He subsequently became a partner with World Travel and Incentives Inc., vice president at Northwestern Meetings and Incentives, and regional marketing director at Networld Inc. Upon retiring in 1992 to Longboat Key, Mr. Lund created Results International Inc. He also served on the association board of County Club Shores, for which he was known affectionately as “the block captain,” and was an active member of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, where he chaired the church stewardship committee for many years. He also loved boating and traveling.

Mr. Lund is survived by his wife, Sharon; sister, Wyllis Walters; son, Christopher; daughters, Carla Dinndorf and Leah Lietzke; stepchildren Stephanie Brennan Gorman and Keith Brennan; and eight grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Thursday, Dec. 6, at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive, Sarasota. A military internment service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to the Salvation Army or the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Foundation.

Longboat Observer

19A

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

EVENT

REAL ESTATE

Two-bedroom condo at The Beaches of LBK sells for $770,000.

PAGE 26A

Annual Observer Challenge draws top competitors.

PAGE 22A

WEATHER See this week’s weather photo contest winner.

PAGE 28A

Peter Vrinios makes candy canes at Scoop Daddy’s.

Julianna Regnander

Mary and Joe Moccia

Ingrid Tabash, Ieana Piedra, Janet Alvarez and Elizabeth Alvarez

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Savanah Kaechele

Thousands of people took part in the 34th annual Holiday Night of Lights Friday, Dec. 7, on St. Armands Circle. The evening included performances and a Santa parade and concluded with the lighting of the tree.

This year’s event was presented by Wells Fargo Mortgage Division and Crab and Fin Restaurant.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus with Diana Corrigan

The St. Armands tree is four stories tall.

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School students Allie Burman, Cecilia Hitchcock, Topaz von Wood, Natassja Ebert, Carlos de Quesada and Kiana Dodson

Robert Seguso with his daughter, Teddy

YourObserver.com

21A

toys for tots by Katie Hendrick | Community Editor

Arbomar residents host annual Christkindl party Arbomar residents Heidi and Kent Lagro welcomed 100 guests into their home Thursday, Dec. 6, for their eighth Christkindl party.

Twin brothers Sepp and Heinz Diepolder played traditional Bavarian music, and guests brought toys, which were donated to Toys for Tots.

Left: Heidi Lagro, Judy Johnson, Diane Doolittle and Lisa Margolies

EasE thE achE Treatment for the Aching Shoulder Physician lecture by Avi Kumar, MD

Tues., December 18th, 2012 2:00 P.M.

Life Care Center of Sarasota 8104 Tuttle Ave Sarasota, Fl 34243 (Joint Commission Accredited)

98771

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

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visit www.TheDeali-O.com today!

Bruce Myer 941.387.1859 SELLING Longboat Key for 32 years!

JUST LISTED!

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4 PM

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

JUST LISTED!

LONGBOAT KEY TOWERS - 2/2 Gulf front EMERALD POINTE SOUTH - Peaceful KEY TOWER SOUTH #10C - 2BR/2BA, SANCTUARY III - 5th Floor, 3BR/3.5BA residence with 1 carport. $749,000 3BR/3.5BA newer lake front villa in the 10th floor Lido Beach home with di- corner residence with Gulf, golf and cul-de-sac. $699,900 rect gulf views. $649,000 bay views. $1,799,000 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4 PM

JUST REDUCED!

GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE - 3BR/2.5BA LIDO BEACH CLUB - 2BR/2BA furnished PIERRE - 2BR+Den/3BA furnished EMERALD POINTE S- 3BR/3.5BA pool estate on large lot with bay views & condominium home with partial Gulf residence. Modified, open floorplan villa beautifully detailed and updated. $949,000 $699,000 private canal. $1,979,000 views. $439,000 with partial Gulf views.

JUST LISTED!

JUST LISTED!

JUST REDUCED!

Bruce@BruceMyer.com BruceMyer.com

Top 1%

of all Sarasota & Manatee Realtors

FAIRWAY BAY - 2BR/2.5BA stylishly SIESTA KEY -Whispering Sands Sunset LONGBOAT HARBOUR - 2/2 ground floor GRAND BAY - 2BR+Den/3.5BA with updated & furnished townhome with House #106- Renovated 2/2 ground residence in end building with expan- Bay, golf course & downtown views.

Offered furnished. $949,000 boat dock. $399,500 floor residence with carport. $349,000 sive bay views and 1 carport.

SHORT SALE!

Rated in the Top 100 agents in Florida

1804 MORRIS STREET, SARASOTA LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWER - Furnished FAIRWAY BAY 2BR/2BA corner home INN ON THE BEACH $239,000 4BR/3.5BA Mediterranean style court- 2BR/2BA home with direct Gulf front w/expansive water views, and one #5103 Golf Course view. $429,000 Club Suite #2202 Gulf front. $399,000 $399,000 covered parking space. yard home on corner lot. $995,000 views and one carport.

LONGBOATKEYFORSALE

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate • 201 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Ste. 1 • Longboat Key • At the Charthouse

98742

1980 - 2012

97451

Jan Fogarty and Renie Steinhafel

Photos by Katie Hendrick

22A YourObserver.com

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

swinging success by Katie Hendrick and Rachel S. O’Hara | Observer Staff

Tennis enthusiasts hit the courts for Observer Challenge

Bill Upton, Angela Mantilla, Nancy Kane and Ted Tilton were Division 4 champions.

Area tennis players took part in the 13th Observer Challenge, Friday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. The tournament was a team competition consisting of singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches. Players and fans enjoyed a cocktail party Thursday, Dec. 6, to kick off the event.

Tournament winners included: Division 1 champions Mark Schloboch, Enrique Vela, Linda Gillott and Ute Vela; Division 2 champions Dick Schlorf, Steve Sills, Sandy Schonhoff and Barbara Rowe; Division 3 champions David Novak, Matt Walsh, Bea Uzielli and Gigi Silverberg; Division 4 champions Ted Tilton, Bill Upton, Nancy Kane, and Angela Mantilla.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara and Katie Hendrick

B.J. Webb and Dave Bishop

SEE MORE PHOTOS / PAGE 24A

Scott Hase plays in the Observer Challenge Friday, Dec. 7, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

David Novak, Bea Uzielli, Gigi Silverberg and Matt Walsh were Division 3 champions.

Richard Stoneman

WAGNER REALTY Bringing People Home Since 1939

www.WagnerRealty.com 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101, Longboat Key

Call 941-383-5577

98214

Kathy Hase follows through on her backhand.

WATER VIEWS

DOWNTOWN W/DIRECT BAY VIEWS! 3-4Br/3Ba/2CG w/pvt elevator, detailed & high ceil, crown molding, marble, builtins, gas fp, granite, imported cabinets, MBa w/jetted tub & bidet, state-of-theart sys, 2 balconies in secure bldg w/ amenities! MLS#A3943537 $1,350,000

from this 2BR/2BA TKF condo. Updated kitchen, W/D, new A/C June 2012, 2 pools, tennis & beach access. $12 a month for boat slip. Pets OK. Seller to pay 1/2 of main. fee for 2012.

Dorothy Cook $249,000 #A3939881

MAGNIFICENT GOLF COURSE ESTATE! 7,516SF/5-8Br/5FBa/3HBa/4CG w/the best in craftsmanship, marble, wood flrs, granite, built-ins, elevator, wet bars, wine cellar, gas fp, state-of-the-art syst., 4k SF lanai, outdoor kit., pool/spa & more in gated comm. Offered at $2,995,000

CONRAD BEACH Incredible opportunity to own 2 adjoining lots west of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Conrad Beach boasts timeless architecture, com. pool & clubhouse. Purchase separately or w/M5815731.

Peter Uliano $260,000 #M5815734

BAY AND CANAL VIEWS

9th FLOOR WITH BAY VIEWS - DOWNTOWN! Custom remodeled 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/ wood laminate flrs, tile, modern cabinets, built-ins, crown moldings, 2 pvt balconies, hurricane shutters & personal laundry in secure building with full service amenities! MLS#A3951357 $775,000

MANOR IN THE OAKS BAYSIDE! Over 4,300SF, 4-5Br/4Ba w/formal Lr, sep Dr, gourmet kitch., morning rm, study, fitness ctr & theatre rm seating 8, private picturesque grounds & time honored quality w/ fine finishes & custom details in gated CC comm.! MLS#A3963302 $1,295,000

will inspire you from the spacious lanai of this well maintained 2/2 beauty, heated pool, tennis, deep water boat slip & private cabana w/deeded beach access.

Teresia Bradford $279,000 #M5832385

DOWNTOWN W/BAY & CITY VIEWS! Updated 2Br/2Ba/2 balconies, great rm, fam rm., hardwood & custom tiled flrs, new kitch. w/modern cabinets, breakfast bar, pull-outs & appls., in a secure renovated building w/amenities; pool, fitness ctr & more! MLS#A3969652 $425,000

AMAZING VIEW! Gorgeous white sand beach & Gulf view as you walk thru the door. Nicely furnished w/ large screened lanai. Gulf to Bay community w/heated pool, tennis & cabana w/BBQ. Teresia Bradford $569,000 #M5812253

NORTH END LOCATION

FURN W/PANORAMIC BAY VIEWS Downtown 2-3Br/2Ba/1CG w/faux & artisan finishes, crown moldings, wood cabinets, ceramic tile, granite, plantation shutters, walk-in closets, open-air balcony & pvt laundry in secure building w/ amenities! MLS#A3929596 $450,000

MODERN DOWNTOWN BAY FRONT! 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/marble, granite, Corian, tile & bamboo flrs, furniture quality cabinets, built-ins, architectural elements, fp, updated eat-in kitch. & baths, pvt balcony & laundry, secure building w/ amenities! MLS#A3942652 $400,000

on west side of Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy beach walks, lazy sun filled beach days, colorful sunsets & beautiful landscaping. 3BR/3BA main house with 1BR/1BA in-law apt.

Van VanArtsdalen $649,000 #M5832791

FURN - DOWNTOWN! 2Br/1Ba/den + bonus rm, charming great rm plan w/ hardwood flrs, ceramic tile, mirrored accents, recessed lights, Palladian windows, wet bar, Corian, custom cabinets, built-ins & secure parking in historic bldg w/amenities! MLS#A3953067 $300,000

SNEAD ISLAND RIVERFRONT ESTATE Amazing views from main home. 3BR/2.5BA with over 3100 SF. Big balconies, Spanish tile floors, fireplace, dock w/lift & boathouse.

Historic guest house. Over an acre. Foster Lewis $1,100,000 #M5832655

77511

PENTHOUSE W/WATER VIEWS! 3-4Br/3.5Ba/2+CG w/travertine & marble flrs, high ceil., crown moldings, plantation shutters, built-ins, furniture quality cabinets, granite, Corian, MBr w/lg walk-in + 2 baths & pvt balcony in gated comm. w/amenities! MLS#A3958973 $899,000

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

23A

TOP SALES ASSOCIATE – Ranked in the Top .5% of Coldwell Banker Associates Worldwide

Ackerman

BARBARA

REALTOR®

Hot p R O p E R T i E s Catch my Real Estate segment every Wednesday on Sarasota's

The name to know in real estate

NEW PRICE

www.barbaraackerman.com barbara@barbaraackerman.com Direct 941-387-1820 Toll-Free 800-910-8728 Kenilworth Estates - New Construction West of the trail location will be Beachplace - Direct Gulf Front Walk-Down Corner apartment, completed in 30 days! Two-story 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home with 4,363 Sq Ft built by DR Horton. $849,990 completely turnkey furnished with sparkling views of the Gulf of Mexico. 3 full

bedrooms, new granite & stainless kitchen, and wood floors. $1,395,000

G NEW LISTIN

The Bougainvillea House - Tudor Revival Renovated in 2006 on 3 Lido Beach - Best Waterfront Value Gated Mediterranean inspired lots with 4BR/3.5BA + separate guest house totaling 4,857 square residence w/protected Bay views, within walking distance to Lido Beach feet. Home exudes old world charm while offering today’s modern and St. Armands Circle. 6BR/6.5BA on 148 ft of waterfront. $3,499,900 conveniences. Wood floors, marble, pool, & 2-car garage. $1,159,000

Beachplace I - Gorgeous Direct Gulf Front Updated two bedroom, two bath apartment in end Building 1 offers maximum privacy to the beach! Beautiful Gulf views. $719,000

Coral Cove - Bay Front Dream Mainland Mediterranean perfection with Sea Gate Club - Direct Gulf Front Feels like a beach house! Gulf, 130' of direct waterfront, 5 bedrooms, home theater, library, family room, beach and sunset views from every room of this 2BR/2BA split floor plan. $680,000 infinity-edge pool, boat dock with lift and 4-car garage. $3,295,000 Offered entirely turnkey furnished.

Ritz Carlton Hotel Residences - 14th Floor Amazing Bay & city views Prestancia - The Estates Lakefront Beautiful lake views from this lovely, fully furnished 3 BR plus den/4th bedroom home built by Arthur Rutenburg. from this lovely furnished residence featuring two bedrooms + den and three full baths. Large pool patio, pool bath and grill area ideal for entertaining. $659,000 Custom interiors, wood floors, lots of storage. Lives like a home! $1,450,000

Ringling Pointe – Stunning Direct Bay Front On 145 feet of deep water with 5BR/3.5 BA, a 2,200 SF master suite, 1,000 bottle wine room, private dock, wading & lap pool w.spa & 8-car garage. $3,850,000

Ritz Hotel Residences - 12th Floor Water views from all rooms! 2,011 Bay Plaza - Sparkling Bay Views SF w/ wood floors, custom-fitted closets, & unique Venetian plaster walls. Beautifully renovated 2BR/2BA residence w/ bamboo floors, granite & Large master suite with sitting area & marble bath. $1,098,500 stainless appliances on the 11th floor in exciting downtown Sarasota.

$799,000

University Park - Whitebridge Court Beautiful 2BR+Den/2BA villa with Sleepy Lagoon - Direct Gulf Front Beautiful Hampton Style 4BR/3BA tile floors, soaring ceilings and surrounded by serene views of the tropical home on 100 ft of pristine beach front. Renovated in 2007. Wood & grounds and pristine golf course. 2-car garage. $245,000 marble floors, outdoor jacuzzi and 2-car garage. $3,390,000

Fairway Bay - Longboat Key Townhouse 2BR/2.5BA turnkey furnished Lido Shores - Direct Gulf Front Palazzo 200 ft. of sea-walled Gulf front with private Dock and Beach access. This vacation getaway! Fresh, and bright with ceramic tile, central vacuum, 7,415 SF residence has 5BR/8BA, his and her bath & studies, 50 ft. pool/ fireplace, bonus area and private 1 - car garage. Bring the family!$359,000 spa & 5-car garage. $7,600,000

www.barbaraackerman.com Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite #1, Longboat Key

Longboat Key - 150 Feet of Beachfront Gated privacy on 2+ acres directly on the Gulf of Mexico. New in '07 with 10,000SF, 7BR/6.5BA with attached guest wing.$10,450,000

All Barbara’s listings are linked Internationally in 13 languages.

Owned and operated by NRT, LLC

97700

n

24A YourObserver.com

It’s stIll Mrs. rogers’

NeIghborhood

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

CHALLENGE PHOTOS / FROM PAGE 20A

Grande Dame of Real Estate 39 Years of Experience

Advising, Buying, and Selling with a Personal Touch!

941.284.7373 annetterogers@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company, Licensed Real Estate Broker

Mark Schlobach, Linda Gillott and Ute and Enrique Vela were Division 1 champions.

98746

98746

Longboat Key South • 440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Katharine Girle goes for a backhand shot.

Cedars east You don’t have to be a tennis player to enjoy living in this wonderful resort style complex with junior Olympic pool, 10 Har Tru tennis courts, restaurant and fitness center. This 2/2 townhome is privately located with view of the mangrove preserve and a small pond. 2 week rentals are allowed. Pet friendly.............................. Furnished $298,000 PaMPer YOUrseLF and live on the beach at the Beach Residences, a Ritz Carlton managed property. This 4100+ sf residence has 3 bedrooms, a family room, formal living room and dining room. It is exquisitely finished and decorated and has remarkable views of the Gulf, the Bay, and downtown Sarasota.....................................................Furnished $3,895,000 WINdWard BaY - Penthouse with amazing bay views, tennis, 2 pools, boat docks, deeded beach access. 2 pets allowed .............................................................................................................................................................................$249,000 MarINa aNd BaY VIeWs at Bay Harbour on the south end of LBK – just minutes to St. Armand’s Circle. 2/2 with screened porch ...................................................................................................................................................................................$275,000 WhItNeY BeaCh - a 1/1 with views of Bishops Bayou. Beach, bay, tennis, boat docks, fishing pier. Pets allowed.....$225,000 BradeN rIVer - 1/2 acre lot with majestic oaks and stately palms on the river. Build your dream home or vacation home and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. This unique location is secluded yet minutes from shopping and dining............................................................................................................................................................................. $95,000 LONG BeaCh - 2 charming homes in historic Longboat Village. This is truly a family neighborhood in walking distance to the Art Center, beach, fishing pier and restaurants................................................................. $395,000 and $399,000 BLaCKBUrN POINt WOOds - Beautifully appointed maintenance free 4/3 villa with its own pool in an attractive neighborhood close to Casey Key. Amenities include tennis, community pool and clubhouse. .........................................$374,500 BaYFrONt CONdO ON LBK - 2/2 immaculate condo in a community that offers 2 pools, tennis, fitness, clubhouse, docks and deeded beach access. Furnished. Pet friendly. ................................................................................................ $259,000 BeaCh harBOr CLUB - This 2/2 condo has been exquisitely renovated with new kitchen, new baths, new flooring, new windows. Beach to bay community located mid-key offers a pool, clubhouse & boat docks. Furnished. ....... $265,000

Karen Gary, Julie Woods and Holly Parker

Debbie and Casey Dean

BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 • 383-2659

98055

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

Ambassador’s Circle

Steve Sills, Barbara Rowe, Sandy Schonhoff and Dick Schlorf were Division 2 champions.

Early Holiday Deadlines for

The Observers

MOULTON

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Certified Residential Specialist

MICHAEL

Michael Saunders & Company

Don’t Miss these special eDitions!

Licensed Real Estate Broker

NE

TIN W LIS

G

NE

TIN W LIS

G

December 20, Christmas Issue Deadline: Tuesday, December 11, 4pm December 27, Year in Pictures Deadline: Wednesday, December 12, 4pm

BAY ISLES - Spectacular 2011 built 4BR home, a must-see for its extraordinary beauty & design details. A3969494 $3,700,000

NEW

PRIC

January 3, Look Ahead to 2013 Deadline: Thursday, December 13, 4pm

GRAND BAY - Completely remodeled and seldom lived in furnished bayfront condo. A3969282 $1,599,000

E

To reserve space or for questions, contact your Observer advertising representative WATER CLUB - Direct Gulf front 3,400sf 3BR furnished condo. A3957287 $2,500,000

NEW

PRIC

941.366.3468

THE GRANDE - Exquisitely appointed Gulf front 3BR Penthouse w/ private garage. A3955033 $1,950,000

E

Happy Holidays from all your friends at The Observer The Observer Media Group offices will be closed from Dec. 24 until Jan. 2

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Office 941.383.7591 | Mobile 941.928.3559 | SarasotasFinestProperties.com

95577

LBK GULF FRONT LOTS - 2 lots totaling 2.25 acres w/ 200’ of gulf frontage. A395884 $6,000,000 86886

ST. ARMANDS TOWERS - Sophisticated furnished 3BR Penthouse. A3953612 $1,595,000

SARASOTA LONGBOAT EAST COUNTY PELICAN PRESS

Observer

Longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

25A

Ian Addy & Gail Wittig 240 Sands Point Road #4307 | Longboat Key Club & Resort | $1,195,000 240 Sands Point Road #4301 | Longboat Key Club & Resort | $449,000

The Longboat Key, Manatee and Anna Maria Island Chambers of Commerce enjoyed a holiday party Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the BeachHouse Restaurant on Bradenton Beach.

200 Sands Point Road #1103 | Longboat Key | 1,100,000

Chambers unite for holiday party

601 Longboat Club Road # S303 | Longboat Key Towers | $769,000

Photos by Katie Hendrick

Tammy Angel and Teresa Alexander, of Dieter’s Sod Service, with Richard Perlman, of Michael Saunders & Co., middle

8347 Midnight Pass Road | Siesta Key | $4,490,000

WWW. ATHOMESARASOTA.COM

D!

OL

S ST

Jack Dean, of G. Fried Flooring, Vince LaPorta, of the Longboat Key Club and Resort, and Suzanne Stacy, of Suzanne’s J.A.P. Service

912 Boulevard of the Arts | Condo on the Bay | $795,000

JU

941.387.0100

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

Above: Herald and Chris Cullison, of Sandpiper Inn

440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL 34228 GailWittig@michaelsaunders.com

• Leading Specialists at Longboat Key Club & Resort

Right: Steve Shannon, BeachHouse bar manager

• 61+ Years of Combined Real Estate Sales Experience • Team Sales Exceed $195 Million Since 2005 • 2010 & 2011 Top Sales Team Michael Saunders & Company, Longboat Key Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 29A.

Barbara Milian, Ian Addy PA, Gail Wittig

We invite you to take advantage of our team’s experience and allow us the opportunity to present you with a complimentary market analysis of your property.

SUDOKU_121312

92033

© 2012 Universal Uclick

26A YourObserver.com

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

real estate | transactions By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Two-bedroom Beaches condo sells for $770,000 The following residential real-estate transactions took place between Nov. 26 and Nov. 30.

A condominium in The Beaches of Longboat Key tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Martin Epstein, trustee, and Sondra Epstein, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 704 condominium at 775 Longboat Club Road to Francoise Janssen, of Longboat Key, for $770,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,602 square feet of living area.

A Wish Fulfilled. The Ones You Love.

The Luxury of Time.

Bay Isles

Terence Walker, trustee, of Sarasota, sold the home at 3260 Bayou Sound to 902567 Ontario Ltd. for $750,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,649 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $875,000 in 2006.

Country Club Shores

Richard and Jacqueline Meckstroth, of Huntington, W.Va., sold their home at 525 Sloop Lane to Daniel Hayes, of Longboat Key, for $730,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,237 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $757,000 in 2009.

William and Grethe Bruckner sold their home at 570 Wedge Lane to John and Patricia Vida, of Longboat Key, for $697,500.

Built in 1975, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,248 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $235,000 in 1986.

Bayview Estates

Barbara Sarmiento, trustee, sold the home at 609 Bayview Drive to Donald Bennett and Kime Slatton-Bennett, of

Waterfront Resort Living on Florida’s Last Private Island.

opeN

6:30a.m. - 9:00p.m.

File photo

Unit 704 at The Beaches of Longboat Key has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,602 square feet of living area. It sold for $770,000.

Longboat Key, for $480,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,287 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $285,000 in 1991.

Sea Pines

Elaine Sulak, trustee, sold the Unit 24 condominium at 6925 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Diniar Alikhan and Bonnie Weirich, of Tampa, for $403,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,170 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $70,000 in 1978.

Buttonwood Drive

Frank and Margaret Larder, of S. Yar-

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Fresh Squeezed OJ, Grab & Go Sandwiches, Hot-Pressed Cubans, Italians & Subs, Soups, Coffee, Drinks & Beer Cave 94782

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Fall Back Pricing on Longboat Platter & Villager Platter.

12300 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton, FL 34209 On SR 64.

On Anna Maria Sound, just east of the Anna Maria Bridge

96363

Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Oral representations cannot be relied upon a correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to the purchase agreement and homeowner documents, including the documents required by section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee in condominium communities. Not an offer where prohibited by state statutes. CBC 1258779, CGC 1505726, CGC 1519880. 12/2012.

By Land: 800 Broadway St. • By Sea: Marker 39 on the Waterway North End of Longboat Key • 383-1748 Call Ahead Seating/Reservations for 5 or more

98194

Dec. 15th Boat Parade 6:00 from our dock • Santa Claus in our lobby 4 to 6 Face Painting • Cookies & Milk for the kiddos 4 to 5:30 Collecting Toys for Toys for Tot’s Open 7 Days Best Food, Best Service, Best View 11:30am - 9:30pm Any closer to the water and you’ll need a towel www.stonecrab.cc

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

27A

WINDWARD BAY

Fantastic price and fantastic water views from this updated 2BR/2BA penthouse. Turnkey furnished, lots of storage, under bldg parking, beach access, pools, sauna, exercise room, tennis courts, boat docks. $229,900

BUILDING PERMITS Address 301 GMD 1055 GMD 3000 Harbourside Drive

Permit Re-roof Interior Re-roof Kitchen and 2202 Harbour Court Drive bathroom

Walkover 455 Longboat Club Road Alteration 561 Schooner Lane Dock and boat lift 813 Marbury Lane Alteration 5393 GMD 1020 Bogey Lane Re-roof Temporary 1620 GMD shoring Windows 812 Spanish Drive S. 415 L’Ambiance Drive Interior Re-roof 3542 Mistletoe Lane 683 El Centro Windows 3320 GMD Kitchen 3496 Mistletoe Lane Decking 5265 GMD Re-roof 5265 GMD Re-roof 5970 Emerald Harbor Drive Windows 521 Harbor Cay Drive Pool Garage door 2015 Harbour Links Drive

mouth, Mass., sold their home at 601 Buttonwood Drive to Malgorzata Jankowska and Wojciech Kaszubiwski, of Park Ridge, Ill., for $360,000. Built in 1971, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,362 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $279,000 in 2000.

Bay Harbour Apartments

Daniel and Judith Reskow, of Longboat Key, sold their Unit 205 condominium at 450 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Ethelene Coleman, of Longboat Key, for $299,000.

Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,194 square feet of living area.

Applicant Longboat Key Club & Resort Victoria McInnis, trustee Longboat Key Club & Resort

Amount $200,000 $158,000 $53,500

Donald Fitzgerald The Pierre Condominium Association Ronald Sturm

$48,500

John Coneys David Lenefsky William Kaplinski The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Albert Mondus Jr. Linda Schneider Joseph Kelly Suzanne Huttenstine Cesar Rennert Robert Farrington Jr. Alfred DeJonge Commercial Union Trust SA Andrew Aitken Donn Winokur Eliot Arnovitz

$25,390 $23,980 $19,995

Cathy has lived and worked on Longboat Key for almost 40 years!

941.383.5502 or 941.724.7228 CathyMeldahl@michaelsaunders.com

98058

These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Nov. 30 through Dec. 6, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive)

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

Michael Saunders & Company Cathy C. Meldahl P.A. Licensed Real Estate Broker

$36,465 $35,000

Why We Should Be Your Florida Vacation Connection

$13,500 $10,000 $10,000 $8,290 $8,000 $6,500 $5,785 $5,700 $5,700 $4,334 $3,750 $1,535

incipals ese, Pr u n K ichele a o l. c o m an & M : F V c o n n e c t @ e c t i o n . c o m d r o J Jan e - m a il onconn

w w w. f l v

Since 1994

• 99% of our guests state they will rent from us again • Great Vacation Rental Properties • Great Services and Staff • We are the best at what we do

acati

36838 60177

Longboat Observer

3720 Gulf of Mexico Dr. • Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-387-9709

Top 1% Producer in Real Estate Sales for Sarasota & Manatee County!

REID MURPHY Luxury on the Water

It previously sold for $166,500 in 1999.

Lido Harbour South

Aimee Caraballo sold her Unit 106 condominium at 2100 Benjamin Franklin Drive to Marjorie Wieseman and Allen Wright, of London, United Kingdom, for $268,900. Built in 1968, it has one bedroom, two baths and 778 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $29,000 in 1969.

Call Reid Today!

941.232.3304

www.reidmurphy.com

NEW LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS

Bayside 3 BR condos 3,200 to 3,400 sq.ft. w/ 2 car garage & dock.

Visit our website to read more real-estate transactions. www.YourObserver.com

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4 pm 595 Dream Island Rd. Longboat Key

y

olida > H

GREAt DEAls / GREAt Gifts /

Amenities include clubroom, exercise room, plus bayside pool & spa.

$1,700,000 to $2,400,000

ORCHID BEACH GULF FRONT CONDO $2,595,000 Spectacular seventh floor corner 3BR 3,600 sq. ft.

MEDITTERANEAN BAYFRONT ESTATE $8,700,000 5BR 10,000 sq. ft. masterpiece. Views plus dock.

GATED BAYFRONT ESTATE $2,675,000 4BR home w/billiard room, pool, dock & views of the city lights.

DREAM ISLAND ROAD $1,625,000 4BR canal home on sailboat water w/dock & lift.

LIGHTHOUSE POINT CUSTOM HOME $4,150,000 Exquisite 5,000 SF waterfront 4BR home w/ dock.

OLD FLORIDA CHARM BAYSIDE $3,250,000 4,400 SF home w/ open views, dock & private beach.

RITZ CARLTON TOWER RESIDENCE $2,295,000 Southeast corner 10th floor 3,750 SF. Incredible bay views.

EXQUISITE BEACH ESTATE $6,895,000 Gulfront 3BR home plus 3BR guesthouse & tropical pool.

Check off your holiday list & save enough to treat yourself.

Up to 90% of f hEAlt h & bEA Uty 50% off Signature Facial 30% off Manicure/Pedicure

90% off Cycling Classes

50% off Group Fitness Classes

40% off KeratinTreatment

98035

75% off Chiropractic Adjustment

Renu U Massage & Skincare

theDeali-o.com /ObserverDealiO

97306

40% off Massage

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. R.E. Broker • 1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34236

28A YourObserver.com Temps.

Weather Photo Contest Winner

Record Temps.

High

Low

High

Low

Tues., Dec. 4

82

59

86 (1994)

31 (1989)

Wed., Dec. 5

78

55

86 (1994)

33 (1974)

Thurs., Dec. 6

81

63

86 (1994)

38 (1987)

Fri., Dec. 7

82

60

86 (1972)

30 (1937)

Sat., Dec. 8

79

62

87 (1978)

30 (1937)

Sun., Dec. 9

78

61

86 (1978)

30 (1984)

Mon., Dec. 10

82

61

86 (1972)

29 (1917)

Barbi Nutting submitted this sunset photo, taken at one of the public beach accesses on Longboat Key. PHOTO CONTEST:

Win an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera. Enter your

Average Gulf water temperature: 70

TIDE CHART Thurs., Dec. 13

Highs 1:43p 10:57p

Lows 6:40a 4:45p

Fri., Dec. 14

2:26p

11:47p

7:27a

5:37p

Sat., Dec. 15

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3:03p

8:13a

6:37p

Sun., Dec. 16

12:38a

3:37p

8:57a

7:47p

Mon., Dec. 17

1:34a

4:10p

9:39a

9:09p

Tues., Dec. 18

2:36a

4:45p

10:20a

10:41p

Wed., Dec. 19

3:52a

5:22p

11:00a

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MOON PHASES

Sunrise/sunset Thurs., Dec. 13 Fri., Dec. 14 Sat., Dec. 15 Sun., Dec. 16 Mon., Dec. 17 Tues., Dec. 18 Wed., Dec. 19

sunset, sunrise or weather-related photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today. To enter your photos, visit YourObserver.com, and click on the “Contests” tab in the upper-right corner.

Weekly winners will have their photo printed in the paper and will be entered into a drawing for that month. The monthly winner will choose between an iPad 2 or Canon EOS T3 camera.

Sunrise 7:12 7:12 7:13 7:14 7:14 7:15 7:15

Sunset 5:38 5:38 5:38 5:39 5:39 5:40 5:40

Dec. 13 New

Dec. 20 First

Dec. 28 Full

Jan. 4 Last

facebook.com / GetTheBestFromTODAY

Get your daily weather conditions at Yourobserver.com

Service Upgrades Electrical Inspections Whole House Surge Protection Generators  Power Conditioners Home Energy Audits  Lighting & Fans

cooltoday.com

(941) 343-8543

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D Edited by Timothy E. Parker

2

CRYPTOGRAMS 1. E C X H E L C V H X O H H E C V U F Q O F O D L X O F M H R K C H O H R J O H H D V U ACAOXRH QORBOOX XMTH: RKO TOMEODVU KCVJH BKOX ICV EMX OHEMTO DJCA JOMULRI.

2. L S N K G F F B Z F P X U X H X R Z K X D B Z M . S N B Z F M N P P X R D Z L S X F Z C C A N S N R F X U N F N JA N L Z A M , “ X R N N H C Z L X N R J N Z R H X R N N H XL RGB!”

$179 Installed

Whole House Surge Protection Protect Your lnvestment!

Must present at time of service.

Can’t be combined with others.

99051

TemperatureS

Longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

AnIMAL FARM by Kathy Islund ACROSS 1 Voice below soprano 5 “Do ___ others as ...”

9 Desert drifter 14 Shopper’s compilation 18 Bit of live bait 19 Recurrently 20 Licoricelike flavor 21 The “A” in A.D. 22 Largest portion 24 Tuxedo, in slang 26 Circus performer’s support 27 Chicken’s lack?

29 Hockey Hall of Famer Phil 30 Denies access to 32 Thingamajig 34 Clever people 35 Careful examination 39 ___ Bator, Mongolia 40 Grimm story 42 Timeline divisions 43 Many are screened 45 Backwoods folk 47 Successful turn in Battleship 50 Steal from 51 Blend with traffic 52 Hauler’s destination, sometimes 53 Only average 54 Forrest Gump’s friend 56 Muscle twitch, say 57 Contemptible one 59 ___-burly 60 Network test show 62 Jazz great Vaughan 64 Insanity and others, in court 66 Poi roots 68 Type of bear 70 Golden ___ (Mongol army)

71 It improves when 125 Cheese that’s made backwards? you have contacts 74 Tree of the cashew family dOwn 76 Bailiwick 1 Belt-making tool 78 Butchers’ offerings 2 One of the Flagstons, in 79 Itty bits comics 81 Bit of financial 3 Hurried pace planning, for short 4 Volume of reprints 83 Lollapalooza 5 “That turns my 85 Land of stomach!”

Opportunity?

6 Indian flatbread 86 Planning to vote 7 Exhausted “no” 8 Burdensome 9 Christening 87 Impudently bold observance 89 “Mentalist” Geller 0 Lennon’s “Woman” 90 Sighs of relief 11 Looked for the 91 Octad plus one mother lode 93 Believer in a 12 Inquires nonintervening 13 Intellectually God penetrating 94 “Good heavens!”

14 Timmy’s dog 95 Fix, at the vet’s 15 Mukluks wearer 16 Agitated fits office 17 Tornado-riding 96 Laugh heartily dog 98 In a loud, tasteless 19 One way to sit on a way horse 100 “Daniel Boone” 23 Bed-frame co-star Ed crosspiece 102 Cassava root 25 Bellows 104 Wine press residue 28 TV control (Abbr.)

31 Sound like a bull 105 Strangler of the 33 Battery terminal Amazon 35 Belgrade resident 108 Kind of wave 36 Baby’s woe 110 Grown-up bug 37 Old-style TV 113 Wall Street down antenna time?

38 Bear and Berra 115 Sight-unseen 40 Fermented purchase soybean cake 118 Like some excuses 41 Swiss high-rise?

44 Sportscaster’s 119 It’s full of holes summary 120 They’re not odd 46 One of an Iraqi 121 Count’s minority counterpart 47 Whinnying yuk 122 Beginning for 48 ___ of Capri “while” 49 Christmas stocking 123 Church recesses stuffers, perhaps 124 Pete Rose’s team, 51 New Zealand natives for most of his 53 Ice cream parlor career offering

55 Beer parties 57 Anklebone 58 “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” group 59 “I ___ declare you ...” (start of a decree) 61 Clothe 63 Sub ___ (in confidence) 65 Supporting 67 Climb up a pole 69 Do more than see, in poker 71 Jane Austen novel 72 “She Loves You” word 73 Shopping bag 75 Jenny of dieting 77 Large wall painting 80 Miss America’s headgear 82 Tea-growing area of the Himalayas 84 Neat 86 Santa ___, Calif.

88 Viral varieties 91 ___ salts (bath water additive) 92 Supports a charity 93 Eye medication dispenser 94 Object of a police hunt 95 Confidential matter 97 Be sick 99 “ ___ la Douce” 100 What the sympathizer lends 101 Titles for ladies 102 Creates 103 Sour cream add-in 105 Capable 106 “Apollo 13” org.

107 Tap trouble 109 Like geriatric patients 111 Egg on 112 Gumbo pod 114 First lady 116 Elected ones 117 “A Nightmare on ___ Street”

CROSSWORD_121312

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Observer Observer Classifieds ClassifiedsHoliday HolidayEarly EarlyDeadlines DeadlinesforforDec. Dec.20th, 24th, Dec. editions.

Dec. 27th 31st and Jan. 3rd 7th editions.

Dec. 20th Service Directory deadlines Dec. 12th, 3pm Classified Ads deadline Dec. 12th, 4pm Dec. 27th Service Directory deadlines Dec. 13th, 3pm Classified Ads deadline Dec. 13th, 4pm Jan. 3rd Service Directory deadlines Dec. 14th, 3pm Classified Ads deadline Dec. 14th, 4pm

97311

Items Under $200 For Sale

General Merchandise

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

(No phone calls please.)

(Please provide your name and address) Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230

THRIFT SHOP: THE LORD’S WAREHOUSE. Next to Longboat Island Chapel. Season Opening October 1, 2012: Mon., Wed., & Sat., 9a.m.-1p.m.

Clothes, jewelry, furniture, other items. 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive. 941-383-4738.

ATTENTION CAT Lovers: Special Christmas collector items of Anna Lee Cat Dolls. Unusual. $150. 941-383-1210.

BOOKS. THE Story of Civilization by Will Durant. Nine hard-cover volumes. Like new, $75.

941-954-4706.

CANON PIXMA: iP3600 printer. Brand new, never used, $59. lauses6415@aol.com DESK WOODEN w/bamboo and wicker overlay. Great for teen or guest room, $125.

941-746-3525.

SARAJEVO FAUX Leather Bed: brand new. Dark Brown. Full-size. Must sell, $185.00 O.B.O. Call 941-400-9099.

SLEEPER/SOFA: CREAM background, great clean condition. Reversible cushions. $65.

309-212-6205, Sarasota.

WROUGHT IRON Butterfly Chairs & Covers, (2), $150/obo. 941-955-3266.

Autos For Sale BUICK REGAL 2001: leather, loaded, 26K miles, excellent condition, 32/MPG. All records, senior owned. $6,000. 941-798-8455.

Autos Wanted AUTOS WANTED! Let me take the hassle out of selling your car. Cash offered today! Call Mike, 941-713-2277.

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale BOATHOUSE ON LBK. Unit 1224, 31', 2nd level. For Sale/Rent. If interested, call Melissa, 941-383-0308.

LBK MOORINGS: Slip N10 for discount rent, 48’ slip. Hurry, won’t last! Call 630-421-0000.

Boats Boats are selling very well. Season is here along with the buyers. Big or Small, we sell them all, quickly. My location or yours. We Buy Boats Too. “Doing Business On A handshake.” Islandboatsales.net - 941-228-3489.

Happy Holidays!

ChitwoodCharters.com Cruise or Fish Hyatt Sarasota Docks 32’/53’ Yachts - 2hrs./2 months 941-383-5232

This week’s Sudoku answers

Lost & Found LOST BIRD - tame, yellow white cockatiel named Sake (Socky). Please call 941-539-9467.

BEST VALUE - ST ARMANDS A walled 3BR/3BA, pool, spa, gated, marble floors, granite kitchen. In the heart of the Key $699,000. Glenn Callaghan Re/Max Alliance Group, 941-928-9020.

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff

NEWEST 2012 CONSTRUCTION ON NORTH LIDO PARK Mid 21st Century Eco-House 30 secs to beach, 3 mins to Circle, Reverse FPL meter, 4/3.5, south pool. $2,100,000. Glenn Callaghan Re/Max Alliance Group, 941-928-9020.

Out-of-State Property

LBK: BEACHFRONT. BOOK NOW for your next season rental. 1BR & 3BR condos. Starting at $1250. The Outrigger Resort, 941-383-3844.

Real Estate Wanted WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

LOCALLY OWNED and operated since 2004 with three locations, America's Super Pawn will pay you top dollar for your estate jewelry, watches, diamonds, musical instruments, computers, motorcycles, cars and other unwanted items.

Call us at 758-PAWN OR...fill our request form on our web and we'll contact you! Walk-ins welcomed, no appointment necessary. www.americassuperpawn.com

Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356

Seminars REPLACE YOUR LOST INCOME QUICK START FOREX TRADING SEMINAR SARASOTA JAN, 23, 24, 25 WWW.FX365I.COM FOR INFO & REGISTER

Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available WANTED TO Rent: 1, 2 or 3BR Condo, Gulf view preferably January-May 15th. Will pay $4,000, $5,000 or $6,000 per month. 612-865-8599.

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals BEACHPLACE

Storage STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

BEACHPLACE GULFFRONT PENTHOUSE

Help Wanted

GROUNDS/BUILDING MAINTENANCE Full time lead grounds/maintenance person for prestigious condo complex on Longboat Key. Groundskeeping knowledge and experience required. Supervisory experience is desirable.

Knowledge of indoor mechanical functions such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC will be considered a plus. The right candidate will be provided a a competitive salary and pleasant working conditions. Interested persons must mail a resume to Debbie Fulton, 1701 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Office, Longboat Key, Fl. 34228. No walk-ins.

Condos/Apts. For Rent 1BR/1BA OR Efficiency. Walk to Whitney Beach, adult community. Non-smoker preferred. Small pet. Application. 1st plus security. 941-565-1401, 941-792-0411.

LONGBOAT BAYPORT BTC- 2BR 2BA Gulf front views- wifi-Monthly rentals 813-541-8876.

LONGBOAT KEY - ON THE BEACH AT THE PIERRE: Fabulous views. 2,410 sq/ft. 2 bedroom plus den/convertible 3rd bedroom. 3 baths.

Available 5/1/2013, 3/mo. minimum. Annual OK. Photos:ebstulberg@gmail.com SIESTA KEY 2BR/2BA Top Flr. Condo at Beachway, directly across from Siesta Key Public Beach. Heated community pool, view of Beach/Gulf, Cable and Internet included.

Remodeled, all new appliances and furniture, HD Tv's. Available Jan. 15 - May 15, one month minimum rental. 618-534-1791 for details and pictures. Non-smoking, No pets.

SEAPLACE: 3BR/2BA, RARE first floor corner unit. Beautiful Gulf and Garden views from every room, furnished, turn-key unit, new paint, new carpet, updated kitchen. Covered parking and another uncovered parking, 10/ft. ceiling in master BR. Lots of new furniture. $419,000. Mark, 941-383-4381, bradtma@yahoo.com

Homes For Rent 3B, 2B, 1CG, Pool, 1,574/sf. Very clean, $1,500/mo, close to Hospital & Downtown.

Call 941-586-9444.

LIDO BEACH CONDOMINIUMS Weekly - Monthly - Seasonal Resort Properties, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Broker Full Service Condominium Management 941-388-3921 - 888-388-3921 941-650-1857 Visit us at: resortproperties.pro

email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com

3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749

CARPENTER, EXPERIENCED, own tools and trans exterior/interior work, clean cut, own Ins. preferable. Paul @ 941-238-8033.

www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460

PREMIER CATAWBA Island Condo 2BR/2BA. Lake Erie waterfront. Rarely available. Pool, sandy beach, garage, turnkey. 941-928-4424.

For Qualified Waiting Clients

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please call Marc, 941-321-0707.

FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION

LBK ISLANDER CLUB Beautiful Direct Gulf & Beach View. Tastefully furnished 2BR/2BA. Available anytime Mid-January to Mid-March, minimum 30 days. $4900-$5100/mo.

773-456-5768.

Merchandise Wanted

Condos For Sale HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 87127

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

LBK: SPANISH MAIN YACHT CLUB. Villa, on lake, 2BR/2BA, sunroom. Walk to beach. By Owner. Linda Adrian, 941-383-6650.

The Observer Classified Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 21st at 5pm for the holidays. We will reopen Wednesday, Jan. 2nd at 8:30am

Happy Holidays To You and Yours!

Homes For Sale

Largest 2BR/2BA, beautifully appointed.

Available for rental immediately.

917-846-4416 or 941-383-2220

CASA DEL MAR BEACH RESORT RENTALS 4 NIGHT MIN. GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925 “Take our video tour at” www.casadelmar.net Office Open 7 Days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key 34228

LIDO BEACH Vacation paradise. 1 & 2 bedroom condos overlooking beautiful Lido Beach.

Weekly rates. Lido Dorset. Rental condo.

1-800-734-3370.

LONGBOAT HARBOR Towers: 2BR/2BA, Gulf front, recently renovated. Available January through April, 2013. 2 month min. 407-694-0156.

LONGBOAT KEY. Gulf front, heated pool on beach, 1BR/1BA condo, full kitchen, dining, sleeps/4, king pillowtop. 617-328-7145, 857-939-1049.

LONGBOAT KEY: 2BR/2BA, beach, pool, tennis, like brand new. $3,570. 941-321-8848.

LONGBOAT KEY: SUNSET BEACH condo: beachfront, direct Gulf, 3BR/2BA, 3 balconies, gated community, heated pool. 2 month min.

Available December 1 - April 30. $6500/mo. By owner, 860-633-3545 or 860-633-2502.

LONGBOAT PORTOBELLO BEACH FRONT 2BR/2BA Condo. Details and Virtual Tour at www.BeachAbodeLBK.com Phone 815-919-5357 ON THE Gulf w/pool. 1BR condo, sleeps 4. Nicely furnished, cable, phone, full kitchen, living, dining area, W/D in building. Weekly or Monthly. May through January. $1600/mo. 351-5101.

THE PIERRE: Behind the gates, 2BR Gulf Front condo for rent for the season. Available 1/1/12.

90 day minimum. Full amenities and covered garage. 865-603-3126 or 865-549-5070.

WEEKLY RENTALS. Luxurious, fully furnished 1 - 4 bedrooms. Condominiums and Cottages.

Beach to Bay. On-site management. Pools, tennis, boat slips. Visit: www.FloridaRent.com for information and virtual tours. 800-333-7335, 941-383-3117.

This week’s Crossword answers

WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS LARGE HEATED POOL GULFSIDE FREE Wireless High Speed Internet

“Where People Return Year After Year” “INTENTIONALLY BETTER” HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

CONDO FOR rent: 2BR/2BA, on bay with beautiful view, beach access. Avail. Dec. through May. Bob, 502-216-5255, 941-383-0319.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES Huge 2BR/2BA, 2CG, Canal front home w/Dock. Last minute availability, 12/15/12 - 2/28/13. $6500/mo.

Email: longboatlarry@yahoo.com DIRECT GULF FRONT at Beachplace: 2BR/2BA, nicely furnished, wireless internet. Available February, March & April 2013. Non-smoking.

Call Diane or Mike 847-913-4562.

ISLANDER CLUB: 11th floor, full bay view, Gulf front condo, 2BR/2BA, updated granite kitchen, heated 75/ft. pool, Har-Tru tennis, exercise room, clubhouse. 2/mo. minimun through 12 months.

516-458-8758.

2012

This week’s Cryptogram answers 1. Consciousness could be defined as those stressful moments between naps: the peaceful hours when you can escape from reality.

2. The boss was livid in a big way. He was yelling at his apprehensive secretary, “I need patience and I need it now!”

CROSSWORD_ANS_121312

30A YourObserver.com

Longboat Observer

DECEMBER 13, 2012 THETHURSDAY, LONGBOAT OBSERVER

30A Classifieds

www.yourobserver.com

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Catering

Furniture Repair

Painting/Wallpapering



ANTIQUE AND FINE FURNITURE REPAIR by Danish craftsman. 941-778-5639.

CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured.

Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates.

941-744-1020. 35+ years experience.

Weekly/ Monthly/ Seasonal Rates Beachfront, Bayfront and In Between Houses or Condos Reservations 941-383-6127 Visa/ MC 800-352-0367 5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 Rental office 9a.m. - 5p.m. M-F Ask about our special rates!

Wagner Realty Since 1939 www.wagnerrentals.com

Adult Care Services ADULT & SENIOR ASSISTANCE Chef, Driver, Meal Prep, Companion, etc. Experienced, References. Call Louise 941-416-3014.

STATE CERTIFIED, 21 years experience in Home Health. Willing to travel for Client. Call Tiffany, 941-328-2769.

SUSAN SHAUGHNESSY, RN. Your private nurse for home/hospital. MA/FL Licensed (RN3001642).

References. 941-761-2656.

Auto Service WE WANT TO BUY YOUR VEHICLE!!!

Any Make, Any Model, Any Condition.

No Title - No Problem! Bank Lien - No Problem!

Paying up to $30,000 for Vehicles. Call AJ now at 813-335-3794 for a Free Quote or 813-531-4298.

4 EAsy WAys To Place your Classified Ad Call 941-955-4888 Reserved Space LP Reserved Space Fax 941-362-4808

BLUE DOLPHIN CAFE

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS ARE BACK AT OUR LONGBOAT KEY CENTRE SHOPS LOCATION!!

FRIDAY **DECEMBER 14**

 LIVE MAINE LOBSTER  BLUE FIN CRAB CAKES  PRIME RIB  DUCK L’ORANGE ALL ENTREES SERVED WITH CHEF’S CHOICE STARCH & VEGETABLE HOMEMADE PIES! AND MUCH MORE... JUST ASK...

Online at

www.yourobserver.com/classifieds All major credit/debit cards accepted.

ISLE TILE FOR “QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE”

383-3787 CALL FOR RESERVATIONS BEER & WINE AVAILABLE

Child Care Services

YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

20 years design background.

Licensed - Insured - LBK Resident References upon request.

941-383-2659

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes I come to your home or office.

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A&E

Artist Nat Krate bares it all for his works of art.

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

HOME

Holiday decor that breaks all the rules.

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PAGE 13

FOOD&COOKING | by Molly Schechter | Food Editor Photo by Loren Mayo

“The baking” 2012 from the top: Beatrice Alexander’s pecan balls, Grandma Belle’s toffee bars, lemon gingersnaps, Viennese crescents and chocolate cracks.

Made by Loving Hands Observer food editor Molly Schechter shares two cookie recipes just in time for the holidays.

FOOD&COOKING COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

2 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

// Arts&Entertainment: Brush strokes by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

A life fulfilled

Nat Krate, a Sarasota artist known for his realist paintings of florals and nudes, bares it all.

G

Mallory Gnaegy

“Be curious. Follow your instincts. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Try to laugh at yourself now and then,” Nat Krate says.

“It’s hard for me to talk about,” he says.

Remarkably, he was taken out of hospice care Aug. 28, just two days after his birthday — a wonderful gift. After months spent regaining his strength, it took a great deal of determination to lead the group to view the exhibit.

Krate’s featured oil painting

was “Survival After de Kooning.”

In his trademark style, it features a nude woman juxtaposed in front of a print of de Kooning’s art. At first glance it looks like a photograph of a nude woman standing in front of a work of art, but it’s a painting.

The work she’s standing in front of is a reproduction of a de Kooning piece that represents a

mutilated woman. Paired with the model, it’s intended to tell a story.

“A painter can murder a woman on canvas, but a man in today’s world gets sued for sexual harassment if he accidentally touches a woman (the wrong way),” Krate explains.

To him, the female figure has always been the most beautiful

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creation, which is why he has featured them in his works. Through his art, he has told stories about his feelings on love, relationships and other aspects of the world.

“I used brush and paint where others might use a typewriter or pen and paper,” he says.

Although his artistic talent is evident, his first career wasn’t as a professional artist.

Before his career as a painter, Krate owned an advertising agency. In 1980, after 30 years, he wanted a change. His wife, Helen, encouraged him to develop a hobby.

“A hobby became a full-blown profession,” he says. “And, to my great surprise, people liked my work and wanted to buy it. So, for another 30 years, we had a wonderful journey in the world of art.”

At first, he says it was hard for him to sell his work; his paintings were akin to his children.

“I never anticipated a life in the arts,” Helen Krate says. “ … of course, living with such a genius is quite an experience. It’s just so wonderful.”

One of Krate’s favorite pieces is a portrait he did of Helen that hangs above their kitchen table.

It’s a reminder and testament to his life fulfilled. He says living alongside his wife, friend and companion is all that he has ever dreamed.

“Love is the best medicine that you could possibly obtain — for health and mental purposes,” he says.

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rowing up poor in New York City, Nat Krate had no toys as child. His only sources of enjoyment were pencil and paper.

“And that allowed me to enter a world of my own; a private place,” Krate says. His first drawings were typically of horses.

Krate’s mother died when he was 11, and his father was absent, so he lived with various relatives. He went to eight different elementary schools and was always the outsider.

“You never thought about being hungry, this was the world that you knew,” he says. “And it wasn’t till much later on that you realize there are other worlds — better worlds.”

Now at age 94, Krate feels he has lived a fulfilled life. He has experienced “better worlds.” He believes he has accomplished every achievement of which he has dreamed. One of his many accomplishments is developing a talent for realist painting of florals and nudes. His works have made an impression on Sarasota.

On Dec. 5, he led 21 of his fellow residents of The Fountains to Art Center Sarasota to view the exhibit in which one of his pieces is featured, “Artists Who Made Sarasota Famous II.” In May, Krate wouldn’t have imagined such a feat could occur. In the spring he entered into hospice, after suffering with medical issues for years. He takes a long pause when talking about the experience.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

3

// Arts&Entertainment: COLUMN

HEARD

Hot Ticket

By Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor | mgnaegy@yourobserver.com

 Artist needs help picking up sticks More than 100 volunteers are being sought to help sculptor Patrick Dougherty collect supplies for his upcoming site-specific installation on the grounds at Sarasota Museum of Art/SMOA, a division of Ringling College of Art and Design.

But he can’t build his signature sculptures that involve weaving and binding sapling branches together alone! Volunteers will work in fourhour sessions to help gather and weave truckloads of sticks, twigs, vines and other natural materials.

Volunteer museum docents are also needed. Those interested should email smoa@ringling.edu.

 A&E votes Yea for ‘1776’ To call “1776” a musical isn’t fair; it’s a play with a few musical numbers.

And, it gave me a lot to think about.

Historical characters such as Thom-

magnified Declaration of Independence drops at the finale of the play; it’s a moment that represents the selfsacrifice these men endured to claim America for posterity.

And, on a final note, did you know that SRQ was the only place in America where one could see both “1776” and “Lincoln” in the same day? It runs through Dec. 22.

‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’: Lois Lane, PLATO’s Platinum Players and the Powder Puffs perform a holiday-themed musical review, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” with dancing girls and skits starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Ramada Waterfront, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets are $15. Call 363-1727.

Courtesy

“Flight into Egypt,” by Paolo Veronese, is on display through April 14, at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

 My flight into Veronese I was spoiled Thursday, Dec. 6. Dr. Virginia Brilliant, Ringling Museum’s curator of European art, and Frederick Ilchman, curator of paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, led me through the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s “Paolo Veronese: A Mas-

ter and His Workshop in Renaissance Venice” exhibit.

Brilliant conceived the exhibit based on two Veronese pieces in Ringling’s permanent collection: “Flight into Egypt” and a portrait of Francesco Franceschini.

Interestingly enough, in 1925, “Flight into Egypt” was the first painting John Ringling bought to the museum sight unseen. Of the entire exhibit, these two paintings and another by Giovanni Antonio Fasolo are the only works from Ringling’s permanent collection.

The rest of the exhibit comes from North American museums and private collections.

It was an ambitious project that took two years to compile. In fact, this is the first time many of these

paintings have been paired together, and many of the works are some that even scholars of Veronese haven’t seen in person.

In addition to paintings, the exhibit includes textiles from the 1500s that look as if they were pulled straight from Veronese’s paintings.

There are also sketches that represent the restlessness of Veronese’s mind, that follow his artistic process and give a full scope of his career.

There are works by other artists of Veronese’s time that show how his work inspired those around him.

The catalogue for the exhibit is the first for Veronese written in English. The catalogue offers a good deal of information from the curators. Visit Ringling.org/Veronese/ catalogue.html.

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Courtesy

Artist Patrick Dougherty needs a lot of sticks.

as Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams are idolized for their achievements for America. But they were just normal guys: Stephen Hopkins enjoyed booze; Franklin had gout; Adams was annoying; and all Jefferson needed to write the Declaration of Independence was an intimate visit from his wife. Thinking about these figures as average men who achieved great things, is a reminder of what determination and collaboration can bring about.

“1776” piqued my curiosity and allowed me to dig deeper. For instance, after seeing the play I immediately researched Caesar Rodney, the delegate from Delaware.

In the play, he collapses and is in ill health, but comes back to Philadelphia to sign “yea” for Delaware. Upon my research I Courtesy found out that he Caeser Rodney was an asthmatic was a patriot who suffered and hero. from facial cancer. He rode 80 miles in the peak of the summer heat and thunderstorm season (which would have been difficult for anyone, regardless of health) and he made it to cast his vote. He put his life on the line in defense of liberty. Each man has his own story, and it is truly remarkable to see it put to music.

When the carefully mimicked and

‘The Nutcracker’: Clara runs away with the circus in Sarasota Ballet’s Circus Nutcracker world premiere choreographed by Matthew Hart and designed by Peter Docherty. Sarasota Orchestra will play Tchaikovsky’s original score. The Courtesy opening-night per- Sara Sardelli runs away to Ringling’s Circus formance starts at Museum.

8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets are $35 to $90. Call 359-0099, Ext. 101.

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DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

// Arts&Entertainment: reviews Savannah Clair evoke mustache-twirling villains most nicely.

There are many cameo parts, most notably Chip Fisher as Bert Healy, Bill Cairo as Howe, Savannah Carpenter, Antoinette Gagliano, and Jenny Solomon as the Boylan Sisters, newsboys Carson Rudolph and Jakob Silver, and lastly Holly the dog as Sandy.

Musical Director Bobby Brader, and the orchestra, Chris Staine on trumpet, Bill Barbanera on woodwinds. Joe Wolfe on Trombone and percussionist Stu Miller provided wonderful music, bringing satisfying justice to the many award-winning songs.

// ‘Annie’ The Players’ production of the ever-popular “Annie” lived up to the illustrious past of the beloved musical, winning the hearts of the audience with its fresh, heartwarming, sincere exuberance. The children, especially, are a joy to watch, and Bob Trisolini, as director and choreographer, did a marvelous job of bringing out the best in all the characters.

Not everyone remembers the origins of this theatrical icon, which began in 1924, as a comic strip written by Harold Gray. The

Although Curtis alums are world-renowned (Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Gian Carlo Menotti, Samuel Barber, Alan Gilbert, Hilary Hahn, Lang Lang, Boris Goldovsky, Judith Blegen, Juan Diego // Curtis in Sarasota Florez ) to audiences, Curtis remains one of the best kept secrets of the music world.

It still amazes me that a lot of people It’s a shame, because a group of avid don’t know about the Curtis Institute of Curtis supporters in our area have banded Music. In musical spheres, it’s more illustritogether to bring some of the finest young ous than Juilliard because it takes only the top of the crème-de-la-crème of young musi- musicians here to play but, so far, Sarasota audiences have been sparse. cians and they’re all on scholarship!

The most recent concert featured Curtis has had a long association with Silverstein (Curtis 1950) as violinist, pianist Sarasota. It started back in the 1930s when Amy J. Yang (’06), and a pair of Sarasota David Cohen, a child prodigy musician, attended the school in Philadelphia. He and Orchestra members, cellist Abraham Feder (’08) and hornist Joe Assi (’07), in an allhis wife soon moved to Sarasota, founded Brahms program that included the G Major, what has since become the Sarasota Opus 78 Violin Sonata; the B Major, Opus Orchestra, brought conductor Paul Wolfe 8 Piano Trio; and the E-flat Major, Opus 40 to town and went on to become one of the Horn Trio. area’s most important cultural icons, even Yang, who has performed in venues from having a space in the Beatrice Friedman Asia and Europe to Carnegie’s Weill Recital Symphony Center named after him.

Hall and the White House, is an absolutely Some of this Curtis-Sarasota hisstunning pianist, playing with Brahms’ rich tory was told to us by another musical Nutcracker textures and weaving them among the variicon, Joseph Silverstein, at the recent ousImaginique sounds of violin, cello and horn with Curtis chamber concert at Jazz the Historic Juvenocracy with and commanding musicianship Asolo, which was just one of a series of Balletsensitivity Contemporary Company and technique.

Curtis Alumni Performances in 21 Sarasota.

Dec. & 22 at 8 pm

In the Piano Trio, which opens with a gorgeously warm duet between piano and cello, Feder demonstrated why he was plucked out of Curtis by the Sarasota Orchestra for the head seat in the cello section even before he’d graduated! Since his first appearance here, he’s grown into a consummate musician with a slow grin and an appetite for musical fun on and off stage.

Assi, who makes one of the most difficult instruments sound like a breeze to play, seems to have lungs as big as the Gulf of Mexico. No … make that the Atlantic. His phrasing and attention to blend are exemplary, but it’s his mellow, musical sound that sets him apart from many (so far) betterknown horn players. His palette of colors is vast and, just when you think he’s at the end of his breath and his dynamic range, there’s more to come.

There’s also more to come from Curtis in Sarasota this season. The next concert will take place Feb. 6 and will feature chamber works by Beethoven, Dohnanyi and Schubert played by Curtis faculty and students at the Asolo’s Cook Theater.

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Belle Canto, Sarasota’s newest musical eamed up to bring you a wonderful eveous music. Back at GPAC by popular e Canto will sing your favorite songs ome For Christmas,” “Christmas Time A Charlie Brown Christmas and other season.

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west musical erformers of Belle Canto will lead a sing-a-long ols and Chanukah favorites. Their rendition of onderful eveChristmas” will keep you chuckling. The C After by popular The Night Before Christmas” is always perfect vorite songs And finally you will hear three of the most beaustmas TimeRutter ever wrote, performed like pieces John s and other eard before!

Holiday Harmonies Chorus of the Keys

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A Barbershop Quartet - four men singing barbershop - it’s the quintessential image, what the general public is picturing in GPAC. their minds when they hear the phrase “a cappella.” And what happens will lead a sing-a-long when hundreds of men es. Their rendition of practice their art weekly from The Sarasota Ballet for many years? You get p you chuckling. The award-winning as” c. 9isatalways 2 pm perfect Sunday, Dec.the 16 at 2 pm Chorusof the Keys - consistently ee of the most beauranked as one of the top ons will showcase 13 students from the brand wrote, performed like A Barbershop Quartet - four meninsinging barbershop - it’s the barbershop choirs the The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory of Dance quintessential image, country!what the general public is picturing in ta Ballet. This intensive 8-year training program

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Barbieri,And a whatorhappens the ringing melodies or those locked-in chords, men’s barenowned prima ballerina. when hundredsbershop of men singing is evocative, thrilling and exhilarating. This wonderful afternoon of music and merriment will send goose practice weekly ons will feature classical variations from several their art such as Le Corsair, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, years?bumps for many You down get your arms! Join us in the lobby after the show for a

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music in front of the local grocery store every Satur-This year Jazz Juvenocracy day morning. Three yearspresents a truly unique version of Tchaikovsky’s beloved holilater, Jazz Juvenocracyday tradition. The music of Duke was the youngest jazzEllington, Billy Strayhorn, John combo ever to be invitedColtrane, and more comes alive to perform at the worldin this high energy, contemporary retelling of the heartwarming famous Montreux Jazzholiday classic.

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Diner, Sarah Johnson, Amanda Lade, Lily Mancini, Jillian Park, Alanna Rife, Grace Roe, and Claudia Young) are simply to die for, and watching them sing, dance and cavort is as much fun as being ganged up on by cute, fluffy puppies. Lillie Mae Stewart is the littlest, designated scene-stealer, and she will steal your heart.

Jgar Hellwig brings distinguish and empathy to the role of Daddy Warbucks, coming off as more Warren Buffet than Donald Trump. Shelley Whiteside is the perfect Grace Ferrell, Warbucks’ wise and loving secretary. Terri Solomon delivers Miss Harrigan, the ogre of the orphanage, with enough meanness and ludicrousness to compel suitable loathing. Scott Vitale as Rooster and

name, “Little Orphan Annie,” was taken from a poem by James Whitcomb Riley. Gray conceived the strip as a personal comment on American culture and used it to reflect the effect World War I, the Great Depression and inequality, among other topics, had on society. As such, there are many obvious parallels between the strip and current issues the U.S. is facing, which makes the play intellectually stimulating, as well as highly entertaining. First produced in 1976, “Annie” was written by Thomas Meehan, book, Charles Strouse, music, and Martin Charmin, lyrics.

Hannah Beatt, in the title role, is not only adorable, but a fantastically-talented performer. The little orphan girls (Eva Bayer, Kaity Cairo, Samantha Crawford, Emma

S

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

5

// Arts&Entertainment: reviews

FILM // ‘Hitchcock’ If you love movies and the filmmaking process, “Hitchcock” is a must-see. It tells the story behind the making of “Psycho” and while doing so, exposes the turbulent and loving relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife, Alma.

Hitch (Anthony Hopkins) has just finished the highly-successful “North by Northwest,” and is in a quandary as to what his next project will be. He becomes obsessed with a book about necrophiliac serial killer Ed Gein, “the boy who dug up his own mother.” But it’s a hard sell to Paramount Studios who refused to finance such a gruesome endeavor. Hitch is so committed to “the nasty little piece of work” that he personally puts up the funds.

In an ingenious move, he has his staff buy all copies of the book, “Psycho” (by Robert Bloch). Hitch even goes as far as demanding that everyone involved in the film take an oath of secrecy. In the shadows, Alma (Helen Mirren), as always, is an integral part of the production. She edits, scripts, casts and, at times, even directs. In the past she never received any credit from Hitch. But after she delivers a lengthy (and luscious) tongue-lashing to him, he finally acknowledges her efforts publicly.

As one might expect from Oscar winners Hopkins (“The Silence of the Lambs”) and Mirren (“The Queen”), their work in “Hitchcock” is stellar. They share wellscripted (John J. McLaughlin) witty repartee, some of which is laugh out loud. Sometimes, it felt as though their respect and love for one another on screen wasn’t merely acting.

Also, the casting of James D’arcy as Anthony Perkins is a stroke of genius.

He nails Perkins, especially in a comment made while being interviewed by Hitch for

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Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchock in “Hitchcock” the role of Norman Bates. When Hitch asks him why he sees a psychiatrist so frequently, his response is, “Sex, rage, my mother, the usual.

“Sacha Gervasi (“Anvil: The Story of Anvil”) does an outstanding job directing “Hitchcock.” His attention to detail is pervasive. The sets, the costumes and make-up are so indicative of the era; the audience is transported back to ’60s Hollywood in impeccable style. The original score from the film, “Psycho,” intensifies the viewing experience, almost requiring having seen the film a prerequisite.

At the conclusion of “Hitchcock” we see Hitch revel in his finished product. During the premiere, he stands near the closed theater door as the audience watches the infamous “shower scene.” Hitch orchestrates the screams by moving his arms like a conductor in unison. It’s divine to behold.

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// Arts&Entertainment: Backstage pass

Let there be lights Every November, there is as much hustle and bustle in Bob McComb’s shed as Santa’s workshop. But, instead of toys, McComb is creating “Lights in Bloom” at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for the nice boys and girls of Sarasota.

“Lights in Bloom” is a holiday light display set to a botanical theme that decks the grounds of Selby Gardens with lights: Trees are illuminated with dozens of blinking snowflakes; the banyans branches are filled with colorfully lit butterflies; the succulent garden has green light-up cacti; rope lights outline the pathways; and illuminated heliconia and ivy drape from the natural canopies.

Before the creation is installed, all of the elements that make up Lights in Bloom — each butterfly, flower and power cord — are in their designated places on carefully labeled shelves in McComb’s shed. But, by the first week of December, snowflakes and pieces of Santa’s sleigh are overflowing out the door among oversized alphabet blocks and archways — and, of course, there are strands of lights everywhere.

The windows of the shed are blacked out so he can see what the lights will look like.

During this time of year, McComb puts in 11-hour days, but he continues to work four hours a day after “Lights in Bloom” is taken down to prepare the shed, shop for more lights and design the following year’s display. It’s a year-long job.

“I’m thinking about it constantly,” he says of each year. “I already know what I’m going to do next year, but I can’t tell!”

Nine years ago, McComb ran Selby’s stores and admissions. He thought Selby could feature an inexpensive yet impressive holiday display of lights, so he made a presentation to the board.

“I told them we should take it to its roots,” McComb says. “I wanted to take (the holiday display) back to the gardens … and

Bob McComb sheds a little light on how his Christmas-loving crew turns Selby Gardens into a magical, glowing holiday display.

Mallory Gnaegy

“I get my ideas when I’m very calm sitting in the garden or before I go to sleep,” Bob McComb says. “I have a pad by my bedside, and I’m usually sketching in the dark.” bring it back to nature.”

He was thinking of a natural spin on normal holiday lights. So, in 2003, he pitched the idea of flowers, heliconias and vine lights.

Before Selby, McComb had a long career as a graphic designer but had no prior lighting experience. He doesn’t even decorate his own home at Christmas (his daughter does that for him).

“The first year was hard,” he says. “We had to create everything from scratch.”

For McComb, it isn’t a matter of hanging a few lights and calling it quits — there’s meticulous detail that goes into making Selby glow for the holiday season. Some strands have textured plastic cut to look like leaves attached to the front of each bulb. Intricate, painted wooden ornamental façade

pieces frame The Payne House, to make it resemble a storybook home. Wooden ivy segments and heliconias are cut out and painted, then corresponding colored lights are attached. There are hundreds of these wooden forms all over the grounds. It’s a workload meant for an army but accomplished by McComb and about 30 volunteers.

He made about 50 butterfly and dragonfly forms the first year — an element he continues to use. Since the first year, he’s designed and conceived a total of six “Lights in Bloom” displays.

After the first year, McComb completed two more holiday seasons designing the light display before retiring. After three years, Selby asked him to return. He gladly accepted. The project couldn’t be done

without “Mr. Illuminator,” a nickname the staff gave him. The display continues to evolve.

“I think of it as a living process,” he says.

“The gardens are living and so is this — things are changing all the time and things get bigger.”

McComb has to adapt his lights every year. Bamboo shoots that started as sprouts are 15 feet tall now — and each is covered in lights. And his six grandchildren, who are involved in “Lights in Bloom” every year, are also growing.

“My grandsons were the elves, but now they are each 6 feet tall, so my granddaughter is going to be an elf,” he says.

New light displays are planned for this year’s “Lights in Bloom,” which starts Dec. 15. There will be a water feature with glowing egrets taking flight from man-made driftwood; interactive light boards on which attendees can change the color of the displays; and an 18-foot Bavarian-style tree representing the 12 days of Christmas.

“There’s a lot to do still,” he says after pointing out where lights will eventually hang. Smiling, he says, “I haven’t even told you everything.”

But the “oohs” and “ahhs” of guests make the tedious yearlong planning process and three weeks of installation worth it, he says.

If You Go: “Lights in Bloom” 2012 When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15 through Dec. 23; Dec. 26 and Dec. 27.

Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave. Cost: $13 for members; $15 for adults Info: Call 366-5731

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

// FOOD&COOKING (continued from page 1)

many as 10 different kinds of cookies, more well on their way to extinction.

Still, it is a nostalgia trip to revisit the typically six or seven.

The recipes come from a half-century’s baking benders of my past, chronicled on collection of clippings and family treasures, butter-and-sugar spattered sheets that add cookbooks and food magazines, most fre- the aroma of old paper to the butter-sugarquently, the now defunct Gourmet. I always spice smells that bless my kitchen this time looked forward to that December issue, of year.

This year, “the baking” includes two famiand, with all due respect to Martha Stuart ly heirlooms. “Grandand the magazine’s ma Belle’s Toffee own “The Gourmet “The baking” 2012 Squares” came from Cookie Book: The my paternal grandSingle Best Recipe First Timers mother, Belle Alexfrom Each Year 1941Lemon Gingersnaps (CDKitchen.com) 2009,” nothing has ander. I am named Pine Nut Tassies (Epicurious.com) after her mother, replaced it.

Repeats Molly Meissner; she Today, of course, Chocolate Cracks (Maida Heatter, clipping owned a bakery in you can find any circa 1991) downtown Detroit recipe you can imagViennese Vanilla Crescents (Gourmet.com) in the late 19th cenine on the Internet. tury, so maybe I have There are entire iPad Hawaiian Macadamia-Coconut Squares applications dedia genetic propen(The Joy of Cookies; Herbst, Sharon Tyler; Barron’s, 1987, Woodbury, NY) sity to bake. The reccated to cookies, and ipe for “Pecan Balls” space-consuming Grandma Belle’s Toffee Bars (family) came from my own hard-copy recipe colBeatrice Alexander’s Pecan Balls (family) mother, Beatrice Allections like mine are

exander, who gave it to me twice with substantially different measurements and instructions. Both versions work fine.

There’s a clear trend in my holiday baking; the older I get, the simpler the cookies — bar cookies rule, and royal icing is a thing of the past. I have neither the stamina nor the patience for the “Holly Sprigs” from 1980 (the work/reward quotient got them labeled “do not repeat” even then) or the “Chocolate Cookie Pretzels” from 1981. One year when I was hurting, I wasn’t going to bake at all. But at the last minute, tradition prevailed over grief and I made a double or triple batch of those favorite “Pecan Balls.”

One day in the not too distant future, I will probably give up this ritualistic torture of my feet and lower back. At least I will have passed on the two family recipes included with this story. And I may be able to keep it up longer than I think. I recall my New Jersey neighbor’s grandmother Mollie Dworetzky rolling out dough when she was nearly 100 years old. Could it be that cookies are good for you after all?

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he discovery that I bake at this time of year — and have been doing so for most of my life — inevitably produces some raised eyebrows. What kind of a Jewish girl makes Christmas cookies? The answer, of course, is “One whose mother did it … because her mother did.”

My mother grew up in Geneva, Ill., at the time, a small farm town. For her family then, and for me now, making cookies has little to do with the religious holiday and everything to do with creating homemade treats to share with family, neighbors and friends.

“The baking,” as my annual binge has come to be called, dates back to 1961, when I was first married and lived in a two-bedroom townhouse in Oak Park, Mich. I figured out early on that it would be wise to organize and started to make lists. Thus, I have a pretty complete record of the cookies I’ve made and who got to eat them. Both lists invariably include old favorites and new discoveries.

Some years, “the baking” produced as

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

9

// FOOD&COOKING Grandma Belle’s Toffee Squares

Beatrice Alexander’s Pecan Balls

Yield: 48 large cookies

Yield: 50 good-sized cookies

Ingredients: • 1 cup unsalted butter • 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light) • 1 egg yolk • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 8 ounces Baker’s German Sweet chocolate • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Ingredients: • 1 cup unsalted butter • 1/2 cup sugar • 2 cups pecans, finely ground in food processor • 2 cups all purpose flour • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract • 10X confectioners’ sugar • Vanilla 10X confectioners’ sugar (see notes) Istructions: • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

• Add pecans, flour and vanilla extract and beat at low speed until thoroughly combined, scraping down sides of bowl.

• Chill dough for easier handling — about an hour or overnight if you wish.

• Form dough into balls the size of a large marble and bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 25 to 30 minutes until firm and just beginning to brown.

• Let cool just enough to handle then roll the in confectioners’ sugar.

• Let cool completely then sift vanilla confectioners’ sugar over them.

• Store at room temperature; cookies are crisp when fresh and will soften when stored but still taste delicious.

Instructions: • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• In the bowl of an elecren Mayo Photos by Lo tric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar and beat well.

• Add egg yolk and vanilla and beat to combine, then gradually add flour and salt and combine thoroughly.

• Spread evenly in a rimmed cookie sheet 11 inches by 13 inches and bake about 20 minutes.

• Melt chocolate and spread on the base while it is still slightly warm.

• Sprinkle with the chopped nuts.

• Cover tightly and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight until the chocolate is firmed up.

• Cut into sixths on the short dimension and eighths on the long dimension, or as desired.

• Cookies keep well covered and refrigerated or at cool room temperature. They also ship well.

Notes: The recipe calls for Baker’s German Sweet chocolate because that was the only semi-sweet available in my grandmother’s day. It tastes “right” to my family but there is no prohibition against using your favorite semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate.

Notes: To make vanilla sugar: Bury a vanilla bean broken in half in 3 to 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar and keep in an airtight container with your baking supplies.

Replenish the sugar as you use it; vanilla bean will be good for at least a year.

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DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

// HOME&GARDEN: DÉcor by Loren Mayo | Black Tie Editor

Crazy ‘bout To some, decorating for the holidays means climbing into the attic and passing down box after box of precious Christmas heirlooms carefully wrapped in tissue paper, then settling down to unpack them with hot apple cider. To others, it means owning a holiday shop that sells the trendiest items on the market. Often, the brightest pops of color will do, but it’s also fine and dandy to be traditional and line up your 25-year-old Santa collectibles and nutcrackers.

Photos by Loren Mayo

Roger Capote

Geoffrey Michel

Psychedelic sprays. Glittery feathers. Peacocks.

If you think Roger Capote’s personality comes out in his floral arrangements, you should see his Christmas tree. He’s been decorating them ever since he was a child, back when his mom would make her own ornaments. The family always had two trees — one for childhood prized possessions and one that was glamorous.

Since he moved away from home, he’s had a themed tree. But this year, his partner, Jim Wilson, wanted a colorful tree.

“It became hot pink, lime green and b l u e everything,” Capote says. “It evolved on its own. I’ve never been one to put personalized ornaments on trees, but this year we did that. There’s a bunch of pigs, gators, little wedding dresses and a pink poodle at the top.”

Capote puts his tree up two weeks before Thanksgiving. Last year, he decorated it with golden peacock feathers. In 2010, the entire tree was decorated in green.

“My whole thing is to have fun with it and make it your own,” Capote says. This tree is like 1970s meets modern fashion.

There’s a ’70s purse and a ’70s shoe. I don’t use traditional tree skirts — I use fake snow. Next year I’m going with an all-red tree. I like to decorate them to the point that you can barely see the tree.

For the past three years, purple has been a signature holiday color at The Met. Owners Geoffrey and Brenda Michel liked the gemstone boldness of purple velvet for its uniqueness — it’s not the typical red or green. They’re also fond of tall Christmas trees.

“When we opened the business, Brenda said we needed a big tree,” Michel says. “To have an 18-foot tree was the goal. We decorate it with purple ornaments and wrap all of our boxes in purple ribbon.”

Last year, Michel decorated The Met’s window displays with purple drapes and Christmas trees.

This year, he’s going with tutus.

“Little ballet dancers are always running around The Met because of their events,” says Lauren Walsh. “He called up wanting to partner with the ballet and do a Sarasota Ballet window. I saw him the other day walking around with a tutu bag so I knew he was getting ready!”

It takes about 24 hours to rig The Met building in holiday.

“Holiday décor — what it means to me is watching families have the shopping experience be part of their true holiday experience,” Michel says. “The grandmother is having champagne and grandchild is on her iPhone, mom and dad are buying cashmere sweaters — it’s all part of the experience. When you see this store Dec. 23, it’s pretty magical.”

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

11

// HOME&GARDEN

Cheryl Gilbert and Scott Brann

Margaret Wise “Well, it’s about time you dragged yourself in here!” says Margaret Wise to Raul Molina as she opens her front door.

“All my life I’ve decorated for every holiday,” she continues.

“Any excuse to celebrate, I do.

The only difference is when we were home (in Mississippi) for Christmas, we went out and cut down our own tree and used a lot of magnolia trees.”

Wise and Molina met 25 years ago when Molina was working at The Christmas Shop, then owned by Barbara Lose.

“It was the most beautiful shop — it was something out of New York,” Wise says.

“Raul worked for her and had just moved here from New York, where he had an antique store and was a decorator. He decorates everybody’s Christmas trees and houses.”

While Wise is trying to re-

member from which benefit she saved red feathers that have since become lamp and wreath décor, Molina chimes in.

“I am the best in Sarasota,” he says. “I do not attach to the tree; I stuff in the tree. My glue gun is my brain in my hands. I make Margaret buy new ribbon every year.”

Molina remembers decorating a Carmen Miranda tree in Rio with bananas and fruits and what fun he had.

“The colors we see in the market now are teal, white and silver, or a beautiful purple,” he says. “But traditional red, green and gold are for Margaret’s traditional tree. I fluff the tree, put lights in the bottom, put the topper ornament on and ornaments are the last things. I do artificial snow and gold or silver, then I clean up and vacuum, but after Christmas, it’s your problem!”

Lux Art ran out of silver holiday décor first. For the past few years, copper and gold have been the cream of the crop, but silver started peaking in 2011, and storeroom Manager Cheryl Gilbert had a feeling it was going to be big.

“Silver-plated acorns and pine cones,” Gilbert says. “Those went really fast, and the snowy white owls. We went through 1,000 white owls.”

Turquoise is pretty picked over, as are the peacock feathers and peacock ornaments.

“We totally blew out of them,” Gilbert says.

“We would get them and spike them out of the top of the tree — people just love that combination.”

But year after year, it’s not so much the colors, but the collection. Coastal — real seashells, sand dollars and starfish with raffia ties — is in, as per usual in Florida.

“Traditional and natural collections remain No. 1 every year, always,” says Scott Brann. “As far as trends, platinum and silver are a hot one.

Copper is still strong and goes really well with the Mediterranean homes that are so popular.

We’re also seeing a lot of glitter sprays and a lot of birds this year. Owls are amazingly popular.”

Lux Art tree decorating tips 1. Always have a glass of wine when you start.

2. Always start with a theme in mind, whether it’s the traditional red and green or red and the new apple green. Or, if you’re going to go with coppers — chunky pine cones, owls and red cardinals. We add a lot of things to trees, like twigs and magnolia flowers.

3. If you’re decorating a really tall tree, we recommend you take the top two sections and put them in a separate second stand. Make sure you totally fluff the tree until you don’t see any holes.

4. The more variety of ornaments you have, the better the tree will look.

Use at least six different sized ornaments from small to large balls to icicle shapes.

5. You should absolutely have more than one tree. A lot of people have the family tree and then the more themed tree — from the redneck Christmas tree to ballerina to sports tree — in the living room or the husband’s man cave.

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DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

// HOME&GARDEN

Crafty Genes

by Mallory & Leslie Gnaegy | DIY Editors

PROJECT: Thank you cards Skill level: Price:

$$$$$

Average time: One day

SUPPLIES: • White card stock • Black card bases • Watercolors • Black felt-tip marker • Adhesive photo backer, tacky glue or glue stick • Optional flair (ribbon, rhinestones, etc.)

TIPS:

... after

before ...

• Once the card stock dries after being painted, you might need to iron it flat.

1 Watercolor card stock

3 lettering Trace your lettering with pencil before you go over it with black marker; this will save you from having to go back to step one. Choose a variety of fonts and handwriting. You can always type out a font, print it and trace it or go online for more inspiration. And these don’t just have to say “thank you.” It could be a card for any occasion, from “Happy Birthday” to “I’m sorry I ate your sandwich.”

Do not be dismayed; this type of painting requires no artistic skill. Dip your brush in water and apply color to the card stock. Play around with brush strokes and opacity of paint.  It’s hard to mess up watercolor. If the final result doesn’t look great, don’t sweat it. Sometimes the ugly ones look cooler when you cut shapes from it.

4 glue to cards Using adhesive photo backer, tacky glue or a glue stick, apply your shapes to the black card backer.

2 outline shapes and cut

We used a circle and a heart stencil to create the shapes. We also created our own stencil using card stock, and traced a nickel to make smaller circle cut-outs. The possibilities here are endless: stars, a rectangular border, squares, spirals, etc.  If you don’t have stencils, make your own or trace around household objects such as a coffee mug or toilet paper roll.

 If you’re using a wet glue, like tacky glue, use it sparingly. A lot of glue might cause the card to curl or dimple.

5 add flair Add bows, rhinestones, glitter or stickers where you see fit. Everything needs a little flair, but keep it simple. There is a thing as too much bling! Use a silver or white gel pen to write your thank-you note on the inside of the card.

For a step-bystep video tutorial of Mallory Gnaegy demonstrating the creation of a thank you card, visit YourObserver. com.

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Black Tie YourObserver.com

Astrid Culp with Mason

Photos by Loren Mayo

Scott and Michelle Bell with Molly Crawford

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Anne Chauvet, Jason Collier and Kim Moreland

By Loren Mayo | Black Tie Editor Headline comedian and animalrights activist Elayne Boosler received a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd at the Humane Society of Sarasota County’s 20th annual Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Saturday, Dec. 1, at Sarasota Yacht Club.

Boosler was so entertaining that several guests were still repeating her jokes late into the evening.

 Audrey Sherer

INSIDE: Poinsettia Opera Luncheon PAGE 18

The event was one of HSSC’s most successful events to date, raising more than $85,000 for shelter pets. Auction items included trips to Africa, France and Italy, and one special item included 18 bottles of hand-selected wines and champagnes from the wine cellars of HSSC’s Board of Directors.

Two K-9 “greeter” dogs found forever homes during the event, and Jeff and Joanne Roberti adopted featured puppy Mason.

 Christen Cleary

HSSC Executive Director Kristie Dorman

Michelle Perrone and Michele Burnett

Joanne and Don Caldwell

Co-Chairs Christine Goodall and John Raleigh with Blake

14 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

// Sonata a Due //

Benefiting La Musica Tuesday, Dec. 4, at John Ringling House

Scott Moore and Robin Warsaw

Bill Somach and Jackie Sams

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Janet Hunter, Sally Faron, Linda Knox and Sandra Orlando

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

15

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

Lauren Angeleri meets Santa.

Mandy Rey and Jules Morgan

// Christmas in Candyland //

Christine and Roger Gay with their sons, Christian and Caleb

Benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation Sunday Dec. 9, at Michael’s On East

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16 YourObserver.com

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DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

// Women’s Day with Steve Guttenberg //

Benefiting the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Monday, Dec. 3, at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

17

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18 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

// Poinsettia Opera Luncheon // Benefiting Sarasota Opera Guild Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Michael’s On East

Read all about it! Thousands of new titles and old favorites in our Goodwill Bookstores. If you love books and bargains, shop at one of our three bookstores. Conveniently located in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice, our bookstores offer great reads at great prices. Choose from romance, medical information, classics, cookbooks, self help and much more. We also have an extensive children’s section and a rare books area featuring signed editions. Come by and browse today.

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PMP Sarasota Winter Residency

DECEMBER 23, 2012 – JANUARY 5, 2013 Free musical events, including recitals, master classes and rehearsals with Toby & Itzhak Perlman, faculty & students.

USF Sarasota-Manatee campus Visit www.PMPSuncoast.org for updated schedule and latest information.

Memberships & Sponsorships still available!

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Sarasota Opera Association Chairman Don Worthington and Karin Murphy Huizing with Alma and Stan Abshier

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Michelle Fournet and Karen Iezzi

Suzy Phillipes and Rona Polakoff

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

19

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

Elita Krums-Kane, Erna Garkule and Victor Kancans

Photos by Loren Mayo

// A Chance to Dance //

Cecilia Hitchcock and Topaz Von Wood

Benefiting Carreno Dance Festival Scholarship Fund Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Donna Maytham and Jeanne Zabelle

Betty Schoenbaum, Linda Houze and Wanda Libby

Sharon Prizant and Charlotte Ryan

Mimi Edlin with Jorgen and Gudrun Graugaard

Susan Landau and Robert de Warren

Sarasota’s Professional Chorus Artistic Director, Joseph Holt

Celebrating the Season Presents

Failure To Thrive

A Holiday Spectacular featuring the Sarasota Premiere of Gwyneth Walker’s “Alpha and Omega” and the Sarasota Orchestra Brass Quintet Tuesday, December 18 • 7:30 PM • First Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave, Sarasota

Tickets: (941) 360-7399 • www.gloriamusicae.org

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FREE pre-concert interview with Gwyneth Walker and June LeBell begins at 6 PM

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Featuring Author: Jeff Oliver

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 • 7:00 pm Beatrice Friedman Theater on The Jewish Federation Campus, 582 McIntosh Road Tickets: $10. *Students attend free with valid ID. Presented in partnership with Jewish Book Council & Sarasota Bookstore 1.

CLOSES2 DEC. 2

An energetic and ultimately poignant literary debut, Failure To Thrive digs deep into the compromises of marriage, the intensity of parenthood and the love that propels a father in the face of his own mortality to raise his son.

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20 YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

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s please call 9

n For Reservatio

. Peter used to,” he said am I ay w e th ore, times Rabbit Cacciat tough economic te e ri es vo th fa in n id ia sa al It l about us by lot more carefu as made famo w a e at ar th le h p is d eo p a when Burton end their money r and Richard o sp yl ey Ta th h e et er ab h iz w el out just movie e filming the “They don’t go t. er u w o e ey in th d ey en h th w chia, e said. are hungry,” h Peter’s Isle of Is n ey o th ” ra se at p au o ec le b “C 1961. elcome Capri, back in that they feel w f t o an rt le o Is p e im th r t’s “I ea n aurant. e By me into a rest Taste of Hom co A ey th ca ti n en A h as w C ips. It’s ame as is helping steven J. smith“That dish bec eating relationsh n cr o t si u o as p ab ’s ’s o It ci ming “The Peter Migliac like you are co were,” he said. asAntica, g C ey t, in th n el ra fe as au t s u u st o o re m ab fa d that’s own for diners at his new my passion. An me guests Isle of Ischia is also well kn ’s co at el Th w e. e m ar o h ey that on for more feel as if th ca is all about.” f Ischia in its seafood, so I have a lot of ti o n A le as Is C e at th h n w o p and , log on in his home ” he said. the menu too, such as shrim about CasAntica e, n at io m at ti in rm fo t’s in “I y. rant.com sting and southern Ital a-antica-restau feel like I’m squid prepared in very intere as .c to w e w ad w m e to I’v out 200 “It’s a place . nds.”Peter, delicious ways. I also have ab ie fr ld ll 941-366-1840 o ca y r m o h it te w va g ri n p ti n mee ntrating o nning es to offer, conce tradition of ru in a w m o fr e, with es m co rants. The label Italian vintages, of cours au st re n ia al It es from sumptuous ly popular some very good specialty win h ig h e th f o er Africa, former own ta Key, he California, Argentina, south es si n o o n ia added Café Gabb time in as well. ”Peter is a th li ra lf st u se A im d h an e usiness has outdon wonderful he’s been in the restaurant b a m o fr ca ti n A years. creating Cas for the last 43 Palm Ave. in .

N 3 1 2 1 at old house his Brooklyn, , ct fa In y sl e iciou It’s a place I’v NY restaurant mamma sarasota — a del at g th to feel like Lucia’s, named for his intimate settin e d a m 6 5 date can accommo eeting with mother, opened in m m I’ m o ith ro diners inside, w ds. n d is still run by ie an 8 fr 6 9 ld 1 o y so m or e New for another 30 his brother. Th g n vi li a as h outside.“It o estaurant of the tw R d it an d , te en vo d a es , m room York Ti room, a dining cently sold Café into re r ed te rn Pe tu .

I 0 8 9 at 1 th rs Year in was very bedrooms upstai ds an st a’ as C n siesta Key. It o “‘ . o id n ia sa b e h ab ” G s, m dining roo id it lacked the ld.’ sa ‘o s e n h t ea u m b ’ l, u ca ti sf ‘An succes for ‘home’ and teract with his in g of in to el fe im h e r th fo in y rich capacit old house, but wanted. “I was ern e h th u ay so w g. e n th ki s o er e co custom home.”And hom e people there, ely at th er d ch o u m to ’s to ca ti le asAn not ab d Italian style. C ern th u so e th orld-class foo s w re & u at rt fe fo u m o en c armth, priced m erience the w p x e to u o y e it urant.

Migliaccio inv n Italian Resta w to n w Peter & Susan o d w at their ne

Home f o e T s A T A

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Call for reservations 941-366 -1840 Valet or Private Parking Offered www.Casanticasarasota.com | casanticarestaurant@aol.com

99131

Monday - Saturday 4:00 -11:00 Sunday 4:00 -10:00 1213 N. Palm Ave. | Sarasota, FL 34236 | In the theatre district