East County Observer 1.21.21

E A ST COUNTY

Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

Go wild at the fair.

PAGE 1B

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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FREE THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

VOLUME 23, NO. 11

YOUR TOWN

Want to see top golfers?

Be ready to work for it With no general admission tickets being sold to the World Golf Championships at the Concession, the only way to attend might be working volunteer shifts. PAGE 21A

Courtesy photo

Birthday surprise Grace Dean (above), a kindergartner at Tara Elementary School, was sad she couldn’t celebrate the birthday of her friend, Madison Nickel, at school Jan. 13.

Dean wanted to make Nickel’s birthday special, so she decided to surprise her with balloons and goodies while she was home quarantining.

Dean’s class helped by creating a birthday card for Nickel. Dean and her mother, Belinda Nicholls Dean, dropped off the surprise at Nickel’s house and spent some time talking to her from the road. “[Grace Dean] felt good that she was able to make her friend a little more happy,” Nicholls Dean said.

Full bore to mitigate pigs Lakewood Ranch residents want destructive wild pigs removed. SEE PAGE 3A

Liz Ramos

Wild pigs, such as these along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, are causing significant damage.

Every moment cherished

Courtesy photo

Return of the Mini Mustangs Chloe Craciun (above), a student in the Mini Mustangs program at Lakewood Ranch High School, drew her family with crayons.

It helped her teacher, Catherine Schutte, get to know her. The pre-K teacher was excited to have her students back after not having the program last semester due to the pandemic.

“It’s wonderful to have my classroom and Mini Mustangs back,” Schutte said.

Brendan Lavell

Jerry Tomasso began experiencing symptoms of ALS in December 2015. His brother, David, moved to Lakewood Ranch about 18 months ago to help take care of him.

Greenbrook resident Jerry Tomasso remains upbeat despite the effects of ALS. SEE PAGE 8A

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Aiming for inclusion.

SEE PAGE 18A

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

Senior facilities begin to receive vaccine Some assisted living facilities in Lakewood Ranch have begun to vaccinate residents and staff while others wait and hope.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

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Brendan Lavell

The Fountains of Hope Executive Director Karla Oliver says it was frustrating at times to wait for the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents and staff will receive their first doses Jan. 22.

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Oliver said waiting became particularly frustrating when seniors from the general public started receiving the vaccine.

“We’re the most vulnerable,” Oliver said. “We’ve had the most publicity of isolation. But we’re not in line to get it before others are getting it.”

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Grand Living residents Ed and Fran Kipley wait for 15 minutes with a Walgreens employee who is monitoring them for adverse effects after they received COVID-19 vaccines Jan. 11.

MANATEE COUNTY VACCINATION UPDATE First vaccination: Dec. 22 Total vaccinations: 16,421 People registered: 133,000

ity’s residents had signed up to receive the vaccine. About onethird of staff members had registered, but Oliver said that number is steadily increasing.

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Oliver said she stresses to residents and staff members the importance of staying vigilant until almost everyone has received their second dose. She worries that some people will be so excited about receiving the first dose that they’ll be tempted to relax.

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hile seniors in Manatee County wait to hit the COVID-19 vaccination lottery, pharmacies have begun giving shots at many retirement homes and assisted living facilities after receiving the vaccine from the state.

Vaccinations at such facilities are a result of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Pharmacy Partnership for LongTerm Care Programs. Facilities registered for the program through Florida’s Department of Health and Agency for Health Care Administration.

Karla Oliver, the executive director at East County’s The Fountains of Hope, said it had chosen CVS to give the vaccinations, which are expected to be delivered Jan. 22.

Oliver received an email from CVS on Dec. 2 that said not to call the company but rather to wait until CVS reached out to ask about scheduling dates for vaccinations. In the meantime, the pharmacy provided webinars to provide background information

of other East County assisted living facilities agree the first dose of vaccine is worthy of excitement.

The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch celebrated its first dose of vaccines from CVS on Jan. 16 with an outdoor pizza party featuring a live band, Executive Director Kellie McKinzie said. McKinzie said every resident has signed up to receive the vaccine.

“It’s a great day for us after going through this for nine months, at least,” McKinzie said.

Many residents and staff members at Élan Manatee received their first dose Jan. 18. Grand Living at Lakewood Ranch received its first doses of vaccine from Walgreens on Jan. 11 with 91% participation among residents, Executive Director Michelle Orlando said.

As excitement spreads through the Grand Living community, more residents who didn’t receive the vaccine when Walgreens first visited have signed up for a second appointment.

“We feel very fortunate,” Orlando said. “The excitement from even knowing that we are getting the vaccine leading up to that day was wonderful. The residents feel so much satisfaction in the sense that they have protection, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel because we’re doing our part to get us back to that normal.”

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

3A

“Right now, the districts are on their own because we’re not getting any help from the county or the state to help mitigate it.”

— Kathleen Grant, Edgewater resident

Pig trapper Juan Trevino stands next to one of his box traps. Trevino was hired by Lakewood Ranch CDD’s 2 and 6 and began work Jan. 10.

PIG PROBLEMS LEFT TO NEIGHBORHOODS It appears government agencies won’t help until pigs fly.

TO CATCH A PIG

Pig traps used by Juan Trevino POWER SNARE: Trevino ties one end of a cable to a stable object, such as a tree. The other end of the cable is tied in a loop and positioned around a lever. When a pig steps on the lever, it triggers the cable loop, which snaps up and tightens around the pig’s leg. When covering the trap with dirt, it’s important to sift out leaves, twigs, moss and other items that can get stuck under the lever and impede the triggering of the snare.

BOX TRAP: Trevino’s box traps don’t rely on triggers, like many do, because they can be set off by squirrels, birds and other animals. Instead, near the back of the cage, he attaches a string to a stake in the ground on one end and a pulley at the top of the cage on the other end. When the pig eats its way to the string and bumps into it, the pulley is triggered, closing the door to the cage.

Trevino has caught as many as eight pigs in one box trap.

CORRAL TRAP: Trevino will set up a circular fence, about 25 to 30 feet in diameter with an 8-foot door, which will be left open. At the center of the circle will be an automatic feeder. The feeder will dispense food once per day until the pigs become accustomed to going in and out for food without getting trapped, usually about seven to 10 days. Once the pigs have adjusted to the routine, a trigger will be set, so the next time they come in for food, the door will slam shut behind them. Trevino once saw about 30 pigs caught in a single corral.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

A

n animal problem that is running wild is rearing its ugly head in Lakewood Ranch.

Wild pigs have become an increasingly common site on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, along Lake Uihlein and within Lakewood Ranch communities.

Government agencies can’t seem to agree on who should take care of the problem, leaving Lakewood Ranch Town Hall and individual communities to manage the issue.

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department Director Charlie Hunsicker said in a statement the county “does not operate a large animal control or eradication program for nuisance wild boar, coyote, alligator or deer.” The statement said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was the authority on such issues.

An employee for the commission said the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was the proper authority. A Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services then pointed back to the Wildlife

Liz Ramos

Wild pigs roam Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

Conservation Commission.

Lakewood Ranch CDDs 2 and 6 hired a new trapper, Juan Trevino of Cowboyup Specialties, to capture the pigs. Hunting the pigs isn’t a viable option in such a high-density area, Lakewood Ranch IDA Executive Director

Photos by Brendan Lavell

Edgewater residents Mike Finney and Kathleen Grant say Manatee County and the state of Florida should help control problems with wild pigs, such as destruction of lawns and common areas.

Anne Ross said.

“The population has gotten bigger,” Ross said.

Trevino estimates the Lakewood Ranch wild pig population to be in the hundreds.

Edgewater, specifically, has been hit hard. Trevino began setting traps, with a high concentration in Edgewater, on Jan. 10.

Lakewood Ranch CDD 2 board member Mike Finney said that even if Edgewater succeeds in trapping enough pigs to convince the rest to move away, they will become the problem of some other community.

Wild pigs can cover hundreds of acres in a single day. Finney said the issue is statewide and even national in nature.

“Right now, the districts are on their own,” Edgewater resident and former CDD 2 board member Kathleen Grant said, “because we’re not getting any help from the county or the state to help mitigate it.”

Trevino, who has been trapping pigs for 15 years and hunting them since he was a youth, noted two reasons why pigs are becoming a more noticeable problem in Lakewood Ranch. First, they are prolific breeders. Trevino said they usually have four to six piglets at a time and can give birth up to three times per year. Second, the pigs are running out of places to go because of increased development and construction in Lakewood Ranch.

As the pigs move into more residential areas, they cause damage to plants, yards, golf courses and more. They eat most plant matter, along with most insects and even small animals.

Edgewater resident Robin Miller said she had to pay $4,000 in 2019 after wild pigs destroyed her yard.

“I just got so angry and so frustrated with them [that] I’d grab a pot and pan and go out in the yard,” Miller said. “I’d scream: ‘Get the hell out of my yard! Get out, get out, get out!’”

Unfortunately, Trevino said, there aren’t many options for homeowners whose yards are at risk of being torn apart by pigs.

One tactic is treating yards for grubs and worms. Another is removing fallen acorns, to prevent the pigs from finding one of their favorite foods.

Another affected neighborhood is River Club, which has hired a trapper of its own to mitigate the issue. Larry Levin, a board director for the community’s HOA, said property damage is the top complaint. But he said he is more worried about their presence on roads. Without a more coordinated effort from a higher level of government, such as the county, Levin said someone is going to get into a serious car accident.

Wild pigs are smart animals, especially once they’ve been exposed to trappers’ tricks, Trevino said. If they come across an object they don’t recognize, they’ll walk around it. Once they see a member of their group trapped, they will stay away from that area and remember what the trap looked like.

Trevino said the key to trapping pigs is luring them into a false sense of security. They tend to use the same paths, so placing snare traps on those trails is a good place to start. The ideal location for a box trap, on the other hand, is anywhere it can be easily camouflaged. Usually, that means tucking it away under bushes, branches and shrubs.

“I try to make it look natural, like a kid building a fort,” Trevino said. “I want them walking into a tunnel. I’ll make it look like it’s a big bush. And my traps don’t have floors on them. That’s another thing. When they use those traps, [the pigs] feel those bars. Little ones, you’re going to get. The big ones, they’re going to be like, ‘Nah, that’s not right.’”

Another key to trapping pigs is distracting them with food. As smart as they are, spreading corn around the trap distracts them to the point they forget about their surroundings.

Trevino is planning to use five snare traps, four box traps and one corral trap with a 25- to 30-foot diameter, all of which he builds himself. Each trap is checked at least once a day, sometimes twice when he can recruit landscape workers to monitor them for him.

He has seen pigs in the 500- to 600-pound range while trapping.

When he traps one of that size, he has to kill it on-site because it is too large to transport. Otherwise, he typically ships the pig off to an approved holding facility, where it is then prepared to become food.

Trevino said he has some buyers that often buy his cuts of meat.

According to Manatee County, “an organized effort in one area by a determined HOA is rarely effective if other surrounding areas do not coordinate and assert the same level of control.”

But the county itself can’t go on private property.

In the meantime, the pigs will likely continue to be a nuisance.

“In Lakewood Ranch, they’re just used to people,” Trevino said.

“To them, this is like a little park.

They know they’re not getting hunted.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

More vaccine arrives in Manatee County Manatee County received another 3,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Jan. 19 and was set to distribute 2,400 of those to seniors 65 and over who are registered in the county’s standby pool.

County 311 operators began calling randomly selected seniors from the phone number 7424300 to book appointments for Jan. 21 and 22 at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton.

The remaining 600 doses will go to front-line health care workers, who will also be randomly selected from a separate standby pool.

If a selected recipient misses the first call, the county calls back once at a later time. If the county calls twice with no response, that person’s name will be placed back in the standby pool. The county asks that people don’t call 311 to check if they’ve been selected.

As of Jan. 19, 133,500 people had registered in the county’s standby pool. To register for the standby pool, visit MyManatee. org, or call 311 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Health care workers can enroll in a similar vaccination standby pool by going to vax.MyManatee. org/frontline.

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The Circus Arts Conservatory announced Jan. 13 it was canceling its annual Circus Sarasota run at Nathan Benderson Park.

The organization cited health,

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safety and financial considerations for its reason to cancel of its show that was scheduled to begin in February. The organization also it canceling its Circus Arts Gala and Cirque des Voix.

Circus Sarasota and the Circus Arts Gala generate the most income for the nonprofit.

“As we were monitoring the COVID-19 crisis over these last several weeks, we considered the unpredictability of travel, the safety and comfort of our artists and patrons as well as the longterm survival of our nonprofit efforts,” CEO and co-Founder Pedro Reis said in a release.

The Circus Arts Conservatory said it hopes to resume Circus Sarasota at Nathan Benderson Park in 2022.

Manatee advisory board members sought Manatee County has announced it is accepting applications for three people to join a citizens advisory committee that makes recommendations to the County Commission on the voter-approved infrastructure sales tax.

Those selected would meet periodically to prepare an annual report to the commission.

Those who live in unincorporated areas of Manatee County are eligible. The term for the seats is two years.

Applications are due Feb. 12 and may be found at MyManatee. org.

For more information, call 7453778, or email Haley.Harrison@ MyManatee.org.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

5A

Major increase for new teachers in Manatee School board says big salary boost will help Manatee attract first-year teachers.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

T

he School District of Manatee County could have a leg up on the competition when it comes to recruiting first-year teachers.

Superintendent Cynthia Saunders said the district’s new starting salary of $51,630 could be the highest in the state.

“It will help to attract and keep personnel here, especially if we’re the highest in the region, because we all know you can live in many counties here and commute to one another,” Saunders said. “It will put us at an advantage in attracting [teachers] to make sure we have all of our positions filled next year.”

The School Board of Manatee County on Jan. 12 approved the contract with the Manatee Education Association that included salary increases to bump a starting teacher’s salary from $45,706 to $51,630.

The new starting salary includes funding from the state as well as $5,201 from the millage referendum supplement.

The salary increases follow Florida lawmakers allocating $500 million to raise a starting teacher’s pay to $47,500. School districts across the state were

required to use the funding to get as close to $47,500 as they could.

The school district received about $8.4 million from the state to put toward salaries.

Using funds from the state, the district bumped the new base salary to $46,429.

The district and the Manatee Education Association chose not to include funding from the millage referendum in the salary negotiations because the passage of the referendum is not guaranteed.

With the $5,201 from the referendum, the salary is increased to $51,630.

For Peggy Turner, a kindergarten teacher at Robert E. Willis Elementary School, the salary increases aren’t what she had hoped for teachers already in the district.

“It’s sad they’re not paying attention to teachers they have currently,” said Turner, who has been teaching for 23 years and has spent 20 years with the School District of Manatee County. “I feel like they’re taking us for granted. I feel like it’s another slap in the face.”

A requirement of the state funding was for districts to use 80% of the $8.4 million in funding to get new teacher salaries as close to $47,500 as possible. The

File photos

B.D. Gullett Elementary School third grade teacher Jennifer Santora helps Caley Ochoa with a math problem in 2019. The district increased first-year salaries to attract more talented teachers.

The district is trying to hire more talented teachers, such as Braden River High math teacher Glen Dallman, by increasing salaries for first-year teachers.

WHAT THEY EARN Salary comparison for firstyear teachers $51,630: Manatee $47,500: Sarasota $46,900: Hillsborough $46,100: Osceola

other 20% of the funding could be used for veteran teachers or paraprofessionals.

Pat Barber, the president of the Manatee Education Association, said the requirements of the funding were a “huge overreach” to the association’s ability to negotiate salaries, and as a result, the district couldn’t provide the same type of increases to veteran teachers as those with less experience.

Moving forward, Barber said the Manatee Education Association needs to work with the school district to have state leadership understand that districts need state funding to provide salary increases that recognize the retention of veteran teachers.

AGREEMENT DETAILS The new teachers’ contract incudes: n Salary increases for all teachers that will be retroactive to July 1, 2020; n Base salary increases to $46,429 that includes funding from the state but not from the millage referendum; and n Longevity pay worth $2,100 for teachers who completed 16 years in Manatee County last year or $3,600 for those who completed 25 years.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

As Tim Fenimore and Caitlyn Haley of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce in Lakewood Ranch pulled up Jan. 13 to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for MD Now Urgent Care, workers were still putting some finishing touches on the exterior of the building.

The workers gladly moved a ladder to make way for Dr. Brandon Coffey to cut the ribbon with some big scissors.

MD Now, which has 56 locations in Florida including its newest at 1838 Rye Road, Lakewood Ranch, will have to be used to a little extra construction for a while. State Road 64, east of Interstate 75, is going through the additions of three roundabouts (one is finished with two to go), and strip malls are popping up all along that stretch of road.

Eventually, though, MD Now should have access to thousands of residents.

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MD Now started business along

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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EAST COUNTY

“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 Publisher / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com; Brendan Lavell, BLavell@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; Carol Parker, CParker@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com Brendan Lavell

NOT A MOMENT ALONE Family and friends pull together to surround Greenbook man through ALS struggles.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

G

reenbrook’s Jerry Tomasso was quick to interject when his brother, David, was asked what gave him the idea to run the first full marathon of his life to support his brother in his ordeal with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“Brain damage,” Tomasso joked. “This clown — 26 miles?

If he had [ALS], I wouldn’t run 26 miles for him. I might ride a motorcycle.”

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in July 2016, Tomasso, 62, said he has seen his quality of life compromised but not his sense of humor.

The longtime New Jersey state trooper often jokes that he won the lottery when it comes to the life he has lived.

That might be a surprise to hear from someone living with ALS. “Nobody knows when they’re going to die,” he said. “I’ve got to experience a lot.”

His brother wants to make sure he experiences more.

David Tomasso, who was living in North Carolina, sold his house and moved to Lakewood Ranch’s Country Club in 2019, so he could be closer to his older brother.

“He knocked on the door and said, ‘What do you need?’”

Tomasso said.

Besides David and his wife, Sherry, Tomasso has plenty of family support that starts with his wife, Sue. His son, John, is his primary caregiver, and his other children are Allison Tomasso and Danielle Ray, along with Danielle’s husband, Fletcher.

Tomasso said his family and friends make him feel fortunate.

With so many family members by his side, he said he hasn’t spent a moment alone since the ALS worsened to the point he could no longer walk up stairs about 18 months ago.

His first symptom emerged in December 2015 when he lost movement in his left pinky, even though he still had full feeling in the finger.

“Like a moron, I Googled it,” Tomasso said.

The first result to appear was ALS. Somehow, he said, he knew right away that he had it.

ABOUT JERRY

For more information about Jerry Tomasso’s story or to donate to the ALS Association, visit TeamTomo-FL. com.

Here is a story from the website told by his brother, David Tomasso: “My favorite childhood story about Jerry involved the family station wagon. With our parents away on vacation, Jerry at age 14 decided it would be a good time to take the car for a quick drive. He drew a mustache on his face, grabbed my dad’s rain hat and coat, put a phone book on the front seat and concocted a way to push down on the gas and brake pedals.

It was the perfect setup to drive our family car down to the local schoolyard. What could possibly go wrong?

Somehow, some way, he made it back without crashing. Who would have thought that some day this kid would grow up to be a responsible adult, much less a New Jersey State Trooper?”

Courtesy photo

Jerry, Sue and Allison Tomasso pose for a 1995 photo in New Jersey, where he worked as a state trooper.

So he called David, who jokingly told him not to use Google “ever again,” adding that he was getting carried away by assuming the worst. So Tomasso visited his doctor and said he thought he had ALS, and the doctor agreed with

Courtesy photo

his brother.

The doctor said it was likely a trapped nerve. By July 2016, however, he had lost movement in all his fingers. Once any other possible diagnoses were ruled out, it became clear Tomasso had ALS. In December 2020, David ran the Disney Virtual marathon through Lakewood Ranch to raise money for the ALS Association.

In the weeks leading up to the 26.2-mile run, family, friends and members of Tomasso’s old motorcycle club put out the word and eventually collected $33,000 for the nonprofit.

Tomasso said he is grateful for all the medical professionals who have treated him during his time with ALS, along with the workers at Florida Cancer Specialists who take care of him while he receives infusion treatment.

David Tomasso said his brother’s positive attitude serves as an inspiration to cancer patients at the Florida Cancer Specialists.

He tells them to put on their battle faces because they still have something to fight for.

Asked what he has to fight for, Tomasso pointed to a couple of goals. First, he wants to keep raising money for ALS, so one day people can live in a world without the disease. His second reason for fighting his disease as long as he can was simpler.

“Tomorrow,” he said.

Above: David Tomasso ran a virtual marathon in December 2020 to raise $33,000 for the ALS Association.

Top: Sue Tomasso, John Tomasso, Nancy Pump, David Tomasso and Harm Pump are among the many loved ones who help take care of Jerry Tomasso, who has ALS.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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JAY HEATER

Brain Health Initiative founder expects big 2021

E

lon University student Keri McGahren didn’t need more work on her schedule, but she was fascinated by the start of Brain Health Initiative in Lakewood Ranch.

So she decided last year to apply to become the student liaison for the Brain Health Initiative’s Scholars Program. After being selected, she figured she would have to do with less sleep.

Only she found herself sleeping more — and better.

“I didn’t understand how stress could impact my sleep,” McGahren said. “I am under a heavy work load, and I was not getting the sleep I needed.”

Working alongside Stephanie Peabody, a neuropsychologist and founder of the Brain Health Initiative, McGahren began to learn about factors, such as quality sleep, that can influence brain health.

“I was trying to apply what I learned to my own life,” she said.

“I have prioritized sleep, and now I make a very detailed schedule.”

The tiny microcosm of Brain Health Initiative’s considerable end goal draws attention to an effort that is advancing in our community, even if we still are oblivious to strides being made

by Peabody and her team.

McGahren, no doubt, is smart.

You would think she would have learned long ago that quality sleep leads to quality output.

But that makes me think of the

File photo

Stephanie Peabody, the executive director of the Brain Health Initiative, says she has ambitious goals for the nonprofit in 2021.

Framingham Heart Study, which began in 1948 and produced celebrated discoveries including that smoking is bad for your heart and exercise is good for your heart.

Although my initial reaction would be “duh,” it became apparent as the study collected the Massachusetts community’s lifestyle habits over decades that we as a society failed to weigh

the obvious with the attention it deserved. It took a team of researchers to not only tell us that “smoking was bad for our hearts” but, more importantly, why it was bad for our hearts.

Peabody launched Brain Health Initiative because we as a society have had a lack of focus on prevention (emphasizing treatment rather than prevention), a lack

of integration across disciplines (neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists working in silos) and a lack of an understanding of multilevel risk and resiliency factors when it comes to brain health.

“We are influencing people’s behavior,” Peabody said. “And that’s hard to change.”

When the effort was launched in 2019, a huge buzz was created. Schroeder-Manatee Ranch donated $600,000 toward the effort and other businesses came forward with funding.

But studies like Framingham take decades to accumulate research, so it’s hard to maintain that buzz, especially when you have a COVID-19 pandemic, which prevents the new researchers in town from coming face-toface with so many of us.

Peabody and her team have ambitious goals in 2021, but some of the most important goals has to do with educating the community about the study and convincing people to participate.

Among the goals are: n To launch the Brain Health Champions! Program that is designed to engage and empower the Suncoast region by providing needed brain health knowledge, tools, resources and training in skill sets to enhance brain health outcomes. The program will offer professional development programming for fitness and wellness professionals; n To analyze and share results of

the Lakewood Ranch Brain Health Pilot Study; n To establish initial BHI Community Brain Health Centers of Excellence; n To continue the Brain Health Boost series; n To grow the Brain Health Scholar program for youths; n To continue the Brain Health Matters Lecture Series; and n To expand the Mindful Triathlon as a signature community engagement event.

It should be noted Brain Health Initiative doesn’t have a brickand-mortar home in Lakewood Ranch that the public can visit because of the pandemic.

Peabody is excited about the coming year because she said that despite the pandemic, “interest is through the roof.”

After she said the community determines the success of such studies, she was asked what local residents can do to help.

“Just stand up, … [and] participate,” she said. “When we send a call to action, respond.”

Jay Heater is the managing editor for the East County Observer. Contact him at JHeater@ YourObserver. com.

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I never have before felt so helpless with such despair and such frustration. It’s because of the plans Gov. Ron DeSantis and Manatee County health officials have developed for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to its senior residents of Manatee County.

During the first plan, many of us wasted several hours on the computer endeavoring to get an appointment to have the COVID-19 vaccination. We waited a long time to get through on the link, then we waited a long time to acquire the available tickets to no avail.

Then a new, improved plan was announced by DeSantis.

We were excited — until we heard the details. Everyone over 65 was eligible to register, and this included Manatee County residents, snowbirds and lastly people from other counties who wished to use our very limited supply of our COVID-19 vaccine.

Then the governor announced the parameters. Everyone who registered for the vaccine would be placed in a pool, no first come, first served. The pick would be random. I don’t know about you, but I have never won anything by having my name picked out of a hat.

I figure that at this slow rate, it could be two years to a vaccine date for us. With no guarantee of being picked, when the selection is taking place, where does that leave us? Also, please remember, a person registering weeks after you registered could get picked long before you get picked. If you are age 85 or 90, a person 20 years younger than you could

get picked long before you are picked.

How about another plan? It is actually the British plan. First group to receive the COVID-19 vaccine would be 80-year-olds and above, a much more manageable group. Then would come 75-year-olds and above, and so on. After they have received a vaccination, bring back the retired health care workers to administer the vaccine. Call in the military — we do it for other things.

England is just finishing the vaccinations for people age 80 and above. They expect to complete age 70 and over by mid-February. The English did not have to register; their general practitioner telephoned them with an appointment date.

Please, DeSantis and Manatee County health officials, think outside of the box, and show us some urgency. People our age are dying from COVID-19. Press the go button, so the vaccine can get to us before the virus does.

JOYCE A. ALBERTIS WATERLEFE

Thanks to the commissioners It was a pleasure to read the article regarding the commissioners who rejected the rezone at Savanna. Finally, we have a majority of commissioners who care more about our communities than they do about the builders.

MARY LOU KOVAC EAST COUNTY

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SARASOTA PLAY CENTER NAVIGATES THE PANDEMIC’S UPS AND DOWNS Jen Mannering and her husband Chris have grown accustomed to highs and lows running Bounce Down Under, their inflatable party and play center for kids off Beneva Road in Sarasota.

But seven years after they opened, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, closing their business for six weeks in the spring. So the couple turned to their financial partner - Achieva Credit Union.

Achieva has been there for two key times in Bounce Down Under’s history – first, when they got their business started with an SBA loan, and then, when the pandemic shut them down during their busiest season.

The Mannerings were quick to seek out resources to help navigate the unknown, trying to keep on top of the news all the while. “I applied for everything in terms of possible financial help,” said Jen Mannering. “Thankfully, I was in touch with Achieva Credit Union early on and their customer service was incredible.”

An Achieva employee walked her through the Paycheck Protection Program application, and Mannering still remembers her appreciation in that moment. “He just brought me to tears,” she recalled. “He was just so supportive and reassuring.”

It took some time, but the Mannerings got funding in the first round of the PPP, which Mannering attributed, at least in part, to the responsiveness and help of the Achieva team.

The funding helped them keep all of their employees at full pay through their closure.

Now, Jen Mannering is optimistic. Bounce Down Under reopened in early June, and the Mannerings are working on special promotions to attract customers while educating them on the safety procedures the facility has put in place. “The kids had been bouncing off the walls all summer,” she said, “so the people coming in are very cooperative and grateful.”

Achieva can help your business, too, whether you are starting a business or figuring out ways to get through this challenging time. Reach out to Branch Manager Katie Harmon at our Fruitville location or call 941.907.4000 so we can learn about your needs and see how we can help.

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Scouts prepared to meet in person

Before the pandemic, Girl Scout Troop 97 was meeting regularly, earning badges and moving toward reaching their goals.

Then the pandemic hit, and troop activity was put on hold.

Although the troop could have met virtually, Summer Jahn, the leader of the troop, felt the experience wasn’t the same, so she held off on hosting meetings until they could meet again in person.

The problem with meeting in person was finding a new location because schools weren’t allowing outside groups to meet on campus. Fortunately, a parent found the East Manatee Bulldogs facility. With the new facility, Jahn had to change the day of the week her troop would meet, which caused a few members to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.

After finalizing the location and dates of the meetings, Jahn had to ensure her Scouts would follow Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention guidelines and Girl Scouts of Suncoast Florida’s health guidelines at meetings.

Courtesy photo

The guidelines include wearing a face mask, practicing social distancing and not sharing supplies.

Although Jahn, along with leaders of several other Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops in the Lakewood Ranch area, has had to make adjustments and overcome challenges to ensure they could meet in person, many troop leaders have said it’s worth it, so their troops could be together again.

Some troops tried hosting their meetings virtually for a few months when the pandemic began and found it couldn’t replace the experience of meeting in person.

Girl Scout Troop 140 leader Aleksandra Moore had difficulty keeping her Scouts interested and on task, but she found new activi-

Dominic Caporaso, a member of Boy Scout Troop 191, shows off his targets during a rifle merit badge workshop.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ties for them to do, so they could have fun. Some nights, the Scouts would make their own dinner or dessert and then eat together.

Other nights, they would play games to win prizes that would be sent to them.

As difficult as it might have been to host meetings virtually, Elly Barr, the leader of Girl Scout Troop 701, felt that the virtual meetings were an opportunity for her troop members to connect at a time when everyone was separated.

All the Scouts in Barr’s troop had just finished fifth grade at Braden River Elementary School and were moving onto different middle schools, so the troop was a way for the girls to stay connected with their friends.

“It’s about getting them back together and getting them feeling like a troop again,” Barr said.

The decision to move back to in-person meetings was made after discussing it with the parents of the scouts in their respective Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop.

The leaders knew what health and safety precautions had to be put in place in order to ensure their scouts would stay safe during the meetings and activities.

Jahn’s troop has 20 Scouts

Liz Ramos

Phoebe Jessop, a member of Girl Scout Troop 97, looks over at her fellow scouts while riding. Horseback riding was one of the outdoor activities the troop could do safely.

ranging from second grade to fifth grade. Because she has a large troop, she has to split them up and have half the group meet outside and the other half inside to follow health and safety guidelines.

Boy Scout Troop 191 meets in the parking lot of Living Lord Lutheran Church once per week.

Everyone brings their own chair, and they sit socially distant while wearing masks.

“There’s a lot of things with Scouts you just can’t do over the

computer,” said Brian Caporaso, the assistant scoutmaster of Troop 191. “You have to be handson.”

Boy Scout troops have not let the pandemic get in their way of learning how to camp, build fires and complete outdoor activities.

Gabe Cole, an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 10, said his troop has been camping once per month since they started meeting in person again in October.

When camping, Cole and his

|

fellow leaders ensure the Scouts are staying with their assigned groups, so they could easily contact trace if someone were to test positive for COVID-19.

The camping experience might be altered due to following the guidelines, but it’s still providing valuable life skills for the Scouts while they’re having fun, Cole said.

“I have to say, our boys have adapted and overcome the situation,” Cole said. “They’ve made the best of it, and they’ve kept scouting positive and strong.”

Girl Scout troops are finding ways to volunteer in their communities and do different activities outdoors.

Moore’s troop participated in a beach cleanup on Anna Maria Island and made shoeboxes for seniors through Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee County.

Jahn’s troop spent Jan. 16 horseback riding at Home Run Farm. The girls learned about horses before getting to ride.

Barr’s troop has done activities at Camp Honi Honta, such as kayaking and archery.

“It warms my heart that they are still so involved [in the troop] because it could be easy for them to go the other way and not want

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to be in Girl Scouts anymore,” Barr said.

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida created a new way for troops to earn their badges called Badge in a Box. The girls are provided all the materials they need to earn their badge in a box.

Jahn will be trying two Badges in a Box with her troop in the coming months. One is designing a race car, which the troop has never done before.

“It’s getting out of your traditional painting and pottery and stuff like that, which are all nice and fun to do, but I think this gets a little bit more creative juices flowing,” Jahn said.

Girl Scout troops are heading into cookie season, which will look different than the past.

Many grocery stores have told troops they aren’t comfortable having booth sales being conducted outside, so troops are having to get creative on how they can still sell cookies while being safe.

Girls will depend on online sales while learning about online businesses, how to accept digital payments and internet security.

“A lot of the girls will learn more about global business and internet businesses, which they haven’t done before,” Moore said.

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Pulte Homes sales associate Andrew Basco has encountered an interesting problem only three weeks after starting to sell homes at Lakewood Ranch’s new neighborhood of Sapphire Point.

The homes are selling too fast.

“We’ve sold 25 homes in three weeks,” Basco said. “It creates a backlog. I’ve been [selling homes for] eight years, and I’ve never had this problem.”

Besides the many features offered by Pulte Homes in the community, Basco talked about the location, only “30 seconds” off State Road 70 on Uihlein Road.

S.R. 70 delivers access to jobs in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and Bradenton, along with a short run to Interstate 75 and the rest of the region.

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What: Grand Opening When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 Where: Uihlein Road, across from the entrance to Lakewood National, in Lakewood Ranch Precautions: A limited number of guests will tour each model at one time. Individuals will be distanced, and face coverings are encouraged.

Model tours will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Builder: Pulte Homes Size of community: 472 homes Price range: $300,000 to $800,000 (14 flexible floor plans) More information: Go to Pulte. com/SapphirePoint, or call 213-1179.

options,” Basco said. “You can add a second floor or a bedroom.”

Sapphire Point hosts an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 23. Pulte Homes decided to host an in-person event with safety precautions, including social distancing, in place.

The neighborhood has a 45-acre, wetland “bumper” separating it from Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch. A new $10 million library is planned for land adjacent to the existing Premier campus along with racquet courts, athletic fields and an aquatics complex.

“There is a value to living in Lakewood Ranch,” Basco said.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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Within the community itself are two lakes that have two island preserves within them. Those islands give those who live waterside privacy when it comes to seeing across the lake. Nothing will be developed on either island.

The 230-acre property will host 472 homes at build-out.

“Sapphire Point has two homes to an acre,” Basco said “Most builders would put two-and-ahalf to three homes per acre here.”

A community center will fea-

ture a pool, fitness center, a covered pavilion and a playground.

CDD fees are $1,050 per year.

As far as meeting the demand for homes in Lakewood Ranch, Basco said prospective owners can put down a $10,000 refundable deposit if they want to reserve the right to choose a home in the neighborhood once Sapphire Point has to put a hold on sales to catch up.

If the builder can’t complete the ordered homes in a five- to eight-month window, then sales are put on hold until the builder can catch up. Basco said Pulte Homes wants to keep homeowners’ wait to that time window, so it can provide them with the best service possible.

Sapphire Point includes no maintenance landscaping. Owners are allowed to have fences around their yards.

The 472-home community is surrounded by more than 60 acres of natural preserve and 35 acres of lakes.

A road trip with your honey can be an exciting adventure.

But not when you’re going for radiation.

Did you know that 1 in 3 people are diagnosed with cancer each year? Last year 6,000 of those cases were in our area and over half of those people sought treatment elsewhere. We believe no one should have to leave home for cancer treatment and soon, patient-centered, comprehensive cancer care will be available right here. That means, finding hope at home instead of losing it on the road.

You have the power to give hope. Please consider a gift to help support the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute.

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941.917.1286 | smhf.org A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.freshfromflorida.com/divisions-offices /consumer-services. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. (REGISTRATION #CH103) THE HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION WILL USE THE FUNDS FOR THE STATED PURPOSE BUT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO USE THE GIFT IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH ITS CHARITABLE PURPOSE IF THE STATED PURPOSE IS IMPOSSIBLE OR IMPRACTICAL TO ACHIEVE.

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Above: Sapphire Point hosts an open house Jan. 23 in Lakewood Ranch.

Three models will be open for the public to tour in person.

Right: Pulte Homes sales associate Andrew Basco

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Photos by Jay Heater

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

941.359.0099

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SarasotaBallet.org

Reflection over resolutions KRISTINE NICKEL

It might be more popular to set New Year’s resolutions, but in these tough times, a little self-reflection can be more useful.

29 JANUARY - 2 FEBRUARY 2021

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N

ew Year’s Day is most likely in your rearview mirror by now. But for those of you who made resolutions, where are they three weeks into the new year? After many, many years of going through that process, this year I just said no.

Following the year we’ve all been through, it seemed ridiculous to resolve to do, well, what?

There are so many unknowns in our lives. Things continue to change from day to day. And let’s face it, things are pretty much out of our control.

That begged the question: What is in our control? My answer to that turned out to be pretty simple. We can control our thoughts and how we react to our behaviors and our beliefs.

But to make that happen, to get a

handle on what those beliefs are, we must adopt the practice of self-reflection.

I can hear some of you whining, “Who has time to sit around and reflect?” I get that, and I’ve been there plenty of times, but I’ve come to recognize that without reflection, I, and probably you, continue the same behaviors that might not work in our favor. Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Another way of looking at a life not reflected is a treadmill that never stops.

Everyone needs to hop off, take a breather and think about all those miles you’ve put in. Where did it get you? And where might you rather be going?

BENEFITS PLEASE

What if I said you could be healthier, happier, stronger and more resilient? I think you would hop on board. The Rev. Bruce Wismer, co-pastor at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, weighed in about this process.

“I was ready for 2020 to be over, but that also meant another year of accomplishments, experiences and opportunity had passed. What were the most important lessons I learned? The best things that happened to me?

The challenges? New skills? And how did I have fun?” Wismer suggests scoring yourself on a 1-10 scale. Then identify what you need to hit a 10 in the areas that are important to you. Using

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WATCHING THE GAME TAPES

With all the football currently on our screens, I couldn’t help but hone in on how much time athletes spend watching the video tapes of their performance, reviewing and reflecting upon how to do it differently and better. That’s the gift reflection gives us: how to do our life better.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO RESPOND, NOT REACT

These days, one of the more important benefits of reflection is the almost constant bombardment of the media and the speed with which our culture is responding to events. Let’s face it. Most of us have said or done something in the moment that you wish you could take back. So hit the pause button and reflect, taking a look at all sides of the issue. And that’s double down on emails or social media.

GETTING INTO THE HABIT

It’s one thing to agree that reflection is a good thing and another to make it happen in our lives. I turned to Dr. Gretchen White, a psychotherapist, for her take on reflection.

“In order to move ahead, we all need to take the time for self-reflection,” she said. “One simple way is to take time each day to jot down what you were grateful for. Not only is gratitude a positive and powerful thing to track, but it requires reflection.”

White decided to start 2021 with a daily check-in with her two sisters on WhatsApp. “We share what we were grateful for the day before. It can be something really silly or profound.”

Other techniques that might be helpful are journaling, meditating or just taking 30 minutes to walk at the end of the day. If self-reflection isn’t a regular part of your life right now, it might be time for you to take a step back.

Kristine Nickel is a marketing communications consultant.

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Arts Collaborative aims to be busy in 2021

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Courtesy photo

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative President Michéle Des Verney Redwine has a full slate of panels, student exhibitions, community programs and more set for 2021.

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative kicks off a busy year with a panel discussion.

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here’s nothing quite like the artistic process for Michéle Des Verney Redwine. It’s how she says she finds joy.

The former Ringling Museum board member has been deep in the arts world for years, first as a painter and more recently as a sculptor. She has also been on several local arts boards in the 15 years since she moved to Sarasota.

Nothing has made her happier.

But, she said, that joy isn’t

shared by a diverse enough group. For all the artistic avenues in Sarasota, she feels that such artistic voices are scarce.

“We find that if there’s an interesting exhibition that has been created by an African American or an Asian [artist], those communities come out to see that,” Redwine said. “Eventually, they’ll start to become an active participant within that organization.

But most people of color in this community do not feel connected to the arts.”

Redwine formed the Suncoast

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The “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Visual Arts” Zoom panel will discuss diversity and recognizing racial blind spots in the arts community. Participants include Ringling Executive Director Steven High and Sarasota Art Museum Director Anne-Marie Russell. Go to SuncoastBlackArtsCollaborative.org/january25th-panel.

Black Arts Collaborative in 2017 to help bridge that divide. The group partnered with Arts Center Sarasota for salons and guest artists to promote diverse work and viewpoints.

“No one really knew us,” Redwine said. “We were not entrenched in the community.

And that was the missing link.”

She decided 2020 would be different. The organization spent the year establishing itself as a legitimate nonprofit, expanding the board and forming partnerships with other nonprofits to emphasize diversity.

Now, in 2021, Redwine feels it’s starting to pay off.

The group plans on Jan. 25 a panel series about the intersection of art and racial justice.

Subsequent panels are planned in March, April and May. On the same day as the “Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Visual Arts” panel, the group will launch the “2021 Black Muse” exhibition, which highlights artists of color and their works.

The virtual exhibition is a collaboration with Art Center Sarasota and the Association for the

Study of African American Life and History.

“I honestly believe everything that we do has to be through some form of collaboration or partnership,” Redwine said. “That’s the only way that we are going to help a community to look at the missing pieces.”

This year’s exhibit will have more emphasis on young artists.

Following last year’s exhibition featuring several of the artists visiting schools to discuss their creativity with students, the 2021 exhibition will have a segment including works from Sarasota High School, Booker High School, North Port High School, Riverview High School and Booker Middle School.

Redwine also plans to launch an Ambassadors for African American Art program to involve students in the arts scene in the local community. She hopes that program, in turn, will spur interest in inclusion and more varied exhibitions at art museums and organizations.

“We need to consider being involved more in this area,” Redwine said. “Influence is very important in terms of operation and those things drive involvement.”

Redwine said she works on the initiatives morning to night, every day of the week. Planning and managing a slate of programs throughout a pandemic year was exhausting and invigorating, and she hopes the new year will bring more progress.

“We’re so engaged with the work we’re doing,” she said. “I hope a year from now that we have a good solid face in this community, and people know about us, … and we have a good partnership.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

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Auditions at the Outpost The Players Centre for Performing Arts auditions actors for roles in an upcoming play at Jiggs Landing Outpost.

Facing the water at the county preserve, Pelissier was just himself, a 38-year-old receptionist at Hair Alchemy in Sarasota. But with a little shudder of his head and a quick twist back toward the directors, he became someone else. The story, set in a cemetery, is about deceased members of the community coming to life to narrate their epitaphs.

DeFant and McCauley listened intently as Pelissier recited his monologue. Then DeFant told him to do it again, this time from the diaphragm.

He did so and then headed to the parking lot after being told he would be called if he got the part.

Pelissier was asked if he had any

JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR

Sarasota actor Daniel Pelissier stood on the new outdoor stage Jan. 17 at Jiggs Landing Outpost, his back turned toward Director Donna DeFant and Assistant Director Patti McCauley.

DeFant and McCauley were hosting auditions for Edgar Lee Masters’ “Spoon River Anthology,” a 1915 collection of poems that narrate the epitaphs of the residents of a fictional Illinois town. The two directors were looking for about 13 actors to fill roles in the play they will present beginning in late February on that same stage.

Jay Heater

Director Donna DeFant and Assistant Director Patti McCauley give instructions to those auditioning at Jiggs Landing.

advice for East County residents who are interested in auditioning for a role offered by The Players Centre for Perfoming Arts, which has planned to build a $30 million theater complex at Waterside Place of Lakewood Ranch.

“My best advice would be to just do it,” Pelissier said. “When I did my first one, in September 2011 for ‘Kiss Me Kate’ (a Players’ presentation), I didn’t know how to dance, and I had a lot going on in my life. My friend kept saying I was chicken. I figured I would just go and fall on my face. But I

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walked out with the [lead] role of Petruchio.”

Pelissier since has earned roles both on stage and in film, often getting paid for this work. He said he likes acting on stage the best.

“When you do live theater, you are living the story from beginning to end,” he said. “The audience gives you energy.”

While Pelissier has ambitions of playing bigger roles, The Players offers opportunities for those who just want to have fun.

With the new theater complex estimated to be three years

from opening, DeFant said The Players will be doing more outdoor shows all over Sarasota and Manatee counties. Jiggs Landing has become a perfect site with its serene and beautiful backdrop along with the small, outdoor stage just finished being built by Manatee County.

The hope is for a series of shows at the venue.

“We’re very excited about doing something here,” DeFant said. “We are taking community theater back to its roots. No microphones, no sets, no lights.

This will be a way to get your feet wet.”

DeFant was hoping to see new faces, but all those who auditioned at Jiggs Landing were actors who have performed with The Players in the past. She hopes “Spoon River Anthology” — which will be held Feb. 27-28 and March 6-7 at Jiggs Landing (tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for students) — convinces those in attendance to give community theater a chance or to tell their friends about it.

Like Pelissier, she encourages those interested to just do it.

“Just come, and take a deep breath,” she said. “These are safe places, not negative places. We want to develop new talent.”

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JANUARY 21, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

5

“I am always practicing, whether it is with my team or by myself in the gym.”

— Saint Stephen’s Jamie Springstead SEE PAGE 23A

More birdies for Lakewood Ranch area Concession lands unique opportunity to host a World Golf Championship event.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

S

1

The Out-of-Door Academy girls basketball junior guard Zi Burns had 22 points and 10 steals Jan. 14 in the Thunder’s 57-49 overtime home win against Bradenton Christian.

2

Lakewood Ranch High senior quarterback Jimmy Kelly threw for 152 yards and three touchdowns in the Suncoast Senior All-Star Game, held Jan. 16 at Southeast High.

Kelly’s Red team defeated the White team 20-7.

3

Braden River High senior boys soccer player Darius Beckford had two goals and two assists Jan. 13 in the Pirates’ 5-2 road win against Sarasota High.

4

Sandra Zackin (29) won the Nine Hole Women’s Golf Association “Throw Out the Par 3’s” event held Jan. 14 at Palm Aire Country Club’s Lakes course.

5

Barbara Barrett (17) won the Nine Hole Women’s Golf Association “Strike 3” event (individual low net scoring) Jan. 14 at University Park Country Club.

eventy-two of the world’s top-ranked professional golfers will be featured Feb. 25-28 at the $10.5 million World Golf Championships at the Concession Golf Club in the Lakewood Ranch area.

Unfortunately, most East County residents won’t be able to see them — except on TV. The PGA Tour made the announcement Jan. 15 that the Concession would host the tournament, which was originally scheduled as the World Golf Championships-Mexico to be held in Mexico City. COVID-19 issues in Mexico City forced the move. The PGA Tour stated it is not a permanent change and noted the event will return to Mexico City in 2022.

COVID-19 issues also mean no general admission tickets will be sold at the Concession. A small number of tickets will be sold to Concession club members and invited guests. The event will include a Wednesday pro-am and honorary observers.

About the only other way to see the golfers in person will be as a volunteer working the event.

Meghan Costello, the WGCMexico tournament director, said the event will require approximately 400 volunteers. A link to a volunteer signup sheet will be made public later this week.

Costello said getting those volunteers is the biggest challenge of moving an event of this magnitude — especially with 45 days notice — but with the golf community being strong, Costello doesn’t anticipate problems.

The event is one week after the Korn Ferry Tour holds its LECOM Suncoast Classic event at Lakewood National Golf Club. The event’s 2021 title sponsor is still to be determined.

Concession General Manager Brian Weimann said hosting the World Golf Championships will bring attention to the club and show off the beauty of the course.

Concession General Manager Brian Weimann said the club, which was named Best New Private Course by Golf Digest when it opened in 2006, never has been interested in hosting an annual PGA Tour event. Weimann said the club’s first priority will always be its members, and hosting an annual event would take away too much course time from them.

One-off events like this one, however, are perfect, Weimann said. They bring attention to the club and show off the beauty of the course to a national audience while minimizing the time the course is blocked from member use.

Down the line, Weimann said, the club would be interested in periodically hosting one of the PGA Tour’s major championships.

“Getting this event is the first step in getting a seat at the table,” Weimann said.

“I’ve seen lots of courses, and this one is right up there,” Costello said. “Driving up 18 with the water and the clubhouse in the background, it’s cool.”

The tournament’s first two days will be broadcast on the Golf Channel, while its final two days

will be broadcast on NBC. Elliott Falcione, the executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said getting Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton and Sarasota mentioned on national TV is a unique opportunity.

“It’s all about branding,” Falcione said. “The viewership demographic of the tournament aligns with how we showcase the region.”

Dom DiMaio, the president and CEO of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, said it’s another opportunity to elevate the region in the nation’s — and the world’s — eyes.

“At the very minimum, we are going to get people coming into town and spending their money,” DiMaio said. “But we also are going to get that national recognition. People are going to ask, ‘What is Lakewood Ranch?’ and they are going to Google it. Members of golf courses around the nation are going to see one of the best courses in the nation.”

Patrick Reed won the $1.82 million first-place money in last year’s WGC-Mexico event, holding off a field that included Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas.

BIG EVENT

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE CONCESSION GOLF CLUB When: Feb. 25-28 Purse: $10.5 million Tickets: Not available due to COVID-19 restrictions Volunteers: PGA Tour said about 400 volunteers will be recruited with signup information to be released soon Televised coverage: Golf Channel, first and second rounds; NBC, third and fourth rounds

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

With star injured, Pirates sail forward S

tephanie Smith has never done less during games than she has this season.

The Braden River High girls basketball head coach is in her third season with the Pirates. In the previous two, she did a lot of pacing the sidelines during games, accompanied by a lot of yelling, even though each season also featured a lot of success. The Pirates reached the Class 6A state semifinals last season before losing 80-58 to Wekiva High.

This year, however, things are different. Smith said she has spent the majority of game time sitting on the bench. She said sometimes she gets so lost watching the games that she momentarily begins watching as a fan.

Her change in demeanor has come for a few reasons, one of which is the COVID-19 pandemic. In watching the coronavirus’s path of destruction, Smith realized some things matter less than others. It’s tough to place too much importance on a turnover when people around world, and in her community, are dying.

“Basketball is just a game, after all,” Smith said. “I’ve always said that, but I don’t think I ever believed it until this year.”

The other reason, though, is purely basketball-related.

Simply put, the Pirates are playing better than they ever have.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Above: Braden River senior guard Cheyenne Stubbs transferred from Sarasota High this offseason.

Right: Braden River senior guard Ellie DiGiacomo is the team’s best 3-point shooter.

Braden River is ranked seventh in the state by MaxPreps (all classifications) and holds an 8-3 record while having the highest strength of schedule of any team in the top 25.

The team’s star, Florida State signee and two-time Gatorade Florida Girls Basketball Player of the Year O’Mariah Gordon, is having a typically strong season, averaging 23.2 points, 4.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. She’s

Ellie DiGiacomo. Stubbs, a guard with a strong driving ability and tough defense, started her career with the Pirates before leaving for Sarasota High, but she transferred back this offseason.

DiGiacomo transferred from Venice High before the 2019-20 season and is the team’s best 3-point shooter. Those two, plus forwards Isabella Patterson and Aaliyah Capers in the post, buoy the team’s starting lineup.

“We don’t see ourselves as a one-person team,” DiGiacomo said. “We work so well together.

We pass the ball well, and once we get into the flow of the game, it’s hard to stop us.”

That idea will soon be put to

hardly alone, though. Whereas past Pirates teams revolved around Gordon’s ability to score and rack up steals, this year’s team is more well rounded.

Take the team’s Jan. 5 game against Southeast High (7-2), which reached the Class 5A Final Four last season. Gordon scored just 12 points. The Pirates won by 29 points, 71-42, behind 21 points from senior Cheyenne Stubbs and 15 points from senior

the test. In Braden River’s Jan. 9 game against Cardinal Mooney High, Gordon landed on a Cardinal Mooney player’s foot in the post, causing an ankle sprain.

The injury isn’t season-ending, but Smith said she doesn’t expect Gordon back until the playoffs. In the interest of caution, Gordon will be held out for a few weeks. Smith said the rest of the regular season is just a tuneup for the playoffs anyway, so she cares less about results and more about how the rest of her players are developing.

Patterson said the on-court dynamic changes when Gordon is not on the floor, but the expectations do not. Patterson said the Pirates still feel like they can compete with the best teams in the state. That is thanks to the trust the team has in one another.

“I think a lot of people underestimate us,” Patterson said.

“They know ‘O’ (Gordon) is on the team, and they think that’s all we are. And I understand why.

‘O’ is great. But the rest of us can do a lot, too, and we can’t wait to show that.”

Ryan Kohn is the sports writer for the East County Observer. Contact him at RKohn@ YourObserver.com.

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What is the appeal to you?

I like the competitiveness of basketball. There are a lot of oneon-one opportunities. It can be aggressive. At the same time, you get close to your teammates. It has everything.

Which superpower would you want?

I would want telekinesis. I’d just use it to move everyday stuff around. Or maybe I would actually become a superhero and help people.

What is your best skill?

I am able to get to the basket and score. That’s always been there for me. Also, even though I’m on the shorter side (5-foot-7), I can box people out and get rebounds.

What is the best advice you have received?

My coach at Saint Stephen’s, Coach G. (David Gaulman), he teaches us about life as much as he does basketball. He says life is hard, so enjoy basketball, and enjoy the family you make here.

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What is your favorite TV show?

I like “The Vampire Diaries” on Netflix. I like the “Teen Wolf” series, too. Any of that sci-fi stuff is good to me.

What is your biggest challenge?

I’m always working on my defense and my speed. Those are things that come with practice. I am always practicing, whether it is with my team or by myself in the gym.

SOCIAL DISTANCE

If you would like to make a recommendation for the East County Observer’s Athlete of the Week feature, send it to Ryan Kohn at RKohn@YourObserver.com.

When did you start playing basketball?

I started playing at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA when I was 5. I played soccer at the time, too. I stuck with both for a long time, but I stopped soccer last year to focus on basketball.

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Just being with my team for that moment was special.

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YourObserver.com

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T H A N K YOU !

OV E R $ 87 M I L LI O N I N SA L E S VO LU M E I N 2 0 2 0 # 1 T E A M AT M I C H A E L SAU N D E R S & C O M PA N Y I N 2 0 2 0 A N D 2 019 !

3312 57th Street E

SELLER

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7917 Waterton Lane 300 S Pineapple Avenue #701 7257 Greystone Street

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7458 Seacroft Cove

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9272 McDaniel Lane

NEW BUILD

7207 Pasadena Glen

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15613 Linn Park Terrace*

BUYER

15613 Linn Park Terrace*

SELLER

7207 Pasadena Glen

SELLER

17115 Salerno Drive

NEW BUILD

13716 Red Rock Place*

BUYER

13716 Red Rock Place*

SELLER

12312 Newcastle Place

SELLER

7003 Portmarnock Place

BUYER

7413 Haddington Cove

SELLER

16131 Daysailor Trail 14535 Secret Harbor Place 8347 Catamaran Circle 455 Longboat Club Road #306 17741 Lucaya Drive

SELLER SELLER

BUYER

7210 Ashland Glen 16007 Castle Park Terrace 7237 Greystone Street

SELLER

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15215 Derna Terrace 14726 Secret Harbor Place 14632 Secret Harbor Place 7009 Kingsmill Court

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7248 Whittlebury Trail

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4750 Mainsail Drive

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7257 Greystone Street*

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7257 Greystone Street* 15715 Castle Park Terrace 16631 Collingtree Crossing 4003 5th Avenue 5003 Riverview Boulevard 14818 Sundial Place

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NEW BUILD BUYER BUYER BUYER BUYER

5637 Arnie Loop 7923 Royal Birkdale Circle 16716 Berwick Terrace

BUYER BUYER BUYER

16716 Berwick Terrace 14822 Secret Harbor Place

6532 Lincoln Road

SELLER

BUYER

7303 Greystone Street

7014 Whittlebury Trail

SELLER

NEW BUILD

16829 Berwick Terrace

7015 Whittlebury Trail

BUYER

SELLER

16210 Baycross Drive

6819 Turnberry Isle Court

BUYER

SELLER BUYER

SELLER

NEW BUILD NEW BUILD SELLER

17036 Polo Trail

SELLER

$2,400,000 $2,350,000 $2,350,000 $2,199,000 $1,700,000 $1,522,500 $1,500,000 $1,445,000 $1,407,500

$1,310,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,210,000 $1,162,725 $1,150,000 $1,150,000 $1,110,000 $1,085,000 $955,000 $950,000 $925,000 $912,000

$900,000 $893,127 $870,000 $865,000 $825,000 $820,000

$812,500 $807,865 $800,000 $800,000 $798,999 $788,315 $780,000 $775,000 $775,000 $758,689 $750,000 $715,000

$700,000 $675,000 $675,000 $670,000 $655,000 $655,000

$630,000 $596,500 $578,500 $578,000 $575,000 $572,000

2915 156th Terrace E 333 & 335 22nd Street Court NE 9616 Royal Calcutta Place 14218 Bathgate Terrace 7326 Edenmore Street 6320 Watercrest Way #301 13055 Utopia Loop 909 143rd Street NE 6830 Turnberry Isle Court 438 147th Court NE 7515 Rio Bella Place 12752 Fontana Loop 8219 Waterview Boulevard* 8219 Waterview Boulevard* 6316 Thorndon Circle 8089 Sandstar Way 1115 Gulf of Mexico Drive #201 16536 Hillside Circle 14619 Sundial Place 7442 Edenmore Street 14310 Stirling Drive 13215 Palermo Drive 629 Rosemary Circle 10015 Sandpiper Lane 12708 Stone Ridge Place 7430 Edenmore Street 5132 Napoli Run 12418 Thornhill Court* 12418 Thornhill Court* 7183 Sandhills Place 13125 Prima Drive 12520 Night View Drive 17507 Hampton Falls Terrace 17901 Gawthorp Drive #201 7383 Divot Loop 7370 Divot Loop 2315 Starwood Court 12722 Cobalt Terrace 11707 Gramercy Park Avenue* 11707 Gramercy Park Avenue* 13507 Messina Loop #108 6248 Macaw Glen 5909 Silver Palm Boulevard 7040 Old Tabby Circle 8453 Idlewood Court 7171 Victoria Circle 6007 114th Drive E 9827 33rd Avenue E 4914 Newport News Circle 7216 83rd Drive E 7019 River Hammock Drive #401 22511 Morning Glory Circle

BUYER BUYER BUYER BUYER

SELLER BUYER

SELLER SELLER SELLER BUYER

SELLER SELLER BUYER

SELLER SELLER

NEW BUILD BUYER

SELLER SELLER SELLER SELLER BUYER BUYER BUYER BUYER

SELLER SELLER BUYER

SELLER SELLER SELLER

NEW BUILD SELLER

NEW BUILD NEW BUILD NEW BUILD SELLER

NEW BUILD BUYER

SELLER BUYER BUYER

NEW BUILD BUYER

SELLER SELLER

NEW BUILD SELLER SELLER BUYER

SELLER SELLER

*Sales where we represented both sides

$570,000 $570,000 $565,000 $560,000 $560,000

$550,000 $550,000 $548,000 $545,000 $542,500 $535,000 $530,000 $525,000 $525,000 $525,000 $515,641 $515,000 $495,000

$490,000 $475,000 $455,000 $440,000

$430,000 $422,222 $410,000 $405,000 $402,500 $396,700 $396,700 $385,000 $375,000 $369,990 $369,000 $354,995 $345,000 $345,000 $345,000 $344,817 $339,900 $339,900

$339,000 $338,000 $334,990

$312,000 $305,000 $303,000 $273,690 $242,000 $235,000 $207,000 $199,000 $112,500

47%

SELLERS

53%

BUYERS

80%

IN EAST MANATEE

74%

IN LAKEWOOD RANCH

40%

NEW CONSTRUCTION SALES

95%

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE TO LIST PRICE FOR OUR LISTINGS

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OVER

$31M

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET FOR OUR LISTINGS

IN LUXURY SALES ($1 MILLION+)

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24A

Classifieds 13B Games 12B Real Estate 9B Weather 12B

JANUARY 21, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Left: The Manatee County Fair midway is filled with dozens of rides, games and entertainment for people to enjoy.

Above: A giraffe from East County’s Rye Road Giraffes watches fairgoers as they feed goats and other animals.

FAIR OFFERS A WILD RIDE C

amryn Shear, a seventh grader at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, spent time brushing her steer, Titan, in preparation for the steer sale Jan. 16 at the Manatee County Fair.

Although it was her first year showing a steer at the fair, she wasn’t nervous.

When bidding was done, Shear went home earning $5 per pound for Titan, the school’s chapter steer.

“It was fun and a great experience,” Shear said.

Shear has already decided she wants to show a pig and a heifer at next year’s fair.

Besides bidding on Future Farmers of America and 4-H animals, fairgoers could enjoy dozens of rides and games, classic fair foods and a plethora of shows and entertainment.

This year’s Manatee County Fair runs through Jan. 24 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto.

Holmes Beach’s Kelly and Barry Moffatt and Bradenton’s Michael Wood, 1, and Ryan Moffatt show off the caricatures they had done at the fair.

Parrish’s Aurora Porcher, 5, picks out the face paint to match with her mother, Rachael. “It’s really pretty, and I like rainbows,” Aurora Porcher says.

— LIZ RAMOS Photos by Liz Ramos

Ellenton’s Lucy Teav, 4, jumps as high as she can on the trampoline.

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WE’RE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US!

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

(941) 306-1202 ArtistSeriesConcerts.org

TIE

2B

2020-2021

BLACK

25th Anniversary Season RISING STARS OF SARASOTA Alex Garcia, French horn Sara Hutchinson, euphonium Ben Rosasco, trombone Katie Terres, soprano

A special concert showcasing the exceptional talent of four of the area’s finest young musicians.

Alex Garcia

Photos by Harry Sayer

Debbie McHardy, Kim and Shaun Peens, and Tim Robinson

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isterhood for Good of Lakewood Ranch rolled the dice to raise money for charity in the Vegas Comes to the Ranch event Jan. 15 at the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch.

The nonprofit’s members and friends turned out for a night of drinks, music and casino gambling. Event co-chairwomen Peggy Kronus, Angela Massaro-Fain and Lori Ruth welcomed guests while board Chair Amy Gorman passed out awards later in the night.

Proceeds raised at the event went to the group’s annual grant program, which benefits local nonprofits.

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— HARRY SAYER

NEW SALES GALLERY

GRAND OPENING

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Visit the new Sales Gallery located inside Premier Sotheby’s International Realty to learn about this exciting community and

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January 31 • 5:30 pm Outdoors at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

Above: Pat and Kristi Ward Left: Co-chairwomen Peggy Kronus and Lori Ruth helped put together the event with fellow co-Chair Angela Massaro-Fain, the nonprofit’s founder.

Fate Michael with Connie and Frank Shaffery 350066-1

Make Room For Life Micah Makes Room for Her Students At age 26, Micah knew she was too young to give up on the life she wanted. And with help from the Sarasota Memorial Bariatric and Metabolic Health Center, she didn’t have to. Now Micah has more enthusiasm for the hobbies she loves and looks forward to walking and playing with her dog, Luna, each day. All the newfound energy also gives this Booker High Teacher of the Year the boost she needs to be the best teacher she can be for her students.

Learn more about bariatric surgery and our board-certified First Physicians Group surgeons by calling (941) 917-4753, or visit smhbariatrics.com.

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Are you ready to make a change?

3B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, JAN. 21

CASUAL CORNHOLE Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is hosting an eight-session casual cornhole league that runs through March 11 for those 18 and up. The fee of $25 covers all eight sessions. For more information or to register, go to MyLWR. com or call 727-1505.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21 TO SUNDAY, JAN. 24

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MANATEE COUNTY FAIR Runs 5-10 p.m. Jan. 14-15, 19, 21 and 22; noon to 10 p.m. Jan. 1618, 20 and 23; and noon to 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. The Manatee County Fair returns to offer rides, games, livestock shows, musical entertainment and more. Admission is $10 for adults (ages 13 and up), $6 for children (ages 6 to 12), $9 for seniors (ages 55 and up), $6 for military and free for children ages 5 and younger. For more information, go to ManateeCountyFair.com.

WINTER CARNIVAL Runs 5-11 p.m. Jan. 21, 5 p.m. to midnight Jan. 22, noon to midnight Jan. 23 and noon to 9 p.m. Jan. 24 alongside Parking Lot 3 at The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. The third annual Sarasota Winter Carnival returns to the Mall at University Town Center with carnival rides, fair food, games and more. For more information, go to MallAtUTC.com.

BEST BET SATURDAY, JAN. 23 TO SUNDAY, JAN. 24

BURGER & BEER FESTIVAL Runs noon to 6 p.m. alongside Parking Lot 3 at The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. The Burger & Beer Festival will feature live music, a beer pong zone, craft beer and 10 food trucks offering burgers. Those attending can vote on their favorite burgers. The entry fee is $10. The band schedule is Beat Street Band at 12:30 p.m.

Saturday; Triggerfish at 2:30 p.m.

Saturday; Reverend Barry & The Funk at 4:30 p.m. Saturday; George Pennington III at 12:30 p.m. Sunday; Brake Fail at 2:30 p.m. Sunday; and 22N at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. For ticket information, go to MallAtUTC. com, or call 727-674-1464.

File photo

FRIDAY, JAN. 22

FIELD BOCCE Begins at 10 a.m. at the Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers this form of

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4B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SATURDAY, JAN. 23

INTRO TO HORSES Begins at 10 a.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club. The Sarasota Polo Club is sponsoring the Intro to Horses program that will include four one-hour sessions Saturdays through Feb. 6. The program is designed for children ages 8-12.

The $20 fee includes all four sessions. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

SUNDAY, JAN. 24

MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Market at Lakewood Ranch runs every Sunday through April 25. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, diary products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The 30th season at the Sarasota Polo Club runs every Sunday through April 25. Besides world class polo, the event includes food and beverages, tailgating and divot stomping. General admission is $15 per adult with children 12 and under free. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. For ticket packages and information, go to SarasotaPolo.com. Gates open at 10 a.m.

ER

YOGA IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free yoga workout at Bob Gardner Park.

The event is hosted by The Yoga Shack. Bring your own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed 6 feet apart. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

LOW BACK PAIN is now covered

by Medicare!

SUNDAY, JAN. 31

BARRE IN THE PARK Begins at 9 a.m. at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The public is invited to participate in a free barre workout at Bob Gardner Park.

The event is hosted by Barre3.

Bring your own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed 6 feet apart. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

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SATURDAY, FEB. 13

REC DAY AT THE PARK Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Families are invited to experience Nathan Benderson Park during Rec Day. Participants will have the opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more.

Fees are $10 per person for ages 7-18 and free for their parents and siblings ages 1-6. The fee is $10 for adults without children.

Freshwater fishing licenses are required for any participants age 16 and older. For more information, go to NathanBendersonPark.org.

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bocce every Friday through Feb. 26. The cost is $45 for Lakewood Ranch residents and $55 for nonresidents. The league is for those 18 and up. Go to MyLWR.com for more information or to sign up.

|

To learn more about our emergency services, visit lwrmc.com/fedfruitville

Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 203942-6438 12/20

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5B

6B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

The Observer Red Pages has a sweetheart of a giveaway for you.

Your Valentine’s Day could be the best ever with a dozen red roses, a heart shaped box of chocolates and a bottle of red wine. Value: $150+ It’s easy to enter, go to www.yourobserver.com/valentine-giveway Hurry and get those entries in; we’ll draw for a winner on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021

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Brendan Lavell

Rustic Flamingo co-owners Denise Tarbell and Jacque Ruch have been working in disability services for about 30 years.

A do-it-yourself studio with heart Rustic Flamingo co-owners turn employment into an art form.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

T

hose who aren’t sure if they have the artistic talent to create unique home decor need only visit Jacque Ruch and Denise Tarbell, the co-owners of East County’s Rustic Flamingo.

Make Hawthorne Village Part of your Healthcare Plan!

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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“We were pleasantly surprised at how well they do in this environment. And our customers here are so happy to be coming to a place where they know it’s supporting jobs for people [with disabilities].”

their studio. They emphasize that people with disabilities still have plenty of abilities.

Those visiting Rustic Flamingo might find employees who have autism, significant hearing loss or a physical challenge, such as the inability to use one of their hands. But the owners said those disabilities don’t prevent them from doing anything needed. The employees do everything Ruch and Tarbell do, from using power tools to helping customers create their art projects.

“They have great ability,” Ruch said. “We were pleasantly surprised at how well they do in this environment. And our customers here are so happy to be coming to a place where they know it’s supporting jobs for people [with disabilities],” Ruch said.

— Jacque Ruch

“I don’t care if you have zero artistic talent,” Ruch said. “We can help you.”

The two women, who were friends in Rockford, Ill., before moving to Bradenton 18 months apart, were having home decormaking classes at their homes before deciding to open a studio Dec. 8.

Rustic Flamingo’s specialty signs and crafts are mostly made of wood as patrons create or follow designs to make their artwork with the help of Rustic Flamingo’s staff.

Those who decide they want someone else to handle the artistic part can shop Rustic Flamingo’s pre-made items without attending a workshop.

Customers who make signs start with a bare piece of wood and pick from 13 stain colors and 70 paint colors. A stencil is then applied through a technique of the customer’s choosing, with options including fading, sanding and glitter. Customers can even bring in hand-written messages to be used as the stencil.

Customers can reserve slots in a three-hour workshop or make reservations for private parties.

They can bring in their own food, coffee, wine and more to include in their craft-making experience.

Those who visit Rustic Flamingo also learn about the owners’ other main passion: helping people with disabilities. They felt they could start a business that could provide jobs for those with disabilities.

In Illinois, Ruch had worked as a therapist for people with disabilities, as a program developer at schools for those with autism and other disabilities, and as a principal. Ruch’s son has autism, and she also is raising two nephews who have intellectual disabilities.

Tarbell, meanwhile, had worked as an employment specialist for people with disabilities, as the director of a facility for adults with disabilities and as an educator for students who have autism.

Both have more than 30 years of experience working with the disability community. They said one of the hardest things for people with disabilities is getting a job.

Therefore, the two women only hire people with disabilities — or as they like to phrase it, “uniquely abled” employees — to work in

Ruch and Tarbell have been frustrated at times finding jobs for those with disabilities.

“It was difficult trying to find places that would be willing to give somebody with a disability a chance,” Ruch said. “A lot of times, it was very limited, what they could do. They would get to do cleaning, food service, maybe not necessarily something that they liked. But that was almost always what the opportunities were. And not everybody wants to do that.”

“Just the customer service part alone is really hard, and if they can learn that here, they can go anywhere after that,” Tarbell said.

“And this is a fun job. Everybody coming in here as a customer is having fun, in a good mood or making something fun.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

7B

NEW BUSINESS RUSTIC FLAMINGO What: DIY home decor studio Description: A studio where guests choose from an array of “experiences” to create one-of-a-kind home decor Where: 4306 State Road 64 E., Bradenton When: Three-hour time slots available by reservation depending on the “experience” selected More information: Go to RusticFlamingo.com, or call 216-4000.

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8B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

BRADENTON 8499 Lindrick Lane Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4475594 $10,850,000

BRADENTON 6720 205th Street E Aaron Corr & Leslie Emery 941-840-2346 A4486933 $899,000

BRADENTON 591 Fore Drive Sandi Dietrich 941-704-0697 A4488253 $890,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16707 Berwick Terrace Marci Mcfarland 941-961-3390 A4486555 $885,000

SARASOTA 6613 Taeda Drive Monica Verinder 941-704-4040 A4482270 $835,000

SARASOTA 8985 Rocky Lake Court Jackie Griese 941-718-0045 N6112451 $810,000

SARASOTA 8446 Cypress Hollow Drive Dana Westmark & Donald Geikie 941-356-5091 A4487469 $799,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 8309 Grosvenor Court Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4474538 $795,000

BRADENTON 5404 Tidewater Preserve Boulevard Mark Boehmig & Noel Morton 941-807-6936 A4485714 $775,000

ELLENTON 2704 72nd Avenue E Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4440184 $695,000

BRADENTON 73 Tidy Island Boulevard Kathy Valente & Gregory Zies, LLC 941-685-6767 A4477926 $670,000

SARASOTA 5351 Saddle Oak Trail Mackenzie Longueuil & Pat Mudgett 941-961-4023 A4488152 $650,000

BRADENTON 5129 88th Street E Chris Baylis & Sue Cosgrove-Lee 941-735-4713 A4481186 $645,000

ST PETERSBURG 1325 Snell Isle Boulevard NE 311 Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4484483 $635,000

SARASOTA 4112 Ilaria Avenue James Jablonski & Pamela Sweeney 941-812-5819 A4486209 $625,000

BRADENTON 13104 Prima Drive Susan Mitchell 941-780-5085 A4484488 $525,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 6668 Saint James Crossing Beth Ann Boyer 941-780-6606 A4481768 $500,000

PALMETTO 1317 50th Avenue Drive W Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4484149 $469,900

BRADENTON 221 21st Street W Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4474894 $469,000

SARASOTA 9521 Forest Hills Circle Bernadette Caswell 941-320-8265 A4476176 $420,000

BRADENTON 6885 Willowshire Way Jim McElhinney 941-773-1199 A4482705 $369,000

SARASOTA 4234 64th Drive E Laura Navratil & Mary Pat Pihl 941-806-7436 A4487927 $359,000

SARASOTA 4812 Lakescene Place Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4486070 $325,000

BRADENTON 5219 Blossom Cove Tina Ciaccio 941-685-8420 A4487870 $324,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7038 Four Seasons Circle Sherwin Taradash, PA 941-448-3301 A4487751 $319,500

LAKEWOOD RANCH 10163 Glenmore Avenue Nicole Ryskamp 941-807-1766 A4484174 $310,000

BRADENTON 13711 Messina Loop 204 Erica Thomas 941-799-9365 A4479434 $265,000

BRADENTON 7015 River Hammock Drive 104 Thomas Cinquegrano 941-284-5049 A4470206 $169,900

BRADENTON 4802 51st Street W 210 Heather Sniffen 941-720-1526 A4487744 $120,000

PARRISH 11720 Rive Isle Run Paul Oakes 941-312-1455 A4486302 $1,325,000

MSC MORTGAGE | MSC TITLE | MS&C COMMERCIAL NEW HOMES & CONDOMINIUMS

UNIVERSITY PARK 7047 Stanhope Place Daniela Soiman 941-779-4797 A4483380 $999,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM

348836-1

SARASOTA 8263 Archers Court Kathy Callahan 941-900-8088 A4483993 $3,999,999

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

JAN. 4-8

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

home in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate.

Robert and Jacqueline Nielsen, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16010 Topsail Terrace to Sean Sanford, of Bradenton, for $1.7 million. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,738 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

SD CCE LLC sold the home at 15807 Kendleshire Terrace to Harold and Sharra Tope, of Lakewood Ranch, for $799,000.

Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,887 square feet of living area.

Martin and Barbara Hicks sold their home at 7542 Windy Hill Cove to Michael and Casey Baynes, of Lakewood Ranch, for $649,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,972 square feet of living area. It sold for $710,000 in 2020.

COUNTRY CLUB

Bonnie Teske, trustee, sold the home at 7936 Treesdale Glen to James Eisengart, Candace Eisengart and Stacie Eisengart, of Lakewood Ranch, for $735,000.

Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,754 square feet of living area. It sold for $699,000 in 2010.

Richard Tillinghast and David Biondolillo, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 7102 Orchid Island Place to Robert Scott MacKenzie and Laura Lynne MacKenzie, of Ontario, for $423,500. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,880 square feet of living area. It sold for $335,000 in 2011.

Kenneth Charles Bartlett Jr. and Jennifer Lea Bartlett, of Sarasota, sold their home at 12154 Thornhill Court to Mary Jo Duffy and Herbert Hoover Grainer, of Chester, Md., for $374,000. Built in 2012, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,578 square feet of living area. It sold for $350,000 in 2012.

MALLORY PARK

DiVosta Homes LP sold the home at 12407 Blue Hill Trail to Michael and Allison Trento, of Bradenton, for $639,200. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,272 square feet of living area.

DiVosta Homes LP sold the home at 12108 Blue Hill Trail to Cynthia Louise Landry, trustee, of Bradenton, for $604,500. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,254 square feet of living area.

Photo courtesy Shanahan Merrill Group

This Lake Club home at 16010 Topsail Terrace sold for $1.7 million and has four bedroms and four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,738 square feet of living area.

SAVANNA

Meritage Homes of Florida Inc. sold the home at 13606 Flat Woods Terrace to Brian and Allison Albright, of Bradenton, for $607,800. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,750 square feet of living area.

DEL WEBB

Pulte Home Co. LLC sold the home at 17703 Colebrook Circle to Rick and Bernadette Keesler, of Lakewood Ranch, for $555,100. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,488 square feet of living area.

ESPLANADE

Taylor Morrison of Florida Inc. sold the home at 4536 Terrazza Court to Michael and Debra Jokovich, of Bradenton, for $500,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,397 square feet of living area.

Richard and Alisa Jones, of Sarasota, sold their home at 4933 Napoli Run to Steven and Laurie Klauber, of Randolph, N.J., for $470,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,087 square feet of living area. It sold for $451,800 in 2017.

POLO RUN

Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 17222 Polo Trail to Margaret Dugan and Bhagwan Gajwani, of Lakewood Ranch, for $480,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths, a pool and 2,326 square feet of living area.

Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 17916 Polo Trail to Tuoc Huu Bui and Rosanna Hoa Hong Nguyen, of Lakewood Ranch, for $386,500. Built in 2019, it has SEE REAL ESTATE, PAGE 10B

Pulte Home Co. LLC sold the home at 17635 Colebrook Circle to Joseph and Nancy Mazzarese, of Lakewood Ranch, for $477,200. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,856 square feet of living area.

Pulte Home Co. LLC sold the home at 7460 Chester Trail to David and Nanette Eadie, of Lakewood Ranch, for $429,100.

Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,851 square feet of living area.

Pulte Home Co. LLC sold the home at 6935 Dorset Court to William Gregory Gerrick, of Lakewood Ranch, for $304,300.

Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,589 square feet of living area.

RIVER WIND

Thomas Cassino sold his home at 974 River Wind Circle to Eric Johansen, of Bradenton, for $550,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,899 square feet of living area. It sold for $505,000 in 2018.

KENWOOD PARK

EMHFR Holdings LLC sold the home at 8238 Abingdon Court to James and Kathleen Scholler, of Sarasota, for $538,900. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,975 square feet of living area. It sold for $644,900 in 2016.

MARINER ESTATES

Donn and Marianne Abulone, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5109 Tidewater Preserve Blvd. to Keith Jones and Heather Klyber, of Bradenton, for $534,900. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,316 square feet of living area. It sold for $397,200 in 2013.

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REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops sales at $1.7 million

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9B

10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

Real estate FROM PAGE 9B

three bedrooms, three baths and 2,378 square feet of living area.

Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 17140 Blue Ridge Place to Laura and Ronald Salata, of Lakewood Ranch, for $359,000.

Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,225 square feet of living area.

$360,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,964 square feet of living area. It sold for $285,000 in 2003.

Riverwalk Village Cypress Banks Karen Manger, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7215 Spikerush Court to Kristin Ross Robinson, of Lakewood Ranch, for $350,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,116 square feet of living area. It sold for $280,000 in 2015.

RIDGE AT CROSSING CREEK

Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 17419 Hickok Belt Loop to Gregory Brunks and Sharon Brunks, trustees, of Palatine, Ill., for $456,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,248 square feet of living area.

Neal Communities of Southwest Florida LLC sold the home at 7625 Ridgelake Circle to James Irwin Manley and Shirley Ann Carroll Manley, of Bradenton, for $328,900. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,862 square feet of living area.

ROSEDALE HIGHLANDS

TAILFEATHER WAY AT TARA

LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

David and Diane Hennessey, trustee, of Southport, N.C., sold the home at 5349 97th St. Circle E. to Michael Vaughan, trustee, of Bradenton, for $445,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,570 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2020.

Robert and Ellen Brown, of Nashville, Tenn., sold their home at 6614 Tailfeather Way to Crystal Usher, of Bradenton, for $321,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,644 square feet of living area. It sold for $316,000 in 2017.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

4141 Inc. sold the home at 5035 Tobermory Way to Stacy P. James Trust for $400,000. Built in 2019, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,779 square feet of living area.

HAMPTON GREEN

ONLINE

349695-1

Consolidated Resource Recovery Inc. sold the home at 7928 Hampton Court to Gloria Peretz, trustee, of University Park, for

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

PRIMARY CARE

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Araik Minasyan, Painting

COVID safety guidelines in place: Social distancing, all booths spread apart, face coverings required and more.

Professionally Juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Show At Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota All Art is Original, Personally Handmade & for Sale by the Artist Present at the Show Sat, Jan 23 & Sun, Jan 24 ~ 10am-5pm Daily Free Parking ~ $5 Admission (13 & under free) Supports Plus! Budding Artist Competition for grades 6-12 or ages 9-19. More info www.hotworks.org

Mon - Fri 8 am - 5 pm

Join Us January 30 & 31, 2021 for Hot Works 25th Estero Open Air Fine Art Show outdoors at JetBlue Park, Fort Myers

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See Art, Love Art, Buy Art!™

Sat (by appointment only) 10 am - 2 pm 344671-1

10910 East SR 70, Suite 102 Lakewood Ranch 941-896-3900 Located 1.5 mile East of I-75 on SR70 - Spring Forest Office Park between River Club Blvd. & LWR Blvd.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Headed on a trip? Snap a photo of you on vacation holding your Observer, then submit your photo online at YourObserver.com/ ItsReadEverywhere. Stay tuned for next year’s prize, and happy travels!

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

11B

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SCHEDULE A TOUR OR ENROLL YOUR CHILD TODAY!

LIFE WITH THE OBSERVER IS GRAND: Kevin and Jamie Hanley took their East County Observer to the Grand Canyon south rim.

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Key Chorale Chamber Singers, orchestra and soloists are “Bach” Together Again! Join us for two festive works of the Baroque, Bach’s Magnificat and Vivaldi’s Gloria.

Nashville

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Premieres Friday, January 29 Online Streaming Concert through February 21, 2021 Purchase tickets: KeyChorale.org • 941.921.4845

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(in memory of Marcia Corrigan)

key chorale

Sarasota’s Symphonic Chorus Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director

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PRESENTING SPONSORS: Peter & Francine Gray / Richard Lilley & Carmen Letelier

Sarasota / Bradenton

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NO JOB TOO TOUGH. NO JOB TOO ROUGH!

®

12B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, JAN. 21

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 21

7:20a 6:02p

7:20a 6:03p Friday, Jan. 22 High: 72 Don’t worry, Low: 56 Jan. 23 7:19a 6:04p I T ’ S S M A R T S T R ASaturday, N D. Chance Sunday, Jan. 24 7:19a 6:05p ® Only SmartStrand can handle the 747 lbs of ice cream a family will eat in a carpet’s lifetime. of rain: 5% 7:19a 6:06p Monday, Jan. 25 Other carpets use stain protection that has to be reapplied. But only SmartStrand’s stain resistance is built right into the fibers. So it never wears or washes out. Even after multiple cleanings. Even better, It’s on sale now!

To learn more about what makes SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® #1 in customer satisfaction, visit MohawkFlooring.com/SmartStrand.

FRIDAY, JAN. 22

High: 74 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 10%

7:18a

6:07p

Wednesday, Jan. 27

7:18a

6:07p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN. 23

Feb. 4 Last

High: 74 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 10%

Mark Dimitroff captured this sunset from Edgewater looking over Lake Uihlein in Lakewood Ranch.

Tuesday, Jan. 26

Feb. 11 New

Feb. 19 First

Feb. 27 Full

RAINFALL Monday, Jan. 11

0

Tuesday, Jan. 12

0

SUNDAY, JAN. 24

Wednesday, Jan. 13

0

Thursday, Jan. 14

0

High: 76 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10%

Friday, Jan. 15

0

Saturday, Jan. 16

0.29

Sunday, Jan. 17

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2020-21 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2021, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2021 0.63 in.

2021 0.63 in.

2020 0.76 in.

2020 0.76 in.

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY 349202-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CROSSWORD

*DuPont™ Sorona® contains 37% renewably sourced ingredients by weight. The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont,™ Renewably sourced™ and Sorona® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates and are licensed to Mohawk.

941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

MUSICAL PIECES by Zhouqin Burnikel; Edited by David Steinberg

101 Salute to Julius (first 3 + last 1) 103 Droops in the sun 105 Heroic stories 107 Falcons, on scoreboards 108 Capital of Taiwan 110 Moved stealthily 111 Poem of admiration 112 Follow a snowy trail 115 Carrier with Maple Leaf Lounges (first 2 + last 2) 117 Gives a tour, say, or a theme hint 120 Heartfelt appeal 121 Sand ___ (golf course feature) 122 Like Mandarin and Cantonese 123 Baby monitor’s output 124 Look to the future 125 Event with bargains 126 Chilean currency 127 Shoppers’ reminders

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Frontline doctor 6 Love, in telenovelas 10 Principal water line 14 “Santa Baby” singer Eartha 18 Best possible 19 Point toward 21 Potatoes, in Indian cuisine 22 Much-admired figure 23 Kentucky attraction (first 3 letters in this answer + last 1) 25 Gift for an artist? (first 1 + last 3) 27 Punk offshoot

28 Some GRE takers 29 Subtle suggestions 31 Target walkways 32 Potpie legume 33 Orange soda brand 34 Disrespectful kids 35 Something worth fighting for (first 4 + last 2) 39 Wedding promise 41 Tag player’s shout 44 Aggressive spiel 45 Business VIPs 47 Islamic leader 49 Assist in a crime 50 Pastrami places 53 Back section

54 Slangy summons 55 Cheesy chip 57 Corporate getaways (first 1 + last 3) 60 Go on the offensive 62 Stadium finger material 63 Nail polish brand 64 Org. with a Boundless Informant tool 65 “No, really!”

67 Drink slowly 69 Swarm (with) 71 Fragrant necklace 74 Bothered ceaselessly 77 Longjing and pekoe 80 Pinches pennies

84 Outing to celebrate a marriage milestone (first 4 + last 1) 88 Ice cream utensil 89 Lizard whose feet are often sticky 90 Folk story 91 Fashion’s Mizrahi 93 In fine fettle 94 Graceful bird 95 Talked incessantly 96 Island country that was the first to have a female P.M. 98 Z sound?

100 “Then what?”

DOWN 1 Speechless actor 2 Cheese coated in wax 3 Display model 4 “___ the Walrus” 5 Hangers’ homes 6 Satisfied sighs 7 Karaoke device, informally 8 Some native Nebraskans 9 Deep gully 10 Spirit rover’s planet 11 Styled like 12 Cedar Rapids resident 13 Concepts 14 Fritters away the hours 15 Slushy drink brand 16 Boatloads 17 Minecraft explosive 20 Camp structure 24 Found the origin of 26 Regarding 30 Business with tumblers 32 Popular street food in Bangkok 33 Replete with 34 Takes an oath 35 Country east of Cote d’Ivoire 36 Capital near Casablanca 37 Standing tall

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

38 Sir Guinness 40 Daisy variety 42 “Let me clarify ...”

43 Fruit-filled pastries 46 Peak of a wave 48 Tableland 51 “I’d say,” in texts 52 Places for facials 54 Small streams 56 Small book page size 58 Friendly relations 59 Causes of overtime 61 High-flying toy 66 Perfect Sleeper brand 68 Mani-___ 70 Hoops legend Jordan 71 Falls behind 72 Celebrity gossip program 73 Ancient Peruvian 75 Yoga postures 76 Toucan’s claw 78 Some clock batteries 79 Equilibrium 81 Ghostly sounds 82 Oktoberfest music 83 Asparagus piece 85 Self-motivational statement 86 Melt down, as fat 87 Noble below a marquis 92 Shrill summer bug 95 Backs down 97 Sideways 99 Talk show host Kelly 101 Genre for Megan Thee Stallion 102 Play starter 104 Sparkly crown 106 Flea or fly 108 Work the soil 109 135.9 square miles, for Las Vegas 110 Magician’s garment 111 Norway’s most populous city 112 Bath bubbles 113 Sweater choice 114 Wedding promises 115 OpenTable, for one 116 Indian dish with lentils 118 “What ___ that about?”

119 Berlin : ja :: Paris : ___

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“JRN ZKRP, VACKM X LAEL TCBRL CEK’L XBPXJE LGA GAXBLGCAEL VNECKAEE CK LGA PRFBH.” – XBXK EGATXFH “OZLB XOCX SYJRX Y UDRK LRDCYAOIC BYE, RI BOICOJP, DRK XBZX XBOIO ZIO KREOD, XR GO XBO FOIM GOCX.”

– KZJJM CLBYIIZ Puzzle Two Clue:F equals V

Sarasota

OFFERING ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES FOR EVERY STYLE

Puzzle One Clue Z equals K

TILE

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

01-21-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

Homes for Sale

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon

Beach Front Home: 4BED5BATH, 2CARGAR $3,999,000

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages

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.

Call 941-955-4888 Or Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please provide your name and address) Or Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group 1970 Main St. - 3rd Floor Sarasota, Fl 34236 ARGOSY MAGAZINES August 69’ and August 70’ $5.

941-741-9727.

BARSTOOLS, SWIVEL seats, white wicker and rattan, with backs and arms. 36” tall, $65 for both. 941-355-9057.

BEACH'N RIDES eBike Sales and Service- We sell and repair Electric Bicycles from our Shop at 12208 Cortez Road, W., in Cortez, Florida.

(941) 251-7916. www.beachnrides.com

941-955-4888

DENON AV surround reciever model AVR-589 with manual.

Works fine, $100.

941-388-8636.

Autos Wanted

SOFA- TRADITIONAL Jamestown sterling, excellent condition, multicolor fabric. $150. 941-351-3166.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

CLEAN OUT YOUR GARAGE HERE!

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

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

CALL 941-955-4888

General Merchandise EAT CLEAN Foodz- a Way of Life 100% Organic farming, Vegan, Gluten free, Low Glycemic Index products.

(941) 567-8090 www.eatcleanfoodz.com

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

GARAGE SALE

As low as $17.50 per week!

YourObserver.com/RedPages

DUNKIN DONUTS and Baskin Robbins looking for mature staff to join our team part time or full time flexible hours!! perfect for retirees!!!

Text DUNKIN to 56379

Commission only- unlimited earnings.

WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

917-751-6506.

Call Paul:

Sarasota: Built in 2010 4BED2.5BATH Lakeview Lanai $335,000

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

3BD/3BA Townhome in Kissimmee, FL $235,000 3BD/3BA Townhome Rosemarie Lunardelliin Kissimmee, FL $235,000 Broker/Owner Rosemarie.ashorerealtyllc Rosemarie Lunardelli @gmail.com Broker/Owner 732-489-3676 Rosemarie.ashorerealtyllc @gmail.com OFFICE NOW OPEN AT: 7915732-489-3676 US 301 N STE 201 Ellenton, FL OFFICE NOW OPEN AT: Ashorerealtyllc.com 7915 941-417-7777 US 301 N STE 201 Ellenton, FL market Call today for a free Ashorerealtyllc.com analysis.

941-417-7777 Call today for a free market analysis.

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

Busy sales man seeks assistant ASAP.

941-955-4888

Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo $399,000

This week’s Crossword answers

WORK FROM HOME:

Make calls, set appts, typing

Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 3BED-3BATH, 2/CARGAR, Dock/Lift. $530,000.

Buy or Sell with Brooke O’Malley as your Realtor, and CLUB REALTY will Pay your title insurance.

Call 941-726-2677

Help Wanted CAKE DECORATORBaskin Robbins Earn $10 to $14 an hour, make your own hours, fun job, work on your own and chance to work on your creativity and make beautiful cakes with your own designs! https://apply.jobappnetwork.co m/dunkin-donuts-ssrm-qfrm

2.5 Acres: 4BED/3BATH, 3CAR GAR. Luxury kitchen, barn, horses. $645,000

Phillipi Gardens: INVESTORS 3BED-2BATH $209,000

jobs

Sporting Goods

Homes for Sale

55+ Beach and Boating: One story villa 2BED-2BATH $424,000

941-955-4888 PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE: YourObserver.com/RedPages

©2021 Universal Uclick

You’re only cheating yourself.

Items Under $200

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, diamonds, time pieces, coins, jewelry, antique and estate jewelry, and collectors plates.

Personal and confidential.

Please call Marc: 941-321-0707.

auto

stuff

Merchandise Wanted

University Pool/Spa 4BED3BATH $425,000

peekers’ place

The East County Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the East County Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

real estate

Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Paint the town RED!

RED PAGES

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “You know, being a test pilot isn’t always the healthiest business in the world.”

Alan Shepard Puzzle Two Solution: “Each test pilot I know considers him, or herself, now that there are women, to be the very best.”

– Wally Schirra

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 NEA, Inc.

CALL 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RED PAGES AD RATES First 15 words .................. $ 17.50 per week Each Add’l word ....... 50¢

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-362-4808 Email: redpages@ yourobserver.com Online: yourobserver.com/ redpages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

Adult Care Services

Mobile Homes MOBILE HOME in N. Sarasota for sale. New A/C and carport. $14,90 OBO. Palmterracefl.com Call: 941-355-3411 or 941-355-5332.

home services

14B

Auto Transport

Cleaning

SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States.

Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria. Residential.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates.

Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342.

SELL IT FAST HERE! POST YOUR AD WITH EASE YourObserver.com/RedPages Perfect Solutions Solutions Perfect Perfect Solutions For Seniors Seniors For For Seniors Perfect Solutions For Seniors *Caregivers/Companions *Caregivers/Companions *Caregivers/Companions * CNA’s/HHA’s ** CNA’s/HHA’s CNA’s/HHA’s *Caregivers/Companions Assistance with Daily Daily Living Living *** Assistance with Assistance with Daily Living * CNA’s/HHA’s Activities Activities Activities * Assistance with Daily Living

Cleaning CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction.

941-400-2866.

Hourly 24/7 Care Care *** Hourly 24/7 Hourly 24/7 Care Activities -Affordable Rates -Affordable Rates Rates *-Affordable Hourly 24/7 Care Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured *** Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured -Affordable Rates * Licensed/ Bonded/ Insured

Pools

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services.

Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Painting 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.

NOW IN PARRISH! 12 years of personal service in Bradenton Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota.

SPECIAL RATES FOR FIRST 30 CUSTOMERS! Book your slot for Jan 2021 GET OUR BEST RATES FOR WEEKLY POOL SERVICE CALL PAUL– BLISSFUL POOLS 941-705-0400

SELL YOUR STUFF FOR FREE! Items Up to $200

YourObserver.com/RedPages

GREAT FINDS LOCATED HERE! YourObserver.com/RedPages

Phone (941) (941) 809-1438 809-1438 Phone Phone (941) 809-1438 HHA# 299994819 HHA# 299994819 HHA# 299994819 Phone (941) 809-1438 HHA# 299994819

Pegatronics Computer Instruction and Repair It’s Easier Than You Think!

Sliding Glass Door Repair

Learn Computer Basics Phones/Tablet Help Apple & Microsoft Problems Solved On-Site and Off Much More! Call Today!

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Pegatronics.com

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

349058

349956

941-735-3362

Clock Repair

Health

CREATE BUZZ!

Advertise your business in the Red Pages.

Call 941-955-4888

Christo’s Clock Repair

THE BEST This Doctor is Among

Construction

4630 5TH ST W BRADENTON

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

Kitchen Renovations and Upgrades Visit our showroom

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

7262 55th Ave East, Bradenton, 34203

Call to reserve your ad space: 941-955-4888

bschule88@gmail.com

(941) 650-7758

WITH THE RED PAGES

Doors

DON’T let your PATIO DOORS be a DRAG or your WINDOWS be a PANE!!

University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Call 941.358.2224 today to schedule a

FREE CONSULTATION

The Only Thing You Have To Lose ... Is The Pain!!

Home Services

• Dryer hot but clothes still wet after (1) drying cycle?

• Dryer gets hot to the touch or doesn’t heat up at all?

Take a simple test to see if your vent is clogged. Unhook your dryer vent & compare drying time.

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

349305

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Call us today!

www.ezslider.com

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

• Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

941.628.8579

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

348359

Don Christo, Sr., Horologist

349300

“Medical Breakthrough Technology for bulging, herniated and degenerative disc ...

No Pain, No Drugs, No Injections, No Surgery”

349958

941-773-0875 • 941-932-5505

348226

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

349059

Owner / Operator Insured

Doors

Hardware Repair Virus / Malware Cleanup Software & Printer Install New Computer Setups New Purchase Consults Seniors & Beginners

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

Dustin Yoder

Computer

349299

Aluminum

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

Find anything in the RED PAGES | 941-955-4888

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

Bisson Roofing Inc.

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

DrGrabBars.com Licensed • Bonded • Insured COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

941-909-2268 | www.lakewoodranchmovers.com

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Painting

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Owner Supervises Every Job

Building & Roofing Contractor • Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

Homes - Driveways - Sidewalks - Tile & Shingle Roofs - Pool Cages & Decks

FREE ESTIMATES - Call Joel, Owner 30 Years Exp. Cell 619-405-7650 Home/Office 941-758-4840

954-1878

349306

941-626-3194

Lawn Care

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

Made for where you live. Here.

348360

RED PAGES

Screening • Pool Cage Restoration • Rescreening Specialists • Specialty Screens • Paint • Doors and more!

Satisfaction guarantee Satisfaction Guarantee Pool cage Restoration/ Rescreening specialists Manufacture and Workmanship Warranties

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Power Washing

Manufacture and workmanship

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal

David McCarthy Moving

941-737-4483 www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

10 SAVINGS %

...will move anything from a couch to a household Local And Long Distance Movers Residential Moves Commercial Moves Pack, Crate & Wrap

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

With this ad

349960

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS Showcase your products or services.

CALL 941-955-4888

“No Job Too Small”

Insured

10% OFF FOR MENTIONING THIS AD

941-270-1561 349495

FUR BABIES found here.

Look here where you can actually meet and greet a new pet.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 941-955-4888 or visit YourObserver.com/redpages

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

Eldridge Re-Screen Licensed

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 eani et W(941) s n ng wn as Sunrise Win Su erly kno d

Rescreening & Repairs

www.davidmccarthymoving.com

Warranties

Res./Com.

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

Movers

RED PAGES

Windows

Doors and more!

349957

349959

941-739-5102

5002 LENA RD, UNIT 107, BRADENTON, 34211 WWW.SMALLENGINEREPAIRS.US

dmccarthymoving@gmail.com

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

941-704-4278

941-345-5264

SAFE ROOF CLEANING

SALES & REPAIRS - MOWERS, GENERATORS, TRIMMERS, PRESSURE WASHERS, CHAIN SAWS, BLOWERS, ENGINES

• • • •

www.bissonroofing.com

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

GLENN KROECKER

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

941 - 748 - 7400

349326

349308

LIFETIME GUARANTEE

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

349327

INCLUDES 2 MOEN STAINLESS STEEL ANTI SLIP CONCEALED SCREW GRAB BARS (16” & 24”)

RESIDENTIAL MOVES LONG DISTANCE MOVES VALUABLE MOVES INTERNATIONAL MOVES

349316

941.966.0333

349312

235

$

15B

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

Roofing

349060

GRAB BARS

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

Movers

|

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021

YourObserver.com

348967-1

16B

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

FEBRUARY 9 • 1-2P

Join us in supporting our libraries as we recognize and celebrate all the ways our library system has helped our community navigate the challenges of this past year.

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or call 941.404.3139

349499-1

PRESENTING SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

599ea

$

(Value $800ea)

LWR 941-359-BTOX(2869) | SRQ 941-360-BTOX(2869) www.bowtiquemedspa.com 347161-1

Beauty is Our Business OFFERS GOOD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

6277 Lake Osprey Drive Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 6118 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231 MUST BOOK AND PREPAY. Must bring this ad in to receive offer.

Cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. No exchanges or refunds. All sales final.

Limited availability. Se habla español.

Offers expire 2/28/2021.

Est. 1987

Cosmetics, Implants and Bite Reconstruction Actual Patients

Smile Makeovers and Veneers

Before

After

Before

After

Dental Implant Surgery and Reconstruction

Before

After

Before

After

On-Site Laboratory with Master Technicians to Customize and Control Results

Implant Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

• Digitally Guided Implant Surgery

• Conservative ‘No Prep’ Veneers

• On-Site Cat Scan

• Nonsurgical Facelifts

• PRP and PRF Blood Enhancers

• Bite Correction

• Sedation

• Bruxism Treatment

• Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts

• Lumineers®

• Zirconia and Titanium Implants

• Sedation

(941) 999-3205 | SarasotaDentist.com 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 349140-1

Our team at World Class Dentistry treats patients with a multitude of concerns which streamlines treatment and maintains quality control. The doctors along with their master dental technicians and on-site laboratory offer complete cosmetic and implant solutions.

We have been serving the Sarasota area since 1987. Call today for a consultation to begin your life-changing transformation.

Jill Morris, DMD • Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (only 550 accredited dentists worldwide) • Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics • Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction • Member International Academy of Oral Biological Dentistry and Toxicology • Practicing dentistry for 33 years

Burr Bakke, DDS

Cameron Johnson, DMD

• Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association

• Member of American Dental Association

• Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

• Member of Florida Dental Association

• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics

• Member of West Coast Dental Association

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry

• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction

• Member of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Advanced Care and Dental Technology at One Location Stay Connected With Us

(941) 999-3205 | 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231

DISCOVER ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF BECOMING AN INSIDER.

JOIN OUR ADVANCE ACCESS PROGRAM. You’ll instantly become a member of the Lakewood Ranch family, where you can meet your future neighbors and acclimate to life in the community.

6 RE ASONS YO U ’ L L LOV E B E I N G A N A DVA N C E ACC E SS ME MBE R .

Membership delivers the full Lakewood Ranch experience, plus:

Priority move-in

Pre-move-in wellness guidance

VIP access to beauty salon and barbershop

Dining privileges

Invitations to monthly social gatherings

Moving assistance program

Advance Access is a great plan, so why not get on the list today?

For more information, call 941-315-9503.

Assisted Living | Memory Care | Assisted Living License #12858 11705 Evening Walk Drive | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM 349421-1

Get to know THE SHERIDAN AT LAKEWOOD RANCH.

Senior Lifestyle offers luxury assisted living and award-winning memory care at The Sheridan at Lakewood Ranch, part of the next generation of senior living communities. Offering management expertise, exceptional care, upscale comforts and a convenient, desirable location, Lakewood Ranch is a first choice in senior living.

ALIGN YOUR FUTURE WITH YOUR PLAN FOR EASY LIVING. Advance Access at Lakewood Ranch gives you priority access to our premium lifestyle. For all the benefits of membership, join now by calling

941-315-9503.

11705 Evening Walk Drive | Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

343388-1

Assisted Living | Memory Care | Assisted Living License #12858