East County Observer 12.23.21

EAST COUNTY

Observer

Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Decorations light the way.

PAGE 26

FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

VOLUME 24, NO. 6

YOUR TOWN

Linger Lodge plans return Owners completing major renovation of the property’s RV park and parking lot in February. SEE PAGE 3

Liz Ramos

Art show benefits students Cheryl Meehan, an art teacher at Freedom Elementary, and Joe Gibson, the art teacher at Carlos E. Haile Middle School (above), received an early Christmas gift Nov. 30.

Waterlefe’s Laura Bryg and Judy Kovaleski-Swartz, who are members of the Waterlefe Artists Guild, presented each of the art teachers with a $2,500 check to support their art programs.

“This is awesome,” Gibson said. “I’m blown away. You guys continue to amaze me.”

The $5,000 donation was the most the Waterlefe Artists Guild has raised during its annual Art Show and Sale.

A Christmas miracle A year after mom’s kidney transplant from her daughter, both are healthy.

SEE PAGE 8

Jay Heater

Kim and Nikki Williams are healthy and happy a year after Nikki gave her mom a kidney.

Scott Lockwood

Local distillery earns award

Signed, sealed and delivered

Steve Milligan once honed his distilling skills in Saudi Arabia, where he was working as a chemical engineer. Saudi Arabia did not allow alcohol, so Milligan built a still.

After he retired in the U.S., he decided to put those skills to the test.

His new business became Loaded Cannon Distillery at 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Ever since opening, Milligan has been lauded for his adult beverages.

The latest award was when Loaded Cannon was named the 2021 Best Flavoured Vodka Distillery North America by LUXlife magazine.

“We have a little something for everybody, and I think that’s something they took into account,” Milligan said. “Not only do we have a variety, but we also use natural ingredients.”

Tasting room hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and noon to 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday.

East County students share their Christmas wishes with Santa.

SEE PAGE 24 A letter to Santa from 6-year-old Reece Banius, a kindergarten student at William H. Bashaw Elementary School Liz Ramos

A+E Lessons for a circus life.

PAGE 15

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Manatee County accepts Bishop Animal Shelter Commissioners unanimously approved the donation of the $10 million Bishop Animal Shelter from the BishopParker Foundation to the county.

25,000-square-foot facility was constructed and was originally built to be an isolation area. It includes two large areas for dogs that provide outdoor access and automatic drainage. Dogs also have access to fenced-in yards that are both grass and artificial turf.

Bishop Animal Shelter can hold up to 372 animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds. The Palmetto facility was built in 1940 to house 80 dogs. Manatee County Animal Services Division Chief Sarah Brown said that in reality the Palmetto facility far exceeds that number and has had an average of 156 dogs on any given day since 2016 with a high of 190 dogs.

Brown said Bishop will initially be an animal intake service for Manatee County. It offers two surgical rooms and has space for a third if needed.

Bishop also has an isolation area for dogs, something that is lacking at the current Animal Services facility in Palmetto.

Adoptions will still take place at the Palmetto facility. Brown said the Bishop adoption buildings, which date back to 1958, are in need of extensive repairs that include fencing, drainage and the roof.

The contract between the Bishop Foundation and Manatee County has a reverter clause that means the county would give the shelter back to the foundation if the county does not maintain a 90% live-release rate.

The facility must keep its name, and the county must install plaques to honor the life and work of Edward and Lillian Bishop and Mary Parker.

“That should be pretty easy to do,” Brown said. “We will basically run the animal shelter and continue to do the operations the same way

SCOTT LOCKWOOD STAFF WRITER

A

fter Manatee County commissioners unanimously approved an agreement Dec. 14 to accept the Bishop Animal Shelter’s $10 million facility, Commissioner Carol Whitmore noted the county has the original design on the new Bishop Shelter, meaning that a similar facility could be built in East County.

Whitmore has pressed for a new shelter in East County due to the dilapidated state of the county’s existing animal shelter in Palmetto.

In September, commissioners approved $6 million for an East County animal shelter, but whether a new facility is built after the donation of Bishop remains unclear.

Some commissioners have stated they would like to see how the county fares now that Bishop Animal Shelter is coming online. Whitmore is on record as saying the East County facility is needed, with or without the Bishop Animal Shelter.

Whitmore has said in previous stories that a new East County facility could be located on county land across from Haile Middle School on State Road 64.

“I’m still pushing for that,” she said Dec. 14. “And hopefully, you guys (her fellow commissioners) will help me get that done.”

After several months of negotiations, the county and the BishopParker Foundation agreed to terms regarding the donation of the Bishop shelter.

The shelter, run by the BishopParker Foundation since 1958, will be taken over by Manatee County in March. Two years ago, a new

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BISHOP SHELTER First built: 1958; expanded in 1999. A new 25,000-squarefoot facility was built on the 30-acre property in 2020 for $10 million.

Capacity: Up to 372 animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds Current staff: 11, including one director and one groundskeeper Of note: The Bishop-Parker Foundation elected to donate both main buildings, one residence and 18 of the 30 acres on the property to Manatee County. The county and Bishop will close on the property, located at 5718 21st Ave. W., Bradenton, in March.

Bishop did.”

Commissioners were grateful for the work done by the foundation and the county to make it happen, with several saying it was a monumental day for Manatee County.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said.

“It’s wonderful and it is such a step up for us.”

“This is going to aid so many animals in the future,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who represents District 3, which includes the area where Bishop is located. “I know it is a long ride from Myakka to West Bradenton, but I’m sure that all those animals would much rather take a little bit longer car ride and be in this facility.”

In other business, Van Ostenbridge was elected unanimously by his colleagues to serve as chair of the County Commission for 2022.

He will begin those duties effective Jan. 1.

“I want to thank my colleagues for

Photos by Scott Lockwood

Above: The 25,000square-foot Bishop Animal Shelter was constructed in 2020 at a cost of $10 million.

Left: Manatee County has accepted the donation of the Bishop Animal Shelter from the Bishop-Parker Foundation.

their confidence in my leadership,” Van Ostenbridge said moments after the vote. “I look forward to a productive year of hard work in the interest of our taxpayers. My expectations are that this will be a year filled with

accountability, civility and ethics at all levels of our government.“ Commissioner James Satcher will serve as first vice chairman, and Commissioner George Kruse was selected as second vice chair.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

3

Phillip Hartl stands outside of the entrance to the Linger Lodge restaurant. His family purchased the property in 2016 and have overseen an extensive remodel of the property over the past year and a half.

Photos by Scott Lockwood

ICONIC RESTAURANT TO REOPEN Owners say Old Florida appeal will remain at Linger Lodge.

SCOTT LOCKWOOD STAFF WRITER

I

f you took a stroll around the Linger Lodge property or have driven by it recently, chances are you wouldn’t recognize much outside of the iconic restaurant building.

That’s because the property has been undergoing an extensive renovation over the past 18 months that will see more camping spaces, a clubhouse, a pool, nature trails, a new bathhouse and more.

That vision, in the works since 2016, is close to becoming a reality for Austrian businessman Franz Hartl and his family, whose River Loft LLC real estate purchased Linger Lodge Restaurant & RV Campground in 2016.

“When we bought the property, we got a lot of pushback saying, ‘Don’t change anything,’” said Philipp Hartl, who is Franz Hartl’s son. “Everyone said, ‘Leave this as Old Florida,’ and I think that was our goal, … to preserve as much of the beauty of nature that is here.”

The project consists of two key parts: rebuilding the RV park, which now includes a clubhouse, bath house and an office building, and rebuilding the parking lot.

The number of RV spots has risen from 100 to 140. Linger Lodge began as a campground in 1945 and evolved into a restaurant and RV park.

The new RV park includes land toward the back of the property that came from the purchase of lots outside the original property line. All spots will have access to water and power hookups. Some of the former spots were unusable due to broken utilities. Now they will be a short walk to a new bath house. Shell roads will be installed toward the end of the project.

“The shell roads will help keep the Old Florida look,” Hartl said. “We’re putting trees back in. We’ve tried to keep as many trees as possible, but that’s tricky when you have to install utility lines and deal with root systems. It’s going to look great when it’s done.”

A large clubhouse featuring an event room that can host parties, bingo games or sporting events is being built in the RV park. It will also have a kitchen that can handle catering and a gym. A nature trail is going to be built along the Braden River edge that leads to the docks behind the restaurant. Hartl said the docks are going to be updated to allow boat access from the river.

Another new feature will be a large pool that will be built at the clubhouse, which is being constructed with pillars that keep the Old Florida styling.

“It’s going to have a spa, a Tiki hut and chairs where you’ll be able to sit and hang out,” Hartl said. “You’ll be able to see down to the river and enjoy the sun.”

PREVIOUS RENOVATION Austrian real estate group River Loft LLC acquired Linger Lodge RV Resort and Linger Lodge Restaurant in September 2016 from Marvin Kaplan and former Sen. Mike Bennett at a purchase price of $5 million.

Kaplan and Bennett, now Manatee County’s supervisor of elections, purchased the site in 2005 from longtime owner Frank Gamsky, an amateur taxidermist who filled the restaurant with displays of his work. Gamsky owned the property from 1968 to 2005.

Owned by Austrian businessman Franz Hartl, River Loft wanted to expand its business portfolio in the region by purchasing an RV resort. It immediately did a four-month renovation on the restaurant after buying it.

“It was something new and something interesting,” his son and project manager Philipp Hartl said. “We wanted to expand our horizons. (RV is) a growing industry, more and more.”

Asset Manager Ruth Hofer said Franz Hartl already owns more than a dozen properties, including office, storage and multifamily buildings as well as single-family homes, on the west coast of Florida.

One thing that will not be changing is the Linger Lodge Restaurant itself. It will still be managed by Ruth Hofer, who said many people have contacted Linger Lodge concerned the restaurant could change as part of the renovations. The restaurant has been closed since August 2020.

“As soon as we get this parking lot to where we can close it off, or we’re not worried about people going into the construction side of the RV park, we’re going to open up the restaurant,” Hartl said. “We hope it’s going to be maybe the end of February.”

The old parking lot was a dirt lot that turned into a muddy mess when it rained and did not have proper lighting.

“We’re getting the proper side lighting put in to make it safer for guests that come in,” Hartl said.

Supply chain and staffing issues have caused some delays on the project. Team Stellar has done most of the work on the project, which was estimated to cost more than $5 million.

“Crews have had a hard time finding (workers), but they’ve done a great job,” Hartl said. “Given the circumstances, I think this is the best they could do. They’ve been phenomenal.”

Hartl said that people were happy

with how the restaurant was updated before its closure. He said the same will be true when the entire restaurant and campground area are up and running.

“It’s been tricky, and there’s a lot of challenges that we had to face in order to achieve that,” he said. “But coming here on a daily basis, you see how things are progressing and starting to come together. You’ll see the buildings still have that Old Florida look once they get the paint on them.

It’s a huge improvement to the whole area. It’s going to be beautiful.”

Hartl took one last look at the property from the front steps of the restaurant before departing the area for the holidays. After thinking for a second, he offered a glimpse of the future.

“When you stand here, and once the plants are in and the trees are back up, It’s going to look like you’re in the jungle,” he said. “But if you take a drone, and you fly up 30 feet, you’re actually in the middle of Lakewood Ranch. That makes us very happy that we have managed to keep it this way.”

LINGER LODGE IMPROVEMENTS The reopening is planned for February. n Addition of a screenedin pool and clubhouse featuring a prep kitchen, gym, showers, restrooms and conference room n Nature trail n Paved and lit parking lot for restaurant n Increase in the number of RV spaces from about 100 to 140 n Utility improvements for RV spaces n Updated docks n Updated storage area for kayak rentals n New exit

Above: A new clubhouse featuring a large event room, gym, kitchen, pool and Tiki hut will serve as the heart of the new Linger Lodge campground.

Left: These docks behind the Linger Lodge restaurant will be replaced to allow boat access from the Braden River.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

PINO’S IS BACK!

PRIVATE DINING ONLY, RESERVATIONS REQUIRED AT HOME CATERING AVAILABLE

Administrator draws rave reviews

At His New Location on University

Commissioners asked to evaluate administrator’s first nine months, and all were favorable.

SCOTT LOCKWOOD

Pino’s

STAFF WRITER

Although Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes has six months remaining on his $199,000 contract that expires in June, commissioners have seen enough to begin working on a contract extension.

Hopes began serving as an interim administrator in April after the commission came to a separation agreement with former Administrator Cheri Coryea.

County Attorney William Clague said Dec. 14 that commissioners graded Hopes on leadership and management, budgeting and capital improvement projects, continuous improvement, and communication.

He was rated as effective or highly effective in all four categories by the five commissioners who filled out evaluations.

Commissioners only noted that Hopes needs improvement in public outreach and delegation of responsibilities.

Hopes was complimented for his willingness to make changes to the structure and operation of county government.

“I want to thank Scott Hopes because I think he’s exhibited great leadership during a very difficult time,” Commissioner Misty Servia said. “I’ve been very impressed with his work ethic and his communication skills. I think there are a lot of opportunities in the coming year to improve processes as we’ve been talking about — communication and outreach and engaging the public.

I’m confident we’re going to work on those things.”

Commissioners Reggie Bellamy and James Satcher did not fill out written evaluations but met with Hopes privately to discuss any concerns. Both said they were happy

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Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes has received positive reviews from county commissioners for his first nine months on the job.

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with Hopes’ performance.

“I make sure I thank him every day for what he does for Manatee County,” Bellamy said.

Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said Hopes “stepped into a hornet’s nest” and has done a tremendous job.

“He’s handled it beautifully,” she said. “There’s always room for improvement, but he has taken the bull by the horns and made some tough decisions for this administration.”

Commissioner George Kruse did note that Hopes initially acted like “an eighth commissioner” who wanted to dictate policy as opposed to listening to policy decisions and acting upon that.

“It has gotten a lot better in the past 60 days, and it was just a matter of shifting gears,” Kruse said. “I’m very happy with how this county has been moving with Scott Hopes, and I think 2022 is going to be an excellent year with him.”

Commissioners expressed a desire to put a contract in place for Hopes that renews automatically.

Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, who was elected as chair of the commission for 2022 on Dec. 14, will begin negotiating a new contract with Hopes early next year.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

New charter school selects its home Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, a future K-12 charter school, will be located on White Eagle Boulevard.

NEW SCHOOL

LAKEWOOD RANCH PREPARATORY ACADEMY Grades: Kindergarten through 12th grade Ages: 5-18 Opening dates: Lower school August 2022; high school August 2023 Location: Lower school at 5550 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch; high school at 5570 White Eagle Blvd.

Total enrollment: Approximately 1,965 students

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

Liz Ramos

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy will be located near the intersection of White Eagle Boulevard and Rangeland Parkway.

Preparatory Academy serves kindergarten through eighth grade and Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy High School serves ninth through 12th grades.

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy will be the 14th charter school in Manatee County.

The schools will have a focus on science and health with a mission of its students becoming lifelong learners. The charter school will implement the WISH framework, which focuses on wellness, innovation, science and health.

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy plans to develop partnerships with several organizations, such as National Academy Foundation and Brain Health Initiative.

The high school will provide students opportunities for Advanced Placement courses and to be part of the Cambridge Assessment International Education program, which provides courses that are rigorous and emphasize higher-order thinking, written and oral skills, problem-

solving and other skills.

Ruiz said White Eagle Boulevard is a perfect location for the school.

“This location was the prime one with knowing what we have envisioned for the school in the sense of the whole WISH model,” Ruiz said.

“It’s right in the heart of the community. It is associated with the businesses we’re anticipating to partner with. It’s right in the area where parents want a high quality school. This checked off all the boxes for meeting the needs of our community.”

Charter Schools USA has hired Bradley Warren, who is serving as principal at Waterset Charter Academy in Apollo Beach, as the principal for the K-8 school. Cheryl Cendan, who most recently served as interim principal of Woodmont Charter Academy in Temple Terrace, will be the principal of the high school.

Ruiz said that usually, Charter Schools USA would hire the principal of the elementary school and wait a few years to hire the high school principal, but it used a differ-

ent approach with Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.

“We are bringing in both principals (now) so they can articulate the vision from kindergarten all the way to 12th grade,” Ruiz said. “You need to start articulating what that (vision) is going to look like in kindergarten and as the students progress all the way through.”

Ruiz said Warren and Cendan are “dynamic leaders” prepared to hit the ground running as the facilities are constructed and the school opens in the fall.

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy will begin accepting applications Jan. 20 for kindergarten through sixth grade and ninth grade.

Anyone interested can apply at LakewoodRanchPrep.org.

The school is tuition-free for students, and anyone can apply. Once the number of applications exceed the capacity for each grade, a lottery system will be used to select students.

Charter Schools USA projects to have 740 students in kindergarten through sixth grade and ninth grade on Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy’s campus in its first year.

Once all grades are on the campuses, Charter School USA projects to have 1,965 students enrolled from the ages 5-18.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

5

ABOUT THE PRINCIPALS BRADLEY WARREN What: New principal of Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy Current job: Warren is serving as principal at Waterset Charter Academy in Apollo Beach.

Previous jobs: Warren has served as an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida in Sarasota and Aquinas College in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Education: Warren earned a Bachelor of Science from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Western Michigan University.

CHERYL CENDAN What: New principal of Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy High School Previous job: Cendan most recently served as an interim principal of Woodmont Charter Academy in Temple Terrace.

Other experience: Cendan has served as an adjunct professor at Barry University.

Education: Cendan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami and Juris Doctor degree from St. Thomas Law School. She has a Florida Educator Certification in educational leadership, school principal, social students 6-12 and middle grades integrated.

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Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy has found a home on White Eagle Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy, which will eventually serve kindergarten through eighth grade, is the new charter school being constructed to open in Lakewood Ranch in the fall of 2022. It will be located at 5550 White Eagle Blvd.

Southwest Charter Foundation, a nonprofit that runs eight charter schools across the state including Manatee Charter School, is partnering with Charter Schools USA to open Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy.

“I appreciate the partnership with the (Manatee County) school district and working on getting the location that we were looking for in that area,” said Eddie Ruiz, the state director for Charter Schools USA for Florida.

Ruiz said a groundbreaking for the lower school could occur sometime between February and April.

When the school opens in 2022, it will have kindergarten through sixth grade as well as ninth grade on campus.

The lower school facility will be approximately 40,235 square feet and one floor.

In 2023, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy High School will be constructed at 5570 White Eagle Blvd. and open serving ninth and 10th grades while the elementary school serves kindergarten through seventh grade students. The high school will be approximately 73,000 square feet with two floors.

Each year, the schools will add a grade level until Lakewood Ranch

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

ADVERTORIAL

Do You Smell That?

Here’s why your HVAC heat smells like it’s burning.

Our northern neighbors are gearing up for snow, sleet and slush during the holidays. Here in Florida, we just have to choose which long-sleeved shirts we’re going to dust off when those short-lived cold fronts hit (more on dust later).

If you’re like the average Floridian, these brief brushes of cooler air will also encourage you to select the “heat” setting on your thermostat.

Wait, there’s a “heat’ setting?

It doesn’t get a lot of use here in our corner of the country, but heat is an option. Since your heater sits dormant for months at a time, you may notice an unpleasant surprise when you turn it on for the first time this season. If your heater smells like it’s burning, here’s why — and if you should be concerned.

It’s Electric

If your heater is still letting out a smoky, electrical odor after its initial startup for the season, it could be a sign of a much bigger problem. Electrical shorts and other malfunctions may be occurring in your system, leaving your HVAC unit and home in danger. If you have a constant smoky, electrical smell coming from your vents, turn off your system and call an HVAC professional right away.

Overheating Heater

If it has been a while since you’ve changed your air filter, this could be the reason for that burning smell. It’s possible that all the dirt and debris stuck to your filter is obstructing airflow, which in turn, causes your heater to work harder than it should. When this happens, the motors can overheat and start to emit that burning smell that is flowing through your house. The fix? Make sure you start off the winter season with a new air filter!

East County library breaks ground The 50,000-square-foot facility in Lakewood Ranch is scheduled to open mid- to late 2023.

STAFF WRITER

Back in 2018, Lakewood Ranch resident Sue Miller helped lead a grassroots effort with a group of volunteers who would eventually become Friends of the East Manatee Library at Lakewood Ranch.

Their hard work, along with countless hours of meetings, came to fruition Dec. 15 when ground was

Dust

Just like those winter clothes we mentioned earlier, an HVAC system can accumulate dust and other particles from the air supply in your home. This dust is the most common source of a burning smell from your heater. When the heat is turned on, these materials stir around and eventually burn up, causing that short-lived stench. If it continues after one or two heating cycles, consider contacting a pro for help.

Scott Lockwood

Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh, who was a driving force behind the East County library in Lakewood Ranch project, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 15.

SCOTT LOCKWOOD

broken for the construction of the East County library in Lakewood Ranch.

“We are thrilled, delighted, excited, ecstatic, elated, dancing a jig and just over the moon that this day has arrived,” said Miller, who is the president of the Friends group.

The East County library is one of the key projects of Manatee County’s Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan. Plans call for a two-story, 50,000-square-foot library building with a rooftop terrace; an IT hub building; an additional parking lot with 200 spaces; a central energy plant; and additional site work and road work at a cost of $17.3 million.

Manatee County commissioners gave their final approval for the East County library in October. The

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

y a d i l o H

Courtesy rendering

What: East County library in Lakewood Ranch.

Where: 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch Key facts: The library will be located on the first floor of a 50,000-square-foot building that will include a rooftop terrace overlooking the planned Premier Park.

Cost: Estimated $17.3 million Projected opening date: Midto late 2023

library, which is scheduled to take about 18 months to build, becomes the seventh full-service library in Manatee County.

“Libraries have been and still remain the primary institution for community and personal growth and empowerment,” said Lee Washington, the Manatee County interim director for neighborhood services.

“That also includes remaining gateways to knowledge and culture and creating learning opportunities.”

“This is a monumental library, and there were so many times that I wasn’t sure we were going to make it,” Commissioner Vanessa Baugh said. “It wasn’t that long ago I was calling the Friends group and telling them I needed them at meetings because the library was in trouble.

They were there. They were calling in. They were tremendous.”

County Administrator Scott Hopes called the library the first

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Beauty is our Business

A rendering of the East County library that is scheduled to open in mid-2023

FIRST CHAPTER

|

step in a “billion-dollar” investment by county commissioners with the capital improvement plan.

“This is a grand library,” he said.

“This is not just going to be a building that houses a collection of books and periodicals and trumpets and clarinets that people can check out.

This is going to be a central meeting place for this community. It was not an easy task to get us to this day.”

Miller and several members of the Friends of the East Manatee Library joined county officials in driving the silver shovels into the ground to get the project underway.

“We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with Manatee Library Services to make this community library the best it can be,” Miller said. “Our voice has made and will continue to make a difference. There is much work yet to do. We look forward to the next 18 months passing quickly and returning to this location in mid-2023 for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.”

Baugh, who just completed the first year of her third term in office, said the East County library is at the top of her list when it comes to legacy projects. It’s followed closely by the aquatic center that’s in the works just a few hundred yards away at Premier Park.

“These things are finally happening, and I could not be happier,” she said. “I’m so proud for Lakewood Ranch, for the citizens of Manatee County and for what this will do for us as a community.”

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

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 and President / Emily Walsh, EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher —East County Observer / Lori Ruth, LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor and COO / Kat Hughes, KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater, JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn, RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writers / Scott Lockwood, SLockwood@YourObserver.com; Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix, KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; José Valle, JValle@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer, HSayer@YourObserver.com

Jay Heater

Nikki and Kim Williams experienced their own Christmas miracle, a kidney donation from Nikki to her mom. Both are happy a year after the surgery.

‘I want my mom back’ Despite her mom’s protests, daughter donates her kidney.

JAY HEATER | MANAGING EDITOR

I

t was 2 a.m. in their Lakewood Ranch town home, and Nikki Williams could hear her mom, Kim, crying.

Kim’s kidneys had been failing for years, and her third-floor

bedroom didn’t make it easy for her to be mobile.

“Her legs weren’t working,” Nikki said. “I told her to please wake me up if she needed anything.”

After a lifetime of being stubborn, Kim wasn’t about to wake up her daughter. Instead, she crawled on her hands and knees to the first floor to check her blood sugar. She was laying on the floor, collapsed, when Nikki found her.

“Are you crazy?” Nikki asked her.

Nikki, who is now 26, said her mom was going downstairs to get a Jolly Rancher.

The two started to argue about whether it was actually a Jolly Rancher or not.

“Stubborn,” Nikki said.

That stubbornness obviously was passed to her daughter, and Kim might be alive because of it.

It was two days before Christmas a year ago when Nikki gave her mom a kidney at Tampa General Hospital. For them, it was their Christmas miracle.

“I had so many feelings.

I didn’t want her to do it.

She’s my daughter, and I would rather die.”

— Kim Williams

At the time, Kim thought she was out of options. Those who had tested to see if she could accept their kidney were all turned down. Headed for dialysis with only 10% kidney capacity, she had been told she had about five years to live.

Then Nikki got stubborn.

Told her family history would make her a poor candidate to be a kidney donor, Nikki spent her days searching for someone who could

be a donor. Kim’s husband, Mark, couldn’t be a donor. Others who tested were all negative matches.

When that search proved fruitless, she decided she would go to Tampa General to be tested in October 2020, just in case the medical opinions were wrong.

A few days later, the two were riding in the car together when Nikki received the call from the hospital.

She was approved.

“I had so many feelings,” Kim said.

“I didn’t want her to do it. She’s my daughter, and I would rather die.”

The two had a loving argument, and Nikki had the final word.

“I am doing this, and you don’t have anything to say about it,” Nikki said. “It is my choice, and I want my mom back.”

Nikki had seen what failing kidneys had done to her mom, who was diagnosed 22 years ago. Always a ball of energy, Kim had managed her health well until 2016, when her failing kidneys changed her life. She was tired all the time and would sit on the couch for long periods of time.

“She tried to hide (her pain),” Nikki said. “But she couldn’t hide everything. She would fall asleep during the day. … That’s not my mom.”

Even so, Kim didn’t want to jeopardize her daughter’s health. She went to her own mother, Darlene Zdenek, for advice.

“Would you do this for me?”

Zdenek asked. “There’s your answer.”

The two had their surgery Dec. 23, 2020, and everything went well.

Then on Christmas Eve, Nikki was fully awake but alone in her room.

Because of COVID-19 precautions, she was not allowed to see her mother. She got stubborn.

“I begged them to wheel me down to her room,” Nikki said.

The nurses finally gave in. They only talked for a few minutes, but it was enough.

“I would have preferred not to be in the hospital on Christmas, but I had prayed a long time for a kidney.

God has a plan.”

— Kim Williams

“My faith got me through this,” said Kim, who now lives in Indigo.

“I would have preferred not to be in the hospital on Christmas, but I had prayed a long time for a kidney. God has a plan.”

A year later, they both are healthy.

Nikki, who now lives in Harmony, is a kindergarten teacher at Rowlett Academy. She said she lost 40 pounds since the surgery.

“I am healthier now, and I am more conscious of my health and what I put into my body,” Nikki said. “I am more active. I barely drank water before. Now I drink 72 to 90 ounces a day.”

Kim, who from 2008-2019 was the manager at Arts A Blaze at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, has her energy back, and her daughter said she has to keep running to keep up with her.

“It has been incredible, a whole new lease on life,” Kim said.

Kim’s kidneys are functioning at 72% while Nikki’s kidneys are functioning at 86%.

They decided they wanted to give back to those who are undergoing dialysis or waiting for a donor. They started the Blanket Donations for Dialysis Patients Sarasota Bradenton on Facebook. The page gives people the option of buying a blanket for those in dialysis.

“I polled my support group,” Kim said. “I asked what kind of donation would be best. The No. 1 thing was blankets. So let’s get blankets.

We started the Facebook page in November.”

Once again, the mother and daughter are working together, perhaps made possible by Nikki’s stubbornness.

“I tell her, ‘You made me, so I gave you a piece back,’” Nikki said.

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Go to the Blanket Donations for Dialysis Patients Sarasota Bradenton page on Facebook to purchase blankets for dialysis patients.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

SIDE OF RANCH

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

9

JAY HEATER

Holidays a good time to evaluate our giving

I

always have been what you might call a “soft touch.”

When most people would walk to the other side of the street to avoid a homeless person, I usually go straight ahead, handing over a dollar or two in the hopes that it combines with other donations to make a meal.

I have to be careful watching those geezer channels — the 1960s programming targeted to people who have lived a little, like me. It’s in the middle of a “Gunsmoke” rerun where they put commercials like Sarah McLachlan singing “In the Arms of an Angel” while underweight dogs stare into your TV screen. Those get me every time.

Those Salvation Army bells, they suck me in, too, both on my way into and out of grocery stores.

And I come back for more, even when the giving experience isn’t the most pleasant.

Years ago in Oakland, I was headed into a barbecue ribs joint at 2 a.m. A man approached me and asked for money.

I reached into my pocket, pulled out $1 and handed it over. I went inside, ordered my ribs and then walked out of the restaurant.

The same man who got me on the way into the restaurant was waiting. “I need some money,” he said.

“I gave you $1 on the way in,” I said, just figuring he didn’t remember me from 10 minutes before.

He remembered. For whatever reason, he became enraged, following me to my car, yelling obscenities and calling me a creep.

But there have been some nice moments as well.

I once was walking down a street in San Francisco, and a man approached me.

“What is the best nation in the world?” he screamed.

I give up.

“A donation,” he said, holding out his hand.

“No,” I said. “The best nation in the world is the imagination. So imagine you just got a donation.”

We both laughed, and I handed him a few bucks.

Which brings me to this holiday season and my regular drive toward the beach, a route that takes me through a busy intersection in downtown Bradenton.

I pulled over to the far left-hand lane, not because I needed to be there but because I wanted to give a dollar to the person who occupies the same spot every day.

He gets $2 or $3 a week from me, and usually we exchange a few words before the light changes.

Usually.

I followed my regular routine, rolling down my window and pulling $1 from my pocket. He came over and took it and walked away.

I looked at him, and I asked if he was OK, kind of a hollow question on my part because I don’t know what I would have done if he said he wasn’t.

He looked at me, turned around and walked up to the side of my car.

“Here take this,” he said, pushing the $1 toward me. “I don’t want you to not be able to make your BMW payment.”

I had just been called cheap by a panhandler.

I’ll admit, I was somewhat shocked. The heck with this guy, I thought as I drove away. Just see if I ever drive in your lane again.

Twenty minutes later, it still was bothering me. I always had considered myself a soft touch, and now

I am a cheap soft touch. Is there a manual about appropriate donations to panhandlers? Is it kind of like tipping 5% when the rest of the world is tipping 20%? It’s true I am handing out the same donations that I did 20 years ago.

Then again, maybe this guy is a professional panhandler who has his own BMW in his garage. Why am I even giving this a second thought?

I guess the answer is “because we all should.”

Christmas is an appropriate time to do a little soul searching and to decide whether we need to do a little more in terms of giving back to our community in the coming year.

Everyone’s answer will be different, as it should be.

It’s not just money, either. Some nonprofits just need volunteers to give their time. Perhaps helping the Jingle Run by handing out water to the participants would be appreciated. Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy might need someone to clean up the barn.

Meals on Wheels Plus always can use volunteers to wrap shoeboxes that are filled with gifts and go to homebound seniors.

Could you work at an animal shelter, or give blood, or coach a team? I guarantee you will never have more fun raising money for those in need than by partying with Sisterhood for Good or the Elks. The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch always could use some fresh blood. The area has churches aplenty that help those in need.

We all have choices. Is $1 the right choice for a panhandler? Is $1 million enough to be handed out by a multimillionaire? There is no right answer.

Jay Heater

Elks Tom Sweeney and Jerry Ditty stand behind veteran Michael Monthervil during a fundraiser for Homes for Our Troops. Nonprofits like the Elks always seek new members to help raise funds for those in need.

But as I wish you all a merry Christmas and happy holidays, I hope you will at least ponder your own contribution, as a panhandler forced me to do.

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

School board approves redistricting map Board approves resolution favoring nonpartisan elections.

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boards, and the resolution is “political in nature.”

The resolution states organizations including the Florida Parent Teacher Association, the Florida Education Association and the Florida League of Women Voters are in support of nonpartisan elections.

Foreman questioned it.

“I’m not convinced all of these organizations actually have said that school board elections should be nonpartisan,” Foreman said. “I believe these organizations believe that membership should be nonpartisan and their function should be nonpartisan, but when I look at the Florida School Board Association’s list of priorities on their website, this was not among them. I am very uncomfortable with this.”

Board member James Golden said he contacted leadership of the organizations to ask if they would support the resolution, which is why they were listed.

Board member Charlie Kennedy supported the resolution because he believes partisanship should be removed from their jobs as school board members and from the School District of Manatee County as much as possible.

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fter weeks of discussing a new election district map and getting public input, the School Board of Manatee County has approved a final map that differs from the Manatee County Commission’s map.

“Before this process started, I was hoping we would be able to match the County Commission (map) because I think that’s best for our community,” said Gina Messenger, a member of the school board. “I think that’s the easiest thing for our citizens and for our community. After watching some of the discussions, I think I see now there’s just different goals.”

The school board’s map, which addresses election district lines, will not have an impact on school zones.

The board chose to have a lower total population in Districts 1 and 5 because those districts are seeing the most population growth due to development. District 3 also has room to grow to accommodate future developments.

Immediately after approving the final map at the board meeting Dec. 14, the board approved 3-2 a resolution to support nonpartisan school board elections.

Board members Chad Choate and Mary Foreman were the dissenting votes.

“The Legislature is going to essentially give the decision to the voters to vote whether they want it to be partisan,” Choate said. “I don’t have a problem with asking the people what they want, so I’m not in favor of this resolution because of that.”

Foreman said she didn’t see the benefit of the board approving the resolution because she’s heard that politics needs to stay out of school

The School Board of Manatee County drew lines that would ensure District 5, which includes Lakewood Ranch, and District 1 would have a lower population in preparation for the population growth that’s coming to those areas.

Here’s the breakdown of total population by district: n District 1: 78,049 n District 2: 80,056 n District 3: 79,078 n District 4: 84,002 n District 5: 78,525

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

We would like to thank you for your continued patronage & wish you a Voted One of A Happy and Safe Holiday Season

Pirates cheerleader honored with trip

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After being named an All-American Cheerleader, Declan Hudson participated in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.

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During the parade, the cheerleaders performed a routine they individually practiced before landing in Hawaii. They spent a day in Hawaii putting the routine together. They performed the routine in front of thousands of people who lined the parade route. Hudson said that she never had performed in front of so many people.

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hen Declan Hudson, a junior cheerleader at Braden River High School, tried to take a photo with retired Army Nurse Corps Second Lt. Hazel Von Roeder while visiting Pearl Harbor, she noticed Von Roeder had trouble focusing.

But when Hudson asked her about the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, her memory was clear.

Assigned to a ship that wasn’t attacked at Pearl Harbor, Von Roeder tended to soldiers who were injured in the bombings. She said the events were so horrific that it forced her to retire. But those events were so horrific that she eventually reenlisted, serving in both World War II and the Korea War. Talking to World War II veterans lifted Hudson’s experience of participating in the 80th anniversary Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade on Dec. 7 in Honolulu.

Hudson had been honored with a selection to Universal Cheerleaders Association’s All-American Cheerleaders squad. In turn, the Varsity Spirit group assembled All-American cheerleader groups, such as the UCA team, from throughout the U.S. to participate in the parade. In all 640 cheerleaders participated.

“I had an experience a lot of people never get,” Hudson said. “It was an honor to hear from the veterans.”

UCA’s All-American Cheerleaders are selected through a tryout based on superior cheerleading or dance skills they had displayed at camp.

Hudson was joined on the trip to Hawaii by her mother, Maureen, and they toured Pearl Harbor, visiting the USS Arizona and USS Missouri memorials. Hudson said the tours and the conversations with veterans brought meaning to her trip.

“It was an honor but sad at the same time,” she said.

They met a veteran who was on the USS Enterprise.

“You could hear in (the veteran’s) voice there was sort of a survivor’s remorse, and on the other hand, he was just so grateful (to be alive),”

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

13

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 this year’s prize, and happy travels!

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

My favorite Christmas East County residents share their treasured holiday memories.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

T

he East County Observer asked local residents to share memories of their favorite Christmas.

Some of the answers involved pets, snow, altruism and even wrapping paper.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Lakewood Ranch’s Kristin Wikstrom will always associate the Christmas season with her mother’s graciousness, and that has made the holiday special for a lifetime.

In 2000, Wikstrom fondly remembers her mom, Kathi Zarrella, making plates of hot food and delivering them to homeless people. Wikstrom would accompany her mom on those trips and learned lessons about what the Christmas spirit was all about.

“I’m so grateful to my mom for instilling that sense of empathy in me,” Wikstrom said. “I can’t wait to someday do the same thing with my children.”

PUPPY LOVE

Lakewood Ranch resident Sarah Ravana said that when she was working at a gym five years ago, a woman walked in with three Pomsky puppies.

“She asked if anyone wanted a dog,” Ravana said. “I asked my dad, (Joe), and he said, ‘No dogs!’”

Ravana told her then-boyfriend that she would have been happy with a dog but wasn’t allowed to have one at home. He ended up adopting one of the puppies for her the next day, a white and black one she named Jax. “That was the best Christmas gift ever,” she said.

Joe Ravana didn’t take long to come around.

“The reason I said no initially was because I thought I’d have to take care of it,” he said. “He had a great attitude and was absolutely a wonderful, loving and beautiful dog.”

Echo Lake’s Sue Smith was 10 years old growing up in southern England when she had a magical Christmas.

She was sitting at the table enjoying Christmas dinner with her family when she noticed snow began to fall.

When she and her grandparents Dulcie and Bill Taylor finished eating, they decided to go for a walk in the snow.

“For us, snow was rare in southern England,” Smith said. “It was fun, dark and cold. We came back in and lit the fire.”

ANNOYING REINDEER

Lakewood Ranch’s Debbie Webster’s favorite Christmas started when she purchased a singing reindeer with a blinking red nose for her niece Laura Samson.

“It played all sorts of songs, and her dad was about to shoot me,” Webster said. “Laura was the oldest of two children at the time, and they enjoyed it. It was really annoying, but I just laughed my head off because it was so annoying.”

“Oh yeah, I clearly remember having that,” Samson added with a smile. “I don’t know what happened to it. My dad might have run it over with his car.”

Earlier this month Webster, Samson and Samson’s children, Daphne and Cassandra, were out Christmas shopping. Samson noticed the children taking a liking to a certain singing reindeer bearing a striking resemblance to the one she gave as a gift years ago.

“That definitely brought back a lot of memories,” Webster said.

RIP-ROARING UNWRAPPER

Waterlefe’s Karen Starala will always remember her 1-year-old granddaughter, Julianna Born, celebrating her first Christmas last year.

The family gathered around the tree and watched in anticipation as Born opened her gifts.

To Starala’s surprise, Born was more interested in unwrapping the gifts than the gifts themselves.

“We wake up, and Julianna sees all the presents, but she just wants to tear apart the paper,” Starala said.

“This year, I said, ‘It doesn’t matter what we get her because all she wants is the paper.’”

FIRE UP A TRADITION

Every year on Dec. 13, Harmony’s Melissa McDermott takes out a wreath crown that holds batterypowered candles.

It is tradition in her family for someone to dress as Santa Lucia, the patron saint of sight who wore a crown meant to represent Christ bringing light into darkness. The tradition started with McDermott’s mother, River Club’s Eva Walken, who grew up in Sweden, where St. Lucia’s Day marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations.

McDermott could remember when she was in college in Sweden and was chosen to dress as Santa Lucia. But her candles were actually lit.

“I was worried my hair would catch on fire because of all the hair spray I had on it since it was the 1990s,” McDermott said with a laugh.

Now, McDermott has passed the tradition onto her children, Caitlin, Dylan and Ethan. Caitlin, who is 12, dressed in the white gown and wore the crown Dec. 13. She dresses up again on Christmas Day to share the tradition with others in the family.

Liz Ramos

Dylan, Melissa, Caitlin and Ethan McDermott

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Aaron, Stephanie and Kelsie Ritz

enjoy her Power Wheels so much.

Her father, Aaron, said he still remembers his first Power Wheels, which was a yellow four-wheeler he rode around Braden Woods.

“I used to ride it with neighborhood kids all the time,” he said. “It’s awesome seeing Kelsie doing the same thing.”

ESPECIALLY WILD CHRISTMAS

Kelsie Ritz said a Wild Thing, which is similar to a Power Wheels cart that young children can drive, made for her favorite Christmas. The 9-yearold fondly remembers that gift from her grandfather but has since moved on to larger Power Wheels that she said she uses to ride around the neighborhood.

One would not have to look far to understand why Kelsie Ritz might

CHRISTMAS WITH LUIGI

New Lakewood Ranch resident Anthony Locascio said his favorite

Christmas involved a special gift, a Nintendo that he received in the late 1980s. He now plans to share the classic love of Nintendo with his 3-year-old son, Alex.

“Eventually, he will have to have something like that,” Locascio said.

“That’s a big gift.”

His wife, Angie, holding the couple’s 5 month-old daughter, Gia, had a more simplistic answer to her favorite Christmas.

“Obviously, for me, it’s being with family,” she said of what make’s her favorite Christmas. “Now we have both a little boy and a little girl to share it with.”

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Spencer Fordin

Above: Students rehearse in preparation for this year’s holiday show, “Let it Snow.”

Right: Sailor Circus students perform on the dance trapeze during the Holiday Spectacular in 2020.

THE TRADITION

Photo courtesy of Lenore Golden Duensing

CONTINUES

This annual holiday performance is just one way the circus lives on. PAGE 16

Spencer Fordin Photo courtesy of John Jones

Above: Two students rehearse their trapeze performance in preparation for “Let it Snow.”

Left: Sailor Circus students perform on the tramp wall during last year’s performance.

16

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Sailor Circus Academy returns with ‘Let It Snow’ holiday show SPENCER FORDIN ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

THE CIRCUS EXPERIENCE

“Let It Snow,” which runs 90 minutes plus an intermission, is designed to give the audience the complete circus experience in its brief run time.

Jared Walker, the creative director of the Sailor Circus, said his aim was to design a routine around the skills the performers had learned over the past few months.

Walker, a former actor, joined the Sailor Circus family after performing briefly as a ringmaster.

“I never saw it in my future at all,” Walker said. “But I’ll tell you, it’s been exciting and challenging all at the same time since I’ve been here.

And very fulfilling. I get to do everything that I do in one place.”

That same concept applies to the student performers. The Sailor Circus is a full-fledged magnet school for circus arts, which means that many of the students spend half a day at Sarasota High School and half the day working through their routines. Jennifer Mitchell, the chief operating officer of the Circus Arts Conservatory, said it is unique.

Spencer Fordin

It takes a village of staff, students and volunteers to put on the Sailor Circus’ holiday production, “Let It Snow.”

“I often say: ‘If you want to learn the history, go to Ringling Museum.

They have an incredible story to tell you. But if you want to see what’s happening actively in today’s circus, come here,’” Mitchell said. “Ninety percent of the kids go on to college.

They become lawyers and doctors, but we always say that the life lessons and skills they learned here really help them in their career. You can imagine the confidence you build in front of audiences.”

Mitchell’s daughter, Emma Clarke, is one of the students building that confidence. Clarke, a junior in high school, said she’s been participating in the circus activities for about eight years and hopes to make a career out of it. Every day she puts seven hours into her craft while still taking care of her school responsibilities.

“I get here at like 12:30,” Clarke said of her daily routine. “Most of my teachers know that I have a super busy schedule, so they’re a little more lenient with me. And then they come to the show and say, ‘OK, she’s busy.’”

And for some of the students, the path continues even after they’ve graduated.

Lila Watkins, who performs on the straps, suffered a serious knee injury during her senior year of high school and did not get to perform with her

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A FAMILY AFFAIR

For Watkins, much like Clarke and Jacobs, the circus is a family endeavor. Watkins said her dad was a clown with The Ringling Bros. for many years, and she fell in love with circus when her sister enrolled at Sailor Circus. Watkins wasn’t old enough at first, but now that she’s a participant, she said it’s been everything she hoped it would be.

“It’s athleticism and acting. It’s dance,” she said. “Performing incorporates everything, which is one of the reasons I love it. As a woman in this industry, you’re pushed to be strong and graceful at the same time, which is one of my biggest passions.”

Miguel Vargas, the CAC’s head

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peers. And while she recovered from her injury, she refused to leave the circus alone. Watkins, a former acrobat, learned a routine on the straps while she was hurt and fell in love with the new apparatus.

“When I was rehabbing and healing, I couldn’t do anything with my legs. This was just my arms. So I was really thankful to have that introduced to me,” she said. “It’s very different going from a group of 20 to performing by yourself and all eyes on you. I’ll definitely go back and try acrobatics again, but I don’t know if that’s my passion.”

coach, is responsible for installing those passions and keeping it fun for his young charges. Vargas, a fifth-generation circus performer and former Cirque du Soleil troupe member, said he sees himself in his students. Vargas began in the circus at 7 years old and it gave him a career that lasted 35 years.

Vargas, who spent his youth touring from city to city, said Sarasota offers a unique opportunity to both the performers and the audience, who in many cases are growing up together from season to season.

“We always say that if you make it look easy, you’ve definitely honed your craft,” Vargas said. “But it’s also great that the audience members get to see the students grow. They move on from some of the easier disciplines to some of the more advanced ones. And now within the program, most of the students are doing some really high-level skills, so we’re really proud of them for being able to showcase skills that you would see in a professional level circus.”

Jacobs said she’s proud Sailor Circus was able to continue performing during the pandemic with enhanced safety protocols, and she’s excited for her students to see a capacity crowd during their holiday performances.

Taught in the circus arts by her parents and by godmother Margie Geiger, Jacobs wants nothing more than to keep the arts alive for the next generation in the same place she was fortunate enough to learn them.

“Pedro and I, this is our life,” she said. “We’re able to give back to the community through the circus arts.

We put our heads on our pillow at night, and we feel proud of all the hard work. We’ve got great employees and great volunteers. Everybody here believes in the kids and believes in what we’re doing.”

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T

he music is blaring, the lights are shining, and the students are performing without a net.

It’s just another day at the Sailor Circus Academy — an institution for seven decades in Sarasota — and a whole array of rehearsals are going on at the same time. There are kids attacking the trapeze, and some others somersaulting off a trampoline. Soon, some teenagers will take on the Roman Rings in front of one of the world’s greatest practitioners.

Sarasota resident Dolly Jacobs, the co-founder of the Circus Arts Conservatory, has had a lifelong love affair with the circus arts. She’s the daughter of famed performer Lou Jacobs and former model Jean Rockwell, and after spending three decades as a performer, Jacobs is now dedicating her life to passing down the craft she spent her life perfecting.

“They learn camaraderie. They learn respect. They learn hard work pays off,” said Jacobs, a former aerialist. “They learn to encourage their other peers. ... When somebody finally accomplishes a feat, they all get excited. When they do it themselves, you can’t buy or teach that type of accomplishment and that type of pride. They have to earn it.”

Jacobs, speaking during a rehearsal for the Sailor Circus holiday show, “Let It Snow,” can’t help but look back and consider how much things have changed and how they’ve stayed the same. When she was a student, she learned at the Sailor Circus alongside the children of other circus performers, and it was

really a fledgling program without many bells and whistles.

It was born out of expediency, Jacobs said, because a lot of the students were already trying circus skills on their own. Now, decades later, the Sailor Circus is housed in a state-of-the-art facility and is staffed by world class performers.

“It’s much different now,” said Jacobs, who runs the Circus Arts Conservatory with her husband, Pedro Reis.

“We practiced outside, and when we did put up an actual tent, we had sawdust on the ground. We’ve advanced quite a bit since Pedro and I took over. We’ve traveled the world, and we’ve seen other circus schools.”

Reis, born in South Africa, agrees with that assessment.

“Circus has become cool,” he said.

“But it’s still a battle.”

When: 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 26; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 27-30 Where: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Tickets: $20-$35 Info: Visit CircusArts.org.

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The Sarasota tradition returns for another holiday show headlined by student performers.

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YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

17

REVIEWS

HOLIDAYS at the Van Wezel

Photo courtesy of Frank Atura

Victoria Hulland, Dierdre Miles Burger and Ricardo Rhodes in Sir Peter Wright’s “Giselle”

‘Giselle’ delivers the drama SARA RACHON DANCE CRITIC

“G

iselle” is one of the world’s oldest and most-performed ballets across the globe, originally choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. The Sarasota Ballet returned to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage with Sir Peter Wright’s version Dec. 17-19.

“Giselle” is a two-act romance that tells the story of a young peasant girl (Giselle) who falls for a flirtatious aristocrat (Albrecht). After learning that he has deceived her, the fragile Giselle goes mad and dies. She joins the afterlife and becomes one of the Wilis, the ghost spirits who died after being betrayed by their lovers.

They force the men who deceived them to dance until exhausted.

Wright’s version is the perfect blend of dance and drama.

Victoria Hulland reprised the coveted title role on opening night, her debut more than 10 years ago (also the Sarasota Ballet’s debut of this version). From the moment she entered in Act 1, she dominated the stage with the perfect fusion of technical maturity and artistic nuance.

She is innocent and darling as she falls in love with Ricardo Rhodes’s

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Albrecht, and her mad scene is hauntingly realistic.

Hulland and Rhodes were a fine match as he wooed her in Act 1 and partnered her gently in Act 2. Solo sections for the principles throughout the ballet are some of the most technically challenging, yet Hulland and Rhodes tackled them with ease.

One of the highlights in Wright’s version is the peasant pas de six, traditionally choreographed as a pas de deux. The three couples brought an abundance of energy in the first act.

Arcadian Broad and Yuki Nonaka were virtuoso and in sync in the male duet, and Marijana Dominis was gorgeous throughout. Ricki Bertoni portrayed Hilarion, the local forester who is also in love with Giselle, with anguish and attack. Dierdre Miles Burger was tender in the smaller but important role of Berthe, Giselle’s mother. The ensemble sections — the lively peasant dances in Act 1 and the serene Wilis in Act 2 — were meticulous.

The vivacious performance on stage was accompanied perfectly by the Sarasota Orchestra, conducted

by Jared Oaks, a guest conductor and the music director at Ballet West. Aaron Muhl exquisitely lit the detailed sets and costumes, supervised by Doug Nicholson.

The Lovin’ Feelin’ is back as blue-eyed soul pioneers The Righteous Brothers return to the Van Wezel!

Original Brother Bill Medley is joined by Bucky Heard in a concert experience that features their biggest hits, including the most played song in radio history: “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

THIS WEEK THURSDAY

‘HAIR’ 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $32-$93 Visit AsoloRep.org.

MONTY FRANKLIN 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Franklin, an Aussie stand-up comic and a co-star of the upcoming film “The Great Emu War,” takes over McCurdy’s in the final week of 2021. Franklin, who has been part of TV shows including “New Girl” and “Real Rob,” has headlined the Melbourne International Comedy Festival multiple times.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ 7:30 p.m. at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $36.50 Visit ThePlayers.org.

SUNDAY

‘LET IT SNOW’ 1 and 6 p.m. at Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. $15-$30 Visit CircusArts.org.

They’ve been training for weeks, and for 10 shows, the performers at the nation’s longest-running youth circus are ready to blow your mind. The students, who range in age from 8 to 18, will put on a full show complete with tumbling, trapeze, trampoline artists, contortionists and much, much more.

Runs through Dec. 30.

MONDAY

‘JOYFUL! JOYFUL!’ 7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $50; students and military $20 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

RHODNIE DÉSIR: ‘CONVERSATIONS’ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with admission Visit Ringling.org.

Nate Jacobs and Donald Frison have collaborated on this holiday special full of song and dance. Jacobs, the founder and creative director of Westcoast Black Theatre

Désir, a dancer and choreographer, has chased the roots of African and Afro-descendant cultures and rhythms in places as far apart as Martinique, Haiti, Brazil, Canada

and the U.S. Her inaugural exhibition, “Conversations,” is created in conjunction with other artists and is meant to take the viewer on a journey with Désir in which she places the people and countries she’s visited in a dialogue with each other. Runs through April 3.

DANNER WASHBURN — ‘EFFIGY: HEMRIC’ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail $15; members free Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

The artist explores the life and culture of tobacco farmers in North Carolina who endured financial hardship, causing some to abandon the trade and others to sustain their practice through the support of government subsidies. Runs through May 8.

WEDNESDAY AL FULLER’S FAMOUS BLUES JAM 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Rooster, 1525 Fourth St. $5 Visit BlueRoosterSRQ.com.

Al Fuller has been playing his blues jam for more than two decades, and he’ll be supported by drummer Rich MacDonald and bassist Barry Sykes at the Blue Rooster.

JAZZ AT TWO: SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT 2-4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church, 3975 Fruitville Road $20; members $10 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

DON’T MISS

‘THE ROCKET MAN SHOW’ It might be a long, long time before you get to see this show again. Rus Anderson brings his popular Elton John tribute show to Venice and briefly steals the famed rock star’s signature tunes and fashion. Prepare for an out-ofbody experience as Anderson pulls off the feat of playing one of rock’s most inimitable performers.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29-31 Where: Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave., Venice Tickets: $58-$68 Info: VeniceTheatre.org

The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents a group of 2021 scholarship winners backed by a local trio. Jazz at Two is normally held on Fridays, but this performance was moved to not conflict with New Year’s Eve.

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Bring in the holidays with Ebenezer Scrooge. Jim Floyd plays more than 20 characters, including the famous curmudgeon Scrooge, in this one-man adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous holiday tale. The play, adapted by Greg Oliver Bodine, represents the final performance of the year for The Players Centre for Performing Arts.

Dig out your tie-dye shirts and peace symbol necklaces, and prepare yourself for Asolo Rep’s premiere of this iconic production.

It’s well known for its take on hippie counterculture and the sexual revolution of the 1970s, and its music has risen to anthem-level for the times. Tap into your rebellious side and view the “Age of Aquarius” through a group of bohemian draft-dodgers living it up in New York City, complete with anti-war rhetoric, drug exploration and a much-talked-about nude scene.

Runs through Jan. 1.

Troupe, wanted “Joyful! Joyful!” to be an expression of his jubilation of being alive. Frison choreographed the show, which features music from several different eras and dance styles. Jacobs and Frison say that the show is like their Christmas card to the community.

Songs include “African Drummer Boy,” “Carol of the Bells” and “Hallelujah Chorus.” “Joyful! Joyful!” will run through Dec. 30 before the troupe hits reset in 2022.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Sunday, Dec. 12, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting Designing Women Boutique Above: Honorees Dr. Lisa Merritt, Lee-En Chung and Linda DiGabriele Below: Jocelyn Udell and Marlo Turner

Above: Anthony Holds and emcee Savannah Holds Below: President Ida Zito and co-Founder Margaret Wise

Photos by Harry Sayer

T

he Designing Women Boutique honored local exemplary women during its 20th anniversary gala Dec. 12 at Michael’s On East.

The organization’s 2021 gala had hundreds of guests meeting at Michael’s for an afternoon of mingling and fun. Designing Women Boutique supports the arts through selling donated and consigned designer fashion as well as hosting fundraising events.

Guests caught up and had drinks and snacks before heading into the ballroom for the program to begin. This year’s event honored Dr. Lisa Merritt, engineer and entrepreneur Lee-En Chung, and Asolo Repertory Theatre Managing Director Linda DiGabriele for their years of work in their respective fields.

The night included a paddle raise to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation as well as jazzy music sung by mistress of ceremonies Savannah Holds as well as Diana Houston.

Lauren Walsh

—HARRY SAYER

Something for everyone

The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical Book and lyrics by

Music by

GEROME RAGNI & JAMES RADO

GALT MACDERMOT

Directed and Choreographed by

JOSH RHODES

colorful and evocative vivid direction and choreography

by Josh Rhodes

Jan. 7, 2022

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20

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Investors Luncheon Thursday Dec. 9, at Michael’s on the Bay Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters

B

ig Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast celebrated its mentors, mentees and supporters at its Investors Luncheon on Dec. 9 at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens.

Guests mingled in the event space overlooking the bay before sitting down for the program hosted by mistress of ceremonies Emily Kinzer. President and CEO Joy Mahler welcomed the audience and spoke before having several Big Brother and Big Sister mentors and their mentees speak about how the program has benefited them.

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Toyan Scott and Krissy Cassidy Below: Rayne Estrada and Anthony Baldo

Above: CEO and President Jessica Hays with Mary Ellen Mancini Left: Tina McGovern, Sandy Fulkerson and Bonnie Van Overbeke

—HARRY SAYER

Holiday Luncheon Wednesday, Dec. 8, at Michael’s On East Benefiting SPARCC

S Photos by Harry Sayer

Co-chairwomen Maggie Shaw and Andrea Andrus

Ross Alander, Poppy Rosano, Jay Kasmark, and President and CEO Joy Mahler

PARCC CEO Jessica Hays was expecting a decent crowd for her group’s annual Holiday Luncheon at Michael’s On East — maybe around 200 people, as it had been at its peak in the past.

What she didn’t expect was the final number. Around 240 supporters gathered at the luncheon, all with presents to donate to the organization’s Holiday Toy Store for people in need. The annual luncheon started with a social hour that went into lunch where Hays thanked the audience for attending.

The audience enjoyed entertainment from Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe during the afternoon.

—HARRY SAYER

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This exhilarating show combines the rawness and sophistication, seductive and sultry side of Tango, evoking the intoxicating passion of late night Buenos Aires.

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MON, JAN 24 8PM

DECEMBER 23, 2021

— Mustangs soccer player Natalia Kassner SEE PAGE 23

HIGH

SPORTS

“It helps you grow and become a better person. You can use the skills you learn throughout your life.”

5 The Mustangs celebrate their first goal against Venice High on Dec. 14.

They would win 3-0 to remain unbeaten.

1

Lakewood Ranch boys basketball senior Andres Junge scored 26 points Dec. 13 in the Mustangs’ 72-45 home win against Sarasota High.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Defense keys Mustangs’ streak The Lakewood Ranch girls soccer team has raced off to its best start in six years.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS REPORTER

2

Braden River High boys basketball sophomore Marcus Schade scored 15 points Dec. 13 in the Pirates’ 62-52 road win against the Gulf Coast HEAT (Home Educated Activities Team).

3

William Lockhorn and Bob Stevens (63) won the Men’s Golf Association best ball event (net scoring) held Dec. 15 at University Park Country Club.

4

Parrish Community High girls soccer senior Madelyn Portwood, who lives in the Lakewood Ranch area, scored a goal Dec. 14 in the Bulls’ 4-0 road win against The Out-of-Door Academy.

The Lakewood Ranch girls soccer players say this could be a special season.

The Mustangs have lived up to that prediction so far. They are 6-0-2 after going 10-8-1 in 2020. This is the most games the Mustangs have gone without a loss to start a season since 2016-2017, when the team began 8-0-1 before finishing 16-3-2 and reaching the regional quarterfinals.

Senior captain and striker Natalia Kassner said the difference has been better chemistry.

“The biggest thing for us is how well we have bonded,” Kassner said.

“It helped so much early in the season. We know how everyone else on the team plays, and we’re able to pass the ball to certain spots to find teammates. We know our weaknesses and strengths. I think it has shown on the field.”

While sophomore Sophie Lemus has been the main offensive threat with eight goals as of Dec. 16,

seniors including Kassner, McKenna Schwarz and Sydney O’Shea have provided substantial support with two goals apiece.

The Mustangs’ offense has been impressive, but it is their defense that has led to the unbeaten streak. Lakewood Ranch has allowed just one goal through eight games. That goal came Dec. 8 in a 1-1 home tie against Newsome High. The Mustangs, led by senior goalie Gianna Carneglia, have shut out everyone else.

“Our girls have done such a good job of communicating,” Riggins said.

“We play a high-pressure game. We have done a much better job of moving (opponents) off the ball. We have a lot of new players and they have all come together. They’re gelling with our returning players which is great to see. I love watching them play.”

Riggins also complimented the team’s work ethic, noting that it only will be a special season if they put in the effort.

That feeling has only increased as the season has gone on. It started in the season opener Nov. 12, a 3-0 home win against rival Braden River High (4-5). The Pirates had beaten the Mustangs in both games the teams played in 2020. Kassner said getting revenge for those losses — and in impressive fashion — has set

5

Mary Gibbons (even par) won the Nine Hole Women’s Golf Association event (low net scoring) held Dec. 16 at Palm Aire Country Club’s Champions course.

OFF-THE-FIELD CHAMPS PAGE 22

Lakewood Ranch High senior goalie Gianna Carneglia gives instructions to her defense against Venice High.

IF YOU GO LAKEWOOD RANCH HIGH GIRLS SOCCER VS. MANATEE HIGH When: 7 p.m. Jan. 6 Where: Manatee High Why: It’s the Mustangs’ first game back from the winter sports season’s holiday break and a chance to see Lakewood Ranch, one of the top teams in the state, extend its hot start to the season.

Mustangs player to watch: Senior goalie Gianna Carneglia, who is averaging 4.3 saves per game and has recorded seven shutouts

the tone for every game that has followed. The Mustangs knew if they play their best, they will be difficult to beat.

The Mustangs added an impressive 3-0 win Dec. 14 at home against Venice High (5-3-2), the defending Class 6A state champions. The Indians had beaten the Mustangs in five straight meetings dating back to the 2018-2019 season. It was a scoreless tie at halftime, but the Mustangs scored two quick goals in the second half. First it was senior McKenna Schwarz with a shot from the right side less than 90 seconds into the half. Next was Kassner, who took a pass from O’Shea in the middle of the field and squeezed it into the net.

After that, the Mustangs tightened the defense and Venice could not score. Lemus would add the third and final goal in the game’s closing minutes, dashing any hope of a comeback.

There might not have been a championship or a trophy on the line during the game, but the Mustangs celebrated, knowing the win was special.

“Our girls were definitely excited,” Riggins said. “We came into the game thinking as if we were the underdogs.

We wanted to prove ourselves, and we did.”

The Mustangs will get plenty more opportunities to prove themselves.

Lakewood Ranch still has to play on the road against Cypress Creek High (6-4) and endure another game against Braden River, this time on the road. The Mustangs will also have to host (Hillsborough) Riverview High (5-1) and end the season with a road game against Calvary Christian (7-1) on Jan. 19. It’s not an easy path.

MaxPreps ranks Lakewood Ranch as 27th in Florida and tied for eighth in class 7A with Wellington High (6-0-1), though Lakewood Ranch has the higher strength of schedule.

“I think the biggest thing for us is maintaining confidence in ourselves,” Riggins said. “We have a lot of good players, but a lot of the games come down to the ability to be confident in yourself and to believe in yourself. We have to keep communicating, keep taking shots and keep moving them (opponents) off the ball.”

22

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

PROSE AND KOHN

RYAN KOHN

Some athletes triumph off the field These East County students and teams are making a difference.

B

eing an athlete can mean more than what you do on the field.

It might seem like an obvious statement, but fans sometimes forget it. We laud athletes for their sport accomplishments but don’t pay a lot of attention when teamwork goes a different direction.

In the holiday spirit, I’d like to correct that a bit. There are many athletes, teams and coaches in our community who spend their time giving back in various ways and their stories are worth hearing, so I decided to share a few. Maybe you’ll even be inspired.

The Out-of-Door Academy sophomores Aubrey Robbins, a lacrosse player, and Charlie Hugill, a soccer player, were brainstorming ideas on how to get their schoolrequired service hours during the 2020 holiday season when an idea struck them: Instead of volunteering with a foundation, why not start their own?

It took approximately a year to figure out all the logistics (along with some help from their families), but the pair turned their idea into a reality. Robbins and Hugill, who both live in Lakewood Ranch, created Communities Unified, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping those in need in as many ways as possible. They even created the initial idea for the organization’s logo: two interlocking infinity signs painted different shades of blue.

“The blue represents unity,” Robbins said. “I played on a lacrosse team called Limitless, and their logo was an infinity sign. The motto was that we were all in it together. For Communities United I thought, why not bring two infinity signs together? It’s like we’re connecting communities together and helping out

families and other groups that need it. We’re locked in. We’re bonded and spreading joy and happiness.”

Communities Unified began with an event to raise funds for Shop with a Cop, which was held Dec. 11 at the Lockwood Heights Walmart on University Parkway. Robbins’ father, Danny, is an officer with the Sarasota Police Department, so the event had a personal connection. Communities Unified helped raise approximately $10,000 for the Sarasota Housing Authority, which directed the money toward the Shop with a Cop event. Robbins and Hugill raised the money by giving PowerPoint presentations to adults in the community, showcasing all the good the money would do.

The event itself was a success.

Approximately 150 kids were given $100 to shop for Christmas gifts at Walmart and were accompanied by either a police officer or by Robbins and Hugill themselves. A number of the pair’s friends also tagged along to provide support.

“The looks on all the kids’ faces were awesome,” Hugill said.

“Watching them get to pick out their own clothes and toys was a great feeling.”

This will not be the last event that Communities United funds.

The pair hopes to partner with ODA on the school’s “dress down days,” where students can put $5 toward a given cause in order to wear casual clothes for a day instead of the school’s uniform. The money raised could do a lot of good, they said.

The ODA students are not alone.

At Braden River High, the girls basketball team is one of a handful of organizations participating in Operation Secret Santa, a program that allows people to buy gifts for strangers in need. The program was spearheaded by Maureen Hudson, a career and technical education teacher at the school. Pirates Head Coach Stephanie Smith said her

team is responsible for approximately 20 items on the list, items that her players will be purchasing in stores with their own money.

Smith said she asked her team how much they wanted to (or could afford to) spend, and they agreed on $20 per item. Sacrificing one or two trips to Chick-fil-A is worth it to bring someone else joy during the holidays, they decided.

The things purchased for Operation Secret Santa applicants are not usually toys but rather things that many of us take for granted. This year, the items included socks, a bike helmet and a hoodie.

“I want this to put things in perspective for them,” Smith said.

“I want them to think about all the nice things they do have. Some people don’t have those things.

The things we’re buying (for the program) are often for daily use.

Imagine having to wear the same pair of socks for a month because it’s all you have. There are people out there who would kill to have another pair of socks to wear. That’s what I want them to think about.”

The gifts were delivered to recipients on Dec. 20.

Although gift-giving is a wonderful way to spread some holiday cheer at this time of year, it is far from the only way. Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer sophomore Sophie Lemus does it by volunteering with the Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. Volunteers often lead the horses around SMART’s campus at 4640 County Road 675 E., Bradenton, while participants go for a ride.

Others work in the barns, cleaning horse stalls and even the horses themselves. For Lemus, this work is utterly satisfying. She has been interested in horses her whole life, she said. She finds them majestic.

Even though Lemus’ work with SMART began like a lot of teenager’s volunteer adventures — for

File photo

ODA sophomore athletes Charlie Hugill and Aubrey Robbins started Communities United as a way to give back.

service hours requirements — it has turned into something she enjoys.

She said getting to work with horses on a regular basis is a treat.

“It calms me down being there,” Lemus said. “Being around a lot of great people, being able to help people to experience horses, it’s so much fun.”

To her, helping others is worth the effort.

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

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

When did you start playing soccer?

I started playing when I was 6 years old. Soccer is something that runs in my family and our culture.

What is the appeal to you?

I think the friends you make, the responsibility you take on and the maturity you learn from it is the best thing about soccer. It helps you grow and become a better person. You can use the skills you learn throughout your life.

What is your best skill?

I’m able to read the game well. I can see someone get open, or I can hear them calling for a pass, and I am able to make a play. I also try to cheer up my teammates whenever I can. I stay positive and help us get through close games.

What have you been working to improve?

I’ve been trying to improve my speed. That is something that has hurt my game throughout the years.

I have been running either on my own or with a trainer to try to improve that as much as I can.

What are your goals?

As a team we definitely want to get past our district tournament. We have struggled to do that in the past.

This year’s team is looking good so I believe we can do it. I think we can make it all the way to states.

What is your favorite food?

I love all kinds of cereal.

What is your favorite TV show?

It’s either “Criminal Minds” or “Shameless.” I can’t decide.

23

PLAY THE BEST!

Which superpower would you pick?

I would pick mind reading. I could always know what people are thinking.

What is the best advice you have received?

Never give up. There are times when I get down on myself, but I can’t give up. I have to keep pushing myself.

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It’s probably (beating Venice) or beating Braden River (3-0 on Nov. 11). Last year we lost to both teams. Getting to beat both our rivals in my senior year is a great way to end my career.

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Natalia Kassner is a senior captain on the Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer team. Kassner, a striker, had a goal and an assist Dec. 14 in the Mustangs’ 3-0 home win against Venice High.

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.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Natalia Kassner

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DECEMBER 23, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS Dear Santa Claus, Thank to gif presits. I have been good. Satue I help you haf a good chrismis.

ALEXIS MARTINEZ, 7 KINDERGARTNER AT WILLIAM H. BASHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

DEAR SANTA LIZ RAMOS | STAFF WRITER

W

ith Christmas only a few days away, students at East County schools made sure their letters to Santa were in the mail.

Their requests, however, weren’t just about presents

for themselves. Some were hoping they could spread Christmas cheer to others.

Teachers from William H. Bashaw, Gene Witt and Robert E. Willis elementary schools were gracious to share a sampling of their students’ letters to Santa.

Dear Santa Claus, I will give milke and cookises can you please give me toy’s Chritmas.

BRANDON MURRAY, 7 KINDERGARTNER AT WILLIAM H. BASHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Photos by Liz Ramos

You can read more of the letters at YourOberserver. com. Here are a few from Santa’s bag.

Dear Santa, I am six years old. For cristmas I wold love a cooking set. I will leave you cookies and milk!

EVAN SHELDON, 6 FIRST GRADER AT GENE WITT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Dear Santa, I am 7 years old. For Christmas, I would really love a stuf randerr.

I will leave you cookies and milk!

EMMA LINDSEY, 7

Dear Santa Claus, I woid like a ifon13 I OK you I been good for Cresmes.

ALEX SANOW, 7 KINDERGARTNER AT WILLIAM H. BASHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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FIRST GRADER AT GENE WITT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Dear Santa, I hope you had a good halloween and thanks giving.

This year I want a jungle cruise lego set, remote monster truck. could you also give gifts to kids in need. have a merry christmas. the end.

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

25

Dear Santa, My name is Lily and I am 7 years old. I love christmas. I decorated 2 christmas trees this year with my family.

I think I was mostly good this year. I would like lots of L.O.L. surprise! dolls, pets, and babies.

I hope our elf Twinkle Twist will come back next year.

LILY SHAHAN, 7 SECOND GRADER AT ROBERT E. WILLIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MASON BEEBE, 6 FIRST GRADER AT ROBERT E. WILLIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Dear Santa, I wood like a real koala, roses art set.

NORA CLEMENTI, 6 KINDERGARTNER AT ROBERT E. WILLIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

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East County families full of bright ideas when it comes to holiday decorations.

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If you’ve been out and about in the Greenbrook neighborhood of Lakewood Ranch, it’s likely you have heard Christmas music that seems to be coming from Santa’s mailbox at 6485 Indigo Bunting Place.

Santa’s mailbox is the centerpiece of the annual light display built by Dutch and Leigh Anne Neuweiler.

“Christmas is our favorite holiday,” Dutch Neuweiler said. “Every year we’ve added to it and built on it, so it’s always different. It gets bigger every year.”

Dutch Neuweiler said the display started with lighted balls in the palm trees in the front yard. The next year, Leigh Anne Neuweiler was out shopping and called her husband to help load something into the car. That “something” was Santa’s mailbox.

“She knew it wouldn’t fit in her car, so that’s how I found out about it,” he said.

The display has grown to include more lights, trees, reindeer on the side of the yard opposite the driveway and Santa himself. Dutch Neuweiler said the display takes a couple days to build each year, and he is contemplating more ideas.

“I’m sure we’ll come up with something,” he said.

The Neuweiler’s have plenty of competition when it comes to holi-

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Greenbrook’s Brooklyn Neuweiler and father Dutch Neuweiler stand by Santa’s mailbox that serves as the centerpiece of the family’s holiday light display on Indigo Bunting Place.

day lights.

For the past 27 years, Mill Creek’s Dawn Ayala has been receiving Christmas decorations as gifts.

“We have friends over for Christmas, and they always say, ‘What do you want?’” Ayala said. “They give me Christmas things as gifts.”

If they miss her on Christmas, Dawn Ayala’s birthday is right around the corner on Jan. 8, so they

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27

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

GIFTS FOR THOSE WHO SEEK BALANCE Liz Ramos

give her Christmas decorations as birthday gifts.

Dawn Ayala and her husband, Roy, now have so many Christmas decorations that they still have some in the attic while more than 30 decorations light up their front yard.

Every year, they’ll rotate what is on display.

This year’s display has 10 snowmen shining bright while either standing tall or melted on the ground.

“It just happens to be what they give us,” Ayala said. “They keep buying me snowmen.”

The Ayala home is the brightest on 133rd Street East in Mill Creek.

“We’re not those people who count lights, but I just know we have a lot of extension cords,” Ayala said. “I don’t know how people do it. Usually, I’m popping circuit breakers, but so far so good this year. Years ago I used to have a lot of blow ups, and that would take a lot of power.”

Occasionally, Roy Ayala will see cars slowing down in front of their home or children stopping in front while riding their bikes.

“It seems like other people are decorating more, so it kind of spreads to other houses,” he said. “Everyone is looking for the newest thing.”

The Ayalas plan to continue doing their light display as long as they are healthy.

“It’s very special that we can do it,” Dawn Ayala said. “(Roy) keeps saying, ‘How many more years are you going to make me go up on the roof?’

It’s like, well, if you can’t, we’ll find someone who can.”

LIGHT IT UP

SUMMERFIELD n 6447 Golden Leaf Court n 6443 Golden Leaf Court n 12022 Winding Woods Way n 6413 Fox Gape Lane RIVER CLUB n 10103 Cherry Hills Ave. Circle n 9947 Cherry Hills Ave. Circle n 9404 Royal Calcutta Place RIVER WALK n 7309 Loblolly Bay Trail n 7147 Spikerush Court n 7155 Spikerush Court MILL CREEK/COUNTRY CREEK n 1807 145th St. E. n 317 147th St. E. n 13515 Third Ave. E. n 13601 Third Ave. E. n 311 133rd St. E. GREENBROOK n 6226 Warbler Lane n 6232 Macaw Glen n 6485 Indigo Bunting Place n 6411 Royal Tern Circle n 6372 Robin Cove BRADEN WOODS n 9115 Wood Dove Drive n 9220 Forrester Drive n 9003 63rd Ave. E. n 6107 Braden Run Road TARA n 6230 Skyward Court n 7122 68th Drive E. n 6808 68th Drive E. PALM AIRE n 5212 Palm Aire Drive n 8214 Timber Lake Lane n 8034 Timber Lake Lane

Mill Creek’s Roy and Dawn Ayala have been receiving Christmas decorations as gifts for years. Their light show continues to grow each year.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

BRADENTON 8499 Lindrick Lane 6 Beds 8/4 Baths 15,223 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4475594 $10,850,000

SARASOTA 3835 Pomegranate Place 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,179 Sq. Ft. Kelly Quigley 941-356-9954 A4519108 $2,195,000

SARASOTA 3501 Founders Club Drive 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,836 Sq. Ft. Richard Hearn 941-313-1591 A4497661 $1,700,000

SARASOTA 1350 5th Street 303 3 Beds 3/1 Baths 1,928 Sq. Ft. Heidi Lusk 941-681-5227 A4519729 $1,575,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16628 Berwick Terrace 3 Beds 3 Baths 3,326 Sq. Ft. Gloria Bracciano 941-229-4000 A4519562 $1,550,000

BRADENTON 1523 1st Avenue W 4 Beds 3 Baths 3,500 Sq. Ft. Fran DeDona & Pam Goodwin 941-812-5023 A4505327 $999,750

UNIVERSITY PARK 7604 Boltons Court 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,451 Sq. Ft. Stephanie Annable 941-376-4100 A4519827 $985,000

BRADENTON 19409 Ganton Avenue Lot Size 0.77 Acres Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4518974 $925,000

BRADENTON 12503 Natureview Circle 5 Beds 4 Baths 4,053 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4516676 $899,000

PARRISH 3911 Twin Rivers Trail 4 Beds 3/1 Baths 3,557 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4510445 $865,000

BRADENTON 348 Snapdragon Loop 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,469 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4519347 $850,000

SARASOTA 1518 Bel Air Star Parkway 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,475 Sq. Ft. Cheryl Roberts 941-266-1450 A4506654 $835,000

BRADENTON 3912 Plumosa Terrace Street W 2 Beds 2/1 Baths 2,679 Sq. Ft. Pam Goodwin & Fran DeDona 941-812-0754 A4517658 $790,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7841 Valderrama Way 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,112 Sq. Ft. Stuart Lawrence & Laura Lawrence 941-894-4001 A4519795 $789,000

SARASOTA 8529 Great Meadow Drive 4 Beds 3 Baths 2,421 Sq. Ft. Bibi-Ann Allard PA 941-685-0422 A4519305 $699,000

BRADENTON 161 Wandering Wetlands Circle 3 Beds 3 Baths 2,006 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4519268 $595,000

SARASOTA 2437 Icecapade Drive 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,140 Sq. Ft. Stacy Hanan 941-266-0529 A4519357 $549,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 8001 Hampton Court 3 Beds 2 Baths 2,070 Sq. Ft. Ryndie Brusco 941-809-6913 A4519799 $525,000

BRADENTON 3440 Wild Oak Bay Boulevard 127 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,596 Sq. Ft. Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4519276 $525,000

BRADENTON 920 Tidewater Shores Loop 306 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,232 Sq. Ft. Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4519374 $439,990

SARASOTA 2028 Bougainvillea Street 2 Beds 1 Baths 1,000 Sq. Ft. Barbara May 404-822-9264 A4516776 $400,000

UNIVERSITY PARK 7935 Whitebridge Glen 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,464 Sq. Ft. Bernadette Caswell 941-320-8265 A4519041 $400,000

BRADENTON 112 65th Street Court NW 3 Beds 2 Baths 1,648 Sq. Ft. Leah Secondo 941-545-4430 A4518913 $349,000

SARASOTA 5301 Mahogany Run Avenue 1011 2 Beds 2 Baths 1,684 Sq. Ft. Anja Deichmann 941-284-7987 A4511724 $295,000

BRADENTON 201 42nd Street NW 2 Beds 1 Baths 1,036 Sq. Ft. Toni Lyon 941-928-8735 A4519067 $275,000

MYAKKA CITY 3005 233rd Street E 4 Beds 3/2 Baths 4,164 Sq. Ft. Chris Baylis 941-735-4713 A4510152 $5,800,000

BRADENTON 8415 Broadstone Court 4 Beds 4/1 Baths 5,189 Sq. Ft. Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4515827 $4,395,000

SARASOTA 374 Bob White Drive 3 Beds 4/1 Baths 3,409 Sq. Ft. Barbara May & Fred Sassen 404-822-9264 A4519401 $3,850,000

888.552.5228 | MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM 357426-1

28

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

RESEARCH EDITOR

A

Riverdale home topped all transactions in this week’s real estate sales. Douglas and Sheri Fenstermaker, of Warren, Ohio, sold their home at 4219 Hawk Island Drive to C. Michael Verble and Kathy Verble, trustees, of Carmel, Indiana, for $3.25 million.

Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, five-and-twohalf baths, a pool and 5,842 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.1 million in 2017.

STATE ROAD 64

Arturo Cardenas, of Bradenton, sold his home at 14840 State Road 64 E. to Shreya LWR Investments LLC for $1.35 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,520 square feet of living area. It sold for $185,500 in 2012.

67TH STREET COURT

Blanca Mendoza-Ledezma and Juan Cerrillo, of Bradenton, sold their home at 3512 67th St. Court E. to Caitlin VanDyk and Nicholas Rapisardi, of Bradenton, for $1.2 million. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,220 square feet of living area.

POMELLO PARK

Ryan, Heather, Craig and Scott Livingston sold their home at 19736 62nd Ave. E. to Brian and Teresa Puskas, of Bradenton, for $1.2 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,630 square feet of living area. It sold for $930,000 in 2008.

Mack and Lauren Harper, of Jacksonville, sold their home at 20409 65th Ave. E. to Kyle Alan Kellogg, of Bradenton, for $1.03 million. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,809 square feet of living area. It sold for $368,000 in 2011.

Russell and Michelle Schmidt sold their home at 7210 221st St. E. to Brian and Stacy Wallace, of Bradenton, for $950,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 3,304 square feet of living area. It sold for $649,000 in 2005.

UNIVERSITY PARK

Richard and Jacqueline Hull, of West Berkshire, England, sold their home at 7635 Heathfield Court to Winston Elliot Gaum and Helen Gail Gaum, of Rochester, New York, for $1.15 million. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,111 square feet of living area. It sold for $650,000 in 2013.

COUNTRY CLUB

RASZ Futures LLC sold the home at 6839 Turnberry Isles Court to Andrew Semple, of Lakewood Ranch, for $925,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,498 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2013.

Janice Todd, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sold the home at 13820 Siena Loop to Tamera Roulund, of Lakewood Ranch, for $640,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,314 square feet of living area. It sold for $458,000 in 2015.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Nei Global Relocation Co. sold the home at 16535 Berwick Terrace to Kevin and Bianca Stanek, of Bradenton, for $915,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths and 2,882 square feet of living area.

Heather Newman and Debra Newman, of Bradenton, sold their home at 16621 Berwick Terrace to William and Beth Chandler, of Natick, Massachusetts, for $910,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,622 square feet of living area. It sold for $680,000 in 2020.

29

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 6-10

FOX POINTE

Margaret and Peter Donahue sold their home at 5482 Golf Pointe Drive to Philip Tefarikis and Effie Stratis, of Sarasota, for $895,000.

Built in 1992, it has five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,489 square feet of living area. It sold for $455,000 in 2019.

POLO RUN

Phillip and Kelly Jackson sold their home at 17068 Polo Trail to Nominee Services Inc. for $880,000.

National Residential Nominee Services Inc. then sold the home to Chang Family Community Property Trust for $880,000. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,520 square feet of living area. It sold for $518,000 in 2018.

Jill and Ronald Anish, of Bradenton, sold their home at 6535 Rosehill Farm Run to Justin and Desirae Butler, of Lakewood Ranch, for $605,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,287 square feet of living area. It sold for $339,000 in 2018.

ESPLANADE

William and Minnie Bonner, of Cleveland, Ohio, sold their home at 5010 Tivoli Run to Brian Gaudette and Deborah Fuller, of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, for $875,000.

Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,995 square feet of living area. It sold for $481,300 in 2017.

Michelle Christine Dunbar and Hugh Dunbar Jr., of Sarasota, sold their home at 5227 Napoli Run to Gilbert and Nereyda Vega, of Chicago, for $730,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 2,084 square feet of living area. It sold for $451,500 in 2014.

ROSEDALE ADDITION

Mark Bouman, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 4772 Royal Dornoch Circle to Thomas James Ring and Karen Leslie Ring, of Lakewood Ranch, for $849,000.

Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,534 square feet of living area. It sold for $422,100 in 2015.

Martin Federico, of Bradenton, sold his home at 4469 Royal Dornoch Circle to William and Janice Yentz, trustees, of Brookfield, Wisconsin, for $705,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,399 square feet of living area. It sold for $477,500 in 2020.

Courtesy photo

This Riverdale home at 4219 Hawk Island Drive sold for $3.25 million. It has five bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 5,842 square feet of living area.

two baths, a pool and 2,480 square feet of living area.

TRB Development Braden River LLC sold the home at 5487 56th Court E. to Evan and Elizabeth Eaton, of Bradenton, for $609,900.

Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,440 square feet of living area.

HARMONY

Maxwell and Candice Zagorski, of Bradenton, sold their home at 11422 Spring Gate Trail to Michael and Heidi Pearson, of Federal Way, Washington, for $600,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,502 square feet of living area. It sold for $397,900 in 2018.

Brian and Sandra Hall, of Enosburg, Vermont, sold their home at 5230 Appaloosa Cove to Taylor Marini, of Treasure Island, for $400,000.

Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 1,784 square feet of living area. It sold for $299,000 in 2020.

TAILFEATHER WAY AT TARA

Andrew and Yvonne Armstrong, of Parrish, sold their home at 6723 Tailfeather Way to Kyle Wayne Lawton, of Sarasota, for $599,000.

Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,560 square feet of living area. It sold for $300,600 in 2004.

In with the new SALES GALLERY OPEN

Longboat Key

VIRGINIA WATER

Lillian Dootson Mccomas, of Sarasota, sold their home at 6512 Virginia Crossing to Gordon and Belle Jacopi, of University Park, for $710,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,928 square feet of living area. It sold for $595,000 in October.

The Residences at the St. Regis | 941.213.3300 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. SRResidencesLongboatKey.com

SALES GALLERY NOW OPEN

GREYHAWK LANDING

James Randall Kirk, of Fanwood, New Jersey, sold his home at 12411 Daisy Place to Brian and Breanne Frank, of Bradenton, for $684,300.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,969 square feet of living area. It sold for $714,900 in 2006.

ASHLEY TRACE AT UNIVERSITY PLACE

Downtown St. Petersburg 400 Central | 727.209.7848 | From the $1,000,000’s | Call for appointment. | Residences400central.com

MOVE IN FALL 2022

Marti Deets, trustee, and Norman Deets, of Milledgeville, Illinois, sold their home at 8005 Coates Row Place to Brian and Lynda Rawson, of Bradenton, for $675,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,467 square feet of living area. It sold for $375,000 in 2007.

Downtown Sarasota

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Donna Thomas, trustee, of Bradenton, sold the home at 826 Himalayan Run to Norman and Diane Cianfarani, of Bradenton, for $639,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,371 square feet of living area. It sold for $394,200 in 2018.

The Collection | 941.232.2868 | From the $2,000,000’s | Call for appointment. | thecollection1335.com

Sales galleries open and available for virtual or in-person presentations.

Virtual home tours | OnDemand local experts | Interactive site and floorplans

MARSHALL’S LANDING

TRB Development Braden River LLC sold the home at 5497 56th Court E. to John and Dolores Littlejohn, of Bradenton, for $640,800.

Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms,

WWW.MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM/NEW-HOMES | 844.591.4333 | SARASOTA, FLORIDA Prices as of November 2021.

Licensed Real Estate Broker

357347-1

ADAM HUGHES

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Riverdale home tops sales at $3.25 million

|

30

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

HOLIDAYWorship Guide Look for area services, programs and events to celebrate this joyous time of year.

5394 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key

December 24th Christmas Eve

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

You're invited to

1031 S. EUCLID AVE. SARASOTA (941) 953-7044 uccsarasota.com

Sinai Swingin' Shabbat Eve

TEMPLE SINAI 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

Masses at 4pm and 7pm December 25th Christmas Day

DEC

Year’s Eve countdown!

Black Tie Optional – Live Big Band – Champagne Oneg Reservations Preferred: templesinai-sarasota.org/event/kickbrassNYE

5:00 P.M. – Outdoors w/ Special Music 8:00 P.M. – Sanctuary w/ Special Music* 11:00 P.M. – Sanctuary w/ Communion

Temple Sinai 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Sarasota, FL 34231 368953-1

* Also live-streamed via our website

369023-1

2021

Don’t miss this kick brass Shabbat service before your New

Christmas Eve Services

Masses at 8am and 10am

31

370441-1

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

SIESTA KEY CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN (USA)

Christmas Eve Services In-Person & Live Stream

8:00 PM

Candlelight Service with Communion

Indoor and Outdoor Seating Beautiful music 941.349.1166

4615 Gleason Ave., Siesta Key, FL 368937-1

siestakeychapel.org

368959-1

5:30 PM

Family Service with Live Nativity

Christmas Eve at

Pine Shores Presbyterian Church 6116 Crestwood Avenue

(West of US 41 - North of Stickney Pt.)

~ 5:00 pm Family Service ~ for Children, Youth & Adults

~ 7:30 pm Traditional Service ~ Presenting Special Music with Chancel Choir & String Quartet

368944-1

Communion & Candlelight at both Services Nursery provided 4:45 pm – 8:45 pm www.pineshorespres.org • (941) 922-1597

Come! God’s Son Is Born for All!

EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON

4:30 p.m.: Worship with Holy Communion

EVERY SUNDAY MORN 9 a.m.: Contemporary Worship with Praise Band 11 a.m.: Traditional Worship with Choir CHRISTMAS EVE 7 p.m.: Family Candlelit Worship Service 11 p.m.: Candlelit Worship with Holy Communion

Concordia Lutheran Church 368934-1

ConcordiaSarasota.org

368941-1

2185 Wood Street

(Along School Avenue, North of Sarasota High School)

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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31

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST & CHRISTIAN SCIENCE READING ROOM

Faith Lutheran Church ELCA Christmas Eve Services

Sunday Service: 10:30am Wednesday Testimony Meeting: 4:30pm Reading Room: Tues - Thurs 12 noon - 4pm

368947-1

5:30 & 8:00 p.m.

All are Welcome

369161-1

368961-1

“Holiday Carols on Main Street” 2100 Main Street Thursday, December 23rd @ 6pm

7750 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238 | 941.924.4664

2100 MAIN STREET | SARASOTA, FL 34237

ST. ANDREW UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Christmas at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church

Christmas Eve: Special Music – 6:30 p.m.

Candlelight Worship – 7:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP, 12/24 5, 7 & 9pm

LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE

Sunday Worship Service – 10:30 a.m.

IN PERSON OR LIVESTREAMING ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

12/21 @ 6 pm • Chapel

Holy Communion, Festive Brass & Timpani at all services Prelude concert begins 20 minutes before each service Live Streamed Service at 7pm - www.saklc.com/live

SIESTA KEY BEACH SUNSET CHRISTMAS SERVICE

CHRISTMAS DAY, 12/25 9am Worship

Bring your chairs/blanket. Worship by the volleyball courts.

LESSONS & CAROLS, 12/26 10am Worship

For those who find the Christmas season a difficult time.

6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota FL 34238 941-922-7595 www.sarasotaucc.org

12/23 @ 5 pm

FAMILY & TRADITIONAL SERVICES 12/24 @ 5, 7, 9 & 11 pm • Sanctuary

A PROGRESSIVE AND INCLUSIVE CHURCH

Our 5 pm Family Service features drama, music & candle light.

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church

3224 BEE RIDGE RD., SARASOTA FL 34239 WWW.CHURCHOFTHEPALMS.ORG

369022-1 368938-1

368958-1

Our 7, 9 & 11 pm Traditional Christmas Eve Services features scripture, carols, music and a message.

40 North Adams Drive, Sarasota FL

941.388.1234 | office@saklc.com Rev. Dr. Kenneth Byth, Pastor

Michael J. Bodnyk, Minister of Music

LIVING LORD LUTHERAN CHURCH 11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 • (941) 753-9365 www.LivingLordFL.org

ADVENT SERVICES

Christmas at Church of the Redeemer Christmas Eve Friday, December 24

Christmas Day Saturday, December 25

Both in person & Livestream on Facebook

Christmas Eve Family Mass 3 p.m.

Christmas Day Mass 10 a.m.

CANDLELIGHT COMMUNION – CAROLS

Christmas Eve Mass 4:30 p.m. pre-service carols 5 p.m. mass (with incense)

Christmas Day Mass 1 p.m. (in Spanish)

Christmas Eve Mass 10 p.m. pre-service music 10:30 p.m. mass (with incense)

222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota 941-955-4263 RedeemerSarasota.org

368960-1

Saint James UMC 2049 N Honore Ave Sarasota, FL 34235 941-377-6180 www.saintjamesumc.org

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Friday, December 24 Contemporary 4:00PM Traditional 7:00PM

368957-1

(If raining will be moved indoors)

Wednesday, December 1, 8 and 15, 7:00PM

Intimate Candlelight Chapel Service 8:00 pm December 24th

368956-1

Christmas Under the Stars 6:00 pm December 24th

C hristmas

EVE s erviCes Friday, December 24

Traditional Candlelight Services 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. - Sanctuary

6:15 p.m. - Preservice Music

368955-1

rking rvices

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

368931-1 370229-1

104 S. Pineapple Ave. • 941-955-0935 • www.firstsrq.com Parking Available at the Mark

32

WEATHER

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 23 High: 69 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 3%

FRIDAY, DEC. 24 High: 72 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 6%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 23 7:17a 5:41p Friday, Dec. 24

7:17a

5:42p

Saturday, Dec. 25

7:18a

5:42p

Sunday, Dec. 26

7:18a

5:43p

Monday, Dec. 27

7:18a

5:43p

Tuesday, Dec. 28

7:19a

5:44p

Wednesday, Dec. 29 7:19a

5:45p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 25 High: 76 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 6%

SUNDAY, DEC. 26 High: 78 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 6% Karen Goodman captured this photo of a deer grazing at dusk in the Country Club community of Lakewood Ranch.

Jan. 17 Full

Jan. 25 Last

Jan. 31 New

Feb. 8 First

RAINFALL Monday, Dec. 13

0

Tuesday, Dec. 14

0

Wednesday, Dec. 15

0

Thursday, Dec. 16

0

Friday, Dec. 17

0

Saturday, Dec. 18

0

Sunday, Dec. 19

0

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Submit your photos at YourObserver.com/Weather. All submissions will be entered for the 2021-22 Weather and Nature photo contest. In February 2022, you will vote for your favorite photo, and the submission with the most votes will win a $500 gift card.

YEAR TO DATE: 2021 45.79 in.

2020 56.93 in.

MONTH TO DATE: 2021 0 in.

2020 1.44 in.

MANASOTA FLOORING INC KARASTAN, MOHAWK, AIRO, SMARTSTRAND, ALL PET 941.748.4679 | Venice

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

celebrity cipher

THINK DIFFERENTLY by Gary Larson. Edited by Amanda Rafkin 53 Real doozy 56 Exclamation point part 57 Dec. 24, e.g.

58 2014 MLK biopic 59 Egg drop participant?

DOWN 61 “Te ___” 1 Brand of flavored water 62 Dogs might bury them 2 Like some statistical 64 Some medical profesrelationships sionals (Abbr.)

3 Musician’s booking 66 Peanut butter cup brand 4 What e-cigs don’t 67 Beginning to snow? produce 68 So far 5 Like some salsas and 69 Tasseled hat temperatures 71 Laundry heap, e.g.

6 One-named Irish singer 72 Catholic service 7 Barely make (out) 74 “That’s for sure!”

8 Kraken’s home 76 Parenthetical comments 9 Little one 77 National Pet Rock Day 10 Imitating mo.

11 Bike for a couple 78 Paving goo 12 Avant-garde quality 80 Tease 13 Greek T 81 Lose it 14 Like a stoner’s lava 82 Chicago high rollers? lamp?

83 Tylenol alternative 15 Moral code 85 Narrow passage 16 Bit of gear for catching 86 “L8r g8r!” flies?

87 “Be ___ Guest” 18 ID on an IRS form 89 Part of a batting lineup?

20 Harley-Davidson bike 91 Steal from 21 Part for an actor 92 Org. measuring air 22 Trivial quality 27 “Finding ___” (2003 93 Woolly animal that Pixar film) might spit 30 Foreign correspondent, 95 Hebrew or Arab, e.g. perhaps?

98 Hay there!

31 Scornful look 99 Rung out 33 Prepared to jump out 100 Tennis icon Arthur and yell “Surprise!”

101 Holi celebrant 34 Comedian Philips 103 Second chances 36 Slop holder 106 Have on 38 Sphere 107 Bread for a pastrami 39 Tissue layer sandwich 40 Opposed to 108 Refuse to admit 42 Actively working 110 Hosp. lines 44 Opposite of subtract 111 Totally fill 45 Corn unit 112 Like a 1-1 score 47 Enjoyed some chipsi 115 World Cup cheer mayai 117 Director Ang 48 Silently agree 118 QB’s gains 49 Trail 119 ___ Day (rhyming 50 Double-reeded woodHawaiian celebration) wind 120 Like the name Lily for 51 Like a staticky radio a florist station?

123 The point of church?

124 Impolite 125 Enthusiastic assent 126 Made revisions to

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 World of Warcraft, e.g.

7 Large property 13 They/___ pronouns 17 The “ants” in an “ants on a log” snack 19 ATM feature 20 Country where Twoubadou music originated 21 Like a gravelly-voiced orator?

23 ___ to (should) 24 Word after “photo” or “special” 25 Eric who played McSteamy on “Grey’s Anatomy” 26 Film credits come right after it 28 Response in a game of Battleship, maybe

29 Jumps 32 Word typically ignored when alphabetizing 35 Film critic Siskel 36 Pampering, for short 37 Comedian Cleghorne 38 Kia model now known as the K5 41 “Cats” showstopper 43 Like close-up magic?

46 Arizona desert 49 Dropped in 52 Things that go up the more you down?

54 Because of 55 “All ___!” (train conductor’s shout) 56 The root of all suffering, in Buddhism 59 Embraced 60 Item in a shed

61 Overhead 63 Franklin who’s the subject of the movie “Respect” 65 ___ Majesty 66 Like a comedian on Zoom?

70 Spinning speed meas.

73 Rests atop 75 Track competitions 76 Sarah McLachlan hit hidden in “Glad I asked” 77 Word after “hair” or “Harry” 79 Fake 82 Gallery supporters?

84 Some noblemen 85 C ___ crossword 86 Crashes together 88 Take orders in advance 90 Like furniture at a nudist camp?

94 Cellist Pablo 96 Tree that becomes a “Wicked” song when a “U” is inserted 97 Italian scooter 101 “Psst!”

102 Palm reader, e.g.

104 Sound of shear enjoyment?

105 ___ Park, Colorado 106 Nintendo console 107 Paired Cheetos and Doritos 109 Light spray 113 Ooh and ___ 114 Diplomatic representative 116 Like shoes that come in triple-E sizes?

121 “Skyfall” singer 122 Made up (for)

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“XNONWDN TWSG NWDNWVNXK OBTSNWPN, WTI PSLXBIG LWV IXCN ZNLPN. ... SBRNXLIBTW ACKI PTAN MXTA FBIEBW.” – KLWVXL PBKWNXTK “OMWGNS MB T GMYN GX PTGFNS PXKINW YXYNWGB, NYUTSV JDXW T BNWGMYNWGTK LXJSWNE TWI NWLXE NHNSE MIKN FXJS.” – LXFW UXBONKK “BX YITHID ETI UODC IJITXKEX WIHWZI LYH LHTS YETK, ETI YHRIDC ERK YEJI VRCIPTVCX.”

– DVRPIT UHTKVR DWETSD Puzzle Three Clue: O equals U

crossword

349251-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

Puzzle Two Clue G equals T

Sarasota

Puzzle One Clue E equals H

CARPET

© 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

12-23-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

redpages@yourobserver.com • yourobserver.com/redpages DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon 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 Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis..

JAPANESE PAGODA.CEMENT 2 ft tall asking $145, shower chair, $25, pvc towel holder for pool, 4 ft tall $30 941-359-8460

*This position comes with paid vacation time off, paid holiday time off, and health benefits

Autos Wanted

Please email your resume to kboothroyd@ businessobserverfl.com

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars.

941-270-4400.

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

941809-3660, 941-809-3662.

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE. YourObserver.com/RedPages WE BUY cars. top $$ paid for your vehicles.

Call Hawley Motors: 941-923-3421.

Announcements

Merchandise Wanted

Help Wanted

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.

Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County

Pets

Bus Driver

- Sign on Bonus Bus Driver is responsible for the operation of transporting children from school to the Clubs in the afternoons and designated summer field trips.

PT Mon.-Fri. 16 hrs/week; starts at $16.00 per hour.

CDL with P & S endorsement.

TOY AND teacup poodles call or text for more info 941-374-5413

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

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

To apply: go to www.bgcmanatee.org

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

Sorrento Shores Waterfront 3 Bed 2 Bath Fantastic Views, New Dock $995,000

RED PAGES CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Stroll to Siesta Key Beach 4 Bed 2 Bath Heated Pool, 2 Car Garage $799,000 Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 2BED-2BATH, Dock.

Owner/agent $530,000.

Call for coming soon listings.

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

Call 941-726-2677.

Perfect Solutions For Seniors *Caregivers/Companions *Personal Care * CNA’s/HHA’s

* Assistance with Daily Living Ac-

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! 941-955-4888

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 941-955-4888 Fax: 941-362-4808

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE: YourObserver.com/RedPages

FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE!

Adult Care Services

Luxurious Lake Club 4 Bed 4 Bath Built in 2019 Lakefront Lakewood Ranch $2,500,000

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

Email: RedPages@YourObserver.com Online: YourObserver.com/Red Pages

jobs

I AM bringing forth my Land Patent benefits, if interested see www.foxboro-consulting.com, Publications, L.P. 1 or L.P. 2.

*This position must be performed in the office. No remote work is available.

2005 S4 Audi Convertible, V8, silver exterior with red/black interior, mint condition, fully loaded, original owner, 34K miles asking $18,000. 941-807-7422

RUGS 6X9, 2x10, 2x3 Hunter green / wine/ beige Persian Weavers Aztec print, excellent condition $65 941-748-2304.

AVAILABLE FOR Personal Visits, Corporate Events, Personal Video Messages, Virtual Visits and Photos with Santa 954-336-1697

Please email resume and WPM typing speed for immediate consideration. Please also specify your available date to start.

Homes for Sale

Real Estate Wanted Single Male wants to buy home for sale by owner. Deposit and terms negotiable and according to the owner.

Contact Tom 678-755-3804 tomlarsen559@gmail.com

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

Phone (941) 809-1438 HHA# 299994819

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

RED PAGES Advertise your business or service in the Observer

CALLPAGES TODAY RED 941-955-4888 Advertise your business or service in the Observer

CALL TODAY

PERSONAL CARE GIVER- Private care: Meal preparation, errands, shopping, and more.

Affordable hourly rates, available weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Minimal shift 5 hours can also provide overnight care.

Temporary or long term care.

Over 10+ years experience.

References available. No new faces, one consistent caregiver.

COVID Negative.

Call Kati: 941-536-7706.

Auto Transport

RED PAGES Cleaning 941-955-4888 CLAUDIA C. CALL TODAY Cleaning Services.

941-955-4888 Experienced, dependable, and ready to begin!

Residential.

Excellent references.

941-773-6895.

Use the RED PAGES to clean out your garage CALL 941-955-4888

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

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

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady.

Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential.

Commercial. New Construction.

941-400-2866.

SELL STUFF HERE!

Painting

YourObserver.com/RedPages

Cleaning BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service

by Maria. Residential. Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References.

Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./Ins. 941-400-3342. www.braziliancleaningbymk.com

This week’s Crossword answers

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.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Revenge only engenders violence, not clarity and true peace. ... Liberation must come from within.”

Sandra Cisneros Puzzle Two Solution: “Winter is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey and enjoy every idle hour.”

John Boswell Puzzle Three Solution: “My heroes are just everyday people who work hard, are honest and have integrity.”

Singer Jordin Sparks

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2021 Universal Uclick

©2021 NEA, Inc.

FINE WHITE china, 12 dinner/ 11 salad plates, 8 ceral bowls, 4 coffee cups/saucers, assorted smaller plates. $45 (941)226-7185

The ideal candidate will have strong computer software and hardware skills. Familiarity with Adobe InDesign and Filemaker Pro is a plus. Florida notary certification is also a plus.

You’re only cheating yourself.

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

Autos for Sale

THE BUSINESS OBSERVER newspaper is seeking a fastpaced, detail-oriented Proofreader / Typist for a full-time position in Sarasota, Florida. Hours are 8:30 am- 5 pm, Mon-Fri. The candidate must be able to type at least 75 WPM with great accuracy and proofread typed material and make corrections. Attention to detail is a MUST. Proofreading entails finding errors in the typed print that varies from the original document, not actually editing the documents for errors.

peekers’ place

Items Under $200

auto

stuff

Help Wanted

real estate

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

home services

INFORMATION & RATES: 941-955-4888

We’ll SWEEP you off your feet!

We’ll SWEEP you off your feet!

We’ll SWEEP you off your feet!

We’ll SWEEP you off your feet!

RED PAGES

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Aluminum

Computer

Health

GET YOUR LIFE BACK!

370579

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

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

“Specializing inin6” Gutters” “Specializing 6” Seamless Seamless Gutters”

Dustin Yoder

Dustin Owner Yoder/ Operator

FREE CONSULTATION 941.358.2224 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression provides safe, gentle & effective relief for upwards of 90% of patients that qualify for care.

369160

941-735-3362

YoderAluminum.com

Concrete

Auto Service

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC

SIDEWALKS • DRIVEWAYS #1 in IR REPA Crack %

FAST • EASY • SAFE

95 EPLACE Don’t R Concrete d of Goo only 5% when cked! is cra

WE COME TO YOU 5-Star Rated

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

BUZ CORP D/B/A

CONCRETE FUSION

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com DrCifra@SarasotaDiscCenter.com

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

Home Services

Call Bobby • FREE Estimates 319-693-8800 or 941-374-7670

370255

369154

HoHoBuysCars.com

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression

CRACK REPAIR

SELL YOUR CAR! 941.270.4400

Give Us a Call - We Can Help

Pegatronics.com

941.650.9790 941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner /Insured Operator Insured

Do You Have Neck or Low Back Pain?

Do You Want To Avoid Surgery?

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

Doors

Beauty

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

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

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

Sliding Glass Door Repair

SERVING YOU IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

369064

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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

370552

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

370269

Insurance

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” AMANDA 424-333-0713 | rockstarmobilehair@gmail.com www.rockstarmobilehairsalon.com

• Aetna, Cigna or United Health Care plans • Nationwide PPO networks • Wide range of deductibles • 1 year, 2 years or 3 years terms (fixed rate) • Effective any day of the year • AFFORDABLE and comprehensive

370257

New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

Individual and Family Health Insurance

Furniture Repair

Bicycles

369078

34

Also, Medicare and Company Group plans

Patio Furniture Repairs.com

Email (SSETO@MYHST.COM) Call/Text 941-993-4137

941-504-0903

Irrigation

www.setohealthgroup.com

370573

Furniture Sales & Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating

FREE PICKUP / DELIVERY • FREE ONSITE QUOTES

Ron Chapman Home Service cell: 941.250.1505 • FREE Estimates

Cleaning

IRRIGATION (941) 725-8100 REPAIR edsrainmakerirrigation@gmail.com MAINTENANCE Insured

369966

369258

Interior/Exterior Painting Dryer Vent Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning

RIGHT ON TARGET

AMI SUN - COLOR AD HOLIDAY PAGE 4x5 167079 11-24-21 EDS

Servicing LWR, Parrish and NE Bradenton Kitchen/Bath Remodeling

369157

Advertise your business, starting at only $85 per month.

Custom Granite Services, llc

OBSERVER RED PAGES

Call 941-955-4888 YourObserver.com/RedPages

941-400-4912

370271

Doors

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

370270

954-1878 (cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

369162

370268

CJ COOLEY OWNER/OPERATOR

GLENN KROECKER

www.ezslider.com

FREE IN-HOM ESTIMATEE S

CustomGraniteServicesLLC@gmail.com

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Window Repairs • Sliding Glass Door Repairs Sliding Glass Door Deadbolts

Call us today! 941.628.8579

370583

ED’S RAIN MAKER IRRIGATION

Handyman

Call John 941.377.2940

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Landscaping & Lawn

Rescreening & Repairs

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

|

35

Screening

GARDENS BY ALLISON No Job is too Small!

Design • Garden Beds Landscape • Courtyards Clean-Up • Makeovers Weeds • Trimming

Allison J. Abizaid, M.A.

370584

Personal Gardening Services | Designer

941.400.0431

369086

Eldridge Re-Screen Licensed

369166

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

Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

Pressure Washing

Owner Supervises Every Job

| scaperotta@aol.com

941-626-3194

HEROES found here.

Relax. You’ve got better things to do.

Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

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

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

Italian American Owned

RED PAGES Bring Results | 941-955-4888

5

$

Purified water window cleaning available!!

• Aluminum, Vinyl, & Wood Soffit & Fascia Repair & Installation • Roofing Repair & Installation • Metal Roofing & Tile Roof Repair Specialists Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

140

$

SPECIAL 00

www.bissonroofing.com

Building & Roofing Contractor

BEFORE

ows

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc.

Honesty, Integrity and Pride

25

STANDARD WINDOWS

941 - 748 - 7400 RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Lic./Ins.

w & Pressure Cl indo345-5264 eani et W(941) s n ng wn as Sunrise Win o n k Su y l r e d UP TO

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

Power Washing

370260

Warranties

RED PAGES

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

941-544-1066

Manufacture and workmanship

Res./Com.

Bisson Roofing Inc.

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES

AFTER

Windows

Roofing

Painting

Serving Sarasota/Manatee Area Since 2004

Doors and more!

Insured

369079

941-739-5102

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

• Roofs • Pool Cages • Decks • Driveways Deck/Paver Sealing• •Decks Gutter• Driveways Cleaning ••Roofs • Pool Cages AndSealing Much•More!

• Deck/Paver And Much More

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

369076

370274

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

Pressure Washing

941-345-5264

941-270-1561

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

370575

“No Job Too Small”

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

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

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

CALL 941-955-4888

370262

Lawn Care

370277

370272

gbyallison@yahoo.com gardensbyallison.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from our Family to Yours

106 Homes Pending & Sold in 2021 Over $72 million Sold in 2021 $430 million in Lifetime Sales Contact Us Today for New Inventory Coming Soon

Pascarella I Shanahan LUXURY GROUP

SOLD

941.225.3218 | 941.702.0437 PSLuxuryGroup.com

LD SO

SOLD

LD SO

SOLD 370368-1

36