East County Observer 12.24.20

E A ST COUNTY

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Hooked on ornament stories PAGE 12

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FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

VOLUME 23, NO. 7

This tradition won’t crumble

YOUR TOWN

Christmas cookie recipes have been passed down through generations of these East County families.

SEE PAGE 8 Brendan Lavell

Isai Rodriguez, who works for construction company Sacyr, works on stormwater drainage between the I-75 bridges over State Road 70.

Liz Ramos

Light shines on the Ranch Lakewood Ranch Boulevard was lit up by a stream of cars with menorahs on top Dec. 15 during Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch’s first Parade of Light.

Once they arrived at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, there was a menorah lighting to pay tribute to the health care workers there.

“The whole message of Hanukkah is that a little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness,” said Chanie Bukiet (shown above with her son, Shaya), the program director at Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

I-75/SR 70 work nears finish FDOT executive says construction will be complete next summer. PAGE 3

Liz Ramos

Esplanade’s Nancy Musson bakes 15 to 17 types of Italian cookies each year.

Brendan Lavell

A+E

Let there be light

Circus acts are back.

SEE PAGE 22

Stained glass windows brighten the stories at Our Lady of the Angels.

SEE PAGE 2 Brendan Lavell

This stained glass window depicting the Nativity was installed just before Christmas 2019. It was the first stained glass window at Our Lady of the Angels.

Deck the malls When Lakewood Ranch High School junior Ana Olson thought about designing the school’s holiday greeting card (above) to be displayed at University Town Center, she decided to create something that shows what many people want to do to 2020.

The result was a carousel horse that has broken free from its merry-go-round to celebrate the holidays. The painting was done by Olson, junior Samuel McCracken, sophomores Amber Toler and Ian Magee and freshman Margaret Birmingham.

“With COVID-19, the students are feeling so isolated,” Lakewood Ranch High School art teacher Laura Victore said.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

Lady of the Angels, we also would like to have Mary in different moments of her life,” Szczawinski said.

The church’s first panel was a Nativity scene added just before Christmas 2019. The goal is to fill in the remainder of the church’s windows with stained glass by the end of 2021.

The windows are made by Conrad Pickel Studio in Vero Beach.

Each window typically takes three months from design to approval to production to installation.

Szczawinski said stained glass windows started to become a tradition within the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages.

Most people at the time couldn’t read, so stained glass windows were used in part as a way to show churchgoers Bible stories with which they would be familiar. Now they are integral to the religion’s culture.

“They are showing us still the same stories, showing us the life of Jesus and the history of our salvation,” Szczawinski said.

In today’s Catholic Church, Szczawinski said the stained glass windows have a more symbolic purpose as a representation of themes of light, which are common throughout the religion.

“It started in the book of Genesis when God said, ‘Let there be light.’ And then we have Christ who said, ‘I am the light of the world,’” Szczawinski said. “Then we cannot see just the natural light, but when you have stained glass windows, we can see how this light goes through this glass to make it beautiful. Theologically speaking, Christ is the light of our life. … Christ should shine through us. We should be like those [windows].”

STAINED GLASS FACTS

Brendan Lavell

The Rev. Sebastian Szczawinski says stained glass in the modern Catholic Church represent themes of light, which are common throughout the religion.

Faith shines bright Stained glass helps tell the story at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church.

STAFF WRITER

While stained glass windows are known for their aesthetic and symbolic qualities, those who attend Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch enjoy another benefit.

The windows serve a more utilitarian function — as built-in sunglasses.

It’s an important feature for churchgoers who used to get distracted by the glaring sunlight

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“It’s weird to wear sunglasses in the church,” the Rev. Sebastian Szczawinski said. “And some people, they did.”

With the addition of two new panels Dec. 15, Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church has nine stained glass windows, eight of which were added in 2020.

In the past year, the church has added windows depicting the resurrection, the ascension of Jesus, the annunciation from the angel Gabriel to Mary, the assumption

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The first stained glass windows appeared in Christian churches around 400 A.D. Stained glass windows were used in Catholic churches primarily to depict scenes from the Bible that the illiterate masses were not able to read.

During the reformation under Henry VIII, hundreds of monasteries and churches were destroyed as the Church of England was founded. Hundreds of archaic stained glass windows were demolished in the process, with makers of the windows scared to re-create the works for decades.

The largest, handmade stained glass window (67 feet by 24 feet) is at the Roman Catholic St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Ky. It portrays the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D.

of Mary into heaven, the coronation of Mary in heaven, the visitation of Mary to St. Elizabeth, the assumption of Mary again and the descent of the Holy Spirit onto the Apostles, also known as Pentecost.

These scenes were chosen because they are all included in the 20 Mysteries of the Rosary. Most of the mysteries are moments in the life of Jesus. But some, many of which are featured at Our Lady of the Angels, center around Mary.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

Interchange’s road to completion S.R. 70 works marks final major phase of interchange project.

BRENDAN LAVELL STAFF WRITER

M

ore than two years after the Florida Department of Transportation began construction at the interchange of Interstate 75 and State Road 70, the project is nearing its off-ramp.

Construction crews are beginning to turn their attention to S.R. 70, the final major component of the project to begin construction.

Crews continue to work on several components of the project simultaneously. Other aspects of the project, such as widening I-75, are still being completed.

But major work on S.R. 70 represents a milestone nonetheless, according to FDOT Community Outreach Manager Brian Bollas.

When completed, FDOT’s $80.8 million project will have widened to eight lanes a 6.75mile stretch of I-75 from north of University Parkway to south of S.R. 64, reconstructed the S.R. 70/I-75 interchange by eliminating three of the four loop on-ramp configurations, widened I-75 entrance and exit ramps, replaced the bridge over S.R. 70, widened the bridge over the Braden River and resurfaced S.R. 70 between Tara Boulevard and 87th Street East. The project will also add sidewalks and 6-and-a-half-foot buffered bike lanes along S.R. 70.

The project was originally scheduled for completion by Spain-based construction company Sacyr in spring 2021 but is now on target for summer 2021, weather permitting. The delay was caused by rain.

“We live in Florida,” Bollas said.

“It’s kind of flat. So sometimes that water is ponding. And then sometimes there’s certain tasks that the ground can’t be saturated, soaking wet and muddy for the work that they need to do.

Sometimes it’s almost like you’re waiting for things to dry out, too.

We’ve had just a lot of rain.

“Say when they go to resurface, even if it doesn’t rain all night, and it only rains for a few hours, they can’t necessarily do paving and painting because it’s still wet overnight. And we don’t allow them to close lanes on S.R. 70 during the daytime. A lot of the work they have to wait for at night. So you’re waiting for the

Photos by Brendan Lavell

The widening of I-75 to four lanes on each side is complete in some stretches, though the fourth lanes will not be open until the entire project is complete.

weather to cooperate at nighttime too.”

The work to improve S.R. 70, the last major component of the project, began recently. FDOT saved S.R. 70 for last because it didn’t make sense to risk damage to a newly improved road by doing such tasks as demolishing the I-75 bridges or moving all the unearthed dirt from the new stormwater ponds on or around it.

“The contractors are taking a bunch of safety precautions, and that’s why we’re diverting traffic, but what if something did fall onto the new roadway below?”

Bollas said.

Now that stormwater ponds along S.R. 70 are complete, resurfacing can begin. Parts of the road were already due to be resurfaced, and the interchange project will exacerbate the need further.

Crews will also improve the road’s medians, including new curbs, and add new signs.

Meanwhile, travelers can expect few traffic disruptions during the day. Construction crews will be allowed to close one lane at night while they do a large portion of resurfacing, curb work and other tasks.

Another improvement to S.R. 70 will be 5-foot sidewalks and bike lanes. Bollas said these are necessary because of new development in the area, from houses to hotels.

“That’s just a way to provide

PROGRESS REPORT COMPLETED n Widening of interstate bridge over Braden River n Major signs, such as large overhead signs on the interstate MOSTLY COMPLETE n Noise walls n New I-75 bridges over S.R. 70 n New I-75 bridges over Braden River n Stormwater ponds n I-75 northbound off-ramp and on-ramp n I-75 widening n Guardrail UNDERWAY n I-75 southbound off-ramp and on-ramp n Final layer of asphalt and lane striping on I-75 n Minor signs, such as business logo signs at exit ramps JUST STARTED n S.R. 70 median n S.R. 70 resurfacing and striping n S.R. 70 bicycle lane ENTIRE PROJECT COMPLETION n Summer 2021

an additional form of mobility to folks, whether they choose to walk to Publix or take a bike to Starbucks,” Bollas said.

Both new I-75 bridges over S.R. 70 are now in use. The old northbound bridge was demolished in November, while the southbound bridge was demolished a couple months prior.

The new bridges are wide enough to accommodate up to 10 lanes, which will likely be necessary one day because of the speed of local population growth. The seventh and eighth lanes are finished in sections of the highway but will not be operational until the entire project is complete.

An FDOT study is in progress to determine how to best use the ninth and 10th lanes once they are set for construction several years from now, Bollas said.

“It could be a toll lane; it could be a high-occupancy vehicle

lane,” Bollas said. “You’re probably looking at about 10 years because it’s a couple of years to do the study, the design and then finally, moving to construction.

And each one of those phases takes a few years.”

Major changes will also come to I-75 in the form of new interchanges with S.R. 70 at every corner except the northwest, which will remain a loop. The new interchange will be a modified diamond, which means that the three nonloop ramps will diverge only slightly from the interstate.

Loop ramps are inefficient for an interchange with major traffic, including plenty of trucks. The one remaining loop will double in size to make it more gradual, meaning it will be easier for trucks to use.

Another improvement that will be added upon completion of the project is a traffic signal to direct vehicles turning right from northbound I-75 to eastbound S.R. 70 to make the interchange safer. At the moment, the exit off northbound I-75 only has a signal to make the turn onto westbound S.R. 70.

Above: Florida Department of Transportation Community Outreach Manager Brian Bollas stands on a new I-75 bridge over the Braden River. The first bridge was constructed in 1979 when I-75 was extended through Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Left: The new I-75 bridges over the Braden River have been widened to accommodate four lanes each once the current project is complete and five lanes each when I-75 is widened again in several years, possibly around 2030.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

L

With her contract extended, superintendent focuses on future Cynthia Saunders, the Manatee superintendent, has a new contract through June 30, 2023.

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LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

N

ow that Cynthia Saunders, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, has two more years to serve as the head of the district, she said she is focused on the years ahead while reflecting on her time as superintendent so far.

The School Board of Manatee County unanimously approved the extension of Saunders’ contract, which now expires June 30, 2023, during a special meeting Dec. 17. Her contract was set to expire June 30, 2021.

She will continue to make $196,000 per year.

“She has exceeded my expectations,” said board member Scott Hopes, who made the motion to extend the superintendent’s contract. “Is she perfect? No. Each one of us makes mistakes. Each one of us can name many things we can do differently. What I’ve seen through this superintendent is the tenacity to stay focused on what’s important and that’s the

WHAT LIES AHEAD

Moving into the second semester of an abnormal school year, Saunders said she will focus on ensuring the health and safety of the district’s employees and students as more students transition to being on campus full time.

“The biggest [goal] is to ensure we’re able to get out of a pandemic in a manageable way with minimal loss, minimal infection and to ensure our academic success is still on target, so we minimize any of those gaps or the struggles students have had academically as well as emotionally from the heartache and hardships [the pandemic] has provided,” Saunders said.

Due to more students requesting to be on campus full time,

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education of our children.”

Board member Gina Messenger, who did not vote in favor of Saunders’ contract in 2019, said working with Saunders and seeing the superintendent address Messenger’s concerns has shifted her opinion to vote in favor of the contract extension.

“I truly believe she is absolutely the best option we have, and I think we would be short-sighted to not fully support her and continue to fully support her,” Messenger said. “It would be a grave mistake. I truly believe that.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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schools including Braden River High School have decided to no longer offer the hybrid option of a mix of days of on-campus and online instruction to families.

Saunders had to submit a plan to the state describing what the district plans to do for students who aren’t being successful in e-learning and what support the district will offer to those students.

“We will be working with parents, and even if they’re not successful in this modality, and they don’t quite feel comfortable coming back brick and mortar, we do have some options for them,” Saunders said. “We’ll be working with them on an individual basis because every student has different circumstances.”

Providing support and items to keep students and employees successful and healthy come at a price, but Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the budget cuts the district was fearful would happen as a result of the pandemic will not occur this school year.

“We are quite pleased that even though we will have some reduction, it will be manageable,” Saunders said. “We do feel that we will be able to get through the school year and also provide increased raises and compensation to our employees.”

The district currently is negotiating contracts with the Manatee Education Association and will begin negotiations with classified employees, such as administrators and bus drivers, in January.

Part of the district’s financial stability will come from ensuring the millage continues, Saunders said.

Saunders said the millage and the community’s support is vital to the success of ensuring employees are compensated well

“We do feel that we will be able to get through the school year and also provide increased raises and compensation to our employees.”

— Superintendent Cynthia Saunders

File photo

Superintendent Cynthia Saunders; Faith Bench, a math teacher at Braden River Middle School; and Genelle Zoratti Yost, deputy superintendent of instructional services, honor Bench as a finalist for Educator of the Year.

and the district can expand vocational and science programs.

In March, the district will begin the process to borrow $100 million to address items on its fiveyear capital plan, including renovations and additions at Carlos E. Haile Middle School and Tara Elementary School, earlier than previously planned.

Some schools are already seeing improvements while others will undergo renovations and additions in the next five years.

Lakewood Ranch High School, which is over capacity, will have a new wing while the district continues work on Gene Witt Elementary School. Tara Elementary School and Braden River Middle School are also in the process of additions and renovations.

Saunders said the district could look at a property near Premier Sports Campus as a location for a new elementary school as growth continues in East County.

A PAST OF CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES

Saunders’ start as superintendent wasn’t always smooth sailing.

The Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General opened an investigation into Saunders in 2016 when she was the district’s deputy superintendent of instruction as a result of the charges that she inflated the district’s graduation rates.

In 2018, former Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart announced two state violations and five rule violations against

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Saunders that included filing fraudulent information, using coercive means or promised special treatment to influence professional judgements of colleagues, and failure to maintain honesty in all professional dealings.

In October 2019, the state’s Education Practices Commission rejected a proposed settlement between the Florida Department of Education and Saunders.

Rather than thinking about the investigation, Saunders said she focuses on the district’s future and ensuring the health and safety of the students and employees while trying to provide an excellent education.

“It was an allegation that we certainly deny, and I have not heard anything, so I don’t focus on it at all,” Saunders said.

A little over a year after the settlement was rejected, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations named Saunders the 2020 STAR Superintendent of the Year for her support and dedication to the Manatee Education Foundation.

“It was a wonderful recognition, but that recognition was due to the partnerships that our district has with the community

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leaders and community agencies,” Saunders said. “It does show the cohesiveness of Manatee County and how everyone is trying to rally around and support us and ensure that our students are successful.”

In her two years as superintendent, Saunders has seen the opening of Dr. Mona Jain Middle School in Lakewood Ranch, the ongoing renovations and addition at Gene Witt Elementary School and additions and renovations at other East County schools.

The district has seen academic success as well. When Saunders started with the district as the executive director of secondary schools in 2013, the district had 18 D or F schools. By 2019, the district didn’t have any F schools and only two D schools.

Most recently, the district was hit with unexpected challenges in March from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saunders had to lead the district through a complete transition from full-time, on-campus learning to e-learning every day.

Over the summer, Saunders and district officials had to devise a plan to safely reopen schools and came up with three options for families: full-time on campus, full-time e-learning or a hybrid schedule. The hybrid schedule had students on campus two days per week and at home with e-learning three days per week.

Saunders said the district has done “amazingly well” in tackling the challenges.

“We were concerned there would be a rampant spread if someone was infected in the building, but that didn’t happen,” Saunders said.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

Local students honored for dosage app LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

A

fter four months researching, coding and designing a medical dosage calculator app, four Braden River High School students saw the real-life implications of their product.

The students’ app, Valitudo, is a medical dosage calculator, in which medical providers can input patient information, such as the condition or infection and the patient’s weight, height and age, to determine the proper dosage to administer to the patient.

For example, a 30-year-old woman who goes to the doctor for a mild ear infection could have her information, such as she is 5 feet, 5 inches and weighs 165 pounds, put into the app along with her age and information about her condition. The doctor could use the app to issue a dosage of 125 milligrams of amoxicillin.

Although the students have done much research to get the calculations accurate, the app needs to be reviewed by a doctor or other professionals before being ready for use.

“When we actually clicked on the app, and it opened up, and we could actually watch how a user would use it, that was by far the most exciting part because I

realized how much we can actually impact lives,” senior Kolby Wade said.

Wade worked with seniors Ava Biasini and Jordan Sheehan and junior Nolwen Bachtle (all members of the school’s Technology Student Association) to develop the app for the 16th Congressional District App Challenge. They received a first place award.

“We’re proud of these kids,” said John Frank, one of the TSA advisers. “It’s easy to forget they’re full-time students, and they worked this into their free time.”

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan announced the students as winners of the challenge Dec. 7.

“I can’t commend them enough for inventing such an important and potentially life-saving tool,” Buchanan said in a news release.

“I’m proud to name them this year’s winners of the 16th Congressional District App Challenge, part of a national competition to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and math.”

Inspiration to create the app came after hearing a friend’s story about almost dying as a child due to being given the wrong dosage of a medicine. The group had also learned from a physician’s assistant that medicine dosages are

HOW IT WORKS

Medical providers input information about their patient’s condition or infection, strength of the condition, age, weight and height.

After all the parameters are entered, the app will automatically calculate — based on the medicine the medical provider is trying to calculate — the dose that needs to be administered to the patient.

The formula is different for each medication.

largely calculated by hand.

“We were shocked,” Biasini said. “It’s kind of surprising that with all of the modern technology that we have, that medication dosages are still calculated by hand. We just couldn’t believe that something like that would even be able to happen.”

While working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each of the students tackled a part of the project including research, design and coding.

The most challenging part of developing the app was understanding the medical research and background and how to incor-

Ava Biasini, a senior, says the research she did for the app surprised her because she didn’t know miscalculated doses were a common error.

Kolby Wade, a senior, says the most exciting part of developing the app was seeing the finished product and realizing its potential to save lives.

Courtesy photos

Nolwen Bachtle, a junior, says he enjoyed learning a new type of coding while working on the app.

porate that knowledge into the development of the app.

“We have no medical background, so we were going from zero knowledge to enough knowledge where we could safely make an app that could actually correctly calculate the dosage of medication,” Wade said. “We had to learn that entire process, basi-

Jordan Sheehan, a senior, says he looks forward to working with medical professionals to further develop the app.

cally, from start to finish.”

The students said they look forward to the potential their app could have moving forward and would like to work with medical professionals to further develop their app.

“We have just scratched the surface,” Sheehan said.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

EAST COUNTY

Myakka’s Sarah Wiegand sandwiches icing between two cookies to finish her cream wafers.

“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

PIZZELLE COOKIES

Photos by Liz Ramos

ON A ROLL

Even the elves would like these traditional cookie recipes from East County cooks.

WITH COOKIE DOUGH LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

C

hristmas music played softly as Myakka City’s Sarah Wiegand sprinkled flour on her counter, spread out dough and began to roll it.

She used the top of a tea bowl to cut out small circles while her 14-year-old daughter, Fairyn, stirred red food coloring into white icing to make it pink.

Together, the Wiegands were making cream wafers, a cookie the family makes every Christmas.

“I love [tradition] because it’s a part of who our family is,” Wiegand said. “We’re into tradition and identity and who we are, so this is now something that my children make with me and that they love themselves.”

Other East County families have their own Christmas cookie tradition.

GreyHawk Landing’s Valerie Demino learned how to bake cucidati, a Sicilian fig cookie, from her grandmother Mary Antrita.

Demino recalls the first time she was able to bake cookies with all the women in her family. She was 7 years old, and Antrita would have all the women go to the basement kitchen and make traditional Italian cookies in an assembly line for hours. Each person had a responsibility. For Demino, that meant plopping filling in cookie dough while an elder watched.

“I think the Keebler elves would have been impressed,” Demino said with a laugh. “It literally was an Italian bakery in her basement.

I remember going home reeking — but I mean it in an endearing sense — of Italian cookies in my hair and clothing.”

Demino said her grandmother never wrote down the recipes, so she and her mother, Joanne Antrita, had to re-create the recipes to replicate the cookies. They spent years calling family members asking about measurements and instructions.

“If I knew what I know now, I would have paid attention and

watched all the little intricacies they did and all the little tips and tricks,” Demino said.

At the Wiegand house, Sarah Wiegand and her six children — Alexander, Benjamin, Catherine, Davis, Elizabeth and Fairyn — can’t wait to bake their cream wafers every year. They make the cookies for when a member of the family gets married and during Christmas.

Wiegand started making them with her mother, Debra Wilson, when she was 8 years old living in Pittsburgh. She started baking the cream wafers after she had her first child, Alexander. “[Baking the cookies] is important for me because that is where I came from, so it’s a way to keep alive something from my history,” Wiegand said. “My kids have the same beginnings in Sarasota that my husband had, which I love, but this is something unique to me that I can bring to my family.”

Esplanade’s Nancy Musson spends 12 hours for three to four days baking 15-17 types of cookies each year. She has two giant containers that hold 25 pounds of flour and sugar. She’s not sure how much butter and how many eggs she goes through making all the cookies.

Musson’s mother, Italia Del, made at least three types of cook-

ies when Musson was a child, but when her mother died 34 years ago, and she took over baking for the family, she kept adding cookies to the list. She couldn’t stop making some without risking getting rid of someone’s favorite.

On top of making more than a dozen types of cookies each year, Musson and her children, Will, Austin and Emily, cut out and decorate sugar cookies.

Will and Musson’s niece, Tracy Guglieri, are fighting to see who will continue the cookie-making tradition after Musson.

“It warms my heart,” Musson said. “Family is everything. Tradition is everything. It’s who we are, where we came from. It’s in the fiber of who we are and to keep that going honors our past.”

The biggest challenge Musson runs into each year when baking is finding freezer space. She trades freezer space in exchange for cookies with neighbors.

Baking cookies is not only a family tradition for Wiegand, Musson and Demino. It’s an opportunity for them to spread love and cheer by giving out cookies to family, friends and neighbors.

“We’ve had a couple people recognize them from their own childhoods and say, ‘Would you please make them for me?’” Wiegand said.

Esplanade’s Nancy Musson has two containers to store 25 pounds of sugar and flour in preparation for her baking.

INGREDIENTS n 1 cup butter, melted and cooled n 1 1/2 cups sugar n 6 eggs n 1/2 teaspoon anise extract n 1 tablespoon lemon extract n 1 tablespoon vanilla n 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon n 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour Special equipment: pizzelle maker INSTRUCTIONS With mixer, mix together the cooled butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Add the extracts and cinnamon. Mix until combined well. Add flour a little at a time.

Batter shouldn’t be too runny but not too thick. Drop large spoonfuls in center of pizzelle maker. Close, and cook until tan. Cool and sprinkle with confectionary sugar.

CREAM WAFERS

Publisher / Emily Walsh EWalsh@YourObserver.com Associate Publisher — East County Observer / Lori Ruth LRuth@YourObserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes KHughes@YourObserver.com Managing Editor / Jay Heater JHeater@YourObserver.com Sports Reporter / Ryan Kohn RKohn@YourObserver.com Staff Writer / Liz Ramos, LRamos@YourObserver.com; Brendan Lavell, BLavell@YourObserver.com Copy Editor/ Kaelyn Adix KAdix@YourObserver.com Editorial Designers / Melissa Leduc, MLeduc@YourObserver.com; Carol Parker, CParker@YourObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Harry Sayer HSayer@YourObserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh JRaleigh@YourObserver.com Sales Manager / Penny DiGregorio PDiGregorio@YourObserver.com Digital Sales and Business Development Manager / Kathleen O’Hara, KOHara@YourObserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter, LRitter@YourObserver.com Advertising Executives / Richeal Bair, RBair@YourObserver. com; Chrissy Guevera, CGuevara@ YourObserver.com; Beth Jacobson, BJacobson@YourObserver.com; Jennifer Kane, JKane@YourObserver.com; Honesty Mantkowski, HMantkowski@ YourObserver.com; Bob Lewis, BLewis@ YourObserver.com; Toni Perren, TPerren@YourObserver.com Sales Operations Manager / Susan Leedom, SLeedom@YourObserver.com Sales Coordinator / Account Manager Emma Burke, EBurke@YourObserver. com; Lori Downey, LDowney@ YourObserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Kelly Florez KFlorez@YourObserver.com Tributes Coordinator/ Kristen Boothroyd, Tributes@YourObserver.com Director of Marketing / Robin Lankton, RLankton@YourObserver.com Director of Creative Services / Caleb Stanton, CStanton@YourObserver.com Creative Services Administrator / Marjorie Holloway MHolloway@YourObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Luis Trujillo, Allison Wampole Digital Developer / Jason Camillo, JCamillo@YourObserver.com Director of Information Technology / Adam Quinlin, AQuinlin@YourObserver. com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, LKeisacker@YourObserver. com Controller / Rafael Labrin, rlabrin@YourObserver.com Office and Accounting Coordinator / Donna Condon, DCondon@YourObserver. com

INGREDIENTS n 1 cup soft butter n 1/3 cup whipping cream n 2 cups flour n sugar to sprinkle INSTRUCTIONS Mix ingredients, cover, and chill. Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Roll 1/3 dough to 1/8-inch thickness on floured board.

Cut into circles, and cover with sugar.

Place on ungreased sheet, and prick with a fork four times.

Bake 7-9 minutes or until golden brown.

For the creamy filling, cream 1/4 cup butter, 3/4 cups confectioners sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Tint with green and pink food coloring.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

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JAY HEATER

Your chance to produce a Christmas miracle

T

he word was sent out all over the country on Dec. 16. The Miller-Keystone Blood Center in Bethlehem, Pa., had an urgent need for convalescent plasma.

So near to Christmas, you have to figure there’s a Christmas story to be had, especially when you’re dealing with a place called Bethlehem.

Add to it that the alarm was being rung by Hope Dorn, the distribution and inventory manager at the Miller-Keystone Blood Center.

Bethlehem, Hope. You can see where this is headed.

Dorn’s search was netting no positive results, though, because she needed Type AB, which is found in less than 1% of the population. It started to become clear that a Christmas miracle was in order.

The SunCoast Blood Centers, at its headquarters in Lakewood Ranch, was ready to save the day. Indeed, SunCoast had Type AB convalescent plasma (coming from a donor who had tested positive for COVID-19) and quickly flew the convalescent plasma toward Bethlehem.

Unfortunately, a blizzard was sweeping across the Northeast, and the plane carrying the convalescent plasma was grounded in Detroit. Back in Lakewood Ranch, the SunCoast staff tracked down a courier who was willing to brave the blizzard to

Jay Heater

Registered nurse Margo Post works at SunCoast Blood Centers in Lakewood Ranch on Dec. 18 with blood to be shipped out.

drive to Bethlehem.

He did so, too, but in navigating his way through the blizzard, the driver moved the package carrying the frozen plasma from the back of the truck, which was not heated, to the cab. When he arrived at Miller-Keystone, the convalescent plaza had thawed and could not be used.

Once again, SunCoast was asked if it had any more Type AB convalescent plasma. It did. It

quickly went out on a plane, this time making it to Philadelphia, and was driven the rest of the way to Bethlehem. It arrived in time to be sent to the hospital and used in a patient’s treatment.

“It’s these kind of efforts and this kind of compassion that defines our blood center,” SunCoast CEO Scott Bush wrote in a note to his employees. “Every single day we have these kind of efforts happen here with little to

no fanfare.”

Individuals who recover from COVID-19 have developed antibodies to the virus that remain in the plasma portion of their blood. Transfusing the plasma that contains the antibodies into a person still fighting the virus can provide a boost to the patient’s immune system and potentially help them recover.

Indeed, the story will be told around the SunCoast offices as the Christmas miracle of 2020, but the truth is that blood centers including SunCoast produce similar miracles on a daily basis, at any time of the year. And the real miracle worker could be you.

With positive COVID-19 results spiking around the U.S., hospitals have an extreme need for convalescent plasma. SunCoast characterizes the need as “dire” and is asking anyone in the region who has tested positive for COVID-19 to consider the hourlong procedure that takes blood from your body, removes the plasma and then recirculates the blood back into you. It’s a simple procedure much like your regular blood donation, except you get your blood back, and it takes a little longer.

Suncoast’s Joan Leonard stressed that even if you never had a COVID-19 test, but you were asymptomatic, a blood donation will reveal if you can produce convalescent plasma.

Anyone who donates convales-

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cent plasma currently gets a $50 Amazon gift card. So you’ve got that going for you, too.

When this pandemic passes, SunCoast Blood Centers still needs your blood donations and your platelets (50% of which go to patients having cancer treatments). Leonard said only 3% of our nation’s population donates blood at the current time, which means there are more people sick than donating.

If you want to donate blood and plasma or just want to find out more about the process, you can go to SunCoast Blood Centers at 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Suite 111, or check out the website at SCBB.org. You can scheduled an appointment by calling 993-8119.

You must be at least 16 to give blood. On the age high side, Leonard said you can give blood “as long as your heart is beating.”

If nothing else prompts you to go, consider it might be you waiting for that next Christmas miracle.

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

10

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

Jay Heater

The Elks’ Brett Davis and Darrin Simone present Operation Santa’s Dolly Johnson with a huge toy donation on behalf of the Elks and Walgreens.

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“They’re going to need another truck,” he said of the Operation Santa organizers coming Dec. 14 to pick up the donations.

Simone headed the Elks Mighty Southwest District Toy Drive with Walgreens, and the result was impressive. Hundreds of toys were ready to be distributed by the Operation Santa nonprofit out of Myakka City.

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it was more important than ever to donate because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the hardships created.

“People know,” Davis said.

“They needed more.”

Simone and other Elks volunteers went to 27 Walgreens stores that had a collection box filled by their customers.

When Dolly Johnson, who started Operation Santa with her husband, Gary, saw the collection of toys, she started to cry.

“This is the biggest donation we’ve ever received,” she said. “I know people personally who have had such a hard year. The first year we started this, we helped seven families. Last year, we had 249 families come to us from everywhere. It will be more this year.

“This donation will mean there won’t be a child [in Myakka City] who won’t have something under the tree.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

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12

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

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each year.

Our Christmas ornaments.

These East County residents shared stories about their most precious ornaments.

JAXON AND JORDAN BROWN

Courtesy photo

Jordan and Jaxon Brown love their handprint ornaments, which remind them of their childhood.

Christmas ornaments can be reminders of how people have grown.

For Jaxon, 14, and Jordan Brown, 12, these reminders are literal. The brothers’ favorite ornaments are ones their parents, Jerome and Jessica, had made for them before they could even walk. The Browns had Jaxon and Jordan paint their hands then grip an ornament. Their entire handprint fit. The boys then painted their handprints like snowmen, to fit with the season.

“It shows us how quickly time passes,” Jerome Brown said. “It reminds to cherish these holidays we have.”

Jaxon and Jordan said the ornaments are a reminder of how precious their childhood memories are.

PAT ANCIL

For Pat Ancil, choosing his favorite ornament turned out to be quite difficult.

He has so many, he said, but they all revolve around the same idea: family.

On Ancil’s tree, there are handfuls of joyous ornaments dedicated to his favorite people. There are also tributes, in the form of golden angels, to loved ones who have died. But if Ancil was forced to pick a favorite, he said, he would choose a photo ornament of his first grandson, Andrew Garner, taken when Andrew was approximately 1 year old, in 2007.

Ancil and his wife, Pam, don’t get to see Andrew, who will soon turn 14, as often as they would like because he; his mom, Laurel (Pat and Pam’s daughter); and his brother, Cooper, live in Georgia.

But the ornament helps the Ancils feel close to family, even when separated by a great distance.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

13

ANNE GOYER

Jay Heater

Tara’s Donna Sutton Van Riper and Gerald Van Riper used this Christmas tree topper as their wedding cake topper.

Anne Goyer’s favorite Christmas ornament stands out to her immediately. It’s the pine cone ornament made by one of her children, Amanda.

Before Amanda was old enough to start going to school, she attended day care at a private home while her parents were at work. She made a Christmas ornament at day care every year, but her favorite was the pine cone. When she was 3 years old, she searched the day care backyard for a suitable pine cone, then added glitter and a photo of herself to complete the ornament.

The ornament became a family classic immediately, but it was elevated to legendary status about seven years later, the year the pine cone went missing. Amanda searched through every Christmas bin the Goyers owned, calling for the pine cone in the best British accent the young Ohioan could muster. After a lengthy exploration, she finally found it. The ornament has been the centerpiece of the Goyer family Christmas tree every year since.

“Each year when we put up the family tree, we laugh and talk about the year the pine cone went missing and then fondly remember how fortunate we were to have such wonderful caregivers for our daughter’s first four years of life,” Goyer said.

DONNA SUTTON VAN RIPER AND GERALD VAN RIPER Tara’s Donna Sutton Van Riper never cared much for the typical wedding cake toppers.

So on a shopping trip 22 years ago in Pennsylvania, in advance of her marriage to Gerald Van Riper, she decided to check out a small town Christmas store. There, she fell in love with an angel that was meant to be a Christmas tree topper.

“I like angels,” she said.

So when Donna and Gerald celebrated Oct. 10, 1998, at the Flemington, N.J.. Elks Lodge, an angel looked over their wedding on top of their cake.

“I thought it was great,” her husband said.

“It was on a beautiful German cheesecake.”

Donna’s mom, Janet Godshalk, suggested they use their wedding cake topper as their Christmas tree topper every year.

“She still lights up,” Donna said of the angel. “But her head used to turn, and it doesn’t anymore. I guess it’s old age, … just like me. But when we see her, we smile. It reminds us of a beautiful day.”

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The Rokoszes now own a collection of decorative Santas, but this the original. His beard is gray from the effects of the house fire.

TOM AND GLORIA ROKOSZ

Courtesy photo

Anne Goyer’s favorite ornament is the pine cone ornament her daughter, Amanda, made when she was at day care as a 3-year-old.

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The married couple of 28 years at the time lost almost everything they had, including three cats — though their dog survived when neighbors heard it and broke into the house to save it.

One of the handful of objects to survive the fire was a decorative Santa Claus, dressed completely in white. His beard was turned gray by the smoke, but he was otherwise spared from the effects of the fire.

The Rokoszes now own a collection of similar Santas, but their “designated survivor” was the original.

“It brings good memories and bad memories,” Gloria Rokosz said. “It was a long year for us. … It was just a nightmare. But when I see him, it kind of brings me joy because he survived. He survived it.”

“Just like we did,” Tom Rokosz added.

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SPORTS

TALK OF THE TOWN

East County’s top sports moments of 2020.

RYAN KOHN | SPORTS REPORTER

No one could have predicted how 2020 would go.

It was a year of challenges for everyone, including athletes. The high school spring season was canceled after a few weeks of play, while the fall

Andrew Novak celebrated his 2020 LECOM Suncoast Classic win in February by drinking out of the tournament trophy. Novak took home a $108,000 first-place check.

season was delayed and shortened.

Youth, club and professional sporting events were also affected.

Practices and games that were completed were modified to meet new safety needs. Still, there were uplifting moments. There were moments of perseverance and triumph. While some occurred before the world changed, others came after, providing a muchneeded sense of normalcy.

Within these moments, a handful separated themselves from the rest. Here are the top five East County sports moments of the year.

GORDON REPEATS AS GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Braden River girls basketball star O’Mariah Gordon proved once again in 2019-20 why she is widely considered the best player in the state.

Gordon, then a junior, averaged 23.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 4.2 steals per game in the 2019-20 season, leading the Pirates in each category. Her strong play led the Pirates (17-10) to their first-ever state semifinal appearance. The Pirates lost that game to Wekiva High on Feb. 27, but Gordon had a strong showing, with a game-high 27 points, six rebounds and three steals.

Braden River High’s O’Mariah Gordon was named the Gatorade Florida GIrls Basketball Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.

People took notice. On March 6, Gordon was named the Gatorade Florida Girls Basketball Player of the Year. It was her second consecutive year winning the award. She is the fourth Florida girls basketball player to repeat as a winner since the award was introduced in 1985.

Gordon signed with Florida State University on Nov. 12, ending her long recruitment. Gordon, who is 5-foot-4, is ranked

by ESPN as the 31st player in the class of 2021 and the seventhbest point guard. Now a senior, Gordon will look to become the first-ever three-time winner of the award — and take her team to a state title win in the process.

GOELZ WINS GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR SOFTBALL AWARD

Shortened season or not, winning a Gatorade award is a big deal.

File photos

Lakewood Ranch High softball senior Avery Goelz was named the 2020 Gatorade Florida Softball Player of the Year on May 28. The Mustangs played just eight games before the season was halted by the pandemic, but Goelz made every opportunity count. Goelz hit for a .591 batting average with three home runs and 13 RBI. The Mustangs went 8-0 in those games.

Goelz, who will play for Florida in the spring, was the fourthranked recruit in the class of 2020

by Extra Inning Softball as well as one of MaxPreps’ top 100 athletes in all sports. She and her Mustangs teammates will never know what this year could have been

under different circumstances.

Lakewood Ranch was ranked No. 1 nationally by MaxPreps when the season was halted. A season after falling in the state title game, the Mustangs were excited to make up for that loss but never got the chance.

As disappointing as that might be, Goelz earned the prestigious individual award.

ANDREW NOVAK CAPTURES SUNCOAST CLASSIC TITLE

The second year of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic tournament, held at Lakewood National Golf Club on Feb. 13-16, was contested before the pandemic was an issue.

Above: Patrick O’Keefe (8) stepped in for starting quarterback Tyler Beasley during ODA’s run to the SSAC Class A title game.

Left: Lakewood Ranch High’s Avery Goelz was named the Gatorade Florida Softball Player of the Year despite playing just eight games.

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ODA FOOTBALL TEAM RALLIES TO TITLE GAME BERTH

When The Out-of-Door Academy football team went 0-4 during its pandemic-shortened regular season, it seemed like a disappointment.

Even though all Sunshine State Athletic Conference teams were eligible for the postseason in 2020 thanks to pandemic-led rule changes, it appeared that an early

AMERICA’S LONGEST RUNNING YOUTH CIRCUS

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LAKEWOOD RANCH BOYS SOCCER REACHES FINAL FOUR

For the second year in a row, the Lakewood Ranch High boys soccer team was one game from a state championship appearance.

The Mustangs couldn’t quite get there, losing 2-1 to Boone High on the road despite then-sophomore midfielder Drew Clark scoring on a first-half header to give the team a lead. Even though it did not end how the Mustangs wanted, the season was a triumph. The Mustangs played a defensive game, beating teams with sound defense and strong goaltending, but they made it work, going 19-6-1 and finishing the season ranked 99th in the country by MaxPreps.

Their biggest win, 2-0 over Steinbrenner High in the regional finals, included goals from thensenior Jacob Jordan and thenjunior Timothy Sheredy. Thensenior Michael Plechy recorded the shutout in net.

Coach Vito Bavaro said he was proud of the way the team improved throughout the season.

He also praised the team’s heart, pointing out that they trailed in three playoff games before coming back to win.

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Andrew Novak took the title, earning his first win as a professional golfer and taking home the $108,000 purse. He sank a birdie on the 18th hole to finish 23 under par, one stroke better than John Chin, who parred the final hole.

Novak celebrated by putting on the “White Jacket,” a dental jacket provided by LECOM, and by drinking a beer out of the Suncoast Classic trophy. His victory came one year after Novak missed the cut at the inaugural Suncoast Classic. He learned from his mistakes, he said, and used his experience to play a much smarter tournament.

Novak did so in front of a large crowd. Tournament Director Justin Kristich said the event sold approximately 20,000 tickets.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

IN STA PERS RT ON SA SH TU OW RD S AY !

exit was likely for ODA. Then the Thunder defeated Ocala Christian Academy 48-22 — its first win of the season — in the SSAC Class A first round Nov. 6, and suddenly, the whole program had a different vibe.

The Thunder won again Nov. 13 in the Class A semifinals, 37-26 over Cedar Creek Christian. The 2-4 Thunder advanced to the state championship game against Bishop Snyder High. They did so without starting senior quarterback Tyler Beasley, who was out with an injury. The championship game did not go the Thunder’s way. ODA led 19-0 before Bishop Snyder mounted a comeback to win 20-19.

Even so, reaching that point after going winless marked the team’s impressive progress during its first season under Coach K.B. Belton.

Drew Clark scored the lone goal in the Mustangs’ state semifinal loss in February.

It was the second year in a row the Mustangs had reached the semifinals.

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DECEMBER 24, 2020

YOUR NEIGHBORS

DEAR SANTA East County elementary students share their hopes for Christmas.

LIZ RAMOS STAFF WRITER

A

lthough elementary school students might be worried about the effects of a pandemic

Dear Santa, Can i have a stufed horse for Chrismas and can i have a stufed Rabbit for Chrismas thank you for the presents mary Chrismas Santa KIMBER PHAN, 8 Second grader at Freedom Elementary School

in their world, hope, gratitude

and joy remain the overriding themes of their letters to Santa.

Teachers from Gilbert W. McNeal, Freedom and B.D. Gullett elementary schools were gracious to share their students’ letters to Santa with the Observer.

Read the rest of the class’s letters at Dear Santa Hop yor sley can fay tas yoar.

BLAIRE WILSON, 5 Kindergartner at B.D. Gullett Elementary School

Dear Santa Claus I hope you have been having a wonderful year. Soooo this is what I want for Christmas. I want a fidget spinner. A puppy — Squishamellow. A watch.

That’s it bye!!!

Your friend JULIA SPENCE, 7 Second grader at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School

Miracle On

Dear Santa Good old friend thanks for giveing me what I wanted can I have pokemon snake toys or stuff Dino toys gudetama toys and slime a new computer for my mom I hope you have a great Christmas ok? Bye Love you NIKO ALBANO, 7 Second grader at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

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17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

DIGITAL PROGRAM 3 | JANUARY 1 - 5 Dear Santa my papa wus a n core fr cimis. I want cande.

Luv PEYTON HILL, 6 Kindergartner at B.D. Gullett Elementary School

“INTENSITY AND BEAUTY”

-The Boston Globe

Dear Santa, Jingle and you have been watching me all year. By the way I love all the things you gave me last year. I’v did some bad thing but pleas forgive me. The main thing I want for chrismas is to be with my family.

Your firend RHYS J THOMPSON, 7 Second grader at Freedom Elementary School

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

FROM PAGE 17

Dear Santa May I have a nintendo switch, and may I have a go cart? And May I have an electric scooter? I hope you will Love your cookies? And I hope the reindeer like there carrots. You are a very nice person. how are you doing? hope you have a awesome Christmas. how are your elfs? You are very very nice. the end.

REID BEDDOR, 8 Second grader at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School

Dear Santa I wud like For kimas a Tumas and Tans Fes. VICO CLARK, 5 Kindergartner at B.D. Gullett Elementary School

Dear Santa, Santa I am relly good in school But I am relly Thankful for the gift fRom Last Year I Love you Santa AnD I Love You’R Elfs and ReindeeR I Love The sond of jingle Bells You aRe a Nice man I am Relly Loveful AnD faihfuL oh and happy Brithday.

TALEAH ROBINSON, 8 Second grader at Freedom Elementary School

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

COMMUNITY THURSDAY, DEC. 24 TO SUNDAY, DEC. 27

VIRTUAL JINGLE 5K Runs from 4 p.m. Dec. 24 to 1 p.m. Dec. 27. The Jingle 5K Virtual Run/Walk, which costs $35, will be held in place of the live ninth annual Jingle Run, which supports the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship Program. All virtual 5K run/ walk finishers who submit their times will be eligible for raffle prizes. Go to TheJingle5K.org to sign up or for more information.

SATURDAY, DEC. 26

MOVIE AT THE MALL Begins at 7 p.m. across from the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, 151 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

“Disney’s A Christmas Carol” will be shown free as part of the Holiday Movies Under the Stars series presented by the Mall at University Town Center. For more information, go to MallAtUTC.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 27

THE MARKET AT LAKEWOOD RANCH Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. The Market at Lakewood Ranch runs every Sunday through April 25. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

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

The event is hosted by Barre3.

Bring your own mat and water bottle. Mats must be placed 6

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

UNDERSTANDING

SUNDAY, DEC. 27

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VEIN DISEASE

POLO Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Lakewood Ranch. The 30th season at the Sarasota Polo Club runs every Sunday through April 25.

Besides world-class polo, the event includes food and beverages, tailgating and divot-stomping. General admission is $15 per adult with children 12 and under free. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. For ticket packages and information, go to SarasotaPolo.com. Gates open at 10 a.m.

feet apart. All participants are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information or to register for the event, go to LakewoodRanch.com.

By Adam N. Phillips, D.O, Board Certified General Surgeon & Vein Specialist

SATURDAY, JAN. 2

VEIN DISEASE: UNDERDIAGNOSED & UNDERTREATED

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF VEIN DISEASE?

Our circulatory system keeps our body and its tissues healthy, but when that system goes awry, we develop a series of diseases, including vein disease and all its symptoms. Based on the latest scientific data, vein disease in the U.S. is underdiagnosed and undertreated, and it affects more than 40 million Americans. Unfortunately, less than one-half of one percent of Americans seek treatment and fewer than half a million ever receive treatment for vein disease.

More common symptoms that develop over time include pain, heaviness, fatigue, aching, itching, restless legs, burning, and cramping. Physical findings are large areas of spider veins, varicose veins, leg swelling, discoloration, skin thickening, and ulcers.

PARKS DEMO DAY Runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities is hosting the Come Out and Play Parks Demo Day to allow residents to see what is available at local parks. For more information, to go MyLWR.com.

Programs include: n Coach to 5K (9 a.m.); n Fit4Kids (9:30 a.m.); n Adult yoga (10 a.m.); n Stroller strides (10 a.m.); n Kids yoga (10 a.m.); n Stretching (10:30 a.m.); n Teen yoga (11 a.m.); n Adult barre (11 a.m.); and n Polo horses 101 with the Sarasota Polo Club (11 a.m.).

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20

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

LOCALLY KNOWN. GLOBALLY CONNECTED. SINCE 1976.

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

UNIVERSITY PARK 7047 Stanhope Place Daniela Soiman 941-779-4797 A4483380 $1,199,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7225 Ashland Glen Stacy Haas 941-587-4359 A4485102 $1,095,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13311 Matanzas Place Stacy Haas & Gloria Bracciano 941-587-4359 A4482340 $1,025,000

BRADENTON 117 23rd Street W Lynne Callahan 941-720-3278 A4479012 $749,000

SARASOTA 3424 Old Oak Drive Alison Elizalde 941-928-9217 A4484722 $725,000

BRADENTON 8504 71st Avenue Drive E Tim Koons-McGee 941-320-7073 A4485050 $695,000

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

BRADENTON 5255 Castello Lane Linda Formella 941-720-6698 A4484167 $665,000

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

BRADENTON 12758 Sorrento Way Christopher Van Vliet & Jamie Van Vliet, PA 941-993-7087 A4484172 $614,900

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7126 Callander Cove Drew Russell 941-993-3739 A4480121 $595,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 13462 Purple Finch Circle Ray Rausa 941-228-7614 A4484528 $525,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 4653 Royal Dornoch Cir Sue Cosgrove-Lee & Chris Baylis 941-400-9068 A4468380 $500,000

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

SARASOTA 4814 Shadyview Court Bibi-Ann Allard PA & Kevin Moran, PA 941-685-0422 A4483917 $429,000

SARASOTA 112 Tall Trees Court Pam Sweeney 941-266-9622 A4484129 $424,900

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

BRADENTON 4430 Baltry Court Debbie Judge 941-544-6054 A4483671 $400,000

SARASOTA 4911 79th Avenue Plaza E Pam Sweeney 941-266-9622 A4485271 $399,000

SARASOTA 7040 White Willow Court Susie Pelton 941-321-1007 A4477895 $385,000

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 7623 Whitebridge Glen Nancy Phillips 941-400-6078 A4483450 $330,000

SARASOTA 7768 Fairway Woods Drive 1306 Susan Katanic & Janet Montgomery 941-400-0601 A4466126 $324,800

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

LAKEWOOD RANCH 8133 Miramar Way 201 Mary Pat Pihl & Laura Navratil 941-932-3065 A4485322 $293,000

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

BRADENTON 902 Sandpiper Circle 902 Jonnie Dwyer 941-812-6283 A4482398 $259,000

BRADENTON 1209 19th Street W Ralph & Megg Faillace 941-713-9142 A4484623 $220,000

LAKEWOOD RANCH 16272 Daysailor Trail Judy Wright 941-232-8041 A4474674 $1,595,000

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SARASOTA 4009 Founders Club Drive Linda Driggs & Sara Boudarga 941-374-2920 A4479835 $1,799,000

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

A

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

Gerardus and Mary Ann Nowee, of Nova Scotia, sold their home at 15514 Anchorage Place to Robert and Diane Bennett, of Lakewood Ranch, for $3.5 million.

Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, five-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 7,060 square feet of living area.

CONCESSION

Dana Locatell, trustee, of Cutchogue, N.Y., sold the home at 8345 Lindrick Lane to Gregory and Cameo Braun, of Bradenton, for $1.67 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, four-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,298 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.6 million in 2019.

Robert and Melissa Patrick sold their home at 19420 Newlane Place to Branden and Marina Bunch, of Bradenton, for $1.15 million. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,538 square feet of living area.

COUNTRY CLUB

Bruce Cassidy, of Sarasota, sold his home at 7257 Greystone St. to Nicolas Gomez, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.52 million. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,310 square feet of living area. It sold for $775,000 in January.

Garry Pye and Mary-Louise Pye sold their home at 7028 Lancantera Circle to Edward and Ellis Bobilin, of Avendaw, S.C., for $1.36 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, a pool and 4,518 square feet of living area. It sold for $1 million in 2009.

Stuart Rath and Wendy Kaupp sold their home at 7423 Greystone St. to Susan Terbrueggen, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $845,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,079 square feet of living area. It sold for $710,000 in 2011.

Alan and Randi Kohn, of Winnetka, Ill., sold their home at 6930 Brier Creek Court to Vilas and Kay Rasmussen, of Lakewood Ranch, for $755,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,775 square feet of living area. It sold for $730,000 in 2017.

Kenneth and Dana Miklos, of Palmetto, sold their home at 8831 Championship Court to Tamera and Charles Roulund, of Lakewood Ranch, for $670,000.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

DEC. 7-11

Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,879 square feet of living area.

Patrick and Kimberly O’Connor, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the home at 6523 The Masters Ave. to Robert John Teague and Wendy Renee Teague, of Bradenton, for $622,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,280 square feet of living area. It sold for $499,000 in 2009.

Ann Halliday, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 7040 Old Tabby Circle to Stacy Haas, of Lakewood Ranch, for $312,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,664 square feet of living area. It sold for $274,500 in 2018.

GROSVENOR GARDENS

James and Linda Cole sold their home at 8318 Grosvenor Court to Leo and Elaine Tedesco, of University Park, for $1.16 million.

Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,301 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.15 million in 2011.

COUNTRY CLUB EAST

Tracy and Donna Johnson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7624 Haddington Cove to Andrew and Ashley Mielak, trustees, of Bradenton, for $912,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-andtwo-half baths, a pool and 3,387 square feet of living area.

Neal Signature Homes LLC sold the home at 16524 Berwick Terrace to Robert and Sandra Hunziker, of Bradenton, for $740,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-twohalf baths, a pool and 2,617 square feet of living area.

WCI Communities LLC sold the home at 7126 Whittlebury Trail to James Edward Scanlon and Donna Marie Scanlon, of Barrington, R.I., for $550,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,236 square feet of living area.

MALLORY PARK

Hoham Andre Varghai and Megan Elizabeth Varghai, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 12211 Seabrook Ave. to Wesley and Kimberly Ann Jensen, of Bradenton, for $835,000.

Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,443 square feet of living area. It sold for $674,400 in 2018.

Ashley and Andrew Mielak, trustees, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 11615 Golden Bay Place to Todd Robert Stack and Colette Ann Stack, of Manhasset, N.Y., for $760,000.

Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,168 square feet of living area. It sold for $670,300 in 2018.

Guillermo Zegri and Laura Ramos-Sepulveda, of Sarasota, sold their home at 12415 Blue Hill Trail to Sean and Jamie Liston, of Lakewood Ranch, for $529,900.

Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths,

21

REAL ESTATE

Lake Club home tops local sales at $3.5 million

|

File photo

This home at 15514 Anchorage Place in the Lake Club sold for $3.5 million.

It has four bedrooms, five-and-two-half baths, a pool and 7,060 square feet of living area.

a pool and 2,859 square feet of living area. It sold for $379,200 in 2018.

to James Gilman and Deanna Boileau Gilman, of Lakewood Ranch, for $429,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,847 square feet of living area. It sold for $369,000 in 2015.

ESPLANADE

Sally Allen sold her home at 13809 Palazzo Terrace to John and Maria MacDonald, of Bradenton, for $825,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 3,305 square feet of living area. It sold for $714,900 in 2015.

ONLINE See more transactions

Marco and Yvonne Galante, of Port Chester, N.Y., sold their home at 13026 Prima Drive

at YourObserver.com

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Licensed Real Estate Broker

22

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

941.225.6520 www.SarasotaBallet.org

CIRCUS GREETINGS Starting Dec. 26, Sailor Circus promises a cheerful holiday show like no other.

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

G ive your child the chance to I magine and experience the wonder of dance and F eel the joy of movement with T he Sarasota Ballet School

340676-1

Media Sponsor

OPTIMISM / op • tuh • miz • uhm / noun feeling nostalgic about the future OUR COLLEAGUES IN CARE NAME

Kate Deluca

R E L AT I O N S H I P QUOTE

Tidewell Volunteer

Because of my family experience with

hospice care, I formed deep connections volunteering at Tidewell.

When Kate joined the volunteer ranks at Tidewell, her commitment to caring for the patients was apparent from the start. Her shining personality warms the halls of our hospice houses.

By starting with relationships, the Tidewell Foundation is redefining care. It’s how the Tidewell family has done it for 40 years.

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THE TIDEWELL FAMILY OF COMPANIES

T

here’s something about a holiday card.

They’re upbeat and cheerful with an unspoken promise that things are going to be OK. Often cheesy or campy — there’s no getting around that — cards deliver a warm message and a special feeling hard to replicate elsewhere on the calendar.

That’s the feeling the Circus Arts Conservatory hopes to capture with the Sailor Circus Academy’s new show.

Starting Dec. 26, the “Season’s Greetings” production makes its debut with a 90-minute show through Dec. 30 at its Bahia Vista Street arena. The show features more than 40 students performing aerial silk dances, acrobatics, contortion acts, juggling and trapeze acts.

“This is very grounded and is like comfort food,” Sailor Circus Creative Director Jared Walker said. “It’s a very traditional approach.”

IF YOU GO SAILOR CIRCUS PRESENTS ‘SEASON’S GREETINGS’ When: 2 and 7 p.m.

Dec. 26; 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 27; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 28; 7 p.m. Dec. 29 and Dec. 30 Where: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Tickets: In-person, $20, $25, $30; virtual, $25 Info: CircusArts.org

The show will have segments for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve, family gatherings and more. Holiday greeting cards will be displayed on screens during each act to properly represent each holiday to the audience.

It’s about time for the students, who Circus Arts Conservatory Executive Vice President and COO Jennifer Mitchell said have been eager to perform. A normal year would have the students out and about all over Sarasota, but this year has kept them home practicing online and unable to perform live.

“You would see them at Designing Women Boutique [events]; you would see them at Nathan Benderson Park; you see them

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Performers have been hard at work getting ready for the 2020 show.

|

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

23

THANK GOODNESS

342068-1

RE-ROOFED THIS ROOF...

941.756.4259 | ApprovedRoofingLLC.com SERVING FLORIDA’S GULF COAST FOR OVER 40 YEARS CCC 014 711 / Roofing Contractor CCC 016 171 DaRuMa-NewYearsAd.pdf

1

12/2/19

12:20 PM

| Building Contractor

Courtesy photo by Cliff Roles

347275-1

that used to be really easy,” Catalano said. “It took a little bit of extra effort, but seeing the show come together the way it is now is encouraging.”

Sailor Circus Arena has an air ionization system in tandem with the ventilation system to help mitigate COVID-19 spread. Duo and group acts will wear masks, and the audience will be asked to as well.

A streaming version of the show is also available.

“I think that when you see the show, you can really tell how all of us are excited to be here,” Catalano said. “I think when you see that in a performance, it really shines through. And I think honestly it’s going to be a big relief to people after such a crazy year.”

BUNIONS?

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Mediation the Positive Alternative

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2510 1st Street West Bradenton, FL 34208 941.748.4679

Supreme Court Certified Mediator www.ZollingerMediation.com

941-366-0202 FREE Phone Consultation

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• Family & Divorce Mediation • Elder Care Mediation • Marriage Mediation • Pre & Post Nuptial Agreements YOUR MARRIAGE CAN BE DISSOLVED WITHOUT LAWYERS

OUR SHOWROOMS ARE OPEN

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SHAUN J. LIMON DPM

Diplomate, American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry Board Certified in Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine

342401-1

at every single [event],” Mitchell said. “This year it was minimized. … The kids have wanted to get out there as much as they could.”

Sarah Catalano, a 16-year-old Sailor Circus student, has performed for six years as a clown but hasn’t in front of a crowd since March. Practicing for the show since September has made a world of difference.

“Us being able to come here and do what we care about and hang out with our friends has made a big difference for us this year because it really boosts your mental health,” she said.

In the Season’s Greetings show, Catalano will sing for the first time. That part required a different skill set that, on top of practicing her usual gags, has been a lot of work.

“It has been a bit of a learning curve, getting used to stuff

24

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

FORECAST

NATURE’S BEAUTY WITH

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, DEC. 24

High: 77 Low: 47 Chance of rain: 55%

FRIDAY, DEC. 25 High: 56 Low: 38 Chance of rain: 0%

7:17a

5:42p

Friday, Dec. 25

7:18a

5:42p

Saturday, Dec. 26

7:18a

5:43p

Sunday, Dec. 27

7:18a

5:43p

Monday, Dec. 28

7:19a

5:44p

Tuesday, Dec. 29

7:19a

5:45p

Wednesday, Dec. 30

7:19a

5:45p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 26

Jan. 6 Last

High: 57 Low: 41 Chance of rain: 0%

Joseph Swederski captured this lizard showing off near the Lakehouse Community Center pool in Waterside at Lakewood Ranch.

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 24

Jan. 12 New

Jan. 20 First

Jan. 28 Full

RAINFALL Monday, Dec. 14

0

Tuesday, Dec. 15

0.22

SUNDAY, DEC. 27

Wednesday, Dec. 16

High: 67 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 5%

Friday, Dec. 18

0

Saturday, Dec. 19

0

Sunday, Dec. 20

0

Thursday, Dec. 17

0 0.48

*Rainfall totals from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

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

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 56.91 in.

2020 1.42 in.

2019 48.45 in.

2019

1.16 in.

A REFLECTION OF NATURE’S BEAUTY 342484-1

941.355.8437 | Bradenton

CROSSWORD

941.493.7441 | www.manasotaonline.com

REACHING ACROSS THE AISLE by Hal Moore; Edited by David Steinberg

©2020 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Like tropical weather 6 Confuse 11 Music box?

17 Dubai or Sharjah 20 Marketing connections 22 Solved, with “together” 23 Removes (oneself) 24 Dull time in Canada?

26 In medias ___ 27 Words before “long way” or “step further” 28 Blunder badly 29 Touchy-___ 30 Predicament at basic training?

34 Bowling feats

941.748.4679 | Venice

36 Jill Biden, ___ Jacobs 37 Round that’s downed 39 Respectful address 40 Tiny bit 43 Diana who played Emma Peel 45 Hip bones 47 Yellowstone grazer 49 ___ Vision (LensCrafters competitor) 51 Off base?

53 Kind of bear in Alaska 56 Follows 57 Coffee shop order with skim milk?

59 Plumber’s service or remuneration?

114 Like well-traveled paths 116 Earth is a pale blue one in a famous photo 117 Moo goo ___ pan 118 Words you use when you’re apprehensive?

121 Extremely insistent 123 Moved like a hummingbird 124 Bring under control 125 ___ Line (WWII fortification) 126 Eating utensils used in jug bands 127 Studio stand 128 Fresh-mouthed

KITCHEN | CABINETRY OUTDOOR PAVERS

52 Ques. response 54 Unwrap 55 White Russian ingredient 58 Guide for grading student work 60 One of the Gershwin brothers 63 Pat gently 66 Where to take off your boots 67 Bruins great Bobby 69 Mani’s partner 71 Antics 72 “Take responsiblity!”

73 Its hands are near your hand DOWN 74 Oktoberfest venue 1 Considered, as a case 75 Pizzeria fixture 2 Earth tone 77 Circled-off area?

3 Evolutionary mystery 78 Droop 4 Pique 79 Din 5 Hang down 80 Exchange 6 $$$ dispenser 81 Cash register part 7 Devil, in Spanish 82 Fellow fighter 8 Drained 83 National econ. figure 9 “___ & Stitch” 10 Noted celebrity gossip show 84 Musk of SpaceX 86 Pursue romantically 11 Tax pro 87 Attempt 12 Sum’s opposite 90 They’re better than one, 13 Hands over, like land it’s said 14 43,560 square feet 15 Piece of wax on a document, 95 ‘60s attorney general’s monogram say 99 Rum-soaked cake 16 Pushing boundaries 101 Mother ___ (native 18 Firebird roof option language) 19 Morales of “Ozark” 102 They’re attached to pet 21 One may be Freudian collars 25 GPS guesses 103 “Cool beans!”

31 Folktale 104 Second place?

32 Forensic show until 2015 61 Transmits 89 From Ireland, perhaps 105 Global legal venue, with 33 Casual pants originally 62 Not in mint condition 91 Like much expensive “The” worn by soldiers 64 Company number? produce 107 Dutch cheese 35 Became ready to pick 65 Annoy 92 Elite NFL player 38 Tried to avoid getting tagged 108 Baby ___ (“The Mandalo66 Group with pitchforks 93 As you solve this rian” nickname) 40 Factual 68 Short snooze 94 “Iliad” setting 109 iPods after Minis 41 Actor Guinness 70 Young bloke 96 “Do the ___!” (“Figure it 110 Poker pot 42 Common surface for a 71 What to do before you reap out!”)

111 Casino calculations laptop, ironically 74 Southwestern beast of 97 Tissue layer 112 Snare 43 Martini’s partner in burden 98 Toothpaste amount 113 Sub sandwich vermouth 76 Steady guy 100 Phone alert, slangily 115 Oompah instrument 44 Comic book artist 78 Upside-down “e,” phoneti- 102 Charged particle 119 SLC church cally 103 Quarterback nicknamed 45 College wall growth 120 Slippery swimmer 46 Was in charge of 80 Acting bug?

“Broadway Joe” 122 Farrow or Wasikowska 48 Mario ___ (racing video 85 Knack for tying chess 106 Beer enjoyed while game) games? watching the Stanley Cup? 88 Less tame 111 Not this or that, with “the” 50 Campfire residue

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“PZB KZYT BTMKZD, ETZEVT TNCSTB MBT LNH PMDK MDW SMRT CZ JKT YT, ZB CSTU WZD’C AJNCT JDWTBKCMDW GSMC N’Y WZNDH.” – PBTW GNVVMBW “Z NHECR CZGD AH DKR NHLCR PEKUDL WKR YLDWAD NHLCR ODWYD, TAHO YHLLEOAZHK, TAHO RLEUT UDAAZKU AH GZRT.”

– GDCCX OLDTAHK Puzzle Two Clue: P equals H

Sarasota

HUNDREDS OF COLORS AND STYLES ON SALE NOW!

Puzzle One Clue L equals B

CARPET

© 2020 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2020 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-24-20

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

|

25

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

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

Faith Lutheran Church ELCA Christmas Eve Services

BLUE CHRISTMAS If you have experienced a loss and this is a hard Christmas for you, you are invited to this special service for encouragement, comfort, hope and peace.

7pm Sunday, December 20

CHRISTMAS EVE Join us for a worship service under a canopy of stars! We’ll gather outside to sing our favorite Christmas songs, celebrate Jesus’s birth, and cap the night off by singing Silent Night by candlelight. Kids are welcome! Bring a chair and a blanket.

Candlelight Communion | 6:00 & 8:00 p.m.

345731

7pm & 9:41pm Thursday, December 24

All are Welcome

GRACE CHURCH, SARASOTA CAMPUS

347183

7750 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238 | 941.924.4664

Weekly Outdoor & Online Worship Sundays at 9:41am 8521 Vamo Road, Sarasota, FL 34231 egracechurch.com 941.966.3306 Facebook @SarasotaGrace YouTube @GraceChurch941

Celebrate with us

CHRISTMAS

45 MINUTE PERFORMANCE WITH LIVE ANIMALS AND FREE REFRESHMENTS

DEC. 10-13 2020 7:30 PM

WWW.MYTAB.CHURCH

4141 DESOTO ROAD. SARASOTA 34235

SIESTA KEY CHAPEL PRESBYTERIAN USA

Christmas Eve Services In-Person & Live Stream

Siesta Key Beach Service 12/23 @ 5 pm

Masks required

Casual and contemporary Christmas service. Sing Christmas carols & listen to the Christmas story. Bring a chair or blanket.

Christmas Eve Online Worship 12/24 @ 7 pm via our website, YouTube & Facebook

Traditional Christmas Eve worship with lessons, carols and candlelighting.

347179

Christmas Eve In-Person Services 3 pm in the Sanctuary

Meditative service in the Sanctuary. Website registration required.

Christmas Isn’t Canceled!

5, 7, & 9 pm in the Courtyard

It’s Under the Stars ** It’s in the Sanctuary 6:00 pm 8:00 pm

A night under the stars with carol singing, candlelighting and a message. Bring a chair.

Social distancing protocols will be in place and mask wearing will be observed.

Saint James

December 24th | Please wear your mask.

346469

United Methodist Church 2049 N. Honore Ave, Sarasota FL 34235 941-377-6180 www.saintjamesumc.org

Come! God’s Son Is Born for All!

See the Christmas schedule and register to worship at ConcordiaSarasota.org See there also our worship videos and Facebook updates.

Concordia Lutheran Church

2185 Wood Street

ConcordiaSarasota.org

347564

(Along School Avenue, North of Sarasota High School) 346637

Church of the Palms 3224 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota FL 34239

347306

WWW.CHURCHOFTHEPALMS.ORG

CLASSIFIEDS

Thursday, December 24, 2020

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 town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Sporting Goods

Items Under $200 For Sale

BIKES: 26” woman’s cruiser $50. Men’s beach cruiser 26” Ross $50. Boys Mongoose 24” 21 speed $50. 20” Huffy motorcross bike, 21 speed $50. Can deliver. 941-350-9431.

Homes For Sale

University Pool/Spa 4BED-3BATH $425,000 55+ Beach and Boating: One story villa 2BED2BATH $424,000

FARMSTYLE TABLE 29 x 48, oak top, white base.

4 sturdy chairs. Solid wood, oak seats, white frame. $199. 941-351-3166.

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

JEANS, 3 pairs, size 34 or 32 waist with holes. $25.

941-741-9727.

LAMPS – rubbed bronze, 3 way switch, 1 floor lamp with matching table lamp. Shades included.

Like new. $25 each or 2 for $45. 516-528-5876.

LIKE NEW stainless steel above stove microwave $100. Like new GE stainless steel oven. $100.

941-536-5739.

OFFICE CHAIR executive 2 way support high back. $135. 941-776-0034.

Autos Wanted

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Beach Front Home: 4BED-5BATH, 2CARGAR $3,999,000

CLUB STYLE chairs, oversized, Drexel, pale red. $100 for pair. 941-355-9057.

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

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

Storage

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

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

Puzzle One Solution: “For some reason, people either are big fans and have to use me, or they don’t quite understand what I’m doing.”

Fred Willard Puzzle Two Solution: “I would like to end world hunger and create world peace, stop corruption, stop drugs getting to kids.”

– Kelly Preston

Longboat Key Beach House: on Canal, 3BED3BATH, 2/CARGAR, Dock/Lift. $530,000.

This week’s Sudoku answers

Private Boat Lift: beach access villa/condo $399,000 Sarasota: Built in 2010 4BED-2.5BATH Lakeview Lanai $335,000 Phillipi Gardens: $209,000

Homes For Sale

CASH FOR YOUR CAR We come to you!

Ho Ho Buys cars. 941-270-4400.

LV9431

INFO & RATES: 941-955-4888 • Fax: 941-362-4808 • EMAIL: classified@yourobserver.com • ONLINE: classifieds.yourobserver.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon • Service Directory - Friday at 3pm • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

INVESTORS 3BED-2BATH

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

Call 941-726-2677

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

Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Personal Services

Health/Fitness/Beauty

©2020 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

ELEGANT BEAUTY LOUNGE

Wishing you a Happy Healthy Holiday Season and Prosperous New Year!

Call or Text: 941-357-2618 5108 15th Street East Suite 109 Bradenton, FL 34203

Merchandise 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.

Rosemarie Lunardelli Broker/Owner Rosemarie.ashorerealtyllc@gmail.com 732-489-3676 OFFICE NOW OPEN AT: 7915 US 301 N STE 201 Ellenton, FL Ashorerealtyllc.com 941-417-7777 Call today for a free market analysis.

FAMILY SECURITY DRIVER 941-735-4732 Ask for Eddie.

Many years experience with rock stars, wild teens, children, elderly, and foreign families.

Feel safe, Be safe 24/7 Licensed and Legal.

2020

ALUMINUM

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

CONSTRUCTION

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

Kitchen Renovations and Upgrades

THE GRAB BAR GUY

Visit our showroom

348223

COMPUTER

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

Pegatronics.com 346969

(941) 650-7758

bschule88@gmail.com

DOORS

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

GLENN KROECKER

7262 55th Ave East, Bradenton, 34203 348229

941.650.9790 YoderAluminum.com

Owner / Operator Insured

941-735-3362 HOME SERVICES

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE” New Deluxe Rollers Will Make Your Doors Roll Better Than Ever Call Mark 928-2263 proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

Residential

941-705-5468

Commercial

347740

Free Estimates • Sarasota Resident Since 1974

www.showerandbathsarasota.com

941.966.0333

DrGrabBars.com

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

347741

LIFETIME GUARANTEE Licensed • Bonded • Insured COVERAGE AREA: LAKEWOOD RANCH ƭƨ S. VENICE

UNIQUE PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES 346973

Call John 941.377.2940

CALL BEFORE YOU FALL

PAINTING

Cleaned - Regrouted - Caulked - Sealed

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

235

$

SHOWER & BATH MAKEOVERS

Are You Having Dryer Difficulties?

(cell) 780-3346 Licensed & Insured

COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

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

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

954-1878

GRAB BARS

Sliding Glass Door Repair

347739

Dustin Yoder

LV9459

SERVICE DIRECTORY

347742

Offering 10% off to first time guests, 20% for those who bring a friend, and 15% for seniors.

Complete Interior & Exterior Painting

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

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

346976

The newest premier nail and lash lounge.

Offering Nails, organic pedicures, waxing, spray tanning, lash extentions, jewelry and more!

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Personal Services

Caregiver/ care coordinator available for AM shift or night shift. Call Diane: 941-448-5486.

Painting/Wallpapering

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.

Pools

Cleaning

Hauling

CLAUDIA C. Cleaning Services. Experienced, Dependable and ready to begin! Residential.

Excellent references. 941-773-6895.

NO CONTACT Junk Removal Just point for junk to disappear.

1-800-GOT-JUNK? (800) 465-5865 or 1800gotjunk.com

CLEANING BY Brazilian Lady. Meticulous, reliable, deep cleaning specialist. Residential. Commercial.

New Construction. 941-400-2866.

27

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

|

POOL SERVICE Now taking new customers ready for 2021BLISSFUL POOLS BEST VALUE SERVICE IN LAKEWOOD RANCH SPECIAL RATES FOR FIRST 30 CUSTOMERS personal service from owner – 12 years in LWR. 941-705-0400.

Auto Transport

SHIP YOUR car, truck or SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Team Up With Classifieds • 941-955-4888

PERSONAL SERVICES

ROOFING

With Grace

Kenneth Fuhlman Inc. Building & Roofing Contractor

Professional Helper

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

Personal Assistant • Errands • Help with Shopping Doctor Visits • Meals • Light Housekeeping • Housesitting and Holiday Shopping etc. Affordable rates

941-739-5102

Please Call

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

346417

POWER WASHING

Country Canine Makeovers Dog grooMing

Pressure Cleaning & Soft Washing Residential and Commercial

www.davidmccarthymoving.com

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal 348231

941-737-4483 www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

HEALTH

10% SAVINGS With this ad

Eldridge

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

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

Re-Screen “No Job Too Small”

Classified Ads Bring Results • 941-955-4888

PAINTING

Board Certified in the specialty of non-surgical spinal decompression 346416

941-270-1561

347743

941-909-2268 | www.lakewoodranchmovers.com

ROOFING

Bisson Roofing Inc.

SPECIALIZING IN:

AvitarpaintingLLC@gmail.com

Specializing in Reroofs and Repairs FREE Estimates • 30 Years Experience

DR. DAVID CIFRA, DC University Health Park 2415 University Parkway Bldg. 3, Suite 216 Sarasota, FL 34243

www.SarasotaDiscCenter.com

Call 941.358.2224 today to schedule a

FREE CONSULTATION

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

SCREENING

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

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

941 - 748 - 7400 347745

BOB DAVIS: 754-366-9768

346415

• Interior Painting • Drywall Texture • Drywall/Popcorn Repair • Wallpaper Removal • Exterior Painting • Pressure Cleaning

THE BEST This Doctor is Among

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION PHYSICIANS IN AMERICA

RESCREENING & REPAIRS

RESIDENTIAL MOVES LONG DISTANCE MOVES VALUABLE MOVES INTERNATIONAL MOVES

RC0067420 • Lic. & Ins.

Owner Supervises Every Job

Cindy Wells 941-928-2168

www.bissonroofing.com

347746

Local And Long Distance Movers Residential Moves Commercial Moves Pack, Crate & Wrap

Call for appointment

Located off of SR 70 E. 1 mile North on Verna Bethany Rd. 7804 Barr Road Myakka City, FL 34251

BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS

...will move anything from a couch to a household

dmccarthymoving@gmail.com

PET SERVICES

SAFE ROOF CLEANING

David McCarthy Moving 941-704-4278

Licensed & Insured CCC - 058059 CBC - 1253936

WithGraceFL@gmail.com

MOVERS

• • • •

941-626-3194

941-909-4949

348228

348230

SMALL ENGINE REPAIRS

347744

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

346579

Jami Heredia

346484

LAWN CARE

LV9459

SERVICE DIRECTORY

941-345-5264

specialty screens / screw replacement / paint

DOORS

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

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

347733

www.ezslider.com

Manufacture and workmanship

Res./Com.

Warranties

Lic./Ins.

indow & Pressure Clea et W(941) nin s n 345-5264 wn as Sunrise Win g Su erly kno d Form Serving Longboat Key Since 2005

25

UP TO

STANDARD WINDOWS

ows

120

$

INCLUDING SCREENS, TRACKS, MIRRORS & FANS

Call us today!

941.628.8579

WINDOWS

Doors and more!

FREE IN-H ESTIMOATMEE S

SPECIAL 00 5

$

senior citizen discount. www.sunsetwindowcleaningsrq.com

Purified water window cleaning available!!

Call Tibor for FREE ESTIMATES | 941- 284 - 5880

347747

DOORS

28

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

we are your ! q h y a id l o h christmas thru new year’s

JOSH DETWILER

we’ll have holiday hams, usda choice meats and all the local veggies for the fixin’s!

DON’T FORGET OUR SCRATCH MADE PIES, CAKES, AND CINNAMON ROLLS!

find us at detwilermarket.com

shop our

market online 344186-1

start at dfmgo.com WE’RE A FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED BUSINESS SINCE 2002.

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R THE !

E R MO

XNLV19038

Flip the page for more sales and specials!

www.yourobserver.com/detwilers-weekly-flyer

Est. 1987

Real Patients. Real Results.

Dental Implants, Same Day & ALL-ON-4®

Before

After

Before

After

After Cosmetic, Veneers & Laser Periodontics

Before

After

Before

After

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

Advanced Care and Dental Technology at One Location Cosmetic Dentistry

Holistic Dentistry

• Bruxism Treatment • Smile Makeovers with Veneers • Conservative “No-Prep” Veneers • Nonsurgical Facelifts w/Neuromuscular Bite Correction

• Orthotropic and Airway Orthodontics for Adults • Orthotropic and Airway Orthodontics for Children • Safe Mercury Removal • Laser Periodontal Treatment with Ozone

Implant Surgery & Restoration

Facial Esthetics

• AII-On-4 • Bone Grafts/Sinus Lifts • Digitally Guided Surgery with On-Site CAT Scan • PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma • Sedation

• PDO Thread Lifts • Erbium and Nd: YAG Laser Treatments • Botox • Fillers

Call (941) 999-3205 or Visit www.SarasotaDentist.com 347159-1

Sarasota’s Accredited Dentists with Over 30 Years of Expertise

Jill Morris, DMD

Burr Bakke, DDS

Cameron Johnson, DMD

Our team at World Class Dentistry & Facial Aesthetics can treat patients with a multitude of concerns at the Sarasota facility, which maintains quality control and streamlined treatments. With a focus on individualized patient care and connection, Dr. Jill Morris, Dr. Burr Bakke, Dr. Cameron Johnson, and their on-site dental laboratory team offer implant surgery, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, biological dentistry, and more. Serving Sarasota since 1987, our team has over 60 years of combined talent and expertise. Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation or visit our website at SarasotaDentist.com.

Call (941) 999-3205 or Visit www.SarasotaDentist.com Stay Connected With Us

#WorldClassDentistry | 3951 Swift Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231 340296-1

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