E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Happy Hanukkah!
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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VOLUME 18, NO. 2
BLACK
FREE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015
TIE
Champions for children INSIDE
No SMART choice yet Riding-therapy organization continues search for top-notch fundraiser and grant writer.
YOUR TOWN
JAY HEATER MANAGING EDITOR
On a peaceful, fall evening at the SMART ranch, Gail Clifton stood steady as a post, holding a horse’s head as they both faced a beautiful sunset. Neither the horse, named Logan, nor Clifton moved for several minutes as SMART riding instructor Samantha Toomey painstakingly made sure client Kelly Miller felt safe before she mounted a horse for the very first time. For those unfamiliar with the local nonprofit organization, SMART stands for Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, an organization that allows those with physical and mental challenges to ride to their ability and learn to care for horses. That interaction has produced some important benefits, such as an increase in strength and stam-
Biking for a cause Students at All God’s Children Preschool were on the move Nov. 13. Riding tricycles, scooters and bikes with training wheels, they lapped the school’s parking lot in search of a grand prize. That prize ended up being $1,700 that was donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Parents, family and friends donated money as the children raced toward the finish line of the fifth annual Trike-a-thon. “We had so much support from our wonderful families,” said Erin Bonifate, assistant director of All God’s Children.
Growing interest The University Park Women’s Club’s garden enthusiasts went on a Nov. 5 trip to Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. Kathy Bondur, a master gardener and club member, organized the trip. They learned more than the basics of planting. They received a history lesson covering the garden’s changes over the last century. Member Karen Curlin said Sunken Gardens dates back to 1903 when a plumber, George Turner, started transforming the property from a sinkhole to a flourishing tropical paradise. “Gardeners explored cascading waterfalls, birds and butterflies and more than 500 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants,” Curin said.
Jay Heater
Brittany Bouldin gets some tips about riding P.J. from SMART instructor Samantha Toomey.
PAT NEAL IS NAMED BUILDER OF THE YEAR. KEYS TO HIS SUCCESS PAGE 3A
SEE SMART, PAGE 8A
Too busy to decorate? Designer has top solution. SEE PAGE 10A