East County Observer 3.2.23

Observer

YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

YOUR TOWN

FDOT unveils I-75 corridor plan

Open house held to collect feedback on I-75 projects through Manatee and Sarasota counties. SEE PAGE 3

Bound for more success

The Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch celebrated the growth of its Books for Kids program during an annual luncheon Feb. 23.

After nine years, Books for Kids has 125 volunteers and distributes 3,800 books monthly to 162 classes across 10 schools.

This school year, the rotary club also started its Books for Kids Kindergarten Program where volunteers work one-onone weekly with a kindergartner at three Manatee County schools.

“Without the extra support you have given, our students wouldn’t be as nearly successful,” said School District of Manatee County Superintendent Cynthia Saunders (above with Ted Lindenberg).

An unexpected blessing

Peace Presbyterian Church

Pastor Elizabeth Deibert wasn’t quite prepared for that much enthusiasm.

As she made the rounds during Peace Blesses the Animals Feb. 26 at the Lakewood Ranch church, she came upon Alan Fisher’s dog Honey, a miniature golden doodle.

Honey (above with Deibert) proved to be small but mighty, leaping into the pastor’s chest as she knelt down and knocked her over.

A laughing Deibert didn’t miss a beat, blessing Honey and moving to the next animal.

About 40 animals and their owners attended the ceremony that was held in front of the church.

Deibert told the crowd, “Dogs show us the grace of God, because no matter what we do, they still love us.”

While almost all the pets who attended were dogs, there was a celebrity sheep in the house. Ivory, a therapy sheep that passes her goodwill to those in hospitals and assisted living facilities, attended as well.

Lakewood Ranch trumpeter Vincent DiMartino takes center stage during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s Spring Concert. SEE PAGE 8

Lakewood Ranch Library’s shelves will be 100% filled because of nonprofits’ efforts. SEE PAGE 2

Bowled over. INSIDE

Jay Heater

Trumpeter Vincent DiMartino will be the featured soloist March 5 during a Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble concert at Peace Presbyterian Church.

Jay Heater Tammy Parrott, the library services manager for Manatee County, and Sue Ann Miller, the president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, have worked together to see that the new library will be fully stocked.

Liz Ramos

Jay Heater

Community generosity stocks the shelves

Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library and the Manatee Library Foundation present $200,000 toward books.

When the Lakewood Ranch Library opens, the shelves will be 100% filled with books.

That seems like a no-brainer, but Manatee County Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott said that libraries often open with a minimum capacity of 75% of books filling the shelves.

So what will make the difference when the Lakewood Ranch Library opens in October?

Parrott said it’s the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library.

Last week, Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, presented Parrott with a $100,000 check that will go toward filling the shelves.

That $100,000 was matched by the Manatee Library Foundation for a $200,000 total.

And that’s just a start.

Miller is confident the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library can raise significant funds before the library opens. She said they are awaiting word on five grant requests, and they are continuing to host or participate in events to raise funds.

One of the events is Music on Main, the monthly concert series and block party that will be held 6-9 p.m. March 3 at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. The beer and wine sales from the event will go to the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library.

Every dollar Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library can raise will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, by the Manatee Library Foundation. Combined with the $100,000 donated last week, the foundation could end up donating $200,000 in all to the effort.

Don Janezic, president of the Manatee Library Foundation, said

the group’s 11-person board wanted to cover expenses that the county isn’t covering because of insufficient funding. Janezic said the foundation, which started in 1983, allocates 4% of its fund balance each year and decided to focus its funding on the Lakewood Ranch Library this year.

Janezic said the effort actually is supporting the entire Manatee County Library Services system because resources will be shared among the branches.

He also said that when Miller came to the foundation for financial support, the foundation was quick to respond.

“I’ve seen the way they operate,” Janezic said. “Everything is researched. Everything is crisp, concise. They are remarkably efficient.”

He was not surprised that Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library was able to present $100,000 to library services.

“It shows a great deal of diligence and commitment,” he said. “A lot of that has to do with leadership. This is a passion for (the board members of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library).”

“I thought if anyone could do it (raise $100,000 for the library), Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library could,” Parrott said. “We are just thrilled. They are impressive and they are an inspiration. Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library is among the strongest friends groups you will find across the United States.”

Parrott said when she had looked at the original design for the 25,000-square-foot library, she knew there wasn’t enough shelving being planned for it. The plan to stock those shelves with 25,000 books increased to a plan for more shelves that could hold 46,000 books. That increased the need for additional funds to purchase books.

“I know this will be our busiest

branch,” Parrot said. “This library is impressive and uplifting. It represents a step forward into the 21st century. This library has been anticipated, and it is new.”

Manatee County’s Central Library, the biggest in the system is 51,000 square feet. While the Lakewood Ranch Library starts out about half that size at 25,000 square feet, the county is leaving the second floor as a shell at this point before deciding what to do with it. There also will be a rooftop that could hosts events.

Those decisions won’t be made until later, but Parrott is hoping the library will expand into those floors. The library will open with 17 employees, with nine being part time.

“We can’t wait for opening day,” Miller said. “Residents have been advocating for this library for more than 20 years. We have to credit this community for being so committed.”

Miller said those who attend Music

YOUR WISH GRANTED

Grants and donations received or generated by the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library to support the new library:

Manatee Library Foundation: Up to $200,000 matching grant

Bishop Parker Foundation: $50,000

Community Foundation of Sarasota County: $20,000

Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library: $20,000

Lakewood Ranch Community Fund: $10,000

on Main March 3 can buy tickets for a gift basket that will include autographed books of local authors and $250 in lottery tickets.

Lyn Begraft, the assistant library service manager, said she has seen the excitement generated by the construction of the new Lakewood Ranch Library.

“The whole community has been looking to have a third space ... a place to go along with home and work that is kind of a home away from home.”

Janezic said the county won’t be done with its work to improve its library system even after the Lakewood Ranch Library opens.

“I don’t want there to be any misconception,” he said. “The Lakewood Ranch Library will be filled up, but the county still needs more library space.”

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch: $10,000

Misc. donations: $3,589

Community campaign: $2,355

Benefit from Music on Main funding last fall, but the event was rained out. Miller is hoping that more people attend the March 3 event to support the library.

Jay Heater

Don Janezic, president of the Manatee Library Foundation, Tammy Parrott, Manatee County library services manager, and Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library, hold a $200,000 check that was presented to library services. The Manatee County Library Foundation matched the $100,000 raised by the Friends group.

FAST LANE COULD TAKE TOLL ON MOTORISTS

FDOT studies whether tolled lanes could ease traffic on I-75 in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Would you be willing to pay extra for a faster trip on Interstate 75?

That was one of the questions that emerged at a Florida Department of Transportation open house Feb. 23 at the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee in Sarasota.

The open house was held to get feedback from the public about the FDOT’s Interstate 75 corridor master plan from River Road in Sarasota to Moccasin Wallow Road in Manatee County.

Among the topics discussed were “managed lanes,” which would be lanes that would run parallel to the left of the regular I-75 lanes from Clark Road in Sarasota County to U.S. 301 in Manatee County, and likely would be separated by a concrete barrier or some other type of barrier.

Those “managed lanes” could be toll lanes that might have restrictions, such as not allowing semi trucks. “Managed lanes” are becoming more common in Florida, such as the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway in Tampa. The toll system could be entirely electronically controlled, utilizing a SunPass or a license-plate reader.

Joshua Jester, the FDOT’s project manager for the master plan for I-75 in the region, said the feasibility of adding tolled lanes will continue through the planning process. However, the current traffic analysis has been conducted using the assumption that the roads would not be tolled.

The discussion was all part of the open house in which the public offered suggestions and comments.

“We want people to be giving all the comments they can — the good, the bad, the ugly ... whatever it is,” Jester said.

Besides talking about “managed lanes,” the FDOT noted that five major interchange improvement projects on that stretch of road are planned. Five other highway improvement projects also were planned.

“I’m glad they’re having this,” said Sarasota’s Jon Prettyman, who attended the open house. “Instead of saying, ‘This is what we’re giving you,’ they’re saying, ‘Here’s what we’re thinking about.’”

Jester said the purpose of the plan is to accommodate future growth, with roads in the region having already outpaced the capacity limits indicated by the most recent studies in 2012.

Jester said current studies indicate population will continue to grow rapidly.

The creation of the plan involved data collection, public outreach, analysis of current and future transportation needs and identification and evaluation of potential projects.

Jester said the plan, which is set to be finalized by August, is targeting a 2045 or sooner date for completion in its entirety.

However, the FDOT wants to break down the plan into a steady stream of small projects.

“We don’t want a $2 billion project,” Jester said. “Part of our master plan is identifying smaller projects to advance through our project devel-

opment phase.”

Jester said priority projects will be established based on feedback from the public, transportation officials, elected officials and first responders.

“I can tell you that (feedback) can significantly change (priorities),” said Jester, who said early feedback was vital to the process. “But I can’t tell you how we’re going to change it.”

A NEW ROADWAY

The “managed lanes” would be like adding a parallel roadway and would serve those who planned on making longer-distance trips than anyone doing local business.

To accommodate the strategy, the

INTERCHANGE PROJECTS PROPOSED

River Road Interchange

Length (miles): 0.51

Completion target: 2025

Improvement type: Signalize ramp terminals

Jacaranda Boulevard Interchange

Length (miles): 0.67

Completion target: 2032

Improvement type: Interchange configuration and improve adjacent intersections

SR 681 Interchange

Length (miles): 5.12

Completion target: 2045

Improvement type: Interchange configuration

University Parkway Interchange

Length (miles): 0.68

Completion target: 2029

Improvement type: Interchange configuration and improve adjacent intersections

Moccasin Wallow Road Interchange

Length (miles): 2.37

Completion target: 2029

Improvement type: Interchange configuration and improve adjacent intersections

FDOT has made previous improvements with the knowledge it might need additional land to the left of both its northbound and southbound lanes of I-75.

Recent interchange projects in the area, such as the project at University Parkway, involved moving the north and south bridges farther apart in anticipation of future “managed lanes,” he said.

“We’ve been working toward this for a very long time,” he said. “This is just the next step in reaching that ultimate vision.”

He said at least one bridge where I-75 crosses S.R. 64 would have to be moved to accommodate more (left) lanes that would be added in both directions.

The general use lanes will be separated from the “managed lanes” by a barrier, which could consist of concrete, or plastic delineators, while the FDOT is planning 12-foot shoulders on each side of the separation.

Besides the “managed lanes,” the FDOT has planned a widening of I-75 to four lanes in each direction from River Road to Clark Road, and U.S. 301 to Moccasin Wallow Road.

Another potential project could be mass transportation along the corridor.

Jester said the department has been intentionally preserving space between the  interstate’s northbound and southbound lanes for a future multimodal corridor, which was listed on the master plan. This corridor could be used for bus transit or possibly a train.

THE FDOT LOOKS FORWARD After the planning phase will come the Project Development and Environment phase.

When the project arrives at the PD&E phase, noise studies and traffic control studies will be conduct-

ed. This phase of the project usually involves a hearing.

The PD&E phase will see each project further evaluated and refined, with environmental and social impacts assessed. Right-ofway needs will be identified.

According to information provided by the FDOT, state and federal criteria will be used to determine whether noise walls are feasible and reasonable.

They are considered feasible if they can be built using standard construction methods and techniques, with consideration of safety factors, access, right of way, maintenance, drainage and utilities.

They are considered reasonable if they reduce noise by at least 5 decibels at two or more impacted sites and by 7 decibels at one site, as well as costing $42,000 or less per benefited receptor.

These studies are expected to be performed five to eight years before the implementation of a project.

Some residents at the meeting expressed concern about the potential for additional noise.  University Place’s Pat Kiehn said after moving into the community prior to the construction of the Mall at University Town Center, which opened in 2014, the volume of traffic increased substantially.

“They built malls and restaurants. That excludes the building going on. All the traffic comes to us,” she said. She said the community has thus far not been able to qualify for a noise wall.

QUO

STATUS

Even with all the projects, Jester said it might not mean improvements over the transportation corridor that currently exists.

“If a project is not under construction, I definitely think people would start to see that improvement,” he said. “But I would love to say, yeah, you’re going to notice a noticeable difference. Honestly, by the time we get there, there might be so much development that we are keeping the status quo.”

He said the biggest driver of the master plan will be funding. Projects are funded through a mix of about 25% federal and about 75% state funds, he said.

“Funding availability becomes the big bottleneck to getting those projects out there,” he said. “The master plan is a great tool for showing the need.”

Ian Swaby

University Place’s Kat Kiehn and Stuart Ullman learn about the project from I-75 Project Manager Nicole Harris.

Greenbrook Adventure Park buys new exercise equipment

IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Greenbrook residents have received a motivational boost to stay in shape.

A series of pull-up bars, balance beams and other new outdoor workout equipment is set to be added to the community by Greenfields Outdoor Fitness.

“I think it is important for us to maintain the level of quality and amenities the (residents) expect,” said Mike Griffin, chair of Community Development District 4, which oversees Greenbrook.

Tom Merrell, director of operations at the Inter-District Authority, said the cost of the project is $57,843.92.

Griffin also said the old equipment had received its “fair share of work.”

“It’s in bad shape,” Merrell said.

Merrell all of the existing outdoor exercise equipment will be removed while the incoming equipment will expand what previously was available.

The new equipment, which comes in green and tan colors, will consist of seven different workout machines, including the Single Cross-Country Ski, 2-Person Back & Arms Combo, and 2-Person Combo Lat Pull & Vertical Press. No installation date has been set.

According to information provided by Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, the equipment is intended to be used by the unsupervised public.

A spokesman for Greenfields said the equipment is built to withstand hot, cold, dry, and humid conditions.

Griffin said the district also wanted to offer something different from what previously was available while maintaining its standards for quality.

He said the district has previously discussed replacing equipment during its periodical review of the area.

The maintenance team, he said, travels around the district to examine the state of equipment, eventu-

EXERCISE UNITS TO BE INSTALLED

ally placing an item on a meeting agenda when anything wears out or is deemed unsafe.

Merrell initially said the project was intended to include a structure to provide shade for the equipment, however, the cost was greater than anticipated because of inflation. He said he will put forward a proposal for the shade structure in the next fiscal year.

Merrell said he did not believe the old equipment had any resale value, with many pieces having been removed due to being broken.

The equipment will be located outside of the area of the Greenbrook Adventure Park that generally floods during major weather events. He said the flooding generally reaches the shell trail adjacent to where the new equipment will be.

Commissioners scrutinize library system

Access to books in Manatee County’s library system is being questioned as the new Lakewood Ranch Library is on the verge of opening later this year.

Whether the conservative makeup of the Manatee County Commission impacts access to books and library materials was the subject of a Feb. 21 commission meeting and figures to intensify in the coming months.

“This session has enlightened me of the narrow-mindedness that I’m seeing here,” said Friends of the Island Library President Julie Perry of the commissioners. “Trust our librarians.”

The commissioners discussed the possible vetting, categorizing and selecting of library books after they received a presentation on the county’s library services department.

The commissioners said they had received some complaints on how certain books are presented in the library and whether that presentation is appropriate for young readers.

District 1 Commissioner James Satcher said it appeared the county was “funneling an outside amount of our funds and our efforts into getting left-wing ideology books on our shelves” as well as on the library app.

Satcher said he had not viewed the app personally.

He said a new system was needed to manage objections to book availability, amount of funding, or placement.

“The point is that we should go outside (of the library system), out of respect for that taxpayer, for that citizen, for that parent. We should have a process or a system that allows them to go outside of just the library and its board as it goes forward.”

Satcher called the American Library Association, of which Mana-

tee County is a member, a “political organization.” He said he would be “100% in favor of leaving the organization at a future voting meeting.”

Manatee County Attorney William Clague said however the board deals with the topic of books, it should be done in a way that is politically neutral.

ALL POINTS OF VIEW

“That’s your safe harbor, to make sure that what you’re offering in your libraries covers all points of view, not just one particular point of view,” Clague said. “It’s a tough issue for a board of elected officials to deal with directly, book by book.”

However, he said an advisory committee to vet books and weigh in on them was “certainly” a legally defensible approach.

District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh and District 1 Commissioner James Satcher suggested forming a citizen’s committee that could respond to complaints from residents about library content and presentation.

Library Services Manager Tammy Parrott said to Satcher that the library’s responsibility is to have books that represent all viewpoints.

“(Assistant Library Services Manager Lynn Begraft) and I are both classically trained librarians, where we do believe in representing all segments of the community, and that means that we should have not just left, just to use your words, but also the right and also the center. So, we need to make sure that if there are particular titles that we are missing, that we do look at those.”

She said what the county could do is take subjects, and bring in all points of view.

She said she would review the feed for the library app and see whether there were any filters being applied or any new content the library should

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District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard said she wished to see the collections in the libraries include more conservative viewpoints, as well as material on Black history, gender identity, and economics. She said she wanted to see an expanded policy on child rentals of adult materials that include topics that involve sexuality and gender.

Baugh asked whether it was feasible to group all materials related to sexual orientation in one area. Parrot said that in general, those materials are together, grouped by the Dewey Decimal System in the adult area.

LEVELING THE INVENTORY

At-large Commissioner Jason Bearden suggested reducing inventory of books on certain topics and leveling the inventory on certain subjects.

Parrott said that books that have been circulated extensively do not have significant resale value, however, she said it was possible to accommodate a collection review within the current development budget.

County Administrator Lee Washington said he would schedule work sessions for the board on the topic.

He also disagreed with Satcher, saying the American Library Association has the highest standards when it comes to accrediting libraries.

“If we looked at all of the associations in which we find ourselves members of, I can assure you we would find fault with many of the

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things they might be currently doing,” Washington said.

He also said the library app was likely displaying the books that were most popular, in the way that a platform, such as audible, might move bestsellers to the front page.

Parrott said a review process takes place for all materials introduced to the library.

She said a youth services department, with two librarians, consults on youth materials, while all purchasing goes through a collection development librarian.

Parrott said all books not intended for children are shelved in the adult section.

“We do request that parents accompany their children to the library,” she said. “Under 12, they need to be with an adult. It’s part of the state statutes.”

The meeting was attended by numerous members of local Friends of the Library organizations and other interested residents.

Shannon Keever, communications director for Women’s Voices of Southwest Florida, who identified herself as a homeschooling parent and avid library user, spoke at the meeting.

“Librarian Jo Goodwin (former

editor of the Wilson Library Bulletin) said, ‘A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone,” Keever said. “I, for one, am appreciative that there are some materials in the library that offend me.”

Baugh said, “I think this board needs to set some guidelines about what we want to see, and how we want to see it. This is not working.”

Keever said she agrees that parents should be concerned about what their children are reading and accessing, but that the idea of censoring books will take the county down a “very slippery slope.”

“The library should be accessible for everybody who lives in this county,” she said. “That includes children, that includes families, that includes people experiencing homelessness. That includes teachers and students.”

She said her children’s library cards keeps her informed about what they are checking out.

“I just don’t feel comfortable talking about selling off books that we don’t agree with,” she said.

Keever said the Manatee County area was not totally conservative despite the makeup of the commission.

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IAN SWABY STAFF WRITER

Some residents say the commissioners should leave the evaluation of materials to the professionals they hired to run the system.

Ian Swaby Commissioners discussed processes for vetting, categorizing and selecting library books.

Her areas of focus for ages 18 and up include:

• Chronic disease management

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Leadership change at Gold Coast Eagle

MARK GORDON BUSINESS OBSERVER

The Saputo family, one of most prominent beverage and beer distribution families in Florida, is changing its leadership structure.

Andrea Saputo Cox was recently named president and equity manager/owner of the company, Lakewood Ranch-based Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. Gold Coast provides Anheuser-Busch/InBev products to some 1,600 groceries, bars, restaurants, hotels and more in the Sarasota-Bradenton area every week. The company also distributes bottled water, energy drinks and nonalcoholic beverages.

Saputo Cox replaces her father, John Saputo, in the role. The elder Saputo, while not officially retiring, will slow down — at least a little, his daughter said.

Saputo will remain CEO of both Gold Coast Eagle and another distributorship, north of Cincinnati, overseen by Devyn Dugger, who is Saputo’s son-in-law. Gold Coast Eagle acquired the Ohio company, Dickerson Distributing, in 2014.

“I don’t think he will ever really retire,” Saputo Cox said in an interview in the company’s expansive Lakewood Ranch facility. She said her father might go for longer hunting trips in Michigan or take actual full-week vacations, but he remains involved in a variety of projects and leadership decisions.

Over the past 27 years, the Saputo family has led Gold Coast Eagle to become one of the largest beverage distribution companies in the region. It sells more than 4.4 million cases of Anheuser-Busch products, 1.8 million cases of Corona, regional and local craft beers, wine and spirits and nonalcohol beverages a year, according to a statement. It posted $222 million in revenue in 2021, up 7.7% from $206 million in 2020, and has about 200 sales, service and support associates.

Gold Coast Eagle dates back to Nov. 1, 1996, when John Saputo acquired the distributorship from

the Goodman family, who had operated Twin City Distributors. Saputo’s father had been in the beverage distribution business in Michigan, and the younger Saputo managed or owned distributorships in Michigan, New York and North Carolina before coming to Florida.

P art of the company’s growth stems from the population boom of the last 25 years: more people, more beer drinkers. Another key in the company’s success? Its state-ofthe-art headquarters and hospitality center on the Sarasota County side of Lakewood Ranch in the corporate park. The facility, on a 23-acre site, includes a tasting room, rotunda, beer garden and conference room, holding up to 200 people. The company has opened the facility to dozens of nonprofits and charitable organizations to host events, and county officials have used it as a staging area during hurricanes or similar weather situations. “We have a lot of pride in giving back to the community where we live,” Saputo Cox says.

While her role as president, on paper, is somewhat new, Saputo Cox isn’t a beverage distribution newbie. She’s been working in the field since she was 12 or 13 years old, when she cleaned out truck bays and washed tires when vehicles returned from daily deliveries.

Mark Gordon Andrea Saputo Cox, left, was recently named president and equity manager/ owner of Lakewood Ranchbased Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, a business her father, John Saputo, founded in 1996.

LESSONS FROM A TRUMPETER

ABOUT DIMARTINO

Music professor for 21 years at the University of Kentucky; Distinguished Artist in residence at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky; performed lead trumpet and cornet for some of the world’s top jazz bands, including Lionel Hampton Band, the Chuck Mangione Band, the Clark Terry Band, and The Eastman Arranger’s Holiday Orchestra.

JAY HEATER

MANAGING EDITOR

It was 1960, and 12-year-old Vince DiMartino was not going to be denied.

He already had hit his musical jackpot, being able to attend a concert of three of his heroes: Maynard Ferguson, Dave Brubeck and Louis Armstrong.

The concert was held at a Long Island, New York hockey arena not far from his home.

But hearing three of the world’s greatest musicians was not going to be enough. He wanted to meet Louis Armstrong, and he propped himself up against Armstrong’s dressing room door long before the concert began.

At the time, as DiMartino explains, there were two men in the world known simply as Louis. One was former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, who actually had ended his career nine years earlier in 1951.

The other “Louis,” still going strong, was trumpeter Louis Armstrong.

MEETING LOUIS

Due to his stature, Armstrong had a security guard watching his dressing room door. The guard told DiMartino, “Son, I can’t let you knock on that door. I can’t let you meet Mr. Armstrong.”

DiMartino didn’t leave.

“Then he took a piece of paper out of his pocket,” DiMartino said of the security guard. “He said, ‘I will let you knock on the door if you can get Mr. Armstrong to give you an autograph for my daughter.’”

DiMartino made the deal and knocked on the door. To his surprise, Armstrong answered it himself.

“Hello young man,” he told DiMartino. “What can I do for you?”

The 12-year-old, who had just taken up the trumpet, explained his reverence for the man standing in front of him and the deal he had made with the security guard.

Armstrong laughed and then talked to the youngster for 20 minutes about his years playing music all over

the world.

It is still an experience DiMartino, now 74, calls the best musical moment of his life.

“It was a harbinger of things to come for me,” said DiMartino, who lives in Eagle Trace of Lakewood Ranch and will be the featured soloist on March 5 during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s concert at Peace Presbyterian Church.

“I was going to be a dentist.”

The world lost a dentist that day.

Inside the world of music, DiMartino became known as one of the top trumpeters in the world, playing the lead for the best in the industry, such as the Lionel Hampton Band, the Chuck Mangione Band, the Clark Terry Band, and The Eastman Arranger’s Holiday Orchestra.

But if he never became known as simply “Vince,” that’s OK with him.

“I am a teacher first,” DiMartino said.

While Armstrong inspired him to be great at his craft, he also learned another lesson.

“These people never have a moment of reality, and anonymity,” DiMartino said. “That’s an important part, because you have no life. You live in a building that was built for people to look at you.”

That didn’t mean he didn’t want to become as good a trumpet player as he could be.

“I guess it would be better to say that I wanted to reach my potential,” he said.

Joe Miller, the founder of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble and its conductor, said DiMartino definitely reached his potential.

“Vince is one of the four or five best trumpet players in the world,” Miller said. “Anyone who is anyone in music knows Vince DiMartino.”

DiMartino has played all over the world, but mostly at universities that had recruited him.

“Mostly I go to verify what (music instructors) have been teaching (the students),” he said.

GETTING STARTED

After growing up and graduating from high school in Babylon, New York, DiMartino attended the The Eastman School of Music (Rochester, New York), where he graduated in 1972.

He landed his first meaningful teaching job after playing with the Lionel Hampton Band at the Red Mile racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky. Hubert Henderson, the head of the music school at the University of Kentucky was in the audience. Henderson, a trumpeter himself, liked what he heard and offered DiMartino a job as a professor.

The job turned into a 21-year career.

“There was a need for a person like me,” DiMartino said.

He said there was so much for his students to learn about music off the campus.

“It’s the real world,” he said. “I would take my students with me (to his concerts).”

Trumpeter Vincent DiMartino has more than 160 cornets and trumpets in his collection.

He began to see the world both as a

COME BLOW YOUR HORN

Who: Vincent DiMartino

Age: 74

Lives: Eagle Trace

What: Performs a cornet solo of “My Old Kentucky Home” during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s Spring Concert, 2 p.m., March 5 at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch

Tickets: $10 at the door

Did you know?: DiMartino played a duet with Doc Severinsen on the album “Big Band Hit Parade.” He went on to perform many times over the years with Severinsen, who is his son Gabriel’s godfather. On his deathbed, what would he play last?: “I would play whatever would make people around me the most happy. That is what my job is.”

performer and an instructor. Europe, Asia, Australia, South America. He was everywhere. “I don’t like living in hotels,” he said. “But working with students makes it worth traveling.”

STAYING BUSY

Locally, DiMartino has a busy schedule. Besides performing for the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, he plays for the Sarasota Jazz Project, the Greg Nielsen Sextet at the Latin Quarters Restaurant in Sarasota on Tuesdays and in several jazz artists series and at churches up and down the west coast of Florida. He came to Lakewood Ranch because he was taking part in a clinical trial for Merkel cell carcinoma at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. He is enthusiastic about his prognosis and enjoys each day as it comes with his wife, Patti Powell.

“My wife has helped me get through this every day, which makes things so much easier,” he said.

At his age, he has adapted in choosing his music.

“You have to learn to adapt because you don’t want to perform at a lower level,” he said. “The pieces I used to play were so physically challenging that most people would not play them.”

At Peace Presbyterian, he will play a 120-year-old cornet, which is one of the 160 trumpets and cornets in his collection. Why play an instrument over a century old?

“It’s like any machine,” he said. “They try to improve it. But companies go into slumps. This was a good period for a cornet.”

It will be the first time in 18 months he has played a live solo.

Jim Hill, the lead trumpet for the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble, said those who attend will be hearing something special.

“It’s his pedigree, his schooling, his reputation,” Hill said. “It is hard to be a professional athlete and always be on. He is always on. And he raises the level of the whole group by his presence.”

So what is his biggest moment performing?

He said March 5 will be.

“You have to be in the now situation,” he said. “Now is the moment. It doesn’t matter if I am playing at the smallest church or at a hospital. I will enjoy this as much as soloing in Carnegie Hall with the Boston Pops.”

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Vincent DiMartino prioritizes teaching music over performing to protect his moments of anonymity.

Photos by Jay Heater

Vincent DiMartino will be featured during the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble’s Spring Concert on March 5 at Peace Presbyterian Church.

See a horse, save a school

Before her death in 2021, Gabby Herrmann used to say the same thing each year about the fundraiser her ranch held to benefit the Myakka City Historic School House’s renovation.

“She would say, ‘It’s historical horses helping historical places,’” said Herrmann’s daughter, Rebecca McCullough, who took over Herrmann’s role as matriarch of Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions. “It was important to my mother to support historical places. She used to say if we don’t, they might not be there some day.”

On March 5, Herrmanns Royal Lipizzan Stallions once again will host the fundraiser, this time call-

ing it “Horses and History.” As always, the event will include a show that features the stallions, and then includes some fun features such as a karate demonstration by McCullough’s daughter, Sydney, along with whip cracking and baton twirling.

Gates open at 1 p.m., so those who attend can check out the ranch before the show begins. A $20 donation for adults is being asked while children 6-12 are $5 and those 5 and under are free.

From noon to 2 p.m., the Myakka City Historic School House will be open to the public. It’s been 30 years since the effort began to restore the 5,500-square-

foot school, which opened in 1914. On Feb. 26, I visited the school and met with Marilyn Coker, the former present of the Myakka City Historical Society, who began the effort in 1993.

Along with Coker were Myakka City Historical Society Vice President Walter Carlton and Secretary Marie Jones. They gave me a tour around the facility, which is close to opening as an event center, museum, library and computer lab.

The wooden floors all have been installed, although because the air conditioning system still needs to be installed, the floors have yet to be painted with a finish. There also is some slight floor damage from

Hurricane Ian.

The catering kitchen is finished, but appliances need to be purchased and installed.

The three members of the historical society were mostly enthusiastic about the progress of the renovation, which could be completed and the building open by the end of the year with the necessary funds. But being just short of the necessary funds — in this case about $40,000 — has been a problem for years.

Even though the doors of the school have not been opened, there are maintenance costs associated with upkeep of such a large building. Myakka City is a small community, so passing the hat doesn’t come close to generating the needed funds.

When they do raise $25,000, they need to pay out $30,000 for roof repairs or paint or whatever.

Complicating matters was Hurricane Ian.

“The hurricane didn’t help,” said Coker, who attended the school from 1945 through 1949. “People who normally would support this couldn’t. The money had to go back into their families.”

This all begs the question of ... so why do it? Well, the hope is that once the building begins providing a much needed community space, it will generate income to make it self sufficient.

The three board members are excited about finally getting the project into its next phase of being open, but they also exude a big of frustration with the effort as well.

The Feb. 5 event at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions will produce thousands of dollars in funding, but not the tens of thousands they need.

Coker especially hopes that people will stop by the school before the event to see that it is, indeed, almost finished.

Those living in Manatee County might have noticed this is Manatee Heritage Days in the county, an annual event now in its 44th year. The county bills it as a time when “Manatee County’s historical organizations come together to celebrate our community’s heritage.”

The celebration includes reenactments, special exhibits, lectures, classes, walking tours and open houses. It’s been so popular over the years that it has increased from a week, to nine days and in 1995 became a month-long event.

The event is organized by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Department of Historical Resources, under Clerk Angelina Colonneso. A full schedule of events can be found at ManateeClerk. com. “Horses and History” is listed on the schedule, but other than Jiggs Landing boat tours and a walk through Rye Preserve, East County isn’t very well represented.

I am certainly not blaming the county, which has been very supportive of the Myakka City Historic School House’s restoration, for the effort’s turtle pace over so many years. But with the building, which sits on county property, so close to being finished, perhaps the county would consider a final boost to get the project across the finish line.

This is another case of finding it easy to spend taxpayer money, but I would say we have wasted money on worse things.

As mentioned, opening the building as a community center will be a big boost for residents in the area and having limited library and computer services seems worthwhile as well.

The county has an $18 million animal services building and it is putting another $8 million toward adding another building to the shelter. How about $40,000 to complete this project?

Then next year, when Manatee Heritage Days come around, the Myakka City Historic School House will be a stop on the tour.

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Jay Heater

Walter Carlton, who attended school in the building from 1957-1965, and whose dad graduated high school from there in 1941, says about $40,000 is needed to open the building. Carlton is showing off the new windows.

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

Higher degree of success

MTC instructor Marina

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Marina Proskurina always has worked hard to learn all she can about art.

For the past six years, Proskurina, a digital design and photography instructor at Manatee Technical College, has focused on photography, serving as an instructor for photography classes and workshops.

In January, Proskurina was one of 24 people in the United States to receive a Master Artist degree from Professional Photographers of America, which is the largest and longest-standing nonprofit photography trade association with more than 34,000 members.

“This means a lot,” said Proskurina, who was born in Moscow, Russia, and moved to the U.S. in 1998. “I feel that my road in this area is finally complete. I’m satisfied with what I have done. When you get a master’s degree, it’s an academic degree for your academic knowledge, but this is a completed professional degree.”

She focuses mostly on combining portraits with art, trying to capture the person’s personality in a single snap of the camera.

“Pictures speak louder than words,” she said. “Design and photography both are visual languages. Every image, whatever I’m doing, is talking to you. It has emotions and conveys some kind of meaning. It’s a very powerful area.”

Proskurina’s love for photography stems from her childhood when she would spend days in a darkroom developing film with her father.

“He dragged me everywhere to take photos,” she said with a laugh. “I wanted to be with my friends but he

was dragging me to all these places to take photos.”

She spent time after school going to art school to learn more about painting, drawing and other art forms.

Proskurina went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in art and design as well as a doctorate in fine arts and design from Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry.

Since 2012, Proskurina has shared her knowledge and experience with students at MTC.

Proskurina herself always has been a student, learning to keep up with any changes in the industry while also learning new skills and techniques.

While teaching painting, drawing and design at Daytona State College, she was enrolled in her own art classes to expand her abilities as an artist, focusing mainly on digital photography and design.

“I was taking digital classes because I wanted to do art with the computer,” she said. “I didn’t want to change direction, I just wanted to change technology. I wanted to do something advanced and learn to meet industry demands.”

Proskurina is one of 24 people to earn the Master Artist degree from Professional Photographers of America in 2023.

Courtesy photo Marina Proskurina, a digital design and photography instructor at Manatee Technical College, is one of 24 people in 2023 to earn a Master Artist degree from Professional Photographers of America.

A year of special deliveries

CEO of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee, said those factors resulted in an increased demand for the nonprofit’s services.

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee released its 2022 impact numbers this past week.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continued to subside in 2022, hardships continued in Manatee County.

Inflation caused higher gas prices, an increase in food costs and rent hikes. Then Hurricane Ian made its way through Manatee County.

Maribeth Phillips, president and

“It gives us satisfaction knowing we are meeting the needs as the community supports us,” Phillips said. “These emergency crisis situations like the hurricane and inflation speak to the programs of Meals on Wheels Plus. These incidents create a spotlight on what we offer to people here in Manatee County. People rely on the food bank and home delivered meals.”

Phillips expects to see a continued increase in demand in 2023.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Meals on Wheels CEO says community support has been crucial to meeting the increased demand for food and services.

Ramos

Ranch’s Carol Edwards serves soup during Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s Empty

event. Volunteers for the nonprofit dedicated more than 23,000 hours to Meals on Wheels

of Manatee in 2022.

Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee volunteers work together to distribute more than 140,000 pounds of food after Hurricane Ian. Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee volunteers prepare meals. The nonprofit distributed more than 306,000 home-delivered meals to seniors in 2022.

“We have not experienced a slowdown and expect to continue on a path of feeding more, both for seniors needing home-delivered meals and families who rely on the Food Bank of Manatee,” she said. “To so many, our programs are life changing and life saving. We truly appreciate and rely on the support of our community to fill this basic need. I always say Manatee County takes care of Manatee County. I’m looking forward to the continued support and continued ability for us to get these programs out to people in need.”

BY THE NUMBERS Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee’s impact on the county in 2022: 306,000 Home-delivered meals to seniors in the community 1,000Home-delivery meal clients 90Delivery routes to provide meals to homebound seniors across Manatee County 3.4million pounds of food distributed through the Food Bank of Manatee 90,000Pounds of free, fresh produce provided to seniors and families through Produce on Wheels and Mobile Produce Pantry programs 145,000Meals provided to Manatee County families in need through Food4Families and holiday meal distributions 23,000Volunteer hours 140,000Pounds of food distributed for hurricane relief to those in Manatee County affected by Hurricane Ian 85Seniors provided nutrition and therapeutic activities in social and congregate meal programs

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History comes to life

Latrell Watson, a third grader at William H. Bashaw Elementary School, was excited to share his drawing of NBA star LeBron James in the media center. His drawing was surrounded by facts Watson learned while researching James’ life and career.

Watson’s project was one of a dozen projects students and their families created on prominent Black Americans for the school’s Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 22.

Watson said he wanted to learn more about James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer because “he’s one of the best players.”

Third grader Jayla Fields created a poster on tennis player Serena Williams. She was surprised to find out Melissa Morgan, the school’s media specialist, went to school with Williams.

Besides the projects in the media center, students were able to showcase their research on distinguished Black Americans in the hallways, creating a walking museum for attendees.

— LIZ RAMOS

Fifth grader Cayden Hunter and her mother, Tara Davis, write notes of kindness to add to a chain of kindness. “Some people think who they are isn’t good enough and they have to change, so I wrote to be who you are; you’re amazing,” Hunter says.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Third grader Jayla Fields shows off her project on Serena Williams. “It was fun learning she was the face of womens tennis,” Fields says.

Fast Break

Fast start for defending champs

Lakewood Ranch softball has its eye on a third straight title.

RYAN KOHN SPORTS EDITOR

The faces are different but the uniforms still say “Mustangs.”

After going 30-2 and winning its second consecutive Class 7A title in 2022 — an 8-2 win over Lake Brantley High — the Lakewood Ranch High girls softball team lost five starters or key contributors to graduation.

The other key loss was head coach T.J. Goelz, who stepped down from his position to spend more time with his family.

In partnership with The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Lakewood Ranch’s Dick Vitale has created the “Super Sixteen Basketball Bash,” a raffle where the winner gets to watch a third-round NCAA Tournament men’s basketball game with Dickie V himself at his home. Raffle tickets are $100, and there will only be 2,000 sold. The drawing will take place March 15. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit V.Org/ SuperSixteen.

Four Lakewood Ranch High sophomores — Jonathan Leatt Derek Robinson Vicente Rivera and Dylan Johnson — set a school record in the boys

1,600-meter relay (19:51.97)

Feb. 17 at the 2023 North Port Bobcat Relays at North Port High.

The Cardinal Mooney girls basketball team lost 54-38 to Miami Country Day School in the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A state title game Feb. 25 in Lakeland. Lakewood Ranch’s Olivia Davis had 10 points.

Former Lakewood Ranch

High baseball player John Schroeder has had a scorching start to his sophomore season at Florida Atlantic University. The catcher has played in five games and is hitting .474 with five doubles, two home runs and 10 RBIs.

… The Out-of-Door Academy baseball team, which reached the Final Four in 2022 after winning a state title in 2021, has won its first two games, over IMG Academy Navy and Bradenton Christian, by a combined score of 31-7.

Braden River High senior wrestler Jessey Colas won the 182-pound weight class at the school’s Class 2A regional meet Feb. 25 at Charlotte High. Colas will advance to the state meet, held March 2-4 in Kissimmee.

Jack DeLeon sank a holein-one Feb. 24 on the No. 6 hole at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s Cypress Links course, using a 5-wood on the 155-yard hole. John Mathis sank a hole-in-one Feb. 25 on the No. 8 hole at University Park Country Club, using a 4-hybrid on the 152-yard hole.

Since then, Todd Lee, the team’s junior varsity coach in 2022 and the father of Mustangs senior Amanda Lee, took over from Goelz, and the Mustangs have retooled, fusing a proven core of players with inexperienced athletes looking for their chance to shine.

So far, with wins in all three of their games, the Mustangs are happy with the results.

“Back to back to back,” Mustangs senior Cassidy McLellan said of her team’s goal. “One of our sayings this year is, ‘Win the last game.’ That’s what we’re going to try to do.”

The Mustangs started with a 6-2 home win over Palmetto High on Feb. 22 before surviving a scare from Fort Myers High, a regional finals qualifier in Class 5A a season ago, on Feb. 23. Lakewood Ranch trailed the Green Wave 2-0 at home in the bottom of the fourth before ripping off five-straight runs and eventually winning 5-3. The team followed up that win with a 6-0 home win over Tampa Catholic on Feb. 25.

The offensive performances, while strong enough to win games, have not matched last year’s early numbers. The 2022 team scored 39 runs through its first three games, while the 2023 team has 17.

The younger players will get better as they get more experience, Todd Lee said, though some have already made a solid impression.

Sophomore infielder Olivia Shephard hit the team’s first home run of the season — and her first varsity home run — against Palmetto, and later doubled home another run.

“She’s still figuring out how good she can be,” Lee said of Shephard. “We saw a flash of it today. It’s great to see her come out fast.”

Lee, who worked with Goelz for approximately three years in both high school and travel softball, is attempting to keep things as similar to how Goelz ran things as possible. That mostly means not letting up.

It was the little details that helped the Mustangs win their titles, Lee said, so the team will continue to hammer those details in practice. Besides fundamentals, other details

include making sure the players clean out the dugout, put away equipment and coordinate different themed outfits for road games.

It also means the team’s postgame chat remains the same lengthy conversation, with Lee and assistant coaches Paulo Reis and Craig Toler — key holdovers from Goelz’ staff — going over many individual plays from the game and noting what was done well and what could be improved.

Then the players get to share thoughts and praise. By the time Lakewood Ranch wrapped up its huddle after the Palmetto win, the Tigers and their fans had long left.

“We’re in first-game form right now,” Lee said. “Is that going to be the same as ‘last-game-of-theseason’ form? Probably not. There’s things to work on. It can get better.”

The team’s younger players will get to learn from McLellan, a University of Florida signee, who has started the season with as hot a bat as ever. The leadoff hitter has reached base in nine of 12 plate appearances and has two doubles and a triple. But if the rest of the offense takes a while to get its footing, reigning Class 7A Player of the Year Ella Dodge, a junior pitcher, has the ability to win games with her right arm. Dodge set a program record with 25 wins in 2022 while holding a 1.02 ERA.

“People think because we have these changes that they can take us down,” McLellan said. “Every team is going to bring its A game. They’ll be even more motivated this time

IF YOU GO

What: Lakewood Ranch softball (3-0 as of Feb. 25) vs. Charlotte High (2-1)

When: 7 p.m. March 2

Where: Lakewood Ranch High

Why: The Mustangs are seeking their third straight state title and have started the 2023 season strong.

Mustangs player to watch:

Senior outfielder Cassidy McLellan, a University of Florida signee who has two doubles and a triple through three games.

since we’ve won two in a row now. We need to make sure we bring our A game back.”

“The things you do in practice show up. If you put the grind in, you can get anywhere in life.”

— Lakewood Ranch High’s Lucas Anthony

Courtesy photo

Dick Vitale is starting a new “Super Sixteen Basketball Bash” raffle.

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Lakewood Ranch sophomore Olivia Shephard rounds the bases after hitting her first varsity home run.

Lakewood Ranch sophomore Olivia Shephard (17) is greeted at home plate by her teammates after hitting her first varsity home run.

Lakewood Ranch junior Ella Dodge is the reigning Class 7A Player of the Year.

“Every team is going to bring its A game. They’ll be even more motivated this time since we’ve won two in a row now. We need to make sure we bring our A game back.”

Cassidy McLellan

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Lucas Anthony

Lucas Anthony is a junior attacker on the Lakewood Ranch High boys lacrosse team. Anthony has 21 goals through four games, and the Mustangs are 3-1 after beating Manatee

High 11-8 on Feb. 23 at home. Anthony scored seven goals, including his 100th varsity goal.

When did you start playing lacrosse?

I started when I was 9. I actually played baseball first, but my dad (David Anthony) played lacrosse, and one day I saw a lacrosse game on TV. I remember liking how fast the game was played.

What is the appeal to you?

I just like helping out the team. We have some younger kids up from junior varsity this year and I’m helping teach them, especially with their stick skills. I like to spread the love of the game.

What is your best skill?

My ball-handling. I don’t drop the ball when I play. I don’t get checked, and I protect the stick well. It’s something I had to learn because I’m not the fastest guy on the field.

What have you been working to improve?

My right side. I’m a natural lefty, so I’m trying to get just as comfortable with my right hand. I want to be able to do everything at the same speed and same level.

What is your favorite memory?

Last week against Manatee I scored my 100th varsity goal and my dad was calling the game on the PA system. Plus we won the game. That one meant a lot to me.

What is the best advice you have received? Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard. The

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

things you do in practice show up. If you put the grind in, you can get anywhere in life.

What are your goals for this season?

As a team we’re trying to win the district. We always want to improve on last year (when the team went 106). Personally, I’d like to add around 40 more goals to hit 60 again.

What is your favorite food?

I love pizza, either pepperoni or meat lover’s.

What is your favorite movie?

It has to be the first ‘Deadpool.’ I just think the comedy in it is great.

What are your hobbies?

I recently started taking up golf. I also like to go clay shooting.

Finish this sentence: “Lucas Anthony is …” … Energetic. I always provide energy in anything I’m doing.

PROSE AND KOHN RYAN KOHN

Concession golf pro among the best

Looking for one of the nation’s best golf instructors?

The Concession Golf Club has one.

Joe Ostrowski was named one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America for 2023-24 on Feb. 14. The magazine’s biennial list recognizes the best golf instructors under 40. The 2023-2024 edition honored 160 instructors, 30 of whom are in Florida.

This is not Ostrowski’s first time on the list. He earned the same honor from 2018 through 2022. But that does not make this time any less sweet. The first time he tried to get on the list — there’s an application process involving letters of recommendation, a resume and an intensive questionnaire that asks applicants what they would advise

a golfer to do in various situations, among other things — was in 2016. He was not selected, but he believed in his teaching ability enough to try again in 2018.

“Seeing my name on the list the first time, it was exciting,” Ostrowski said. “To be acknowledged as one of the best instructors, you can’t believe it. It’s a testament to the hard work you do on the golf course and on the lesson tee.”

Ostrowski came to The Concession in November 2021 after spending two years at Glen Head Country Club in Glen Head, New York.

Ostrowski’s coaching journey did not come into focus until after he was done playing college golf at New York’s Adelphi University. He then realized any thoughts of playing professionally likely were

misplaced.

Coaching was a way to stay in the sport, and he had heard from friends that they appreciated the advice he had given them. Ironically, Ostrowski was a self-taught golfer, so his plan became to soak up as much information from established coaches as he could.

What Ostrowski learned is that he never wanted to be a coach who gives “cookie-cutter” advice, he said. Though some golfers might deal with similar problems, the solutions to those problems will be unique to each golfer, since everyone’s bodies are different.

“My motto is to teach everyone based on their body’s ability to perform,” Ostrowski said. “I don’t teach a specific swing model or swing theory. I take the person in

front of me and work with what they have and hopefully improve every facet of their game.”

Ostrowski said this approach is what sets him apart from many instructors and has helped him land on the Golf Digest list. While a cookie-cutter approach might help some golfers in the short term, Ostrowski said, it will also lower many golfers’ ceilings by forcing them to play in a way that does not naturally suit them.

Also setting him apart is his love of technology. Ostrowski was one of the first 20 instructors in the world to be certified by TrackMan, the digital shot tracking company that produces products that allow golfers to get real-time data on each and every swing. Ostrowski said he also tapes people’s swings so they get a different perspective on their swing. It can be difficult for some people to see a specific issue in their swing otherwise, especially if the change suggested is subtle.

Ostrowski said the members at The Concession have welcomed his advice. He was not sure if they would.

“Sometimes it’s hard as a new instructor to start your program because you have to change the culture,” Ostrowski said. “But the members here were great right away. It’s a tough course, so I’m

spending more time on the course with my students and talking them through course management.”

Ostrowski said a general tip for anyone playing The Concession — or any difficult course — is to focus on the swing process in the moment. Ostrowski said golfers have a tendency to fall back on what feels comfortable when they are put in difficult positions on a course, and usually, what feels comfortable is a bad habit they picked up.

Ostrowski said he also advises people to be realistic about the clubs they are selecting.

“A lot of people will think, ‘Hey, I can hit my 7-iron 150 yards,’ when really they did that one time in their career, and it typically goes 140,” Ostrowski said. “They’re expecting a hero shot every time. It’s not going to happen.”

Above all, Ostrowski preaches consistency. He said trying to “reinvent the wheel” on every swing will only lead to frustration. Stick with one swing plan, he said, and things will improve, even if it takes a bit of time.

Hunter Talcott, the club’s membership director, has been on the course with Ostrowski and can attest to Ostrowski’s skills as an instructor. While he’s overflowing with golf knowledge, Talcott said, he’s also “one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”

“He keeps it simple,” Talcott said. “He can take all that information from TrackMan and translates it so it’s easy for people to understand.”

The Concession is a private club, but nonmembers can take lessons with Ostrowski at the club — if they can find time in his busy schedule. People interested in lessons can call the club’s golf shop at 322-1922 or send an email to Golf.Shop@ConcessionGolfClub.com.

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

Photos by Ryan Kohn

Joe Ostrowski (right) said his approach is to tailor his advice to each individual client instead of using a “cookie-cutter” approach.

Joe Ostrowski was named one of Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America for 2023-2024.

In the worst of times, you want the best of care. And you shouldn’t have to travel halfway across the country to get it. At the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, we’re committed to providing world-class care this community needs, right here at home.

For us, that means utilizing the latest technology to diagnose symptoms early and accurately, employing state-of-the-art interventions to provide advanced cancer treatment, and delivering a lifetime of survivorship and follow-up care planning to help our patients live life to the fullest. It means building a radiation oncology center and a dedicated oncology tower — and now breaking ground on a new outpatient cancer pavilion to take you all the way through your journey. For our patients, that means having access to the expertise they need and the high-touch care they deserve. It means staying close to family when they need it most. And it means always having the most important medicine of all:

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

Event bags more campers

It’s not exactly camping deep in the forest.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities’ annual Community Campout has a food truck, bike trails, a dog park, playgrounds, a feature movie, telescopes, and all the amenities that a county park offers.

And for this event, that’s perfect.

So perfect that the 50 campsites being offered Feb. 25 were sold out in 10 days. Keith Pandeloglou, executive director of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, had to add another 30 sites.

“We just absolutely love it. It’s a great family event,” said Greenbrook’s Tim Grewe, who said his family was returning for the third year in a row. “It’s a good time to bring everybody together and have a blast.”

Pandeloglou said about 30% of the campers were from Greenbrook and loved that they could camp in their backyard.

“While hardcore camping can require you to travel one to two hours and pack a lot of things, this is more like Lakewood Ranch camping, so it’s a little bit more subdued,” Pandeloglou said.

Those who attended said they will continue to return.

“Everybody bonds and gets to know each other, and since it’s an up-and-coming community, it’s good to bond,” said Lakewood Ranch’s Larry Santiago.

Grewe said his family loved the telescopes set up by the Sidewalk Science Center.

Sarasota’s Christina Barshinger said her kids love the event in general.

“I think it’s just wonderful when you can bring families and friends together because the kids just have a blast,” Barshinger said. “It’s a great place where you feel relaxed and feel safe. And the kids have the park and can run around and be safe.”

— IAN SWABY

Photos by Ian Swaby

Lorraine Lakes’ Danny Norris and his 9-yearold daughter, Cainlynn Norris, take advantage of the telescope set up by Sidewalk Science Center at the Community Campout.

Eleven-yearold Liam Pacheco (far right) roasts a marshmallow during the Community Campout.

Bradenton’s Joe Presley tells kids about fossils before leading them on a nature walk.

Sarasota 8-year-old Rhea Krolik and Edgewater 8-year-old Emma Ives examine things they found during a Community Campout nature walk.

Blake Padgett, Melissa McDermott, 9-year-old Josie Reed, and Lisa Reed examine a collection of fossils and artifacts at the Community Campout.

SUMMER FUN GUIDE

Your guide to summer camps and activities in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

More than 135,982 families in Sarasota and Manatee counties have children under the age of 18 living at home.

With 66% of summer camp shoppers taking action after seeing a newspaper ad, our Summer Fun Guide is great place to grow your business and keep kids busy this summer!

PUBLISHING: PRINT: Thursday, March 30

ONLINE DIRECTORY: Thursday, March 16

AD DEADLINE: Tuesday, March 7

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY 941-366-3468 // advertise@yourobserver.com

Festival attracts ukulele talent

Aloha

of

had watched Tyler “Ten Thumbs” Austenfeld perform and give lessons on the unique instrument for years on social media.

Lisa

However, she never had seen the renowned ukulele artist, who lives in Colombia, perform at a festival.

So when Wilt volunteered to assemble talent for the first Aloha UkeFest, held Feb. 25 at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, she wondered whether she could entice Austenfeld to attend.

She talked to Alice Baumann, president of Aloha Ukulele of Lakewood Ranch, about the idea.

“Wouldn’t it be cool if he could come in?” Wilt asked Baumann.

“And surprisingly, Colombia to Florida is not as far as you would think. It’s about a three-hour flight into Miami,” she said.

Wilt contacted Austenfeld and asked him to come to Lakewood Ranch.

“I said, ‘Of course,’” Austenfeld said after playing at the Aloha UkeFest. “I told her I would love the opportunity to come. It would be amazing.”

Born in Kansas, Austenfeld moved to Medellín, Colombia to do volunteer work and eventually landed a job at a YMCA there.  Eventually, he came across a broken guitar at the Medellín YMCA and rebuilt it.

Although he loved playing that guitar, it was too big to bring on road trips, so he switched to the smaller ukulele. He began posting YouTube ukulele instruction videos in 2013 and became a social media star.

Teaching English at the YMCA in Colombia helped him teach ukulele. He said he learned to be careful not to get ahead of his students.

“Just like music, it’s all about rhythm and finding a slower rhythm,” he said.

He wasn’t the only ukulele celebrity to appear at the festival. Tampa’s Jay Nunes and Greg “Ukulele” Gent are both established teachers who made appearances at the new festival.

Central Park’s Pat Stryhn, a member of Aloha Ukulele of Lakewood Ranch, said she was impressed by the teaching talent that was assembled.

“We learned a lot,” she said. “We added to what we already know.”

Proceeds from the event were been used to buy ukuleles for the new Lakewood Ranch Library, which should open this spring.

Baumann said one of the things she loves about the ukulele community is that all the musicians are so willing to help each other.

“How could you not be happy strumming right by your heart and singing?” Baumann said. “It just feels good.”

“Everyone put together a great event,” said Summerfield’s Charlene Greenberg, another member of the club. “The items they have up for auction are incredible, and we hope we raise enough to donate to the library.”

“We’re shocked at how popular it is,” said Panther Ridge’s Nancy Adkins.

Baumann said she was grateful to the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society for providing entertainment and sound equipment, as well as to Lakewood Ranch Town Hall for the use of its space.

The club, which welcomes any level musician, started two years ago at James L. Patton Park, eventually moving to the town hall through the help of Chris McComas and Keith Pandeloglou at Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.

Renowned musician Tyler ‘Ten Thumbs’ Austenfeld highlights the first Aloha UkeFest.

Photos by Ian Swaby

Daytona’s Jo Stevens and Kathy Gately play along with Tyler Austenfeld.

Tyler Austenfeld, a prominent musician on social media, gives ukulele tips to those who attend the Aloha UkeFest at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.

Lake Club home tops sales at $1.9 million

ADAM HUGHES RESEARCH EDITOR

Ahome in Lake Club topped all transactions in this week’s real estate. Joseph and Suzanne Deluca, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, sold their home at 16904 Verona Place to Andrea Marie Vennetti and Michael Vennetti, of Orland Park, Illinois, for $1.9 million. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,429 square feet of living area. It sold for $992,400 in 2021.

SHOREVIEW AT WATERSIDE

Philippe and Candice Pujol, trustees, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, sold the home at 7941 Grande Shores Drive to Joseph and Hortencia Aguilera, of Sarasota, for $1.85 million. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,834 square feet of living area. It sold for $763,100 in 2019.

TIDEWATER PRESERVE

Suzanne Van Dam and Kari St. Clair, trustees, of Nova Scotia, Canada, sold the home at 1111 Bearing Court to Bradshaw Bearing Court LLC for $1.14 million. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,219 square feet of living area. It sold for $620,000 in 2021.

RIVERDALE

Larry and Mary Boswell, of Temple Terrace, sold their home at 4005 Fifth Ave. N.E. to Darrin Fedder, of Bradenton, for $1.2 million. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,657 square feet of living area. It sold for $642,200 in 2017.

COUNTRY CLUB

Susan Mollicone, trustee, and Robert William Mollicone sold the home at 7036 Twin Hills Terrace to Leandra Lederman, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1.13 million. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,971 square feet of living area. It sold for $630,000 in 2008.

Michael Berson, of Lakewood Ranch, sold the home at 6621 The Masters Ave. to Michael Shawn Stevens and Tina Marie Stevens, of Lakewood Ranch, for $1 million. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,643 square feet of living area. It sold for $508,000 in 2013.

PRESERVE AT PANTHER RIDGE

Michael and Rosa Larsen, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their home at 22353 Panther Loop to Steven and Kim Jakubaitis, of Bradenton, for $1.03 million. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,978 square feet of living area. It sold for $640,000 in 2021.

POMELLO PARK

Steven and Lorrie Parkes, of Parrish, sold their home at 6621 225th St. E. to James and Sarah Tacheny, of Bradenton, for $1 million. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,520 square feet of living area. It sold for $415,000 in 2015.

Steven and Betsy Powers, trustees, of Bradenton, sold the home at 23011 63rd Ave. E. to Jeffrey Naples and Cady Brown, of Bradenton, for $850,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,476 square feet of living area. It sold for $225,100 in 2012.

REGENT’S PARK

Mary Imhulse, of Sarasota, sold her home at 8133 Regents Court to William and Maureen Lyden, of Bradenton, for $1 million. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,382

square feet of living area. It sold for $600,000 in 2012.

EMA ESTATES

Michael and Lucy Alderman, of Coolidge, Georgia, sold their home at 6907 41st Ave. E. to Steven Powers and Betsy Powers, trustees, of Bradenton, for $815,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,384 square feet of living area.

COACH HOMES AT LAKEWOOD NATIONAL

Wayne and Patricia Ryan, of Bradenton, sold their Unit 221 condominium at 5814 Wake Forest Run to Matthew and Kimberly Tice, of Pickney Michigan, for $775,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. It sold for $328,400 in 2017.

Claudette Germaine Vanpelt sold her Unit 5311 condominium at 6046 Worsham Lane to Robert and Kerry Limerick, of Bradenton, for $605,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,786 square feet of living area. It sold for $337,000 in 2021.

BRIDGEWATER

Jeffrey Naples and Cady Brown, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5519 Foxfire Run to Elwood Prihoda, of Lakewood Ranch, for $742,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,232 square feet of living area. It sold for $308,000 in 2018.

TARA

Jon and Patricia Neporadny, of Bradenton, sold their home at 5943 Wingspan Way to Michael Sweeney and Anna Montgomery, of Millsboro, Delaware, for $725,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,281 square feet of living area. It sold for $465,000 in 2018.

Robert Kelley and Mary Fargen Kelley sold their home at 7157 Drewrys Bluff to Deborah Mazzaferro, of Bradenton, for $529,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,891 square feet of living area. It sold for $231,000 in 2008.

GREYHAWK LANDING WEST

Christopher and Anne Munshower, of Chino Hills, California, sold their home at 735 Rosemary Circle to Gregory and Victoria Gooch, of Bradenton, for $695,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, twoand-a-half baths, a pool and 2,650 square feet of living area. It sold for $429,000 in 2020.

Charles Black, trustee, of Hunt Valley, Maryland, sold the home at 820 Honeyflower Loop to Martha Keller, of Bradenton, for $400,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, threeand-a-half baths, a pool and 3,331 square feet of living area. It sold for $703,200 in 2017.

MANDALAY

Bianca Kulba, of Sarasota, sold her home at 6229 45th Lane E. to Calvin and Wanda Rockholt, of Bradenton, for $693,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,372 square feet of living area. It sold for $345,000 in 2013.

GREYHAWK LANDING

Dori Ann Giglio-Bridger, of Key West, sold her home at 231 Dahlia Court to Brian and Lily O’Connor, of Bradenton, for $680,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,587 square feet of living area. It sold for $497,200 in 2006.

CLUBSIDE AT COUNTRY

CLUB EAST Robert Rae Jr. and Nancy Bueti, of Lakewood Ranch, sold their Unit 20-A condominium at 7469 Divot Loop to Charles Norman Moneyhan, trustee, of Lakewood Ranch, for $620,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,748 square feet of living area. It sold for $325,000 in 2017.

WATERFRONT AT MAIN STREET

Cecile Thornicroft, trustee, of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, sold the Unit 1-503 condominium at 10530 Boardwalk Loop to Melinda

McAlees, of Lakewood Ranch, for $620,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,353 square feet of living area. It sold for $407,600 in 2018.

HARMONY Constantine Athans, of Geneva, Wisconsin, sold the home at 11223 Spring Gate Trail to Heather Hall, of Bradenton, for $599,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,553 square feet of living area. It sold for $445,000 in 2021.

STONEYBROOK AT HERITAGE

HARBOUR

Paul Burroughs, of Ontario, Canada, sold his home at 215 Golden Harbour Trail to Christopher Hugh Zimmerman of Bradenton, for

$585,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,951 square feet of living area. It sold for $399,900 in 2006.

Greg and Teresa Holman, of Cincinnati, sold their home at 328 Heritage Isles Way to Luis Cabrera, of Nashua, New Hampshire, for $490,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,008 square feet of living area. It sold for $354,000 in 2021.

ONLINE

See more transactions at YourObserver.com

Courtesy photo

This Lake Club home at 16904 Verona Place sold for $1.9 million. It has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,429 square feet of living area.

WHY, WHEN, WHERE & HOW

Friday,

COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 5

LIVE MUSIC AT JIGGS LANDING

Runs each day from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at Jiggs Landing, 6106 63rd St. E., Bradenton. This week’s music includes Steve Arvey (Thursday), Greg Short (Friday), Cigar Box (Saturday) and Divebombers (Sunday). A $5 cover is charged on Fridays and Saturdays; the other days are free. For more information, go to JiggsLanding.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

MUSIC ON MAIN

Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Jack’d Up will provide the live entertainment for Music on Main with hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Proceeds from the event will benefit Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library. For more information, go to MyLWR.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

Runs from 10 a.m. to noon at MTC, 6305 S.R. 70 E., Bradenton. The School District of Manatee County is hosting a resource fair that is open to all. Volunteers will have families connect with important resources such as school registration, transportation, free haircuts, health and dental screenings, enrolling in a GED program or adult education classes, and job opportunities. For more information, call 708-8770, ext. 41045.

WALKATHON

Begins at 9 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. The Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon is a chance for families to bring their furry friends to the park. The event includes a 3K walk and a “Waggin’ Tails Festival” with music, food, a beer garden and a variety of vendors, plus a $1,000 raffle drawing. For information, visit GuideDogs.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

SPRING CONCERT

Begins at 2 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble presents its spring concert that features a cornet solo by renowned musician Vincent

BEST BET

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

HORSES AND HISTORY

Gates open at 1 p.m. and the show begins at 2 p.m. at Herrmanns Royal Lipizzan Stallions, 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City. Herrmanns Royal Lipizzan Stallions hosts its annual fundraiser for the Myakka City Historic School House. The main show features the Lipizzan stallions, while historic displays, local vendors and whip cracking also will be on display. A donation of $20 is suggested along with $5 for children 6-12. Children 5 and younger admitted free. For more information, call 9626807. The Myakka City Historic School House will be open from noon to 2 p.m. for anyone who wants to see how the renovation is going.

DiMartino playing “My Old Kentucky

Home.” Other highlights include “In Storm and Sunshine,” “Light Cavalry Overture,” “Esprit de Corps,” and “The Gladiator March.” Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, go to LWRWindEnsemble.org.

FARMERS MARKET Runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles, among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. For more information, go to www.MyLWR.com.

POLO

Begins at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota. Gates open at 10 a.m. Tickets begin at $15 general admission and up for special packages and VIP seating. Tickets can be purchased in advance at SarasotaPolo.com or at the gate. Children 12 and under admitted free.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

RANCH NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

Runs 6-9 p.m. at Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch. Live music, food trucks, a market with rotating vendors, a mobile bar and a recreational cornhole league highlight this event. For information, go to WatersidePlace.com.

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NAME-DROPPING by Emet Ozar and Will Nediger, edited by David Steinberg

Luis Campos

FOR SALE- 2 Antique bears that are in a child's antique rocker-

$185 for all. 941-378-3837

SAW horses $25/ea.

Convection oven $30. Portable

“bag” chairs $15. Soft-sided tool box $20. 941-228-9467

WHIRLPOOL LARGE capacity gas dryer. Under two years old.

$199 rm. 575-649-3405

WICKER CHEST 3 Drawer White

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Scan below for a full list of Open Houses, property details, driving directions and more