East County Observer - Thursday, January 27, 2011

Observer

EAST COUNTY

in focus:

PAULA CREAMER

In this issue Ritz-Carlton throws anniversary bash. 1B

BLACK TIE exclusive: CIRCUS SHOW OF Soirée SUPPORT

Circus Sarasota celebrates Michael’s On East at gala. 10A

Ranch VFW collects donations for troops in Afghanistan. 7A

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

SHORT STACK KUDOS, QUOTABLES AND COMMUNITY

Thursday, JANUARY 27, 2011

update

Lakewood Humane Society finds home Stanley Steemer owners Mark and Connie Gellner have offered the use of their building for the cause.

Shelley and Dante Talarico

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

+ Gullett students publish first book

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Autumn Solomon is still reveling in the excitement of last week’s events.

You may want to get autographs from students in Jackie Vixamar’s first-grade class at Gullett Elementary — while you still can.

The class published recently its first book, “If You Give a Student a Gator Bait ...” The book is the culmination of an ongoing class project based on the school’s Positive Behavior System.

The authors and their parents enjoyed an Authors Tea Jan. 13 to celebrate the book’s release.

Just two months after launching the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch, not only is the organization more than halfway to its $25,000 short-term fundraising goal — raising more than

INSIDE For photos of the Lakewood Ranch Humane Society’s KickOff Bash, see page 9A. $14,000 during a Jan. 20 fundraiser at the home of MGA Insurance owners Lou and Ann Marie

SEE HUMANE / PAGE 4A

CHAMPS!

INDEX Business Directory................15B Classifieds..............................15B Cops Corner............................5A Crossword.............................14B Neighborhood.........................1B Real Estate...........................13B Sports....................................15A Vol. 12, No. 4 Two sections www.YourObserver.com

Ranch CDD seeks new security provider

Lakewood Community Development District 1 supervisors will set more specific instructions for their security contractor.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

+ Mooney hits track for CMN

Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School Key Club will sponsor its 10th annual five-mile walk-a-thon beginning at 9 a.m., Jan. 29, at Austin Smithers Stadium, 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.

The walk will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network, All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg and the Joey Powers Leukemia Project.

Powers was a junior at Cardinal Mooney who passed away in November after he was diagnosed with leukemia in June 2010.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk is from 10 a.m. to noon on the track.

For more information, call Scott Scheuer at 371-4917.

safety

Brian Blanco

The Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer team captured the Class 4A-District 10 Championship with a 5-0 victory over Seminole Osceola. For a complete story and more photos, see page 14A.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Supervisors of Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 1 are acting quickly to secure a new security provider for their district.

Supervisors on Jan. 20 approved a more specific scope of work for the position and authorized staff to move forward with a request for proposal.

Unhappy with the work of Allegiance Security, which the board hired about a year ago to replace Wackenhut Corp., board members hope to have a new security provider in place by mid-April, when Allegiance’s contract extension expires.

“I’m just hoping we can be more specific than we were last time so we can get somebody we think is more acceptable,” CDD 1 Supervisor

SEE CDD / PAGE 2A

new digs

Chabad purchases permanent facility After six years of meeting in temporary locations such as a private home or a former bank, Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch finally is moving into its true home.

By Michael Eng | Executive Editor

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The odds certainly were stacked against Rabbi Mendy Bukiet and Chabad of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

Bukiet and his wife, Chanie, started the Lakewood Ranchbased Jewish organization in 2004 — at the height of the

East County’s real estate boom and just before its economic collapse. At the time, the fledgling organization had no home, so the Bukiets opened their living room for Chabad use.

But from those modest beginnings came one of the area’s largest Jewish communities.

And now, Lakewood Ranch Chabad members finally will

have a home to call their own.

The organization purchased recently five acres of land along with a 2,300-square-foot home at 5712 Lorraine Road for $500,000. Russ Tilton, of RE/ MAX Alliance Group, facilitated the sale.

The property and building,

SEE CHABAD / PAGE 4A

INFORMATION CHABAD’S ANNUAL AUCTION AND COCKTAIL PARTY WHEN: 6:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 27 WHERE: The Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

CONTACT: 752-3030 or www.chabadofbradenton.com

2A

CDD / PAGE 1A

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

IN OTHER BUSINESS:

Alan Roth said. “I can’t tell you Allegiance was terrible. We just weren’t comfortable (with their performance).”

Although there won’t be any major changes to the contract, supervisors hope to more clearly delineate their expectations of the new security provider, including measures such as specifying that the contractor must physically walk through each of the district’s three parks (at least twice per shift) and that the contractor must patrol each neighborhood at least twice each shift.

“We want the new contractor to be much more familiar with the neighborhoods,” Roth said, noting a recent incident in which the security provider was asked to respond to a “suspicious solicitor” and, after nearly a year on the job, he did not know where some of the district’s main roadways were located.

Supervisors in CDD 4, who renewed an annual contract with Allegiance in December, are continuing their discussions with residents about what types of services they de-

CDD 1

• The chairman for both CDDs 2 and 5 were contacted by a Manatee County official and informed the county has

budgeted $160,000 toward the repaving of portions of University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch. Work likely will be done in March. No money has been allocated to repairs along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.

• CDD 2 Supervisor Pete Bokach noted the mailbox at the Legacy gate had been removed by the U.S. Postal Service because the entity said it did not belong to them.

Residents had been complaining the box was full.

Town Hall staff has been directed to make a formal request to the U.S. Postal Service to place a mailbox in the area of the Legacy gatehouse.

• CDD 2’s budget workshop will be held at 3 p.m., Feb. 24, at Town Hall. CDD 5’s budget

sire from the district’s security provider.

At last week’s meeting, supervisors asked CDD 4 Supervisor Keith Davey, liaison to the Greenbrook Village Association’s Safety Committee,

to continue discussions with residents and the Safety Committee board and to develop a recommendation by the CDD’s February meeting.

About 80 residents attended the Greenbrook Safety Com-

• District Engineer Mike Kennedy agreed to take photographs of some areas of the Summerfield Park neighborhood that need to be repaved and send them to the county for consideration.

• Supervisors approved the use of Summerfield Lake for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities’ annual Youth Fishing Tournament Feb. 26, with a rain date of Feb. 27.

Tournament participants will be allowed to use live bait.

• The district’s budget workshop is scheduled for 7 p.m., Feb. 21, at Town Hall.

CDDs 2 and 5

workshop is scheduled for 3 p.m., Feb. 22, at Town Hall.

• CDD 2 supervisors authorized staff to move forward with plans to make signage improvements to unmanned gates throughout the district.

The signs are intended to redirect visitor traffic from those gates to the main entrances off Legacy Boulevard and Balmoral Woods Boulevard.

Operations Director Ryan Heise said he expects to have new signage in place within a month.

CDD 4

• Supervisors directed Supervisor Keith Davey, liaison to the Greenbrook Village Homeowner’s Association’s Safety Committee, to work with the committee to develop recommendations for scope mittee meeting Jan. 10. Davey said the majority of residents there agreed contracting with the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office for additional patrols in the area would best meet the community’s needs.

of services for the district’s security contractor before the board’s February meeting.

Inter-District Authority

• Supervisors continued the meeting to 1 p.m., Jan. 27, at which time they will discuss how to proceed finding a replacement for Bob Fernandez, executive director of Town Hall. Fernandez on Jan. 18 submitted his resignation, which is effective Feb. 18.

• Supervisors approved for staff to move forward with Phase 4 of the IDA’s irrigation study, which will include prioritizing potential improvements that are site specific, definitive solutions and include cost estimates for mitigating inefficiencies in the district’s irrigation system.

Both CDDs 1 and 4 currently have unarmed patrols with Allegiance. Officers are tasked with observing and reporting suspicious activity in the area.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

Cortez Road 41

4780 14th St. W. U.S. Hwy 41 Bradenton, FL 34207

TROPICAL

14th Street West

TROPICAL

53rd Street

70

Let us bring your next car to You. Get the WOW experience you deserve! Just call and make an appointment to have a Sales Professional bring a car to you in the comfort of your own home with the convenience of

Tropical Cadillac’s Concierge Program.

Offsite trade evaluations available!

STK#11172

2011 CADILLAC CTS SEDAN LEASE FOR

2011 CADILLAC SRX LEASE FOR

Only 24 months

$

379

Only 24 months

279

$

2010 CADILLAC DTS up to $

15,000 Off

* per

month

**

* per

month

TROPICAL

STK#11245

Tropicalcadillac.com

•

941.751.6886

51443

*24 Month lease 2,699 due at signing plus tax, tag, title, and dealer fee of $499.95. 10,000 miles per year with approved credit through Ally financial. Also includes owner loyalty. ** Includes owner loyalty. Photos for illustration purposes only. The dealership or it’s agency are not responsible for late, lost of misdirected mail, typographical or production errors.

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

quality assurance

River Club receives Swiftmud grant The community’s homeowner’s association will use the money to purchase testing equipment and materials for residents to test the quality of water in 10 lakes and five stream locations.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

RIVER CLUB — Just a few years ago, at one of the first workshops hosted by the River Club Homeowner’s Association’s Surface Water Committee, the answer to one question proved quite the mystery to many River Club residents.

Do you know where storm water (in River Club) goes?

“The majority of the people (thought) the storm water from the streets went to the county waste water treatment plant,” Surface Water Committee chairman Bob Mendoza said. “Many people didn’t realize we have a separate system. That storm water runoff goes into the lakes. It was an indication of where we need to start education.”

On Feb. 1, the River Club Homeowner’s Association will receive a $4,576 community education grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The money will be used

to purchase water quality testing equipment and materials for residents to test and monitor the quality of water in 10 lakes and five stream locations throughout the community.

“We want to build community stewardship through a voluntary water monitoring program,” Mendoza said.

“When you look around (River Club, there are an) awful lot of lakes,” he said. “River Club has a total of 74 of them. Twenty-four of 74, we share with the golf course.”

Staff members from the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the University of Florida LAKEWATCH program will train residents and students on protocols and procedures used for data collection, training them how to test for pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, nitrates and other information during a volunteer training workshop Feb. 26.

Lake sampling will run from

March to July. Teams of two to four volunteers, consisting of a mix of retirees, students, community members and even Boy Scouts, each will be assigned to two lakes, which they will be responsible for testing twice monthly. The initiative is being dubbed the “Love Our Lakes Campaign.”

The River Club Homeowners Association took over control of River Club’s storm water system from the developer in 2005 and soon began reevaluating system, parts of which already were 20 years old, Mendoza said. The Surface Water Committee, created by the association’s board of directors, formed about three years ago, and in December 2009, the group presented to the board a formal three-year management plan for improving the system, through adding more aquatic plants, reducing nutrient loads into the lakes and developing a sense of stewardship between residents and

HOW TO HELP To become a volunteer, contact Bob Mendoza at 962-3726 or bmendoza56@ msn.com, any member of the Surface Water Committee, or AMI at 359-1134 by the end of January.

A volunteer workshop has been scheduled for 10 a.m., Feb. 26, at the River Club clubhouse, 6600 River Club Blvd., Bradenton. Volunteers will receive classroom and field instruction, a schedule of sampling dates, as well as goggles, gloves and other equipment needed for the project.

the lakes, Mendoza said.

“One of the recommendations was to get more data about the water quality of the lakes,” Mendoza said. “(The data we get from this initiative will) help us prioritize some of the treatment of our lakes.”

Water flowing into River Club’s lakes flows into Cooper Creek and the Braden River, Mendoza said.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

say ‘ah!’

LECOM unveils dental school plans Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine will invest $52 million to construct the LECOM Bradenton School of Dental Medicine in Lakewood Ranch. Officials hope to have the facility ready to welcome its first class of students in August 2012.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Two months after Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine announced plans to open a dental school at its Erie, Pa., campus, the school has unveiled plans for another dental school — this time in the East County.

Officials from LECOM on Jan. 21 announced plans to invest $52 million for a new dental school in Lakewood Ranch.

The new facility, which will be located immediately north of LECOM’s Bradenton campus off Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, will be the third dental school in the state of Florida.

“I’m really impressed,” said dentist Dr. Michael Kanter, owner of Lakewood Ranch Dental, of the school’s plans. “It’s exciting to have this right in our backyard to help support this profession.”

Dr. Robert Hirsch, who joined LECOM in September 2009 as a consultant to write curriculum and other plans for the Erie dental school project, was appointed as dean of the LECOM Bradenton School of Dental Medicine in November.

Hirsch said, once complete, the new dental school will offer a unique curriculum, including

Pam Eubanks

Dr. Richard Valachovic, executive director of the American Dental Education Association, praised LECOM’s efforts. an off-site senior-level outreach education course, for which students will travel to practice dentistry in underserved areas.

“That is sort of the thrust of this school,” Hirsch said. “We hope the majority of our graduates will serve underserved areas.”

Students at the School of Dental Medicine will see patients locally, offering a wide array of dental services. Hirsch said patient care, which will be handled

through an application process to ensure patients’ treatment regiments meet the school’s needs, will target individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford services. Because students will be working on patients in a learning environment under the oversight of professors, treatments can take up to three times as long as in a typical dental office, he said.

“Oral health impacts general health, and dental health professionals (play) a key role in (over-

all health care),” Hirsch said.

“Our hope is to work with the community to provide (dental care for those who wouldn’t be able to afford it).”

Dr. Richard Valachovic, executive director of the American Dental Education Association, said the new college would help satisfy a national shortage of dentists.

“We need to ensure there are dentists who graduate from quality dental (schools) like LECOM,” he said.

Hirsch said he hopes to break ground on the new school sometime in March, but first will be deciding on architectural and construction firms to use for the project.

LECOM officials anticipate getting an initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation in February — an approval that would pave the way for college to recruit its first class of 100 students.

Officials hope to have the first class of dental students begin classes at the school in August 2012. Within four years of its inaugural class, the School of Medicine will enroll 400 students.

The college is expected to employ nearly 200 individuals, including dental faculty, administrators, dental hygienists and administrative and other support staff.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

3A

LAST CALL

Hearing officer indicates tower rejection Hamilton Rice Jr. said Vertex Development is not entitled to a special permit to construct a 150-foot tower at 5625 Whitfield Ave.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

PALM-AIRE — Palm-Aire residents who oppose the construction of a 150-foot telecommunications tower in their community can breathe a sigh of relief — at least temporarily.

After two public hearings and reviewing hundreds of pages of documentation, Manatee County Hearing Officer Hamilton “Chip” Rice, Jr., is ready to deny a special permit request by Vertex Development to construct a 150-foot tower at 5625 Whitfield Ave. Rice submitted his formal notice of intent to deny the tower Jan. 12 — the same day as the second public hearing on the application.

“The applicant has not met its burden of proof by competent evidence and is not entitled to a special permit,” Rice wrote in his opinion.

Parties of record were notified Jan. 19 and had five business days to respond.

Vertex Development had not filed any additional comments by press time Tuesday.

“We’re obviously thrilled with the hearing officer’s order,” said Deborah Chapman, founder and spokesperson for Palm-Aire Homeowners Against the Tower. “We believed all along the facts were on our side in terms of this particular application not meeting the new (county) code criteria.”

In his notice, Rice concluded that although the applicant had met present requirements of the Comprehensive Plan, the proposed use is inconsistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan policies 2.9.1 and 2.9.2, which create and maintain strong communities, and require adequate measures that are consistent with the community character of the immediate neighborhood.

Chapman, who represents more than 1,000 Palm-Aire residents who signed a petition against the tower, said she is confident even if Vertex challenges Rice’s preliminary decision, the hearing officer still will issue a denial.

“I’m confident the code does in fact protect (residents) and Vertex’ application (doesn’t meet code requirements),” Chapman said.

Vertex and other parties had until Tuesday to respond to the report and conditions. Rice will have five more business days — until Feb. 1 — to either issue a denial or reopen public hearing for the application.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

4A

Observer

EAST COUNTY

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@ yourobserver.com

Associate Publisher-Multimedia / Emily Walsh Parry / ewalsh@yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor /Jessica Eng, jeng@yourobserver.com News Editor / Pam Eubanks, peubanks@yourobserver.com Associate Editor / Jen Blanco, jblanco@yourobserver.com Black Tie Editor / Stephanie Hannum, shannum@yourobserver.com Social Editor / Molly Schechter, mschechter@yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Heidi Kurpiela, hkurpiela@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising /Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Tracy Bender, tbender@yourobserver.com; Louise Lewis, llewis@yourobserver. com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@ yourobserver.com; Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com; Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Wendi Simons, wsimons@yourobserver.com; Maria Witty, mwitty@ yourobserver.com Account Manager / Victoria Baga, vbaga@yourobserver.com Marketing Manager / Sandy Young, syoung@yourobserver.com Multimedia Production Manager / Caleb Stanton, cstanton@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Supervisor / Pam Cooper, pcooper@yourobserver. com Classified Advertising Sales Executive / Maureen Hird, mhird@ yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@ yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@ yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@ yourobserver.com; Shawna Polana, spolana@mass.rr.com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com Circulation Manager / Paul Simons, psimons@yourobserver.com Circulation/Admin. Assistant / Donna Condon, dcondon@yourobserver.com Controller / Laura Keisacker, lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Accounting Manager / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Accounting Assistant / Kathy Klein, kklein@yourobserver.com

The Observer Group Inc. Locally Owned Publishers of The Longboat Observer, The East County Observer,The Sarasota Observer, Season magazine and Gulf Coast Business Review Chairman / David Beliles Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh

8788 State Road 70 E., Suite 103 Bradenton, Fla. 34202 941/755-5357 www.yourobserver.com

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

OPINION/NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

our view

It’s a great DEAL

Say this about Rex Jensen, chief executive officer of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch: He is a man of action and vision.

And his latest action and vision are long overdue for the Greater Sarasota-Manatee region.

Jensen, along with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Lars Hafner, president of the State College of Florida, announced Jan. 18 their intention to construct a 72,000-square-foot facility on the eastern edge of University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch to serve as a one-stop, allencompassing resource center for economic development as well as the nucleus for what Jensen hopes to become the new central campus for the State College of Florida.

The three groups dubbed the center “DEAL” — the Design and Economic Acceleration Lab. It makes a lot of sense.

For far too long, the recruiting of new companies, the servicing of companies interested in moving here and the assistance provided to existing companies that want to expand have been a disjointed, inefficient and parochial process. To wit: Manatee and Sarasota counties each has its own economic development council. And that makes sense. The two jurisdictions have different government

HUMANE / PAGE 1A Marinaccio — the group now has a place to call home.

“I have to pinch myself,” said Solomon, the organization’s president. “We actually have bricks and mortar behind us. It’s a busy and exciting time.”

Following a plea from Solomon for building space at last weeks’ fundraiser, Stanley Steemer owners Mark and Connie Gellner offered the use of part of their building in the Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park. The 2,500-square-foot space at the front of the building at 7334 Trade Court already is equipped with multiple offices, a waiting room and a large main area.

“We do a lot of charity work in Orlando, and we’ve supported the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) the past 11 years,” Mark Gellner said. “We’re sort of branching out. We just felt it was a great opportunity to get them off the ground on the right foot.”

The Gellners, who live in Orlando, own five Stanley Steemer franchises, including the one based in Lakewood Ranch. Although the couple had not intended on donating the space when they attended the fundraiser, they knew it would be the perfect solution for the Humane Society as the organization looked for a permanent home, Gellner said.

“We love pets,” Gellner said.

“We love messy kids. That’s what keeps us in business.”

Since its inception late last year, the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch has been op-

CHABAD / PAGE 1A which will be called Chabad House, should be ready for Chabad use by May, Mendy Bukiet said.

“It’s a large enough facility, and it’s a beautiful piece of property,” he said of the new location. “It’s close to State Road 70 and in an area that Lakewood Ranch will call the center of town one day. (The property

rules and policies. And like most political jurisdictions, each county has its politics.

But for prospective customers, it’s a hassle. Imagine the out-of-state company considering moving to this region. Its executives travel back and forth between counties, lining up meetings with economic development, chamber of commerce and government officials to gather pieces of information to be able to determine the best place to locate. Talk about an inefficient, exasperating process.

Jensen’s vision is to bring everyone involved in this process under one roof to serve as a Walmart of economic development information — a one-stop shop with representatives from every organization and agency involved in a corporate expansion or relocation.

He sees the DEAL center housing databases of information for prospective companies on such things as inventories of available commercial space and housing; spreadsheets of comparative tax data; or access to resumes of prospective employees.

And he sees State College of Florida serving as a primary institution focused on training and educating students to meet new and existing companies’ work-force needs.

Indeed, it would provide a great boost to the area to see State College of Florida

erating under a foster system for the animals. The new facility will serve as an adoption center as well as a medical facility for animals being rescued.

Dr. Erik Walker, of Nokomis, attended the group’s open call for volunteers in December and now will serve as the facility’s medical director.

“We’re going to be able to bring in animals and provide a true adoption facility,” Solomon said, noting protocols for taking in animals must be established.

“There’s a lot of planning to be done. We’re excited, but we’re not going to rush it.”

Solomon said the new adoption facility is expected to open in six to eight weeks and will offer medical treatment for animals, adoptions and even adoption counselors for prospective pet owners.

Monies raised at last week’s fundraiser will go toward purchasing necessary medical equipment, medicine for animals and other items, as well as for some operational costs associated with the new location.

Solomon said she continues to look for a parcel of land for a permanent facility.

“We want to have a sanctuary, and this obviously is limited,” she said. “We’re continuing our search, but it’s great to have mission control for right now.”

The Humane Society is seeking donations of office equipment, furniture, supplies of dog and cat food, crates, treats, towels and cleaning supplies. For information, visit www.HSLWR.org or call 840-4055.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com. and house) fit our needs perfectly.”

To begin, Chabad will renovate the existing structure to make it suitable for the organization’s programs, including classes, services, dinners and more. But with five acres, the property also is large enough for Chabad to construct a bigger facility when necessary.

Despite the struggling economy, Mendy Bukiet said Chabad

blossom in a new central campus and become to this region what Gulf Coast University of Florida is to Lee and Collier counties and what the Ringling College of Art and Design is to the animation industry. Let’s be honest: As much as we want to believe the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is an educational anchor here, it always will be a branch of the Big Campus in Tampa. And New College of Florida operates in a specialized niche. SCF has the potential to serve the widest market here and become a steady fuel for work-force and economic development.

As he often does, Jensen is bucking tradition and challenging the status quo with this new DEAL. No doubt he will make the tradition-bound economic development interests here uncomfortable and feel threatened. But they need not react that way. It’s time to break out of comfort zones and embrace new thinking and new ways of operating. Competition to new companies is always intense. It makes a lot of sense then to shift away from the traditional parochial interests and focus instead on the needs of the customers.

Kudos to Jensen, Hafner and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation for taking risks and steps to be innovative.

Letter TO THEEditor To send in your letters, please e-mail them to meng@yourobserver. com or mail them to The East County Observer, 8788 State Road 70 E., Suite 103, Bradenton, FL., 34202. The East County Observer gives priority to letters of local interest and about local issues. The Observer will print all letters to the editor if it feels they are of general interest, but only if the letter is signed and the author’s street address and phone number are given. The editor reserves the right to condense letters.

+ Incorporation opposition harbors valid concerns Dear Editor: Michael Griffin’s letter attacking Daniel Moriarty’s earlier letter as a “personal attack” would be much more persuasive if Griffin’s group favoring Lakewood Ranch incorporation had followed its own advice.

His group has relentlessly in public meetings impugned the motives of those against incorporation — including myself.

Because like me, some in the opposition group have histories of public service to the Lakewood Ranch community, his group falsely and without a scintilla of evidence has claimed the reason that they are in opposition is to “protect their jobs.”

This views that no one could sincerely oppose incorporation because they are right and it is bad for the community also run through his letter. He wrote, “I know those who have dug in their heels against incorporation likely will not budge.” Why should they budge when they’re right and the evidence for incorporation is so deeply flawed?

He uses the Fishkind study and a review of it by Dr. Tim Chapin of Florida State Univer-

sity in an attempt to persuade residents incorporation is economically feasible. Based on my more than three decades of experience in modeling in the electronics, energy and financial areas — and spending untold hours reviewing the study — I’m convinced that the overall methodology of the study is deeply flawed and has numerous internal errors and inconsistencies. It is not surprising Chapin, in the limited time he was paid to spend on it, didn’t uncover these problems. The study is many pages long, and it takes many hours to carefully review and understand it.

Finally, Griffin lauds his group’s openness when he writes, “The group has sought input from neighbors and even changed some aspects of the (city) charter based on this feedback.” Aside from the fact that the changes were minor, what he doesn’t explain is what gives his group the right to accept or reject any input? Whose city is it? The group’s members act as if the city belongs to them.

They should keep in mind they are only a small self-appointed Lakewood Ranch club.

Dr. Robert S. Stepleman Lakewood Ranch

experienced steady growth throughout its first six years.

And, thanks to the dedication and donations of Chabad’s members, the organization was able to form an advisory committee to locate and purchase the property.

Next month, Chabad will continue its fundraising campaign with its Annual Auction and Cocktail Party Feb. 27 at The Polo Grill and Bar on Lake-

wood Ranch Main Street. Then, the organization plans to host a grand-opening celebration when Chabad House opens in May. “God works in mysterious ways,” Mendy Bukiet said.

“God-willing, we will be open by the end of May. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but we will make it happen.”

Contact Michael Eng at meng@yourobserver.com.

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Manatee County Sheriff ’s Office.

INLETS Jan. 17

12:01 a.m. — 4300 block of Second Avenue E. Information. The victim reported someone posted nude pictures of her on Facebook. The victim was told to contact Facebook and ask them to remove the pictures. The female suspect, whom the victim only knows as an acquaintance, posted the pictures. The responding deputy observed several printouts of a Facebook page but was unable to identify the victim as the female in the picture.

LAKEWOOD RANCH Jan. 18

3 p.m. — 5400 block of Lorraine Road.

Found property. The complainant reported she found several items of paraphernalia used for smoking marijuana in the residence. She suspected the items belonged to her brother, so she looked through his wallet while he was sleeping and found some green substance that appeared to be one gram of marijuana. The substance wasn’t on the brother nor was he in possession of his wallet or the substance. The paraphernalia and suspected drug were taken to property and evidence to be destroyed.

Jan. 20

9:30 a.m. — 6200 block of Warbler Place. Burglary to a dwelling. Unknown person(s) entered the unsecured residence through the front door. The person(s) then went into the master bedroom, located on the northeastern side of the residence, and stole multiple pieces of jewelry. The person(s) then fled in an unknown direction by unknown means. About $2,000 in jewelry was taken from the residence.

5A

CORNER PALM-AIRE

Reported Jan. 18

Monte Davis

9:14 a.m. — 7000 block of West Country Club Drive. Information. According to the suspect, she has power of attorney over the victim, who is living in a health care facility on Tuttle Avenue. The complainant, who is the victim’s former husband, stated the suspect took the jewelry in an attempt to commit theft. The victim stated the complainant is attempting to take advantage of her by obtaining her property, so she is safeguarding her jewelry. At this point, the incident appears to be a civil matter. The responding deputy was unable to obtain a relevant story from the victim because of her mental condition.

Lake view 2BR/2BA/Den/1528 SF newer A/C, mint Corner lot 2BR/2BA/Den/2053 SF crown moldings, $289,500 condition, furniture negotiable. $219,000 plantation shutters, heated pool.

OTHER

Lake view 3BR/3BA/Den/1806 SF 2-story villa, new carpeting, Custom home w/privacy 3BR/2BA/Den/2638 SF, fireplace, built$425,000 new screening. Furniture included. $249,000 ins, summer KIT, htd pool/spa.

Jan. 12

5:30 a.m. — 1200 block of 86th Court N.W. Information. The complainant reported unknown individual(s) spraypainted her vehicle.

3 p.m. — 800 block of Kay Road. Lost property. The complainant reported he lost his Illinois driver’s license. He was issued a case number.

Broker Associate

ROSEDALE GOLF & TEnnIS COUnTRY CLUB Call Monte Anytime To See All The Rosedale Properties At 941-727-4422

ROSEDALE

Privacy! 2BR/2BA/Den/1822 SF neutral tile, eat-in kitchen, Golf view 2 BR/2BA/Den/2566 SF tile flooring, tray ceilings, $499,000 gas htd pool/spa, golf cart conveys. $265,000 pool/spa, many extras.

NEW LISTING Golf view 2BR/2BA/Den/1822 SF eat-in CONTRACT PENDING Lake view 3BR/3BA/Den/3227 SF kitchen, htd pool/spa. Furniture negotiable. $265,000 custom w/2 master suites, pool/spa. Many extras! $550,000 NEW LISTING Lake view 2BR/2BA/Den/1617 SF fenced Exquisite! 3BR/3BA/2644 SF courtyard home, top of the side yard, gas htd pool, mint condition.

Jan. 16

Monte Davis

YOUR REALTOR FOR LIFE • 941-727-4422 www.MonteDavis.Remax.com

$279,000

NEW LISTING Lake View 2BR/2BA/Den/1822 SF pool/ spa, new A/C, surround sound, more!

$285,000

line everything, pool/spa.

$595,000

Monte Has More Rosedale Listings Available From The $100s To The $600s

Jan. 17

8 a.m. — 4800 block of Lena Road.

Stolen and recovered vehicle. The victim’s vehicle was seen in a pond earlier in the day. Deputies were called to the scene, but could not retrieve the vehicle for positive identification. The owner responded to the scene and identified the vehicle as his.

The vehicle was removed from the pond and towed.

MDR

Monte MonteDavis Davis

INC. LLC Realty Realty,

AnD PROPERTY MAnAGEMEnT

www.MonteDavisRealty.com 941-727-4422

PUT YOUR HOME TO WORK & EARN RENT INCOME! Our full time property management and leasing staff will arrange virtual tours, internet exposure, advertising, pay rental taxes for you and much more! Call Melanie and Monte at 941-727-4422 for details. SEASONAL & LONGTERM RENTALS AVAILABLE.

See more Cops Corner reports online.

50409

COPS

www.YourObserver.com

www.YourObserver.com

UPGRADE YOUR HOME TODAY NEW NEW MANUFACTURER MANUFACTURER REBATES REBATES

Be my valentine

WINDOW SPECIAL

Take

$100

LifeLine Hurricane & Regular Windows with Glass

Off

Beautify your home with our LifeLine windows. They save you on energy costs and protect your investment from the worst weather elements.

ENTRY DOOR SPECIAL

Decorative Entry Doors Hurricane Rated & Regular

Take

Off COME SEE THE NEW VALENTINE’S COLLECTION

CREEKWOOD CROSSING I-75 & S.R. 70 BRADENTON, FL 941.751.6600

MKTG09831_BARTLET.indd 1

1/17/2011 9:50:51 AM

Expires 3-31-2011

941.925.1390

On new orders only.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

50999

MON–SAT: 9:30–5:30

Call Today!

GC# 1518597

50004

BARTLETTJEWELERS

Your front door says everything about your home. From our many designs, select one to dress it up and add curb appeal!

6A

INBRIEF + District to host town hall meetings

The Manatee County School District will host two public town hall meetings to discuss education and the state legislature.

The first event is scheduled for 7 p.m., Jan. 27, at Bayshore High School, 5401 34th St. W., Palmetto. A second town hall meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Feb. 10, at Palmetto High School, 1200 17th St. W., Palmetto.

+ Top student work showcased at event

The artistic talents of Manatee County School District students were showcased as the Manatee Education Foundation hosted the opening reception for the fourth annual HEART & SOUL Gallery Show Jan. 20 in Palmetto.

The event featured the top 25 pieces submitted by students during

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

a recent competition. Artwork will be included in the 2011 HEART & SOUL Gala and Live Art Auction Jan. 29 at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, 7650 Legacy Blvd. A cocktail reception starts at 6 p.m, and the gala starts at 7 p.m.

Prayer Breakfast Feb. 3.

The event, which begins at 7:30 a.m., will be held at the Bradenton Auditorium, and benefits Take Stock in Children.

For information, contact Diana Dill at 751-7012, Ext. 2047.

+ Red Cross exceeds fundraising goal

+ Pedestrian killed after struck by SUV

The Southwest Florida and Manatee County chapters of the American Red Cross announced Jan. 11 they had surpassed their $100,000 Holiday Challenge goal.

“We are in awe of the success of the challenge and just can’t thank the community enough for their support,” said Jeannie Slater, campaign cabinet and board chair for the Manatee County Red Cross.

+ Delaney to speak at prayer breakfast

Lakewood Ranch resident and veteran NBA referee Bob Delaney will be the keynote speaker of the Take Stock in Children of Manatee County’s fourth annual Leadership

+ Our Lady members complete ‘Ginny’s Quilt’ More than a year ago, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Community delivered an unfinished quilt to the women in the church’s Loving Stitches Ministry, which knits, crochets and sews handmade items to give to charities and others.

The vintage 1970s quilt, which came to the group in box marked as “Ginny’s Quilt,” now is finished, having been professionally quilted

by Cindy Baily, thanks to the Loving Stitches ministry.

Loving Stitches members hope to let “Ginny’s” family know the queen-size quilt is finished and soon will be available for raffle.

A pedestrian was struck and killed around 10:25 p.m., Jan. 20, by an oncoming vehicle near the intersection of University Parkway and Medici Court.

A Florida Highway Patrol report states a 2000 Chevy SUV driven by 67-year-old Carol J. Conneen of Canton, Ga., was driving westbound on University Parkways in the center lane when a pedestrian, who was walking southbound across University Parkway, entered teams join Keller Williams Realty” into the Conneen’s path. in the Jan. 20 issue of The East The victim was 38-year-old Observer, a cutline for a William N. Sapp, of Sarasota.

LBK - 2010 -County K photo said Jim and Donna Soda and Ian and Julie Cutmore were + Correction responsible for more than $250 In an article titled “Top two

Courtesy photo

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Bishop Nevins Academy “Dreams Are Free” program in Sarasota. million in combined real estate transactions over two years. The couples have been responsible for $250 million in combined real estate transactions over a period of eight years.

BUYING GOLD

University Park Location Now Open

Instant Cash

Sell your old gold while gold prices are at an all time historical high!

SELL US YOUR BROKEN AND UNWANTED GOLD Each Diamond carries its own certificate.

2.01 carat

3.35 carat

3.61 carat

2.07 carat

CIGAR & BAR

$

CIGAR & BAR

CIGAR & BAR

$

4590

$

9900

$

1.00 carat $

$

2950

$

imported beers and FREE WIFI

7386 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL, CORAL COVE MALL (OPPOSITE SUN HONDA) SARASOTA, FL T: 941.925.4747 5275 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY (KOHLS SHOPPING PLAZA) UNIVERSITY PARK, FL T: 941.358.2222

50879

a large ofMALL premium cigars, fine wines, MADURO’SWe CIGARoffer & BAR 7386 S. TAMIAMIselection TRAIL, CORAL COVE (OPPOSITE SUN HONDA) SARASOTA, FL T: 941.925.4747

6950

1.70 carat

four generations J E W E L R Y

MADURO’S CIGAR & BAR 7386 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL, CORAL COVE MALL (OPPOSITE SUN HONDA) SARASOTA, FL T: 941.925.4747

5500

2.67 carat

1690

1.50 carat

8490

$

3990

C O M P A N Y

YOUR TRUSTED HOMETOWN JEWELER FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Corner of U.S. 41 & Bee Ridge Rd.

Across from Saks Fifth Ave.

All carat weights are total and may vary by 5%. Sale prices exclude existing layaways, trade-ins,and special orders. Quantites vary by store.

RUN - Starting

August 12th

42799

CIGAR & BAR

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

7A

reminders of home

Local VFW sends support overseas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12055 will mail 40 boxes filled with foodstuff and other goodies to soldiers in Afghanistan this week.

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

MANATEE COUNTY — Seven-year-old Sam Lawn filed into line behind his mother and brothers, all smiles as they made their way around a series of tables filling U.S. Postal Service boxes with goodies for soldiers overseas.

Jerky? Check.

Deodorant? Check, again.

A DVD movie? Got that, too.

When Sam and his family had finished their work — along with volunteers from VFW Post 12055, their families, members of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Community’s Saint Clare Women’s Guild and others — they had packed and labeled 40 boxes for soldiers in the Florida National Guard’s 690th Military Police Company, which now is serving in Afghanistan. About 160 soldiers serve in the Brooksvillebased unit, including Braden River High School graduate Terrance Gonzales.

“It was great,” Sam said after finishing a box. “It’s going to the soldiers.”

Event organizer and Post 12055 member David Daily said the post last year launched its

adopt-a-unit campaign, which falls under the auspices of the national VFW organization’s program. At that time, the post adopted the U.S. Army’s 143rd Sustained Command because several of the unit’s members had served alongside Daily during his 2003 tour in Iraq.

“That got us going,” Daily said, noting the VFW sent two shipments of packages to the 143rd. “It was such a big success (that) we decided we needed to do it every year.

Using funds generated through the distribution of VFW Buddy Poppies, the post purchased about $1,800 of beef jerky, fruit snacks, potato chips, movies, deodorant, drink mixes and other goodies for soldiers.

Ladies in the Saint Clare Women’s Guild also contributed by collecting donations for the project during their Christmas celebration and making a donation toward shipping costs from the group’s funds, member Cathy Damiano said.

“I love it,” Damiano said of the packing event with a grin. “The little things we collected, we take for granted every day. We can

Above: Volunteers packed 40 boxes in less than an hour.

Right: David Daily and Bill Jackson tape up one of the last boxes. send a little of Florida — and lot of beef jerky.”

Post 12055 Commander George Johnston said the post plans to send another shipment of goods to soldiers, likely to another unit, later in the year.

“These guys are sacrificing,” Johnston said. “They’re serving their country, and they are sacrificing their home life, their time and putting themselves at risk.

We know because we’ve been there. The VFW is comprised only of war veterans. We know how lonely it is, and how, especially the Vietnam veterans, it feels like to be forgotten, to not be appreciated.

We Can Train Any Dog!

call 941-416-3489

32 Gourmet

Ice Cream Yogurt Sugar-Free Selections

Entire Purchase Must present coupon at time of purchase

St. Armands Circle

19C Boulevard of The Presidents

941-388-1650

www.oncommandk9academy.com

.fu www

20% OFF

50858 51471

Training Director/ Certified Dog Trainer

om

The packages packed on Saturday will be mailed Jan. 28, Daily said.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

in University Park

Mark Jacobs

use.c

“We feel like it’s our duty to let these guys know we have their backs, thank them for their duty and let them know we support them,” he said.

New Location Now Open

• Guaranteed Results • All Breeds, All Ages • Obedience Training • Behavioral Problems • Lifetime Warranty • Personal Protection • Vet & Police K-9 Recommended

reho rnwa

Photos by Pam Eubanks

University Park

- In World of Beer Plaza 941-358-5856

8203 Tourist Center Dr.

WINTER CLEARANCE No Interest until January 2012* Next Day Delivery Available

This Kathy Ireland Seville bedroom set features a warm blend of soft tones and granite color tops, and illustrates the European country style of this collection. Set includes dresser, mirror, headboard and one nightstand.

699

BRADENTON

1100 West Cortez Rd. Corner of 41 and Cortez Next to Office Depot

749-6069

Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

Why Pay More?

VENICE

SARASOTA

550 S. Seaboard Ave. Just North Of Venice Nissan on U.S. 41 Bypass

4027 N. Washington 1 Mile South of University on 301

485-3211

351-8600

Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

www.furnwarehouse.com

Mon.-Sat. 9-6 Sun. 11-6

PORT CHARLOTTE 1241 El Jobean Rd. (776 across from Sam’s)

764-8700

Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

50361

4-pc $ Bedroom

*with approved credit

8A

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

education

Christo inspires project

By Pam Eubanks | News Editor

MANATEE COUNTY — Pointing their fingers toward the covered walkway, children at Gene Witt Elementary School shouted out in excitement.

“I like it!” one said with glee as he marched toward the lunchroom.

After a nearly monthlong Parent-Teacher Organization drive to collect new and gently used blankets for the area’s homeless, students on Jan. 14 giggled in amazement to see the fruits of their collections suddenly hanging from the tops of the walkways.

Art teacher Bea Schaeffer, with the help of several Gene Witt dads, orchestrated the display in Christo-like fashion. Children have been learning about the Bulgarian-born artist, who with his wife, Jeanne-Claude, spent decades creating environmental works of art such as the wrapping of the Reichstag in Berlin, the Pont-Neuf bridge in Paris and The Gates in New York City’s Central Park.

“It really enables them to see a big picture on how they impact their community and ultimately their world,” Schaeffer said. “It gets them really excited. And it’s (great for them) to see that art can be created out of anything — and it can be big.”

Fourth- and fifth-grade reading

teacher Nancy Wittner agreed.

“It’s a tangible way for students to see what they’ve accomplished,” she said.

Schaeffer said she came up with the idea for draping the walkways with blankets while thinking about how to make her lessons on Christo have more of an impact on students. Wondering if the schools PTO would continue its blanket collection efforts for the second year in a row, Schaeffer made the appropriate contacts.

The PTO agreed to sponsor an ice cream party for the class who collected the most blankets, and Schaeffer’s idea was set in motion.

Students brought in a total of 174 blankets, which were packed up and donated to the Salvation Army for the homeless individuals it serves. Blankets with noticeable stains or holes will be given to the Satchel’s Last Resort, a local dog sanctuary.

Students said they were not only enamored with Christo’s work but also with the opportunity to help the community while learning about the artist.

“Seeing all the blankets people donated to help the homeless makes me feel good,” fifth-grade student Ivy Proffitt said. “It’s cool how art projects can help people.”

Schaeffer said she hopes the Christo-inspired project will get students excited about an upcoming study on artist Paul Klimt, as

well as a spring art installation project, again inspired by Christo.

In the spring, Schaeffer plans to fill part of the mesh fence at the school to create a mural using the ends of painted plastic bottles.

Children will design the murals and then use the democratic process to vote on which will be used for the actual mural installation.

“I’m really excited about the next (art project),” 10-year-old Zoe Schaeffer said. “I’m sure we’ll find a way to help people with the next project we do.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

Pam Eubanks

Witt Elementary School fifth-graders Holly MacLeod, Zoe Schaeffer and Ivy Proffitt are eager to get started on their next art project.

Below: Witt Fathers Being Involved members Jim Gentsch, Tan Buonko, Rick Mcguire, Alan Hagerman, Steve Cartano hung blankets.

Courtesy photo

7328 Chelsea Ct University Park $1,302,000 #A3937388 941-907-9595 Edward Haggerty 941-685-6154

914 Maritime Ct $749,000 #A3931753 Howie Drourr

East County 941-907-9595 941-812-6476

10506 Winding Stream Way $749,000 #A3937828 Howie Drourr

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-812-6476

7657 Portstewart Dr Lakewood Ranch $699,900 #M5818873 941-907-9595 Deborah Angelo O'Mara 941-730-0777

403 Hillcrest Dr $675,000 #M5814687 Kathy Valente

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-685-6767

1408 88Th Nw Ct $599,000 #M5814636 Sandy Drapala

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-725-0781

5055 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 116 $524,900 #A3932824 Maureen Horn

130 Riviera Dunes Way # 1001 Palmetto/Rubonia $499,000 #A3937863 941-907-9595 Stacy Haas 941-587-4359

8130 Santa Rosa Ct $458,500 #M5818889 Antaeus Balevre

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-400-1055

2958 Desoto Rd $450,000 #C7001807 Laura Tracy Clekis

Sarasota 941-748-6300 941-915-4167

1750 Seminole Dr $424,900 #A3928689 Barbara Najmy

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-705-1158

5299 Benjamin Ln $349,000 #A3930864 Adam Chicoine

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-809-3003

Bradenton 941-752-2683 941-812-0791

6700 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 116 $299,000 #A3935781 Doris Bushman

6447 Woodbirch Pl $295,000 #A3932845 Ellen Wells

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-544-4849

10002 Reagan Dairy Trl $249,000 #M5817757 Antaeus Balevre

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-400-1055

11817 Oak Ridge Dr $225,000 #M5818928 Deborah Brown

Parrish 941-748-6300 941-705-1355

5519 52Nd W Ave $224,900 #M5818809 Leah Secondo

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-545-4430

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-504-3792

7404 Hamilton Rd Bradenton/Palma Sola $210,000 #M5815218 941-748-6300 Kym Paxton 941-932-5511

6920 74Th Street E Cir Lakewood Ranch $209,000 #A3931147 941-907-9595 Richard Maggs 941-350-5826

6251 Myakka Valley Trl $199,000 #M5818981 Mary Hellhake

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-544-0763

6416 Wood Owl Cir $159,000 #M5818645 Neddy Harkins

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-730-4941

2698 60Th Avenue W Ter # 1 $99,000 #M5818748 Collette Quinehan

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-685-2411

5135 41St W St $329,000 Adam Cuffaro

#A3937937

4781 Independence Dr # 4781 $219,500 #M5817080 Judy LaValliere

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-539-3384

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-383-9253

Bradenton 941.748.6300 • IMG Academies 752.2683 • Lakewood Ranch 907.9595 • Main Street Sarasota 951.6660 • St. Armands 388.4447 • South Longboat 383.7591 • Siesta Key 349.3444

51002

While learning about the artist, students also got a lesson in giving.

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

BLACK TIE

9A

www.YourObserver.com

SPOTLIGHT

Ranch Humane Society hosts Kick-Off Bash Hundreds of animal lovers helped the Lakewood Ranch Humane Society start 2011 with a bang during the organization’s Kick-Off Bash Jan. 20 at the home of Lou and Ann Ma-

rie Marinaccio in The Concession. Guests enjoyed wine, hors d’ouerves, live music and more while raising money for the new animal organization.

— Michael Eng

Cheryl Gibson and Michelle Sampson, who runs the Sarasota-based Gimme Shelter Pets.

Cindy Morton with Stanley Steemer’s Mark and Connie Gellner

Donna Brierton and Heidi Sagar

LOSE WEIGHT...FEEL GREAT...dance! ❋

❋

• Private Lessons • High Cardio Aerobic Dance Classes • Social & Competitive NO PARTNER REQUIRED SINGLES & COUPLES wELCOmE

❋

Mention this ad for a FREE LESSON!

(new students only) Offer expires 2/15/11

BEYOND DANCING

Lakewood Ranch 941.907.8183 Nokomis 941.488.0707

Ballet * Hip Hop * Tap * Music & More

50009

Latin, Ballroom, Swing & More

Donna Paige and Amy and Jag Grewal

Come Eat With Us! Hours: Mon-Thurs. 11am-10pm,

Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm, Sunday 1:30-10pm

Complimentary

Full Bar Large Wine Selection

with Entree

WINE exp. 3/30/11

20% OFF*

Entire Check

(not including alcohol) * Order before 6pm

99 11.

Large 2

$

Topping Pizza

2.99

$

Slice & Draft

(take out only) exp. 3/30/11

exp. 3/30/11

Filippo’s Restaurant

6392 N. Lockwood Ridge @ corner of University Pkwy.

360-8065 • www.filippopizza.net

51038

Co-founder Autumn Solomon

Right: The board members of the Lakewood Ranch Humane Society all wore teal at the event.

Discover Manatee County’s Best Kept Secret...

More Home Is Now Less •More Amenities •More Convenience •More Value

From the low

$100s!

5312 Tide Point Way, Bradenton, Florida 34208

nealcommunities.com/find-a-home

941-746-4992

CBC 1256375

50542

River Sound is conveniently located west of I-75 between S.R. 64 and S.R. 70 on Morgan Johnson Road.

10A

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

BLACK TIE

www.YourObserver.com

place your bets

Supporters roll dice for SaraMana ORT East County residents rolled the dice at The Lake Club Jan. 22 as they helped raise funds for the SaraMana chapter of ORT. Guests enjoyed wine and appetizers while making rounds to tables of Black Jack, Craps and other games during the special Casino Night event.

— Pam Eubanks SaraMana ORT co-presidents Natalie Abrams and Lynn Sacks

Right: Susi Parelman, Susi Benson-Steenberger and Shelley Goldklang were chairs of the Casino Night committee.

Lakewood Ranch residents Fran and Michael Spring

Judy Krakow and Margie Barrie enjoyed the evening.

Norman Marshak, Larry Mandel, Rick Thompson and Syd Weinstein Right: Longboat Key resident Helene Peretz with Lakewood Ranch resident Marion Marshak

Ruth and Michael Harshman

“Quality Veterinary Care in the comfort of your home”

dr. carmen shaw Harold & Rita Ferrell Lasky

www.homevetsarasota.com

cats

We’re Harold & Rita Ferrell Lasky. We’ve been involved in LWR real estate sales since the beginning of LWR 15 years ago. We sold the first homes in the Country Club & have sold hundreds of homes worth many millions of dollars since then!

So, we want to announce we’ve joined the team at

exotics

dogs

Birds

YOuR NeIgHbORHOOD FIsH HOuse

PRUDENTIAL Lakewood Ranch Realty.

There’s nothing quite like it!

There are few Realtors® with the hands-on knowledge, experience & success we possess. We know the market & understand the mind-set of the buyers & sellers that are out there now. We’re creative & accomplished in our approach to converting lookers to buyers…….and may we say, this is no easy task!

Our goal is to be THE BEST Realtors® in the marketplace, today and everyday, for our clients. To do THE BEST, most thorough & competent job that’s possible.

We don’t list property & then disappear! We don’t put property in MLS & then sit & wait on a Realtor® to come along & show it. That’s part of the equation, but not the answer. Instead, we aggressively market to our own and many other data bases, the general public, many, many internet resources, industry networking & the Realtors’® network.

Communications with our clients are always kept open, constant & clear.

We consistently advertise & hold open houses & leave no stone unturned in finding the right fit for buyers & sellers.

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you & investigate how we can help achieve your real estate goals…whether buying, selling or just getting acquainted.

Freshest Seafood Only Local shucked Raw bar

Friendliest Atmosphere Lunch Served

staff and Neighborhood Patrons

Monday-saturday

Fun for the Whole Family

Dinner Served

Real Food & Real good Times!

Tuesday-sunday

Sunday Hours 3pm-8pm

& f i s h m a941-907-0589 rket

Please give us a call. We look forward to working with you.

www.luckypelicanbistro.com

Most sincerely,

Harold & Rita

Located a mere 30 second drive off I-75 exit 213.

Next to the Holiday Inn....in the Lake Osprey Plaza

Rita Ferrell Lasky

RitaFerrellLasky@PruLWR.com 941-780-3579

2010 Prudential Financial, Inc. & its related entities. An independently owned & operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Prudential, the Prudential logo & the Rock are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. & its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license. Equal Housing Opportunity.

51466

HaroldLasky@PruLWR.com 941-780-8514

6239 Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch

51423

Harold Lasky

Can you find the lucky pelican?

46131

We would like to say HELLO!

Office: (941) 907-0320 Cell: (941) 773-9854 DrShaw@homevetsarasota.com

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

BLACK TIE

www.YourObserver.com

11A

taste test

Concession serves up culinary carnival The Concession Golf Club and the Beach Bistro Culinary raised money for the All Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Aldo Castaneda Foundation

at the Culinary Winter Carnival golf and dining event Jan. 21-22.

Participants enjoyed food from some of the area’s finest chefs.

— Pam Eubanks

Bob and Suzann Soran with Sue and Murf Klauber Right: Chefs Roy Yamaguchi, Sean Murphy and Raymond Arpke

Frame It Up

Curtis Root and Martha Wright

Mon. - Fri. 9:30 - 5 • Sat. 9:30 - 12:30

6578 Superior Ave. 924-6656

QUALITY • VALUE Largest Selection SHOP AND COMPARE!

CustOm PICTuRE & MIRROR FRAMINg

25% OFF

Expires 2/5/11

Any Frame Order

Jen and Joe Rogers

Hours: Hours: Mon-Sat Mon-Sat 10-5 10-5 Sun Sun 11-5 11-5

Quilts • Linens • Period Furniture Vintage Chandeliers & Lighting Primitive Iron • Wicker • Rattan Clocks • Tools • Mirrors • Fine Art Bronzes • Collectibles • Pottery Art Glass • Books • Military • Postcards Jewelry • Bakelite • Toys

“Look for the Orange & Green Building!”

8,600 sQ FT oF unIQue AnTIQues WITh 30 deALeRs!

113 113 Tamiami Tamiami Trail Trail in in the the town town of of OSPREY, OSPREY, FL FL 1 Block South of Spanish Point

941-966-9800 941-966-9800

More Home Is Now Less At River Sound...

More Amenities A wealth of amenities point to FUN! Enjoy the conveniences and the many recreational opportunities at River Sound.

• Gathering Area with Pool and Spa • Riverfront Observation Deck • Nature Trail • Two Gazebos • Two Dog Parks • Children’s Play Area • Gated Entry

More Convenience and More Value

New homes from low

$100s!

5312 Tide Point Way, Bradenton, Florida 34208

nealcommunities.com/find-a-home

941-746-4992

River Sound is conveniently located west of I-75 between S.R. 64 and S.R. 70 on Morgan Johnson Road.

CBC 1256375

50543

51512

Over 5000 Frame Moulding Styles MATS ★ FILLETS ★ LINERS ● ALL PAPERART/CANvAS & NEEdLEART FRAMINg ● PRO PICTuRE & MIRROR HANgINg SERvICE

Rico Alcala, Alisha Snelson and Matthew Beard

51054

Melissa and Rob Wenzel

12A

ExcEptional SErvicE, ExcEptional carE onE patiEnt at a timE

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

Joe and JoAnn Iaria as Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee

John and Janet Hunter

Charles e. Crane, DDs John h. Quirk, DDs

30 Years of

Personal attention General and reconstructive Dentistry

ComPlimentary initial exam (code D0150)

Bermuda Building 544 John Ringling Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34236

941-388-4114

51046

New Patients Welcome

Dancers from Diane Partington School of Classical Ballet

Café Gabbiano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

TM

2010 2011 S E A S O N

Leif Bjaland, Artistic Director & Conductor

sE Masterwork ROM Owners Peter & Susan Migliaccio

Ob 5” Jan

• The Most Romantic Restaurant on Siesta Key • Extensive Wine List • Indoor & Outdoor Seating • Private Parties

An Italian affair to remember

Make Reservati ons N for Valentine’s D ow ay

January 28, 8 pm - Neel January 29, 8 pm; January 30, 2:30 pm - Van Wezel Berlioz’ Roman Carnival Overture was a success from the moment it premiered. A brilliant Italian guest artist renders a Mozart Piano Concerto with remarkable beauty.

Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony and Respighi’s Roman Festivals round out this Italian affair.

TICKETS FROM $29

941-953-3434 www.SarasotaOrchestra.org

5104 Ocean Boulevard | Siesta Key | 941-349-1423 Open Daily for Dinner at 4:00 p.m.

50920

Over 500 wines from around the world

Come as you are.

Leave different.

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues

49943

Fine Italian Cuisine

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

BLACK TIE

www.YourObserver.com

13A

By Molly Schechter | Social Editor

Here’s toYou,Fellas Nik and Erendira Wallenda

Ladies, gentlemen and children of all ages! Sarasota loves the circus. Sarasota loves Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini. Put them together and you get the 2011 Circus Sarasota Gala on Friday, Jan. 21, honoring the 25th anniversary of Michael’s On East Restaurant and Catering and their exceptional support of non-profit organizations.

You also get the wackiness that the circus’ playful party is famous for: R a y mond

Peper’s long-armed creature out in the parking lot directing traffic … Billy Bob Steinberg’s corny, clowny, cowboy humor … Bobbie Ward’s liberal interpretation of a wardrobe call which specified “sensible shoes” … Elaine Keating’s vintage leopard print “hostess gown” … Sally Schule celebrating a birthday with girlfriends … Sen. Bob Johnson masquerading as the Scarecrow … and a proclamation by Mayor Kelly Kirschner that Jan. 21 will be recognized as “Michael’s On East Day.” Funds from the gala will go to completing the capital campaign and the purchase of the Ulla Searing Big Top, named in honor of her generous bequest.

Raymond Peper

Mary Ann Robinson

Elaine Keating and Sid Katz

Created for Comfort and Designed with Your Lifestyle in Mind

-

Janice and Howard Tibbals with Circus Sarasota’s Chuck Sidlow

To the Fullest!

e to Life with the Perfect Finishing Touches

Bring Your

YourObserver.com You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

Custom Window Treatments Bedding • Furniture • Wall Covering • Flooring • & more

Click. Read. Repeat.

Full Service Interior Designer

941.378.9141 • www.intuitiveinteriors.net

49324

Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer

Now Discover River Sound...

What are you waiting for?

Take advantage of low interest rates and experience the quality of a new Neal Home at incredible pricing.

From the low

$100s!

5 NEW MODELS Manatee Ave E

Homes from 1028 SF to 2,440 SF EXIT 220

Morgan Johnson Road (57th Street East)

53rd Ave E

CBC 1256375

RIVER SOUND

5312 Tide Point Way, Bradenton, Florida 34208

nealcommunities.com/find-a-home

941-746-4992

Caruso Road EXIT 217

River Sound is conveniently located west of I-75 between S.R. 64 and S.R. 70 on Morgan Johnson Road.

50544

Braden River

Sports Your Complete East County Sports Source

Observer

EAST COUNTY

Thursday, JANUARY 27, 2011

SOCCER

Mustangs dominate district The Lakewood Ranch High girls soccer team defeated Seminole Osceola 5-0 in the Class 4A-District 10 Championship Jan. 22.

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

ODA leading scorer Mara Falahee attempts to bring the Lady Thunder back in the second half against Sarasota Christian Jan. 24.

ODA squads meet Blazers

SEE SOCCER / PAGE 18A

running wild

Thunder victorious at relay

The Out-of-Door Academy boys and girls basketball team hosted Sarasota Christian in regular season action Jan. 24.

The Thunder defeated the Blazers 41-32. Brian and Ragone and Jack Cannon led the way for ODA with 13 points each.

The Lady Thunder fell to Sarasota Christian 43-40. Mara Falahee led the way for ODA with 26 points, 16 of which came in the fourth quarter.

Rachel Cannon attempts a shot in the second half.

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Sophomore Aubrey Riggins has become all too accustomed to scoring goals this season.

The Lakewood Ranch midfielder is the Lady Mustangs second-leading scorer with 17 goals and 13 assists. And yet Riggins has never had a four-goal game.

Until last weekend’s Class 4A-District 10 Championship.

Riggins netted four goals and an assist while leading Lakewood to a 5-0 victory over second-seeded Seminole Osceola Jan. 22.

With the win, Lakewood captured its eighth district title in nine years.

After earning the top seed in the

Eight ODA students and four faculty members competed in the 191-mile Ragner Relay Florida Keys Jan. 7-8.

Junior guard Brian Ragone goes up for a layup in the first half. Ragone finished with 13 points on the night.

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

LAKEWOOD RANCH — The Out-of-Door Academy juniors Sarah Balades and Mitchell Hudson probably couldn’t tell you how many miles they run in a year.

As members of the Thunder track and cross country teams, the two teammates spend most of the year running and competing. But even with the intense amount of training they do throughout the course of the season, Balades and Hudson admit there are still some races that are slightly overwhelming.

Such was the case earlier this month when Balades and Hudson, along with six fellow students and four faculty members, competed in the 2011 Ragner Relay — a 191-mile race from Miami to Key West.

More than 325 teams from around the country competed in the national relay, which helped raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis.

At first, Team Out-of-Door didn’t Junior forward Jack Cannon scored 13 points for the Thunder.

Mara Falahee led the way for ODA with 26 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter.

Junior Joe Grano, who finished with five assists, brings the ball up the court.

SEE RELAY / PAGE 16A

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

15A

“Best Public/Semi Private Golf Course in Sarasota”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Bobby Jones Golf Club is a 45 hole municipal facility named for the legendary Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., who personally dedicated the facility on Sunday, February 13, 1927.

Winter Hours • Tee Times 6:45 AM - 6:00 PM

We Honor All Discount Cards • 5 Days Advance Tee Times Click or Call

AM

4626*

$

AFternOOn SPeCiAL

plus tax

*Rates are subject to change

3458*

$

plus tax

*Rates are subject to change

www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com

Do you have any siblings?

I have three brothers: Ryan, a senior, Riley, a seventh-grader, and Tyler, a fifth-grader.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Maybe a neonatologist, a speech therapist or a math professor in college What’s your favorite subject?

Math. I’m really good with numbers.

What was your favorite cartoon when you were little?

“Blues Clues.”

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

Italy. I’ve never been out of the United States.

What’s your favorite food.

Mashed potatoes Do you have a favorite movie?

“Bend It Like Beckham.” I like it because it’s about a girl playing soccer.

— Jen Blanco

Public Skate Hours:

Monday through Friday: 10am-Noon Friday and Saturday: 8pm-10pm Saturday: 1:15pm-3:15pm Sunday: 1pm-3pm Cheap Skate: Every Monday from 8:30-10PM

Skate & Eat $16

per person

Includes: 2 hours of skating, skate rental and Meal at Sud’s Restaurant ($10 food voucher. Only valid day of purchase)

www.ellentonice.com 941-723-3663

5309 29th St. East • Ellenton located off I-75 behind Prime Outlet

Free Skate Rental now through January 31

51472

How does it feel to have gotten another hat trick?

It feels pretty good. It gives me (more) confidence in myself and (even) more desire to win districts.

What do you enjoy the most about soccer?

It’s really competitive. I like the aggression of it — it never stops. I also love the feeling of scoring a goal.

What’s your fondest soccer moment?

Last fall, I was playing for my Kingdom Premier team in Michigan and it came down to penalty kicks. It was the biggest tournament of the whole year, and I was the last person to kick. I scored, and we ended up winning the tournament. It was a great feeling because there were so many people watching.

How did you get into soccer?

I’ve been playing since I was able to walk.

I started playing friendly games with the American Youth Soccer Organization.

Ice Skate at Ellenton Ice!

Must present coupon. Offer good for up to 10 people.

50975

Braden River sophomore forward Lindsey Seifert netted her second hat trick of the season, leading the Lady Pirates to a 6-0 victory over Palmetto in a Class 4A-District 10 quarterfinal match Jan. 20. Seifert led the team in goals this season with 12. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

51478

Lindsey Seifert

941-365-GOLF(4653) 1000 Circus Boulevard • Sarasota, FL 34232

5 Days Advance Tee Times Click or Call

www.YourObserver.com

RELAY / FROM PAGE 14A

COMMUNITY GOLF

+ Lakewood Ranch

Jean Newbon shot 33 to win Flight 1 of the ones WGA Ladies event Jan. 4 on Cypress Links. Marilyn Popp shot 34 to win Flight 2. Alexis Heckman shot 29 to win Flight 3. Ginnny Moss shot 31 to win Flight 4 while Ellie Stoddard shot 30 to win Flight 5.

+ River Club

Noel Pressler scored seven to win the quota points LGA event Jan. 4.

Gail Overholt scored 32 to win the holes beginning with T and F LGA event Jan. 11.

+ Tara

Nick Dadas, Tim Eisenmann, Bruce McCarthy and Joe Keddermann scored 124 to win the 1-2-3 on 3-4-5 MGA event Jan. 5.

Pat Griffin, Renate Lenartz, Therese Bryan and Deanna Inman scored 26 to win the nine-hole event Jan. 6.

Ross Seward used his 5-iron to record an ace Jan. 7 on the 169-yard No. 6 of Tara Golf & Country Club.

Bill Gresham and Herb Gee scored 61.5 to win Flight 1 of the alternate shot front nine, best ball back nine MGA member/member event Jan. 10. Bill Waldie and Frank Dunham scored 62 to win Flight 2. The teams of Rick Geren and Dick Zipp and Les Rogers and John Kleis scored 61.5 to win Flight 3.

The teams of Art Connor

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

SPORTS

and Gerald O’Reilly and Roger Kaufman and Bruce McCarthy scored 62 to win Flight 4.

Debbie Beaton, Helen Cunniff, Carole Price and Dee Levi scored 117 to win the one best ball yellow flag; two best balls white flag; three best balls red flag WGA event Jan. 11.

Marcia Rylott, Sandy Geren, Pat Griffin and Eva Frederick scored 41 to win the two best balls odd gross nine-hole event Jan. 13.

+ University Park

Janet Beiler, Brenda Ottaway, Fran Vaka and Judy Leto scored 99 to win the 1-2-1 on 3-4-5 LGA event Jan. 11.

Peter McKergow, Bill Collins, Harvey Gross and Steve Patrice scored 103 to win the best ball MGA event Jan. 12.

Randy and Sally Holden shot 77 to win the one best ball of two Couples Club Championship Jan. 16.

+ Waterlefe

Jill Lavine scored 27 to win the individual par 3s and par 5s only net Ladies Day event Jan. 4.

Ken Bumgarner, John Brocki, Bob Griswold and John Harrison scored 192 to win the stabelford points Men’s Day event Jan. 5.

Tony Tierno used his 8-iron to record an ace Jan. 8 on the 162-yard No. 11 hole.

quite know what to expect when they drove down to Miami to begin the race. But 29 hours and 191 miles later, the team reveled in the experience after winning first place in the high school division.

“I’d never heard of running from Miami to Key West,” Balades said.

“Not many people can say they’ve run that far.”

The idea to compete in the race originated this past fall when assistant cross country coach Jim Kennon received an e-mail about the race. After some research, Kennon asked if anyone was interested in participating.

“We have several kids who run cross country or have done half marathons, so I told them if they were interested to let me know,” Kennon said. “Eventually, we got a team together and a couple alternates and began training.”

The team began training for the Ragner Relay in November and spent the better part of two months running over the Ringling Bridge on weekends and over Christmas Break.

On Jan. 7, the team divided into two vans and drove down to Miami for the start of the race. Team Out-of-Door started the race at 12:30 p.m. and crossed the finish line as a team at 5:30 p.m. the following day on Duval Street in Key West.

Each member of the team was given a predetermined distance to run. Once every runner in the first van had run, the members of the second van began their portion of the race. By the time the race was over, every member of Team Outof-Door had run three times, with distances ranging from three to 12 miles.

Courtesy photo

Students and faculty from The Out-of-Door Academy competed in the 2011 Ragner Relay Jan. 7-8. The team won the high school division.

night of it all of a “I heard about it, sudden you’re at and I started out Team Marathon and your as an alternate, but Out-of-Door realize Miami is 150 (someone) backed miles behind you,” out and I was put Students Kennon said. “A lot in,” Hudson said. “I Sarah Balades of the kids were saywas always excited Emma Lystad ing, ‘We did this.’” to do it. I thought it Josh Kennon Josh Lovin Following the was a cool idea.”

Wesley Kean race, every memDuring the 191Mitchell Hudson ber of Team Outmile distance, the Peter Runge of-Door received a team crossed the Zach Lang medal and a relay Seven Mile Bridge, Caitlyn Durfee-Alternate baton for their acran through the complishment. The Everglades at night Faculty team spent the rest and ran a lap inside Jane Runge of the day enjoying the HomesteadKen Sommers Key West, which Miami Speedway.

Jamie Rubens Jim Kennon for most of the At night, the team team simply meant was required to wear safety gear, including a vest enjoying a hot meal and getting some much-needed rest. and head and tail lamps.

“I don’t think we realized how “I liked running at night,” Hudson said. “There were some places tired we really were until a few where you could only see what days later,” Balades said. “I learned your headlight saw. That was my to appreciate sleep and normal favorite part, as crazy as it sounds.” food a lot more.”

“Everyone was a little anxious Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@ at first, but once you get into the yourobserver.com.

The Observer You. Your Neighbor. Your Neighborhood.

47189

16A

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

SPORTS

INBRIEF

their awards during a presentation Feb. 8 at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota.

8-6-3 and captured the No. 2 seed in the Class 4A-District 10 tournament.

+ Mustangs edge past + Lakewood Ranch Southeast on Senior Night clinches No. 2 seed

+ Lady Pirates fall in district semifinals

The Braden River High girls soccer team fell to second-seeded Seminole Osceola 3-1 in a Class 4A-District 10 semifinal match Jan. 21.

Morgan Haas scored the only goal for the Lady Pirates.

Braden River entered the district semifinals having come off a 6-0 shutout of Palmetto in a Class 4A-District 10 quarterfinal match Jan. 20. Sophomore Lindsey Seifert netted her second hat trick of the season to lead the way for Braden River. Senior captain Rachel Hassen scored a pair of goals and Haas scored a goal.

+ Mustang grapplers defeat Sarasota Sailors

The Lakewood Ranch High boys soccer team wrapped up its regular season with a 4-3 victory over Southeast Jan. 19 on Senior Night.

Junior Joel Ferguson scored a pair of goals to lead the way for Lakewood (17-3-3). Sophomore Jake Severson and senior Marco Padilla each added a goal to round out the scoring for the Mustangs.

+ Pirates tie in regular season finale

The Braden River High boys soccer team tied Manatee 1-1 in its regular season finale Jan. 21.

Danny Lane scored the Pirates lone goal off an assist from Ryan Rawlings.

Braden River finished the regular season

The Lakewood Ranch High boys basketball team captured the second seed in the Class 4A-District 10 tournament with a pair of wins over Dixie Hollins and St. Pete Lakewood.

The Mustangs defeated Dixie Hollins 65-53 Jan. 20. Jordan Baker led the way with 12 points followed by Brian Cobb with 11 points and Zach Ange with eight points.

On Jan. 22, Lakewood defeated St. Pete Lakewood 63-55 to improve its record to 14-6 and 5-1 in the dis-

www.YourObserver.com

17A

trict. Cobb led the way with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Brett Hanewich added 16 points, followed by Baker with 11 points and Tim Greenamoyer with 10 points.

+ Thunder hoops top St. Stephen’s

The Out-of-Door Academy boys basketball team defeated rival St. Stephen’s 51-43 Jan. 21.

Junior point guard Brian Ragone led all scorers with 23 points, including four threepointers. Juniors Grant McCarthy and Jack Cannon followed with eight points each.

On Jan. 22, the Thunder lost to Lakeland Christian 66-52. Senior Zach Urow led the way with 16 points. Ragone followed with 13 points, and McCarthy added 10 points.

The Lakewood Ranch High varsity and JV wrestling teams both defeated Sarasota Jan. 19.

The Mustangs varsity squad defeated the Sailors 57-19. Nick Schilson (145 pounds), Sam Harper (160) and Kyle Riley-Hawkins (189) all recorded pins for Lakewood. The JV wrestling team defeated Sarasota 67-12. Ryan Golden (140) and Lucas Sanchez (171) both recorded pins in their respective matches.

+ Rosedale Master Professionals win awards

Rosedale Golf & Country Club PGA Master Professional Mike Clayton and assistant PGA Master Professional Steve Whidden recently were named the winners of a pair of awards.

Clayton was selected for a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Whidden’s peers in the Southwest Chapter of the North Florida PGA selected him as the Teacher of the Year. The two will receive

UNHAPPY

Is your heart healthy?

Help prevent a heart attack with a free 7-minute survey.

with your dentist?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 616,000 Americans in 2007.* Many people are unaware that heart disease can be modifiable and preventable.

Find out if YOU are at risk for heart disease. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offers a free cardiovascular risk assessment you can take without leaving the comfort of your home.

Simply visit lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com and click on the HeartAware Risk Evaluation. The assessment will take about seven minutes to complete. At the end, you will receive personalized, strictly confidential information that will help you:

Visit the Smile Smart Dental Center and get a 2nd opinion – FREE! A state-of-the-art facility with a warm, friendly staff, right in your neighborhood, we will answer all your dental questions – and you’ll leave smiling.

• Assess your current cardiovascular health status and identify any medical or lifestyle conditions that may lead to development of the disease.

• Take action to reduce your level of risk, including making you aware of the many services available through Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

COUPON REQUIRED

NEW PATIENT EXAM

$

99

00*

• Receive optional free continuing education via e-mail about your specific cardiovascular health and risk factors.

Reg. $340

Save $245

Knowing your risk profile will enable you to take control of your health and provide you with the best defense against cardiovascular disease.

Includes Comprehensive Exam (ADA 150), Full series of x-rays (ADA 210) and Panorex (ADA 330) * Excludes any promotions, interest-free financing or insurance. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 2/15/11

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

941-755-8480

smilesmartdentalcenter.com

8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34202 (941) 782-2100 www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com

7270 East 55th Avenue Bradenton, FL 34203

50019

Tara Twelve Oaks Publix Plaza

50390

We Treat You Like Family.

Get the free mobile app at

http://gettag.mobi

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

18A

SOCCER / FROM PAGE 14A tournament and a first-round bye, the Lady Mustangs began their run for the championship in the 4A-District 10 semifinals Jan. 21.

Lakewood took a 2-0 lead in the first half on a pair of goals by senior forward Sarah Miller and never looked back. The host Lady Mustangs defeated the Lady Rebels 5-0 to earn a spot in the district championship.

After resting most of its starters in the second half of the district semifinals, Lakewood entered the district championship poised and relaxed. On the other sideline, Seminole Osceola was coming off a grueling a threegame-in-three-days schedule.

“We were at a little bit of an advantage,” coach Guy Virgilio said. “Playing Thursday, Friday and Saturday — it’s just too many games in a small amount of time. By having a bye, and (Friday), we got to rest some of the starters, (and) it got to pay out.”

With the wind whipping through Lakewood’s stadium, the Lady Mustangs spent the first half keeping Osceola off the scoreboard while playing against the wind.

Riggins put the Lady Mustangs on the scoreboard in the 31st minute off an assist from her sister, Delaney Riggins.

Miller added another goal three minutes later, giving Lakewood a 2-0 advantage.

“Once we won the coin toss, I just said, ‘Keep them from scoring in the first half. I know we’ll have the advantage in the second half,’” Virgilio said. “We started moving the ball around,

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

SPORTS

www.YourObserver.com

and we made things happen.”

In the second half, Riggins scored three goals in a span of 13 minutes — two of which came two-and-one-half minutes apart.

“The goalie was coming off of her line, so it was easy to just chip it over her head,” Riggins said.

Kaitlyn Wolfe and Morgan Salmon notched a pair of assists, and goalkeeper Alexandra Latham tallied three saves on her way to her 17th shutout of the season.

“We knew that the game was not going to be easy,” Virgilio said. “That was a good team. We scored, and we knew once we scored, they had to come out, and that’s what they did.”

Following their victory, the Lady Mustangs grabbed an orange water cooler and drenched Virgilio, who spent the entire game trying to stay warm, in an ice bath.

“I told the girls I didn’t mind,” Virgilio said with a smile. “I didn’t mind at all.”

The district champion Lady Mustangs now will advance to the regional tournament, where they will play host to Dover Strawberry Crest, the District 9 runner-up, in a Region 3 quarterfinal match at 7 p.m., Jan. 27.

“It’s different,” Riggins said of this year’s team. “We have a lot of new players. We have (five) new freshmen. But everyone this year is really close knit and everyone is putting the effort in.

“We have a long way to go,” she said. “Last year, we got to the final four, so the pressure is on to make it there again and possibly win states.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

Aubrey Riggins netted the first four-goal game of her career in the Class 4A-District 10 Championship Jan. 22.

Photos by Brian Blanco

Lady Mustangs defender Juliana Guida attempts to steal the ball away from a Seminole Osceola.

Right: Jo Salmon attacked the ball throughout the tournament.

Tired of washing out your

Dirty, Smelly traSh canS filled with bugs, junk & germs?

• Completely safe & environmentally friendly • Very economical less than $ 8/month • germ-free every week!

for more information or to schedule your service visit our website:

51453

www.canitizeUSa.com or call 941-309-5428

50758

A

od ! borho h g i e N ou r Y n i ble a l We will Sanitize i Ava w your traSh CanS No e c rv i & reCyCle BinS se w the day of garbage pick up!

Ne

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

19A

Observe

what you are missing...

140,000 WEEkLy

rEAdErS!

Let our loyal readers become

Sarasota/63,000 East County/46,200 Longboat/35,100

your future customers!

Call or email to request your Media Kit today!

advertise@yourobserver.com | 941.366.3468

Local news that’s

LOCAL NEWS! YourObserver.com 50982

50982

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

20A

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

You may not know what you’re looking for, it. but now you know where to

find

To be notified of special events and open houses, we invite you to join our private registry at SignatureSIR.com

4083 Shell Road Walled and gated compound combining the best of tropical Florida together with a modern casual flair. Designed to take advantage of full gulf views from most rooms, the main residence with its vaulted ceilings, large open living area, Mexican tile, game room and enormous chef’s kitchen exudes a comfortable yet sophisticated beach house feel. $4,850,000 Cheryl Loeffler & Joel Schemmel 941.302.9674

7044 Hawks Harbor Circle Brian Wood

$1,995,000 941.928.8408

320 Sunrise Drive Freya Fuller

$1,899,000 941.223.1644

113 12th Avenue E Gary Janaczek

$1,785,000 941.685.0973

6424 Gulf Drive Terry Hayes

$1,675,000 941.302.3100

6512 Midnight Pass Road, 402 Schemmel Property Group, Joel Schemmel

223 Harbor Drive N Terry Hayes

$1,399,999 941.302.3100

316 Nassau Street S. Ann Keohan

$1,295,000 941.441.6867

8811 Colonels Court Cheryl Loeffler

$1,249,000 941.302.9674

2035 79th Street NW Martha Marlar

$1,150,000 941.812.0455

12604 Deacons Place Pat Warren

$849,000 941.350.7044

51 Cayman Isles Boulevard Bob Linthicum

$539,900 941.228.9206

OPEN HOuSE SuNDAY 1-4 SIEStA KEY $1,784,900 941.587.1776

5050 Commonwealth Drive Sharon Chiodi & Joel Schemmel

2043 79th Street NW Martha Marlar

941.364.4000

$1,699,000 941.809.0380

$1,999,900 941.812.0455

877.317.7003

SignatureSIR.com

©MMX Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. ®,™ and SM are licensed trademarks to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

$2,199,000 941.587.4894

To preview open house selections from your phone, scan this code.

51138

620 Regatta Way Tamara & Todd Currey

BUSINESS

CLASSIFIEDS

EAST LIFE

REAL ESTATE

GAMES

TRAVEL

WEATHER

Neighborhood ■

■

■

inside

Young readers enjoy pajama party on Main.

Page 3B.

■

■

■

■

critter creation

Photo Contest

Wild Wranglers Braden River students learn all about animals.

See inside for this week’s weather winner. Page 14B

See page 6B

www.YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, january 27, 2011

Robyn and Tom Payant couldn’t wait to see Paula Creamer in person for the first time.

Ellie Wheian, 12, and Alisa Kulikova, 13, enjoyed meeting their favorite golfer.

BRRRthday Bash Six-year-old Hunter Griffin enjoyed a front-row seat for the clinic.

Despite gusty winds and chilly temperatures, the The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club celebrated its fifth anniversary in grand fashion during a clinic with U.S. Women’s Open Champion Paula Creamer Jan. 22.

During the clinic, Creamer provided instructional tips and insight into her winning shots, answered questions and demonstrated some of her shots.

IN FOCUS

Paula Creamer presented an autographed club to River Wilderness resident Patty Warga.

Paula Creamer demonstrated a number of different shots for members and their guests.

by Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Wendi Golden brought her daughters Jordan, 8, and Taylor, 7.

U.S. Women’s Open Champion Paula Creamer stopped for pictures with members of Sarasota First Tee and IMG Academies following her instructional clinic Jan. 22.

2B

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NEIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

reaching new heights

Freedom students SOAR

Dylan Gordan, Aba Sankah and Emma McIntyre knew the words and motions to all of the songs.

Left: Guidance Counselor Sherri Brunner explained what it means to be an active learner.

Students at Freedom Elementary School were rewarded for positive behavior while learning what it means to be an active learner during the school’s SOAR Assembly and spirit day Jan. 20.

Students received prizes for staying on task, sang songs and learned the importance of positive self talk, goal-setting and effort.

— Jen Blanco

Brittany Dean, 11, won a pizza for staying on task this quarter.

Third-grader Mackenzie Ramalho helped lead the students in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The fifth-grade SOAR Ambassadors helped out throughout the assembly.

Right: Five-year-old Ana Florez showed off her balancing skills with a little help from guidance counselor Sherri Brunner.

SMART-SPLIT DIVORCE MEDIATION

Accounting HeAdAcHes?

UNCOUPLING IS HARD ENOUGH

Hire a Local Expert

- DON’T -

SURRENDER CONTROL and MONEY - DO -

PURSUE this RATIONAL, ECONOMICAL and LAWYERLESS ALtERNAtIvE to an UNCONtEStED DIvORCE For More Information go to:

&

n

n

n

Learn about LawyerLess Mediation self-determination - not the system

n

Leonard Goodkin Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator

ServiceS, LLc

Affordable Accounting & Bookkeeping Solutions Prepare Financial Statements Prepare Payroll & Tax Reports Improve Business Focus Reduce Business Risk

Free up Your Time for what You do Best!

LAkewood RAncH

941-993-6807

Created from a Dream Awaken your vision— experience the

new Dalí. You’ll find there is more to Dalí than you ever imagined.

One Dalí Boulevard | St. Petersburg, FL 33701 thedali.org for tickets and information

Now Open.

50612

51400

Accounting Bookkeeping n

Smart-SplitDivorceMediation.com or call 941-993-2800

SARASOTA: 1900 MAIN ST. SUITE 750 LAKEWOOD RANCH: 9040 TOWN CENTER PKWY. (COMING SOON)

Over 25 years experience

50162

- Because -

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NEIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

3B

BEDTIME STORY

The Soda Group Now Joined by

The Cutmores

#1

Julie Cutmore, Ian Cutmore, Jim Soda, Donna Soda

TogeTher They Are In Total Sales In Listings Taken

Megan Bovaird, 5, had a blast making her own pillow at the Little Bookworms Pajama Party.

Eager readers put on their most comfy nighttime attire and headed to Little Bookworms for the shop’s Pajama Party Jan. 20 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. The party featured a book signing by author Tracey Williams, who read her book, “Go Back to Bed!” — Michael Eng Left: Remy DeVictor, 2, wore his Scooby Doo PJs to the party.

2010 ToTAl hoMe SAleS In 34202*

Bookworms throw PJ party on Lakewood Ranch Main Street

In Listings Sold

*Total Properties Sold in zip code 34202 in the last 12 months according to Trendgraphix statistics from Jan 1, 2010 through Dec 31, 2010.

60 50 40 30 20 10 0

THE SODA GROUP

Real Estate Agent “B”

Real Estate Agent “C”

Real Estate Agent “D”

fACTS Are fACTS

Right: Sebastian Parr, 21 months, loved the story.

Isabella Miller, 20 months, attended the party with her nana, Margaret White.

Stunning fully appointed. Green built Wetherington 3/4BR/3BA w/ scenic lake view. Diagonal tile, Custom cherry cabinets, chef’s gourmet kitchen. $ 469,900

Magnificent custom built masterpiece.

4BR/4BA, quiet private setting. Gourmet kitchen. $2,250,000

Gorgeous Lakewood Ranch Country Club Home in St. George. 3BR/3fullBA. Office with designer built-ins & wood flooring. Gourmet kitchen, huge family room $629,000

7915 Royal Birkdale C.C. Home.Lake View.3 bed./3 bath.Tile/Fireplace.Wet bar/Marble.

Outdoor kit./pool & spa $750,000

7494 Edenmore Former Model.3 bed/2 bath. Den/Wood Fls./Fully Appointed/ Granite,Stainless Appli./Surround Sound/Pool & Spa $500,000

Gorgeous former Todd Johnston model, meticulously maintained, upgraded and updated.

3 beds, den, 3 car garage, pool & spa. Spectacular Lake and golf course views. $649,000

Local author Tracey Williams read her book, “Go Back to Bed!”

FAMILY • COSMETIC • IMPLANT • PREVENTIVE • EMERGENCY

Now Accepting New Patients Complementary 2nd Opinions

New Patient Special

79

$

Cleaning, Exam & Xrays

Kennedy Dental

MAkIng The rIghT ConneCTIon...

MAkeS All The DIfferenCe.

Offer good in absence of gum disease.

Not Valid with other offers or insurance discounts. Offer expires 2/28/11

www.KennedyDentalCare.com

941-351-9900

American Dental Association American Dental Implant Association Academy General Dentistry FL Dental Association West Coast District Dental Association

The fASTeST growIng reAl eSTATe CoMPAny In The worlD!

Joleyn McClemens, RDH, BS, CDHC

American Dental Hygiene Association President-Elect of FL Dental Hygiene Association Manatee Sarasota Dental Hygiene Association Past Delegate of FL Dental Hygiene Association

Offer good in absence of gum disease. Not valid with other offers, prior services, and/or insurance discounts D0150, D1110, D0210, D0330 THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENY, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, OR TREATMENT.

each office independently owned and operated.

The Soda Group | 941-840-1168 www.jimsoda.com | donnasoda@gmail.com

51463

Aaron Kennedy D.M.D.

Dentistry For All Ages Most PPO Dental Insurance Accepted

51470

8198 Tourist Center Dr. Located off University Pkwy. (across from Super Target)

$50 OFF

4B

www.YourObserver.com

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

Sclerotherapy and 1/2 OFF compression stockings at time of treatment

Erasers

TM

Body Enhancement Centers, Inc.

(877) 414-VEIN (8346)

www.erasersinc.com

TM

Body Enhancement Centers, Inc. 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Suite 290 Bradenton, Florida

www.erasersinc.com

Expires 2/28/2011

Sclerotherapy $200 for 10 minute treatment

50549

Erasers

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Suite 290, Bradenton, FL 34202 Phone: (941) 907-3400

Clockwise from above: Braden River High’s Desiree Brigham, Kristyn Klefenz and Kevin Parra worked a tic-tac-toe game.

Joe Smillie, 5, was determined to succeed at a ball rolling game.

SmilesTalk.com Smiles Talk... What Does Yours Say?

ua ve yo le i g s Let u tiful smi beau 2011! in

• Convenient after school and after work appointments • Invisalign, Lingual, Ceramic, and Traditional Braces offered • Many insurances accepted • No interest financing

Call today to schedule your complimentary inital exam!

Lakewood Ranch 6286 Lake Osprey Dr., Sarasota, FL 34240 941-907-8898

Sarasota 2916 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34239 941-922-6444

50413

Claudia F. Moricz, DDS, MS Karen L. Varone, DDS, MS

Heritage Harbour resident Paula Kelly enjoyed lunch with her daughter, Heather Little, Heather’s husband, Rick, and their children, Emma and John.

Our land’s greatest yield

won’t end with the harvest Enriching farmland is our labor and our love. We provide American farmers with nutrients to grow the food we need.

This means lower food costs for us and more land that can be preserved for the environment.

But our work doesn’t stop there. After mining the natural phosphate needed to make our products, we reclaim the land for recreational and environmental uses. We bring more food to your table, along with a commitment to stewardship of our natural resources.

®

www.mosaicfla.com

49952

A better Florida and a better world

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NEIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

5B

family fun

Stoneybrook Golf Club enjoys community day Families in Heritage Harbour’s Stoneybrook community gathered just outside the Stoneybrook Golf Club Jan. 22 for the club’s Community Day event.

Attendees enjoyed pizza and hot dogs, children’s activities, golf-themed contests and other festivities.

— Pam Eubanks

Andy Swartz brought out his children, Faye and Celia, both 7, and Mark, 9.

Left: Peggy Panico, with Bennie, lives down the street from Maureen and Chuck Barber.

David Lee took aim to win a golfing accuracy contest.

Eight-year-old Emily Wilcox and her mom, Julie, were eager to join in on the festivities.

50546

Two-year-old Owen Lockaby thoroughly enjoyed bouncing as high as he could.

6B

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NEIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

animal attraction

BRE third-graders run wild with zoo project Third-grade students at Braden River Elementary School on Jan. 20 made a special trip to the zoo without leaving the comforts of their school campus.

After researching animals and creating dioramas of their natural habitats, student sshared what they had learned with children from visiting classrooms and also visited the ‘zoos’ set up in other classrooms to collect data. Students have been learning about animal classifications.

— Pam Eubanks

Grace Dunn, 8, shared with other students facts about the arctic fox.

Cassie Lloyd, Leila Parks and Gemma Zapatha checked out the arctic fox exhibit.

David Cordova-Munoz eagerly collected information about animals.

Carmen McDowell, 8, clearly labeled her whale shark as a mammal for zoo-goers. “I don’t like to talk too much,” she said.

P.J. Fincher, 8, got accolades from other students about his silverback gorilla display.

Plan Your Superbowl Party

Superbowl Party

with Us! 753-0051

Olivia Leckie, Sasha Krill, Heaven Bazo and Malory Wilson were eager to share information about the animals they researched.

Andrew Denboggende, 8, chose to showcase the gray fox.

Rediscovering

You

• 18” Extra LargE aNY waY Pizza Only $11.99* up to 6 toppings *excludes Chicken and Philly Cheesesteak

• SANDWICH PlAtterS (feeds up to 8 people)

Turkey, Ham, Chicken Salad or Italian $25.00

• BuffAlo WINg PlAtterS

(includes celery and blue cheese dressing)

36 wings $18.99 • 50 wings $24.99

Pick up and Delivery ONLY

Understand who you are and learn how to improve those aspects of yourself that may have been holding you back.

FREE SINGLES RETREAT: No Children (under 15) Allowed.

Saturday, February 12 * 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Learn how to: • Forgive and be forgiven. • Identify where you want to go and who will go with you.

• Recognize limiting beliefs, attitudes and thoughts and replace them with more productive and creative ones.

• Identify and change negative habits of communicating and relating with others.

Open 7 Days a Week www.SopranosOfNew York.com

LUNCH PROVIDED! Certificates of Completion will be awarded!

51469

Mon. - Thurs. 11am - 9pm • Fri. - Sat. 11am - 10pm • Sun. 1 2pm - 9pm 8744 SR 70 E., Ranch Lake Plaza (next to Sweetbay)

REGISTER AT www.youandmeWE.org OR CALL 941.708.5894

Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant Number 90FE0132/01. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. You&Me.WE programs and services are not intended to address the very serious issue of domestic violence. Abuse is never OK. If you feel you may be in an abusive relationship, call the Florida Hotline at 800-500-1119 (www.fcadv.org).

51365

Must Must Order Order before before Superbowl Superbowl to to get get these these special prices!

50622

Courtyard Marriott • 100 Riverfront Blvd. • Bradenton, FL, 34205

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

7B

leadership

Fourth-grader assumes BRE principal position

Paris Pratt served as the school’s Principal for a Day Jan. 11.

The Artist Series of Sarasota presents

Joyce YANG piano

By Jen Blanco | Associate Editor

Stefan JACKIW violin SUN - JANUARY 30 and TUES - FEBRUARY 1 at 7:30 p.m.

In the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art STRAVINSKY Suite Italiene – COPLAND Sonata for Violin and Piano BRAHMS Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108

UPCOMING...SUN – FEBRUARY 13 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy photo

TUES – FEBRUARY 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Paris Pratt, 10, hopes to be Braden River’s Principal for a Day again next year.

Pratt also enjoyed handing out BRE bucks to his friends if they were good and playing on the playground.

“All my friends kept saying, ‘Look it’s Principal Paris,’” Pratt said. “I got to go on the playground with the fourth-graders, and I (couldn’t) get in trouble.”

But according to Pratt, the best part of being the Principal for a Day wasn’t simply being in control of the school.

“We got to order pizza, and I got to bring three friends,” Pratt said. “It was better than just lunch.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

New York Cabaret Stars

Will and Anthony NUNZIATA

praised by the New York Times for their engagingly brassy professionalism Tickets online 24/7 at www.artistseries.net or call the box office

360-7399

51414

BRADEN RIVER — Ten-year-old Paris Pratt wants to be a pilot when he grows up.

And on Jan. 11, the Braden River Elementary School fourth-grader got a glimpse at what it takes to be a leader and how to take control of any situation that may arise.

However, Pratt didn’t learn these particular lessons inside of a cockpit. Instead, he learned what it means to be a leader while serving as the school’s Principal for a Day. Pratt was given the opportunity after his father, Tyler, won it for him during an auction at the school’s Fall Ball.

“My brother did it in fourth grade, and he had lots of fun with it, so my dad wanted me to do it too,” Pratt said. “I want to be principal again next year because I thought it was fun this year.”

Pratt began the day by greeting students outside before the bell rang. Once school was in session, Pratt and Principal Hayley Rio discussed the day’s events on the morning news before visiting each of the classrooms and taking care of business in the office.

“She didn’t let me put my feet on the desk, but I got to sit in the comfy chair,” Pratt said with a smile.

After visiting with students, Pratt led prospective parents on a tour of the school.

“The hardest part was walking around and touring with people,” Pratt said. “My feet were killing me a little bit from walking around a lot.”

Furnish Your Whole House!

Up to 50% OFF

Creating Your Winning

Smile

We are Proud to Offer Same Day Dental Restoration!

Crowns in a single visit!

We now have the technology to create your crowns right here in our office!

Dental restoration in a SINGLE VISIT!

Visit all Three Locations! New Shipment Arriving Daily!

Free Next Day Delivery!

Tomorrow’s Technology Today

•We also offer:

• Take Home Whitening • Dental Implants • Porcelain Veneers • Mercury-Free White Fillings • Advanced Laser Gum Treatment

Pamaro Shop Furniture “The FLorida Look Since 1950”

(941) 359-2151

Pamaro North 7782 N. Tamiami Trail 941-355-5619

Pamaro East Pamaro South 5465 University Pkwy. 4586 S. Tamiami Trail 941-359-0025 941-923-3299

51459

Visit Us Online: www.markjflemingdds.com

www.ThePamaroShop.com

Most major credit cards welcome.

Ask about interest-free financing/ prepayment discount.

49824 27631

2924 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243

Register to Win A Free Gift Card at

8B

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NEIGHBORHOOD

www.YourObserver.com

lights, camera, action!

Ringling cameras roll at Summerfield Park A student-led movie crew of about 30 invaded Summerfield Park Jan. 14 to film a scene for a senior thesis project.

By Michael Eng | Executive Editor

LAKEWOOD RANCH — If anyone spotted a caveman lurking about in Summerfield Park, rest easy.

It was just a little movie magic in Lakewood Ranch.

About 30 students from the Ringling College of Art and Design on Jan. 14 set up shop in the East County to film a scene for a senior thesis project. The students brought with them a fourton truck filled with cameras, lighting equipment, wardrobe options and other movie-making necessities to film a caveman scene for senior Lindsey Batdorf ’s film, “Furry.”

Producer Stephen Reeves, whose parents live in Lakewood Ranch, discovered the wooded area behind the park during a scouting trip late last year. The foliage provided a perfect backdrop for the short film’s caveman scene.

“It (had) all the things we needed (to film),” Reeves says of Summerfield Park. “We needed bathroom facilities. We were able to rent out the pavilion, and we had access to woods.”

Batdorf agrees.

“The location was beautiful, and everything went really well,” she says. “We were fortunate to

Photos by Michael Eng

Lindsey Batdorf wants to break into the animation genre.

Right: More than 30 students are working on ‘Furry.’

find (it); it was exactly what we wanted.”

“Furry” tells the tale of Ryan Wetherby, a recent college graduate who harbors an obsession with animated animals. Wetherby’s obsession includes dressing up in costume, and the story follows his struggle to introduce his oddity with the girl of his dreams.

“This came about because I had a roommate two years ago who had this tiger personality,” Batdorf says. “She drew this tiger cartoon all the time, and she was really into cartoon animals.

“I researched it and found out there was this whole sect of ‘geekdom,’ as it were, of people who loved cartoon animals,” she says.

“They love dressing up like them, and I thought it would be interesting to write a story in which the protagonist was really into these cartoon animals.”

The Jan. 14 shoot in Lakewood Ranch was the only scene shot in the East County, Reeves says.

Other locations include outside the Van Wezel, the Ringling campus and other spots. Filming will continue this weekend, and then

Batdorf and the crew will move into the editing process.

Once complete, “Furry” will be part of Ringling’s annual screening party, which this year will take place in early May at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, where Reeves works.

For Batdorf, “Furry” is the culmination of her Ringling studies as a digital film major. She says she loves writing and directing and hopes to break into the animation genre after graduation.

Contact Michael Eng at Adam Quirch and Sara Hunter meng@yourobserver.com.

Orr star in ‘Furry.’

2011 Boys & Girls Clubs Showhouse 16th ANNUAl

jewels On The BAY

Featured Residence Enjoy The Best Views Of Sarasota Bay & Downtown!

Seventh Floor, 2054 s.f.

2 Spacious Bedrooms, 2 1⁄2 Baths, Den, Library - Call For New Pricing -

CROSLEY CARRIAGE HOUSE

8374 N.Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 ..............................

Please Be Our Guest For A Tour Of Sarasota Bay Club! ~ By Appointment ~

JAN 23- FEB 20

Sunday 12-4 PM Mon-Sat10-4 PM ...............................

TICKETS $20 @ THE DOOR

Call Kathryn Cooper Director of Sales

(941) 552-3284

Advance Tickets & Group Tours

DesignerShowhouseSarasota.com or 941.926.7794 50456

50935

Luxury Residences Starting In The $400’s • 1301 N. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.SarasotaBayClub.com

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

9B

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!

Are You Seeing as Well as You’d Like to?

We can Help!

BOARD CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGIST RICHARD K. MARSCHNER, JR.,M.D.,P.A. Serving East County exclusively for over 15 years!

• Cataract Surgery • Diabetic / Glaucoma Eye Care • Floaters / Flashes • Dry, Red or Itchy Eyes

• Same Day Emergency Visits Available • No Voicemail -Speak directly with Staff Member • Dr Marschner will Personally See You Every Visit

941-359-2900 • University Parkway

51468

Accepting Medicare Part B, BlueCross Blue Shield, Manatee County Gov’t

My parents taught me to be independent.

Now I want to help them maintain

their independence.

Submitted by Brenda Boynton

University Place resident Kathy Effley and Sarasota resident Brenda Boynton took their favorite newspaper with them all the way to the top of Mount Solaro, the highest point on the island of Capri. From the top, they enjoyed a 360-degree view of the bays of Naples and Salerno. Send photos to The East County Observer, c/o Michael Eng, 8788 State Road 70 E., Suite 103, Bradenton, FL 34202. You may also e-mail them to meng@yourobserver.com. Be sure to include your names and when and where the photo was taken.

Florida’s Famous Allie Hueter, daughter of Freedom Village Resident Piri Weimer

C irCus sarasota

presents

ing open eek… w Next Your t Ge Now! ts ticke

THE EDGE ...hold on to your seat!

Learn how Freedom Village can protect your parents financially while allowing them to live longer and healthier lives.

Freedom Village is a continuing care retirement community. We truly understand the needs of seniors and their families. Our Independent Living apartment homes allow residents to fully live and enjoy their lives – without the chores and burdens of home ownership. Residents enjoy a wonderful lifestyle and their families enjoy peace of mind.

Join us for a wine reception, dinner and presentation to learn more about how your family can embrace and enjoy the Freedom Village experience. A financial advisor will be available to answer your financial questions and adult children will be on hand to share their stories.

Learn how to make the move that can change and enhance your parents’ lives.

Wednesday, February 2

First 5 shows All tickets hAlF-Price!

RECEPTION: 5:30 p.m. • DINNER: 6:00 p.m.

Courtesy of

LOCATION: The Tuscany Restaurant, Freedom Village Bradenton

Thurs Feb 3 – Mon Feb 21, 2011

Reservations are required for this event.

Please call (941) 798-8122 for your reservations.

Under the Big Top (Tuttle Ave & 12th St) Tickets: www.CircusSarasota.org

(941) 355-9805

Supporting Non-Profit Circus Sarasota’s Year-Round Community Outreach Programs

Exceptional Experiences Every Day is a Service Mark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. 51280EF-ROP01-0211

49371

SM

51088

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues

A Life Care Community, Exceptional Experiences Every Day 6406 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209 www.brookdaleliving.com

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

NeWS

www.YourObserver.com

community calendar Thurs., Jan. 27 Around the World Progressive Dinner — Lakewood Ranch Main Street restaurateurs will be taking residents on a culinary trip around the world at 6 p.m., Jan. 27, on Main Street. From the Japan and Scotland to France and Mexico — and all the way back to the United States — the Around the World Progressive Dinner will give guests a variety of tastes throughout the night. The schedule includes: 6 p.m.: Saijo Sushi & Japanese Restaurant; 6:30 p.m.: Eduardo’s Cantina; 7 p.m.: MacAllisters Grill and Tavern; 7:30 p.m.: The Polo Grill and Bar; and 8 p.m.: Paris Bistrot. Cost is $60 per ticket and includes food, a specialty cocktail from each region and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Space is limited. For more information or to make reservations, contact Melissa Vu at The Polo Grill and Bar, 782-0899, Ext. 235, or melissa@pologrillandbar.com.

CornerStone Title Presents “Jet Pilots Don’t Have Rear View Mirrors” — Cornerstone Title will present this seminar at 9:30 a.m., Jan. 27, at The Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop. Master sales trainer and coach Alan B. Thompson will inspire real estate professionals to learn from the past year without living in the past at a seminar aimed at helping participants to set goals and chart their

course for success in 2011. There is no cost for the seminar and lunch.

Supporting materials will be made available for $4.95. To register, call 708-0300 or send an e-mail to mary@cornerstonetitle.biz.

Friends of the Braden River Branch Library Winter Book Sale —This sale will be from Jan. 27-29 at the library, 4915 S.R. 70 E. The sale begins with a members-only preview from 5-8 p.m., Jan. 27. The sale will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Jan. 28, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. 29. 727-6079.

Fri., Jan. 28 El Lago Ranchero in Lakewood Ranch — This restaurant, formerly Eduardo’s Cantina, will celebrate its grand opening Jan. 28-29 at the restaurant, 8126 Lakewood Main St. 907-9449.

Meet the Winemaker Event – Katy Rose Olive Oils will host this event from 5-8 p.m., Jan. 28, at the shop, 8111 Lakewood Main St., Suite 105. Daniel Gehrs, owner and winemaker of a small, old-style winery in Santa Barbara, Calif, will discuss his wines and sign bottles. 907-0306.

To publicize your event in our community calendar, please send it via fax: 753-8456; by mail: 8780 S.R. 70 E., Ste. 101, Bradenton, FL 34202; or by e-mail: meng@yourobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

Soulercoaster — This band will perform from 9 p.m. to midnight, Jan. 28, at The Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop. 782-0899.

Wine Tasting — WineStyles Lakewood Ranch will host this tasting from 5-7 p.m., Jan. 28, at the shop, 8225 Nature’s Way, San Marco Plaza. 306-5804 or www. winestyles.net/lakewoodranch.

Sat., Jan. 29 Christian Contemporary Concert — Singer/guitarist Chris Driesbach will perform at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 29, at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 14605 59th Ave. E., Lakewood Ranch. 747-5564 or rsavior.com.

Forks & Corks 2011: Quintessa and Flowers Vineyard & Winery Wine Dinner — This dinner will be from 7-11 p.m., Jan. 29, at the Marinaccio residence in The Concession, 20818 Parkstone Terrace. Cost is $175. RSVP to Melissa Vu, The Polo Grill and Bar, 782-0899, Ext. 325.

Glass Onion Band — This band will perform from 9 p.m. to midnight, Jan. 29, at The Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop.

782-0899.

Mon., Jan. 31 Beginner’s Conversational Italian with Roberto — These Italian classes will be from 6:30-8 p.m., Mondays, at Mamma Onesti’s, 8453 Cooper Creek Blvd. Cost is $45 per lesson or $160 for the entire class; includes dinner every evening.

RSVP to (727) 866-6892.

Tues., Feb. 1 Fox Business Group —This group will host its weekly business luncheon at noon, Feb. 1, at Duff’s Original Buffet, 6010 14th St. W. 758-2404.

Living with Hearing Loss — The Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will launch this five-workshop program beginning at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 1, at the United Way of Manatee County, 4215 Concept Court, Lakewood Ranch. The program is designed to meet the needs of family members, friends, co-workers and service providers as well as the person with hearing loss. Joan Haber, 3231418 (voice) or joan1@comcast. net. Those using a TDD should call Donna Carlton, 366-0260. You may

Gulfcoast Chinese American Association and Sarasota Chinese Academy Chinese New Year Celebration — The Gulfcoast Chinese American Association and Sarasota Chinese Academy will celebrate Chinese New Year from 1:30-5 p.m., Jan. 29, at T.J. Johnson Youth Center, Faith Baptist Church, 8751 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. The celebration will feature Chinese dance, music, kung fu and the traditional lion dance. This event is free for GCAA members. For non-GCAA members, admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child, free for children under 6. For more, visit www.gulfcoastchineseamerican.org.

LWR Family Practice Walk-in

Sahib Shriners

Health & Beauty

Wed., Feb. 2 Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance — The alliance will host its February Networking Social from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 2, at the Cancer Support Com 5481 Communications Parkway. For more, visit www.LWRBA.org.

Thurs., Feb. 3 Financial Forum @ The Ranch —This group will meet at 9 a.m., Feb. 3, at the Serving Spoon, 8215 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Speaker will be from Penn Mutual.

Erich Weber, 350-5379.

Fri., Feb. 4 Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary — Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary will kick off its annual Animal Extravaganza Annual Fundraiser at 6 p.m., Feb. 4, at the sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota. The two-hour

presents

Memories of Elvis show

Look Good and Feel Good Inside and Out!

FRiday, JaN. 28, 2011 doors Open 6:30pm

Botox by Oscar Espinosa, M.D.

Showtime 7:30pm

(appointments necessary)

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program Lose Weight Safely

Complete Annual Physical Exams No Appointment Necessary Now Open Saturdays and Sunday 10am-2pm

Denise Elswick, MSN, ARNP Adult & Family Care Nurse Practitioner Specializing in Internal Medicine Oscar Espinosa, MD Family Healthcare Physician Minor Office Surgery, Internal Medicine (Habla Español) Mary J. Mott, MPAS, PA-C Adult & Family Care Physician Assistant Specializing in Allergy & Asthma

10910 State Road 70 E. Suite 102 • Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Fax

941-896-3901

advance Tickets $13 pp All Welcome Food available in the Lounge 4:30–7pm 50305

New this Year!

941-896-3900 •

Manasota Genealogical Society — This group will meet from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Feb. 1, at Manatee County Central Library, 1301 First Ave. Dr. David Boyett, a DNA specialist and VP of the Brandon Historical & Genealogical Society, will present “Genetic Genealogy – Understanding Your DNA.” Jean Morris, 722-5156, or www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flmgs.

CHrIs OLsOn’s

New Year, New You!

Office

also contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service by calling 711.

Located 1 ½ mile East of I-75 on SR70 - Spring Forest Office Park with Rose Radiology. Between River Club Blvd. & Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

51493

10B

www.espking.com Box Office 366-4449 Ext. 320 • 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota

Experience the privilege of playing The Founders Club

Preview Memberships Available From $725 Come enjoy our private Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course.

It could become an experience that lasts a lifetime.

Professional Caddies Available

•

State-of-the-Art Practice Facilities

Located approximately 3 miles east of I-75 on Fruitville Road (exit 210)

•

Exquisite Dining

47733

Contact Hugh O’Donnell, General Manager, for a complete schedule of private membership options.

Call 941-487-0881 or visit www.PlayTFC.com.

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

Sun., Feb. 6 Financial Forum @ The Meadows — This group will meet at 9 a.m., Feb. 6, at The Meadows Village Pub, 5013 Ringwood Meadows, Sarasota. Pierre Schutte, 5878174.

community Eastside Duplicate Bridge Club

— This club meets at 1 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, at Oneco Kiwanis Community Center, 1720 53rd Ave. E. Duplicate bridge players of all skill levels are welcome. 739-1100.

Girls’ Night Out — This event will be at 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at the Pink Studio of Lakewood Ranch, 7353 International Drive.

737-4273 or www.marykay.com/LisaHintze.

MOMS Club of Manatee — This club, which provides support for stay-at-home mothers, hosts monthly meetings and other events such as play groups, field trips and more. 753-5678 or momsclubofmanatee@ yahoo.com.

Polish-American Club of Colony Cove — The only active club of Polish-American descendents in the area meets at 1 p.m., the third Tuesday of each month, at Colony Cove, 4313 Kings Drive, Ellenton. For more, call Bernie Peterson, 729-0353, or Joe Drutowski, 756-1776.

UFO Group of Manatee — This group meets at 2:30 p.m., the first Saturday of each month, at the Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E. 722-6556.

VFW Post 12055 — This Braden River post meets at 7 p.m., the third Wednesday of the month, at the American Red Cross, 10311 Malachite Drive, Lakewood Ranch. 4475362.

11B

health/fitness Celebrate Recovery

— This group meets at 7 p.m., Mondays, at Faith Christian Church, 5215 Lorraine Road. Don Cahill and Sandra Livingston, 746-5711.

Dance, Tone and Stretch — This class meets at 9 a.m.,Tuesdays and Fridays, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1201 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota. Gail, 586-3464.

Energy Building Class — East West Health Center will host six classes of energy building for weight and stress reduction at 5:30 p.m., Mondays, and 9:30 a.m., Fridays, at the center, 1021 Carlton Arms Blvd. 744-9770.

Golf Lessons — These lessons for children age 6 through adults are offered at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA, 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. 782-0220.

Lakewood Ranch Running Club — This club meets at 6 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Braden River Nature Park, on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, and at 6 a.m. (long distance) and 7:30 a.m. (three- to fourmile runners) Saturdays, at Summerfield Park. Roger Raddatz, lwrrunner@hotmail. com or 755-7291.

Manasota Fibromyalgia Support Group — This group meets at 1 p.m., the first Saturday of each month, at Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E. 3558664.

Manatee Aging Network — This voluntary coalition of persons representing both profit and not-for-profit health, human and social service organizations and other concerned with aging issues meets at 8:30 a.m., the fourth Tuesday of each month, at Waters Edge of Bradenton, 3132 21st Lane W., Bradenton 34205. 748-7797.

Pregnancy Yoga Class — Support body and mind wellness during pregnancy and childbirth. Mothers-to-be can experience the benefits of pregnancy yoga for improved: posture, strength, flexibility, endurance, breathing and relaxation. This class is from 6 to 7:15 p.m., Mondays, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

To register, call 320-9867.

Friday, February 11

Golden Anniversary Tribute Dinner

50169

animal demonstrations will continue for four weeks at 6 p.m. on Fridays; 2 and 6 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults; $7 for children 12 and under.

They are available at the door or in advance at www.BigCatHabitat.com. For more, visit 371-6377.

www.YourObserver.com

50th Anniversary Weekend February 11-12 Friday & Saturday, February 11-12

Saturday, February 12

10 am - 5 pm with food and beverage

5 pm Sunset Reception catered by Mattison’s. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Reservations: 50th.ncf.edu/events

New College at 50 Festival vendors on campus throughout the day

Music & Dance Fuzion Dance Artists,

spontaneous dancers, bands and workshops

Open Houses & Campus Tours Mini-Classes with current and retired

faculty on a variety of subjects

Panel Discussions with prominent alums Children’s Activities bounce house, face

painting, music near Pritzker Marine Center

Art Shows and History Exhibits

Celebration on the Bay!

7 pm Free Concert with

the Sarasota Orchestra features premiere of new work

by Silas Durocher ‘07, under the tent along the bayfront.

Concert followed by fireworks and birthday cake

TM

The Ritz-Carlton, 6:30 pm

For more information, visit 50th.ncf.edu or call 941.487.4888

47181

Dinner, dancing and music by GetBack!

Cast of Beatlemania. Tickets: $250 ea.

Proceeds enhance the academic excellence of New College of Florida.

Reservations: 941.487.4800

12B

Beat the Heat!

• Reduce Cooling Costs Up to 30% • Effortless Storm Protection • Eliminate UV Fading • Free Estimates

BUSINESS OBSERVER + Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance welcomes new leaders

Window & Sliding Glass Door Repairs & Adjustments We sell, install & service...

• Replacement Windows & Doors

Bradenton • 3130 63rd Ave. East

• Solar & Security Window Film

Universalwindowsolutions.com

47333

• Hurricane Shutters

941-752-7473

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

www.YourObserver.com

During the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance’s annual meeting luncheon Jan. 19, alliance members officially welcomed the group’s new chairman, Bobbi Larson, to her yearlong post.

Larson, CEO of the American Red Cross Manatee County, will replace Marc Simms of RPM Business Advisors.

Other members of the Executive Committee this year will be: Brian Volner, chair elect; Barbara Jones, treasurer; Tommy Klauber, member services chair; Craig Cerreta, governmental affairs committee; Marc Simms, immediate past chair; and Joe Najmy.

Joining the Board of Directors for a first term are: Stephen Ackoury, Ian Black, Michelle Grunberg, Rex Jensen and Warren Simonds.

The alliance will host its February Networking Social from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 2, at the Cancer Support Com 5481 Communications Parkway.

For more information, visit www.lwrba.org.

+ Community Bank has profitable fourth quarter Community Bank, which has two East County branch locations, announced last week it made more than $84 million in new loans and had a profitable fourth quarter.

Chairman and CEO William H. Sedgeman Jr. said the company posted net income of $306,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010 — its third consecutive profitable quarter.

Community Bank specializes in small business administration loans, traditional commercial loans and residential mortgage loans including “jumbo” mortgages.

The bank’s East County locations are at 2025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and 6000 S.R. 70 E. For more, visit the bank’s website, www.

CommunityBankNow.com.

CornerStone Title to present Alan Thompson

is pleased to welcome Felicia A. Canada, MD Board Certified, Family Practice

Undergraduate: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY Residency: University of Louisville, Family & Community Medicine, Louisville, KY Certification: American Board of Family Medicine Intercoastal Medical Group provides integrated electronic health care records and diagnostic services for your safety and convenience.

Exclusively for patients of Intercoastal Medical Group, a weekend “Urgent Care” Clinic and Emergency Room coverage by an Intercoastal physician means that your health care needs are covered 24/7.

With more than 60 physicians in more than a dozen specialities and six locations, make Intercoastal Medical Group your health care team.

Sales trainer and coach Alan B. Thompson will be the featured speaker at CornerStone Title’s “Jet Pilots Don’t Have Rear View Mirrors” seminar from 9:30-11:30 a.m., Jan. 27, at The Polo Grill and Bar, Thompson 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Thompson, an expert in neuro-linguistic programming and mind-mapping techniques, is an inspirational speaker for the real estate industry in the United States and Canada. He teaches how to master

your mind by updating your triggers, tools and strategies. Thompson has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industry as a broker, manager, owner, Florida Real Estate Commission instructor and management/sales training consultant. He is a former radio and television personality and instructor for the Columbia School of Broadcasting.

This week’s event kicks off CornerStone Title’s 2011 educational series for real estate professionals, CornerStones For Success.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. A complimentary lunch will follow.

To register, call 708-0300 or send an email to mary@cornerstonetitle.biz. There is no cost for the seminar and lunch.

FREE PICK-UP & TAX DEDUCTION We need working appliances, furniture, home décor, home goods, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, and building materials.

CALL US TODAY

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

to schedule a pick-up (941) 355-7082

Medicare and most insurances accepted Same day appointments often available

941-359-9255

Now Open Mondays!

Open to the Public

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

NEW STORE HOURS:

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Suite #120 Bradenton, Florida 34202 50243

www.intercoastalmedical.com

39714

Monday – Saturday 9-5 Friday 9-6 1227 Hardin Ave. Tallevast, FL

LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN STERLING ARNOLD, DAVID BREITBARTH & JAMES CLARKE. PHOTO BY ALICIA DONELAN.

NOW PLAYING THRU MARCH 26

Reginald Rose

ALSO PLAYING THIS WEEK

LA BÊTE

BOEING BOEING

JAN 29 FEB 1 TALKBACK FEB 2

FEB 3 MEET THE ACTORS

8PM EVENING

2PM MATINEE

8PM EVENING 2PM MATINEE JAN 29

JAN 30 MEET THE ACTORS & AUDIO DESCRIBED

800-361-8000

JAY HANDELMAN, SARASOTA HERALD-TRIBUNE

SMART PHONE MICROSOFT TAG

Asolo Rep’s artistic programs are paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.

51405

“CRACKLING AND GRIPPING DRAMA”

ASOLOREP.ORG SPONSORED BY

by

DON’T MISS ThE BEsT Of BrOAdwAy, FEB 14, 8PM

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

13B

www.YourObserver.com

BY THE NUMBERS

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

Brighten Your Smile For The New Year!

These are the largest East County building permits issued by Manatee County for the week of Jan 3-14 in order of dollar amounts.

Permit

Addition Addition Pool Renovations Garage Pool Pool Pool Re-roof Door/windows Wall Pool Enclose porch Re-roof Door/windows Re-roof Re-roof Door/windows Re-roof Re-roof Re-roof Mechanical Lanai Pool cage Pool cage Pool cage Mechanical Pole barn Door/windows Mechanical Pool cage Mechanical Pool cage Mechanical Pool cage Door/windows Mechanical Mechanical Re-roof Mechanical

Applicant

Amount

Jonathan Kunis $158,423 Brian Grogan $100,000 Slava Vanous $35,000 $67,900 Carmen Alfaro $61,000 Raymond Warner Carol Macphee $40,000 Paul Decker $37,504 Timothy Peoples $34,701 Michael McKenna $33,762 James Love $26,307 Cheryl Courtney-Fetscher $20,078 Richard Calder $20,000 $16,379 Larry Cockroft Evelyn Parcels $14,853 $14,313 David Dennis John Pinkerton $13,400 David Ecoff Jr. $12,900 Diane Kemp $11,424 Benjamin Boyer $11,130 $11,100 James Art Gary Bergeron $10,000 Mark Jones $9,000 Roger Welty $8,500 Kelton Russell $8,400 Michael Kilcullen $8,139 Gary Stalter $8,138 Robert Armstrong $8,030 Keith Downs $8,000 Michael Evans $7,815 Richard Korngut $7,700 Gary Ulfers $7,500 Irving Braverman $7,243 R. Stewart Smith $7,213 Douglas Foeller $7,100 $6,807 Craig Clark $6,725 Robert Balit Anthony Butterworth $6,571 Floyd Jamison $5,898 Vernon Mort $5,700 Richard Trompke $5,525

Creekwood Dental can help!

Creekwood C rreekwood re eekwood D eek Dental ental Amir Guirguis, DDS Jennifer Pfeiffer, DDS General & Family Dentists 5210 Creekwood Blvd.

Bradenton, FL 34203

Second Opinion (Reg. $206) Offer Expires in 30 days.

Includes exam, x-ray & consultation. New Patients Only.

-OR-

www.CreekwoodDentalBradenton.com

Most Insurances Accepted!

New Patients Welcome!

Call today!

941-348-2799

Source: Manatee County

FREE Exam, X-rays &

A Proud Member of the Heartland Dental Care Family D9972, D0150, D0330, D0272, D0210, D1110 IT IS OUR OFFICE POLICY THAT THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED-FEE OR REDUCED-FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

Take-Home Whitening

$1

.00

(Reg. $199) Offer Expires in 30 days.

Receive a whitening kit & custom trays with completed new patient exam, cleaning & x-rays. Offer not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or reduced-fee plans.

New Patients Only.

ADVNP11000

8107 Tabbystone Place 10081 Cherry Hills Ave. Circle 6616 Butlers Crest Drive 6202 Blue Runner Court 1904 Zipperer Road 5920 Sandstone Ave. 15903 Baycross Drive 13706 Matanzas Place 6651 Butlers Crest Drive 8305 Grosvenor Court 4408 Shark Drive 6807 Dominion Lane 4807 Peridia Blvd. E. 6903 Stone River Road 951 Springwood Circle 13431 Third Ave. N.E. 12109 Clubhouse Drive 4312 Pro Am Ave. E. 7313 49th Ave. E. 6207 93rd St. Circle E. 613 130th Court N.E. 11101 Hyacinth Place 6423 Wingspan Way 21210 69th Ave. E. 22715 Night Heron Way 4706 Oak Run Drive 6108 46th Lane E. 21305 Deer Pointe Crossing 4136 Caddie Drive E. 7019 Goldrush Lane 6411 193rd St. E. 6504 The Masters Ave. 4042 Caddie Drive E. 110 137th St. N.E. 6308 Turners Gap Road 6923 Winners Circle 6911 Winners Circle 5594 Golf Pointe Drive 7205 36th Ave. E. 4724 Spinnaker Drive

50588

Address

Ed’s Tavern A Jersey Joint in Lakewood Ranch e samy a D ry ve Deli

sleep king

It’s

Com

e in

somewhere!

for 2 Ho free a ur n ap!

Since 1972

discount sleep center

ed’s Patio is Now open!

MON-FRI 8:30-8:00 • SAT 8:30–6:00 • SUN 11:00–5:00 • 30 Day Comfort exchange • Removal and Set Up • Quality, Value and Service • Discount Prices on Adjustable Beds • Locally Owned and Operated LBK residents, Larry Cohen/Judy Dear, owners

Join uS for our 2nd anniverSary celeBraTion!!!

Saturday-January 29th Party StartS at 9Pm Live muSic with the rum runnerS Give-a-wayS aLL niGht LOnG!

NEVER KNOWINGLY UNDERSOLD!

Posturepedic

941-922-5271 • TOLL FREE 800-265-9124 www.sleepking.net 1901 HANSEN ST., SARASOTA, FL - 1 BLOCK SOUTH OF BEE RIDGE OFF 41 - TURN @ TIRE KINGDOM

50593

Authorized Dealer

5:00

Make Your Reservations Today!

Ed’s supERbowl bash

Golf Lessons available thru our head professional

Golf Logix GPS

Fall Rates

$15 OFF

$10 OFF

7am-8am

8am-12pm

12pm-2pm

exp. 4/30/11

exp. 4/30/11

exp. 4/30/11

New Restaurant Now Open Breakfast & Lunch 6:30am-dark

6600 River Club Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34202 • 751-4211

$11.99

49397

accepting Golf outings for 2011

MondayS: $5.99 Wings • $2 Miller Lite TueSday: $10 Sirloin & Shrimp Entree WedneSdayS: NAME THAT TUNE TRIVIA With Captain James $2 Rolling Rock • CHEESEBURGER SPECIAL $5.99 ThurSdayS: Team Trivia is back with Captain James • $2 Coors Lite SaTurday: LIVE MUSIC • $5.99 Sloppy Joe Platter • $2 Yuenglings $5.00 receSSion BuSTer LUNCH AND A MoVIE ALL DAY, EVERY DAY Soup or Salad & 1/2 Sandwich

51465

Ask about our Seasonal Membership

We’re Now

$10 OFF

$10 REsERvEs YouR own TablE and a buckET of cold bEERs! call for details

We Have

907-0400 • www.edstavernlwr.com

Open Daily11:30 am-2 am • 10719 Rodeo Dr. • Lakewood Ranch

14B

TemperatureS

Temps.

High Sun., Jan. 16 70 Mon., Jan. 17 70 Tues., Jan. 18 71 Wed., Jan. 19 73 Thurs., Jan. 20 74 Fri., Jan. 21 70 Sat., Jan. 22 58 Average Gulf water temperature: 58

Sunrise/sunset

Sunrise Thurs., Jan. 27 7:19 Fri., Jan. 28 7:19 Sat., Jan. 29 7:18 7:18 Sun., Jan. 30 Mon., Jan. 31 7:17 Tues., Feb. 1 7:17 Wed., Feb. 2 7:16

Year-to-date:

Month to date:

Low 46 56 59 51 49 56 42

Feb. 11

Feb. 18

First

Full

Feb. 24

Feb. 3

Last

New

WIND SPEED

Manatee/Sarasota

Sun., Jan. 16 Mon., Jan. 17 Tues., Jan. 18 Wed., Jan. 19 Thurs., Jan. 20 Fri., Jan. 21 Sat., Jan. 22

WEEKLY WINNEr: SPEED OF LIGHT

MOON PHASES

Sunset 6:08 6:09 6:09 6:10 6:11 6:12 6:12

RAINFALL

The EAST COUNTY Observer THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2011

WEATHER

www.YourObserver.com

Manatee/Sarasota

Sun., Jan. 16 Mon., Jan. 17 Tues., Jan. 18 Wed., Jan. 19 Thurs., Jan. 20 Fri., Jan. 21 Sat., Jan. 22

0.06 0.01 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.12 0.00 2011 .28 in

2010 1.32 in.

2011 .28 in

2010 1.32 in.

3.9 8.8 6.2 6.7 6.2 6.4 11.2

BEACH DAY? Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected alongshore Longboat Key and was not detected offshore Friday, Jan. 21, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

HVAC # CACO55539 • Plumbing # CFC1428238 • Electrical # EC13004000

Lakewood Ranch resident Ron Owens captured travelers en route to Anna Maria Island last August by taking a five-second exposure. Enter your sunset, sunrise or weather-related photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today. Each week’s winner will receive a $50 restaurant gift card. Send your photos to The East County Observer, 8788 S.R. 70 E., Suite 103, Bradenton, FL 34202, or e-mail them to jeng@yourobserver.com. Please include the name and contact information of the photographer and when and where the photo was taken. Also, please include “photo contest” in the subject line.

Get your daily weather conditions at Yourobserver.com

HVAC # CACO55539  Plumbing # CFC1428238  Electrical # EC13004000

cooltoday.com

facebook.com / GetTheBestFromTODAY

cooltoday.com (800) 940-9297

T H E O B S E R V E R C R O S S WO R D

2. K T N J H U B E L T Z D F O G T I O B V D H G N O V Z M B K T I Y N O H N J O X O V L E B J U J L B I K J O D D T I Y D F O U F B X O LHMV HCI CBL.

a division of Cool Today Electrical, Solar and Energy Solutions

wHOA IS ME by Kenneth Holt

ACROSS 1 Navy’s goat, e.g.

Edited by Timothy E. Parker 7 Costumed procession 14 Tests the depths 20 Unoriginal one 21 Country once part of Gran Colombia 22 Muslim form of salutation 23 Place to find equine newlyweds?

25 Meager 26 Sailor’s septet 27 Little squirt 28 Wiggle a carrot in front of 30 Beginning to do-well?

31 Big London bell 32 Lofty peak 35 Music scale note between fa and la 36 ___ Juan Capistrano, Calif.

37 “What ___ can go wrong?”

40 Cancel 42 Staff 44 Greener shade of blue 45 Angles between leaves and branches 46 Foursomes 49 Concealed 51 Paint mess 53 “Memoirs of a Geisha” setting 55 Lisa’s “Friends” role 58 One-dish dinner 59 Female goat 61 Shoots in the jungle?

63 Pitcher’s stat 64 “Fall” attachment 66 Object of Indiana C R Y P T O G R A M S by Myles Mellor Jones’s first quest 68 Not drooping 1. P U C E J L F B I Q G B U B K I Q V V J G M A I F I A V O I C C M V Q I L F 69 Absolute ruler 70 Sharpens 73 This puzzle’s theme J O K I F B V U B V I F P I V V J G G F P U T V J G E U U C I F P V U B B 76 Makes a run for it 77 Brought to maturity

V J G K T L B J .

a division of Cool Today

50020

Air Conditioning • Heating & More

facebook.com / GetTheBestFromTODAY

78 Criminals break them 79 Pistol, in old gangster movies 80 Hall of a hacienda 82 Canton whose capital is Altdorf 83 Spielberg’s field 85 Put down the first card 87 Low-cost lodging 91 Beat reporter 93 Royal fur 95 Carnegie Hill’s locale: Upper ___ 97 Female elephant seal group 99 Idling gear 101 Attack from all directions 102 Observe Lent 104 Tierra ___ Fuego 106 Celery unit 107 Square-mile fraction 108 Literary olio 109 Brother of Curly 111 Cooped-up female?

112 Give guns to 114 FAO Schwarz purchases 116 French soldier 118 Clint’s “Ugly” co-star 119 Apple or walnut ___ 123 Form a thought 125 What a jockey might do when a race is postponed?

130 “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” star Ethel 131 Ageless 132 Relieve with balm 133 Say with conviction 134 Takes umbrage at 135 Wetlands fowl

dOwn 1 New York team 2 Possible result of overexertion 3 Old stadium for 1-Down

4 Corn eater’s discards 5 Preposition in “Jingle Bells” 6 Overworked, as a phrase 7 Trapper’s trophy 8 High card 9 Gloomy chap?

10 ___ Claire, Wisc.

11 Miner’s entrance 12 Musical tones 13 Quake aftershock 14 Hushed “Hey, you!”

15 ___ du Flambeau, Wisc.

16 ___ Bator, Mongolia 17 Equine girlfriend?

18 Flat-bottomed riverboat 19 Suburb of Atlanta 24 Give 29 Alka Seltzer sound 31 Causes to move 32 Six-legged industrious insect 33 Sneaky types 34 Tickle the ivories 37 Old Montreal baseball player 38 Cheerful tune 39 Gave a high-five 41 Social misfit 43 Where to catch a Greyhound 44 Ruckus 45 African serpent 47 Driver’s license info 48 Legislative product 50 Frat letter 52 Crumpets accompaniment 54 Arabian Sea sultanate 56 Hillside, in Aberdeen 57 Two that hear 60 Rowing competitor 62 Smack on the lips 65 Holier-thou link 67 Beer blast centerpiece 69 Enduring literary work

70 71 72 74 75 76 78 81 83 84 86 88 89 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 103 105 110 113 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 124 126 127 128 129

Schlep Storybook brute Pessimistic horses?

Is in debt Artist’s board Jetsam’s partner Reinforced, as winter clothing Sounds of delight Stephen King’s Christine, for one Lincoln’s nickname You can shake on it Stadium seating division A razor has a sharp one Attorney F. ___ Bailey Spare key hider Like the rain forest Acid-neutralizing base Office communication Became a candidate Muhammed’s daughter Battery terminals Linger aimlessly Make really happy Step between lather and repeat Identical drink (with “the”) Confined (with “up”) Picked-on instruments, briefly Some stunning swimmers Hammer-wielding god Fibrous network Genuine, in Germany ___ out (makes a living) Road coating “Able was I ___ I saw Elba” Cape ___, Mass.

Slum scurrier Gearwheel

Last weeks Cryptograms 1. Two plates were discussing the upcoming meal. One told the other, “Lunch is on me!”

2 One day, two cows who were good friends stood calmly in line for milking. One joked with the other— isn’t this deja moo?