Sarasota Observer - Thursday, May 5, 2011

bserver O Happy Mother’s Day!

SARASOTA

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

NEWS

CLUCK to ask county to OK chicken keeping.

PAGE 3A.

Thursday, MAY 5, 2011

DIVERSIONS

SCHOOLS

Former Disney animator Dominic Avant paints people to life. INSIDE.

PAGE 9A.

twin connection

ONLINE FRIDAY:

Ashton Elementary hits home run with World Series recreations.

by Loren Mayo | Community Editor

+ Gov. Scott’s interview with The Observer Florida Gov. Rick Scott assesses his first legislative session. Read the interview Friday on YourObserver. com.

OUR TOWN

Sky Kreithen

Courtesy photo

+ Students eat like royalty In honor of the royal wedding, the little ones at Goldie Feldman Academy recently held an English garden tea party. The children ate traditional English food, engaged in English party games and read traditional English nursery rhymes and stories — all while wearing pearls, tiaras and hats.

+ Local sauce cuts the mustard Hundreds of mustards competed in the 2011 World Wide Mustard Competition, but there’s one Sarasota mustard that deserves special recognition.

McClain’s Old Florida Gourmet’s Vidalia Onion Honey Mustard Sauce received a silver medal in the competition, held April 29, in Middleton, Wis. The National Mustard Museum hosted the competition, which the Iron Mustard Chefs judged.

Photos by Loren Mayo

Twin sisters Lydia Chapdelain and Jessica Kingsley hold Chapdelain's twins, Spencer and Charlotte, who were born Feb. 1.

MOTHERLY

LOVE Lydia Chapdelain lifts her 3-month-old daughter, Charlotte, out of her swing, gently places her on her lap and feeds her a bottle. Her sister, Jessica Kingsley, is seated on the couch holding Charlotte’s twin brother, Spencer.

While holding her nephew, Kingsley talks about how she’ll prepare for the day when the twins learn she’s far more than just their aunt.

Growing up

Although Chapdelain and Kingsley are fraternal twins, they couldn’t be more different.

From their friends to favorite activities, they kept almost ev-

erything separate growing up.

Chapdelain attended Sarasota High School and ran track, and Kingsley attended Pine View, where she became involved in the French Club and with the Players Theatre.

Both sisters graduated from Florida State University, and in 1998 Kingsley moved to London. In 2003, Chapdelain and her husband, Ryan, left Atlanta to settle in Sarasota.

In 2004, Chapdelain was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

For two years, she battled the disease and underwent three surgeries. Kingsley returned to Sarasota for two months at a time following each procedure

The relationship between twin sisters changed forever when one offered to carry the other’s children.

Spencer Chapdelain, left, weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19 inches long at birth. His sister, Charlotte, weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20.75 inches long. to help take care of her sister.

“I made her eat Cheetos and macaroni and cheese and go walking,” Kingsley said. “That was part of her recovery.”

Chapdelain’s illness strengthened the sisters’ relationship and brought them closer together.

While sitting around the house during one of the recov-

ery phases, the two started talking. Kingsley delicately asked Chapdelain what her greatest fear in life was.

“It was that I wouldn’t be able to have children,” Chapdelain said. “She said, ‘Oh, I’ll do that for you.’ I was obviously overcome with the generosity that

SEE SISTERS / PAGE 2A

INDEX Briefs....................4A Classifieds......... 16A

Cops Corner....... 14A Crossword.......... 15A

Opinion.................6A Real Estate........ 13A

Sports................ 12A Weather............. 15A

Vol. 7, No. 26 | Two sections YourObserver.com

2A

A Taste of Europe Comes to Sarasota

Aria

EUROPEAN

Now Serving Lunch Mon - Fri & Sun, May 8

Dine in an historic 1926 home which has warmth, music, charm, atmosphere and most of all, great food and wine.

Join us Mother’s Day weekend!

Guitarist Pino Marelli plays this Sat, Sun & Mon evening and for lunch & dinner on Mother’s Day.

56860

1213 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota ph. 870-0665 or 362-0650

• Dine indoors or on our lovely outdoor garden • Pre-Theater Dining Lunch Mon-Fri and dinner nightly www.ariaeuropean.com 56789

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

SISTERS / FROM PAGE 1A she said it so quickly. Not many times in life do you get from another person a selfless act that’s that apparent and that quick of a decision. She was totally serious about it.”

Last June, doctors implanted two of Chapdelain’s embryos in Kingsley’s uterus.

Four weeks following the transfer, an ultrasound showed she was carrying twins.

“It was awesome,” Kingsley said. “I had a really easy pregnancy. I was never sick and never on bed rest — I have the perfect physique for carrying twins. My only concern throughout the pregnancy was that I would hate to give them up.”

For nine months, Chapdelain and her husband rushed around to appointments with Kingsley, supporting her with anything she needed. Ultrasounds were never boring, because with eight grandparentsto-be who live within driving distance, the mommies-to-be always had a little entourage following them around like paparazzi.

When it came to naming the twins, Kingsley vetoed names she didn’t like. She also refused to be called “Aunt Jessica,” and instead chose a hybrid of the Greek word for aunt, “thea,” and the Italian word for aunt, “zia.”

“I want to be called ‘Gea,’” Kingsley said.

“I wanted something cuter than ‘aunt.’

They have eight grandparents — our stepmom and dad are ‘Lovey’ and ‘Buddy’ — and they can’t all just be called ‘grandma’ and ‘grandpa.’ They (the twins) are the first grandchildren, so they get to invent their own names.”

Sometimes, Chapdelain felt a little jealous knowing the babies were kicking around inside her sister’s belly. Like any mother, she wanted to experience the movement herself.

“She was very diligent about making sure I had a similar kind of experience, knowing what was going inside when they were growing,” Chapdelain said. “It was an amazing experience that they were just put there and then they grew, and then they came out.”

While Chapdelain plowed through par-

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

enting books and magazines, Kingsley was scanning pregnancy E-newsletters.

“I subscribed to a lot of those,” Kingsley said. “I got one each week that would talk about your baby as a fruit — ‘Your baby is the size of a mango,’ or ‘You have two grapefruits inside of you.’”

Family ties

Charlotte and Spencer Chapdelain were born Feb. 1. Because the state doesn’t recognize surrogacy, the Chapdelain had to legally adopt the twins. The paperwork was simple and quick and completed just after Kingsley gave birth.

“Within 30 minutes, Lydia was feeding Spencer,” Kingsley said. “Those hormones that kick in and make you a good mom — the ones that help you prepare for motherhood — Lydia had all of those,” Kingsley said. “When they were born, I was like ‘Hmm … I don’t know what to do with that!’”

But, in the past few months, Kingsley has learned how to handle the babies like a pro.

Every morning at 8:30, she pulls into her sister’s driveway, ready to help with whatever Chapdelain needs.

“I’m the really intrusive auntie who comes over every day,” Kingsley says. “I always ask if it’s time to feed them — she’s got the master schedule and the plan.”

She may have been a mother for only three months, but Chapdelain is excited for her first Mother’s Day. She has been looking forward to it for a long time.

“It’s kind of surreal,” she says. “I don’t see it as celebrating just me as a mother, but also my husband, who has been very supportive through this whole experience.

We’re going to take the day and celebrate how lucky and fortunate we are to be chosen for this.”

Almost as if on cue, Kingsley and Chapdelain swap babies and start entertaining them. Bouncing Charlotte on her knee, Kingsley starts to serenade her with “She’ll Be Coming ’Round the Mountain.”

Spencer looks content on his mother’s lap. Suddenly, he looks over at his twin sister and breaks into a smile.

We know the value of water,

and we work to preserve it Mosaic understands what it means to be good stewards of our water supply. Over a span of nearly 40 years, the industry has reduced its water usage by more than 75%. Today, we recycle more than 95% of the water we use at our mining facilities.

We’re continually seeking new ways to further reduce our water usage, and to preserve vital resources well into the future. ®

www.mosaicfla.com 53333

A better Florida and a better world

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

slipping away

by Robin Roy | City Editor

‘Bring back the boats’ As many in the community seek ways to revitalize the local economy, a Sarasota yacht broker believes one answer could be to rebuild the boat basin at the former Quay and Hyatt Regency hotel.

It has now been four years since a wrecking ball took down the Quay.

The once-thriving landmark on the bayfront at the western terminus of Fruitville Road was the spot for nightlife in the 1990s.

But now the property’s waterfront is as barren as its land.

One man is hoping that will change soon.

Yacht broker Roy Kaplan has been lobbying to resurrect the boat basin, which includes property owned by the Hyatt Regency hotel and private condo buildings.

“The city should be trying to do something with it,” said Kaplan.

Until the ownership gets straightened out, no one is able to do anything with that property.

Irish developer Paddy Kelly and his Irish American Management Services Ltd. is still the official owner of the Quay property, but, in essence, the Irish government controls the land, because it took over the bank that held the mortgage.

Bob Morris, who is part of a Sarasota development group trying to acquire the property, believes the government will hold onto the property at least for several more months to try to recoup some of its lost value.

(See box for the property’s valuation from the last five years.)

Kelly paid $49 million in

HENPECKED

Rachel S. O’Hara

Yacht broker Roy Kaplan stands in front of the boat slips at the Hyatt Regency.

2004 for 10-and-a-half acres, of which about a half-acre is submerged land. He planned to build a $1.5 billion hotel and apartment complex, along with an improved boat-docking station.

But the real-estate market soon went south, and the development was stalled.

Kaplan envisions only good things for the downtown economy if the boat basin is revitalized, and he sees the adjacent Hyatt Regency as part of that revitalization.

Currently, the hotel has 32 boat slips, which its guests utilize, but Kaplan believes the

Hyatt could improve what it already has.

Kaplan has spoken to Hyatt General Manager Mark Beckers about his idea.

“We would like to see some modification,” Beckers said.

“But some neighbors may not like it. We don’t want to disturb them with too much noise.”

Overall, though, the Hyatt general manager said he’s happy with the way his boat slips are used.

“We have plenty of power and Wi-Fi, restrooms and showers available,” he said. “The only thing (we) might add is cable TV.”

by Robin Roy | City Editor

Rise and fall Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Twenty-one changes to the city’s charter — Sarasota’s constitution — passed muster with city commissioners and will now go to city voters.

The changing values of the former Quay property.

Just market value $33,719,200 $56,624,600 $51,274,200 $48,936,100 $38,619,700

In the lead-up to the city election in March, Commissionerelect Shannon Snyder spoke at length about the need to develop the Quay site, calling it a “major failure” that the highly desirable land has been empty for four years.

“I have high hopes for that property,” Snyder said. “Hopefully, we have someone stepping up soon (to develop it.)”

Morris hopes his group, CMR Bayside Associates, will be the ones stepping up.

The amenities that have been under discussion include a hotel, conference center, retail stores and condos. But a vital part of any development plan, according to Morris, is improving the waterfront.

“The boat basin is a wonderful amenity for the site,” said Morris. “It enhances the entire property.”

Whatever eventually happens with the area, Kaplan hopes it happens soon, if not only to help the local economy.

“If you were to put 20 boats in there, those are people who will go downtown to eat and shop,” he said. “Looking at it now, it’s a sad, sad situation.”

CLUCK makes noise at county level Sarasota County is going to be urged to allow its residents to keep chickens in backyards of all residential areas, including on barrier islands.

Rachel S. O’Hara

and Margilow Monday, May 2 at her home in Sarasota.

Kelly Kirschner cited some statistics from Fort Collins, Colo., which has allowed chicken keeping for several years.

There were 12,000 animalcontrol calls in that city last year, he said.

But only three of those calls

charter review Voters to decide on 21 changes to city’s charter

by Robin Roy | City Editor

Three months after it was successful in getting City Hall to allow chicken keeping in Sarasota, advocates are preparing to push county commissioners to OK it across the entire county.

“We’re testing the waters to see if there will be acceptance or a lot of opposition,” said Laney Poire, coordinator of CLUCK, Citizens Lobbying for Urban Chicken Keeping.

CLUCK wants the county to allow residents to keep chickens in their backyards in residential areas.

Currently, the county only allows them in open-use zones, which are mainly agricultural, because it categorizes chickens as livestock, not pets.

But CLUCK members say chickens are good pets for several reasons: • They provide eggs for food.

• They teach kids about food sources.

• They provide natural plant Abigail Swindell, 7, feeds Gertrude fertilizer.

During the fight over chicken arguments against it,” said Robkeeping in the city, opponents ert Kluson, a county agriculture expressed concerns mainly and natural resources agent.

“But they are no worse than about noise and waste.

But supporters said chickens barking dogs.”

For the opponents who feared aren’t noisier or messier than chickens will cause many probother pets.

“I’m sure there are going to be lems in neighborhoods, Mayor

3A

concerned chickens.

Poire said people in all economic levels like keeping chickens.

“There is a woman who lives behind me on (the city side of) Siesta Key in a mansion, and she has four chickens,” she said.

Voters will soon decide whether to raise city commissioners’ salaries; overturn a wage requirement that chased Walmart out of Newtown; and prohibit the city from making risky investments.

Those three measures are among 21 changes to the city’s charter that city commissioners are putting to referendum in a yetto-be-determined election.

The charter is essentially the city’s constitution.

Many of the changes the Charter Review Committee recommended to the commission are unremarkable, such as eliminating a distinction between an assistant city manager and deputy city manager.

But a few will interest many voters.

One such change would be to allow commissioners’ salaries to be increased up to 100% of the amount state law allows. Currently, commissioners earn 66.7% of that amount, which is about $25,000 per year.

Another charter alteration would be the elimination of the Alternate Wage Requirement.

That was placed in the charter in 2007, and it was aimed at WalMart, which wanted to build a store in Newtown. A national antiWal-Mart group started a petition drive to require any company employing more than 50 people and receiving more than $100,000 in subsidies or tax abatements per year to pay their workers a minimum wage that worked out to $10.70 per hour — $3.45 per hour more than Florida’s minimum wage.

Wal-Mart was the only company that met those qualifications. The company abandoned its plans, and many in North Sarasota now regret that decision. “(It) was devastating to us,” said Barbara Langston, a North Sarasota community leader. “(The minimum wage requirement) will continue to stop economic development.”

One charter change would restrict the city from placing money in derivatives, which are subject to risky, speculative investments.

Commissioner Terry Turner is an expert in derivatives, and he believes they are far too technical and volatile for city finance staff to use.

The Charter Review Committee actually recommended 22 changes to the charter, but the commission rejected one of them.

One of those proposals was to number the city’s two at-large commission seats, which would require an at-large candidate to declare one particular seat he was seeking.

The change was intended to eliminate “bullet voting,” which sees voters choosing only one candidate, instead of two. That way, if they have a favorite candidate, rival candidates receive fewer votes.

But Vice Mayor Fredd Atkins felt the proposal would further water down the minority vote in his district, District 1.

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

NEWSBRIEFS

4A

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

+ Planning Board reappointments on hold

YourObserver.com

With the threat of a lawsuit before them, three outgoing city commissioners decided against forcing through advisoryboard appointments, including that of the Planning Board.

Mayor Kelly Kirschner, Vice Mayor Fredd Atkins and Commissioner Dick Clapp decided April 30 to go against city code and the advice of the city attorney and move ahead those appointments to their final commission meeting, which was May 2.

However, after hearing from attorney Casey Colburn, who told them there would be consequences for not following their own laws, the commissioners asked that the reappointments be put on hold.

City code requires a 90-day advertisement period before an advisory-board appointment. However, that rule had never been enforced.

Some citizens had complained that it wouldn’t be fair to anyone who wanted to apply for a board if the commission made the appointments without advertising them.

At main issue was the Planning Board, which had two members with terms expir-

TOP FIVE

The top-five most read stories online last week were: 1. PHOTO GALLERY: A Royal Affair (April 29) 2. Q&A with Jose Manuel Carreno (April 23) 3. Performance Art (April 27) 4. Library replacement process to begin (April 26) 5. Stranger than fiction (April 27)

ing at the end of May, Susan Chapman and Chris Gallagher.

But Commissioner-elect Paul Caragiulo was also concerned that the new commission, which will be sworn in May 13, would not have a say as to who would serve on the board.

“We’re the ones who will be working with them,” he said.

There is no timetable yet on when the advisory-board appointments will be made.

+ Citizen sits during City Commission prayer The Sarasota resident who complained to a group that monitors the separation of church and state about the City Commission reciting a prayer before each of its public meetings staged his own silent protest.

During a special commission meeting Friday, April 30, when Mayor Kelly Kirschner asked the File photo room to rise for the prayer, Jim Lampl stayed seated. He rose when the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Last month Lampl notified the American Humanist Association that the commission read a prayer before each meeting. He felt the prayer violated the Constitution. But the city attorney cited a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that he said supported the pre-meeting invocation, and the City Commission decided to keep the prayer in place.

Meetings agendas

&

 Development Review Committee — 9 a.m.

Thursday, May 5, Conference Room 2, 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota  Siesta Key Association — 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key  Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations — 9 a.m. Saturday, May 7, Waldemere Fire Station, 2070 Waldemere St., Sarasota  County Commission — 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice  County Commission — 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

Important Information regarding your Water Meter

52026

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are the new meters the same as the ones being replaced? A: Meters will be replaced with automated ones that transmit the meter readings to a handheld or mobile device. These automated meters eliminate the need to obtain readings directly from the meter and therefore improve the efficiency and lower the cost of the meter reading program.

Q: Why do meters need to be replaced? A: As with any measuring device, meters can become less accurate as they age. Water meters have a useful life of 12 to 15 years after which the accuracy may diminish.

Q: Who will install the new meters? A: The contractors, Siemens and Pedal Valves, Inc., will replace or upgrade approximately 17,000 water meters throughout Sarasota beginning Mon., May 1, 2011. The work crews will be wearing yellow or blue shirts with the logo “PVI Meter Team” and driving trucks with the same logo. They also will be carrying a letter from the City of Sarasota Utilities Department explaining why they are in the neighborhood.

Q: Will my water service be interrupted during the installation? A: Yes, there will be a temporary service interruption while the meter is replaced – typically about 15 to 30 minutes. A Siemens/Pedal Valve representative will inform in person each resident prior to the installation of the new meter.

Q: Do I need to be home for the meter replacement work? A: No, you don’t need to be home.

Q: How much will the meter cost me? A: There is no charge for the new meter.

Q: Will my water bill increase? A: As meters age, they tend to run slower and may not measure all the water going through them. Depending on the age and accuracy of your existing meter, you may experience a higher bill due to the accuracy of your new meter. The new meters will simply record consumption more accurately.

Q: What if there is a leak at the meter or any problem after themeter has been replaced?

A: Please call us at 955-2325 or after hours, holidays and weekends at 954-4838.

Observer

The questions and answers are provided to help customers understand why the replacement program is needed and how it will be completed.

SARASOTA

TO E-MAIL US:



ADDRESS: 1970 Main St., Sarasota, Fla., 34236 | PHONE: 941-366-3468 | FAX: 941-362-4808 | WEBSITE: www.YourObserver.com





E-mail press releases, announcements and photos to: Jessica Luck, jluck@yourobserver.com E-mail Letters to the Editor to: Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com



TO ADVERTISE:



Display Advertising: To obtain information, call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468, Ext. 301.

Advertisers also may obtain all Observer Group Inc. advertising rates and editorial calendars online at www.YourObserver.com.

Classified Advertising/Service Directory: For information and rates, see the classified advertising section, or call 941-955-4888. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To place a classified ad online, e-mail your ad to Pam Cooper, pcooper@yourobserver.com.



FREE HOME DELIVERY & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Free home delivery: The Sarasota Observer offers free home delivery in selected neighborhoods in the following zip codes: 34234, 34236, 34237.

To find out whether your neighborhood qualifies for free home delivery, or to suspend or discontinue your subscription, call Donna Condon at 941-366-3468.

Mail Delivery Subscription rates: Standard First-Class One year / $75 One year / $150 Six months / $50 Six months / $100 Three months / $30 Three months / $50

Canada One year / $185 Six months / $95 Three months / $45

Europe One year / $395 Six months / $200 Three mos. / $100

56680

Dear Customer, Starting May 2011, the City of Sarasota will initiate a comprehensive water replacement program that will upgrade or replace approximately 17,000 meters to an automatic meter reading (AMR) system. The purpose of this effort is to upgrade the City’s water distribution system with an electronic reading capability and to replace meters that have served beyond their estimated useful lives. The target meter population includes all commercial and residential meters. The estimated time of completion for the entire project is eight months. The following is an overview of the project including public outreach, benefits of the program, and frequently asked questions. A representative from Siemens and Pedal Valves, Inc., the contractors, will contact you to set up the most convenient time for you to complete the meter replacement.

Overview: The AMR system will allow meters to be read from radio receivers in moving vehicles or from fixed receivers. The program is being conducted as part of the City’s energy conservation program. Water meters are the devices used to measure the amount of water delivered to our customers. Replacing old water meters will ensure that the City of Sarasota can accurately track both individual usage for billing purposes, and also monitor and evaluate community water demands.

Public Outreach: All impacted customers will be notified in advance in writing 30 days, with a door hanger 24 hours, and in person minutes prior to the installation of the new meter.

For more information please visit our website at www.sarasotagov.com.

Benefits: • Improve the efficiency of meter reading and water billing • Increase the quality of customer service by eliminating the need for estimated bills • Save staff time • Prevent recording errors • Minimize the need for personnel to go on the property • Ability to detect if a leak is occurring in your plumbing system.

Your patience throughout this important project is appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project, please feel free to contact Mr. Michael Healy, our Billing Office Supervisor. Mr. Healy can be reached at 329-6120 or via email at michael.healy@sarasotagov.com.

Sincerely, Javier A. Vargas - Director of Utilities

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

5A

by Loren Mayo | Community Editor

Southside kids get sweet on their moms

Kai Hudson

Kate DeLuca

Second grade

Isabella Gomez Grayson Sparling

Second grade

What’s your favorite thing to do with your mom?

Read chapter books on the couch.

If you had to spend one week away from your mom, what would you miss the most?

I would miss her really tight hugs.

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? We’re going to clean the house up and let her relax.

A mom’s job is: A mom’s job is to take care of their children.

What makes your mom special?

She is very caring and loving.

LBK2010 H

Second grade

Your mom is as pretty as: A tulip.

What’s your favorite thing to do with your mom?

I like to go to the movies with her.

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? I’m going to the movies with her, and then my family is going out to dinner.

We might make her a cake.

Kindergarten

Your mom is prettiest when: She goes to her friends’ parties.

Your mom is prettiest when: Usually when she goes on a date with my dad.

Why do you love your mom?

I love her because she always takes care of me, and she makes me feel special.

Why do you love your mom?

I love her because she takes care of me. She likes to go in the pool with me and play underwater soccer. She likes to go on trips with us to North Carolina and Illinois — we catch lizards.

Your mom is nicest when: It’s the weekend — she likes to go on the beach and watch movies with us.

What makes your mom special?

She’s really smart.

You mom is funniest when: She’s at home and she makes jokes.

Why do you love your mom?

Because at nighttime, she snuggles me, and she’s really nice.

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? Maybe going to get her a massage card.

If you had to spend one week away from your mom, what would you miss the most?

Really strong hugs.

What makes your mom special?

She cooks for me and braids my hair at night.

Lena Zide

Trafton Kos

Why is your mom special?

She lets me pick out bows.

Why do you love your mom?

My mom makes yummy food. I love my mom because she lets me do my movies and lets me watch TV — NFL.

Kindergarten

What’s your mom’s favorite color?

Pink.

If you could get your mom anything in the world for Mother’s Day, what would it be?

Breakfast in bed.

Your mom is nicest when: When I can have special girl time with her.

Your mom is funniest when: When she talks to her mom.

Kindergarten

Does your mom like NFL? No, her favorite is baseball. Rays.

What’s your mom’s favorite flower?

I think hers is a daisy.

If you had to spend one week away from your mom, what would you miss the most?

Having fun.

Your mom is prettiest when: When she dances with my dad.

Compare our diamond prices anywhere !

P3990

70% ! +

LATINUM

$

up to

5.01 $

Carat

1.00

14,500

$

F F O

Carat

990

ENCLOSE YOUR LANAI

Save

3.42 $

.. .

Carat

4590

$590!

1.00 carat

$799!

$

Diamond Stud Earring

Design

$

3990!

1.70 $

990!

Carat

3900

2.07

Protect your home while saving on heating and cooling costs with our Code Approved garage doors.

Select from a wide variety of styles and colors.

Carat

4999

$

$ $

PROTECT THE WEAKEST OPENING IN YOUR HOME!

four generations JEWELRY

BIG DIAMONDS

With garage door system purchase.

4900!

Call Today!

Expires 3-31-2011 05-31-2011

941.925.1390

COMPANY

smallest prices

Corner of U.S. 41 & Bee Ridge Rd.

phone 917-0023

Excludes layaways & trade-ins. + Percentage off tag price which may or may not have resulted in actual sales. Photos enlarged.

Run starting...... April 1

Restrictions apply.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

GC# 1518597

50005

299!

“Journey”

325!

40530

$

Acrylic Glass Impact Glass

No more dusty lanais that require constant maintenance.

Operating doors and windows let you enjoy clean fresh air while bringing the outside inside your home!

“Circle of Life” Necklace

1/4 carat .......... $99 !

1/2 carat ......... $ 250 ! 3.61 Carat 11/ 2 carat .......$ 1990 ! $7950 2.00 carat .......$ 3590 !

4.00 carat .......$ 6490!

10%

6A

sarasota Observer

YourObserver.com

Observer SARASOTA

“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/Executive Editor / Lisa Walsh, lwalsh@yourobserver.com Associate Publisher-Multimedia / Emily Walsh Parry, ewalsh@yourobserver.com Editor-Editorial Pages / Rod Thomson, rthomson@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Jessica Luck, jluck@ yourobserver.com Assistant Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz, nschwartz@yourobserver.com City Editor / Robin Roy, rroy@yourobserver. com Community Editor / Loren Mayo, lmayo@ 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 Staff Photographer / Rachel O’Hara, rohara@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising /Jill Raleigh, jraleigh@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Tracy Bender, tbender@yourobserver.com; Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com; Kathleen O’Hara, kohara@yourobserver.com; Laura Ritter, lritter@yourobserver.com; Lori Ruth, lruth@yourobserver.com; Kenji Trujillo, ktrujillo@yourobserver.com; Maria Witty, mwitty@yourobserver.com Account Manager / Victoria Baga, vbaga@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@yourobserver. com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@ yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@ yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker, lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Accounting Manager / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Accounting Assistant / Kathy Klein, kklein@yourobserver.com Administrative-Circulation Assistant / Donna Condon, dcondon@yourobserver. com

The Observer Group Inc. Locally Owned

Publishers of The Longboat Observer, The East County Observer, The Sarasota Observer, The Palm Coast 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

THURSDAY, May 5, 2011

OPINION | OUR VIEW

Newtown needs fresh leaders The despicable murders of two British tourists at a housing project in Newtown are international news because of the brutality, youth of the alleged killer and the endless string of questions as to why the men were there in the first place.

It’s a community black eye that Sarasota leaders have been trying feverishly to put mascara over to protect the important tourism industry. That effort will be successful, and Sarasota and her beaches, golf courses and snowbird industries will recover. Memories are often short.

The same cannot be said for Newtown.

The response of the Newtown and community leaders, sadly, has been predictable and proven to be failed. Bold, new leadership needs to emerge in Newtown.

Sarasota Mayor Kelly Kirschner, as doctrinaire a liberal as you will find, ran afoul of racial PC when he told the BBC that Sarasota is a tale of two cities and that while much of Sarasota is beautiful and cultural, “You have this historic black community that is the complete opposite …”

You’re not supposed to state prima facie truth, mayor. You’re supposed to go along with the smiley-face script. Newtown is getting better! Social and economic improvement is occurring!

Sarasota NAACP President Trevor Harvey blamed the news media for making Newtown look bad while it is coming back, and Kirschner’s words were in that snare.

His type of comments undermined the renewal going on in Newtown. But any such renewal beyond some rebuilt public housing is not evident and appears to be so marginal as to have no impact on daily life.

And then there is the media, which Harvey would like to demonize.

Our resident daily newspaper started off an editorial on the killings, blaming the justice system by saying “a troubled teenager’s life may be ruined.” Seriously?

He is charged with killing two men after being charged with shooting at another a few days earlier, and he is “troubled?”

Their brutal deaths at his hands are to be equated with his life being ruined?

This formula for blaming whites — which plays powerfully into white guilt — is maybe best explained by Shelby Steele, a fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford, who has been called America’s most discerning black writer. Steele writes, “We blacks always experience white guilt as an incentive, almost a command, to somehow exhibit racial woundedness and animus.” This results in “a political identity with no real purpose beyond the manipulation of white guilt.”

Steele says that one of many casualties of this is education: “We got remedies pitched at injustices rather than at black academic excellence — school busing, black role models as teachers, black history courses, ‘diverse’ reading lists, ‘Ebonics,’ multiculturalism, culturally ‘inclusive’ classes, standardized tests corrected for racial bias and so on.”

This, as Steele points out, epitomizes the white-guilt thinking and the abnormal fear of being labeled racist for speaking the truth. The Herald-Tribune editorial also said that “one of the challenges facing the local media has been to balance perspectives.” Or, the local media could just report facts. Because some cold, hard facts and not policy mollycoddling is what is needed.

In this respect, whites do indeed bear part of the blame for Newtown, just not in the way the race-players mean it.

To move beyond the blame game and happy-face veneer, here are the facts.

From February 2008 to February 2010, 12 people were killed in Newtown by gunfire, a stunning amount for a small community.

Police cracked down on the Second Line gang operating there and removed many criminals. Crime fell. But even that is only part of the story.

According to Sarasota Police Department crime statistics, Newtown remained at the top of violent crime in Sarasota in 2010 — after the gang activity was broken up. Taking the two districts covering New-

BY THE NUMBERS The reality to be faced is that Newtown has a crime problem that must be fixed before the community can turn itself around.

Crime Newtown City Percentage Murder

4

6

67%

Agg. assault

38

83

46%

Agg. battery

55

120

46%

Sexual battery 9

21

43%

Robbery

54

168

32%

Burglary

142

824

17%

Vehicle theft

19

133

14%

Grand theft

70

542

13%

Source: Sarasota Police Department

town — out of 10 districts total in the city — Newtown still had 67% of the murders, 46% of the aggravated assaults, 46% of the aggravated batteries, 43% of sexual batteries and 32% of the robberies. It represents less than 20% of the city’s police districts.

Even the police play the happy-face game. They put out stats showing that about 80% of the crimes in the Felony Crime Index happen outside of Newtown.

But that is because of the large numbers of non-violent thefts and burglaries that happen elsewhere are included in the index.

These numbers also reveal that the vast majority of Newtown residents are lawabiding and just trying to live peaceably.

It’s on display at Saturday morning cookouts and other times. But when it comes to violent crime in the city, the numbers are indisputable.

They explain Newtown’s image and its economic woes — not whites or police or the media.

Without attacking the crime problem at all levels, we can pave Dr. Martin Luther King Way with gold, and people still are not going to invest their life savings in a high-crime, high-drug area. It won’t happen. It is not a money problem first. It is a moral problem first. And those are words that leaders simply will not use.

So the blame and responsibility gets shifted again. Often the police — a vital part of the solution — are targeted as part of the problem. It is irrational. But it is in-

grained, and “leadership” further ingrains it.

Let’s return to last year’s Police Advisory Panel that was set up after a Hispanic arrestee was beaten by a police officer, and it was captured on security cameras.

The panel, which basically turned into one long gripe session against the cops, invited James Unnever, a radical criminology professor at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee to speak.

Unnever’s basic message was to take the blame-game further. He posits that young black men raping, robbing, assaulting and killing other blacks are merely reacting to the expectations of white people. Whites perceive them to be thugs, so they go ahead and become thugs.

It’s tortured and disgusting, but it continues the formula — black criminals in Newtown are not responsible for their actions. So Newtown is not responsible for its condition. The real fault, according to the formula, is white racism, police racism, media racism and sensationalism and so on.

Let’s just state what needs to be stated.

Criminals of any color are responsible for their own actions. If you murder someone, you can’t blame your circumstances. If you buy a house you cannot afford, it is your fault. Things happen beyond our control, but our response is always in our control.

Most all of us have the capacity to make rational choices.

And if criminals, including black ones, are responsible for their actions, then it follows that Newtown bears responsibility for its condition. Current leadership, from long-time City Commissioner Fredd Atkins to NACCP leaders and others, bear a heavy load for what Newtown is today.

What Newtown needs is strong, moral, self-reliant, color-blind leadership that can rise up and say, “Enough!”

Newtown desperately needs those leaders with a vision of what Newtown can be beyond hundreds of millions of dollars being pumped in and beyond the failed methods of the past 30 years.

If there are no Newtown and Sarasota leaders willing to stand up and say what is clearly right and wrong, to take a different direction from the one that has led to this situation, Newtown is doomed to stay a dangerous, poor community that provides scant hope for its children. That would be compounding tragedy.

Somebody: Carpe diem!

A new newtown vision Here are some suggestions to get a radically new way of thinking started in Newtown: • First, admit that Newtown has a serious problem and give up on responding by projecting it on the white community. Newtown leaders must say we have a problem, and we must change.

Indeed, little changes until there is enough pain to force a change.

• Change the culture toward traditional morals. It is wrong to have children out of wedlock, wrong for men and women, wrong for boys and girls. It is destructive to the children and creates a higher chance of having to live off taxpayers, which is also wrong. The dependency cycle starts with a moral decline and then is fueled by a welfare system that does not create adequate accountability.

• Re-do the schools. The education system needs to dump the multiculturalism and self-esteem nonsense and get back to teaching reading and writing and math. Writer Shelby Steele points out that English in urban black communities is worse today than it was in 1950. That is a huge handicap. And there must be a slap down on the cultural construct that to use proper grammar and work hard in school equates to being an Oreo.

• Reject the welfare mentality that was meant for good but has only done harm by enabling the utter breakdown of the family and the sadistic cycle of dependency and hopelessness.

• Public policymakers in Sarasota and elsewhere need to stop building “projects” that lump the low-income and uneducated in one place where such lifestyles are accepted as the norm, and where criminal elements can and do proliferate. In fact, it would be best to eliminate public housing entirely and create an environment where homeownership is the rule and the goal. Human nature dictates that if we put no value on something — such as being given a place to live for free or subsidized — we do not value it. Habitat for Humanity gets this.

• At the least, limit the amount of time that can be spent in public housing, just like other welfare, and create paths to ownership. The truism is obvious at any public housing project.

And then support the Sarasota Housing Authority’s plan to boot families from public housing if their children are truant from school. We simply cannot keep enabling bad behavior in the name of compassion.

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

opinion | my view

7A

TIME TO REBOOT

by Carolann Cahill and Jim Lampl

Go slow on Jackson Lab SCOPE seeks

by Robin Roy | City Editor

community improvements SCOPE seeks to tap residents’ wisdom to keep Sarasota County thriving.

a bad deal.

Jackson Lab “didn’t understand politics” said State Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, referring to problems securing state funding.

But it’s all politics! Where’s the solid business plan from a company seeking millions in state, county and foundation money? Too many unanswered questions.

The county has an obligation to open up the discussions by sharing the business plan for Sarasota in an open and transparent forum.

The county has a duty to inform voters of the advantages as well as the risks, so when this is put to referendum, the voters are able to make an informed decision.

Carolann Cahill is a member of Sarasota Citizens for Responsible Government.

Jim Lampl is a small business consultant and investor, who follows local issues.

If you go Community Data 2.0: A Community-wide Rebooting When: 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, May 19 Where: Gulf Coast Event and Conference Center, 4780 Cattlemen Road Info: Event is free, but registration is requested.

Contact: RSVP to Maureen Hadden at 365-8751 or mhadden@scopexcel.org people share that knowledge, so it can be compiled and used to point the county to a new direction.

“Community data efforts can be a powerful means to creating a better community for all of us,” said Dutton.

“At this forum, people who care deeply about our collective community well-being will connect with those who have resources and skills to contribute relative to community data.”

Strom

Eye Center When you want to see your best.

941-365-9700 2020 S. Tamiami Trail

2020

The expense of the Jackson Lab project becomes more and more troubling the closer one looks at the numbers.

In a March 22 article, Mike Hyde (Jackson vice president) stated, “There is a limit to the time and money Jackson will expend in arriving at a Florida deal.” He also acknowledges having previous discussions with Utah and Texas. We see this as a strong-arm tactic applying pressure to rush a decision.

Hyde’s comment is on the heels of Sarasota paying consultants to assess the growth potential of Jackson Lab. The county did not task these consultants with analyzing whether Jackson Lab is a good deal for Sarasota — they were asked to find ways to maximize the deal.

This approach is in stark contrast to both Collier and Hillsborough counties. They didn’t assume it was profitable. They analyzed the project’s viability first and found it

True to its name, SCOPE — Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence — has big plans in the works to improve the community.

The nonprofit group will hold a half-day conference May 19 called “Community Data 2.0: A Communitywide Rebooting,” which seeks to gather information on creating a thriving community.

“The idea is to pay attention to the efforts of community members who have already collected information about how to make Sarasota County the best it can be,” said Tim Dutton, executive director of SCOPE. That information can be about anything dealing with the county — social services, police work and financial.

A community-wide rebooting kicks off a process of defining new community goals.

SCOPE feels that many of the county’s nearly 400,000 residents have compiled a lifetime’s worth of knowledge in a variety of fields, and it seeks to have those

Paul J Strom, Jr., M.D.

Sarasota, Florida 34239

45998 17724

Photo courtesy of Nancy DeNike

Charles Hewett, executive vice president and chief operating officer of The Jackson Laboratory, stands at the proposed site of research lab in eastern Collier County last summer before the institute abandoned the project at the end of 2010.

50063

No INterest UNtIl may 2012! Next Day DelIvery avaIlable!*

Special Purchase!

2-Pc Designer Two-Tone Sectional Features long wearing micro fiber fabric. You get it all - style, comfort and unquestionable value!

$

699

Matching ottoman is available $199

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

749-6069 www.furnwarehouse.com

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

*with approved credit

SARASOTA

VENICE

PORT CHARLOTTE

4027 N. Washington 550 S. Seaboard Ave. 1 Mile South of Just North Of Venice Nissan on U.S. 1241 El Jobean Rd. University on 301 41 Bypass (776 across from Sam’s)

351-8600 Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

485-3211 Mon.-Sat. 9-6 Sun. 11-6

764-8700 Mon.-Sat. 9-9 Sun. 11-6

NEW LOCATION

ELLENTON

5814 18th St East Across from the Ellenton Outlet Mall

479-7900

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

56610

The non-profit Jackson Laboratory has a solid reputation in its field and a demonstrated track record of success in securing public funding. But that does not justify Sarasota County jumping on the Jackson Lab bandwagon heading our way.

Both Collier and Hillsborough counties turned down the opportunity. Why? Too risky, they said.

Lampl Not enough return on investment. After reading Washington Economic Group’s economic impact and economic viability review for Collier County, we see numbers Cahill based on pure speculation.

The impact numbers are not even based on Jackson Lab’s direct job creation in the community; fundamental to its calculations is the premise that other companies will want to be a part of this biomedical research “cluster,” with Jackson Lab as the base.

If a biomedical cluster does develop, will other companies expect that same kind of subsidy from Sarasota taxpayers? If Sarasota County balks at the expense, will those companies look for other communities to fund their projects? And what about other uses for Sarasota tax dollars? What will we be giving up if we decide to fund Jackson Lab?

8A

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

FULL SPECTRUM

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

authentic selves

by Loren Mayo | Community Editor

by Loren Mayo | Community Editor

Dance, Art, Food Festival focuses on local talents The inaugural Dance, Art, Food Festival took place Saturday, April 30, at the Van Wezel. The event featured dance-performance competi-

Photos by Loren Mayo

Katy Witting, Shanelle Witting and Amanda Pileggi

tions, unique art vendors and complimentary bites of eight dishes from a variety of cuisines prepared by Chef Paul Mattison.

Rachel Matthes and Elise Matthes

Siesta Fiesta features art under the sunshine Artists lined Ocean Boulevard Saturday and Sunday, when the 33rd annual Siesta Fiesta returned to Siesta Key. Art- and craft-lovers strolled from one white tent to the next to view vibrant paintings, contemporary and whimsical art, sculptures, photography and jewelry.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Siesta Key Association.

Sallie and Al Yusko with Precious

Truman Adams paints during the festival.

Eugenia Murray and her mom, Eugenia LaFleur

Sierra Yeomans makes Woof Gang Bakery brought some a shot. colorful dog treats to the festival.

REHABulous!!!

Photos by Loren Mayo

Charlotte Mansfield

Brazilian Blowout $150

Specializing in chic Short Cuts by Phillip SHORT TERM CARE LONG TERM CARE PHYSICAL THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SPEECH THERAPY QUALITY NURSING CARE DIETARY SERVICES

• Expert Eyebrow & Facial

56586

Threading by Suna • Permanent Makeup • Beautiful Color by Ibrahim • Sugar Brazilian Bikini Wax

ManicuresLab & Spa Pedicures • Computer • Shellac • MicroSociety® • Microdermabrasion Relief from Ingrown • Science & Math Lab Toenails • Permanent • Operation Therapy S.M.A.R.T. • Massage

• and much more!

1282 North Palm Ave. Sarasota • 941.955.7862 • www.sunasalon.com 3rd Generation Family Owned Salon

girls smart • • • • • • •

Warm and Inviting, The Springs at Lake Pointe Woods is a

fully accredited 119-bed rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility.

need apply.

enroll now for Girls Inc. Where

Summer Camp

girls

Located on The Fountains beautiful 53 acre campus, one block north of Sarasota Square Mall.

grow

Two-week sessions for girlsto agebe 6 tostrong, 14 take place from June 7 and to AugustBOLD 19.

SMART

At The Springs, successful rehabilitation is much more than

healing. It is self-worth, quality of life, and a sense of wholeness.

enroll now for Girls Inc.

Summer Camp

Come as a patient, leave as a friend ...

Two-week sessions for girls age 5 to 14

201 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

941-366-6646 941-366-6646

girlsincsrq.org • Julie@GirlsIncSRQ.org girlsincsrq.org • julie@girlsincsrq.org

53970

www.TheSprings.biz

56600

201 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

3280 Lake Pointe Blvd.

Sarasota, Florida 34231

941-929-2700

Tennis Swimming Computers Television production Field Trips Cooking MicroSociety®

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

play day

9A

DANCING KINGS AND QUEENS

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

by Loren Mayo | Community Editor

RHS students have time of their lives at prom Dressed to impress in gowns and tuxes, Riverview High School seniors stepped into the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota ballroom for a night they’d never forget — prom. The event took place Saturday, April 30 and was themed “Tomorrow Never Dies.”

The 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers and the 1947 New York Yankees teams give each other high-fives after playing their World Series game Friday, April 29, at Twin Lakes Park.

Ashton’s recreation of historic World Series is a home run The fifth-graders at Ashton Elementary recreated the 1947 and 1992 World Series games Friday, April 29, at Twin Lakes Park. The Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees played one another in 1947, and the Atlanta Braves and Toronto Blue Jays played on another in 1992. All the school’s fifth-graders participated in the event either as baseball players, cheerleaders, security guards, fans or concession-stand vendors.

Fifth-grade teacher Donna McGarry started this annual event when she first

began teaching at Ashton. The fifth-graders learn about the history of baseball and read “In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson,” as well as write papers about famous players. Following the FCATs, the students get to have fun recreating the World Series games.

Left: Katie Steiner, John Giba and Sarah Morin hit the dance floor.

Michael Meisner and Domenic Ciricillo

Photos by Loren Mayo Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Chloe Keegan gets ready to hit the ball.

Luis Mejia

Crystal Carrozzo, Paige Dunn and Gillian Rosenberger

The AreA’s MosT TrusTed NAMe siNce 1974

Tips

• 24/7 Emergency Service Installation Estimates • FREE and 2nd opinions • Same Day Service / Open Saturday’s • Residential & Commercial hvac cleaning 15% off

regular prices (heating, ventalator, air conditioning system)

includes: duct system grilles evaporator coils blower metor firsT 10 callers To book Their hvac cleaning receive Top Tech programmable ThermosTaT ....free!!! ($349.00 value)

941 366 7676 • 8283 Vico Court • Sarasota, FL 34240 www.aquaplumbing.com

ThaT make sense for you and your home dear John, please provide a few Tips To be more energy efficienT. “ • Do not set the thermostat lower than the desired temperature when you first turn it on. It will not cool faster; it will only cool to a lower temperature than necessary and waste energy.

• Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. When it’s humid, set the speed on low; you will get less cooling but more from the air which will make it feel cooler.

• Do not position heat-producing appliances, such as televisions or lamps, near the thermostat. The heat they produce “fools” the thermostat and causes the unit to run longer than necessary. ”

100% Satisfaction Guarantee...

You Have My Word On It!

John Miller John Miller, President

visit www.aquaplumbing.com FOR MORE INFORMATION AND WEEKLY COUPONS GO TO askjohn@aquaplumbing.com.

FINANCING AVAILABLE 56777

plumbing air condiTioning elecTrical

10A

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

ABUSE PREVENTION

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

express yourself

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

by Loren Mayo | Community Editor

Young artists showcase works of art The 2011 North County Public Schools Spring Art Show kicked off April 26, at Art Center Sarasota.

Elementaryand middle-school teachers will be awarding 10 to 12 “Best of the Best” awards to their students. High-school students will compete in 12 categories — from non-graphite drawing and watercolor painting to printmaking and mixed-media — for first place, second

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Amanda Ortega holds her daughter, Gabriela.

Junior League and Westfield paint the community blue April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Junior League and Westfield Southgate teamed up Thursday, April 28, at Westfield Southgate Mall, to help raise awareness about child abuse prevention in Sarasota as well as

raise money for The Child Protection Center. The “Paint the Town Blue” event included blue martinis from Cosimo’s Brick Oven, along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. TooJay’s Gourmet Deli served up free desserts.

Right: Ella Jasper and Meghan Degilio

Above: Ashley Gruters and Sydney Gruters Left: Kirsten Sponseller, of Cosimo’s Brick Oven, makes a blue martini.

Art from North Sarasota County elementary schools covers the walls from floor to ceiling.

Photos by Loren Mayo

Dillyn, Kevin, Jaden and Michelle Evans

Out of

Africa

Attention Iberia & Regions Bank Customers

U.S. Foreign Service Officer Terrance M. Day (retired)

Shares his African Experiences

• Living and Traveling in Africa • Staying Healthy in Difficult Circumstances • Photo Safaris: Wonderful Times!

ere you charged a bank overdraft or NSF fees on multiple debit or checking account transactions? If so, you may be entitled to compensation!

May 10TH 10:30 RSVP: 927-0404

Sponsored By: Senior Moves Hosted by

56684

A signature property of Assisted Living Facility License # 8636

Call NOW for information concerning your legal rights.

7130 Beneva Road | Sarasota, FL 34238 | www.SavannahGrandSarasota.com

We Can Train Any Dog!

Call (813-225-4000) or (800-360-6439) KEVIN McLAUGHLIN WAGNER, VAUGHAN & MCLAUGHLIN

“I’ve been working with On Command K9 Academy for 12+ years. They trained my Cocker Spaniel, Chance, in 1997. I’ve been enthusiastically endorsing and referring On Command since. The results, even with difficult cases, are remarkable.”

– Debbie Parsons-Drake

The Humane Society United States Senior Director

Mark Jacobs

601 Bayshore Boulevard, Suite 910 Tampa, FL 33606 56726

Training Director/ Certified Dog Trainer

call 941-416-3489

www.oncommandk9academy.com

• Guaranteed Results • All Breeds, All Ages • Obedience Training • Behavioral Problems

• Lifetime Warranty • Personal Protection • Vet & Police K-9 Recommended

49155

Heather and Abigail Koester

place and honorable mention.

Ringling College of Art and Design will award two $5,000 scholarships to seniors in the show, and the State College of Florida will award two $1,000 scholarships.

Student artwork from elementary, middle and high schools throughout the district will be on display through Saturday, May 14.

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

royal treatment

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Ritz-Carlton hosts regal wedding celebration Many people all over the world tuned in to watch the royal wedding Friday, April 29, between Prince William and Kate Middleton. Although many U.S. residents most likely watched it from their homes in their pajamas, the RitzCarlton, Sarasota celebrated the royal wedding in style by hosting a 4 a.m. live broadcast and breakfast affair.

The event drew 150 people, many who were wearing extravagant hats and waving British flags. Those who came to celebrate in the early-morning hours agreed that waking up before the sun rose was worth it, because it was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Left: Michelle and Tristan Lee

s s llow e pi sardine a e r f f 2 no of e s ca ha & a h purc or set wit matt

Judy Ramlow wore an ornate hat.

sleep king

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

Speakers Robert Warren, Dr. Sherry Lawrence, Angela Hartvigsen, Monica Slater Van Buskirk and Norman Olshansky

Judy Pirkey and Neil Schleifer

Van Wezel celebrates education at breakfast The Van Wezel Foundation’s 10th annual Education Celebration took place Friday, April 29, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. The event included breakfast and speakers, who recapped the year as well as discussed the future.

The speeches were followed by a performance of “There’s an Alligator Under My Bed, a Nightmare in My Closet and Something in My Attic.”

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Sharon and Michael Bugler with Ruth Keel and Suzanne Willis

SCHOOL DAYS

11A

Hannah, Olivia and Margie Lee

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Com

e in for 2 Ho free a ur n ap!

Since 1972

discount sleep center MOn-fri 8:30-8:00 • sAT 8:30–6:00 • sUn 11:00–5:00 • 30 Day Comfort exchange • removal and set Up • Discount prices on Adjustable Beds • locally Owned and Operated • same Day Delivery

Authorized Dealer

NEVER KNOWINGLY UNDERSOLD!

Posturepedic

1901 HAnsen sT., sArAsOTA, fl - 1 BlOCk sOUTH Of Bee riDge Off 41 - TUrn @ Tire kingDOM

55454

941-922-5271 • TOLL FREE 800-265-9124 www.sleepking.net

lBk

Don’t Struggle to keep your

Independence

At Home...

Turn to us for help!

Lic. #299993609 Lic. #299993726

A Private Duty Home Health Agency We Guarantee Compassionate Care • Personal Care Bathing • Meal Preparation • New Born & Mom Assist program 56764

• Free Nursing Evaluation • Administration of Medication • Errands, Shopping, Transportation • Activities of Daily Living

LICENSED • INSURED • BONDED

• Trusted • Experienced • Caring

YourObserver.com Click. Read. Repeat.

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

55879

Your Extended Family

Sarasota (941) 388-3117 Venice (941) 484-3242 Englewood (941) 474-4455 Bradenton (941) 795-7000 www.helpathomefl.com

12A

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

athlete of the week

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

By Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

ANDRÉ JOHNSON André Johnson has been playing tennis for years but didn’t get into the competitive side of it until he was 10.

Now 13, Johnson attends Brookside Middle School and trains at the Celsius Tennis Academy at Bath & Racquet Fitness Club.

Johnson recently won the Boys 14 Spring Super Series Tennis Tournament at the Countryside Country Club, in Clearwater, and played in the USTA Lakewood Ranch Country Club tennis tournament. He “played up” in the boys 16 age group and made it to the finals.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest city of Sarasota, Sarasota County and Siesta Key building permits issued by Sarasota County and city of Sarasota for the week of April 18 through April 22, in order of dollar amounts.

CITY OF SARASOTA Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

1738 Illehaw Drive Addition Paul Mowery 1582 South Drive Renovations Susan Lewis 1864 Clematis St. Addition Dean Denman 1500 South Drive Mechanical Jeffrey Jones 901 S. Osprey Ave. Demo Delores Stottlemyer, trustee 2455 Floyd St. Demo Franck Castellano 1798 Lincoln Park Circle Doors Ralph Major Jr. 1778 Bahia Vista St. Mechanical Porter Thompson 3527 Camino Real Re-roof Ward Brass

$85,000 $32,000 $22,000 $11,783 $10,000 $5,500 $5,500 $4,800 $4,639

SARASOTA COUNTY Rachel S. O’Hara

kind of have to adjust.

What is it like to play against kids who are older than you?

I’m 13, and when I’m playing older kids, it takes some of the pressure off, because you’re not really, per se, expected to win. But when you’re playing kids your age, you’re expected to win, and there is a lot more pressure. Playing older kids is a little bit easier, but it’s different, because they apply a lot more power, and they have a lot more shots than you. You

What are you future goals for tennis?

I’m hoping to play in at least two of the four Grand Slams, if not all the Grand Slams. But, before that, I’m looking to get to the college level and compete in a D1 or D2 school and play singles, hopefully, and to win a few tournaments on the pro circuit or get deep into them. There are a lot of goals, and I just have to keep it step-by-step and not make anything too out of reach for me.

Permit

Applicant

3818 Torrey Pines Way Remodel G.T. Gallo 730 Sarabay Road Pool/Spa Stephen Marrone 3883 Spyglass Hill Road Re-roof Wesley Stukenberg 215 Sea Anchor Drive Re-roof Leona Touret 8810 Vamo Road Enclosure Carter Sanderford 6730 Half Moon Drive Renovations Tom Pergio 1333 Thornapple Drive Spa Norman Shelley 1016 Scherer Way Mechanical Thomas Shola 428 Rossetti Drive Re-roof Harry Hruniak

Q &A What are your strengths and weaknesses in tennis?

I think what I am best at in tennis is my forehand, because it has a lot of spin and power, and I can direct it around the court a lot. What I need to work on the most is probably my movement, because I am kind of tall and a little lanky, and I need to get my speed and agility better.

Address

Whom do you really admire in tennis?

I admire a lot (Rafael) Nadal, because he never gives up, and he’s always thinking of that point. He always gives it 100% whenever he is playing in a point.

I admire Nadal for his fierce competitiveness and his love for the game.

Amount $165,000 $46,000 $32,500 $32,000 $30,000 $23,800 $18,000 $17,208 $17,000

SIESTA KEY Address

Permit

Applicant

1200 E. Peppertree Lane Renovations Gabor Willinger 5419 Azure Way Renovations Tara Meyer 6051 E. Peppertree Drive Renovations L. Jane Mitakides 5880 Midnight Pass Road Mechanical Paul Mitchell 5074 Sandy Cove Ave. Mechanical Toby Chrostowski 5256 Avenida Navarra Mechanical Michael Jordin 546A Beach Road Mechanical Ronald Fox 585 Commonwealth Place Mechanical Nils Engstrom 19 Whispering Sands Drive Renovations Kenneth Sizemore

Amount $61,646 $21,000 $7,628 $7,124 $6,945 $6,826 $6,317 $6,070 $6,000

Source: Sarasota County; city of Sarasota

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE • Beginner Lessons 1st FOUR lessons FREE! Play in a game your first day!

Modern bridge the easy way in just a few weeks!

June234 • 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Begins Saturday, Thurs., Sept.

In-Between Bridge Club - Town & Country Plaza NW corner Fruitville & Beneva, Unit 612 Inside Courtyard Sarasota, FL

941-355-6940 Michelle Golden

34074 56355

EASYBRIDGE IS HERE!!

YOU EARNED IT. WE’LL ENHANCE IT. YOU ENJOY IT. 56544

Dear Friend, I know this statement sounds too good to be true but, it is true! Right now is the best time to own a brand new high efficiency air conditioning system because the instant rebates and energy savings on the average system add up to as much as $7,382!! If you have even considered getting a new system then do not miss this opportunity because it may not be available again.

Sincerely, Mike Montgomery

Anthony Welch & Ian Naismith

We have been Thursday, EducaTing FinanciaL May 19th, 2011 adviSOrS for years. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

First Public Presentation In Four Years!

No Insurance Sales. No Annuities Sales. No Kidding

Wine, Beer & Hors d’oeuvres

Mike Montgomery - President, Unique Services

Register for Free Today!

RSVP (941) 918-2255

Beckham’s Osprey Grille

Call Today to Find Out How!! 941-487-2600

1272 South Tamiami Trail Osprey, FL 34229

“Serving All of Coastal Florida for over 50 years!”

lic# cmc041072

WWW.ETFPROs.COM

*represent true cost of ownership over 120 months.

4515 19th Street Court East, Bradenton, FL 34203 56544

come hear WhaT WE havE TaughT and WhaT WE LEarnEd.

How to own an 18 SEER Super High Efficiency AC system for as little as $1.00* per day!

For A Limited Time Only!

www.uniqueservices.com

56622

Learn how to WIN BY LOsINg straight from PORTFOLIO MANAgERs

56328

Investment semInar

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

real estate | transactions

13A

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Savoy on Palm condo sells for $1.37 million A condominium at The Savoy on Palm tops all real-estate transactions from April 18 to April 22. Stanley and D’Ann Wernick sold their Unit 703 condominium at 401 S. Palm Ave. to Arthur and Joan Schwartz, of Sarasota, for $1.37 million. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and 2,975 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $1.26 million in 2006.

Large, of Gatlinburg, Tenn., for $274,000.

Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,222 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $342,500 in 2008.

ously sold for $450,000 in 2002.

SARASOTA Sarasota Bay Club

SIESTA KEY

Sarasota Bay Club LLC sold the Unit 905 condominium at 1301 Tamiami Trail to Nathan and Janet Polsky, of Sarasota, for $695,000. Built in 2000, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,546 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $446,000 in 2000.

Beach Villas at the Oasis

Shoreland Woods

TCM SWFL IV LLC sold the Unit 313S2 condominium at 313 Beach Road to Highland Springs Ventures LLC for $1.06 million. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,236 square feet of living area.

Frank Scholz and Judith Gleason sold their Unit B-2 condominium at 4660 Ocean Blvd. to Sanjay and Devyani Kumar, of Sarasota, for $490,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,645 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $750,000 in 2005.

Henry and Marlene Maimon, of Dayton, Ohio, sold their Unit A-1 condominium at 4660 Ocean Beach Blvd. to Red Sands LLC for $369,600. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,645 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $535,000 in 2008.

Coquille

Bernice Tweedy, trustee, sold the Unit 305 condominium at 1185 Coquille St. to Srinivas Murali and Marie Baldisseri, of Pittsburgh, for $455,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,760 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $290,000 in 1999.

Rachel S. O’Hara

Unit 703 at The Savoy on Palm has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and 2,975 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.37 milion.

Provincial Garden Apartments

Simon and Janet Braun, of Asheville, N.C., sold their Unit N-6 condominium at 6005 Midnight Pass Road to Joseph and Lynn Bornstein, of Bradenton, for $372,500. Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,462 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $300,000 in 2001.

Excelsior Beach to Bay

Janice Ketley sold her Unit 303 condominium at 6287 Midnight Pass Road to Thomas and Christine Damms, of Voegelsen, Germany, for $345,000. Built in Give Your two baths and 1982, it has two bedrooms, Mom 1,387 square feet of living area. It previ-

a Unique Antique Give Your GiveYour Your Give Give Your this Mother's Day! Mom Mom Mom 113 Tamiami Trail Mom a 113 Tamiami Trail 113 Tamiami Trail 113 Tamiami Trail aa a 113 Tamiami Trail in the town of OSPREY, FL in the town of OSPREY, FL Unique in the town of OSPREY, FL in Unique in the the town town of of OSPREY, OSPREY, FL FL Unique 11 Block South ofSpanish Spanish Point Unique Block South Spanish Point 1 Block South of of Point Antique Antique Antique 941-966-9800 941-966-9800 Antique 941-966-9800 941-966-9800 941-966-9800 this Mother's Day! this Mother'sDay! Day! this Mother's Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 11-5 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 11-5 Hours: 11-5 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5 Sun 11-5 Hours:Mon-Sat Mon-Sat10-5 10-5Sun Sun 11-5 this Mother's Day! Quilts • Linens • Period Furniture • Vintage Chandeliers & Lighting Primitive Iron • Wicker • Rattan • Clocks • Tools

Renaissance I

Michael Magowan, of Sarasota, sold his Unit 601 condominium at 750 N. Tamiami Trail to Stephen and Reva Mitchell, of Chicago, for $390,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,405 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $578,000 in 2005.

Harbor House South

Elizabeth Bredemeyer and Jo Carol Neibert sold their Unit 32 condominium at 400 Golden Gate Point to Ronald and Pamela Friedman, of Cromwell, Conn., for $357,000. Built in 1965, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,202 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $55,500 in 1977.

Broadway Promenade

Hartland Park

Daniel Currie, trustee, sold the home at 1870 Siesta Drive to Marie des Neiges Grossas, of Washington, D.C., for $236,000. Built in 1951, it has two bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,888 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $450,000 in 2005.

Hartsdale

Lynn and Francine Ross sold their home at 1803 Morris St. to RJJM LLC for $215,000. Built in 1950, it has two bedrooms, one bath, a pool and 1,096 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $13,000 in 1966.

Forest Oaks

James and Penelope Snyder, of Cobb, Ga., sold their home at 5385 Matthew Court to Rene Bernadac, of Sarasota, for $205,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,999 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $209,000 in 2002.

Visit our website to read more transactions and to see a map www.YourObserver.com

SEASON

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

8,600 unIQue AnTIQues WITh deALeRs! 8,600 8,600sQsQ sQFTFT FToFoF oFunIQue unIQueAnTIQues AnTIQuesWITh WITh3030 30deALeRs! deALeRs! “Look for the Orange Green Building!”

“Look for the Orange && Green Building!”

“Look for the Orange & Green Building!”

Premiere issue of Summer Season Magazine publishes Thursday, June 2nd in all 3 Observers!

Over 10,000 families and businesses carry policies with Boyd Insurance.

Summer Season includes June through September calendar of events for the Arts, Gallery Exhibitions, Museums information, Outdoor Festivals & Activities and more.

Car • Home • Business • Investments ... and much, much more!

For Advertising Opportunities contact your Observer Account Executive or 941.366.3468 ext. 344 for more details.

People have depended on us since 1974, because our number one priority is personal service.

Space Deadline: Tuesday, May 10 at 5pm

941-745-8300

SARASOTA LONGBOAT EAST COUNTY

56827

56704

BOYD INSURANCE & INVESTMENT SERVICES, INC. Ser ving The Gulf Coast For Over 35 Years! | www.boydinsurance.com

Nana Rowe, of Barrysville, N.J., sold her Unit 68 condominium at 5043 Kestral Park Drive to Edward Durda, of Longwood, for $246,500. Built in 1982, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,440 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $135,000 in 1983.

summer

David Clapp and Edward Bernstein, of Sarasota, sold their Unit 1629 condominium at 1064 N. Tamiami Trail to Tracey

54047

Sea Village

Jeffrey and Monique Vermillion, of Sarasota, sold their home at 3331 Old Oak Drive to Ralph and Paula Prather, of Sarasota, for $410,000. Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,299 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $800,000 in 2006.

The Landings Carriagehouse

The Observer You. Your Neighbor. Your Neighborhood.

14A

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

Cops

YourObserver.com iPhone App is here!

SARASOTA

Corner

April 25

Hit and run

Face recognition

4 p.m. — Palmer Ranch Parkway and Beneva Road. Accident. A teenager was riding his bike on a sidewalk and then was crossing the street in the crosswalk, when a car hit his rear wheel. The boy was thrown from the bike. The driver did not stop, nor did other passing cars. The boy only received a few scratches on his arm.

The only description of the car he could provide was that it was black.

11 a.m. — 3500 block of South Tamiami Trail. Petit Theft Shoplifting. A lingerieshop employee called police after two women stole $600 worth of perfume. The worker saw one of the women try to put three boxes of perfume in a bag, but the woman noticed the worker looking right at her, so she placed the boxes back on a display table. That woman then waved to the employee and said, “Hey, how you doing?” The worker recognized the woman, because she was the same person who threatened to beat her up a week earlier, after being caught stealing from the same store. It was only after the women left the store that it was discovered they stole several other boxes of perfume. The employee gave a less-than-flattering description of one woman — a “pushed-in, pug face.”

Search “YourObserver” in the Apple App Store today!

Grab the latest news, events and photo galleries for Longboat Key, East County and Sarasota anytime, anywhere.

Don’t just read the news — play with it. Share with friends and save articles, photos and events

Say what?

for later.

11:21 a.m. — 1900 block of Mid Ocean Circle. Family Disturbance. A deputy responded to a house after a neighbor reported a loud argument occurring there.

An elderly woman answered the door and said she and her husband had been arguing, but she didn’t remember about what.

As to why they were yelling, she told the deputy that the only way they can argue is to yell, because her 93-year-old husband is hard of hearing. Both husband and wife promised to be nice to each other the rest of the day.

Features

Road rage 1:45 p.m. — Tamiami Trail and Blackburn Point Road. Criminal Mischief. A man told sheriff’s deputies he had been involved in an altercation with the driver of a van while the two drove on Tamiami Trail. When he stopped at a traffic light at Blackburn Point Road, the van driver threw something at the man’s car and sped away. Whatever hit his car door caused a $300 dent in it.

April 26 Sopranos sighting?

6:02 a.m. — Highland Street. Suspicious Incident. Complainant saw a large bag lying in the middle of the road. The person said it looked like a body bag.

Roommate reappearance 1:59 p.m. — 1000 block of S. Allendale Avenue. Dispute. A young woman told police that her ex-roommate drove by her residence, and she became frightened.

Apparently, they did not part on good terms, and the woman was concerned he might try to do something.

Bayfront views 6:27 p.m. — 1 block of Bayfront Drive.

Suspicious Person. Four men were seen loitering in a parking lot. One man pulled his pants down to his ankles.

Discriminating taste 9 p.m. — 1400 block of First Street.

Petit Theft Shoplifting. A supermarket worker reported a theft in progress. When police arrived, they immediately caught one of the two suspects. He was carrying three pounds of Alderwood smoked salmon and three pounds of white shrimp, worth a total of $88. The other suspect was tracked down in a nearby park. That man didn’t see the officer coming toward him, and he pulled a bottle of Chenin Vio wine from his pants. Busted.

GARDEN CENTER & GIFTSHOP

Lots of New Products! New Changes!! Great Staff!

Check out our Beautiful Gift Shop full of Home Accessories & Giftware, with 7 Decorated Gift Rooms to Escape the heat!

Then Explore our full Garden Center and all our Pottery & Fountains!

Cops Corner View, save and share police reports from Cops Corner.

Photos Browse and view our stunning Black Tie photo galleries live from your iPhone.

DON’T FORGET MOTHER’S DAY IS COMING UP ON SUNDAY, MAY 8TH

We have Gift Certificates, Orchids, Bromeliads, House Plants & A Two Story Gift Shop for Your Mother’s Day Needs

Now is the Time to Control Weeds in Lawn & Garden Beds Before They Become Weeds!

Pre-Emergent Weed Killer 12 Lb Bag of Granular

11.95

56563

ONLY $ (Covers up to 3,500 Sq. Ft.)

1 Gal Blueberries - Only $7.95 1 Gal Lawn & Garden Pump Sprayer - Only $12.49 Offers good from 5/4/11 - 5/12/11

Open M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm

5 Miles East of I-75, on Lorraine Rd between SR64 & SR70

5020 Lorraine Road, Bradenton, Fl 941.747.0499 www.mariposanursery.com

The

Village

The AfTernoon MArkeT @ The BoATyArd VillAge 5pm till 8:30pm Every Tuesday Locally grown Produce, Plants & Herbs, Arts & Crafts, Natural Products, Baked Goods, Entertainment, Education and much more!

Events View, save and share must-attend upcoming events.

Stop By and See Us! Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill Siesta Key Watersports A to Z Baby, Beach & Bike Rentals Hulas Marketplace • Boardwalk Boutique A&M Insurance Agency • Rental Link Action Realty of Sarasota • Sarasota Premier Properties

YourObserver.com

Search “YourObserver” in the Apple App Store today!

54005

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

1500 Stickney Point Road, just by the South Bridge onto Siesta Key

56862

News Filter your neighborhood news by Longboat Key, East County or Sarasota.

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

RAINFALL

Wed., April 27 Thurs., April 28 Fri., April 29 Sat., April 30 Sun., May 1 Mon., May 2 Tues., May 3

0.00 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Month to date: 2011

0.00 in Year-to-date:

MOON PHASES

Sarasota

May 10 First

May 17 Full

May 24 Last

June 1 New

15A

WEEKLY WINNEr: Beachside bonding

2010 0.00 in.

2011 2010 13.51 in 11.71 in.

TemperatureS

Temps.

High Low 88 72 88 71 86 66 88 61 90 66 90 68 85 68

Wed., April 27 Thurs., April 28 Fri., April 29 Sat., April 30 Sun., May 1 Mon., May 2 Tues., May 3

Record Temps.

High Low 91 (1971) 45 (1926) 91 (1971) 45 (1926) 91 (1996) 41 (1928) 93 (1970) 46 (1916) 92 (1986) 48 (1921) 92 (2010) 49 (1921) 95 (1990) 46 (1925)

Average Gulf water temperature: 79.8

Christopher Brunn submitted this sunset photo, taken at Crescent Beach on Siesta Key.

RED TIDE

Sunrise/sunset

Sunrise 6:49 6:48 6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:45

Sunset 8:06 8:06 8:07 8:07 8:08 8:09 8:09

Visit YourObserver.com to click on our interactive weather button, which features current weather conditions, weather radar and a five-day forecast.

52544

Thurs., May 5 Fri., May 6 Sat., May 7 Sun., May 8 Mon., May 9 Tues., May 10 Wed., May 11

PHOTO CONTEST: Enter your local sunset, sunrise or weather-related photos for The Observer’s weather photo contest, sponsored by Cool Today. Please include where you took the photo when submitting photos, as well as your mailing address. Each week’s winner will receive a $50 restaurant gift card. Please send your photos to the Sarasota Observer, 1970 Main St., fourth floor, Sarasota, Fla., 34236, or email them to nschwartz@yourobserver.com.

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected alongshore or offshore Sarasota Friday, April 29, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

SAY wHAT? by Carl Cranby

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

1 8

Edited by Timothy E. Parker

14 18 19 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 32 34 36 37 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 53 55 57 59 62 64 65

C R Y P T O G R A M S by Myles Mellor 1. O I J

IJYP

ECQR

N YA A J P

EQC

Y

NQSEJCJSNJ

OQ

C J V Q A M J L B N TJ C B S R Y L Q Z O F Q S P F C B M B A J R J V. I J PZLLJP

OIJ

XJJOBSR,

“ X Y TJ

ZV

LJOOJC

L Y O C Y N I B Y S V .”

2. V E P W E O K

UQBS

UQBS YEOT MBJCDPH HNPH.

EM

QGO QOD

GEHRQBH

MBJCDPH HREOK.

JBH

PRNOKEOK

NOT

MVDNWEOK

PRNOKEOK UQBS

YEOT

HRD EM

66 69 71 73 74 75

ACROSS Reach, finally Expressions in toothpaste ads 1917 revolution casualty Delta or Southwest Kind of warfare Sicilian volcano Natural disaster aftermath Bends under weight Organ with a drum inside Asian nurse Tribe known for kachina dolls Walker’s increment Total flop Mamas’ mamas It’s bigger than a quiz Bridge guru Culbertson A lot of junk mail Puppy sound Time out at day care Began the card game Restaurant offering Ballroom dance move Event locale Abrasive board material Take notice of Top of the head Use plastic or cash Cafeteria fight weapon Cheerleader’s word Belgrade resident Wanted poster initials Shopper’s destination Spine-tingling Thoroughly dislikes Exclamation for Holmes Drinking spot Witch’s curse Conference room gadgets

79 Tide type 80 Troublemaking toddler 81 Shocking swimmer 82 Big name in copiers 83 How the innocent may be led 85 Emmy winner Roberts 87 Schlep 90 Actress Spelling 91 Coloring agent 92 Fifty-fifty 93 ___ New Guinea 95 Loosen, as a knot 97 Grew older 101 Word with “poly” 103 Walk like a rooster 105 W. Ger. was in it 107 Cousin of a mandolin 108 Salve targets 110 Transgression of divine law 111 Decay 113 U.K. military fliers 114 ___-conceived 116 Worship from ___ 118 The end of ___ (legend’s retirement) 122 Hearty and sturdy 124 Canaanite deity 126 Skin-soothing stuff 128 Stationery store stock (Abbr.)

129 Lowest sudoku digit 130 White-tailed bird of prey 131 Some classic tennis shoes 137 Old Roman welcomes 138 Undertaking 139 Transferee, in law 140 The “M” in E=MC2 141 Certain postal worker or gizmo 142 Weight added for stability dOwn 1 ___ Claire, Wisc.

2 Tiny louse 3 ”___ & the Women”

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 23 29 30 31 33 35 39 41 43 45 47 48 49 51 54 56 58 60 61 63 65

(2000 Richard Gere film) ”___ Gold” (1997 Fonda film) Buccaneer’s crime Futuristic automaton Driver’s gadget Sarandon of Hollywood Type of gas 401(k) kin Word meaning “stone” T.S. of literature Slanted, as a hill Hardy heroine Certain ticket issuer Messenger of God Hoarse Vasco da ___, Portuguese explorer Source of a licoricelike flavoring U-Haul rental Celeb’s accomplishment Time of danger for Caesar ”Without delay” acronym ___ serif (font choice) Scottish headwear One of Gladys Knight’s singers Insect in its cocoon Southpaw’s preferred side Stringed instrument of yore Turkish title, once Triangle corner ”___! A mouse!”

West African ethnic group Ship deck wood Palindromic Indian bread Pat Boone’s singing daughter Recesses at church Promote extravagantly French cap Smart-mouthed

66 Reprimand mildly 67 Do away with 68 They’re used by fast-moving vehicles 70 Word with “Brussels” or “bean” 72 Cabbage unit 76 The legendary Fitzgerald 77 ”Beep beep” maker 78 Zinc ___ 84 Colorful duck 86 Excited about 88 FedEx rival 89 Courage, colloquially 93 Prologue 94 Opera solo 96 ”__ the ramparts ...”

98 Spiritual advisor 99 Some flight data 100 Agile 102 Period in history 104 Intimidate 106 Toyota model 109 Stylish businesses?

112 Commonly removed throat tissue 114 Letter-shaped support 115 Stage before 41-Down 117 Repeated-theme composition 119 ”Entry of Christ Into Brussels” painter James 120 Winnebago enthusiast, for short 1 21 Stubborn ___ mule 123 ___ palm (Asian tree) 125 Subtracting 127 ”... happily ___ after” 132 Dog-___-dog world 133 Experiment site 134 Santa ___, Calif.

135 Thing, in legalese 136 ”I hate to break up a ___”

Last weeks Cryptograms 1. “First the good news,” announced the doctor, in a very animated fashion. “You are going to have a new disease named after you!”

2. I never was the plucky, overstressed type. My motto has always been: “Hard work never killed anyone, but why take the chance?”

Thursday, May 5, 2011 Items Under $200 For Sale

Items Under $200 For Sale

3 SOFAS: sleeper $50.00; classic, $55.00; loveseat, $50.00; dining table, 4 chairs, $45.00; 941-914-1759

WASHING MACHINE: Whirlpool Imperial Seventy. Dryer: Whirlpool, Auto Dry Miser Energy Efficient, $100 both. 924-8199.

ADVERTISE YOUR merchandise with the total value of $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included. No commercial advertising. Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks.

Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com or online at: www.yourobserver.com/classifieds BAR STOOLS- 2, 30” light wood, round ivory seats. Like new- $20 each. Call 941-966-7749 BOOK, NEW Nissan Sentra- HAYNES Repair Manual complete teardown rebuild with photos 1982-1994 $10.00 966-4412 BREYER COLLECTIBLE Toy Horses, Dakin Pine Stable & accessories. Great condition., $175. Tyler, 941-915-3000.

CARDBOARD BOXES- For shipping.

18x18x28. I have 160 boxes. Sell for $1 each. 941-918-9171 CEILING FANS (3) in good condition. $64/ea. (941)925-8660.

DINETTE SET- Broyhill. 83x38. Formica top, four high back chairs. Very nice. $80 obo.

941-485-8416 PIANO LAMP: House of Troy, Polished Brass. 14” shade, adjustable stem, Like new. $55. 941-320-5790 ROLL-AWAY BED- 36” wide, very clean $55; Large bag of Lego toys $35. 941-377-2742

Autos For Sale 2006 FORD Focus ZX3 SES. 4830 miles.

All power, loaded. Sacrifice $7800 due to death in family. 941-383-9364

Autos Wanted AUTOS WANTED! Let me take the hassle out of selling your car. Cash offered today!

Call Mike, 941-713-2277.

Furnishings NOW BUYING USED FURNITURE...

WANTED: La-Z-Boy Lexington Chremecraft Drexel

Leather Ethan Allen Wicker Thomasville

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

Condos/Apts. For Rent

ESTATE SALE 9a.m.-2p.m. - Friday, May 6 301 W. 3rd St., Boca Grande

1BR/1BA: IMMACULATELY clean, nicely furnished, pool, tennis court, walk to shops, near downtown. No pets. $625/mo. annual.

Assigned parking. Water, sewer, pest control included. 941-374-3401.

Gulf front 2 story 1930s home contents: 6 tiger maple chairs, 2 pair of French chairs, 2 mahogany library tables, set of 4 rush seat chairs, Royal Worcester china, Royal Crown Derby demitasse set from Tiffany’s, stemware, lobster set, local water colors by AW Morton, T. Wallace, M. Andrews, & Edith Hoyt; stemware, lots of vintage percal bed linens, Maple twin beds, 2 pair of twin beds, wicker, Wini Smart & Rex brasher prints, upholstered & slip covered chaise, sofas, arm chairs; raffia rugs, shredder, printer, bath linens, lots of kitchenware.

Call for Fast Free Bid

Sale by Julie McClure Pictures: WWW.APPRAISALS4U.BIZ or WWW.ESTATESALES.NET

745-2596 Manatee Furniture

General Merchandise

Buying & Selling Quality Used Furniture Since 1987

KITCHEN CABINETS- 14 White Cabinets, 2 lazy S, sink and hardware $400. Call 941-915-3980

3015 1st St. (Hwy US41) Bradenton

SARASOTA BARGAIN Thrift Store & Consignment Center. 1635 12th St., Sarasota. Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Freezers. Furniture, Beds, Dressers, Sofas, Tables, TV’s, Records, Books, etc. Don’t give your items away, let us sell them for you!

Delivery & pick-up available. 941-812-0587

Find Treasure!

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

EXPERIENCED LOCAL R/E investor seeking equity partners. 5% to 10+% R.O.I. Short term or long term. Call for your free report.

John M. Alexander, Esq. 941-724-5907.

Help Wanted CAREGIVER/ASSISTANT FOR Longboat lady, live-in 2 or 3 days per week. Nutritional cooking from scratch, experienced in personal care, light housekeeping, effective communicator for daily reporting. We seek intelligent and educated, patient individual with flexible time schedule. Basic computer skills, clean driving record, non-smoking, references in this field essential. $12 per hour on W2; payroll taxes paid by employer.

941-780-4284 or avanga42@aol.com

Homemakers/ Companions CNA’S/ HHA’S You Can Make a Difference. Help seniors stay independent. We provide: non medical care, personal care, meals, light housekeeping, transportation & companionship.

Flexible hours available- F/T, P/T, Overnight, Weekends and Live-In. Positions available in Sarasota/ Bradenton/ Venice. To work now fax resume to 941-929-7438 or email: joanieck@comcast.net LV1247

Your source for local Classifieds

A VINTAGE Grand Condo: 1BR/1BA. Private, beautiful view, near pool! Available June 1st. $750/mo. Last, security negotiable. 941-993-0381.

FIRST LIDO 1900 Ben Franklin. Large 1BR/2BA condo. Gulf view from all windows, No obstruction. Rent for 6 months or longer. $1500. 513-834-1410.

Condos For Sale

Investment Opportunities

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer.

Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662

You never know what you’ll find in the classifieds!

2BR/2BA ASHTON LAKES, Clark Rd. Over 1200sf with garage. Only 2 miles to Siesta Key. Walk to shopping. Heated pool, tennis, clubhouse, RV/Boat storage, full appliances including W/D. $1075 month., Annual unfurnished- Includes water, sewer & cable. Ashton Realty, Joe Bonsall, 941-923-1945 or cell 941-356-6356.

PATIO SET- Iron, cream color includes table, 6 chairs and two chaise lounges $300 OBO 941-915-3980

Storage

Want to find a great deal on something you’ve always dreamed of?

2BR FURNISHED apartment, Twin Shores, LBK. 55+ community. 6/mo. minimum. $750/mo. +utilities. 941-388-7284, 941-3830044.

JEWELRY SALES- Part Time Position.

Queens' Wreath Jewels at The Met on St. Armands Circle hiring part time sales help.

Call for interview 941-388-9800

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA BAYFRONT GULF VIEWS. DOUBLE UNIT - REGENCY HOUSE - 435 GULFSTREAM AVE. 3330+ sq.ft. living area with split 2-3BR/3BA. Totally remodeled, parquet floors, granite kitchen, walk-in closets, office/den with built-ins. Hurricane shutters, a 180 degree view of the keys and the Gulf. A must see unit. Steps to downtown activities and restaurants. RON STAHL REALTY, 941-374-1671.

Fractionals MOUNTAIN VACATION in North Carolina.

Spacious condo near Cashiers - Highlands, NC. Sleeps 6. Golf, tennis, family activities.

Available July 15-22, 22-29, July 29-Aug. 5. $800/ week. 850-456-7720.

This week’s crossword answers

THE OBSERVER LP # 56733

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THE SARASOTA OBSERVER THURSDAY, may 5, 2011 Thursday, May 5, 2011

17A

Classifieds 17B

www.yourobserver.com

Homes For Rent

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

Cleaning

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

LUXOR MHP

LBK: 1BR furnished condo, water views, includes cable, Longboat Harbor. Covered parking, no pets/ smoking, Gulf/ private beach house access. Boat dock available.

Available May 1st - Nov. 1st. $750/mo. +utilities. 248-231-3793.

A CLEANING EVEN YOUR MOTHER-INLAW WILL APPROVE! Every time, guaranteed! Licensed/Insured. Bonded. www.CleanTimeServices.com Pamela, 941-320-0023.

WATER HEATERS, faucets and small plumbing repairs. Reasonable rates. License #CFC1426756. 941-737-0349.

$425mo-1 bed/bath mobile homes.

55+ community. No Pets.

5811 14th St. W. Bradenton.

Sarasota Real Estate Assoc, Inc. Greg Nowak 941-809-6034

Homes For Sale PALMER RANCH DISTRESSED PROPERTIES FREE computerized list with pictures. buyforeclosures@realtyofsarasota.com 941-468-4917 Brigett Stinson Century 21 Advantage SARASOTA HOMES & CONDOS One Site for All Your Needs!

Property Search Homes - Condos - Golf Communities Short Sales - Foreclosures www.LarrySellsSarasota.com LARRY BRZOSTEK RE/MAX Alliance Group.

941-993-3125

Out-of-State Property

LBK: BAYFRONT, 2BR furnished condo, Longboat Harbour. Spectacular water views from every room, ground floor, end unit.

Covered parking, no trucks/ pets/ smoking.

Gulf/ private beach house access. Boat dock available. Avail. May 1st to December 1st. $950/mo +utilities. 734-216-6622.

LBK: TIFFANY Plaza Beachfront Condos, 1st floor, 2BR/2BA, walk out to beach.

Beautifully furnished, heated pool, covered parking. 1 mo. min. 941-383-3338.

PALM AIRE. Fabulously furnished 2BR/2BA condo. Screened lanai, golf views, W/D, community pool, carport. $1400 through $2500. Inquire: Eileen, 732-740-9398.

SEAPLACE: 2BR/2BA, garden view, 2 parking spaces, queen MBR, twin beds 2nd BR, turnkey furnished. Non-smoking. Much more. Available 10/1/11 - 4/30/12. For full details, call Saul Coplan, 941-727-4774.

Adult Care Services COMPLETE IN-HOME PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE is available through ElderCare Services Unlimited.

Companionship/ caregiving, medical and non-medical, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation. Medicare/ Medicaid affiliated. 3 hours to 24/7. Lic. #30211372 Bonded/Insured.

941-377-4465, Eldercaresarasota.com

PRIME NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES At BARGAIN PRICES

HOMEMAKER/COMPANION: HELPING hand with meals, housekeeping, transportation. Hours and days according to needs.

Pat, 412-849-2650.

Auto Transport

 Breathtaking views  Mild Summers

laurelridgegolf.com

Contact: Sherell Johnson, Jr.

sherellwj@aol.com 1-800-433-7274 Room For Rent SHARE FURNISHED Bayfront bungalow condo with senior. Now available: 2BR/2BA, $550/mo. +1/2 electric, +security deposit includes everything. Active senior community LBK. 941-809-8770, Ronnie.

RETIRED LONGBOAT KEY police officer & associate. Drive your car to the North and back. 941-713-1596, 941-720-0426.

SUNCOAST TRANSPORTER

BRAZILIAN CLEANING Service by Maria.

Residential/ Commercial.

Meticulous Cleaning. Excellent References. Free Estimates. Reliable. Lic./ Ins. 941-400-3342 DON’T SETTLE for Dirty! Imagine your home, immaculate. Quick, reliable, and affordable house cleaning. Experienced in commercial, residential, and post-construction cleaning. Call for a free quote. ABM Cleaning, a division of ABM Construction. (941) 539-2163 or ABMcleaningservice@gmail.com

Painting/Wallpapering CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured. Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing.

Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates. 941-744-1020.

35+ years experience.

Personal Services YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

FREE ESTIMATES! Call Dottie, detailed cleaning. 24 Years Exp. Lic./ Ins. Residential/ Commercial. Dottie, 941-321-6645.

SUNCOAST

CLEANING-

Flexible, customized residential cleaning plans mean we handle your home cleaning duties so you don’t have to. Licensed/Insured.

Call Jenni today for your free estimate!

941-822-1837

I come to your home or office.

 Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation  Organizing Personal and Business Files  Budgets & Financial Reports  Federal and State Tax Returns BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience

Computer Services

Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

APPLE PRODUCT support- Macs, iPads & iPhones- 30+ years experience. 941-7358635. www.digitalclips.com/support.html

Tile

Flooring

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

R.J. DAVIS WHOLESALE FLOORING: Sales & Installation. Tile, stone, wood, pavers, laminates & Travertine. 18 years Lic./Ins. Call me and I will absolutely save you money. Free estimates. 941-586-8996 ☺.

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION 20 YRS. EXPERIENCE

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

R.J. DAVIS HOME RESTORATIONS. Historical or modern - we completely repair and restore any home. 18 yrs. Lic/Ins. 941-586-8996.

ROBERT INTERIORS, LLC. Complete Home Improvement & Quality Craftsmanship "We treat your home as if it were our own."

Long Distance Delivery.

“Snowbirds” I drive your car door to door!

One Inclusive price.

Mike 941-993-0236 WILL DRIVE your car to Northwest USA, end of May. 941-366-2933.

Home Repair Interior/Exterior Painting Interior Trim Professional Tile Work & Wood Flooring.

Call David 941-256-6170 or Greg 727 560-7670.

No Project too big. No project too small!

Windows 3M WINDOW FILMS - NBI SUN CONTROL 1-800-TINTING Auto/ Residential/ Commercial

FIND IT! in The

Observer Classifieds

Get all 3 Observers for only $99 Stand out from the crowd and get widespread exposure with The Observer ‘Make Your Move’ real estate ad. Your ad will appear in all 3 Observers – reaching prime prospects in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Reserved Space

Buy Now

e l P

LP Reserved Space

The Longboat Observer • The East County Observer • The Sarasota Observer

That’s over 70,000 in circulation and more than 140,000 readers!

To advertise your listing call (941) 955-4888 or email classified@yourobserver.com

The Observer You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

M A

Ad Specifications Ad Size: 2.5” x 3” Photo size: 2.5” x 1.5” Avg # of words: 40 Full color available!

No logos.

Designate your headline.

S

absolutely elegant home in silver oak.

Model perfect Biscayne floor plan by Bamboo Builders. One of best lots w/lake & Private Views. Over 3400 sq. ft. under air. 4 BD + den, 3 1/2 BA. Gourmet kitchen w/wood cabinets, granite counters, stainless appl. 3 car gar., large htd pool & spa w/outdoor kitchen. Built in 2001! $899,900. John Doe Real Estate.

John Doe

941-555-5555

THE SARASOTA OBSERVER SARASOTA Observer THURSDAY, may 2011 Thursday, May 5,5,2011

www.yourobserver.com

COMPUTER

6HUYLQJ 6DUDVRWD DQG 0DQDWHH %XVLQHVVHV

HANDYMAN Frustrated depending on unreliable servicemen?

Anthony Lenari

Repair Express

Computer Consultant Repair • Service • Training Business & Residential

6PDUW 5HDVRQV WR 2XWVRXUFH <RXU $FFRXQWLQJ 1HHGV WR 8V Â&#x2021; <RX QHHG PRUH WLPH $FFRXQWLQJ DQG ILQDQFH LV RXU FRUH FRPSHWHQF\ Â&#x2021; (QKDQFH GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ ZLWK RXU LQWHJUDWHG WHDP RI SURIHVVLRQDOV Â&#x2021; 6DYH XS WR RQ DFFRXQWLQJ FRVWV :H RIIHU FRPSHWLWLYH UDWHV

Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888

anthonylenari@hotmail.com

941-706-1208

$ ' 9 , 6 2 5 < ) , 1 $ 1 & , $ / 7$ ; 6 ( 5 9 , & ( 6

HOME SERVICES

54606

ZZZ NHQQHWKMDUYLV FRP

(OUSEHOLD 2EPAIRS s 0AINTING s 4ILE s #ARPENTRY &ANS ,IGHT &IXTURES s 0RESSURE 7ASHING -ORE Licensed/Insured 941-544-0920 Free Estimates

House Care Watch

AIR CONDITIONING

L & R AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Multi-Point InspectionsÂ&#x2021;Water Plants Car ChargeÂ&#x2021; Meet/Arrange Contractors DGotthelf1@Verizon.net - REFERENCES

UĂ&#x160;->Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x160; >Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;ViĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;wi`Ă&#x160;/iVÂ&#x2026;Ă&#x192; UĂ&#x160;6Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x192;]Ă&#x160;-ÂŤĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x153;>Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;,iÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;>Â?Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;/Ă&#x20AC;>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} UĂ&#x160;7Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;iÂ?iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; iĂ&#x152;Ă&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;1ÂŤ}Ă&#x20AC;>`iĂ&#x192; UĂ&#x160; - Ă&#x160;EĂ&#x160; >LÂ?iĂ&#x160;-iĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2022;ÂŤ UĂ&#x160;,iÂ&#x201C;Â&#x153;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160; >VÂ&#x17D;Â&#x2021;1ÂŤĂ&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Vi

941.266.0562

10% OFF for First Visit

941-921-7552

55993

56367

Servicing All Makes and Models

941-961-0045

INTERIOR DESIGN

ANOTHER LBRL, INC. COMPANY

ALTERATIONS/UPHOLSTERY

Beautiful Interior Design on a Budget

Home Furnishing Restoration and Upholstery Specialist!

100

In-Home Consultation & Do-It-Yourself Plan

In shop free estimates Pick up and delivery services available

941s 925 s 2447

CUSTOM WOODWORKING

-964 *65*,7; ;6 -050:/

552-5766

26

Mottern :2 20 2':2 5.,1* &

Quality Furniture Made With Fine Wood Built-Ins â&#x20AC;˘ Entertainment Centers â&#x20AC;˘ Armoires Computer Desks Dining Room Tables â&#x20AC;˘ Hutches Furniture Repair & ReďŹ nishing â&#x20AC;˘ Cabinet Refacing

SMS Mobile Marine Service *36 )LVKILQGHU ,QVWDOODWLRQ Â&#x2021; 2XWERDUGV , 2ÂŞV Â&#x2021; ,QERDUGV Call for appointment Â&#x2021; 941-232-3523

Native Son Landscape Services, Inc. GO GREEN!

s ,ANDSCAPE DESIGN RENOVATION INSTALLATION s .ATIVE PLANTS 8ERISCAPE %XPERTS s &REEZE 0ROOF 0LANTS s 3OD 2EPAIR s $RAINAGE 2EPAIRS s 3EASONAL #LEAN 5P 2EMULCH s .EW 0AVERS 0AVER 2EPAIR s /RGANIC 'ARDENING &ERTILIZING

%XPERIENCED s )NSURED 7ORKER S #OMP Lic. #RGLAN-SL-A1815

365-2407

,%7)3 !6% s */(. -!'')% &2/34 /7.%23

FURNITURE REPAIR

LAWN CARE

PATIO REPAIRS Furniture Repairs FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 2E POWDERCOATING #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

941-504-0903

55656 38056

56184

DOCKSIDE BOAT REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

/54$//2 &52.)452% %80%243 s 777 0!4)/2%0!)23 .%4

HANDYMAN

Total Superior Maintenance

jMHEk MFK g EHFG &6'%* .'#0+0) '48+%'5 0%

56772

+%'05'& g 10&'& g 0574'&

999T &6'%* .'#0+0)T%1/

941-256-2027

ANOTHER LBRL, INC. COMPANY

COMPUTER PC & LAPTOP REPAIR

55613

SALES & SERVICE NEW & REFURBISHED NETWORKING DSL AND CABLE SETUPS TRAINING BACKUP & RECOVERY SETUP, INSTALL, UPGRADE AFFORDABLE RATES

Affordable Expert

AFFORDABLE LAWN CARE -OWING s 7EED %ATING s %DGING

(OME -AINTENANCE 0ROGRAMS s Home Renovations 2OOM !DDITIONS s #USTOM #ONSTRUCTION

Honey Do Lists / No Job Too Small ASK ABOUT OUR DISCOUNTS! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10% Senior Discount

Call: 941-746-5255

+ITCHENS s "ATHROOMS s 7INDOWS s $OORS s 3CREEN 2OOMS s &LOORING s 2OOlNG s 0AINT (OME /FlCES s $ESIGN "UILD s 'REEN #ONSTRUCTION s 3OLAR s -ETAL "UILDINGS s "ARNS 'ARAGES s ND &LOOR !DDITIONS s #OMMERCIAL s )NDUSTRIAL s #USTOM (OMES

For Free in-home estimates and consulting

State Lic #CGC1507489

By Referral or Ad Only

Visit our website at: www.TLHillConstruction.com

GrazingGoatsLawnCare.com

Lic./Ins.

56286

174 175' 5 74 v E 4+14+6;

175' #6%* '48+%'5 g '5+&'06+#. .'#0+0) '48+%'5

No job is too small, We will do it all!

Servicing the Residental and Commercial Communities for over MENTION 25 Years THIS AD 10% OFF

55649

CLEANING

941-544-3816

55614

LYLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HANDYMAN SERVICES

Team Up Today With Classifieds 941-955-4888

F R E E E STI M ATE S 941-706-5569 YRS IN BUSINESS MOVERS

MO V I N G Dave McCarthy

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Will move anything from a couch to a householdâ&#x20AC;?

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES ) # # s $/4 &, -/6%23 )-

Dave McCarthy Operator/Owner

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781

56118

56127

CERTIFIED & INSURED

3204 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota (Across from the Library)

586-4791

0

YOUR DESIGN - YOUR CHOICE OF WOOD

BOAT SERVICES

VIRUS & SPYWARE EXPERTS! LAPTOP REPAIR SPECIALISTS

Thomas

͡͡͸͡Ͳ 38314

Law OfďŹ ce of

Sharon M. Guy, P.A.

NEW TV - CALL ME

WILLS, TRUSTS, PROBATE, ELDER LAW

35(< &8672

REFACE OR NEW IN BAMBOO

ATTORNEY

OfďŹ ce in Palmer Ranch 8586 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

56405

ESTABLISHED 1975!

941.726.1560

www.chiconthecheap.net chiconthecheap@gmail.com

56408

(OURS -ONDAY &RIDAY AM PM s 7EEKENDS BY APPOINTMENT

55808

55850

Allow me to do my very best for you!

Gulf Gate Village 6568 Superior Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231

RedeďŹ ning Interior Design

$

(ONESTY s )NTEGRITY s 1UALITY s 6ALUE

56383

Frank Beck Upholstery

On Site or In Shop

Dennis Gotthelf

55851

24 Hour Emergency Service Residential and Commercial

Sharon M. Guy

56385

55848

ACCOUNTING

53750

18A YourObserver.com 18B Classifieds

MOVERS

by

SCREENING

Melanie

Ask us about Superscreen Rescreening pool cages, lanais, etc.

s 0ET 3ITTING

359-1904 We sell boxes!

s $OG 7ALKING

Call Now for a Free Estimate (941) 962-0395

s /VER YEARS EXPERIENCE

TILE

s %XCELLENT REFERENCES 56828

PAINTING

(941) 966-2960

56409

56402

Fully Licensed and Insured

REMODELING/HOME IMPROVEMENT TREES

James Tree Service & Complete Landscaping

(941) 388-3580 FREE

ESTIMATES

than Dewey NaPainting COMPANY

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quality Workmanship for Over 25 Yearsâ&#x20AC;?

56110

56382

PROMPT RESPONSE

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Interior & Exterior Pressure Washing Pool Decks Drywall Repair Family Owned & Operated

#OMMERCIAL 2ESIDENTIAL s 4REE 2EMOVAL s 0RUNING ,ANDSCAPING "USHES 3HRUBS s 3TUMP 2EMOVAL s 0ALMS /AKS ETC s ,OT ,AND #LEARING #LAM 4RUCK (AULING s #RANE "UCKET 3ERVICE s "OBCAT s 3HELLWORK $EMOSSING #LEANOUTS s &IREWOOD s (R %MERGENCY 3ERVICE s ,IC )NS E-mail: jhtreeguy@verizon.net Insurance Claims (941) 266-0365

s Wood Floors s Drywall s Crown Molding s Tile s Painting s Carpentry s Pressure Washing s Much More Ask for Doug

WINDOWS 55950 38066

Fully Insured

Š _Â&#x201E;Â&#x160;{Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6; fw Â&#x201E;Â&#x160; Â&#x201E;} Š fÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2020;yÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201E; Y{ Â&#x201A; Â&#x201E;} h{Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x152;wÂ&#x201A; Š mwÂ&#x201A;Â&#x201A;Â&#x2020;wÂ&#x2020;{Â&#x2C6; h{Â&#x192;Â&#x2026;Â&#x152;wÂ&#x201A; Š j{Â&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;{z \ Â&#x201E; Â&#x2030;~{Â&#x2030; Š ZÂ&#x2C6;Â?Â?wÂ&#x201A;Â&#x201A; h{Â&#x2020;w Â&#x2C6;C h{Â&#x2020;Â&#x201A;wy{Â&#x192;{Â&#x201E;Â&#x160;

56386

Corby J. deKozlowski

Lic/Ins

55741 23483

PSI P

484-4576

Are You Thinking About Renovations? a Â&#x160;y~{Â&#x201E;Â&#x2030; Š XwÂ&#x160;~Â&#x2030; Š m Â&#x201E;zÂ&#x2026;Â?Â&#x2030; Š ZÂ&#x2026;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030; fw Â&#x201E;Â&#x160; Â&#x201E;} Š h{Â&#x2020;w Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2030; Š Wzz Â&#x160; Â&#x2026;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2030;

West Florida Contractors, Inc.

941-906-8554

CGC1505233

www.wfcgeneralcontractors.com

Local Ads at Your Fingertips - www.YourObserver.com/classifieds

Lic./Ins. se Window Washin i r n Su and Pressure Cleaning g

Res./Com.

Environmentally Friendly

h,EAVE 9OUR $IRTY 7INDOWS 4O 5Sv

s h50 4/ 34!.$!2$ 7).$/73 s v 302).' 30%#)!,3

10%

Free Estimates

00

OFF + Additional

For Senior Citizens Prices Include:

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;/Ă&#x20AC;>VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;-VĂ&#x20AC;iiÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;

Sell your service with

SUCCESS! Advertise in The Observersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service Directory â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Call 955-4888 for more information...

55952

s 0ROFESSIONAL 1UALITY 7ORK s )NTERIOR %XTERIOR AINTING s ,ICENSED )NSURED s /WNER /PERATED 941-321-2791 s ,OCAL 2EFERENCES www.psipainting.com

Specializing in Residential Painting

YourObserver.com

PET SERVICES

Pet Care

U.S. DOT No. 1915800

Classifieds 19B 19A

www.yourobserver.com

56381

THE SARASOTA OBSERVER Thursday, may May5,5, 2011 THURSDAY, 2011

SARASOTA Observer

20A

SARASOTA Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 5, 2011

Our Markets Re-Energized

If you read this column last week you’ll recall that Shawn Tully, senior editor at Fortune Magazine/CNNMoney.com, is unambiguous in his bullishness about buying real estate in today’s undervalued market. “Forget stocks. Don’t bet on gold,” he advises his readers. “After four years of plunging home prices, the most attractive asset class in America is housing.”

That column had no sooner been put to bed than proof came in rapid-fire succession that an amazing number of buyers in our own market share Tully’s views. The April 21st Sarasota Herald-Tribune hit the newsstands with the headline: Sarasota-Bradenton Home Sales Highest In 6 Years.

Strong demand from investors and second-home buyers, the accompanying article said, had catapulted home sales in Sarasota and Manatee Counties to their highest levels since 2005; while simultaneously reducing inventories of available properties to their lowest levels in six years. Moreover, buyers who were once faced with a plethora of good choices are suddenly astonished to find a growing lack of them.

The same positive trends have also taken root in Charlotte County; and would be all the more impressive across all three counties were they not being compared to this time last year—when the looming deadline for the first time home buyer tax credit brought buyers off the fence in droves.

Meanwhile, in Sarasota-Manatee, March’s median price rose 12% from February, to $154,600; but was down 6% from the previous March. In Charlotte County it fell by 8.3%—to $89,400—from February.

By that Friday there was bullish news about another segment of our local market. That day, the headline read Area Condos Selling Like It’s 2005.

March condominium sales in Sarasota-Manatee posted a sudden and dramatic 32% gain in unit sales over February; and a 12% gain over March 2010. In Charlotte County, there was a 32% increase over February and a 29% improvement over March 2010.

The next day, sellers of properties priced above $1 million got the headline they’ve been hoping for. Longboat Key Mansion Fetches Cool $12.5 Million, it read. In other words, when the price is right and the seller motivated, there are buyers ready, willing and able to purchase every property in our market area, with the most expensive among them no longer an exception. At press time, there are 80 pending sales in Sarasota County, 19 in Manatee County and 6 in Charlotte County involving properties priced above $1 million.

The number of homes that were bound to contract in March is perhaps the most encouraging news of all, as their projected closings more or less guarantee that the positive momentum will continue for at least the next few months. March pendings in Sarasota County were up nearly 30% over February; and 23.4% over March 2010. In Manatee County they were up 25.6% over February; and 34.2% over last March. In Charlotte County, they were up 15.4% over February; and 24.7% over March 2010.

All these pendings have to do to maintain the pace of our re-energized

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-356-9642

137 Big Pass Ln $2,100,000 #A3926123 Lorraine Neal

Siesta Key 941-966-8000 941-350-0997

8037 Midnight Pass Rd $1,799,000 #A3918735 Sandy & Jerry Strom

664 N Macewen Dr $719,000 #A3942667 Nicole Hammons-Dovgopolyi, PA

Osprey 941-966-8000 941-356-5849

3790 Eagle Hammock Dr $599,900 #A3923715 Kathleen Griffin

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-302-3979

730 Rellim Ln $499,000 #A3924618 Melba Jimenez PA

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-356-3970

1923 Georgia Ave $485,000 #D5782866 Pamela Neer

661 Venice Ln $409,000 #A3939300 Judy Arreola & Kristina Talkie

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-266-8658

1914 Hillsdale Pl $325,000 #A3922351 Jenna Carver

The shadow inventory of foreclosure properties is another cause for concern. With absolutely no precedent to draw from, however, not even the savviest real estate experts are willing to predict what will occur if a significant amount of these properties suddenly hit the market at once.

One hopes that lenders will at least be judicious toward their own bottom lines by not allowing this to happen. A more studied and measured release is in every property owner’s best interest.

What is known, however, is that cash-rich investors have developed such a comfort level with today’s prices that they pounce on every half-decent foreclosure the moment it reaches the market. With the competition for the best properties growing in intensity, they should continue flying off the shelf.

Next week: How to keep your transaction on track to a successful closing.

507 S Casey Key Rd Nokomis/North Venice $1,175,000 #A3916019 941-951-6660 Pamela De Marie 941-350-9371

1205 S Orange Ave $899,000 #A3922173 Allaman Dianna

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-232-4200

8862 Bloomfield Blvd $885,000 #A3934599 Maripat Flood

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-320-0441

321 Dulmer Dr Nokomis/North Venice $599,000 #N5772738 941-485-5421 Jo-Anne Sckowska & Nell Taylor 941-321-8975

8636 Woodbriar Dr $549,900 #A3942566 Janet Montgomery

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-544-7031

1654 Prospect St $500,000 #A3941843 Jennifer Linehan

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-266-7555

4401 White Cedar Trl $499,900 #A3941580 Sara Chester

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-737-8234

Englewood 941-473-7750 941-830-0999

6453 Indigo Bunting Pl Lakewood Ranch $450,000 #A3942601 941-951-6660 Marc Rasmussen 941-812-6272

361 Turtleback Xing $449,900 #N5772765 Martha Pike

Venice 941-485-5421 941-716-4392

5420 Eagles Point Cir # 306 $429,000 #A3940085 Patricia Garrett

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-349-3444

415 Wellington Ct $428,500 #N5770643 Susan Brooker

Venice 941-493-2500 941-223-6055

9393 Midnight Pass Rd # 605 $374,500 #A3942258 Joseph Brown

Siesta Key 941-349-3444 941-587-6185

6 Fairway Dr $369,000 Missie Jo Turner

#D5782656

Englewood 941-473-7750 941-587-2754

1771 Ringling Blvd # 1205 $350,000 #A3939810 Stacy Hanan

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-266-0529

4430 Riverwood Ave $340,000 #A3942292 Sandra Voss

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-961-5069

7612 Charleston St University Park $329,900 #A3942318 941-951-6660 David Haas 941-544-2907

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-343-7953

4975 Laurel Hill Dr $319,900 #N5771565 Robert Harsch

Venice 941-485-5421 941-223-3690

4040 Cobia Estates Dr $317,000 #C7016099 Jennifer Calenda

Punta Gorda 941-505-5555 941-916-0798

430 Dover S Dr $309,900 Larry Brown

Englewood 941-485-5421 941-544-4891

911 W Henry St $295,000 #C7023818 Rise Wells

Punta Gorda 941-639-0000 941-639-0000

1350 N Portofino Dr # 110 $280,000 #A3925273 Mary Sauve`

Siesta Key 941-966-8000 941-320-0381

1640 Britannia Blvd Port Charlotte $259,900 #D5782658 941-473-7750 Elizabeth Burr/Nancy Christensen 941-855-1142

8921 Veranda Way # 313 $243,900 #A3942688 Barbara Mcdonald

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-356-5367

4520 Chandlers Forde # 51 $239,900 #A3934381 Marci Mcfarland

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-961-3390

1532 Pelican Point Dr # Ba242 $239,000 #A3942125 Christina Neff

Sarasota 941-349-3444 941-914-0896

23126 Copperleaf Dr $219,000 #N5772700 Scott Johnston

Venice 941-493-2500 941-232-5482

2434 Carlisle Pl $187,900 #A3942549 Drew Russell

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-993-3739

9610 Club South Cir # 4206 $154,900 #A3942173 Dorothy Mckendry

936 Wexford Blvd # 936 $123,900 #N5772826 Bambi Utton

Venice 941-493-2500 941-228-4881

1431 Aqui Esta Dr # 212 $120,000 #C7023935 Jennifer Calenda

Punta Gorda 941-505-5555 941-916-0798

2445 Terry Ln $115,000 Deborah Nelson

Sarasota 941-951-6660 941-266-5900

7104 Bougainvillea St $109,900 #D5782644 Virginia Hamilton

Englewood 941-473-7750 941-662-0255

27117 Tierra Del Fuego Cir $108,000 #C7022791 Jonathan Marshman

Punta Gorda 941-639-0000 941-639-0000

Sarasota 941-966-8000 941-586-5007

Siesta Key 941-951-6660 941-650-8297

A real estate transaction is not unlike a machine, with its many moving parts dependent on each other to keep it running smoothly. Without proper attention a breakdown is possible at any given time. Similarly, holding a real estate transaction together requires on-going diligence from the moment the contract is signed until the moment it closes. Therefore, thorough, active and experienced representation is the only way to assure a successful outcome.

#N5770861

#A3931873

Mid Longboat 941.383.5502 • South Longboat 383.7591 • St. Armands 388.4447 • Main Street 951.6660 • Palmer Ranch 966.8000 • Siesta Key 349.3444 • Venice 485.5421

51441

607 Mourning Dove Dr $4,590,000 #A3933333 Lenore Treiman

market is close successfully. And therein lies the rub.

A RT S | E N T E RTA I N M E N T | S O C I E T Y | F O O D | FA S H I O N | D é C O R

Diversions YourObserver.com

ARTIST STATEMENT

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Heidi Kurpiela

“They tell stories,” Dominic Avant says of painting his wife and children. “They bring beauty to ordinary things. It moves me as a father and as an artist.”

The human touch Former Disney animator Dominic Avant explains why he now devotes his canvases to the real-life characters and scenes that fill his world.

T

hese are Dominic Avant’s favorite subjects: his sons, his wife, his backyard and the beach.

It’s a simple list that provides endless material for the artist.

With his family, it seems every moment is a painting, even the mundane ones. Or, as Avant says, “especially the mundane ones.”

It’s 4 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon, and Avant has just returned from Ringling College of Art and Design, where for five years he’s taught animation and visual development, an extension of his former life as an animator for Walt Disney Feature Animation.

Today is, by all accounts, a mundane day.

If Avant were to paint it, the scene would include a washing machine running through its spin cycle, a little boy with damp hair escaping from his bedroom without wearing his pants. A harried wife running to retrieve the child and an artist in his garage studio tidying paints and canvases.

AVANT CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

INSIDE

EDIBLES:

Local Royal Wedding party menu / 4

Black Tie THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

FLORIDA WINEFEST & AUCTION’S BEACH FEAST PAGE 7

CAMERA READY Laughter Unlimited / 9

2 ■ Diversions >>

YourObserver.com

■

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

COVER STORY

AVANT from 1 “I sometimes feel like I’m juggling a lot,” Avant says. “Teaching full time, painting at home, raising two kids … it can be tough.

I’m just keeping my head above water, I guess.”

Not all artists are solitary creatures plagued by social phobias. Avant, a 43-yearold East County resident, has built a portfolio on his people skills, in particular his ability to capture the nuances of people’s personalities.

“I’m the opposite of a lot of artists,” Avant says. “I like camaraderie. I like being around people. I’m social. I think it makes me a better artist.”

His studio is brimming with paintings, most of which are of people, their facial expressions ranging from noble to commonplace, pensive to bewildered, bored to exuberant.

Many of the works depict his 10-year-old and 4-year-old sons.

“My boys,” he says gesturing toward a framed portrait of two kids playing in the surf at Holmes Beach. “Just seeing them get lost in a moment is inspiring. I can watch them play for two hours and walk away with 200 paintings in my head.”

Sure beats whipping out a digital camera.

Resting against another easel is a painting of Avant’s wife: she lying on a sheet under a tree in the backyard, hoisting son, Dean, then-6 months old, to his feet.

On the floor is a painting of his older son, Devin, cradling a bucket of oranges, shirtless and grinning.

“It’s the little things,” Avant says of his kids. “When I watch them pick oranges from the tree in our backyard, or when they help me in the garden, I always see them as interesting shapes, patterns and light.”

You wouldn’t know it from scanning his studio, but Avant’s career as a painter began only five years ago.

A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he spent nearly 10 years working at Disney’s animation studio, in Orlando, drafting characters frame-by-frame for doz-

oN THE WEB See a video of inside Dominic Avant’s studio.

AVANT’S IDOLS

John Singer Sargent

“He was the quintessential painter and he did it with a good sense of bravado and swagger.”

Joaquín Sorolla

“He has a museum dedicated to him in New York. All you have to do is take a look inside and you’ll be blown away.”

Michelangelo

“When you see how high the Sistine Chapel is in real life, you can’t believe he did what he did.”

Velázquez

“He was the first painter to paint the way we paint now.”

Heidi Kurpiela

ens of movies, including “Mulan,” “Tarzan” and “Lilo & Stitch.”

Recruited straight out of college, he was among a dying breed of animators to produce the last string of hand-drawn features to come out of the animation house before it closed in 2004.

“It was a gratifying job,” Avant says. “Especially when you saw your name roll with the credits on the big screen. You got that magical pixie-dust feeling.”

His Disney days were the realization of a childhood dream.

Like many young artists, he grew up drawing cartoon characters and dreaming of becoming a comic-book illustrator.

He was 12 years old the first time he toured the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design. He was so infatuated with the exhibits, he had to be dragged out building.

“I was one of those kids who always had the desire and ambition to be an artist,”

Avant is represented by M Gallery of Fine Art, in Charleston, S.C., and Isherwood Gallery, in Newport, R.I. Avant says. “Kids would trade their Twinkies at lunch for my superhero sketches.”

It wasn’t until one of his college instructors challenged him to move past his love affair with Spider-Man that he began to realize he had more in common with the old masters than with Marvel Comics.

“I’ve reinvented myself since Disney,” Avant says. “I feel like I’m finally in my prime. If I were a baseball player, my batting average would be ridiculous right now.”

His commission workload is on the rise thanks to a number of awards from national art competitions and prestigious organizations, including the Portrait Society of America and the Oil Painters of America.

Juggling act aside, the artist says he’s never been happier.

“I’ve evolved,” he says. “I’ve upped my game. It’s not an arrogance thing. It’s a confidence thing.”

His gaze rises to meet that of a female model he painted two weeks ago during a studio session at the Southern Atelier, in Sarasota.

The model was an African-American woman with a blue scarf tied around a heap of dreadlocks. Her gaze was fixed and intense, her lips neither pouting nor smirking.

Halfway through the session, fellow artists began to inquire whether the portrait was done. It looked complete, but, to Avant, it was still an hour away from being finished.

It was missing something.

“In my head, it wasn’t done until I captured a certain emotion,” he says. “She looked so regal sitting there in the light, and I knew I hadn’t conveyed that. It’s one of those things where you know you’ve got it when the brush leaves the canvas for the last time and there’s a big smile on your face.”

Heriz Persian rugs Genuine, Handmade, distinctive RuGs

For 38 Years Café L’Europe Has Been Sarasota’s Destination for Mother’s Day

Treat Mom to the Best

at Café L’Europe, She Deserves It!

Buffet Brunch

Hand Cleaning & Repair Services

3995 per person • $1695 for children

$

From Persia, india, the Orient, & around the World Largest selection on West coast of Florida

Carving station, omelet/waffle station, entrées, salads, dessert station and more

end of season Blowout sale

uP to 70% off!

Includes a Mimosa or Bloody Mary

• Free Delivery to your home or condo • Free Shipping in the continental US with our delivery service • Family owned and operated for 18 years

For Reservations Call (941) 388.2858

info@herizpersianrugsinc.com • (941) 388-2049 56743

Open Mon-Sat10am - 8:30pm • Sun 12pm-5:30pm

www.cafeleurope.net • 431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL Complimentary Valet Parking Available

56346

Dinner Service available from 4:00-8:00 a la carte dinner menu

16 South Blvd. of Presidents • Sarasota, FL

www.HerizPersianrugsinc.com

from 11:00-3:00

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

>>

■

Diversions

YourObserver.com

■

3

COLUMN

art scene HEARD

+ Fab Lab debuts at G.WIZ

In a theater town such as Sarasota, it’s odd to be trumpeting the grand opening of a machine lab.

But this is no ordinary machine lab. This is the Faulhaber Fab Lab at G.WIZ Science Museum, paid for by Sarasota inventor and philanthropist Dr. Fritz Faulhaber, whose Clearwater company, MICROMO, is pioneering the field of miniature electric motors.

After undergoing con-

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

+ Nobody packs a theater like Maria Show your mother you care (and that have you have great taste in local talent) by taking her this Sunday to The Glenridge Performing Arts Center for Maria Wirries’ Mother’s Day concert.

The 13-year-old singing sensation has been wowing audiences for nearly three years with her “American Idol”-worthy lungs and emotional performances with the Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band.

An East County resident, she landed her first solo show in February at Faith Lutheran Church, in Sarasota, delivering songs in Italian, Gaelic and French. Not surprisingly, the concert sold out.

According to Wirries tireless mother, Jeaneen, the singer is planning to cover Dolly Parton’s “A Coat of Many Colors,” which Parton penned as a tribute to her mother who once stitched together a coat of rags for her daughter to wear when they were

+ Sarasota dancer spreads fairy dust

Heidi Kurpiela

Maria Wirries poor and living in Tennessee.

Get your tissues ready now. For tickets, call 552-5325.

We all know Sarasota has dance fever right now (ahem, Sarasota Ballet, Carreño Dance Festival, Revelle Academy and Fuzión Dance Artists).

But what about the Sarasota dancers who are prancing off to Tampa to perform with the new Next Generation Ballet at the Patel Conservatory, in the Straz Center for the Performing Arts?

Dara Nicole, a North Sarasota resident, will perform Saturday, May 14, as

struction all season, G.WIZ’s Fab Lab, short for “fabrication laboratory,” will open to the public May 6.

“The overriding reason for my wanting to bring this to Sarasota is because America has always been the land of invention,” Faulhaber says.

“And we’ve kind of lost that, in my opinion. I’m hoping to reignite some of that Yankee ingenuity.”

HOT TICKETS VT’s ‘The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood’: This new

spin on an old tale runs May 12 through May 22, on the Pinkerton Stage, at the Venice Theatre. Witty, fast-paced and charming, this version of “Robin Hood” was penned

by Mary Lynn Dobson and inspired by the comedic style of Mel Brooks.

Directed by Allan Kollar, the play stars Eli Schildkraut, Michael Burke, Emma Bonham and Charlie Kollar. For tickets, call 488-1115 or visit www. venicestage.com.

a woodland fairy in Richard Cook’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

This marks the second performance to come out of the NGB school since it opened last year in the Straz Center under former Orlando Ballet School Director Peter Stark.

Nicole, 18, who performed in “The Nutcracker” earlier this season, says she’d love to land a part one day in a Dominic Walsh ballet.

Ironically, Walsh was just in Sarasota — choreographing last week’s Sarasota Ballet season finale.

Renee McVety

Charlie Kollar as Robin Hood and Emma Bonham as Lady Marian

+ Chalk it up to creative partnerships special performance of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” to Burns Square.

The company will kick off its 2011 fall opera season Oct. 28, with the famous three-act opera, followed by a unique

street performance Nov. 6 presented on a 3D chalk “set” designed by Baltimore artist Michael Kirby.

According to Kirby, who approached chalk festival founder Denise Kowal with

/ /

You’ve seen “Madama Butterfly” in lights, now see her in chalk.

The Sarasota Opera has announced that it will partner with the fourth annual Sarasota Chalk Festival this fall to bring a

the idea, the project will be “unlike traditional opera sets where the best seats are center and level to the stage. This set will focus on the floor paintings and the seating will be stadium-style.”

italian restaurant & wine bar

Remembering

ROMBERG Including Highlights From

THE STUDENT PRINCE Directed by Joy McIntyre

Featuring Mara Bonde Marc Schreiner John Fiorito Soprano Tenor Baritone

Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 8 at 2:00 p.m.

The Historic Asolo Theater TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE

CALL 941-360-7399 or visit www.artistseries.net Tickets $40, $35, $30

est.

Italy bringing

to siesta key

Celebrate mother’s day

at one of the most elegant restaurants on siesta key!

regular À-la-carte menu offered

4:00 - 11:30pm

please call 941-349-1423

5104 ocean blvd • siesta key village open for dinner nightly 4pm-11:30pm reservations recommended

italian restaurant & wine bar

56267

OPERETTA CLASSICS

Exquisite International

www.cafegabbiano.com

Wine Collection

56147

The Artist Series of Sarasota presents

4 ■ Diversions >>

EDIBLES

YourObserver.com

■

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

Sarasota celebrates royalty royally RECIPE

Highland Scotch eggs Yield: 16 appetizer servings

1 pound pork sausage 4 hard-boiled eggs, shell removed 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 quart vegetable oil for frying HP sauce*

Photos by Molly Schechter

Host Rob Smithson

Royal Wedding Party Menu n Highland Scotch eggs with House of Parliament sauce n Buckingham Palace cucumber, cream cheese and mint tea sandwiches n Roasted Cornish hen salad sandwiches n Traditional eggs and cress sandwiches n King salmon and bibb lettuce fingers n English jellied pork pie with hot mustard n Cheese and pickled onion hedgehog n Humpty Dumpty sausage rolls n Welsh leek and true cheddar tart n Bacon, egg and tomato quiche n Irish Dublin Bay potted shrimp

n Scones with clotted cream and jam n Cupcakes n English sherry trifle n Chocolate biscuit cake n Raspberry ribbon cake n Lemon bars … and additional sweet treats

Highland Scotch eggs

1. Mix together sausage, Worcestershire sauce, flour, salt and pepper.

2. Equally divide mixture into four separate parts, and use hands to flatten out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness, then wrap around hardboiled egg until egg is completely covered. Dip each ball into beaten egg and roll in bread crumbs until coated.

3. Using deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 350 degrees. Gently lower eggs into hot oil and fry for five to eight minutes until golden brown.

4. Once eggs are cool, cut lengthways into quarters and serve with House of Parliament sauce. *HP sauce, also known as House of Parliament sauce, is a steak sauce available in the ethnic section of large supermarkets or British specialty shops such as Tastefully British (2236 Gulf Gate Drive) and Scots Corner (3452 17th St.). Hot mustard is an alternative accompaniment.

Back Pain? Sore Feet?

Bunions? Hammer Toe? Flat Feet? Plantar Fasciitis?

Arch Supports!

Get Relief with

FREE Pedigraph FREE Balance Demo FREE Personal Fitting Over 300 Styles & Sizes Fits ALL Your Shoes Try BEFORE You Buy Open 7 DAYS Per Week

Any Pair of Arch Supports

OR

33% OFF Any Pair of Shoes When Purchased with any Arch Supports

Cannot be combined with any other offer Valid in Sarasota/Tampa Bay area ONLY.

Cannot be combined with any other offer Valid in Sarasota/Tampa Bay area ONLY.

Expires 5/19/2011

Expires 5/19/2011

The Good FeeT STore - SaraSoTa 4950 Fruitville Road - West of Honore (Next to KFC)

941 • 487 • 7974

GoodFeetTampaBay.com

56679

20 OFF

$

55959

Sarasota friends and family of Rob and Angela Smithson did not have far to go to celebrate the wedding of HRH William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor and Catherine Elizabeth Middleton.

They had only to pop on their best millinery and pop out to the Smithsons’ extraordinary lakeside home in east Central Sarasota to enjoy what the invitation billed as “pomp, balcony appearance and hearty fayre.”

The Smithsons normally share cooking duties, but he’s the Brit, and this party was his show. The menu he selected and prepared focused on British specialties but covered the entire United Kingdom. He did virtually all the cooking himself, starting with the Highland Scotch eggs. Smithson’s spread was somewhat heartier than that of the queen’s lunchtime reception for the newlyweds, which was largely cold canapés and small sweets.

The Smithson household is ever a merry one.

The couple have two sons: Robbi, 12, and Keith, who will be 11 in June. There are often guests in residence. They flew his mom, Rosemary Smithson, from England so the family could be together for the big occasion. London born and raised Vince Fraser, the digital-design guru behind the Sarasota Film Festival logos, among other things, is visiting for a month. Wedding party guests numbered about 75; see more about the party in Black Tie & Tales, page 8.

There was room for all on the Smithson’s approximately 3.5-acre property. The house was built in 2006.

“It started out to be French country,” Rob Smithson says. “Then it went Tuscan, and then British … ” The end result is an eclectic Euro-hybrid fitted out with an amazing assortment of antique furniture and accessories acquired on Rob Smithson’s frequent travels abroad. It was all decorated to the hilt to maximize everyone’s enjoyment of the royal wedding … no air miles required!

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

>>

■

Diversions

YourObserver.com

■

5

REVIEWS

Music

Film

>> Sarasota

>> ‘Of

Orchestra hitches up with Hitchcock

We have to remember that there’s never been a “silent” film. Even before “talkies,” there was music — usually live music — underscoring the action on the screen. So, when Lincoln Center’s John Goberman started producing the wonderfully exciting orchestral-movie presentations, which split the dialogue from the music soundtrack of blockbusters such as “Carousel” and “Oklahoma!” and gave the live music to a full symphony orchestra while the action (and conversation) took place on the screen, he proved everything old is new again, even art forms.

Most recently, Goberman returned to Sarasota with a Hitchcock program featuring “To Catch a Thief,” “Strangers on a Train,” “Dial M for Murder” and “North by Northwest,” with their superstar casts (Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Eva Marie Saint, Ray Milland) on the Van Wezel’s screen and the superlative music (Murray, Tiomkin and Herrmann) played outstandingly by the Sarasota Orchestra, conducted consummately by Andrew Lane. Enough with the adverbs.

Suffice it to say, this stuff is fun for us and a bear-of-a-program for the orchestra to play.

“It’s harder than the Mahler we did a couple of weeks ago,” noted one musician as he staggered out of the concert hall. “This stuff is really hard.”

Of course it is. The studio musicians who played it for the original movies could stop and start, record and re-record. Live performances don’t have that luxury, and when composers such as Dmitri Tiomkin and Bernard Herrmann set the stage for the stuff of dreams on the screen, they meant business.

Fortunately, our orchestra is up to the task, and this recent foray into movie music was more spectacular than cinemascope. It’s like aural 3-D. And Goberman’s approach, which is charming and illuminating, adds still another dimension.

Yes, there were times the orchestra overpowered the film’s voice track, but, in this case, the

Courtesy photo

Conductor Andrew Lane music was the star, outshining even Grant and Kelly and, most importantly, furthering the action on the screen. These are innovative, fun, elucidating programs, and we hope they continue in the future.

— June LeBell

Gods and Men’

In 1996, a group of eight Trappist monks living in North Africa must make a fateful decision. Confronted by radical Islamic fundamentalists, should they remain (facing probable death) or simply leave? Director Xavier Beavois explores their dilemma in “Of Gods and Men” with such grace and spirituality, it left me feeling greatly humbled.

The Catholic monks live a simple, peaceful life in their Muslim community. Brother Christian (Lambert Wilson), their leader, wholeheartedly believes that they have been called upon by God to help these people. When Algerian government officials urge the monks to leave after a bloody terrorist attack, Christian refuses.

The other brothers aren’t quite as determined to stay but eventually agree to do so.

The impending doom is ever present. When Brother Luc (Michael Lonsdale) is asked to help a wounded terrorist, Christian turns them away. The fear factor intensifies after the incident, but it also serves to unite the monks in solidarity. They decide that their mission is to be “brothers to all.”

Much of “Of Gods and Men” is wordless. Beavois’ camera expertly captures and conveys his characters’ thoughts. In the most captivating scene in the film, the brothers are seated at the dinner table (a “Last Supper” comes to mind), while Tchaikovsky’s “Swan

Lake” plays on a cassette. There is no conversation while the camera pans back and forth on the brothers’ faces. Simultaneously as the music crescendos, their facial expressions fade from smiles to tears. It’s as though they are now resolved to accept their fate. And without one word spoken, the audience knows exactly what they’re thinking.

“Of Gods and Men” is basically an apolitical film. Moreover, it addresses the “why” of religious fanaticism. Why destroy the lives of people who find immense happiness in simply living their lives?

They pose no threat to anyone, let alone care about these barbaric insurgents’ philosophies. When a young girl’s head is severed from her body while on a bus because her face is not properly covered, hearing about it enrages the community. It made me wonder, is evil infectious?

“Of Gods and Men” is masterfully and beautifully executed. The inspiration permeating every frame of the film is haunting. The power of love exemplified by the monks as well as the villagers radiates such hope. But as the monks are marched away and disappear into the light at the conclusion, a quote in the film came back to me. “Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.” And, once again, my hope was shattered.

— Pam Nadon

Time for a New Look?

Tommy Bahama Betsy Johnson Kenneth Cole Jantzen Gottex Speedo Reef

Great Savings on all Hunter Douglas Window Treatments!!

Kitchens • Bedrooms • Bathrooms • Built-ins Flooring • Wallcoverings • Furniture • Accessories

we do it all!

Buy One Get One

INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE up to

70% OFF

Longboat Key Sarasota 3170 Gulf of Mexico Drive 1960 Stickney Point Road (941) 383-2288 (941) 922-4545

50093

56548

haLf Off

Celebrating 25 years in business

ar twork • furnishings accessories

941-951-1822 • Cell 941-724-2353 2095 Siesta Drive - Across from Dillards

www.siestainteriorsfl.com

YourObserver.com

■

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

56721

6 ■ Diversions

THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

Black Tie

WINEFEST Brunch and Auction Page 10

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

shrimp and stone crabs, as well as delectable food stations prepared by the Longboat Key Black Tie Editor Club. More than 37 wineries were on hand to The beaming sun, tropical breeze and crash- pour their specialties for guests.

The Florida Winefest & Auction will be ing waves added to the perfect backdrop for Florida Winefest & Auction’s Beach Feast Fri- awarding $250,000 in grants to Mothers Helpday, April 29, at Longboat Key Club and Resort. ing Mothers, Resurrection House, Children More than 225 guests checked their flip-flops First, Community Coalition on Homelessness, at the shoe valet and went barefoot for the eve- Laurel Civic Association, Just for Girls, Safe ning, which benefits children’s charities. The Place and Rape Crisis Center and Volunteer beachside dinner included an abundance of Services of Manatee County.

By STEPHANIE HANNUM

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Sarah Robbins, Michelle Lea and Mel Davis

Ed and Maria Kroninger, Doug Barker and Lori Blackburn

Candy and Scott Greer

David Yarletts and Pam Revels

Billy and Liebe Gamble

Ken Bennett and Mary Curry

Jen and Mark Conner

Sue Putney and Angie Cole

Wine was the main attraction at the Florida Winefest & Auction’s Beach Feast.

Rob Connelly, Alissa Connelly, Kevin Wiegand and Sandra Wasserman

8 ■ Diversions

YourObserver.com

ay D s ’ r e h t o M Special

>>

■

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

COLUMN

black tie tales

Mother’s Day Facial $50.00 (regular $125) Radiesse® 1.5 cc $600 Second one for $50 OFF at same visit Get Botox Cosmetic® for $10.50 per unit Sclerotherapy $175.00 (for 10 min session) & Second session $25.00 OFF at same visit Lipo-Sculpture Second area 1/2 Price

by Molly Schechter | Social Editor

(May Only)

Mother’s Day Gift Certificates Available!

Erasers

TM

Body Enhancement Centers, Inc.

(941) 907-3400 • (877) 414-VEIN (8346) John V. Dunne, MD, FACS Medical Director

FREE vein screening everyday BOARD CERTIFIED VEIN SPECIALIST AND SURGEON WILL DETERMINE WHICH PROCEDURE WILL BENEFIT YOU • Sclerotherapy • CoolTouch™ Laser Vein Treatment • Covered By Insurance

Florida Statues 456.062 THE PATIIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE

REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT OF ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF THE ADVERTISEMENT AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

56714

8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Suite 290, Bradenton, FL • www.erasersinc.com

Another swell season begins at

Mic hael’s On Eas t

Photos by Molly Schechter

Hostess Angela Smithson

+ Royal Tea

Rob and Angela Smithson requested “garden party attire” for their Windsor wedding celebration, specifically that the ladies wear decorated hats. Guests of all ages responded with enthusiasm. Judge Ray Peper awarded “Best Hat” prizes to Eva Morris, whose big black straw chapeau sported a pink flamingo, and Mila Bibler, whose timely tiny one grew white orchids and black feathers. Morris also contributed a sherry trifle, a 10-layer ribbon cake and Prince William’s favorite chocolate biscuit cake to the beautiful tea table.

Victoria Bibler, 6, in blackand-white like her mom, and Elizabeth Ebury, 7, left the wedding-watching to the grown-ups and frolicked in the bucolic setting.

Among the guests: Robert and Shannon Warren, John and Caroline Sansone, Bill and Margaret Wise, Judge James and Lynn Alexander, and Kara Nally. Could there have been a more authentically British celebration of the wedding-of-the-century?

Read about the gastronomy of it in the Edibles column, page 4.

Michael’s On East is your true Sarasota supper club—

all the alluring glamour of the big city, without leaving town.

Little Italy Night•Mondays $25 per person

Prime Time•Wednesday Prime Rib Three-Course Dinner • $29.95 per person

Lobster Pot•Fridays $38.95 per person

$5 Glamour in a Glass happy hour•Mon-Fri, 5-7 pm $25 Epicurean Adventures•Tuesday–Saturday Worldly prix-fixe three-course dinners.

Add perfectly paired wines for only $10 per person.

$15 Power Lunch •Monday-FRIday Add a perfectly paired wine for only $5 per person.

Victoria Bibler and Elizabeth Ebury

Hat competition judge Ray Peper and “Best Hat” winner and cake contributor Eva Morris

Open House Wine Tastings•selected Saturdays, 2-5 pm Spend the afternoon exploring over 60+ wines from around the world

Michael’s Wine Dinners•Selected fridays March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3 - 2011

Getting Ready is a BIG Part of the Fun!

Discover the “NEW” Tasting Room at Michael’s Wine Cellar every Thursday from 5 to 10 pm, enjoy wines by the glass, craft beers, Champagnes by the glass, and light bites.

Exquisite Style - Exceptional Service Specializing in: • Wedding Gowns: Traditional & Informal • Destination Weddings • Second Weddings • Vow Renewals • Mothers • Bridesmaids • Cocktails Dresses • Evening Wear • Jewelry • Shoes • Tuxedos Experienced Wedding Consultants - In House Alterations

49

Prom Gowns

Premier Retailers of: Maggie Sottero • Casablanca • Exclusive by Allure Allure • Anjolique • White One by Pronovias

56762

366-0007 • BestFood.com • WineFlorida.com

48679

$

SarasotaBrides.com • 927-4969 • 4051 Clark Road, Sarasota • Expo on Clark Shopping Plaza • Mon - Sat. 10am - 6pm

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

>>

■

Diversions

YourObserver.com

■

9

CAMERA READY

Laughter Unlimited Luncheon Circus Sarasota | Tuesday, April 26 Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Donald Malawsky

Chuck Sidlow and Rita Adler

Carol Phillips and Janet Hunter

Ulla Searing and Dolly Jacobs

Photos by Molly Schechter

Jackie LeClair and John Hunter

55577

Treat her with a 1 hour massage, 1 hour facial and hand treatment all customized just for her.

This special gift certificate is only $ 120 (a $195 value).

55943

Billy Bob Steinberg and Mary Ann Robinson

941-706-1157 / www.spadevries.com / 3534 S Osprey Ave. / Sarasota, FL 34239

Mother’s Day at Treviso Featuring carved prime rib, shrimp cocktail, imported cheese display, frittatas, smoked salmon, assorted salads and desserts, and much more.

Recipient of the 2010 Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence”

SUNDAY, MAY 8TH, 2011, 5:00 P.M. CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER EPISCOPAL 222 SOUTH PALM AVENUE SARASOTA, FL. 34236

Sunday, May 8, 2011 $34.95 Adults/$15 Children (5–12) Free for children under 5. Plus tax & gratuity.

AVAILABLE AT - WWW.REDEEMERSARASOTA.ORG

Presented by

Mother’s Day Reception in Gillespie (Parish)Hall following the concert

55830

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT UMMGC.ORG 56697

941.360.7390 Reservations trevisorestaurant.com

TICKETS: $15

10 ■ Diversions

YourObserver.com

>>

■

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

CAMERA READY

Trunk Show 3 DAYS ONLY!!!

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Sandy Loevner, Craig Stephens, Andrew Carini and Brenda Mixson

Florida Winefest Brunch and Charity Auction

Children’s charities | Saturday, April 30 | Polo Grill and Bar

Thursday, May 5 - Saturday, May 7 FREE pearl restringing with purchase of 18k clasp

Mary Ann Deacon with Anne and Tony Murfin

Gift with purchase of $500 or more

Janel Sanchez and Brian Dorn

119 S Pineapple Ave. Sarasota. FL 941.955.4400

55918

2 OPTIONAL ART a new dimension in fine jewelry

Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the support and generosity of the following Sponsors.

rrrrrrrr PreseNTed by rrrrrrr CH AR ITABLE F O U N D A T I O N

Beth, Gina and Anita Vandroff

rrrrrrr PLATINUM rrrrrrr

Maison Blanche

rrrrrrrr GOLd rrrrrrrr

Dr. Charles & Lisa Loewe

Where Paris Meets the Gulf Coast

Barbara Mei

GOLDEN SPOON AWARD WINNER

LOngbOaT SaraSOTa EaST COunTY

The Observer

MICHELIN STAR - RATED CHEF

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

rrrrrrr sILVer rrrrrrr

Katie & Jesse Biter Drs. Richard Golub Issam Soussou and Jon Yenari

Judi DeWalt India Benton Lesser Foundation Trust

2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key | For Reservations Call 383.8088

Nate & Annie Esformes James & Misdee Miller

LYPSINKA

IN

THE PASSION OF THE CRAWFORD

rrrrrrrr PeWTer rrrrrrrr Cotler/Olan

DIRECTED bY KEVIN MALONY

MAY 9 AT 8PM

rrrrrrr brONZe rrrrrrr

The George Barrie Family Foundation

52720

SYC

Keith & Evella Feldhacker

JOHN EPPERSON, APPEARING AS HIS ALTER EGO LYPSINKA, DEVOTES AN ENTIRE SHOW TO OSCAR-WINNER JOAN CRAWFORD.

Bob & Kelly Dean

DINNER & SHOW PACKAGE: $75 Contact Carole_Goff@asolo.org or 941-351-9010 EXT. 4714.

Jim & Charlie Anne Syprett

Barbara & Todd Stainbrook Larry & Lisa Press

PRO 8374 MARKET STREET, BOX 502, BRADENTON, FL 34202 941.955.4101 941.358.9817 Fax Line

56276

SPONSORED bY

PORTER RADIATION ONCOLOGY

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE GUILD

CONTAINS MATURE THEMES

941-351-8000

ASOLOREP.ORG

56690

www.21stcenturyoncology.com

ONE NIGHT ONLY! PHOTO bY AUSTIN YOUNG

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

■

Diversions

YourObserver.com

■

11

80 OFF

UP TO

%

MEN’S & WOMEN’S DESIGNER CLOTHING

Friday, May 6th & Saturday, May 7th 8am – 5pm

10 oFF

TAKE AN ADDITIoNAL

%

GARAGE SALE ITEMS

with this ad

Present

this ad at checkout to receive additional discount

941.388.3991

35 S. Blvd of the Presidents | St. Armands Circle • Sarasota

56730

ANNUAL GARAGE SALE (garage entry in rear of building)

• Craig Taylor • Da-Nang • Diane Von Furstenberg • Dismero • Etro • Gunex • Green Dragon • Pink Lotus • Kashwere • Lacoste • Lafayette 148 • Lida Baday • M Missoni • Milly • Peace of

Cloth • Peter Cohen • Polo Ralph Lauren Golf • Ralph Lauren Black Label • Robert Graham • Robert Rodriguez • Sulu

• Tory Burch • Trina Turk • Yansi Fugel • Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ermengildo Zegna • Alex Begg of Scotland • Barefoot Dreams • Burberry Footwear and Handbags • Helen Kaminski •

A Woman • Andria Lieu • Armani Collezioni • Adam • Ball of Cotton • Burberry • Calypso • Citizens of Humanity • Cosabella

12 ■ Diversions

YourObserver.com

Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms

ced Redu

$1.4

A Wealth of Experience.

A Commitment to This Community.

on!

Milli

Just

■

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2011

ced!

Redu

No One Knows Sarasota Better.

Prudential is your top choice when you are ready to buy or sell a home in Sarasota.

Our award-winning local Realtors have the experience and expertise to guide you, and they consistently deliver premier service that caters to every client’s unique needs.

Locally owned and nationally supported, Prudential is proud to contribute to the natural beauty, cultural events and extraordinary people that make this community a great place to live. Call us today and let us match you with the house that perfectly suits your definition of home.

$2,200,000 Longboat Key 1 acre directly on Gulf, 100ft of beachfront.

A379491 Owner/agent 586-4052 ced Redu

$1,399,000 Roberts Bay, Nokomis Full bay views of Roberts Bay. Updated w/attached guest house.

A3935928 Gina Penzotti 809-2152 d duce e Re Pric

Personalized Service. Trusted Agents.

941-926-7000 www.PrudentialPalmsRealty.com

$1,299,000 Beau Ciel Lux. Bayfront Downtown, Private elevator, 24 hr. Concierge.

A3922970 Linda A. Page 504-0123

$829,000 Grand Bay, Longboat Key Bay & Golf Views, Beach Club, Pet friendly.

A3937063 David & Lori Simon 400-8764

Key oat

b Long

ced Redu

0 0,00 $50

Reduced $51K $548,900 Alinari Place InA Perfect Day to @Rosemary Get Moving! credible Bay views, 4th floor upgraded Cellini unit. 2/2 with all the amenities & walk to downtown. 1,323SF. A3916591 Barb Standishyour 504-9458 Jumpstart housing search!!!

$1,090,000 Grand Bay Gulf & Bay views, Spacious floorplan, Reduced.

A3920935 Jan Murphy 504-9765 ced Redu

00

,0 $50

00 100,0

$ ced Redu

$599,000 Sea Twig Direct Beachfront, Updated kitchen, Turnkey furnished.

A3914848 Marty Benson 232-9264 00

00,0

d $1

$425,000 Privateer North Beachfront condo, Resort Amentities, Gated.

A3942392 Rayman/Tan 504-9232

• See 17 of the “Best Buys” in Lakewood Ranch Just Reduced $499,900 Tidy Island Bayfront! Updated 3BR/2.5BA, 2764SF, fireplace, elevator, gated, pool, spa, • Register to win a $200 American Express fitness & tennis. A3937160 Page/Musto 809-3714 Gift Certificate $1,495,000 Hawk Island River views, Boat dock, Custom details throughout.

A3905992 Greg Hudson 302-1485

ce Redu

LAKEWOOD RANCH HOUSING SHOWCASE!!

Reduced $40K $549,900 Longboat - Harbour Oaks Beautifully remodeled & appointed 3BR/2.5BA Harbour Circle attached villa behind the gates of the LBK Club Harbourside.

Caged pool w/pond &May fountain view.

Mark 1-4 Huberpm 356-2435 Sunday, 1st, from

• Talk to an onsite financial expert about $495,000 1350 Main Downtown Beautiful 2BR/2BA condo w/ your financing needs wood floors & custom built-ins at Downtown Sarasota’s best location.

Great amenities! A3937011 Michael Granston 504-8018 • Visit our Real Estate Information Center at 8141 Main Street, Lakewood Ranch

$449,000 Siesta – Palm Bay Club Gulfside, 2nd flr ~ Enjoy refreshments 2BR/2BA turnkey furnished, Fabulous for investment or ~ Get real estate market information and a list of personal use. Pool, fishing pier, boat docks, tennis courts bank-owned and distressed properties & the Siesta beach! A3939315 Rudy Dudon 234-3991

$610,000 Sarasota Surf & Racquet Club Siesta Key, Gulf Views, 2BR/2BA, Resort Amenities A3941955 Mitchell Team 586-1754 -4

• Trying to decide between building or buying $299,900 Sarasota- Country Place 3BR/2BA-Kitchen w/ an existing home? granite & newer appliances. New tile in liv & din rm. Mstr ~ Attend a short seminar presented by Gibraltar Homes bedroom w/sitting area. Eat-in kit. Htd pool/spa. A3939232

un 1 t&S

Sa pen

O

Wellman/Moffatt 923-1813 • Learn the pros and cons of both

For Reduced! more information directions: Just $224,500 and Landings South Furnished 3/2.

Water & preserve view.

In the heart of Sarasota/the Landvisit www.PruLWR.com or call 941-907-2000 ings. A3937294 Rita Ferrell Lasky 780-3579 $1,575,000 Emerald Harbor $1,299,000 La Casa Costiera, Holmes Beach 150’ of Spectacular Bayfront Lot, Build your dream Home!

Gulf front, Gourmet kitchen, Designer furnishings.

A3911502 Teri Sax 228-5578 A3915811 Michelle Musto 809-3714

$595,000 Key Royale 612 Gladstone Ln. , Home/ investment, Private golf course.

A3941626 Michael Renick 400-8735

941-926-7000 ~ Over 5,000 listings on our website: PrudentialPalmsRealty.com Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty and Prudential Palms Realty are sister companies serving Manatee and Sarasota Counties. © 2011. An independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license.

Equal Housing Opportunity

50780

Offices to conveniently serve you including: Downtown Sarasota Lakewood Ranch ~ Longboat Key ~ Siesta Key ~ St. Armands Circle ~ Osprey