Longboat Observer 12.08.11

bserver O

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You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

NEIGHBORHOOD

DIVERSIONS

St. Armands ‘Holiday Night of Lights’ decks the Circle.

PAGE 13A

OUR TOWN + All aboard for the holiday boat parade The Cortez Yacht Club’s Holiday Boat Parade is taking off Saturday, Dec. 17 from Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub and floating its way to the Seafood Shack.

There will be a pre-parade party at sunset at Mar Vista and Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant. Then spectators will line the Bradenton Beach pier, the shoreline and bridges to see the boats decked out in their holiday finest.

There will be a cash prize for the best decorated boat.

Call 780-3547 or email cortezyachtclub@verizon.net to register.

Thursday, DECEMBER 8, 2011

WBTT’s Broadway darling returns to her Sarasota roots.

INSIDE

planning issues

NEWS

IPOC remains sole plaintiff in de novo challenge.

PAGE 3A

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Simpson resigns as P&Z director Planning Zoning & Building Director Monica Simpson resigned from her position after an investigation that ran a month-and-a-half but will continue to do consulting work for the town.

Monica Simpson resigned from her position as Longboat Key Planning Zoning & Building Director in a Dec. 2 letter to interim Town Manager David Bullock.

“It is with mixed emotions, but with much excitement for the future that I submit this letter of resignation from my position at the town of Longboat Key,” Simpson

wrote in her letter. (See sidebar on page 2.)

Simpson will receive 90 days’ severance pay in addition to payment for unused vacation time.

She will also remain available to the town as an independent consultant for $97.50 per hour. The agreement can be terminated within five days’ notice by either

party.

Simpson’s resignation came approximately three days after attorney H. Hamilton “Chip” Rice finished his investigation of employee allegations that Simpson bullied employees and created a hostile work environment.

Rice told Bullock of his observations verbally, according to Bull-

ock, but did not generate a written report. Bullock declined to discuss Rice’s recommendations Monday.

“At this point, I don’t think that it matters that much,” Bullock said. “We know what the outcome is, and I don’t think it serves any

SEE SIMPSON / PAGE 2A

DE-LIGHT-FUL DECORATIONS

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

First Bank employees Charlotte Dakel and Vicki Mann

+ Collection banks on holiday toys First Bank of Longboat Key is banking on donations for Toys for Tots. There is a drop box located in the bank at The Centre Shops, 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101, where residents may drop off unwrapped toys to be delivered to good little boys and girls in need.

Rachel S. O’Hara

The boats docked at Sarasota Yacht Club were awash in every color of the rainbow for the annual “Lighting of the Fleet” ceremony Friday, Dec. 2. For the story and more photos, see page 17A.

COMMON GROUND

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

Commission talks role in Colony dispute Ralph and Bea Einstein

+ 61 years and counting Ralph and Bea Einstein will celebrate their 61st anniversary Dec. 30. They met at Fort Tryon Park, in New York City playing ping-pong. Ralph says Bea let him win — and that was it!

SEE OUR TOWN / PAGE 15A

Former Mayor George Spoll generated discussion among commissioners after he spoke about the ticking clock for the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort redevelopment.

When the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort was in operation, it was the home of 232 tourism units, a source of sales-tax revenue and the site at which some of the Key’s future homebuyers got their first glimpse at the island.

But although resolution of the

Colony dispute would be good for the town, does the town have a role to in its resolution?

Commissioners debated the issue at their Dec. 5 meeting after former Mayor George Spoll, who now chairs the Longboat Key Revitalization Task Force, warned

the commission about the Colony’s ticking clock.

In May, the commission extended a continuance of the town’s tourism abandonment requirement for the Colony to Dec. 31, 2012. (Without the extension, the property could have lost 85 of

the resort’s units by Aug. 15, 2011 — exactly one year after the resort closed — because they were built on the property before town code limited tourism units to six per acre.) The parties don’t appear to

SEE COLONY / PAGE 2A

INDEX Briefs....................4A Calendar............ 10A

Classifieds ........ 29A Cops Corner....... 10A

Crossword.......... 28A Opinion.................6A

Real Estate........ 18A Weather............. 28A

Vol. 34, No. 19 | Two sections YourObserver.com

2A

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SIMPSON / FROM PAGE 1A purpose at this point.”

Bullock also declined to discuss whether Simpson was given the opportunity to remain in her position.

Ongoing investigation

Simpson had been on paid administrative leave since Friday, Oct. 14, after a P&Z employee approached Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle, who was serving as acting town manager, and reported that he felt bullied

by Simpson. He told Hogle that Simpson frequently yelled at him and other employees, used profanity and created a hostile work environment. A second P&Z employee confirmed the first employee’s account.

Hogle offered Simpson three month’s severance pay in exchange for her resignation.

Hogle also contacted town labor attorney H. Reynolds Allen, who told him that he could use Police Capt. Bill Tokajer to conduct an investigation that included interviews with P&Z employees. Town Attorney David Persson, who was on vacation at the time but was reached the evening of Oct. 14, suggested that an outside party could interview employees but concurred that Tokajer was an acceptable choice, as long as his role was not to “see proof beyond a reasonable doubt but rather a factfinding mission to determine the next best step.”

But the commission questioned Hogle’s actions at an emergency meeting Oct. 17.

They expressed concerns about the speed at which Hogle acted and his use of a uniformed police captain to conduct the personnel

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

COLONY / FROM PAGE 1A

SIMPSON’S Resignation letter Dear Mr. Bullock, It is with mixed emotions, but with much excitement for the future that I submit this letter of resignation from my position at the town of Longboat Key. Over the past 10 years, I have had the privilege of serving the town and the community. I have had the opportunity to get to know, to love and to respect the people of the town.

It is because of these cherished relationships that were built over the past decade that I offer my professional services and expertise to the town in the future. I have respect for the town and would welcome an investigation. The commission voted 5-2 to remove Hogle from the position of acting town manager, appointing Susan Phillips, assistant to the town manager, as acting town manager, until Bullock assumed the position Nov. 1.

The town later hired Rice to conduct an investigation of the allegations against Simpson.

Mayor Jim Brown expressed sorrow in the loss of Simpson but also confidence in Rice’s investigation.

“There were just too many rushes to judgment,” he said of the initial investigation. “We were doing too many things too quickly. I’m glad that we did what we did.”

Vice Mayor David Brenner expressed similar sentiments.

“It’s a shame that she had to leave, but I’m confident that a thorough investigation was done,” he said. “It was fair and that was the objective.”

opportunity to assist the people who want to help the town continue to develop. The best for the town has, and remains to be, of the utmost importance to me.

As I move into the next phase of my professional career, I sincerely thank all of the people of Longboat Key for their endless support. I personally look forward to the opportunity to work with the town in the future. I thank you for your professionalism and courtesy in the time that we have worked together.

Best regards, Monica Simpson

Future planning

Bullock said that the town will continue to rely on Simpson, who was hired by the town in 2001 and promoted to P&Z director in 2006, throughout its transition period in her work as a consultant. In the short-term, the P&Z department will likely continue to operate as it has since Bullock took on the role of town manager, with Town Planner Steve Schield handling planning issues and Building Official John Fernandez responsible for building officials.

Bullock said that he is in the beginning stages of searching for a long-term replacement for Simpson.

“I think that this is a good time to be in the marketplace looking,” he said. “A lot of municipalities and cities in the state are basically shrinking their staffs. I think there are a lot of folks who would be interested.”

be any closer to resolution — but

by March, they must go before the commission to provide a status update.

“The Revitalization Task Force feels that both sides of the Colony dispute need to get together and resolve their differences — and very soon,” Spoll said, reading from a prepared statement. “This isn’t just about them anymore but about the entire community of Longboat Key, our future, our island. Please encourage, as best you can, some forward movement toward a resolution of differences and a reopened and revitalized Colony.”

Vice Mayor David Brenner said that he and many others would like to “try to jump in with both feet and get these folks in a room … and not leave that room until they’ve negotiated something.”

But he asked Town Attorney David Persson whether they, as commissioners, could take on that role.

The short answer: no.

Persson said that the parties were ordered into mediation and that hopefully that dialogue would continue.

“But right now, there is no role for the town except as the regulatory agency to review whatever plans are brought forward … ” he said.

Persson said that Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Association representatives have approached commissioners about meeting with them individually — which, according to Persson is now “perfectly legal” because no applications have been filed with the town. After an application is filed, Persson said he

would ask commissioners not to have such discussions because proceedings would be quasijudicial.

Spoll suggested that the task force could play a role by having discussions with both sides and provide them with information about town regulations, as well as press for negotiations.

But Commissioner Phill Younger wasn’t optimistic about an agreement.

“It’s a little more complicated than getting everyone together and singing ‘Kumbaya,’” he said.

Persson agreed that an agreement between the parties would be the only way to resolve the situation.

“If I was a law professor and I was teaching land-use law and I wanted to flunk all my students, I would give this as the example, because there is no right answer,” he said.

Persson suggested that the commission could lay out options for the parties if they haven’t made progress by March.

But he said that, for now, he cautioned against involvement.

“One of the philosophies is to try to steer you away from joining this expensive, long-term litigation,” Persson said. “I’ve been trying to pull the town away from that.”

Mayor Jim Brown expressed frustrations with what he described as the parties’ refusal to compromise, despite receiving an extension.

“They’re supposed to be occupied by next December,” he said. “Not just have a good idea by next December, (but) they’re supposed to have that place opened up. If they started today, they couldn’t have that place opened up.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

ON THE DOCKET

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

L’Ambiance, Sanctuary dismiss Key Club de novo challenge Attorney Robert Lincoln says that the case will move forward with IPOC as the single plaintiff, but Key Club attorney John Patterson believes that the dismissal raises issues.

The L’Ambiance and Sanctuary condominium associations filed voluntary motions of dismissal from the de novo challenge of the town’s approval of the Longboat Key Club and Resort’s proposed $400 million expansion plan.

The motions leave the Islandside Property Owners Coalition (IPOC) as the sole plaintiff in the case.

Attorney Robert Lincoln, who represents IPOC and the associations, said that the dismissals would simplify the case.

“The associations aren’t necessary,” Lincoln said. “Especially after what happened with the certiorari case, we’re certain that we can move forward with IPOC.”

Lincoln was referring to the Key Club’s motion to dismiss the petition for a writ of certiorari filed by IPOC and the associations. Judge Charles Roberts denied that motion, in which Key Club attorneys argued that IPOC owns no property and was not a real party of interest and that the condominium associations did not participate in the quasi-judicial hearings leading up to the project’s approval. Lincoln argued that the associations participated with IPOC as their representative.

Key Club Associates attorney John Patterson said that the condominium associations’ dismissals were unlikely to immediately affect the litigation of the case but that

the dismissal raises standing issues. He said that the condominium associations, which are non-profit organizations, own deeded property, unlike IPOC, which owns no property. Patterson said that even if IPOC does have standing, the group’s members are associations — associations that he argues do not have the right to serve as advocacy groups, either directly or through IPOC. Patterson said that the Key Club will file a motion to compel IPOC to reveal where its funding comes from on the theory that the associations are committing an improper act by funding IPOC. But Lincoln said that he would oppose that motion.

“Florida case law is clear on

the fact that they don’t get to know that information,” Lincoln said, citing the case of the city of Maitland vs. Matthews, in which a judge ruled that disclosure of the names of residents, who contributed to a litigation fund used to oppose the construction of a seven-story building, which they claimed was out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood, would “create a chilling effect on their rights to organize and associate” and “would subject them to possible intimidation or coercion.”

A discovery hearing in the de novo challenge will take place at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16 before Judge Lee E. Haworth at the Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center.

KEEPING WATCH Mallory Gnaegy

Gewan D. Maharaj waits for the ball from Joe Bouquin Dec. 1 during the CAT II Senior Clay Courts tournament, held Monday Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. For more photos from the tournament, see page 24A. And the tennis action on the Public Tennis Center courts continues this week during the 12th annual Observer Challenge, which will be held Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11.

MATCH PLAY

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

St. Denis returns 401(k) contribution The former town manager agreed to return a 401(k) match of $10,365.79 after commissioners questioned the payment.

Former Town Manager Bruce St. Denis has returned a $10,365.79 town match toward his 401(k) account after Longboat Key town commissioners questioned the payment.

St. Denis wrote in a Nov. 22 email to current Town Manager David Bullock that he began diverting his remaining compensation to various categories of deferred compensation after he knew he would be leaving the town.

According to the email, St. Denis didn’t see his payout for unused vacation as part of his severance package.

“The town had no discretion in its payment and it was due prior to the separation discussions,” St. Denis wrote. “Nevertheless, it was included in the

final calculations when they were initially requested by town counsel and they stayed in the agreement through the process. That was my mistake.”

St. Denis wrote that because vacation payment is typically part of the last paycheck, he intended to “allocate the entire amount to the 401(k) as, at least until the agreement, I was eligible, and this was common practice for individuals separating from the town for any reason.”

St. Denis wrote that he doesn’t believe that the town had the discretion to limit the use of funds that were due outside of the agreement but wrote that he should have ensured that the funds were treated separately.

“Although I have a case to be made, I am realistic enough to know that it would be an ugly experience for everyone involved,” he wrote. “Beyond that I do not want to be the cause for staff to go through another ‘Who shot John?’ investigation.”

The issue came up at a Nov. 17 commission regular workshop, after Commissioner Lynn Larson asked about a line item explained as “Part of TM Severance not figured into transfer Ordinance.” The discussion was of a resolution to amend the 2010-11 fiscalyear budget by transferring a total of $349,276 in available unencumbered funds in various general fund line item accounts to general-fund line

item accounts where expenditures exceeded the adopted budget. Larson protested the payment because it was not part of the $268,364.81 severance package approved by the commission in September. The agreement included $177,507.20, representing 12 months’ base salary; $49,702, representing 28% of a year’s base salary which would be payable directly to the town manager’s 401(a) account; $16,507.79, for medical insurance premiums; and $24,647.81 for unused vacation pay.

In a Dec. 1 email, Commissioner Phill Younger praised town staff for their resolution of the matter, along with St. Denis “for his willingness to work with the town and amicably resolve the issue and to Commissioner Larson for bringing it to our attention.”

3A

fresh concept

by Robin Hartill | City Editor

P&Z to check out Publix plans Planning & Zoning Board will discuss next week Publix’s request for outline-development plan and site-plan approval.

Is a new Publix in the bag for Longboat Key? By next week, residents could be one step closer to a new store.

The Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. will shop its plans to the Longboat Key Planning & Zoning Board at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The P&Z board will discuss a site plan for the property, along with the three outline development plans for the site owned by Publix and two adjacent parcels currently owned by Bay Isles Enclave Acquisition LLC and W. Howard Rooks, which Publix is under contract to purchase.

Town Planner Steve Schield said Monday afternoon that town staff will likely issue its recommendations later this week.

“Generally, we’re very much in support of it, but obviously we’ll have some recommendations,” he said.

Publix proposes tearing down its existing store after Easter next year and rebuilding a new store that would open in December 2012. The plan calls for a larger, 49,533-squarefoot Publix grocery store that would be connected to a 11,700-squarefoot retail plaza, a stand-alone, 14,528-square-foot CVS Pharmacy, and a stand-alone 4,000-squarefoot office/retail building.

Engineer Matt Campo expressed confidence that the plan could move forward with the town at a Nov. 19 Federation of Longboat Key Condominium Association meeting.

“They understand what our timeline is,” he said. “Town planning has deemed the application complete, so in their minds, they’re satisfied with what we’ve put through right now.”

The P&Z Board will make a recommendation about the site plan and ODPs, but the Longboat Key Town Commission will have final approval. Two public hearings are needed for ODP approval, while a single public hearing is needed for site-plan approval. The commission will likely discuss the plan at its January and February meetings.

Sneak peEk Publix will hold a community workshop to display its plans and renderings for the proposed project. The workshop will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. For more information, contact the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce at 383-2466 or info@longboatkeychamber.com.

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NEWSBRIEFS

4A

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

+ Mote seeks part-time residents for study Scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory and the University of Miami are seeking local residents who spend three to six months a year in Florida to participate in research about red tide, seafood consumption and beach activities. The one-time, one-hour survey is conducted in person at Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway. Participants will be accepted now through April 2012 and will receive $50 for time, effort and travel. To enroll, email decisionmaking@mote.org.

+ Town files amended Armstrong complaint The town filed an amended complaint last week against resident James Armstrong, who the town alleges completed work on his home without obtaining the necessary permits. In a Nov. 30 email to commissioners, Town Attorney David Persson described the amended complaint as “more explicit regarding the actions that caused the problems, the law we are to enforce

Meetings agendas

&

Publix public workshop — 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8  Code Enforcement Board meeting — 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12  Planning & Zoning Board meeting — 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13  Town Commission Regular Workshop — 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 All meetings take place at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road. 

and the method by which the law may be enforced by a judge.” Judge Charles Roberts dismissed the case without prejudice earlier this month but also denied Armstrong’s request for a rehearing and written opinion of the board’s determination that he was in violation of the law.

+ Commission approves ordinances The Longboat Key Town Commission

approved on first reading and public hearing an ordinance passing the increase on wholesale water and wastewater rates approved by the Manatee Board of County Commissioners to the town’s utility ratepayers. The proposed rate increase will total approximately 1.1%. The commission also approved on second reading and public hearing an ordinance to provide for codification of amendments upon adoption rather than through supplements; an ordinance allowing for a budget amendment to transfer money from the town’s Land Acquisition Fund for the $452,500 purchase of the property at 4110 Gulf of Mexico Drive; and an ordinance providing for the transfer of $15,000 to fund the contract with a consultant to develop a prospectus for a proposed community center at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center property.

+ Commission approves budget transfer for bonuses The Longboat Key Town Commission unanimously approved on first reading a budget transfer that would grant all full-time employees a one-time, $1,000

YourObserver.com

TOP FIVE

The most read stories online last week were: 1. “Scam costs Longboat Key man $2,450” (Nov. 28) 2. “St. Denis to return 401k contribution” (Dec. 1) 3. “Town plans to re-file Armstrong suit” (Nov. 30) 4. “PHOTO GALLERY: Rep. Jon Huntsman’s Daughters Campaign at the Republican Club” (Aug. 21) 5. “Mote seeks part-time residents for red tide study” (Dec. 2)

bonus with a pro-rated payout for parttime employees. The cost per full-time employee will total $1,552.27, according to Finance Director Tom Kelley, because of federal, payroll, Medicare and Social Security taxes. The total cost to the town for all employees will be $171,993.

It turns out, my students need more than books.

The fact is, people have less than they did just a few years ago.

And, sadly, the need continues to grow more profound every day.

Our community is struggling.

With your help, the Season of Sharing provides funds to help families and individuals avoid homelessness as the next solution to the financial crises they face.

Even if you give a little, it means a lot.

Everyone can be a philanthropist and, because of support from Season of Sharing partners, all of your donation – 100% – goes directly to the cause.

Together, we can make a difference.

Serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties

www.CFSarasota.org

Affect. Change. Today.

Observer LONGBOAT

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tising 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 Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

close to home?

SEASON OF SHARING Each week through December, the Longboat Observer will feature a local donor who is involved with Season of Sharing, an 11-year, community-wide fundraising partnership created by The Community Foundation of Sarasota County. To donate, visit www.cfsarasota.org.

Patricia Ostroski Patricia Ostroski is spreading health and wealth. In 2008, Ostroski started teaching a weekly yoga class at Bayport Beach and Tennis Club. Instead of pocketing payments from class attendees, she began donating all the proceeds. It started as an experiment to see if she could get more people interested in yoga.

“It has been a huge success,” Ostroski says.

“They are getting two for one: a charitable donation and yoga. Sometimes that motivates people.”

This is the first year she is donating the class funds to Season of Sharing. She discovered the organization after reading a newspaper article before Thanksgiving. The idea that families could fall through the cracks struck a chord with her, and she appreciated how it keeps families from becoming homeless.

“People always say, ‘It’s a good cause,’” she says. “I like to hear them say that. It’s gratifying.”

Ostroski believes some people are intimidated by yoga because they think it’s a class full of people standing on their heads. For the record, she does not do headstands. Ostroski teaches her charitable class to eight to 18 people every Wednesday afternoon using what she calls “gentle yoga.”

“I’d like to have so many people attend that I need a waiting list,” she says.

She expects to collect about $2,000 by the start of the new year.

“It’s miniscule to the amount Season of Sharing raises, but it still makes a difference,” LBK 2010 - I she-says.

Ostroski bought property on Longboat Key LBKin-2004.

2010 - Ialthough she didn’t do any philAnd, anthropic work in Philadelphia where she

Mallory Gnaegy

lived permanently while working as a tax lawyer and financial adviser, she did take her first yoga class there. And it has changed her life.

“I can’t imagine ever not doing this class for charity,” she says. “I’ll do the class as long as I can do yoga, and hopefully that will be the rest of my life.”

— Mallory Gnaegy

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by Robin Hartill | City Editor

New Pass graffiti could be gang-related Police found graffiti that appears to be connected to a local gang, but, according to Police Chief Al Hogle, gang activity is a rarity on the Key.

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5A

Graffiti found under New Pass Bridge could be gang-related, according to a Longboat Key police report.

The report states that Officer Shawn Nagell was patrolling the area shortly after midnight Monday, Dec. 5, when he observed several pieces of graffiti, such as “SUR 13” and “SOTA 941 County.” Police photographed the scene, and the photo card was placed into evidence. The report states that there are no suspects at this time and that Public Works will be notified about the graffiti via email.

SUR 13 is a local SarasotaManatee area gang, according to Longboat Key Police Chief Al Hogle, who said that the photographs would be forwarded to the Manatee and Sarasota county sheriff offices and the Sarasota Police Department, which has a gang officer.

Hogle said that the incident was the only case of suspected gang-related graffiti that he could recall from his more than eight years with the department.

“Generally, they don’t come out to the beaches, which is a good thing for us,” he said. “They seem to be more oriented to municipalities.”

Despite the rarity of gang-

Courtesy photo

The words “SUR 13” and “SOTA 941 County” were written in graffiti on New Pass Bridge.

related activity on barrier islands, the town has monitored incidents in the past, including a shooting that occurred just north of the Key, on Coquina Beach, on Easter Sunday in 2007.

Although police have responded to multiple instances of fighting and mischief in Overlook Park, located just west of the New Pass Bridge, Hogle said there doesn’t seem to be a connection to local gangs.

“I’ve seen nothing that any of it was gang-related,” he said. “Most of it seems to be related to alcohol and poor behavior.

6A

LONGBOAT Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Observer opinion | our view LONGBOAT

“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

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Community center: Act III Here we go again.

Apparently intent on building a new community center at Bayfront Park, the Longboat Key Town Commission Monday night approved establishing a fund up to $25,000 to hire a consultant to prepare a prospectus for a new facility.

This issue is almost like replacing the Ringling Bridge — at least 10 years old and counting. And we have driven down this community-center road numerous times, never quite getting to the final destination.

That destination, of course, would include razing the beloved but rickety Bayfront Park Recreation Center building.

Colony Beach & Tennis Resort owner Murf Klauber donated that building to the town in the early 1980s. It formerly served as the activity center at one of Longboat Key’s most popular historic resorts, the Far Horizons, now the Vizcaya condominiums.

Everyone knows the recreation center building is still standing today only because all of its termites are standing with locked arms to hold it up. It needs to be replaced.

That’s the easy part — reaching that conclusion.

But replaced with what? And for how much?

First, the what.

One of the arguments for a new community center is that it is an important piece to Longboat Key’s future status as an attractive resort-retirement, second-home community. Having a good community center often came up in the town’s multitudinous “vision” planning sessions. If Longboat expects to attract affluent home buyers, the story goes, the Key needs more and better amenities to compete in the world marketplace.

Makes sense.

But from there the discussion runs into all sorts of briar patches. Years ago, two factions of Longboaters clashed over a vision of a new community center when one group advocated for nice workout and excercise facilities, while another said it wanted a public swimming pool. This was classic special interests at work.

As the pool people said: Why should the workout interests get what they want at our (tax) expense, but we don’t get what we want?

Another debate: The town needs a better central meeting place for such things as Town Commission candidate forums and other public meetings. But up the road, at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, its advocates say: Wait a minute, we have great facilities for those types of events. Why build another?

And really, how much demand is there for a community center? It would be wasteful to construct a tax-supported facility that sits unused 10 months of the year.

Then there is the “how much?” How much would a new community center cost — to build and maintain in perpetuity? And from where will the tax money come?

The cost of construction, of course, will hinge on how decked-out and elaborate a new center would be. Many Longboaters remember one of the previous attempts at this generated a proposal for a $6.5 million

community center. Longboaters said no to that. The talk these days is about half that.

Probably the bigger issue is ongoing cost and maintenance. This is often overlooked.

Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, numerous Florida cities erected performing-arts centers, only to realize after the fact that coming up with the construction money was much easier than coming up with the annual cash to keep the lights and air-conditioning going.

Just look to our neighbors to the north.

The Anna Maria Island Community Center has an army of volunteers that works every year to raise $100,000 or more in private contributions to keep that place running with all of its programs. Knowing Longboaters’ philanthropic interests in giving to charitable causes that benefit the needy, it’s difficult to imagine a lot of enthusiasm for private contributions flowing to a Longboat Key community center. Just look at how difficult it is to maintain the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, the Longboat Library and the Longboat Key Historical Society.

With all of that, it seems difficult to make a convincing case for using any source of tax dollars — be they local, county, state or federal — to build a glistening community center at Bayfront Park. We can’t help but continue to think about that $26 million unfunded pension liability hanging over taxpayers’ heads.

And to bond and build a multimilliondollar community center in the face of continuing budget constraints and growing pension debt seems almost European, like borrowing more money when you’re already in a deep hole. It also would be disingenuous at best, deceitful at worst, if commissioners tried to tap funds from the “infrastructure surtax.” This tactic would claim that a community center is “infrastructure,” and therefore the Town Com-

CORPORATE MILESTONE

We’re not big on self-back-patting.

But last week’s editions of The Observer Group’s newspapers were a small indicator of economic revival.

When we tallied the total number of pages printed in last week’s four Observers (Longboat, East County, Sarasota and Palm Coast), Pelican Press and Gulf Coast Business Review (346 pages in all), and the total number of copies printed (99,600), the total page count reached 10,345,200 pages. If you stretched each page of each paper end to end, they would have stretched from Longboat Key to Boulder, Colo. — 1,960 miles.

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Editor hartill | City by robin

of the law. the this isn’t was in violation sides say But both Armstrong of the case. that the town its intent. endPersson said the against James suit, which t to clarify the case Rob- plans to re-file Whitney Coyne by dismissed re-file the lawsui Circuit Judge Charles suit without was brought will s Roberts the dicialdismissed that denied ArmJudge Charle ice, but the townto be in violationheofallegerts 2a . He also ong / PagE work for a rehearprejudice result of without prejud to address found sEE arMsTr home, ac- strong’s request opinion of the law as the d on his sought he David written performe The town to building codes, ation that ing and Attorney in its edly to Town determin issues related and zoning cording board’s James 12th Jusafety, control resident Nov. 21, t Persson. against Monday, Longboa On the lawsuit | Three sections g, whom Board 34, No. 18 Armstron Enforcement com 16A Vol. server.

Key Code YourOb Estate .......

INDEX

......4A Briefs............. 10A Calendar ...........

....... 25A Classifieds .........7A Cops Corner

......... 24A Crossword ...6A Opinion.............

Real 24A Weather ............

WHAT’S INSIDE

SHOPPIN G

SMARTS Following a your holiday few simple tips 8 can help shopping make a merry task.

SANTA APPEAR

ANCES See inside for a comprehe St. Nick’s 14 nsive Manatee and Sarasotalist of Jolly Old appearanc es.

HOLIDAY CRAFTS The best holiday memories you make. are the ones 16 Try these crafts with your kids.

TIPS FOR HASSLEFREE

The Transporta FLYING offers advice tion Security Administr 26 for traveling this holiday ation season.

mission could avoid a referendum and use tax dollars from the counties’ infrastructure surtax.

It’s safe to say most Longboaters would love to see a new community center. But the fact of the matter is the town has other, higher priorities to address first.

The town should swap the two parcels next to Pattigeorges to get a community center.

+ Swap park for steakhouse

Rather than fund and erect a costly white elephant (i.e. community center) at Bayfront Park, here’s an alternative to consider: With all the talk of creating a town center around the soon-to-be redeveloped Publix Super Market and connecting the store better with Town Hall on Bay Isles Road, perhaps it might make sense to consider a land swap.

The town could swap the two parcels between Pattigeorges restaurant and Bayfront Park (the town just paid $452,500 for the 0.7-acre waterfront parcel next to Pattigeorges) with Howard Rooks’ shuttered steakhouse behind Avenue of the Flowers.

Rather than let that 9,400-square-foot restaurant property continue to sit empty and deteriorate, it could be converted to a community center and perhaps satisfy the vision of creating town-center activities clustered around Publix.

Consider the values — at least as they are on paper. Rooks’ 9,400-square-foot restaurant property was assessed at $925,000. The parcel next to Pattigeorges sold for roughly half that. Add in the sliver of property between the Bayfront Park parking lot and the Pattigeorges parcel, and you get to an even exchange.

Actually, Rooks might get a slightly better deal — roughly an acre of mostly undeveloped waterfront property that could be used for some type of luxury residential use.

Everyone would win — Rooks, taxpayers and the town. Rooks would get out from the noose of a deteriorating asset whose hopes for resurrection into productive restaurant use are slim to none. Plus, he’d have a valuable, new asset that indeed could become productive.

Likewise, the town and taxpayers would win if that waterfront property next to Pattigeorges was entered back onto the tax rolls. Rather than an annual drain on taxpayers as a small part of an underutilized park, a new resident on that property would contribute to the town’s tax base.

And finally, the town would have its community center — with little or no debt to carry — and part of a new town center near Publix and Town Hall.

It’s worth a look.

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR

+ Cell phone coverage is a matter of life or death Dear Editor: I live on the north end of Longboat Key. I have been there for the past 10 years. I am amazed that some in our community are concerned about a tower to improve the cell phone coverage in our wonderful community.

The cell coverage is terrible — unreliable at best and horrible at worst. In our world of technology today, cell phones are our main mode of telephonic communication. It is absurd to think that calling a location (land line) is preferred to calling a person. The majority of Longboat Key residents and visitors are senior citizens who depend on the use of cell phones as the main form of communication.

The following is an example of the need for improved cell-phone coverage: My neighbor was rushed to the hospital a couple of weeks ago. His caretaker called our other neighbor, Mary, using her cell phone. While on the cell phone, Mary rushed to the neighbor’s condo, was told how to get into the condo and then where to find patient advocacy forms that they needed immediately at the hospital. During this stressful time the call was dropped several times. Let me say that again: The call was dropped several times as this lifeand-death situation played out.

Unfortunately, he did end up dying. The need for communication in this situation could have not been properly served with an outdated landline. As a matter of fact, third world countries have better cell phone coverage than the north end of Longboat Key. My mom also lives on Longboat Key.

She lives in fear that her cell phone will not work in the emergency situation, such as described. She carries her cell phone at all times in a handy holder that is easily attached to her clothes or goes around her neck. She worries that if she should fall, she will not be able to reach the landline in her home. If her cell phone does not work, which is a likely situation, she could remain injured in a state in which she could not physically move and not be able to communicate her needs and perish on the floor of her home while trying to make an emergency call on her perfectly good cell phone — her only link to save her life having been compromised by people who are worried about the looks of a tower on the island.

I appeal to all readers to please stop thinking this is 1950 and move forward with the correct communication tools to promote safety. We are in dire need of a tower for reliable cell phone coverage on the north end. This is not a matter of which service you have or the age of your phone. This is a matter of life or death.

Beth Gotthelf Longboat

+ University of Florida will never schedule OSU Dear Editor: I was amused by your column about Urban Meyer becoming the coach of Ohio State.

Your speculation that a real rivalry might be born if UF and OSU scheduled each other annually was quite humorous.

Any football fan knows that the Gators are unlikely to agree to that arrangement.

When was the last time the UF football team played a regularseason, non-conference game outside the state? I asked this question to a local sportswriter (and UF alum), and he thought it was 20 years ago when they went to Syracuse and lost. They don’t want to make that mistake again. It is better for them to bring cupcakes to Gainesville.

Jim Driscoll Sarasota

+ Town should mediate in Jim Armstrong case Dear Editor: I have been following the Armstrong vs. the town of Longboat Key in the Longboat Observer. As I understand the situation, Judge Roberts dismissed the case against Armstrong. Now, a lawyer other than the town’s attorney, acting as special counsel, has re-filed a lawsuit against Armstrong.

My thought on this situation is why isn’t a mediator arranged for by the town to resolve this situation and save both Armstrong and the town money? Everyone has heard of the old saying: “You can’t beat city hall.” This saying is true, primarily due to the cost of litigation by the person who attempts to right a possible wrong against them.

I think the town should take the high road in this matter and attempt to help

solve the problem rather than re-file a lawsuit that was ruled against them once.

William Tow Longboat Key

+ Christmas bonus

with tax dollars is wrong Dear Commissioners: I disagree with your decision to give $1,000 to each employee. During these hard economic times you decide to use our tax dollars for a $175,000 stocking stuffer?

Shame on you!

If you want to give away $1,000, then use your own money, not mine. I’ll donate to

+ Beer Can Island could be option for cell tower Dear Editor: Although I’m against cell towers, if it should come to pass, how about Beer Can Island?

I don’t think that location would impact anyone’s view.

Bert Spiegel Longboat Key

+ Thank you to Longboat Key police and Public Works staff Dear Editor: On Nov. 28 between 5 and 6 p.m. water started bubbling up out of Bogey Lane at the intersection of Chipping Lane. Longboat Key police arrived quickly and directed traffic around the mystery spring in the black-top street.

Thanks to our Longboat Key Public Works staff, a broken 6-inch iron water pipe was dug up, the proper repair clamp was delivered, the leak was repaired, and all of the neighborhood water service was restored by 10 p.m. We were without water for only a short time.

We who live on Longboat Key are so fortunate to have a Public Works staff who are trained, courteous and available 24/7 to care us.

Thank you, Longboat Key police and utility workers for your good work!

David Schar Longboat Key

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Please consider your fiduciary responsibility to us taxpayers and be prudent with our tax dollars. Someone once said: “Too much government!”

Thank you for perhaps rethinking your hasty decision.

W. K. Baumann Longboat

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longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

opinion | market watch

by George Rauch

69657

Dollars and no sense equals indebted mess

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DECEMBER 13, 2011 (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

Please take notice that a public hearing will be held at the request of W. Howard Rooks to consider an Outline Development Plan Amendment to reduce the site area to 2.01 acres for an existing commercial building (restaurant) with accessory parking, with departures to reduce the required setback of parking in a side or rear yard from 7 feet to 4.98 feet along the side property line and from 7 feet to 2.88 feet along the rear property line.

An additional departure is being requested to reduce the rear setback for the existing building from 25 feet to 21.80 feet for property located at Parcel B-2 (a/k/a Town Plaza II), Bay Isles Planned Unit Development, 545 Bay Isles Parkway.

A quasi-judicial public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on the proposal will be held on December 13, 2011, at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Town Commission Chambers, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida. This hearing will be held in accordance with established quasi-judicial procedures. All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposal. Copies of the proposal and related material may be viewed prior to the hearing at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 316-1966. The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, a record of the proceedings will be needed. For such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

70462

BJ Webb, Chair Planning and Zoning Board Published 12/8/2011

A little more than three years ago, in March 2008, the U.S. national debt was $9.4 trillion. In the 925 days since then, our national debt has risen to almost $15 trillion.

That means our government has spent almost $6 billion a day more than taxes available, although we are now spending $7 billion a day more than revenues available.

During this brief period of time, every family of four in America has incurred additional debt obligations, through the federal government, of $70,000 per U.S. family.

Ask yourself this question: What has the government done for you, or anybody you know, that is worth $70,000 per family in the last GEORGE three and three-quarters RAUCH years? The numbers become more awesome when one realizes that 50% of the families in this country pay no taxes. The long-term outlook is that the producers (makers) are facing huge future taxes, and the spenders (takers), are facing no additional obligations because they can’t pay them anyway.

Producers are literally under attack by our own government, which covets their assets.

Matters become worse as we look a little deeper: 1. Federal Reserve System: Last year HR1207 (House) and S604 (Senate) legislated an audit of the Federal Reserve System.

What was discovered as a result of this bill was that 70% of the money borrowed in the worst week of our crisis (October 2008) was borrowed by foreign banks. The largest borrowers accounted for $2.7 trillion (primarily banks from the United Kingdom, Scotland, Germany, Switzerland and France).

No wonder the Federal Reserve System resisted an audit so vigorously. Where did any authorization come from for the Fed to obligate American taxpayers to bail out the banks of foreign countries?

2. U.S. debt’s maturity: The average maturity of all U.S. debt is 4.3 years which, even the government has realized, is way too short a maturity for so much money.

What happens, for example, if short-term interest rates go from 1% to 6%, which is likely with looming inflation? The federal government, which already cannot meet its obligations and borrows money just to pay interest on the debt, would become even more insolvent. To resolve this problem, because interest rates are now unrealistically low, the Fed is going to sell a higher percentage of debt with maturities longer than 10 years. Ten-year notes pay only about 2.3% now, which is ridiculously low given the fact that inflation already exceeds 2.3%.

3. How can the Fed do this? The euro mess is even worse than the mess in the United States. That has caused other countries that own large euro reserves to want to sell euros. The result has increased demand for dollars, compared to euros. An increase in the demand for dollars allows the Fed to sell more treasury debt at lower interest rates with longer maturity. The dollar is now “prospering” only because of the disaster in the rest of the world, which disaster has been encouraged, and perpetrated, by the U.S. government — and the Fed. 4. The Heritage Foundation: A recent report substantiates that the cost of government agencies to enforce 160,000 pages of rules is more than $1 trillion per year. Think about that while realizing that our GNP is just less than $15 trillion. The bottom line is that bureaucrats cost us 7% of our GDP just to tell us how our businesses should be run.

It is as if Americans, a brilliantly educated group of people, are too stupid to do things themselves without being supervised by government. Moreover, that “cost” of regulation has made us non-competitive in international markets because our goods are over-priced.

5. How high can debt get before it harms growth? The National Bureau of Econom-

ic Research study shows that economic growth is noticeably reduced when gross government debt exceeds 90% of GDP. Our debt is almost 100% of GDP and will pass 100% of GDP within a few months. Since 1946, in 22 advanced economies, debt exceeded 90% of GDP only 8% of the time.

All of these governments have failed. Some memorable ones are the collapse of Russia in 1991 and Argentina before that. Now on the brink of monetary crashes we have: Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Belgium, just to name a few. They are all indebted to the Fed. The Fed has nothing to back up its credit but thousands ($15 trillion worth) of IOUs from governments that are about to collapse, with our own government being the biggest debtor.

How did we get here?

A small group of men control the money of the United States, which, in turn, controls the money of the world, essentially since the end of World War I. The Constitution was written to help this country avoid consolidation of any financial or political power among only a few men.

The primary aim of regulatory policy should be to make it possible for banks, for example, to fail without endangering the rest of the system. Remedies, however, always end up increasing the size, and reach, of government through additional regulation, rules and taxation.

Some investment history

In times of over-indebtedness, hard assets such as gold, silver, real estate and copper do best. That’s because in an overindebted society, in which inflation must eventually take hold, the value of “limited” hard assets increases with inflation.

It’s noteworthy that the Japanese stock market sells about 25% of the value of its high 20 years ago. The markets have never recovered. It’s also little known that on an inflation-adjusted basis, it wasn’t until 1955 that U.S. stock prices fully recovered from the crash of 1929. During the market’s difficulties from 1974 to 1987, inflation-adjusted stock prices were actually lower than they were in 1928. Moreover, since 2000, the Dow and S&P are both down, accounting for inflation. The NASDAQ is down 30%, and, believe it or not, real-estate values are up more than 40% from 10 years ago.

Conclusion

The only way to overcome this crisis and restart growth is to cut budget deficits and government debts. Further, we must restructure the economy to increase labor productivity and international competitiveness. Until then, limited assets such as real estate, silver and gold will continue to increase in value while stocks are likely to go nowhere. Bond prices are manipulated by the Fed through the setting of unrealistically low interest rates designed solely to make it easier for the government to finance its debt. Paying off one’s debt, and putting oneself in a good cash position, are important in weathering this economic storm destined to last another several years.

As President Ronald Reagan said, “As government expands, liberty contracts.”

We are at the crossroads of “liberty, or empire.” The direction we go is decided by the middle man, our government. If either the Democrats or the Republicans really wanted the budget balanced, it would be balanced. So far, during all the financial crises of the last several years, our government has shown no willingness to stabilize the ship of state, but, rather, it has indicated a strong desire to increase the power of government, to increase our taxes and to increase its own power, pay and benefits at our expense.

Bet on empire.

Caveat emptor.

George Rauch, Longboat Key, is chief executive

officer of Bradenton-based General Propeller and a former Wall Street investment banker.

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

612 Juan Anasco Dr #A3934242 Saint Cacchiotti

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-809-0787

$7,900,000

1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr # 706 #A388531 $1,999,000 Beth Afflebach & Joan Dickinson

Sarasota 941-364-8884 941-737-1756

1055 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 206 #A3952088 $1,300,000 Michael Moulton

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-928-3559

2185 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 244 #A3919623 $2,475,000 Anne Mitchell

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-725-0227

3620 Fair Oaks Pl #A3950599 Julia Mcclung

$2,050,000

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-6499

870 Jungle Queen Way #A3938200 Sylvia Zimmerman

$1,799,500

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-350-5022

741 Binnacle Point Dr #A3948387 Deborah Beacham

$1,674,900

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-376-2688

314 Hammock Cir #A3941161 Michelle Ann Wilde

$1,200,000

Anna Maria 941-388-4447 941-544-3813

2105 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 3501 #A3952430 $995,000 Susan Mcleod

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-928-4445

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603 Longboat Club Rd # 603N #A3952099 $899,000 Maureen Horn

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1 Ben Franklin Dr # 112 #A3950696 Douglas Parks

$865,000

Sarasota 941-388-4447 941-400-9087

2425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 5F #A3940806 $779,000 Mel & Jan Goldsmith

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-356-6673

2109 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 1301 #A334195 $599,000 Robert Dardas

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-376-7591

3080 Grand Bay Blvd # 513 #A3951987 $545,000 Steve Nursey

Longboat Key 941-388-4447 941-388-4447

5621 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 203 #A3952383 $509,000 Janis Collier

Longboat Key 941-951-6660 941-313-1212

4825 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # C103 #A3932720 $475,000 Michael Yawitz

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-587-8091

752 Saint Judes N Dr #A3952176 Bruce & Jenine Meyer

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Longboat Key 941-383-5502 941-266-8152

4500 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 2 #A3952147 $259,000 Bobbi Banan

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3808 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 203 #A3908654 $239,000 Stephen Harris

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$219,900

Longboat Key 941-383-7591 941-387-7300

4420 Exeter Dr # L104 #A3944308 Cathy Meldahl

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2425 Gulf Of Mexico Dr # 11A #A3951947 $8,000 Gail Kayajian

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582 Ranger Lane #A3951890 Gail Kayajian

Search for properties from your smartphone at

Mid Longboat 383.5502 • South Longboat 383.7591 • St. Armands 388.4447 • Main Street 951.6660 • Palmer Ranch 966.8000 • Siesta Key 349.3444

70142

6832 Pine St Hannerle Moore

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Wine Tasting Benefiting Save Our Seabirds — takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Judes Drive. Food and appetizers from Harry’s Continental Kitchens will accompany the wine-tasting menu, and there will be live music. Cost is $10; $5 of which will benefit Save Our Seabirds. Call 383-0777.

Miniversity Session: A Salon of Their Making — starts at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 and runs Wednesdays through Dec. 21, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. This course, taught by Baila Miller, will explore the impact Gertrude and Leo Stein had on the early 20th century. The event is free. Call 383-3428.

Holiday Open House at The Centre Shops — takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at The Centre Shops, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The Center Shops on Longboat Key will host an open house with food, drinks and holiday cheer. Call 383-2466.

Miniversity Session: Holocaust Reflected in Diaries and Memoirs — starts at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 and runs every Thursday through Feb. 9, at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road. Rabbi Jonathan Katz will teach this Melton course, giving first-hand accounts of Jews’ experience during World War II. Cost for the class is $275. To register, call Mary Everist at 371-4546.

LLSA Chamber Holiday Luncheon — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Holiday Inn Lido Beach, 233 Ben Franklin Drive. Meet and greet professionals and local businesses at this holiday luncheon hosted by the Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key Chamber

Don’t Miss

The 12th annual Observer Challenge What: The Observer Challenge is made up of teams of two men and two women who will play in the non-USTA tournament.

When: Takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11 Where: Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, 590 Bay Isles Road

Cops

LONGBOAT

Nov. 26 Alarming evening

Nov. 27

4:03 a.m. — Off the Key. Assist Other Agency. Police heard a restaurant alarm going off while driving through St. Armands Circle and checked the business, because all Sarasota police officers were responding to a report of a shooting.

Burn notice

Identity crisis

Cost: Entry fee is $25 per person.

3:25 p.m. — 3700 block of GMD. Lost or Missing Property. A woman reported that her driver’s license was missing and said she last used it for identification three days earlier at a grocery store.

Info: Call 316-8367 to register.

Putting out fires

of Commerce. Tickets are $20 for members; $25 for non-members.

Call 383-2466.

‘Tommy the Tree’ Book Signing — takes place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Longboat Library, 555 Bay Isles Road. Author Nick Kovalakides will be signing his recent children’s book, “Tommy the Tree: Will He Get His Christmas Wish?” He will also be sharing his experience writing and publishing the book. The event is free. Call 383-0211.

Longboat Key Democratic Club Meeting — starts at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Dining Room, 3000 Harbourside Drive. Executive Director of ACLU Florida, Howard Simon, Ph.D., will be speaking about defending constitutional rights from an overreaching Florida governor and state legislature. Cost is $23. Call Jane Albaum 362-0520.

Early Holiday Deadlines for

9:29 p.m. — 4300 block of GMD. Fire.

Five people agreed to put out their fire; remove the ashes with a wheelbarrow; and fill in the small pit they had dug after police informed them of their ordinance violation.

Chauffeur service 10:25 p.m. — 3100 block of GMD. Public Service. Police checked on the welfare of a woman, who said she was OK and was waiting for the bus to Sarasota. The woman was still waiting 45 minutes later, so police drove her to Sarasota themselves.

Nov. 27 Hot spot 9:23 a.m. — Off the Key. Fire. Police contacted Longboat Key Fire Rescue after a resident reported seeing smoke on the south end of Jewfish Key. Firefighters advised that a small area of mulch was smoldering and that they extinguished the fire.

Warning signs 2:43 p.m. — 100 block of Broadway.

(Diversions, East County and Longboat only)

Deadline: Thursday, December 22, 11am To reserve space or for questions, contact your Observer advertising representative

941.366.3468

Nov. 28 Water main break 5:22 p.m. — 1100 block of Bogey Lane.

Assist Other Agency. Police assisted Public Works with traffic control while a 6-inch water main was excavated and repaired.

Dec. 1 Neighborhood watch 1:06 a.m. — 5800 block of GMD. Suspicious Vehicle. A caller reported that the occupants of a gray pickup truck appeared to be watching her load her vehicle. Police were unable to locate the vehicle.

Personalized Service since 1992 Member CAI, Longboat Key Managers Group Licensed Professionals, Staff CPA, Staff Placements & Training

December 22, Christmas Issue Deadline: Thursday, December 15, 11am

January 5, Look Ahead to 2012

Dog on the Beach. A woman who was on the beach with her terrier apologized when police told her of the town’s ordinance prohibiting dogs on the beach.

She said she didn’t see the portion of the beach rules sign that details pet restrictions.

Professional Management… ...Meaningful Direction

Don’t Miss these special eDitions!

December 29, Year in Pictures Deadline: Friday, December 16, 11am

4:26 p.m. — 700 block of Longboat Court. Brush Fire.

A man apologized and immediately extinguished a fire in his yard after police responded to a report of a man burning yard waste. The man told police that he had just moved to Longboat Key and didn’t know about the ordinance he violated.

CoMMuNITy ASSoCIATIoN & ProPerTy MANAGeMeNT

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The Observers

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Now Open Until 1PM for the Winter Season!

Happy Holidays from all your friends at The Observer

SARASOTA LONGBOAT EAST COUNTY PELICAN PRESS

Observer

Lemon Avenue & Main Street New Hours: 7am-1pm every Saturday Fresh Produce • Plants & Flowers Local Seafoods • Prepared Foods • Baked Goods Cheeses & Meats • Local Crafts and more...

941-225-9256 • www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org

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The Observer Group offices will be closed from Dec. 24 until Jan. 2

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

BRIGHT IDEA

11A

LocaL Luxury. IntErnatIonaL cLout.

by The Observer Staff

Spectacular, private, beachfront, European villa

File photo

Bayport Beach & Tennis Club won first place in the “Light Up the Keys” competition last year.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Dust off your favorite holiday decorations, because it’s time for the Longboat Observer’s annual “Light Up the Keys” competition. Make sure your lights are shining brightly Wednesday, Dec. 7 and Thursday, Dec. 8, because Observer staff members will be searching for the most festively decorated condominiums, single-family homes and businesses on Longboat, Lido, Bird and St. Armands keys. The judging this year will be structured differently than in the past. In the Thursday, Dec. 15 issue of the Longboat Observer, we will reveal the top winners in each category: condominiums with more than 100 units, condominiums with less than 100 units, single-family homes, commercial category and Publisher’s Choice. We’ll also include our “bright spots” list — our runners-up that are also not-to-be missed.

It is snowing at Cat Depot!

Holiday Open House & Half Off Half Grown

Holiday Open House

You can't see another neighbor from this 3 bedroom + den, Positano residence...just the white sand beach and the turquoise Gulf waters. The stunning, 3343 sq. ft. villa has an enormous wrap terrace, private stairs to the beach and an additional private 1900 sq. ft. paver garden area.

Only the finest materials have been used throughout.

MLS A3950796

$3,950,000

Gorgeous, unobstructed Bay front views from this beautiful estate property Consisting of almost an acre with 131' on the Bay, this charming Spanish style home w/brick paver courtyard entry and fountain is set within a secluded "Old Florida" tropical garden paradise with gorgeous views of the Bay, Sister and Jewfish Keys. Only 3 minutes by boat from your 100' dock to the Gulf and just a short walk to the beach. MLS A3949268

$1,675,000

Fabulous, Gulf front Penthouse at Villa di Lancia This is a truly unique 2678 sq. ft., 3 bedroom Gulf front penthouse with an additional wrap Gulf front 2054 sq. foot roof top terrace.

Gorgeous vistas of the Gulf, white sand beach and the luxurious pool area can all be enjoyed from anywhere in the residence, balconies and private terraces.

Gorgeous interiors with gas fireplace and cook top.

MLS A3951882

Friday, December 9

$1,950,000

11am to 7pm

Sat. and Sun., December 10 & 11

Promenade Penthouse w/ fabulous views of the Gulf

11am-5pm

Half Off, Half Grown! Cats from ages 6 months to 18 months will be half off during the Holiday Open House.

Snowflakes can be purchased at Cat Depot for $1.00 in honor of your favorite cat or a Cat Depot cat.

941.366.2404 • www.catdepot.org

When you want

70689

Open 7 days a week M-F, 11 am–7pm • S-S 11 am–5pm 2542 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234

Views of the Gulf, pool and sunset terrace from every room of this spacious, 2135 sq. ft. residence. A marble foyer with sky light leads into the open living area featuring 10 ft. ceilings, marble fireplace and a dining area with wet bar. A Large kitchen w/dining and a large master w/two walk-in closets are also featured.

MLS A3950704

$849,000

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2767 sq. ft. pool home that has been designed to perfection w/ cherished privacy & maintenance freedom. MLS A3949590

Magnificent 1.3+ acre estate property with 100 feet on the Gulf and 580 feet from beach front to entrance. MLS A3950753

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See the process in action at

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longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DECEMBER 13, 2011 (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

Please take notice that a public hearing will be held at the request of Avenue of the Flowers Acquisition Co, LLC (a Publix Super Markets, Inc entity) to consider an Outline Development Plan Amendment with a departure to reduce the required setback of parking in a street yard from 20 feet to 7.2 feet for property located at Parcel A, Bay Isles Planned Unit Development, 525 Bay Isles Parkway.

A quasi-judicial public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on the proposal will be held on December 13, 2011, at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Town Commission Chambers, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida. This hearing will be held in accordance with established quasi-judicial procedures. All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposal. Copies of the proposal and related material may be viewed prior to the hearing at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 316-1966. The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, a record of the proceedings will be needed. For such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

BJ Webb, Chair Planning and Zoning Board Published 12/8/2011

Everyone whom 94-year-old Betty Huston passes while riding her threewheel bike from Twin Shores to Publix gives her a wave. She’s been riding daily for the past five years — the trip started as physical therapy after a hip replacement.

Every morning biker, dog-walker and jogger on Gulf of Mexico Drive seems to know her.

“Hi, Betty!” someone says.

“Good morning, Betty! Have a good day!” says another couple.

“Most of the people on Longboat Key are the friendliest people,” Huston says.

As she says this, a man passing by on a bike gives her a wave.

“See what I mean?” Huston asks.

But the friendly gestures go beyond, well, gestures. One morning on her bike ride, a tire went flat. A couple who were complete strangers offered to give her and her bike a lift back to Twin Shores. Now a friend and neighbor in Twin Shores fills her tires with air and does necessary repairs to her bike if it needs it.

Huston’s brother, Robert, had some friends living in Gulfshore mobilehome park, and Huston and her husband, Raymond, came to visit them.

They moved there in 1989 from Riverside, N.J. They eventually moved into the only home in Twin Shores with a screened-in front porch.

Huston remembers fondly the “good ol’ days” of Longboat. There were older residents back then and less renters.

The purchase of Twin Shores by its owners was an event that brought the neighborhood together, Huston says.

Although not many original buyers still live there, she says it’s retained its neighborly values. The residents meet for coffee a couple times a month in the recreation hall.

“Here in the park, it’s a family place,” she says. “People go out of their way to do things for different people.”

Huston has done her fair share of friendly favors. When she used to drive, for 10 years she was the driver for a man who had macular degeneration.

And what goes around comes

FIVE Things You Didn’t Know ...  Betty Huston has lived in Twin Shores for 22 years  Huston and her husband, Raymond, met at a party during World War II and were married in July 1943.  Huston loves to read books.

She gets them from the Twin Shores library, and whenever she buys one, she always donates it after reading it.  Huston was active in the VFW Auxiliary and was the district president in the late ’60s. She traveled all over the nation for conventions.  Huston has made many hand-knit or crocheted items such as throws, coasters and flower bouquets.

around, because her friends in the community take her to her appointments now.

“I don’t know what it is. There seems to be something about the people who come out to Longboat Key,” Huston says. “They’d do anything for you.”

— Mallory Gnaegy

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YourObserver.com

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

christmas cheer

13A

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

Santa Claus makes appearance on St. Armands

Santa Claus arrived in style: Rudolph led Santa’s sleigh; a nutcracker steered the way; the caboose held a Christmas tree; and bubbles came from the back end.

Right: The Christmas tree lights up St. Armands Circle.

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Cooper Nickelson and Ava Christie anxiously await Santa’s arrival.

SEAFOOD • PASTA • FISH • PASTA • BEEF • SALADS • LOBSTER

Casual Italian Cuisine Hand Tossed Brick Oven Pizza LBK ’S NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN RESTAUR ANT Since 1990

Early Dining and 2 for 1 Wine or Tap Beer 4:30 - 6 pm Nightly

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Call for reservations 383-0013 5610 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

Madison Dworet with her grandmother, Bette Recupero

Children wearing antlers, Santa hats and their red-and-green holiday garb waited with bright eyes for the arrival of Santa Claus Friday, Dec. 2, during Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle.

A carol of bells rang throughout the Circle and the smells of sweet kettle corn and caramel corn tantalized the anxious crowd.

Storefronts were decorated, and a few had live entertainment, such as a stand-in Santa at Brighton. Female employees at Shore waved from the window wearing their holiday finest.

“When’s Santa coming?” an impatient little boy tugged on his mom’s candy-cane embroidered turtleneck.

And, as soon as he said it, the magic moment happened: Santa and his entourage arrived.

The good little boys and girls — and their parents — welcomed a waving Santa and his sleigh to the Circle by singing Christmas carols. The crowd counted down, “Three, two, one … ” and Santa flipped the switch that lit the thousands of lights on the 51-foot Rocky Mountain pine tree in the center of the Circle.

Santa’s made his list, checked in twice, and now he can cross off an appearance at St. Armands Circle.

Join us for a Traditional Christmas at.....

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Traditional Christmas Dinner & Full Dinner Menu Christmas Day Noon to 8 p.m.

Brunch items available until 3:00 p.m.

Traditional Christmas Dinner $15.95 3-Course Christmas Package including Soup or Salad, Traditional Dinner and Dessert $21.95 Reservations recommended.

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Call Ahead Seating/Reservations for 5 or more

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Open 7 days a week Best food, Best Service, Best View Any closer to the water and you’ll need a towel 11:30 am to 9:30 pm

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longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

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TOWN OF LONGBOAT KEY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING DECEMBER 13, 2011 (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

Please take notice that a public hearing will be held at the request of Bay Isles Enclave Acquisition LLC, to consider an Outline Development Plan Amendment to reduce the site area to 2.81 acres and remove all approved land uses on the vacant property located at Parcel B-1 (a/k/a MODA), Bay Isles Planned Unit Development, 594 Bay Isles Road.

Wendy and Dave Poelke with Jan McKracken

A quasi-judicial public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Board on the proposal will be held on December 13, 2011, at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, at the Town Commission Chambers, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, Florida. This hearing will be held in accordance with established quasi-judicial procedures. All interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposal. Copies of the proposal and related material may be viewed prior to the hearing at the Planning, Zoning & Building Department, 501 Bay Isles Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Questions may be directed to the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 316-1966. The proposed amendment will affect property within the corporate boundaries of the Town of Longboat Key as shown on the map appearing at the bottom of this advertisement. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting, a record of the proceedings will be needed. For such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

A cannon boomed and the lights illuminated the harbor. One boat was decked in classic white strands around its rails with red Christmas bows on every pole. It and the rest of the Bird Key Yacht Club boats let their little lights shine after a ceremonial blessing from the Rev. Fred Robinson, of Church of the Redeemer, Saturday, Dec. 3.

Attendees enjoyed cocktails before the lighting of the fleet and followed the ceremony with a dinner.

Marie Hunter, Karel Beck, Cindy Wolfendale and Joyce Steele

BJ Webb, Chair Planning and Zoning Board Published 12/8/2011

70453

Marjorie and Richard Schubel

Nancy Hoigné and Frank Frasier

Linda Robinson and the Rev. Fred Robinson, from Church of the Redeemer, with Fleet Capt. Allyn Carlson and his wife, Maxine

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

CHRISTMAS LIST

OUR TOWN

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

15A

>> Continued from Page 1A

+ 25 years of work honored Resort Operator Alice Dean started out in housekeeping at the Longboat Key Club and Resort 25 years ago. A buffet luncheon was held in her honor to celebrate this anniversary, and she was given an engraved watch for her service.

Courtesy photo

Alice Dean with PAL and Vacation Rentals Manager Gordon McMillan

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

+ Boehme rings her silver bell

Jinny and Ron Johnson

Christkindl party collects toys for needy boys and girls This was the seventh year Heidi and Kent Lagro have hosted their annual Christkindl and Toys for Tots Party. On Friday, Dec. 2, attendees brought toys to be donated to Toys for Tots and enjoyed

Dr. Ira Abrahamson

+ Bridge player makes triumphant feat Dr. Ira Abrahamson bid and made 7 notrump in back-to-back hands, which is like making two holes-in-one in successive outings of golf, he says. He made the first hand in his apartment, where he plays on Tuesdays, and it was the last hand bid of the day. His hand was: S – A, 10; H - K, 8; D – A, K, Q, J, 3; C – A, K, J, 5.

His partner’s hand was: S – K, Q, J, 7; H – A, 7, 6; D – 10, 6; C – Q, 7, 4, 2. He made the second 7 notrump bid two days later at Sarasota Yacht Club on the first hand bid of game. His hand was: S – A, Q, 7, 2; H – K, 6; D – A, Q, J, 8, 2; C – Q, 2. His partner’s hand was: S – K,9; H – A, 9, 7, 3; D – K, 7, 4; C – A, K, 10, 2.

You could give him a hand, but after these, he doesn’t need one!

each other’s company while they wined and dined. A Marine was present for the event, and Sepp Diepolder played accordion and zither to provide music for the evening.

Courtesy photo

More than 70 toys were collected for Toys for Tots.

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Jane Boehme, of the Longboat Key Garden Club, rings the bell for the Salvation Army Dec. 4.

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When the Longboat Key Garden Club signed up to ring the bell for the Salvation Army for two full days, Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key member Jim Burmeister, who is in charge of organizing the bellringing campaign, was relieved. There was a garden club carol of the bells from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 4, and another will be held Dec. 11. The club hopes to help the contents of the red kettle grow!

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YourObserver.com

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

Temple Beth Israel hosts its annual holiday sale Beth Israel Women at Temple Beth Israel hosted its Holiday Happenings Bazaar Sunday, Dec. 4. Attendees snacked on complimentary homemade goods and Starbucks coffee while they browsed the merchandise. There were orchids from Doris “The Orchid Lady,” baked goods from Ohh La La! French bakery, pottery, handbags, Hanukkah items and books.

OBITUARIES Dr. Frank P. Cleveland

Dr. Frank. P. Cleveland, of Cincinnati and formerly of Longboat Key, died Nov. 28. He was 92.

Dr. Cleveland was born Nov. 2, 1919.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Doreene; sister, Alberta Joos; daughters, Lisa Sylvester and Tamara Almante; sons Craig and Bradley; and many grandchildren.

Visitation was held Friday, Dec. 2, at Thomas-Justin Memorial, in Cincinnati. Services were held Saturday, Dec. 3, at Armstrong Chapel United Methodist Church, in Cincinnati.

Memorials may be directed to Michael Cleveland Sylvester Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Moeller High School, 9001 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Thomas D. McInerney Above: Ethel Doughty and Librarian Marjorie Sandy Right: Lillian Sands

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Alice Taich, for whom the temple gift shop was named, with Rosalie Krone

Thomas D. McInery, of Longboat Key and Preston Hollow, N.Y., died Monday, Nov. 21. He was 84.

Mr. McInery was born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y. He was a Navy veteran of both World War II and Korea with the rank of Teleman 3rd Class.

Mr. McInerney retired from the U.S. Treasury Department, Bureau of Customs, with the rank of inspector.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ellen.

He is survived by his wife, Mary O’Shea McInerney; sister, Mary White; daughters Suzanne, Loretta,

Savantiques

GAMES: Mah Jong, Dominoes, Chess, Poker Chips ART: Nautical, Al Capp, Am. Folk Art, Movie Posters

Anita Verna Ross, of Longboat Key, and formerly of Ocean City, Md., died Nov. 26. She was 69.

Mrs. Ross was born Aug. 15, 1942.

Mrs. Ross volunteered for many years at Mote Marine and was a member of the Women’s Guild at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.

Ross She had been a flight attendant for American Airlines.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles A. Ross; and son, William L. Engle.

She is survived by her brother, Louis Verna, of Hollywood; son, Mathew Engle, of Ocean City; and three granddaughters.

Contributions in her memory may be made to SPARCC or to the Women’s Resource Center.

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Veronica and Mary Ellen; sons Thomas and Richard; grandchildren; greatgrandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

A funeral took place Nov. 28 at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, and burial was in Saratoga National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Middleburgh Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 817, Middleburgh, N.Y., 12122.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

The Rev. David L. Danner, D. Min., Rector

Roser Community Church

Growing in Jesus’ Name

Gary Gary A. Batey, Pastor Pastor

The Reverend Dr. Bruce Porter

A non-denominational, traditional traditional church A non-denominational, church

Sermon “The“Inside Sounds of Silence, the Inside Roots ofYou” Peace” Sermon Christmas,

Sunday 9Sunday, AM and AM —Traditional Worship 1011 am – Traditional Worship 9 am –Sunday Adult Sunday 10 AM —Adult SchoolSchool & Book Study 10 am – Children and Youth Church School 9 AM —Children and Youth Church School

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Neighborhood B U S I N E S S | C L A S S I F I E D S | G A M E S | K E Y L I F E | R E A L E S TAT E | S P O RT S | T R AV E L | W E AT H E R

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

REAL ESTATE

sPORTS

A two-bedroom condo at Vizcaya sells for $2.5 million.

PAGE 18A

PAGE 24A

night lights

WEATHER

Senior Clay Courts tournament is a draw for top players.

See this week’s weather photo contest winner.

PAGE 28A

by Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

The Fighting Lady was decked out in lights and even had a dancing Santa.

A view of the Sarasota Yacht Club’s harbor during the “Lighting of the Fleet.”

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Sparkling Splendor Commodore Willa Saalwaechter stops to talk with Mrs. and Mr. Claus.

Katie and Emily Ridenour with Caroline and Patrick Kenefick

Members of the Sarasota Yacht Club, along with their friends and family, came out to celebrate the annual holiday tradition of the “Lighting of the Fleet” Friday, Dec. 2, at the Sarasota Yacht Club. The evening included a Sundowner Ceremony followed by the Sarasota Youth Opera singing “Carol of the Bells.”

Mr. and Mrs. Claus also made an appearance and handed out candy canes.

When the sun had set, the harbor lit up with thousands of lights, and people toured the docks to see the decorated boats. Some boat owners went with classic white lights and a few holiday trimmings while others went all-out with themes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a recreation of “The Kiss,” and even a dancing Santa.

A panel of three judges, Meredith Garofalo, Scott Hinckley and Elizabeth Bornstein, determined the winners.

The winners were: Vitamin Sea, Lee and Courtney Goodman; Glass Slipper, John and Karalee Hammes; Mary Agnes, James and Mary Agen; Devine one, Kelly and Anita Devine; and Charish, Ken D’Agostino.

One boat recreated the Time magazine photo of “The Kiss” on V-J Day in Times Square.

Harry and Betty Pawlowitz pose in front of their boat.

Golden Eagle III, owned by John Saputo, third from left, had many people aboard during the “Lighting of the Fleet” ceremony.

18A

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Vizcaya condo sells for $2.25 million Laurie Champion, Boston, sold her Unit 3B1 condominium at Vizcaya, 2399 Gulf of Mexico Drive, to Alan and Constance Herbert, of Barrington, Ill., for $2.25 million. Built in 1998, it has two bedrooms, three baths and 3,238 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $1.6 million in 1998.

This week’s residential real-estate transactions were recorded Nov. 21 to Nov. 25, which was a shortened recording week due to Thanksgiving.

Of this week’s four sales, the Vizcaya sale was the only to top $1 million.

Steven and Vicki Vann-Berstein sold their Unit 507 condominium at 4325 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Pranay and Tine Patel, Lakeland, for $493,000.

Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $508,500 in 2001.

+ Roger Pettingell reaches Legends Society

+ The Curp Group joins Coldwell Banker’s Longboat Key office File photo

Unit 3B1 at Vizcaya, 2399 Gulf of Mexico Drive, has two bedrooms, three baths and 3,238 square feet of living area. It sold for $2.25 million.

Seagrape Inn

Barbara Stein, trustee, Chicago, sold the Unit 2 condominium at 5125 Gulf of Mexico Drive to Frank and Dorothy

Case, of Romulus, N.Y., for $175,000.

Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 961 square feet of living area.

TOP BUILDING PERMITS These are the largest building permits issued by the Longboat Key Planning and Zoning Department for the week of Nov. 28 through Dec. 1, in order of dollar amounts. (GMD = Gulf of Mexico Drive) Permit Applicant Amount Addition Angelo Anaclerio $80,000 Alteration Pierre condominium n/a Alteration Richard Shelsky n/a

It previously sold for $145,000 in 1988.

St. Armands Circle

David and Michele Wilson, of Windsor, Conn., sold their Unit 18A condominium at Kingston Arms, 500 S. Washington Drive, to Richard Johnston, trustee, Sarasota, for $222,500.

Built in 1963, it has one bedroom, one bath and 770 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $192,500 in 2003.

Visit our website to see a map of this week’s transactions.

Eye Center

Paul J Strom, Jr., M.D.

Sarasota, Florida 34239

License # CGC043438

All units directly on the Gulf

Daily • Weekly • Monthly Rentals

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Engel & Völkers Anna Maria/Longboat Key has closed seven units in the luxury South Beach Village development in Bradenton Beach. The units sold for a total $2.8 million.

“All over Florida, we have seen the real-estate market has proven to be on the rise,” said Ray Alexander, owner of Engel & Völkers Anna Maria Island/Longboat Key, in a prepared statement.

“The timing for this purchase was right, and we are pleased with the closing of this development.”

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The Curp Group’s John Curp and Diann Thelan have joined Coldwell Banker’s Longboat Key office. Curp has worked in Ohio as an attorney in the commercial banking field and is an avid bicyclist. Thelan has served for 12 years as editor of Sarasota/Manatee Builder magazine and is a competitive tennis player.

expecting coMpany?

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2020

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2020 S. Tamiami Trail

By Robin Hartill | City Editor

Roger Pettingell, of Coldwell Banker’s Longboat Key office, has reached the Legends Society, Coldwell Banker’s highest level of achievement.

Pettingell has achieved the honor three times in the past four years. He was named the top agent in 2008 and 2010 for all Coldwell agents.

“Reaching this level of achievement is truly a dedicated accomplishment, as it is difficult to attain,” said Bob Stanley, managing broker of the company’s Longboat Key office, in a prepared statement. “Roger maintains a high service expectation and is in a perpetual quest for the most innovative methods to meet the needs of his clients.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

TAPAS TIME

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

19A

# 1 A G E NTOP T IN S A L ASSOCIATE ES VOLUME SALES # 1 A G E N T I N S EASL inE S LV LUME # 1 A G E N T I N S A L V 2009 O UO ME for Sarasota and Manatee Counties forfor Sarasota andin Manatee Counties inof 2009 in 2009 Sarasota and Manatee Counties Ranked the top 1% # 1 C O##L11 DCCW BBanker N EKARENRK A AE GGREENN O LED EL T O LLW DLW ELA LB LAKN BAssociates AT GENT Coldwell in Florida for 2009 in Florida for 2009 in Florida for 2009 Worldwide

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Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Robert and Carol Baldwin with Christine and John Brown

Spain makes its way to Longboat Key Owners of Euphemia Haye, Chef Ray Arpke and his wife, D’Arcy, were inspired to add a new tapas menu to the Haye Loft menu because of a recent trip to Spain.

About 40 people gathered Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the Haye Loft Lounge, for Tapas Tuesday. The event kicked-off the new tapas menu, and attendees sampled the new dishes as well as Spanish wine.

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Pierre – Longboat Key Gulf Front Third floor 3BR/3BA with large terraces for taking in gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. Apartment is a blank palette ready to be made into your dream beach getaway.

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Ritz Hotel Residences - 12th Floor Water views from all rooms! 2,011 SF w/ wood floors, custom-fitted closets, & unique Venetian plaster walls. Large master suite with sitting area & marble bath. $ 1,098,500

La Firenza - Direct Beach Front Stunning sunsets over the Gulf and partial Bay views from this SW corner 3,521 SF apartment with varying 11 & 12 ft ceilings. Built in 2007 with 3BR+ family room and den/3.5 BA, full bar and summer kitchen.

Oversized private 2-car garage. $ 2,998,000

Longboat Key – Direct Beach Front “The Johnson Estate” Gated privacy on 2+ acres w/ 150 ft. of Gulf front. 10,000 SF. 7BR/6.5BA includes separate attached guest wing. New in ‘07. $ 11,500,000 www.Johnsonestatelongboatkey.com

Water Club II - Gorgeous Views Gulf, Bay & City lights views from this premier 9th floor Dover model. 3 full BR+den/4.5BA, 10’ ceilings, Saturnia marble floors, private elevator foyer. 2 parking spaces. $2,495,000

Promenade Penthouse Prestancia – -Villa D’Este BeautifullyGulfupdated plus 2,612 den Sweeping and Bay two viewsbedroom with sunsets. maintenance freew/villa paint &wet carpet, luxurious sq. ft.

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HArBor ACrES - Estate Sale 3BR/3BA 3,826 Sq. Ft.

San Remo Shores - Deep Yacht Basin On 160’ of waterfront has 5BR/5.3BA & 7,582 SF of luxury. Home theater, office, play room and rooftop widow’s walk. Private $ 4,495,000 dock & 4-car garage.

GrAnD BAY II – Direct Bay Views!

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SorrEnto SHorES - Rancho del Sol Bay front 1.24 acres 5BR/4.2BA

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lonGBoAt KEY - Boater’s Fantasy 114’ Deep Water Canal 3,435 Sq. Ft.

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Bird Key – Waterfront Opportunity Long wide views of Sarasota’s protected Bay front from almost every room! 4BR/4BA home with many upgrades & an incredible 4,000 square feet under A/C. Screened pool/spa deck and large dock with extra seating area & boat lift, generator, $ hurricane protection.

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Sanctuary II – One of a Kind!

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Sanctuary II - Beautiful Views South facing 4th floor apartment with 3BR /2.5BA & wraparound terrace with views of Gulf, Sarasota Bay and Golf Course. $ 899,000 Incredible opportunity!

Siestas Bayside – Deep Water Canal Gorgeous waterfront home fully updated. 2,641 square feet, three bedrooms/ two baths and a large tropical patio area with pool/spa, boat dock with lift and floating jet-ski dock. Includes 12 sunset cruises! $ 849,900

Grand Bay I – 9th Floor Bay Front Best of both worlds, sunrises on the Bay and sunsets on the Gulf! 3BR/3.5BA with private elevator foyer, 11 ft. ceilings, his & her baths and two large terraces. Many unique interior finishes! $ 1,095,000

La Bellasara - Downtown Bay Front Outstanding Bay, Marina, & City views! Built in 2006 3BR/4.5BA + study or 4th BR, 3,370 SF. w/ summer kitchen, private elevator lobby, 2-car garage Turnkey furnished. $ 2,150,000 Annual lease available

Coral Cove - Bayfront Beauty Mainland Mediterranean Perfection with 130’ of waterfront, 5BR, theater, library, family room, infinity edge pool/spa, dock, jet-ski lift $ 3,495,000 and 4-car garage.

Lido Shores - Direct Gulf Front Palazzo Combines 200 ft. of seawalled Gulf front with private Dock and Beach access. This 7,415 SF residence built in 2003 has 5BR/8BA, exercise room, his and her bath & studies, 50 ft pool/spa & 5-car garage.

Ritz Carlton Tower Residences

Water Club I - Gulf & Bay Views 6th floor 3BR/3 full BA newly designed & furnished apartment with beautiful water views, private elevator, 10’ ceilings and two expansive terraces for viewing nightly sunsets. Gated community with excellent amenities. Furnished. $ 1,599,00

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20A

longboat Observer

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’tis the season

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

‘SEASON Greetings’ spreads some cheer ’Twas the first day of December, and all through the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a Division of Ringling College of Art and Design, not a Longboater was stirring during the Asolo Rep Guild readers’ theater performance, not even a mouse.

In the Arts Center there arose such a clatter as the group kicked-off the year’s events for the Arts

Geoffrey Todd and Lynne Armington perform.

Center. Attendees’ eyes twinkled, and their dimples were merry, when they were filled with the holiday spirit through Asolo’s four holidaythemed sharings.

They viewed the Suncoast Watercolor Society exhibit, sipped wine and on cookies they dined. As the evening closed and they drove out of sight: Happy season to all, and to all a good night!

Anita and Frank Zimmerman

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Joyce and Art Tankersley with Joan Partridge

Aletha Zens and Stella Shinn

Chuck and Barbara Tinder

Patricia MacDonald and Stephen Garrod

Christmas cookies and wine were served while attendees viewed the current exhibition by the Suncoast Watercolor Society.

Pinebrook/Ironwood Golf Club Come See our extensive inventory of Ladies Apparel Over 20 styles of Ladies Foot Joy

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Titleist Pro V1’s

$1,699,000

only $39.99!

Coveted oak canopy cul de sac with canal front dockage, easy access to bay. Create an estate or renovate 3800+SF home with pool, fireplace, and banyan treehouse. Bike to Southside School and Village.

$1,599,000

70781

4260 Ironwood Circle ∙ Bradenton Fl 941-792-3288 www.pinebrookironwood.com

CHEROKEE LODGE WEST OF TRAIL

Longboat Key WindWard Bay - Watch manatees gather around the docks with this 2/2 penthouse that has unobstructed views of Sarasota Bay. This popular community has tennis, 2 pools, docks, beach access and allows 2 pets.........................$269,000 SLEEPy LaGOOn On SaiLBOaT WaTEr - 4 bedrooms plus office, pool, dock lift. All set amidst tropical landscaping. .....................................................................................................................................................$885,000 HarBOUr LinKS - An awesome lifestyle awaits you in this corner villa with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a den and a 2 car garage, located on the Harbourside Golf course at the Longboat Key Club. The community is pet friendly and offers Beach Club membership. . ............................................................................................................................................................$409,000 yOU WiLL EnJOy Bay & Marina ViEWS from the living room, master bedroom & the screened porch of this 2/2 condo located at the south end of LBK. The community offers a heated pool, boat docks, fitness facility. Furnished...........$319,000 Banyan Bay - Beach to Bay complex. This charming 2 bedroom condo is designed for seaside living. Tennis, pool, fishing pier. Pet Friendly................................................................................................................................................................$269,900 BayfrOnT PEnTHOUSE - This 2/2 penthouse has outstanding bay views as well as gulf views. The community is pet friendly and has tennis, fitness facility, pools, docks and beach access.........................................................................$259,000 UniqUE 1 bedroom, 2 bath ground floor at Whitney Beach. Great amenities. 2 Pets allowed. fUrniSHEd.........$199,500 arTiSTiC Key West style home in historic Long Beach Village at the north end of Longboat Key. Vaulted ceiling, fireplace, 2 bedrooms, den and loft ................................................................................................................................................$425,000 WHiTnEy BEaCH 1 bedroom condo with an unobstructed view of Bishop’s Bayou. This is a beach to bay community with pools, tennis and boat docks. 2 dogs permitted; no size restriction ..................................................................$225,000

SAINT ARMAND’S/ LIDO KEY

Peacefully in the center of it all with 2400 SF, distinctively vintage, surprisingly modern plan.Walled gardens alive with color embrace pool and spa. Short walk to beach, galleries, fine dining and the vibrant life envisioned by the Ringling’s.

$775,000

elevating your

Terri expectation Derr experience! of the real estate

Terri Derr | terriderr@michaelsaunders.com

bobbiebanan@michaelsaunders.com

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive | Longboat Key

Michael Saunders & Company 70794

Licensed Real Estate Broker

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL (941) 388-4447

69690

BOBBIE BANAN, REALTOR® 356-2659 • 383-2659

941.356.6694 | www.TerriDerr.MichaelSaunders.com

Ambassador’s Circle

longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

21A

Up Close and Personal Hailing from Connecticut, Patrick brought his custom home building experience and innovative real estate solutions to Sarasota. He quickly found himself in the top 1% of agents in the county. Residing on Longboat Key with his family, he is a competitive tennis enthusiast and boater.

Call:(941) 323-0033 | Email: Patrick@DiPintoCollection.com Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC

FloridaMoves.com Featuring 160,700 properties for sale in Florida 3

888 Blvd of the Arts #803 - Fabulous views of SRQ Bay, lights of John Ringling bridge at night & LBK. $329,900

1064 n. tAMiAMi tr. #1613 - Sweeping views of Downtown & Sarasota Bay with the feel of pure luxury. $349,000

Call:(941) 724-3339 | Email: Martina@MartinaSellsSarasota.com

4420 exeter Drive #l308 - Bayfront corner 2B/2B remodeled condo w/pool, dock & beach access. $339,000

1300 BenjAMin frAnklin Drive #807 - 3000+ sqft Ritz condo w/incredible bay & city views. Golf membership incl. $1,775,000

500 s WAshinGton #14A - Steps from St. Armands Circle & beach, 2/2 condo, excellent rental income. $322,500

Call:(941) 350-9900 | Email: Carolyn@LongboatWaterfrontRealEstate.com

8810 huntinGton Pointe Drive - Totally redone 4BR/3BA pool home with approximately 2400 sqft. $334,900

8021 MArinA isles Drive - Bimini Bay custom home; one of a kind by award winning architect Gene Aubry. $1,572,000

1926 hArBoursiDe Drive #1301 - Light & bright. 2100sqft, 3B/3B, 2car garage & fireplace; corner townhouse. $444,900

1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive #609 - Enjoy NW Gulf views & fabulous sunsets from this 2/2 condominium residence. $729,000

1055 Gulf of Mexico Drive #305 - Fabulous 2BR/2BA split plan w/direct gulf views. 2 deeded parking spaces. $629,000

4178 roBerts Point circle - 7,214SF Masterpiece on Siesta Key. 3 Bayfront lots; 151ft of waterfront!! $3,499,000

David & Wendy Leventhal

6328 lAGunA Drive - Custom designed 3BR/2.5BA home with private dock and deeded beach access. $579,000

Call:(941) 809-5954 | Email: Monica@MonicaRoche.com

5080 Gulf of Mexico Drive - Gorgeous Open Bay Front Mediterranean masterpiece. 11,000SF. The epitome of luxury. $8,450,000

Leah George

3610 fAir oAks PlAce - 4BR/3+BA, pool, private dock & Bay views in this Queens Harbour home. $2,295,000

Call:(941) 518-7694 | (941) 376-4894 | Email: www.TheLeventhalTeam.com

668 trenton WAy - 3BR/2+BA residence in a gated community on an extra large lot. $439,500

Audrey Marten

601 lonGBoAt cluB rD #303s - Updated 2BR/2BA condo w/direct Gulf views & 2 covered parking spaces! $795,000

Call:(941) 780-0597 | Email: LeahRGeorge@gmail.com

4325 Gulf of Mexico Drive #206 - Panoramic gulf views, 2/2, Covered prking, elevator, Excl.Rental, 1 Pet OK. $490,000

Carolyn Donnelly

3314 BAyou roAD - Water & golf course views that rival the best. 5200sf, A/C w/4B & 6 Car Garage. $1,949,000

Call:(941) 587-5060 | Email: Audrey@AudreyMarten.com

4861 sWeetshADe Drive - 4/3 almost 200k under purchase price. Pool, lake view and a great location. $454,500

Martina Coppenrath

3475 Gulf of Mexico Drive - New custom 9,000 SF residence. Built to your specifications. $7,950,000

Call:(941) 323-0033 | Email: Patrick@DiPintoCollection.com

Monica Roche

Patrick DiPinto

67921

1064 n. tamiami tr. #1505 - Fabulous bay & city views, almost new, under $300,000. Now that’s a deal! $279,000

22A

longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Casa del Mar

Residents and visitors of Casa del Mar embraced their cups of cheer and said hello to the friends they know and everyone they met Friday, Dec. 2.

There was dinner and dancing by the pool, and poinsettias were given out by the staff.

Margaret Stone and Mike Pezze

Joanna and Joe Znorski, D.M. Williams and Mark Meador

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Ellen and Gary Hartshorn

Kathy and Chuck Lazear and Richard Perlman with Tim and Jerri Walroth

MiChaeL

Emily K. Jones and Margit Kaye

MOuLtOn Certified residential Specialist

Michael Saunders & Company Licensed Real Estate Broker

en PrOVenCe - Exquisite 3BR gulf front furnished condo that feels like a private home on the beach in a small elegant complex. A3929322 $2,450,000

G LiStin new

G LiStin new

winDinG OaKS - 2BR villa w/ lake view behind gates of Bay isles that is pet friendly. A3951359 $450,000

beaChPLaCe - Prime gulf front location corner 3BR condo within gate community. A3952088 $1,300,000

eL COnQuiStaDOr - Water view Spanish style 5BR hacienda estate on 1 acre w/ 2 level pool area with 2nd floor covered terrace. A3946054 $1,275,000

440 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 Office 941.383.7591 | Mobile 941.928.3559 | SarasotasFinestProperties.com

70423

ViLLa Di LanCia - Designer furnished 3BR condo w/staircase from your terrace to the pool & beach. A3950629 $1,575,000

LbK baYFrOnt eState LOt - 100’ frontage to build dream home w/deeded beach access. A3937319 $1,975,000

70404

SarabanDe PenthOuSe - Come view this spacious 3BR condo in the premier downtown bay front building, walk to restaurants. A3940572 $1,950,000

longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

LONGBOAT KEY

23A

LONGBOAT KEY

Very Special Updated Beachfront Unit. Promenade Two Bedroom with Gulf Views $449,500

Custom & Spacious Beachplace Penthouse Directly on Gulf w/3 BR Upgrades, Unmatched Views and Two Parking Spaces. Furnished. $1,400,000

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

Bayfront Elegance and Sophistication! Almost 4,000 SF of Gracious & Open Living Space in This Fabulous Sarabande Residence. Enjoy Dramatic Sunset Views! $1,999,000

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

CASEY KEY

Beautifully Updated 3 Bedroom Island Getaway w/ Tranquil Bay Views and Boat Dock. $1,899,000

Beachplace Direct Gulf Front Unit with Recent Updating and Wide Beach Views. $799,500

Seaplace Treasure! Remarkable Three Bedroom with Every Upgrade Imaginable! Bamboo Floors, New Kitchen & Baths, Turnkey Furnished! $699,000

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

Dreamy Coastal Living. Three Bedroom Custom Pool Home With Sparkling Perfection and Delicious Water Views.

995,000

L’Ambiance Walk-Down w/ 3 Bedrooms, 4 1/2 Baths Plus Den. 3380 SF $2,495,000

THE FOUNDERS CLUB

Privately Positioned Family Home w/ over 4,800 SF of Custom Finishes and Wonderful Floor Plan.

$939,000

GOLDEN GATE POINT

LONGBOAT KEY

CASEY KEY

Tranquil and Private Resort-Like Beachfront Estate on Longboat Key. $4,495,000

Great Little Beach Getaway with Bay Access $1,850,000

Beautiful LaBellasara with over 3100 SF of Marvelous Finishes & Lovely Bay and City Views!

$1,999,000

Distinctive homes presented by Cheryl Loeffler Today, it is not simply about creating a website or advertisement and waiting for buyers to find your listed property.

It is about developing mixed-media strategies and integrated partnerships that position our brand and your home ubiquitously throughout multiple print and digital platforms, providing more relevant levels of engagement for consumers to seek out your home and the services offered by Signature | Sotheby’s International Realty.

To learn more about our exclusive marketing program, please call Cheryl Loeffler at 941.302.9674.

Signature Sotheby’s Top Producing Agent 2010

Each office independently owned and operated

Signature 70406

Cheryl Loeffler | MBA, Realtor | 941.302.9674 | Cheryl.loeffler@SothebysRealty.com The Plaza at Five Points, 50 Central Avenue, Sarasota, 34236236 www.CherylLoeffler.com

24A

Talk to Tina Today - Longboat Key’s International Connection

69882

ONE PROPERTY, TWO OPPORTUNITIES Spectacular 100’ x 238’ beachfront parcel offering full Gulf and gorgeous sunset views with approved plans for a 5300 sq. ft. custom residence. Currently zoned for short term rentals with 2 updated beach bungalows producing great income until you’re ready to build your own dream … Offered at $1,799,000.00

YourObserver.com

court dates

longboat Observer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

by Mallory Gnaegy | Community Editor

Longboat Key Realty

Tina Rudek -

595 Bay Isles Road, Suite 120 J, Longboat Key GRI, TRC, CPC • 941-920-0303 • Tina@LBKRealEstate.com

www.LBKRealEstate.com

Virginia Heidersberger

Licensed Real Estate Brokers Associate

Has Joined the

ATCHLEY INTERNATIONAL REALTY TEAM

Part of The Leading International Real Estate Companies of the World

1734 Main Street Sarasota, Fl 34236

941.323.6900

Whether you are buying, selling or investing in Sarasota Real Estate, you need an acknowledged expert by your side and as your guide. Someone who has actually done what you are setting out to do, again and again. That expert is Virginia Heidersberger, of Atchley International Realty.

69913

Virginia Heidersberger

Thinking of buying or selling Real Estate Talk to the team that has been Selling Sarasota Successfully for over 20 years

Jim Baker prepares to return the ball with a backhand.

Seniors get served at the CAT II Senior Clay Courts tournament

Tom & Pat Hanly (941) 388-2331

Tom and Pat will take the CRAZY out of your next real estate transaction

BEHIND THE GATES OF LONGBOAT KEY CLUB

Direct Beach Front, Top Floor, Completely Updated. 2BR/2BA, 2 Balconies, Pool, Tennis, Fitness, BREATH TAKING VIEWS

www.1000longboat.com

$649,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Build your dream home. Great opportunity to create your own version of paradise on Longboat Key, 2nd in from Bay, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

590wedgelane.com

$1,690,000

Both men and women participated in the CAT II Senior Clay Courts tournament, held Monday Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. The round-robin style USTA tournament featured both singles and doubles play.

For a complete list of winners, see “Just the Stats” on page 26A.

RE/MAX Platinum Realty St. Armands Circle, Sarasota www.hanlyhomes.com pahanly@aol.com

Donna Spielberger and Linda Gillott didn’t plan on wearing matching outfits for their doubles match. They won the Women’s 60s doubles division.

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

2nd in from Sarasota Bay, Dock with lift on deep water canal. 3 Bedrooms. 2.5 Baths, Huge Living Room and Dinning Room, Updated Kitchen. FANTASTIC BAY VIEWS

www.592golflinks.com

$1,139,900

SIESTA KEY

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo, 8th Floor, Balcony overlooking Gulf of Mexico. 2 Pools, Fitness Center, Lounge and Club House, steps to shops. DIRECT BEACH FRONT

19whisperingsands.com

$619,000 Andy Sawyer and Milan Adrian

642ranger.com

$5,495,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Built for entertaining and enjoying the Florida lifestyle. 3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, Office, Living Room, Dining Room, Open Kitchen/Family Room, Heated Pool, Dock on Deep Water

600bowsprit.com

$1,479,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Building lot, 2nd in from Sarasota Bay, Sailboat Water, 110’ of Waterfront. BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

www.590wedge.com

$1,095,000

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

Elegant Home - magnificent open water views. 5 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, Family Room, Formal Dining Room w/Gas Fireplace, Tons of Storage, Heated Pool, Dock w/lift for Large Boat on Open Water

571putter.com

All Offices Independently Owned & Operated

$2,650,000 70456

COUNTRY CLUB SHORES

DIRECT BAYFRONT. 7000 sq ft. 4 BR, 7 Full 2 Half Baths, Elevator, Exercise Room, Home Theater, Office, Not a thing has been overlooked, Fabulous Longboat Key Home

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Above: Vice president of communications for Totally Tennis magazine Jon Gabrielle and referee Tom Cooke Right: JoAnn and Cappy Counter cheer on Jerry C. Counter

Joe Pundt serves the ball.

longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

25A

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

find

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

6429 Gulfside Road Quiet, charming and very private beachfront home with enormous views of the Gulf. Situated on a private cul-de-sac, you are protected from the activity on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Totally renovated to perfection, the generous & flowing floorplan encompasses 3,247 square feet and spans two levels of sumptuous living. $4,495,000 Cheryl Loeffler 941.302.9674

1331 Oak Street Sandra Appignani

$1,800,000 941.320.1002

1324 S Lakeshore Drive Joel Schemmel

$1,695,000 941.587.4894

3010 Grand Bay Boulevard, 436 Joan Koplin

$1,425,000 941.315.3221

712 Riviera Dunes Way Arnie DuFort

$1,300,000 941.224.8602

3950 Gulf of Mexico Dr Teri Sax

$1,300,000 941.228.5578

8 S Washington Drive Cindy Migone

$1,299,000 941.812.7438

1727 Bahia Vista Cindy Migone

804 North Shore Drive Terry Hayes

$1,299,000 941.302.3100

1255 Gulfstream Avenue, 1402 Jo Rutstein

$715,000 941.587.9156

1945 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 412 Cheryl Loeffler

$699,000 941.302.9674

501 Halyard Lane Marty Benson

$647,000 941.232.9264

5760 Midnight Pass Road, 301D Thomas Netzel

$640,000 941.308.1083

22 Sandy Cove, 502 Roberta Tengerdy

$549,000 941.321.2292

$1,875,000 941.544.3332

546 Bay Isles Way, Longboat Key 941.3832500 877.317.7003 SignatureSIR.com ©MMX Signature Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. ®,™ and SM are licensed trademarks to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

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

70157

175 Morningside Drive Lisa Morris

$1,945,000 941.812.7438

LONGBOAT KEY Stunning 3BR/2.5BA contemporary

69694

on deep water canal. Dramatic 2 story foyer, large living area w/expanses of walls & glass, wet bar & woodburning f/p. White on white throughout. Private split level master suite with screened deck. Over 2500 sq. ft. of screened, multi-level deck areas & heated pool overlooking canal and mangroves. Only 3 houses to the d l e bay & Intracoastal. For a preview go to: fi n Pe USE 730PEN H.O1-4 http://pix360.com/videotour/434 O Sun $799,000 Susan Smith 941.302.3440

3174 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, FL 34228

26A

longboat Observer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

athlete of the week

Michael Saunders & Company Cathy C. Meldahl P.A. Licensed Real Estate Broker

Mallory Gnaegy

Stuart Dalgleish Stuart Dalgleish has been riding a bike since he was 9 years old — for six decades. He has been riding on a daily basis since he retired in 2006.

He brought the bike he uses now from England when he came to live on Longboat Key the same year he retired.

He takes a daily five- to six-mile bike ride that takes him from his Winding Oaks neighborhood to the south gates of the Longboat Key Club and back.

Dalgleish and his wife, Rosemary, became U.S. citizens Nov. 9.

REID MURPHY

Why did you start biking on a daily basis?

It was for weight issues, and I was trying to get my weight down. I like to swim daily, too, but it has been a little too cold. I’m waiting for our new swimming pool at Winding Oaks.

PREsEnts...

Luxury on the Water

Call Reid Today! 941.232.3304

Did you lose any weight?

Yeah, I lost about 20 pounds.

www.reidmurphy.com

What’s the hardest part about riding?

Getting on and off (the bike)!

What do you enjoy most about bike riding?

I just enjoy riding on Longboat Key.

EXQUISITE CUSTOM 5,000 sq. ft. home behind the gates at Longboat Key Club Islandside in exclusive Lighthouse Point.

Gorgeous boat dock & exceptional architectural details. $4,500,000

LIGHTHOUSE POINT NEW PASS GULF SIDE 196 ft.’ Gulf front with private beach plus Gulf side pool. 5 Bedroom/master downstairs. Incredible design finishes, high volume windows maximize water views. $8,900,000

3

510

ING LIST NEW

NEW LISTING: 110’ BEAUTIFUL WHITE BEACH w/ four cottages. Continue as rental property; private family enclave; or build beachfront estate. $3,590,000 BAYFRONT ESTATE Gated, Private, 1 acre estate on deepwater channel. Spectacular Bay vistas. Private beach access. Boat dock & lift - BAYFRONT LIVING AT ITS BEST! Bring Offers. $2,750,000 RITZ CARLTON TOWER RESIDENCE 10th floor views of Sarasota Bay to Big Pass, and views of Marina Jack. Southeast corner with two large terraces and morning sun. $2,700,000 WIDE CANAL WITH NEW BOAT DOCK 3 in from Bay. Great 3 bedroom home with new finishes.

Large pool. $895,000 ORCHID BEACH GULF FRONT SPECTACULAR! 7th Floor Gulf, Beach and Sunsets. Bedroom/3 1/2 Bath.

Decorator finished. Private 2 car garage. $3,195,000

Developers Realty Inc. Lic. R.E. Broker • 1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL 34236

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Meeting young ladies in the road who ask me questions I have to answer. (Those pesky reporters!)

If you could have any superhero power, what would it be?

I would have a Bugatti (Volkswagen motor car). Then all the young girls would stop me and ask me questions!

— Mallory Gnaegy

16

Points won by the Manhattans, who came in first place Wednesday, Nov. 16, in the Sarasota Yacht Club bowling league.

Winners of the CAT II Senior Clay Courts tournament Nov. 29 to Dec. 4, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center

70513

LUSHLY LANDSCAPED private and charming home.

Steps to the beach. Backyard boat dock close to the Intracoastal. $995,000 HARBOUR VILLA CLUB Fantastic 2 Bedroom/2 Bath bayfront penthouse. New windows, new decorating and fabulous views. Deepwater 40 ft. boat dock. $550,000 DIRECT BAYFRONT NEW MEDITERRANEAN 5BR MASTERPIECE Magnificent pool/patio bayside, plus a large patio off master suite. Designer finishes. Gated with BOAT DOCK. $9,500,000 BAYPORT 3 BR Direct Beachfront Corner rarely available! Great tennis, beach & pool complex. $675,000 HIDEAWAY BAY Exceptional 5,000 sq. ft. custom canal home. Deep water dock accommodates 50 ft. boat. A great family home. $1,995,000

If you could have any actor portray your life story in a movie, who would it be?

Snoopy, the dog. He would play me to a tee.

Number of matches the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center Women’s USTA 6.5 Combo doubles teams won Friday, Nov. 18.

The highseries score, made

by Doug Mampe, Thursday, Nov. 17 in the Bird Key Yacht Club bowling league.

WESTWAY ESTATE – 210 FT. DIRECTLY on New Pass, views to Gulf, outstanding sunsets. 4 BR main home plus 4 BR guest house. Gorgeous courtyard pool, dock, private beach access. The ultimate in designer finishes! $8,900,000

BAYFRONT ESTATE With 100 foot of frontage on the bay and a canal along one side. Main house, plus guest house with great views and beach access. $1,975,000 Superb location mid-Longboat Key.

What is the breakfast of champions?

I eat fruit and cereal only. I like Quaker Oatmeal Squares with a touch of honey. It’s good. I’d recommend it.

JUST THE STATS

BEST BUY ON THE BEACH GULFFRONT ESTATE 1+ acres with a gated entrance & private boardwalk to beach. Stunning Gulf, Beach & Sunset views! Bring Offers $5,500,000

OLD FLORIDA CHARMING 4,400 sq.ft. Home w/193 ft. unobstructed Bay vista. Dock your boat and launch your kayak from your own $3,250,000 private beach.

Where is your favorite place to ride?

The Harbourside Golf Course when there are no golfers, after about 6 p.m. I haven’t ridden a bike for years, except on Longboat Key. So, I suppose it’s my favorite place.

• Men’s 55 Singles — Ross Persons 6-2; 6-1 • Men’s 60 Singles — Wesley Jackson 7-5; 6-3 • Men’s 65 Singles — Owen Robertson 7-6 (5); 0-6; 6-3 • Men’s 70 Singles — Jim Baker 6-4; 7-6 (2) • Men’s 75 Singles — Santiago Benites 6-3; 6-2 • Men’s 80 Singles — Clement Hopp 6-2; 6-1 • Women’s 55 Singles — Janet Moseley 7-6(1); 6-3 • Women’s 70 Singles — Ria Graham • Men’s 55 Doubles — Ross Persons and Fred Robinson 6-1; 6-1 • Men’s 60 Doubles — Mike Dahm and Clay Zyerveld 6-4; 7-6 (5) • Men’s 65 Doubles — Fred Drilling and Evert Jonsson 3-6; 6-4; 6-1 • Men’s 70 Doubles — Frank Hagelshaw and Leon Kennedy 6-6; 3-6; 6-3 • Men’s 75 Doubles — Dick Crawford and Elmer Mangrum 5-7; 6-4; 6-2 • Men’s 80 Doubles — Leonard Lawrence and Richard Morse 6-4; 6-2 • Women’s 55 Doubles — Lilian Peltz-Petow and Betsy Savitt • Women’s 60 Doubles — Linda Gillott and Donna Spielberger • Women’s 65 Doubles — Lois Anderson and Roberta Diamond • Women’s 70 Doubles — Ria Graham and Susan Martin

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

games | bridge bites

By Brian Gunnell | American Contract Bridge League

Wrong question Once North opens the bidding it is hard for South to stay out of slam. Not that it’s a bad slam, but it does require a little bit of luck in one or both of the major suits. But good players make their own luck!

West leads the ♦Q, won in Dummy. There are two ways to play the trump suit: Either Declarer can take a first round finesse, which is the best way to play the suit for no losers, or Declarer can cash the ♠A first

and later lead toward the Queen, a line of play designed to maximize the chances of escaping with only one trump loser (because it caters for singleton King offside). Which line of play do you adopt (we’ll pretend that you have not already peeked at the E-W hands)?

Actually, that’s the wrong question; the right question is when should Declarer play trumps. At trick two Declarer, does not know

what the objective is in the trump suit. That depends upon the Heart suit: • If the Heart finesse loses, then Declarer must play the trump suit all out, finessing the Queen on the first round and hoping that the King is doubleton and onside • If the Heart finesse wins, then Declarer has some leeway and can improve the chances of not losing two trump tricks, by cashing the Ace and later leading towards the Queen.

It’s not a difficult hand when Declarer realizes that the success or failure of the Heart finesse will allow the

trumps to be played in optimal fashion. On the actual layout, the play goes: Diamond lead won in Dummy, Diamond ruff, successful Heart finesse and a Spade to the Ace, dropping the King with great aplomb and holding the trump losers to one, which makes 12 tricks.

Visit www.acbl.org for more about the game of bridge or email marketing@acbl. org.

BRIDGE HAND Vulnerable: North, South

North

West

♠K ♥ K832 ♦ QJ97 ♣8652

Bidding: South

1 ♠ 4NT 6 ♠

AUSTRALIA. Longboat

Key resident Mary Allyn and Ron and LaDonne Mayberry made a stop at the Sydney Opera House with their Longboat Observer in hand while on a cruise to Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand.

South

East

♠ J 10 8 ♥ 10 9 ♦ K6542 ♣ J 10 9

AQ763 75 3 AKQ43

West

Pass Pass Pass

North 1 ♥ 2 ♠ 5 ♥ Pass

East Pass Pass Pass Pass

observerSudoku Edited by The Mepham Group

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. See answers on page 29A.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS: Headed on a great vacation?

Make sure to take your Observer along!

Send your entries to nschwartz@yourobserver.com.

© Tribune Media Services

www.WagnerRealty.com

Bringing People Home Since 1939

5360 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Suite 101, Longboat Key

Call 941-383-5577

69716

WAGNER REALTY

♠ 9542 ♥AQJ64 ♦ A 10 8 ♣7

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

Contact Brian Howard, owner/director of the Bridge Center of Bradenton, at 795-8981.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE

27A

1BD/1BA BAyfront Sutton PlAce conDo

#305 w/beautiful bay, pool and marina views. This complex has 2 pools and deeded beach access. Owner can have 2 small pets. Susan Klement $199,000 #M5823008

DOWNTOWN W/DIRECT BAY VIEWS! 3-4Br/3Ba/2CG w/pvt elevator, detailed & high ceil, crown molding, marble, builtins, gas fp, granite, imported cabinets, MBa w/jetted tub & bidet, state-of-theart sys, 2 balconies in secure bldg w/ amenities! MLS#A3943537 $1,475,000

FURN W/PANORAMIC BAY VIEWS! Downtown/2-3Br/2Ba/1CG w/faux & artisan finishes, crown moldings, wood cabinets, ceramic tile, granite, plantation shutters, walk-in closets, open-air balcony & pvt laundry in secure building w/ amenities! MLS#A3929596 $450,000

9th FLOOR WITH BAY VIEWS - DOWNTOWN! Custom remodeled 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/ wood laminate flrs, tile, modern cabinets, built-ins, crown moldings, 2 pvt balconies, hurricane shutters & personal laundry in secure building with full service amenities! MLS#A3951357 $775,000

DEVELOPER CLOSEOUT PRICING! Owner Financing Available - Waterfront homes on Little SRQ Bay w/views & upgrades in a gated comm. w/amenities; pool, spa, fitness plus a full service marina w/Harbor MSTR, docks, rackominiums & wet slips available! Starting at $350,000

SIESTA KEY, REMODELED & FURN! 2Br/2Ba/1CP w/bonus rm, den, raised ceil, tile, plantation shutters, granite, crown moldings, wood cabinets, & w/d included in Island Reef w/resort-like amenities; pools, tennis courts, docks, beach access & more!

MLS#A3943588 $399,000

BEAUTIFUL BAY VIEWS! 3Br/3Ba/2CG w/upgrades; ceramic tile, granite, raised panel cabinets, quality appls., ceiling details, MBr w/2 walk-ins & jetted tub plus pvt balcony in gated comm. w/amenities; pool, tennis, kayak, dock/fishing pier & more! MLS#A3947207 $375,000

DOWNTOWN BAY VIEWS! 2Br/2Ba/1CG corner unit w/2 pvt balconies, tile flrs, Lr, sep. Dr, kitch. w/breakfast bar, MBr w/ walk-in closet and pvt bath; dual sinks & soaking tub, hurricane shutters & pvt laundry in secure building w/full service amenities! MLS#A3950907 $575,000

DOWNTOWN W/VIEWS! Completely remodeled 3Br/2Ba/2CG w/diagonal tile, granite, furniture quality wood cabinets, SS appls, pocket doors, modern MBa w/Roman shower & dual sinks, pvt balcony in Bay Plaza w/full service amenities! MLS#A3939930 $700,000

conrAD BeAcH

Incredible opportunity to own 2 adjoining lots west of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Conrad Beach boasts timeless architecture, com. pool & clubhouse. Purchase separately or w/M5815731. Peter Uliano $ 260,000 #M5815734

SPAcIouS AnD DeSIrABle 2Br/2BA conDo

great view of Sarasota Bay, turnkey furnished, tile floors, central vac, upgraded kitchen, 2 pools, tennis, boat docks only $12 a month. Beach access. 2 pets OK. Dorothy Cook #A3950932 $295,000

BeAutIful 2Br 2BA conDo on lonG BoAt Key!

Turnkey furnished, 40 ft. deeded boat slip, 1st floor unit with a direct walk out to a heated pool, carport assigned & tennis. Marcia Bayard $ 409,900 #M5810517

fAntAStIc Gulf VIeW

walk out to the beach. New carpet & granite. 2BR/2BA unit in one of the most desired complexes on LBK, Cedars West. Curt Bell $ 609,000 #M5815431

BeAutIful 2-Story, 4Br/4BA HoMe

located in luxurious gated community.

Anna Maria beaches just across the bridge. Oversized lot with heated pool.

Extras galore! Jerry Cunningham $ 645,527 #A3938209

U N I V E R S A L

PUZZLE ine

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CROSSWORD

that saves

your scores

50707

A crossword

UPDATED DOWNTOWN BAY PLAZA W/ VIEWS! 2Br/2Ba/1CG w/bay views wood laminate flrs, tile, built-ins, crown moldings, granite, raised panel cabinets, new SS appls., hurricane shutters, pvt laundry & balcony in secure bldg w/full amenities! MLS#A3946299 $685,000

28A

longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Sunrise/sunset

RAINFALL

Mon., Nov. 28 Tues., Nov. 29 Wed., Nov. 30 Thurs., Dec. 1 Fri., Dec. 2 Sat., Dec. 3 Sun., Dec. 4

North 0.00 0.73 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Mid 0.00 0.73 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Month to date: 2011

0.00 in Year-to-date:

South 0.00 0.56 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2010 2.05 in.

2011 2010 42.43 in. 35.86 in.

Sunrise

Sunset

Thurs., Dec. 8

7:07

5:36

Fri., Dec. 9

7:08

5:36

Sat., Dec. 10

7:09

5:36

Sun., Dec. 11

7:09

5:37

Mon., Dec. 12

7:10

5:37

Tues., Dec. 13

7:11

5:37

Wed., Dec. 14

7:11

5:38

WEEKLY WINNEr: vANTAGE POINT

TemperatureS

Temps.

High Low 72 63 64 56 69 48 76 54 78 57 80 60 82 62

Tues., Nov. 29 Wed., Nov. 30 Thurs., Dec. 1 Fri., Dec. 2 Sat., Dec. 3 Sun., Dec. 4 Mon., Dec. 5

Record Temps.

High Low 86 (1990) 42 (1974) 87 (1994) 38 (2005) 88 (1991) 20 (1983) 88 (1991) 34 (1999) 87 (1991) 38 (2008) 86 (1978) 31 (1989) 86 (1994) 31 (1974)

Average Gulf water temperature: 65

TIDE CHART

Thurs., Dec. 8

John Caviglia submitted this sunrise photo, taken at the Longboat Key Club Moorings.

MOON PHASES Highs

12:35p

Lows

9:33p

5:39a 3:55p

Fri., Dec. 9

1:16p 10:06p

6:15a 4:21p

Sat., Dec. 10

1:50p 10:42p

6:51a 4:50p

Sun., Dec. 11

2:18p 11:21p

7:26a 5:27p

Mon., Dec. 12

2:44p

—

8:03a 6:13p

Tues., Dec. 13

12:04a

3:11p

8:41a 7:10p

Wed., Dec. 14

12:51a

3:41p

9:20a 8:18p

Dec. 10 Full

Dec. 17 Last

Dec. 24 New

Jan. 1 First

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 Longboat Observer, 5570 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228, or email them to nschwartz@yourobserver.com.

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

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D Edited by Timothy E. Parker

CRYPTOGRAMS by Myles Mellor 1. M N P N T G N D A O Q D N Q R R J Y X K Q G R N Q Y M V Y P X T T X Y TXYKB. FBJ?

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70531

Duct Cleaning 24 Hour Emergency Service FREE estimates and 2nd Opinions Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Indoor Air Quality Specialists

dOn’T dELAY by Hank Bowman ACROSS

1 Spanish currency before the euro 7 ___ IRA (retirement plan) 11 Backed (out of), as an obligation 19 Draw out 20 Columbus’ state 21 Attractive substance secreted by some animals 22 What package delivery vehicles may make 24 Coils of wire around iron cores 25 Billy Blanks workout: ___ Bo 26 Common Market initials 27 Hombres’ homes 29 “Star ___” (Shatner show) 30 ___ mater (school one graduated from) 32 Trousers part 34 Bar orders 35 Small-time dictator 38 Bailey’s circus partner 39 They may hinder teamwork 41 On time 42 Two quartets together?

43 Word repeated in a Doris Day title 44 Baseball great Gehrig 47 Skilled fighter pilot 48 CBS logo 49 Well-liked president?

50 Sound made by Big Ben 51 Bottled or canned drink 55 Reason to wear shades 59 Affirm as true 61 Like Dolly Parton 63 Work toward a new contract 65 They can occur during some sleep

stages 67 Necessity 68 Dating from 69 Bobby’s wife on “Dallas” 70 Rather cautious 71 Catherine the Great was one 75 During 76 Born, in wedding columns 78 Transportation to school 80 Tango move 81 M/F determination 82 Walk of Fame piece 83 Surgery tool 86 Monarch’s seat 89 Paul McCartney played it for the Beatles 90 Gibbon, e.g.

91 “____ : The Bronx” (medical show) 92 “Cathy” or “Garfield” 95 Better-tasting 97 Limerick’s land 98 Rent-a-car company 99 Like stock without face value 100 Winter malady 101 “I ___ afraid of that!”

104 Ambitious course 108 Short time period 112 Forever 113 Tardy 114 Soviet newspaper 115 Group of viruses with shared antigens 116 Grandson of Adam 117 One of Joan of Arc’s alleged crimes

dOwn

1 Bog product 2 Napoleon’s place of exile 3 Address for a monarch 4 Bygone French coin 5 Service reward 6 Try 7 Campus military grp.

8 “What a pleasant surprise!”

9 Gardener’s soil hauler 10 Palm Sunday shout 11 “___ Line Is It Anyway?”

12 Snakelike fish 13 “... how I wonder what you ___” 14 Dad’s boy 15 Goes overboard with the acting 16 River of Tours 17 Rear-___ (car accident) 18 Classroom furnishings 21 Sacred song 23 ___ of Galilee 28 Poker variety 30 Common tattoo location 31 Single time around the track 32 Tempo 33 Tech whiz 34 Fluffy neckpiece 35 Health resorts 36 With the bow, musically 37 Two- ___ sloth 38 Blue blanket baby 40 Makes larger in number or stature 43 Major military attacks 44 Oafs 45 Not to be repeated 46 Exclamation of disgust 48 Kind of lyric poem 50 Wide-brimmed hat 52 Brought down 53 Student 54 Substances that remove electrons 55 Actress Garbo 56 Ring-tailed primate 57 Breakdown of societal norms 58 Prepare to drag race 60 Common ground cover 62 “Moon River” lyricist

Johnny 64 Leaves out 65 Dance version of a pop song, e.g.

66 Oft-repeated word in “Fargo” 67 Title for Agatha Christie 69 Faux ___ (social misstep) 72 Golden Calf, e.g.

73 Workday start, for many 74 Mime 77 Not difficult at all 78 Grizzly, for one 79 Extra-large coffee container 82 Cul-de-___ 83 Walk with a wobble 84 Easy to get along with 85 Certain environmental club member 86 Win 87 Woman treated as an object?

88 “Norma ___” 89 Small eatery 90 Great ___ Mountains 92 Alfresco eateries 93 Egg-shaped 94 Big spender’s opposite 96 Your dad’s brother, to you 97 Keebler cookie maker 100 Airfare add-ons 101 “___ Got Tonight” (Seger tune) 102 “No ifs, ___ or buts!”

103 “Don’t move a muzzle!”

105 Demolition stuff 106 Barb-tailed fish 107 Tour de France peak 109 “What was ___ think?”

110 Bauxite, for one 111 Leave scratches on, e.g.

Last weeks Cryptograms 1. Hanukkah is a safe holiday: There’s no roof damage from frisky reindeer or trouble with Santa getting blocked in the chimney.

2. At the Arctic circle, with venison sizzling on the fire, the holiday revelers sang with joy, “Freeze a jolly good fellow!”

CHANDELIER, BRONZE, 6 Frosted Glass lights, New in Box, $200/obo. Call 753-1993.

GAS GRILL: Fire Magic w/side burner, used 3 years ($3,000 new). $200. 612-597-7237.

MIKASA: STUNNING, gold-rim "Ribbon Holly" pattern. 4 place settings in mint condition. $199.

358-5270.

TRANSPORT WHEELCHAIR: Everest Jennings

like new. Sacrifice $150.00 o/b/o.

The Early forfor 22nd, The Observer ClassifiedsHoliday HolidayBariatric, Early Deadlines Dec. 24th, Observer Classifieds EarlyDeadlines Deadlines forDec. Dec. 24th, 941-405-2017.

Dec. 5th editions.

Dec. 29th 31st and Jan. 7th editions.

TV: PANASONIC 24". Works great, $25.

THE

612-636-7200.

Dec. 22nd Dec. 24th Dec. 24th Service Directory deadlines Dec.16th, 14th, 3pm Service Directory Dec. 12pm Service Directory deadlines Dec. 16th, 12pm WII SPORTS and deadlines WiiFit TV games.

Gently used Classified Adsdeadline deadline Dec. 14th,4pm 4pm Classified Ads Dec. 17th, Classified Ads deadline Dec. 17th, 4pm by grandparents. $85/both.

941-907-7743.

OBSERVER Dec.GROUP 29th Dec. 31st Dec. 31st Furnishings LP # 70467 ServiceDirectory Directorydeadlines deadlinesDec. Dec.16th, 14th,12pm 3pm Service Service Directory deadlines Dec. 16th, 12pm CHAISE Ads LOUNGE: new, Classified Ads deadlineLooks Dec.17th, 14th, 4pm$150.00| Classified deadline Dec. 4pm Classified Ads deadline Dec. 17th, 4pm 941-758-1999 Jan.7th 5th Jan. Jan. 7th LANE Directory LEATHER Recliner U.S. Service Directorydeadlines deadlineswith Dec.Ottoman.

21st,12pm 12pm Service Dec. 23rd, Service Directory deadlines Dec. 23rd, 12pm Made Brand New, Med. Tan color purchased in Classified Ads deadline Dec. 21st, 4pm Classified Ads deadline Jan. 5th, 12pm Classified Ads deadline Jan. 5th, 12pm (no change) (no change) Sept. Orig. $688., Asking $450. 941-758-7671.

Happy Holidays To ToYou You and andYours!

Yours!

Items Under $200 For Sale 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 BARSTOOLS 24 inch; Leather seats & back. Pine color. Good condition. $120.00, cash please.

941-812-0040 BEAUTIFUL KING size, dark wicker set, mattress, box springs, 2 end table, $200. 941-383-2269.

LAPTOP: SONY 15" screen, Pentium, XP. Excellent condition. $150. Call 941-383-0090.

MICKEY & Goofy hoodies +Disneyworld 25th anniversary sweatshirt +Disney 75th anniversary shirt, $25/each o/b/o. 941-953-5222.

WICKER CHAIR and ottoman with cushions. St. Armand's, $30. 724-846-1739.

Autos For Sale

1953 MGTD Awesome car, must sell due to health problems. $16,000 or BO. 941 473-1268

Autos Wanted AUTOS WANTED! Let me take the hassle out of selling your car. Cash offered today! Call Mike, 941-713-2277.

Boat Slips For Rent/Sale BOAT DOCKAGE WANTED SOUTH LBK: Dockage need for a Tiara Open 35 Ft. Country Shores would be perfect as I visit there limited use, maybe twice a month. 407-230-6016.

BOATHOUSE ON Longboat unit for sale on east end, second level. Call Mike, 941-952-0308.

GREAT DEAL! LBK Boathouse, indoor dry storage. $180/mo. annual. or $240/mo. short term.

720-201-5008.

Boats BOATS ARE SELLING very well. Thank you everyone for a great year. Celebrating my new office at Bradenton Boat Club High & Dry Marina, My passion is selling boats. Just 2/10 mile over the Cortez Bridge, 12160 Cortez Rd. Over 75 boats sold this year, both big and small, Boats to Yachts, your place or mine. Many sold in less than 2 weeks. I keep it real simple. Business on a handshake. 15 year island resident. "Lets talk about selling your boat" Island Boat Sales.

941-228-3489. Special rates apply by 12/31 (see add under boat slips)

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

70467 33961 33961

The Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 22nd atatat 5pm The Observer Classified Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 23rd 5pm TheObserver ObserverClassified Classified Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 23rd 5pm POOL TABLE. Outstanding condition, Olhausen, for We will reopen Monday, Jan. 2nd at 8:30am for the holidays.

We will reopen Monday, Jan. 4th atat 8:30am. forthe theholidays. holidays.

We will reopen Monday, Jan. 4th 8:30am.

2’8�hx4’10�wx8’9�l, $899. 941-907-9858.

Furnishings GARAGE & BARN SALE: Saturday, Dec. 10th 9AM-2PM. Poinsettia’s Rose’s (knock-outs) ENTERTAINMENT WALL &Unit: beautiful, cream, Odd’s & End’s,4 Furniture Food. 251 CR$1100 665, contemporary, pieces, lit& display shelf, Ona. o/b/o.941-737-2293 941-387-8820, 502-767-4082.

Merchandise Wanted General Merchandise

SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, THRIFT SHOP: LORD’S WAREHOUSE. Hours: time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please Mon., Weds., & Sat., 9a.m. to 1p.m. Non-profit. call Marc, 941-321-0707.

Clothes, jewelry, furniture, other items. 6140 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

941-383-4738.

Announcements SRQGIFTS.COM Merchandise Wanted 50% OFF UNIQUE ONLINE GIFTS SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please Schools/Instruction call Marc, 941-321-0707.

PRIVATE PIANO INSTRUCTION in your home. All Announcements ages. 20 years experience. Bachelor Music Piano. 1st Lesson Discount. 941-776-7381.

SRQGIFTS.COM 50% OFF UNIQUE ONLINE GIFTS

Storage Storage FACILITY Boat/ RV/

STORAGE Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals,celebrates Clark Rd great area.

BRADENTON BOAT CLUB 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662. success with their state of the art Cat 5-300 boat capacity. High and Dry Boat Storage and Marina.

Opportunities Wow! Business Only $11 Per ft. Unlimited use.

Excellent location. Extremely friendly service. Our Customers say "The BestINC Place To Keep Our ABBEX, Boat On The Planet" We also offer Unsurpassed 941-365-3833 Mechanical Service-Detailing and Consignment Wholesale RetailBoat 2 locations 240,000 Display with "Island Sales." Nets We invite you to stop by and take look. 12160 Cortez Rd. 2/10ths Pricea400,000 +inventory mile over bridge. ** JoinCompany us by DEC 31st & 1 Salesthe and Installation Tampa st month $200, any size boat.** 941-795-3625, Nets 102,000. Price 250,000 doug@bradentonboatclub.com New territories available FL. Each can net STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure 125,000+ 85,000 total investment facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

WWW.ABBEXINC.COM 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Steve Alexander

Positions Wanted HelpAMS, Wanted WITH CMCA, PCAM designations

CAM seeking Condominium Association to manage.

ACCOUNTANT W BS in accounting + 2 yrs in job Available January 1, 2012. Excellent references. offer. Res to Jacob's Farm of Florida, Inc. 12420 Please contact 941.685.0500.

US Highway 301N, Parrish, FL 34219 Attn: E. Alfaro

Condos/Apts. For Rent

LBK: ISLANDER CLUB: First floor condo, beach walk-out, Gulf view from every room, 2BR/2BA. Photos of unit: www.longboatcondo.webs.com Available Jan. thru March, $5500 per month, 2 month minimum. jaelser@bellsouth.net or 770-426-5965, Jim/Ann LONGBOAT KEY - MILLION DOLLAR CONDO ON THE BEACH. 2,410 sq/ft. 2 bedroom plus den/convertible 3rd bedroom. 3 baths. Beautifully furnished. Pool, tennis, fitness center. Outstanding Gulf and sunrise views. Enjoy quality of life.

Available 4/15/12 and onward. 3 month min., annual avail. Special: 3 guest suites in bldg. for occasional company. Photos. Owner248-310-8308.

PARADISE ON LBK! Newly decorated 2BR/2BA. First floor with freebies. Steps to beach and bay.

Details: www.bayportbtc.com (unit 701). Available January and/or February 2012. 615- 376-9448.

SARASOTA: LIDO Key. 2BR/2BA, across from Gulf, modern kitchen/bath, 2 lanais, pool, unfurnished. $1200/mo. Annual only.

941-388-2296 or 973-763-0314.

Condos For Sale

THE OBSERVER LP # 56736

GREAT BAY VIEW - LBK!!

2/2 in Fairway Bay. 1,192 sq/ft. living area, 220 sq/ft. oversized patio w/1st floor walkdown to jogging path. Just steps from tennis, fitness center, heated pool, hot tub & clubhouse.

TURNKEY FURNISHED! Bring toothbrush & small pet. $343,000 Call Owner 941-228-8040

FIND

HCS228619,

HCS228620

IT!

Observer Classifieds

FL

Lic

SALES ASSOCIATE/CASHIER Lakewood Ranch area. Upscale retail apparel store looking for energetic, outgoing personality, fast learning individual for fast paced retail sales.

Past retail apparel experience a MUST. MUST know computer programs, cash register, etc. MUST be flexible on hours and MUST be able to work weekends. Think you are a fit!

Send resume: clearwater4us@gmail.com Full-Time and Part-Time position available.

??

Premium BoxRent Ads Homes For

Happy Happy LUXOR MHP

$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

with the Management of Your RENTAL

The most trusted name in real with the estate is your trusted name in Management rental property management.

of Your RENTAL

Q Experienced leasing professionals The mostscreening, trusted name in real Q Tenant placement estate is your trusted name in and renewal rental property Q Comprehensive,management. world-class Q services Experienced leasing professionalsmarketing support Q Professional Q Tenant screening, placement and renewal Q Comprehensive, world-class services Qmichaelsaunders.com/rentals Professional marketing support

RESERVE YOUR VACATION NOW!!

LUXURY BEACH RENTALS‌COTTAGES TO CONDOS‌ONE TO FOUR BEDROOM‌LOOK NO FURTHER THAN FLORIDARENT.COM DISCOUNTED RATES 20-40%...CALL TODAY!!

PLEASE MENTION CODE OBS2011 941 383 3117 800 331 7293

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals CASA 112/2/ DEL MAR BEACH RESORT RENTALS 4 NIGHT MIN. GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW Reservations: 941-383-5549 Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925 “Take our video tour at� www.casadelmar.net Office Open 7 Days, 9 a.m. - NOW!!

5 p.m.

RESERVE YOUR VACATION 4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive LUXURY BEACH RENTALS‌COTTAGES TO Longboat Key BEDROOM‌LOOK 34228 CONDOS‌ONE TO FOUR NO FURTHER THAN FLORIDARENT.COM WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT DISCOUNTED RATES 20-40%...CALL TODAY!!

BEAUTIFUL PLEASE MENTIONKITCHENS CODE OBS2011 LARGE HEATED POOL 941 383 3117 GULFSIDE 800 331 7293

FREE Wireless 2BR/2BA LBK beach High rental:Speed patio,Internet carport, WIFI, spacious, updated, steps to private beach, W/D, “Where People Return Year After Year darling turnkey. $2000.

Available March & �April.

2 month minimum. No pets, 55+. 941-232-1357. “INTENTIONALLY BETTER�

BAYFRONT CONDO- PANORAMIC VIEWS: LBK Due to Cancelled Lease, this Incredible Condo is Available for Condos: December/January or April/May. PALM AIRE 1 & 2BR, fully furnished, 2BR/2BA + Den ingreat Pelican Harbour Beach Club. utilities included, views, $2100-$2400/mo.

Private Beach, Pool, Tennis, Dock. 513-608-4320 941-351-1741. richwoodkids@hotmail.com

Adult Care Services

941.383.5502 Homes For Sale

PRIVATE TRANQUIL STUNNING WATERFRONT MANSION on Longboat Key with Panoramic michaelsaunders.com/rentals Views. Over 6500 sq/ft. of living space, and 1.5 acres surround this architectural masterpiece.

Call 941-586-7543.

941.907.9595

Real Estate Homes ForWanted Sale WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS For Qualified Waiting Clients Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-356-5610 email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com PRICED TO SELL! Fabulous 3/2 Gated community, lots of upgrades, community amenities incl pool & fitness,Rentals top location!

Vacation/Seasonal University Place, $309,000 Jill Johns, Realtor, Re/Max Alliance, 941.266.8815.

Need More

IN-HOME CARE/ COMPANIONSHIP/ HOMEMAKING available all hours; days, 4nights, weekends.

RENTALS NIGHT MIN. Call 377-4465 for more information or visit GULF FRONT/ GULF VIEW our website @ www.eldercaresarasota.com Lic. #30211372 Bonded & Insured.

Reservations: 941-383-5549 Auto Service Visa/ MC Fax: 941-383-7925 WE WANT TO BUY YOUR VEHICLE!!!

Any Make, Any Model, “Take our Any videoCondition. tour at�

No Title - No www.casadelmar.net Problem! Bank Lien - No Problem!

Paying up to $30,000 for Vehicles. Call AJ now at 813-335-3794 for a 7Free Quote or 813-531-4298.

Office Open Days, 9 a.m.

- 5 p.m.

4621 Gulf of Mexico Drive Auto Transport Longboat Key 34228 RETIRED LONGBOAT KEY police officer & WASHER/ DRYER IN EVERY UNIT associate. Drive your car to the North and back.

BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS 941-713-1596, 941-720-0426.

LARGE HEATED POOL GULFSIDE Cleaning

50% OFF FIRST CLEANING!!

Call Housemaids FREE Wireless High Speed Internet today for a Free estimate! 941-953-4300, www.gohousemaids.com “Where People Return Year After Year�

EVEN YOURBETTER�

MOTHER-IN-LAW A CLEANING “INTENTIONALLY WILL APPROVE! Every time, guaranteed! Lic./Ins. Bonded. Pamela, 941-320-0023. www.CleanTimeServices.com

ROOM for The Holidays?

Introduce your holiday guests to a tropical winter stay at an unforgettable haven on the beach.

www.FLvacationconnection.com 941-387-9709 877-705-2460

B E A C H

FLORIDA VACATION CONNECTION

LONGBOAT HARBOUR TOWERS. FULL GULF VIEWS, 2BR/2BA, steps to the beach. Available Jan 1. 941-586-7543.

NORTH LBK: bright, well cared for, ground floor, 2BR/2BA condo with Gulf view. Steps to beach, remodeled bathrooms, new appliances, pool, tennis, beautiful gardens. Wireless, high speed internet. Jan., Feb. & March. Photos available.

941-383-0475.

C L U B

Luxurious suites & penthouse accommodations 'ULF OF -EXICO $RIVE s ,ONGBOAT +EY s 6ERANDA"EACH#LUB COM

This week’s crossword answers

Charming Gulf-to-bay cottages

THE OBSERVER GROUP LP # 56733

'ULF OF -EXICO $RIVE s ,ONGBOAT +EY s 7HITE3ANDS/F,ONGBOAT COM

3BR, UPDATED, TASTEFULLY DECORATED. GULF & BAY VIEWS. AVAILABLE APRIL 2012 AND ON CALL CYNTHIA 407-492-5749

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CAREGIVER/COMPANION: 20 years nursing CASA experience. Will care for you DEL in your MAR home. With excellent referencesBEACH upon request.

941-773-7836.

RESORT

Exceptional Vacation Rentals Since 1994 Homes & Condominiums Studios to Six Bedrooms Beachfront, Intercoastal or Garden Excellent Service & Staff

BEACHPLACE

Reserved Space LP Reserved Space

in The

FL Reg #HCS227965, #HHA299992670

69782

CAR TOPPER: X-Cargo, fits most cars, SUVs to hold and protect items. $99. 941-907-1521.

70869

Thursday,

BAKER’S RACK. Bought Robb Stucky. Four wooden shelves, black metal frame. Exc. condiDecember 8,$150.

2011941-907-9572. tion,

Carol, 9

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longboat Observer THE LONGBOAT OBSERVER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011 Thursday, December 8, 2011

www.yourobserver.com Vacation/Seasonal Rentals

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longboat Observer

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

RogeR sells BAY

ISlES

561harborcovecircle.com In Bay Isles, full-bay view with over 185’ of water frontage.

Open floor plan. $2,195,000

520harborcaylane.com Deep water dockage for your boat. 4BR with sunny southern exposure. $1,295,000

RogeR sells cOuNtRY

601yardarmlane.com Just three in from the bay, this 3BR/3BA has vaulted ceilings, glorious outdoor living and big views of the bay. $899,000

3440bayousound.com Lovely and ready to enjoy!

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cluB SHORES

1125bogeylane.com Tuscan-style home looking down the canal toward the bay.

Major landscaping and interior renovation. $849,000

551yardarmlane.com 3BR/2BA mid-canal home in terrific condition. $625,000

512cutterln.com Charming 3BR/2BA on deep water canal has been lovingly updated. $599,000

552rangerlane.com Incredible value for this southern facing, deep water 3BR/2BA home! $549,000

PENDING

want to sell your home? call Roger.

GRAND BAY grandbay466.com Ideal location in Bldg 4; marina, bay, city and Gulf views!

Furnished. $1,495,000 grandbay446.com Beautifully furnished and overlooks the marina, golf course and downtown. Two parking spaces. $1,495,000

▲ grandbay261.com High floor, 3BR/3½BA, Antigua plan. Amazing views of the pool, golf course, downtown and bay from the wraparound terraces. $1,149,000 grandbay211.com Great value in Grand Bay. Expansive bay views. Thirdfloor level/first living level offers amazing outdoor living space. $999,000 grandbay414.com Just like living in a bayfront home, this 3BR/3.5BA Cayman floor plan offers private views of the marina, city and golf course.

Bright and sunny. $999,000

BIRD KEY

▲ 611mourningdove.com Direct bay view! Four bedrooms, open floor plan, upscale finishes and soaring ceilings. $3,295,000 485eroyalflamingodrive.com 5BR waterfront home with high ceilings and open floor plan. $1,199,000 658mourningdovedrive.com Lovely 3BR on one of Bird Key’s best streets. New seawall and cap, open pool and charming home. $1,095,000 245birdkeydrive.com A true garden house, surrounded and protected by lush vegetation and fruit trees.

3BR/3BA with vaulted ceilings, open kitchen and pool area. $725,000 PROMENADE promenade402.com Wrapping around the southern corner, this 3BR/3BA is turnkey furnished and has views of the Gulf, bay and city. $799,000

l’AMBIANcE 415lambiancedr302.com This is by far the best value at L’Ambiance! Three bedrooms or two and den plus three full bathrooms with expansive 700’ wraparound balcony. Lovely southern exposure. $999,000 wAtER cluB waterclubnorth602.com Direct Gulf, 3BR plus family room/den, 10-foot ceilings.

Furnished. $2,495,000 waterclub204.com Delightful Brighton floor plan with over 3,000 sf including 3 full bedrooms. Updated and beautifully furnished. Sunset Gulf views. $1,395,000 waterclub-208.com Dover 3BR/3BA plan offers an incredible value. Wood floors in living areas. Partial Gulf views and expansive garden views.

Furnished. $999,000

SEAPlAcE seaplacem2-411.com Direct Gulf views, 2BR/2BA in the midrise building. Good condition and ready to enjoy; fully furnished. $499,000

PENDING

SIEStA KEY 9250blindpassroad.com A one-of-a-kind contemporary home located directly on Turtle Beach. Custom built with 3BR, den, private elevator and houselevel pool. $2,295,000 8419midnightpassroad.com

Gorgeous direct bayfront views with deep water boating. This 3BR/2BA has more than 3,200 sf to enjoy. $999,000

▲ seaplaceg4204.com Terrific value, this 2BR is located in the popular G-4 building. $319,000

SARASOtA 1930wisteriastreet.com Mainland home in the coveted Flower streets. Built in 2002, 4/5 BR swimming pool home. $899,000

roger c. pettingell Luxury Waterfront SpeciaLiSt

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Residential Real estate d e d i c at e d t o L u x u ry e S tat e S M oWned and operated by nrt, LLc

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www.longboatrealestate.com Visit rogersbestdeals.info if you would like a copy of our list. You may also scan this QR code with your smartphone, call our office, or send us an email.

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tOwElS cOuRt 1857morrillstreet.com Downtown Sarasota – studio, residence, or commercial venture.

2BR/2BA plus garage; ample parking. $424,000

If you are considering selling your property, or if you would like to know its value in today’s market, please contact Roger. He also knows of many unlisted properties for sale. Ask about his private inventory.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

OUT LOUD

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

Black Tie THE SOCIAL OBSERVER

COVER: HSSC’s Hot Dogs and Cool Cats / PAGE 11

DÉCOR: Heidi Kurpiela

“Teresa (Stanley) sees things differently than a lot of people I’ve worked with,” says WBTT Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. “She ran all over town breathing this vision into existence and now she’s been to the mountaintop.”

Villa features trend toward transitional spaces / PagE 8

Off Broadway

Four years ago, Teresa Stanley left the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to perform in ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway. This winter she’s back to perform with the company that launched her career.

T

eresa Stanley is sitting in the lobby at the new Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe building, wiping tears from her eyes.

“I swear I’m a strong person,” she says. “If you write that I’m crying all the time, people are going to think I’m weak. I’m not weak!”

Stanley throws her hands to her chest and squeaks out an apology.

In Stanley’s defense, she’s shedding happy tears.

STANLEY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

BACKSTAGE PASS: Home Resource has become a best-kept theater secret / 5

2 ■ Diversions >>

YourObserver.com

■

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

COVER STORY

STANLEY’S TOP 3 ARETHA TUNES ‘Look Into Your Heart’ “It forces you to take selfinventory. When I’m at a transition in my life, that’s the song I’m hearing. ”

‘Rock Steady’ “This is one of those just-forfun songs that’s about moving to the things that make you happy.”

‘Dr. Feelgood’ “I saw a performance once where Aretha turned it into a song about God. You know Aretha. She’ll take it to Jesus in a minute.”

The actress and singer can pull off Diana Ross hair and Aretha Franklin vocals, but diva behavior? She’s too lovable for that.

“I’m just so happy to be here,” she says, her eyes fixed on empty seats that in one week will likely be sold out. “The first day of rehearsal, I walked on stage and, oh my God, it was so overwhelming. I was standing there crying. I kept saying to the cast, ‘You just don’t know what I’m feeling.’”

Here’s what she was feeling: Joy. Relief. Gratitude. Purpose.

Surrounded by the cast of “Love, Sung in the Key of Aretha” — the WBTT season-opener, penned by Artistic Director Nate Jacobs –– the 29-year-old performer, in one tearful moment, returned to her roots.

An original member of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe,

Stanley hasn’t been on the bill for a regular season show since she left the troupe in 2007 to perform in “The Color Purple” on Broadway.

“I’m looking for a little balance in my life right now,” Stanley says, “before the next wave hits.”

After coming off two national musical tours — “Rock of Ages” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” — Stanley was ready for a breather and ready to give back to the people who helped groom her for Broadway.

She kicked off her break by taking her mother to Jamaica.

Rosa Stanley was a single mother and working as a certified nursing assistant when she moved Stanley and her younger brother from Panama City to Sarasota so they could study at Westcoast School for Human Development.

“When you’re a teenager, you can’t see what your mama is going through,” Stanley says. “But when I experienced some life, it began to unfold. After ‘Rock of Ages,’ I came home and said, ‘Mama, we’re gonna go live it up.’”

Next, she agreed to perform in the full run of “Aretha,” under the direction of Jacobs, the man whom she credits with giving her the tools to perform on Broadway.

She was a kid when she met Jacobs, then an actor on the local theater circuit and an art teacher at her school.

Within months of arriving in Sarasota, Stanley was cast as Luttibelle in Jacobs’ production of “Purlie” at the Players Theatre.

“I gave her a CD of songs from the show and I said, ‘Learn to sing these,’” Jacobs says. “She

didn’t know head nor what we had started.” Stantail of what was going ley says. “All I knew was I on. I asked her to come wanted to be there for it. “ to our church sanctuAs she and Jacobs sit ary and sing them for side-by-side exchanging me and, by God, if I old stories, it becomes clear hadn’t found my Lutthat the two share a kind of tibelle. She opened the father-daughter bond. And show at 13 years old.” therein lies the real reason Six years later, when Stanley is so emotional.

Jacobs announced that “What Nate is doing here he was forming an Afriis training Broadway stars,” can-American theater Stanley says. “I’ve had to troupe, Stanley signed call him many times in my up immediately. career to thank him.”

“Everything I needed Jacobs remembers one to use in my life, I got of those phone calls. It here,” she says. came from backstage at the Stanley means Broadway Theatre in Man“here” in the metahattan, N.Y. phorical sense. The Even though cell-phone WBTT building didn’t use was forbidden, Stanley exist when she was 20 couldn’t resist the urge to years old and singing call. jazz standards in handHired as a swing actor in me-down costumes “The Color Purple,” she had on borrowed stages memorized several parts throughout Sarasota in the show. However, less County. than an hour before curtain “We were so dedicall, she was called in to Heidi Kurpiela cated to Nate’s vision. “I realize it now more than ever that it is my learn a new role.

How could the troupe purpose to perform,” Teresa Stanley says. “If Rather than freak out not soar?” Stanley asks. I’m not performing, I’m not happy.” over the change, she flash“We paved the way for backed to a memory of a this stage, and now here it is 11 high school production in which years later. Living in New York she was forced to improvise the and seeing African-Americans end of the play, because Jacobs “Love In The Key of Aretha” trying to start theater troupes, had failed to finish writing the opens Dec. 16 and runs they don’t know where to begin. script. through Jan. 16, at the Nate has done it and is still doJust when Stanley was losing Westcoast Black Theatre ing it. It’s beautiful.” confidence, she remembered JaTroupe Theater, 1646 10th She can’t stop reminiscing cobs rallying her and her classWay, Sarasota. For more inforabout the early days of WBTT: mates at intermission to dole mation, call 366-1505 or all the times Jacobs would wake out cues and directions. visit wbttsrq.org. her with a 9 a.m. phone call to “I had to call him,” she says. tell her she had to be ready to “The memory of that high school perform in 30 minutes for a loplay pulled me through. I had to cal news station, or all the times tumes or helped break down tell him that everything he ever she and fellow troupe members makeshift stages. taught us was golden. I’ve used “I don’t think any of us knew it all.” scoured thrift stores for cos-

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COLUMN

art scene HEARD

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

+ ‘Beautiful Noise’ filmmaker shoots next project Local indie filmmaker Steve Tatone is on a creative hot streak.

Less than one year after premiering his 2010 labor of love, “Beautiful Noise,” Tatone has begun work on another Sarasota film project.

The writer/producer and his Midnight Pass Productions crew began principal photography last week on the thriller “Blind Pass,” which stars Bradenton actress Danielle White.

White, a graduate of Booker High School, played a starryeyed singer alongside veteran Neil Diamond performer Jay White in the musical drama “Beautiful Noise.”

In fact, the 19-year-old brought so much energy to the “Beautiful Noise” set that Tatone decided to make her a co-producer on “Blind Pass,” which is set to film in Italy and Ireland in addition to Sarasota.

Although many of the movie’s supporting cast members aren’t household names, their credits are certainly titles you’d recognize.

Leading man Armand Assante won an Emmy in 1996 for playing John Gotti in the HBO

File photo

biopic “Gotti.” Chris McKenna is a recurring character on the CW’s “90210.” And Michael McGlone made a name for himself in the 1990s when he starred in two back-to-back Edward Burns’ films: “The Brothers McMullen” and “She’s the One.” Character actor Ed Lauter had a small part in this year’s “The Artist,” a silent film that’s generating a lot of Oscar buzz.

And Tampa actress Mary Rachel Dudley was in the sappy chick flick “Dear John.”

Then, there’s precocious child star Sydney Rouviere, who played the daughter of Jason Bateman and Leslie Mann in “The Change-Up.” Sounds like a pretty good lineup to me. Now, if only Tatone could work a Neil Diamond number into the soundtrack. Can I get a little “Holly Holy” in a car-chase scene?

Beautiful

+ Sarasota Film Fest names new director

+ Booker High tuxedo thief still on the lam

Tom Hall continues to move up the rungs at the Sarasota Film Festival.

Hall served as the festival’s director of programming for five years before getting promoted to artistic director in 2009.

Last week the festival announced that, Hall, who splits his time between Sarasota and Brooklyn, N.Y., will step up as director of the 14-year-old film festival.

Hall is a film buff who has served as the artistic director for the Newport International Film Festival in Newport, R.I., programmer at the Nantucket Film Festival in Nantucket, Mass., and director of new media for Bravo/The Independent Film Channel.

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Courtesy photo he is a nominating and voting juror for The Cinema Eye Honors for Non-Fiction Filmmaking and a former blogger for indieWIRE, a daily news site for the indie film community.

If you attended last season’s staged reading of the adaptation of the William S. Burroughs’ “Queer,” then you’re familiar with the kind of programming of which Hall is capable. He helped organize the event, which included dialogue readings by actors Steve Buscemi, Stanley Tucci, Ben Foster and Lisa Joyce.

His promotion bodes well for SFF. Hall is well connected, and if his indieWIRE blog archive is any indication, he has impeccable taste in film.

If someone walked off with the concert tuxedos and gowns that belong to Booker High School’s jazz ensembles, please, by all means, return the garments.

For seven years the school has sent its jazz musicians to Boston to participate in the Berklee High School Jazz Festival. The competition has earned the school 11 firstplace wins.

To help pay for the February trip, the music department has always hosted an annual fundraiser, but now it’s organized a benefit concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 14, at the school’s Visual & Performing Arts Center to help cover the cost of the missing concert attire.

According to Assistant Principal Joshua Leinweber, the outfits have been missing for months. School authorities have reviewed hours of video footage trying to identify the clothing thief, but so far nothing has turned up.

Says Leinweber: “We don’t want to send our kids to compete at this festival not looking the part.”

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Fuzión Winter Fundraiser: Fuzión Dance Artists will join forces with singer Sharon Scott and percussionist Scott Blum for its Winter Fundraiser at 8 p.m.

Dec. 10 and 2 p.m. Dec. 11, at The Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way. If you’ve not seen this contemporary dance troupe in action, you best get tickets to this show.

Choreographer/founder Leymis Bolanõs Wilmott’s work is mesmerizing. For tickets, call 5525325 or visit gpactix.com

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 West Coast Civic Ballet: Sarasota’s other ballet company will present its Holiday Dance Performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 17, at the Booker High School Visual & Performing Arts Center, 3201 N. Orange Ave. Led by Artistic Director Deborah Vinton, the program will feature dances from “Cinderella” and “Les Patineurs,” in addition to tango and contemporary works.

A special pre-performance tea party will run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 355-5117 or visit westcoastcivicballet.org.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

HIGHLIGHTS By Loren Mayo | Community Editor

Dancers skate through a winter wonderland Every time Logan Learned has tried ice skating, he’s wound up on his tush.

The last time Kate Honea laced up her ice skates, she was 9 years old and failed miserably, eventually landing in the same cheek-to-ice position.

It’s probably a good thing, then, that the two Sarasota Ballet dancers have stuck to ice skating only in their ballet shoes — sans ice, of course.

Learned and Honea last performed in 2008 as the Blue Boy and the Blue Girl in Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Les Patineurs.” They’ll take the stage again in the same roles during the Sarasota Ballet’s “Parks to Prairies” show Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, at the Sarasota Opera House.

“Making it look like we’re gliding is more different than you think,” Honea says. “We hop-slide, do a lot of jumps en pointe and make our body angle lean forward, so it looks like we’re pushing off. When we watched the DVD of last time and put it on fast forward, it really does look like we’re ice skating.”

According to Honea, Ashton choreographed the ballet in a way so that the dancers are leaning and using their bodies at all times. Although they appear to be skating when traveling across the stage, they are actually sliding and skidding across the floor, which is not the usual tacky marley flooring.

“With the floor cloth that is painted to look like an ice-skating rink, it’s a different texture we’re not used to,” Honea says. “With turns, we have to add more force, because it kind of catches you. Both Logan and I had holes in our shoes, and my pointe shoes were worn down to a layer I’d never seen.”

Set in the 1930s, the ballet features scenes commonly found in an ice rink during the holiday season — a romantic hand-in-hand couple skating; be-

Q&A with Logan Learned and Kate Honea If you weren’t ice skating in this ballet, would it still be fun?

Honea: If there weren’t any skating, we’d just be thinking about the steps and how hard they are. I don’t think we’d enjoy it as much.

Learned: It’s almost as if we fool ourselves into thinking, “Oh, it’s not that hard, we’re just skating.” But it’d be a daunting amount of work — almost like DUN, DUN, DUN! — if there was no skating.

What makes this ballet fun for the audience?

Honea: Logan does things you would never normally see him do on stage. He goes upside down. Not many people can do that. It’s something the audience gets shocked by.

Learned: It’s something I get shocked by!

Honea: In a normal ballet, we would walk on stage and prepare. Whenever we walk on or off stage, you’ll always see us skating. Sometimes, we joke around and speed skate on the side. We try to be Apolo Anton Ohno.

Loren Mayo

Sarasota Ballet Assistant Artistic Director Margaret Barbieri on 'Les Patineurs'

Logan Learned and Kate Honea will star as the Blue Boy and the Blue Girl, respectively, in Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Les Patineurs.”

“It is often performed at Christmas as a special Christmas treat. It's all about skating and snow and what people used to do — and still do — at Christmas-time. It's set in this Victorian Christmas party in the park, in the middle of London. Certainly in Florida, the ice-skating doesn't resonate. Nevertheless, in England, very much so. Even today in London, they put up this ice rink in the center of London, and everyone goes ice skating.”

ginners clinging onto their surroundings to avoid falling; and the Blue Boy whizzing by in an Edwardian-trimmed fur ensemble while completing his dare-devilish spins.

“I’m a good faller-on-the-butt type of skater,” Learned says. “But ballet is the main form of skating I should do.”

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How difficult is it to perform skating ballet movements?

Honea: Especially for the Blue Boy and the Blue Girl, it’s so technically hard, that as you’re doing it, you feel a sense of accomplishment.

Learned: You think, “Wow, I just performed a really tiring, taxing ballet,” but there’s a sense of happiness because you’re making it look easy. Knowing you’re doing something so difficult makes you enjoy it.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

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BACKSTAGE PASS

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5

by Heid Kurpiela | A&E Editor

The accidental set designer Michael Bush has turned Home Resource into an unlikely stage for intimate theater.

The contemporary furniture store has become one of Sarasota’s best-kept theater secrets.

“I don’t want it to get too big,” Michael Bush says of his store’s theater offerings. “At the end of the day, I’m still in the furniture business.”

West End shows, which are effec- idea, using London’s fringe contively your Broadway shows. You cept as his model. had your Off-West End shows The store now hosts about eight and then you had fringe theater. shows a year.

Fringe is like off-Off Broadway.

In the evening after the store This was where we had some of closes, Bush will pick a showroom our most memorable experienc- set that jives with a particular es.” show. He’ll rearrange furniture to When Bush, a former Exxon accommodate an audience, reMobil executive, purchased hang artwork, lighting, switch out Home Resource eight years ago, pillows, blankets and other decor. the business was struggling to “People love to have a chance stay afloat. to sit on the furniture,” Bush says.

When a client suggested he “As an attendee, it puts you in a of Chasen Reed use his store to host local the-Formerly different environment. You sit on Same HighReed Quality Silk Flowers Formerly Chasen ater, Bush decided to run with theofNever aa sofa with your glass of wine and deSigN charge – bring in

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slowly your guard begins to drop.”

It was never intended to be a marketing ploy.

In fact, Bush can’t think of one person who’s seen a show at Home Resource only to return later to purchase a piece of furniture.

“Many of the people who come in here don’t have taste in contemporary furniture,” he says.

“There’s never been a direct connection between the shows and (furniture) sales. It’s not even about Home Resource. It’s about coming into our home and spending an evening with us.”

An avid supporter of Sarasota’s arts organizations, Bush has served on the boards of the Sarasota Film Festival, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Sarasota Season of Sculpture. He says he sees the store’s nighttime entertainment as an extension of that support.

Local performers love the venue because it’s intimate, affordable and not afraid to present cutting-edge material. Not to mention ticket sales go directly to the performers.

“We’ve never had any furniture broken or spilled on,” Bush says.

“It helps that we only serve white wine.”

Naturally, since turning his sales floor over to actors, the 57-year-old business owner has

Photos by Heidi Kurpiela

Some of the store’s best set pieces are beds.

IF YOU GO “My Unspoken Confessions: Gala Dali Declines to Explain Herself,” a one-woman show starring Roxanne Fay, returns to Home Resource for an encore performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 12, in the showroom. The store is located at 741 Central Ave. Tickets are $10. To make a reservation, call 366-6690 or email mbush@homeresource. com.

indulged his inner ham.

It happened only once –– during the performance of Tennessee Williams’ one-act play, “The Pink Bedroom.”

Bush decided to make a cameo as a lothario dressed in red silk boxer shorts.

“Nobody expected me to run out in my underwear,” Bush says.

“It was done for shock value, but my wife wasn’t pleased. She said, ‘That’s it. No more acting.’ Now it’s up to my understudy.”

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A little-known performingarts venue has cropped up in the Rosemary District.

There’s no marquee, no concession stand, no ushers and no real stage to speak of. The shows aren’t heavily advertised, and the seating is neither assigned nor organized in tidy rows.

The line between actors and audience is so blurred that performers often sit among the crowd undetected until it’s their turn to rise and deliver a line.

Sometimes a show is staged in a living room, sometimes a bedroom. The experience is so intimate and so comfortable that the owner of the venue is in no hurry to boost ticket sales. Too many people would kill the cozy atmosphere.

The venue is Home Resource, a contemporary furniture store on Central Avenue that for four years has served as an underground playhouse for small theater companies, improv troupes, budding rock bands, playwrights, opera singers and the occasional psychic healer.

Championed by the store’s owner, Michael Bush, the concept was inspired by the fringe theater shows Bush and his wife, Kathy, used to attend when they lived in London.

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YourObserver.com

HOME & GARDEN

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

By Bobby Hill | Contributing Columnist

Xeriscaping highlights best plants for the area What in the world does the word “xeriscaping” mean? Pronounced as if it begins with a “z,” the use of xeriscaping originated in 1981 with the Denver Water Department. “Xeri” is derived from the Greek word “xeros,” meaning dry, and “scape,” meaning scene. In landscaping, it means creating a landscape design that has been carefully tailored to withstand drought conditions. The end result will require less water, fertilizer, maintenance and pest control than the traditional landscaping. One of the best features is the homeowner will be using less of all these, which will save him time and money.

One of the ways you can approach xeriscape is to take your existing plants and adjust them to be more water-wise and drought tolerant. The other way is to design and construct an entirely new water-wise landscape. The whole idea is to create a design that is tailored to withstand drought conditions and to use the best-suited plants for your area or use native plants. Following are the main fundamentals of creating xeriscape.

Palm trees

Lantana

PLANT SELECTION

Try to use Florida native plants whenever possible because they are proven winners in our area. A reasonable knowledge of plants is an essential key to a successful water-wise garden or any landscape design. A few plants to consider that are low-water users would be bougainvillea, oleander, Texas sage, lantana, fountain grasses, junipers, liriope, bird of paradise, Asiatic jasmine, palms and cactus. The Sarasota hardiness is zone 9B.

Cow’s horn cactus

WATERING

If plants had their way, they would want infrequent deep watering much more than quick, shallow watering. The xeriscape plants like the same. If you don’t have an automatic irrigation or drip system, this is something you can do yourself. As always, water on the days the county allows you to water with manual sprinklers.

MULCH AND PINE BARK

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PROPER GROUPING OF PLANTS

The idea of xeriscaping is grouping plants with similar water needs together This will allow them to be watered with little waste. By planting higher water-use plants in another area, you can regulate the low water-use plants more accurately. Your irrigation system can be adjusted according to the plant needs, which will save resources and money.

PROPER GRADING AND SOIL CONDITION

This allows water to soak into the soil and be used by plants rather than being allowed to run off. If you have slopes or varying terrain, you can terrace or create wells around each plant. Using good garden soils and natural ingredients, such as cow manure or compost, will allow the water to go into the ground more evenly.

To be successful in xeriscaping, mulching has several benefits for the soil. It will retain the water much longer than dirt, reduce the temperature of the soil, support and increase essential bacteria, give the beds a fresh look and reduce the amount of weeds. Rock beds are nice but will absorb more heat onto the plants, so pick plants that can withstand higher temperatures.

Think of xeriscaping as being more about plants than anything else and don’t feel you have to do major changes in your landscape to be more waterwise. It may just mean relocating and adapting the plants you already have and adding some of the more beautiful native plants that Central Florida has to offer. Last, fertilizer is important with our sandy soil conditions.

Try to fertilize at least three times per year with a slow-release (granular) or water-soluble fertilizer.

Bobby Hill is a master gardener and also teaches classes at Home Depot.

Email him at sportsmkt@aol.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

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DÉCOR

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

By Jessica Luck | Managing Editor

Transitional Space Dick June, of Siesta Interiors Inc., has been designing spaces in Sarasota and Manatee counties for 26 years. One trend he is seeing is a move toward a light, transitional look — a Manhattan feel — as opposed to heavy, Tuscanyinspired looks that have been popular in the past. A transitional interior creates an inviting space through the use of a neutral color scheme and light and warmth. A recently completed interior design of a villa in Sarasota County reflects that lighter look.

When designing villas and condos, which are generally smaller in size as compared to homes, June says the key is using lighter tones so the unit doesn’t feel closed in.

The golden-hued walls were used throughout for continuity, and the lighter color allows the contemporary artwork that adorns the walls to stand out. Each piece of art was selected based on the room in which it hangs.

Color palettes are also lightening up, according to June, which is evident in the warm, golden hues and teal accents.

Above: Teal accents were used throughout the home, including the throw pillows and the artwork in the living room.

Right: A platform mahogany wood bed is the focal point of the master bedroom. The gold bedspread is a darker hue than the gold walls, which continues the continuity of the color scheme but adds some contrast.

The round glass-top pedestal table with camel-colored leather Parsons dining chairs maximizes the space in the dining area.

Photos courtesy of The Greg Wilson Group

The kitchen features cherry cabinets and white Corian countertops, which are offset by a teal accent wall.

The color scheme in the guest bedroom is the reverse of the master bedroom, with a teal-colored bedspread and a textured woven upholstered headboard, which features teal and brick colors.

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9

REVIEWS

MUSIC >>

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Film

Sarasota Orchestra: Masterworks Concert with Leif Bjaland

Watching and listening to the Sarasota Orchestra this past weekend in its Masterworks concert of music by Hindemith and Brahms under the direction of Leif Bjaland, we couldn’t help thinking, “Ah, Daddy’s home.” This is one of the last concerts Bjaland will be conducting with the orchestra after 15 years at its helm, so there was a certain poignancy to the performance we heard Sunday.

But, as it should be, the music was put before the sentiment.

Bjaland’s reading of the Germanic program was more like a chamber concert than a full-blown orchestral experience. Hindemith’s Symphony, “Mathis der Maler” (Mathis the Painter), is a programmatic piece that was banned in Nazi Germany and got its composer on a list of “degenerate” musicians along with Mendelssohn, Stravinsky and Louis Armstrong.

The work, which depicts a trio of panels from a magnificent alter piece in Alsace, France, by Mathis Gothart, is an instrumentally colorful and rich work that put the spotlight on the orchestra-as-soloist. And the members of the Sarasota Orchestra, from the sonorous strings and brilliant horns to the shimmering winds, came through like superstars.

Betsy Hudson Traba’s flute solo in the opening of the sec-

Courtesy photos

After 15 years, Leif Bjaland conducted one of his last performances at the helm of the Sarasota Orchestra. ond movement, the shimmering violins in the third and the final brass chorale showed us the kind of playing that takes excellent individual musicians and turns them into a cohesive ensemble.

Bjaland is particularly good at programming works that, at first glance, seem unconnected.

But, hearing a snippet of an unassuming ascending scale in the first movement of the Hindemith reminded me why Bjaland paired this piece with the Brahms Fourth Symphony, which has a similar ascending scale as the main theme of its fourth movement. It’s fascinat-

ing little clues like this that turn a paper program into a concert — and Bjaland knows how to do that.

He also knows how to bring out the best in his players. In his hands, the Brahms, an old and beloved friend, became a new piece. Rather than giving it the stolid, vertical, Germanic reading we’re used to hearing, this performance had a chamber-like clarity that concentrated on the contrapuntal, linear lines, making this symphony both stately and pastoral. The emphasis was on transparency, which made it a memorable reading.

— June LeBell

>> ‘The

Descendants’

Is George Clooney for real? Does he not continuously prove one can improve upon perfection? In director/ writer Alexander Payne’s new film, “The Descendants,” Clooney’s performance doesn’t seem like one at all. It feels as though you’re living in his skin.

The film opens with a huge smile emanating from a woman’s face.

It’s a brief shot, and we soon learn that the woman is Matt King’s (Clooney) wife, who’s now comatose following a boating accident. Father to two daughters, Matt admits he’s always been “the back-up parent, the understudy.” And his children have paid the price.

It gets worse. Blindsided when he discovers that his wife isn’t going to make it, Matt informs his 17-year-old daughter, Alex (Shailene Woodley). She, in turn, informs Dad that Mom’s been cheating on him.

They are gloomy revelations, which, in the hands of the talented Payne, become a springboard for some hilarious situations as the film unfolds.

In an unlikely move, Alex, who has little regard for her father, teams up with him to find the boyfriend.

In their quest, the two develop a mutual respect for one another. Matt realizes just how much he loved his wife as his daughters grow close.

“The Descendants” is full of little twists. Matt is the descendant of one of the first, white land-owning families in Hawaii. In charge of a trust that includes 25,000 acres of spectacular virgin beach, he’s at

Matt King (George Clooney) and his daughter Alex (Shailene Woodley) strengthen their relationship while searching for King’s wife’s lover. odds with some greedy cousins as to its development. When he uncovers a link to his wife’s lover and the land deal, Matt sees everything in a different light.

Payne is an expert at accessing the essence of his characters by casting his films wisely (think: “Sideways” and “About Schmidt”).

In “The Descendants,” the cast is simply standout. Small parts by Robert Forster, Beau Bridges and Judy Greer leave lasting impressions.

Alex’s stoner boyfriend (Nick Krause) and feisty, foul-mouthed little sister (Amara Miller) provide a significant amount of snickers. But it’s Clooney, in his best performance ever, who owns this delightful film.

Payne has the unique ability to make his audience laugh at the most inopportune moments and cry when it’s least expected. In “The Descendants,” he makes us truly care about the connections of his characters ... because they’re just like us.

— Pam Nadon

15th Annual

Sunshine from Darkness Saturday, January 14, 2012 • 6:00 pm The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota O

Honoring Patrick Kennedy for tickets visit our website or email marlene@sunshinefromdarkness.org

Patrick Kennedy

luminary award recipient Former congressman, the author and lead sponsor of the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act of 2008, and has co-sponsored dozens of bills to increase understanding and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Kennedy is Co-Chair of One Mind for Research, dedicated to dramatic enhancements in funding and collaboration in research across all brain disorders in the next decade.

Special Guests

Dr. Charles Hoge, former director of Walter Reed Research Institute SSG Tommy Rieman, U.S. Army and National Guard, Silver Star and Purple Heart Recipient Paul Freedman, film director of the documentary Halfway Home; and other honored military guests and veterans

[941] 308-MIND [308-6463] or SUNSHINEFROMDARKNESS.ORG or facebook.com/SunshinefromDarkness 69643

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

By Molly Schechter | Food Editor

Toasty takes Tamiami Trail You have to admit, it’s an attentiongetter. Not every day do you encounter what appears to be a mango wearing sunglasses enjoying a cup of java while swinging in a hammock suspended between two palm trees on an island that’s a fried egg — sunny side up. No, you are not seeing things. Meet “Toasty,” Sarasota’s brand character in the genre of the Pillsbury Dough Boy or the Jolly Green Giant.

Toasty is the creation of Kimberly Duffy and Sandi Wagner, owners of the Toasted Mango Café, a breakfast-andlunch spot that opened two months ago in the small strip center on North Tamiami Trail at Fifth Street in the space formerly occupied (twice, in fact) by Etrusco. The duo discovered the space was for rent while commuting to their former jobs at the Blue Dolphin Café on St. Armands Circle. Its availability inspired them to start their own venture.

Duffy and Wagner have conceived pretty much every aspect of their new spot. The name is intended to convey “tropical” and “breakfast.” They dreamed up Toasty while walking the Ringling Bridge one day and got Sarasota artist Michael Blunt to draw him.

They designed the interiors themselves, as well, and persuaded friend and customer Mary Lou Johnson to display her artful photographs.

The owners identify themselves on their shared business card as “proprietors/servers,” which says a lot. Two people on one card communicates “team” as much as cost conscious. And they are clearly placing a great deal of emphasis on service. The two “40-somethings” (how they describe themselves) have been serving customers in restaurants for 25 years. They feel it’s important for

RECIPE

BREAKFAST BANANA SPLIT ‘TOASTED MANGO’ Servings: 1 Start to finish: 5 minutes

Photos by Molly Schechter

Toasted Mango Café owners Kimberly Duffy and Sandi Wagner customers to know they are present as owners, and Wagner says it’s also important “to see what comes out of the kitchen and what comes in the door.”

What comes out of the kitchen is a nice selection of daytime favorites, several featuring the eponymous fruit. Breakfast options include a waffle topped with chopped mango and mango butter, mango muffins and a breakfast banana split. At lunch, there is gazpacho and a roasted turkey mango wrap, among other options. They expect their signature dish to be the Toasted Mango Blackened Chicken Salad, which includes fresh mango. There is even a three-bean mango salad. The kitchen is the domain of Carlos Moran, and the owners recruit

Wolford Seminar Trunk Show thursday12.15.11 eleven a.m. - five p.m.

their kids to help out on weekends.

Of course, there are abundant nonmango options as well. One friend deemed the blueberry pancakes “awesome.” And tourist friends who had eggs for breakfast there last week said everything was exceptionally fresh and delicious.

The café is sunny and bright, like the food. It serves breakfast and lunch all day, every day. There is an outside fullservice patio for doggie dining. The lot in front is small, but there is plenty of parking on both sides of Fifth Street. You could say the whole experience is sunny side up.

1 medium-size banana 1/2 cup strawberry low-fat yogurt (or any flavor you prefer) 1/4 cup crunchy granola or one crumbled granola bar (any flavor) 1/4 cup fresh chopped mango or pineapple 1/8 cup fresh blueberries 4 large strawberries

In a banana “boat” or a kitchen bowl, slice the banana in half the long way and place on either side of the bowl. Put yogurt in the middle, top with granola, add mango or pineapple on top, then add the blueberries on top of that. Remove the strawberry stem, slice in half and arrange at either end.

The Toasted Mango’s Breakfast Banana Split

Beautiful Presentations ...within your budget.

Call us! 921-5885 Individual Dinners Cocktail Parties • Banquets

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YourObserver.com

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Black Tie YourObserver.com

Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald from Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets”

INSIDE: Festival of Trees, Lights and Holiday Gifts / PAGE 14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Mike and Amie Boyle with Jill and John Raleigh, event chairman

Photos by Whittany Gibson

Ken Hillier and Jan Brown

Donna Goss-Leikensohn and John Leikensohn

HSSC Events/Donor Relations Manager Ginny Armington

Heidi Zwiesler and Carey Morgan

Rudolph’s big night out

By Molly Schechter | Black Tie Editor

The Humane Society of Sarasota County held its annual “Hot Dogs and Cool Cats” fundraiser Dec. 3, at the Sarasota Yacht Club for the first time, and 250 guests got to enjoy the venue in full Christmas mufti. One star of the program was Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, of Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets.” He not only shared war stories but dropped his drawers to reveal his dance pants and entertained the audience with a little holiday gigue.

Jeff and Joanne Roberti

Emcees Ken Sons and Les McCurdy

Even with his entertaining antics, he had tough competition from Rudolph, a beautiful black lab-mix puppy that was sold via auction. Jeff Roberti bought him for $1,700 as a gift for lucky Ron and Kim Soto. HSSC, the area’s largest no-kill shelter, is in the middle of its annual Iams-sponsored “Home for the Holiday” promotion, something to consider if a pet is on your gift list.

Executive Director of HSSC Deborah Robbins Millman with Rudolph

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

CAMERA READY CROSLEY ESTATE FOUNDATION FESTIVAL OF TREES Tuesday, Dec.19 | Powel Crosley Estate

Sen. Mike Bennett, event Chairwoman Natalie Gundrum and Dee Bennett Left: Morton’s Gourmet Market gingerbread house

Jennie Moen

Rose Pannullo and her daughter, JoAnn Belack

Susie Hazel and “The Money Tree,” which was created by her company, Decorators’ Companion, and sponsored by First Federal

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1287 1st Street at Pineapple Avenue 941-366-8111 www.bijoucafe.net An Epicurean delight in the heart of the Theatre & Arts District

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Crosley Foundation board Member Terry Romine and his wife, Susan

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Diversions

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COLUMN

by Molly Schechter | Black Tie Editor

+ Success stories According to Payton Wright Foundation President Patrick Wright, the net from his organization’s first gala was expected to be upward of $80,000 to $100,000. “One of the greatest things from the night is that four different supporters donated $500 a month in gas cards,” he said. “We can now give out $2,000 a month in gas cards to families caring for a child with brain cancer. That is huge for a small foundation like Payton’s.” Also huge, according to Community AIDS Foundation President Mike Cuffage, is that the net from “CAN Dance — Dancing with Our Stars” not only broke the $100,000 mark but reached $128,000. The “Wit and Wisdom of Aging” luncheon for the Pines Foundation,

Photos by Molly Schechter

Janet and John Hunter with Betty Schoenbaum co-chaired by Joan Geyer and Kim Bald, raised $163,000, more than double last year’s proceeds. And at an after-party for the recent Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services Center gala honoring Betty Schoenbaum, Executive Director Phil King was able to tell supporters and committee members that their event had achieved $200,000. What a town we live in!

+ And success in the making They may be new to fundraising leadership in Sarasota, but Carolyn Keystone and her husband, Jim Meekison, are off to a great start as co-chairs of Ragtime Revisited, this season’s major fundraiser for the Asolo Rep set for March 17, at the Ringling Museum. At a recent kick-off gathering, they announced that 400 tickets have already been sold. Better get yours now from Laura Wood at 351-9010, Ext. Carolyn Keystone and 4712 or Laura_Wood@Asolo.org Jim Meekison

Black Tie Affair

“Lionel Bill” Clark started playing with model trains when he was 4, got serious about collecting after he returned from Korea, hooked up with the Sarasota Model Railroad Club about 1970 and started participating in the Crosley Festival of Trees several years ago. His layout there this year had three trains running, an estimated 400 pieces of scenery and a small Christmas tree decked out with authentic mid-century ornaments, including bubble lights — all from his private collection. It took eight hours to set up and provided a week’s-plus worth of delight.

+ Tidbits

was sold out well in advance with 340 guests and a waiting list of Abt asks for audience … At 50 … Excuse me for a minute … the Nov. 21 Friends of the Ballet At a recent gala at Michael’s On Luncheon, Peggy Abt, a board mem- East, Mimi Edlin realized that she ber of the ballet and needed something for of the Friends of the a dinner party she was Ballet, took the audihaving the next day, ence’s point of view in so she slipped out to leading a conversation Sweetbay to do a little with three of the brilshopping then returned liant principal dancto enjoy the rest of the ers who performed at evening … Dressing the Kennedy Center: for the office … In his Danielle Brown, comments at a recent Victoria Hulland and Asolo Rep event, Danielle Brown, Victoria Kate Walsh Honea ... Hulland and Kate Honea board President Warren Well-said … Debra Coville protested that Jacobs, while presenthe was wearing a tie ing AJC Civic Achievement award for the fourth night in a row. His to Sarasota Memorial Hospital CEO wife, Margo, is out and about with Gwen MacKenzie, delivered this him after her back surgery, supposelegant encomium: “You do the edly only one event a day but having right things in the right way and trouble sticking to it … Condolences you do them with honor and grace.” … to Carol Camiener, Ringling … Sold out without a doubt …

College of Art and Design board According to director of women’s member. Her son, Jeffrey Camiener, philanthropy Ilene Fox, the Dec. 5 died Nov. 28 after a long illness, his “Women’s Day” event for Jewish mind sharp until the end. May his Federation of Sarasota-Manatee memory be for a blessing.

Make-a-Wish of Central and Northern Florida Christmas in Candyland

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Michael’s On East; Ticket $35 per adult, $10 per child. Reservations: call 952-WISH This event has quickly established itself as a holiday season family favorite. Kids can sit on Santa’s lap for a photo by Studio Uno. Photos can be purchased with a portion of proceeds going back to Make-a-Wish. Nutcracker figures from the Gulf Coast Ballet will be dancing around the room. There will be face painting and balloon sculpting. Panera Bread is sponsoring a gingerbread cookie decorating station; the RitzCarlton is doing glitter tattoos.

And Phil Mancini, one of the originators of this event and a presenter along with partner Michael Klauber, is going all out to set up mountains of candy, sweets, ice cream and hot chocolate. A veritable dentist’s delight. Yummy …

Amicco islAnd concert “A classical Holiday” Randall Thompson “Frostiana” Haydn, Symphony #45, “Farewell” Handel, Selections from Messiah Alfred Gershfeld

Artistic Director & Principal Conductor

Natasha Vasilieva

Concertmaster

Tom Asosporos Narrator

Sunday, December 18 at 2 PM CrossPointe Fellowship 8605 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach

Tickets: 941.778.8585 • www.amicco.org • AMI Chamber, 5313 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach or at the door

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black tie tales

+ Sarasota choo-choo

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14 ■ Diversions

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Audiologist

Donna Simmons

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

CAMERA READY

24th annual Festival of Trees, Lights and Holiday Gifts

announces her new practice and location!

Friday, Dec. 2 | Michael’s On East

Physicians Hearing Care

The Physician's Choice • Serving Sarasotans for Over 20 years!

Come by to visit! We're convenient to many physicians and always provide plenty of parking. Enjoy the hospitality of our gourmet coffee bar. We also have five complimentary packs of batteries for you! You'll find us one block south of Waldemere at the corner of Osprey Avenue and Hawthorne Street.

1700 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota -

364-2222

70694

www.physicianshearingflorida.com

Honorary Chairwoman Christine Robinson and Michelle Reilly Photos by Whittany Gibson

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Chairwomen Melissa Caldwell, Sylvia Zimmerman and Sonya Dlug

Observe

Scott and Melissa Stevens

Corissa Grothe and Larry Lawman

Second Annual Wine, Dine and Pine Wednesday, Nov. 30 | Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

what you are missing...

Photos by Whittany Gibson

Diane DeMont and Debbie Comer

More than just

bOW tiES & bALLgOWNS!

Chairwoman Karen Labonte with Co-Chairwoman Jane Paulishak

Zita Kasza and Jackie McNally

Local News that’s

LOCAL NEWS! YourObserver.com You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

Vanessa Opstal, Selby Association President Allison Archbold and Marjorie Peter

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Diversions

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EVENTS/CAMERA READY December 12 Friends of the Sarasota

Ballet Showcase Luncheon Hosted by: Friends of the Sarasota Ballet Benefiting: Sarasota Ballet When: 11:30 a.m. Where: Michael’s On East Chair: Richard Hurter Contact: Richard Hurter, 780-3311 Price: $35

YMCA Foundation of Sarasota VIP DINNER ‘A CURRIER & IVES CHRISTMAS’ Thursday, Dec. 1 | The Field Club

17 Debutante Ball Benefiting: Sarasota Orchestra When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Sarasota Municipal Auditorium Contact: Robin Serbin, 350-8579 Price: $225 Photos by Whittany Gibson

18 JFCS Gala ‘Le Grand Cabaret’

Veronica Brady, Chris Jones and Chairwoman Denise Mei

Benefiting: Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Sarasota-Manatee, Inc. When: 6 p.m.

Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Chairs: Judy Cahn and Marie Monsky Contact: 366-2224, Ext. 142 Price: $500

19 ‘Winter Variations’ Hosted by: Friends of the Sarasota Ballet Benefiting: Sarasota Ballet When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sarasota Yacht Club Chair: Yvonne Sultan Contact: Yvonne Sultan, 7041828 Price: $125

Carlin Maxwell at Sarasota Orchestra’s Debutante Ball in 2010

Chris Jones, with co-hosts Susan Kretz and Daniel Long and Joseph Gallagher Debbie and Wayne Seitl

John and Leeann Caragiulo

Rick and Patrice McDaniel

John and Myrna Welch

OF SARASOTA

Together This Christmas

A HOLIDAY CABARET

DECEMBER 16 &17 AT 7:30 P.M.

DECEMBER 17 &18 AT 2 : 0 0 P. M .

Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum of Art

Treat yourself and your family to a gift of live musical entertainment... the best of the season’s favorites melodies!

Tuneful, joyous, colorful and memorable live musical performances by five of New York’s outstanding Broadway, cabaret, and recording artists....

Made possible with generous support from

FOR TICKETS CALL 941.360.7399 or online 24/7 at www.artistseriesconcerts.org All seats reserved - $35/$40 – Children 12/under $15 at all performances

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SOCIALCALENDAR

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011