East County Observer 12.19.13

bserver O EAST COUNTY FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FULL SWING SPOTLIGHT

RELIGION

East County celebrates start of polo season.

PAGE 19A

Priests consecrate St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church.

PAGE 5A

OUR TOWN

Chris Kohatsu lends a familiar face to HSN. PAGE 2-3B

education by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

Reports elicit strong response Rick Mills, Manatee County School District superintendent, says his goals remain the same, even after two state Auditor General’s Office reports revealed more financial challenges for the district.

EAST COUNTY — Manatee County Schools Superintendent Rick Mills is responding to two damning audits from the state the only way he knows how — with a plan.

He’s confident his senior lead-

ership team has already addressed many of the findings produced in two State Auditor General’s Office reports released in the past month — one on operational funding and the second on federal, grant-funded

programs — that revealed the district could spend more than $9 million to recover from major financial errors made by past leadership.

“When we find a challenge, we handle it,” Mills said. “Good

leaders get the brutal facts and move on. I am not interested in the blame game. We are in the move-on stage.”

The second report from the state that came Dec. 10 showed the Manatee County School District could see a $1.9 million reduction in its general fund balance, due to a series of mistakes caused by poor record-keeping

SEE REPORTS / PAGE 8A

Courtesy photo

+ Coats for kids Knights of Columbus Councils are helping children in need by providing coats to children in their communities through the order’s Coats for Kids program.

Members of Council 13341, from Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, recently donated 48 coats to Stillpoint House of Prayer and 48 coats to Sister Maria Gema for the youth at St. Michael’s Church, in Wauchula.

“The look on the children’s faces, as well as the parents’ faces, is priceless because they are so appreciative,” said Andy Velichko, Council 13341’s grand knight. “This could be the first new piece of clothing they have ever received, and the feeling is fantastic.”

CLAUS COUNTDOWN

Pam Eubanks

Hannah Van Hise plays the part of Mrs. Claus during Willis Elementary School’s holiday program Dec. 12 and Dec. 13. Audience members enjoyed seeing reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus and other holiday characters. For more photos, see page 5B.

DEVELOPMENT

+ Santa sighting Santa and his elf made a surprise stop Dec. 13, at WineStyles, in San Marco Plaza, by Harley-Davidson motorcycle, during the store’s weekly Friday night wine-tasting event.

Winestyles regulars Ed Cannon (Santa) and Dave Neff (elf) stayed just long enough to take photos with patrons.

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Developers plan Creekwood townhomes Commission approves plans for 116 townhomes in the Creekwood community.

CREEKWOOD — Developer M/I Homes is moving forward with plans to expand the Creekwood community with the addition of 112 townhomes.

M/I plans to construct the

townhomes on a 20-acre site located on the east side of Creekwood Boulevard, about one-half mile northeast of the intersection of State Road 70 and Creekwood Boulevard, at 7715 52nd Terrace

E., Bradenton. The parcel, which is located behind the Creekwood Crossing Lowe’s location, previously had been approved to house offices, but the project never was developed fully.

The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approved the proposal Dec. 17, after the Manatee County Plan-

SEE CREEKWOOD / PAGE 9A

INDEX Calendar............ 12A Classifieds ........ 15B

Cops Corner..........9A Crossword.......... 14B

Neighborhood...... 1B Real Estate........ 10B

Sports................ 15A Weather............. 14B

Vol. 14, No. 37 | Two sections YourObserver.com

2A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

LEGACY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

Leaving a mark organically Before Allison Nelson died of breast cancer, she started an organic produce business that donates vegetables to people with cancer through the Center for Building Hope, in Lakewood Ranch.

EAST COUNTY — Forget produce to schools, hosthat she was a ambitious lawpitals, restaurants and yer who went by “Aloe” and grocery stores, with some had dreams to be the best of the vegetables donated soccer mom — Allison Neldirectly to people with son wanted to leave an even cancer through the Cenmore enduring legacy. ter for Building Hope, in For Nelson, that inevitable Lakewood Ranch. thought of “What will I leave And today, just like Nelbehind?” came early and sudson planned, the busidenly. ness — and legacy — lives At 28 years old, Nelson, two on without her. months before marrying her On Dec. 12, Kay Hall fiancé, David, received a diagrode alone to the Center nosis of stage four metastatic for Building Hope — an breast cancer; it meant she organization that offers had just one year to live. support services to canAs her life spun in to an uncer patients, caregivers controllable cycle of doctors’ and family members — appointments, chemotherto donate boxes of vegapy and prognoses, Nelson etables. became empowered by veg“I promised I would etables. continue it forward,” Hall She learned eating organic said. “I never thought I food could prolong her life, would be a farmer, but Courtesy photo and although it did not save here I am.” it, Nelson hoped the outcome Following her diagnosis with breast cancer, That morning, which Allison Nelson got married and started a busi- marked the first day of would be better for others.

“She wanted to give us a ness that would leave a legacy after she died. the growing season, peoreason for everybody to reple connected to cancer member her,” said Katie Rauch, a and Lewis Hall, siblings Emily and slowly entered a colorful room at Miles, and other friends and fam- the Center for Building Hope and childhood friend.

Before Nelson, who grew up in ily learned to grow organic prod- filled green reusable Aloe OrganSarasota and attended Cardinal ucts such as spinach, red cabbage ics bags with vegetables.

Mooney High School, died March and kale next to roaming cattle.

Most have been patients at All They would create a business Children’s Hospital in St. Peters7, 2012, she started an organic farm on a portion of the Hall targeted at children with cancer burg, which refers people to the Family Ranch — her family’s live- called Aloe Organics — playing Center for Building Hope. on the nickname Nelson’s huslihood in Arcadia.

And most are repeat customers Nelson and her parents, Kay band gave her — and sell the who remember Hall from the first

time she came to the center in March. There’s Hannah Ramos, a curly-haired 12-year-old in remission from leukemia.

There’s Sonny Johnston with the big blue sunglasses and a graying goatee, whose 12 years battling brain cancer have left him hard of hearing, but not of taste.

“He’s a survivor,” his wife, Teresa said, pointing to her husband carrying a box of pattypan squash, bok choy, spinach and radishes. “He needs this.”

Hall will bring the vegetables here every Thursday for the rest of growing season — until May. Andrea Feldmar, program director at Center for Building Hope, says healthy eating represents a rare opportunity for people with cancer.

“Usually, the first thing you feel after being diagnosed with cancer is a feeling of being out of control,” Feldmar said. “But you can make educated decisions about what you eat.”

Kay Hall estimates 60% of Aloe Organics’ produce is sold commercially — to Sarasota restaurants such as

Pamona and Simon’s and grocery stores Detweiler’s Farm Market and Morton’s Market — to keep the business functioning.

The rest is donated through the Center for Building Hope.

To maintain the farm on the ranch, Hall keeps four to six people on staff during growing season, including a full-time business manager and ranch manager and part-time labor.

Before Nelson died, the family contacted Worden Farm, organic growers in Punta Gorda, to learn a craft they knew nothing about.

“You don’t just start off being an organic farmer,” Hall said.

To begin, Aloe Organics had plenty of raw Florida land and some produce, which was donated by Worden Farm.

Aloe Organics became certified organic in May. Doing so requires the business to grow produce free of pesticides.

Organic seeds are more expensive and the plants require more attention and manpower.

Today, Aloe Organics grows organic produce on six acres of perfectly manicured farmland.

“Allison wanted something that would survive her,” Kay Hall said.

“This isn’t about vegetables. It’s a community.”

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@yourobserver.com.

Sonny Johnston received support from Kay Hall.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

CELERY FIELDS FOREVER

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by Alex Mahadevan | Staff Writer

R I C H A RD SON RO A D 75

FRUITVILLE ROA D

R O AD

Benderson project

C A T T L E ME

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The Audubon Society and Benderson Development will work together to create friendly boundaries on dual projects east of Interstate 75.

Carlson Studio Architecture designed the proposed nature center for the Sarasota Audubon Society.

The Celery Fields was primarily an agricultural site for its namesake vegetable before the county bought the roughly 400 acres in 1995. After that, the county converted it into a stormwater resource by digging retention ponds that store runoff before it flows into Phillippi Creek and Sarasota Bay. “That’s when the birds came,” Dubi said.

In total, 217 different species

of birds have been identified within the boundaries of the Celery Fields. According to Dubi, in comparison to the roughly 300 species in the county as a whole, that number is remarkable for one location. And the variety is notable, as well. For example, a possible sighting of the Limpkin, a large marsh bird, attracts people from around the country.

“And we have plenty of them in Sarasota,” Dubi said.

Nature center N

Bird watching generates $250 million in annual economic impact for Sarasota County, according to an Audubon pamphlet.

The nature center would further bolster local eco-tourism.

“The nature center will be a significant addition to our destination providing new nature and wildlife programming to the delight of residents and visitors alike,” wrote Visit Sarasota County President Virginia Haley in the pamphlet.

Dubi envisions an exhibit explaining the history of the Celery Fields within the proposed nature center. Ringling College of Art and Design students have inked preliminary plans for a garden.

Sarasota Audubon will have a site for connecting with students, with a 24-seat enclosed classroom and an outdoor patio surrounding the building. Plans include a reception area, restrooms, a break room and an administrative office.

And, while the Sarasota Audubon Society will soon fulfill its need for a physical location, Benderson Development is negotiating with the county to buy a 42-acre parcel one mile north of the proposed nature center to fulfill another need: industrial space.

According to research from CoStar, a commercial real estate information and marketing service, industrial vacancy rates in Sarasota and Manatee counties have fallen from 12% in 2010 to less than 8% in the second

quarter of 2013. As the economy rebounds, firms are quickly occupying manufacturing sites, said Benderson Development Vice President Larry Fineberg during a Nov. 26 Sarasota County Commission meeting.

Benderson Development has offered the county $2.5 million for the property near the Celery Fields to initially construct 200,000 square feet of multi-tenant buildings for light manufacturing, assembly warehousing, research and development and office space, according to preliminary bid documents.

Fineberg explained to commissioners that creating the needed product would make Sarasota County competitive with Manatee County in terms of attracting new firms to the area.

“The one thing we can say about industrial and commercial is on the weekend it’s quiet,” Dubi said. “All around here you can see industrial spaces, and we live quite well with them.”

During the meeting, commissioners directed Benderson to include specifications for lighting and a buffer to be compatible with the nearby environmental needs.

“We’re going to make it fit with everything else around it,” Fineberg said. “But, getting a shovel in the ground is the most important thing now.”

Sarasota Audubon will help the development company choose native flora for such a buffer, Dubi said.

“We will be working with Benderson all along the way in the process,” Dubi said. “The important thing is that the Celery Fields and the nature center are really protected.”

YOUROBSERVER.COM // See a video about Celery Fields.

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Courtesy photo

A bird stands on a boardwalk, in the Celery Fields, to dry its wings.

The closest thing to an office for Sarasota Audubon President Jeanne Dubi is a boardwalk that extends over the water in the Celery Fields off Palmer Boulevard, in Sarasota. It’s here that Dubi chats with tourists who are birding for the first time.

“We’ll see you again sometime soon when we have our Nature Center,” Dubi told the tourists Monday before they left the popular bird-watching location.

In the spring, a makeshift parking lot less than 100 yards away will become the site of a $1.3 million environmental education and visitor center. The Sarasota Audubon Society will operate the center and fund it using donations. The society will lease the land from the county for $10 per year; so far, it has raised 70% of the funds needed to build the center.

Currently, the county is building a restroom facility at the location. The Audubon Society plans to break ground on its nature center shortly after the restroom’s completion. The nature center will use infrastructure from the county facility.

P A L MER

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

permanent fix by Josh Siegel | Staff Writer

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LAKEWOOD RANCH — A walking trail behind Greenbrook Adventure Park separates a storm retention pond — and the homes that overlook it — from the Braden River.

But erosion damage from rainstorms, even mild ones, regularly causes water to overflow near the dividing line — the trail — and threatens to exchange water between the Braden River, the source of Manatee County’s water supply, and the pond.

“The water is getting dangerously close to the trail and the pond,” said Ryan Heise, Lakewood Ranch Town Hall operations manager. “If that happened — if the two bodies of water were to mix — we would have to redo the entire system: the pond and the trail. Will that actually happen?

Maybe not. But it’s better to not let Mother Nature decide.”

Spectrum Underground Inc. will start repairs to the riverbank in the next few weeks.

The aftermath of Tropical Storm Andrea this summer provided the incentive for Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 4 to pay $75,000 for the repairs; overflows have occurred regularly for the past year. Town Hall’s operations staff has ordered some cosmetic repairs during that time, but nothing significant enough to stop damage.

Repairs will make an eroded slope above the Braden River less steep.

Heise’s in-house staff collected 400 tons of fill dirt — purchased for $3 per ton from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch — and delivered it in dump trucks to the project site.

Josh Siegel

Workers will try to mitigate the steepness of an eroded riverbank near the Braden River, behind Greenbrook Adventure Park.

The mounds of fill dirt sit near the riverbank now; it will be used to cover the slope.

Spectrum then will mount articulating concrete, a mat of black blocks that look like puzzle pieces, on top of the fill dirt.

“The goal is to make the slope more gradual,” Heise said. “We are rebuilding the lake bank so that water does not overflow.”

Once Spectrum begins the work, it will take less than a week to complete.

So far, the overflowing water has been a temporary nuisance. CDD 4 cannot stop anyone from using the trail when the area floods, although Heise and his staff close Greenbrook Adventure Park during heavy storms.

Heise hopes for a permanent solution.

“It’s kind of like your buying insurance for the destructive force of Mother Nature,” Heise said. “It’s money spent now to prevent more money spent in the future.”

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

HOLY DEDICATION

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by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Sarasota church baptized during weekend ceremony Members of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church celebrated the second most important event in the church’s history.

EAST COUNTY — Beams of sunlight seeped through windows and reflected off hand-crafted mosaics and murals lining the inside of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

Last week, five parishioners whispered to each other while they cleaned the empty sanctuary that would soon be filled with more than 300 guests.

On Dec. 13, Metropolitan Alexios, an archbishop, traveled from his home in Atlanta to Sarasota to lead the church’s community in a two-day event — the night of the great vespers and the consecration — that baptized St. Barbara. Alexios dedicated the church through the presentation and sealing of relics onto the holy table, and other traditions of the service.

It took 22 years for the St. Barbara church to be cosmetically as close to perfect as possible, and to be ready for its dedication.

Only after the proper iconography and artwork is displayed — in its correct location according to orthodox standards — will the Metropolitan grant permission for the consecration. For example, a

painting of Mary is always positioned behind the altar, where Jesus hangs on the cross.

“It takes a long time to get the church just the way it needs to be, just the way the community wants it,” said the Rev. John Bociu, of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church.

Although the ceremony only lasted two days, the preparations leading up to it started when the church opened its doors in December 1991.

The church installed mosaics in 1992 — its first step to get ready for its eventual consecration. Over the years, church members added to the artwork collection at the church, and now, after more than two decades of preparations, the community members deemed it fit to be brought to the Metropolitan for consideration.

Alexios started the ceremony with the presentation of the skeletal remains of the selected orthodox mar-

Metropolitan Alexios, of Atlanta, leads consecration ceremonies.

tyrs, which he brought from New York to Sarasota for the ceremony.

The four figures chosen to represent the East County church are St. Barbara, Pate Leimon, Kyricos and the priest of St. Stavis, a Jerusalem monastery.

He placed the beeswax-coated pieces onto the holy table Friday night. The relics sat over night to “breathe.”

Saturday, Alexios poured a mixture of marble dust and hot beeswax, comparable to cement, over the relics of the martyrs, whose fragments are a quarter of the size of a fingernail.

The mixture sealed the relics onto the holy table, along with two scrolls of the names of church members, allowing the community to remain a part of the table forever.

Officials placed a cloth over the table to protect it; it never will never be removed.

To get the community involved, each participant received a wrapped gold box filled with

Photos by Pam Eubanks and Amanda Sebastiano

Fr. Frank Kirlangitis walks through the sanctuary of St. Barabara’s Greek Orthodox Church during a consecration ceremony Saturday.

The painting on the dome of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox church took months to create.

The church is home to a range of paintings depicting figures, themes and scenes from the Bible. memorabilia from the event and a plastic case with a piece of Alexios’ robe, which was shredded after the ceremony ended.

The Metropolitan annointed

areas in the building to form the Greek Orthodox symbol chi-rho, the first two Greek letters in the word Christ, to complete the dedication. Alexios used a 30-foot pole with an oil- and myrrh-soaked sponge on the end to brush against select areas of the church to form the symbol.

“Everything is special about this event,” Bociu said. “It happens only once in a church’s lifetime.

Just as natural and spiritual births can only happen once, the same is true of the consecration.”

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

NEWS BRIEFS

BOYS LACROSSE CAMP

Featuring Justin Smith from the Chesapeake Bayhawks as a Guest Coach

+ Substitute teacher charged with child abuse A substitute teacher at Nolan Middle School was arrested Dec. 12 for allegedly abusing a 13-year-old student.

A police report states Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Kenneth Machol, 56, after he allegedly grabbed a student by the arm and shoulder and dragged him from a classroom Dec. 12, at the school.

After interviewing the student and an assistant principal, deputies learned the teacher had become upset with the student over his schoolwork.

The student was not injured.

Machol was arrested at his home.

Nolan Middle School is located at 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., in Lakewood Ranch.

+ John Neal Homes hires new president of building John Neal Homes, a Lakewood Ranchbased homebuilder, has hired Randy Turkovics as its new president of building.

A Venice High School graduate, Turkovics has more than 25 years of experience in the industry.

“Randy Turkovics brings a solid industry

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Healthy Living Organic & Natural Market opened on Lakewood Ranch Main Street Dec. 1.The organic food store, owned by Maria Rosabal, a Lakewood Ranch resident, sells supplements, lotions, fresh fruits and veggies, frozen food, such as ice cream and fish, bulk items and more.

The store also has a made-to-order juice bar.

“I believe the community needed this,” said Rosabal, a firsttime business owner who spent 25 years in the banking industry. “We want to educate people (on how) to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Healthy Living Organic will also host seminars to educate the public on a variety of health topics.

The store’s roughly 2,500-squarefoot space, at 10671 Boardwalk Loop, is substantially smaller than the 12,000-square-foot space occupied by Good Earth Natural Foods, a previous health-food store to open on Main Street.

Good Earth Natural Foods closed in 2011.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

reputation and a wealth of experience to our established team,” said John Neal, president of John Neal Homes.

Turkovics has a degree in construction management from the University of Florida and has worked for several national and regional homebuilding companies, including Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Mattamy Homes and Turkovics Morrison Homes. His new job calls for him to continue John Neal Homes’

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growth and expansion in the luxury home market in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“I’ve followed Neal Communities for many years,” Turkovics said. “What this company has done over the past few years to adjust through the downturn and come out of it stronger is amazing. To work for a company like this with forward thinking and an innovative vision is very exciting. I look forward to leveraging my experience to grow and expand the John Neal Homes brand in this market.”

John Neal Homes is currently building in The Concession and University Park.

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MANATEE SCHOOL DISTRICT GRADUATION RATE 2012-13 11-12 10-11 09-10 76.8% 76.2% 64.7% 67.9%

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ation and dropout rates is great news for our students and community,” said Superintendent Rick Mills. “I want to thank everyone inside and outside of the school district who has worked so hard to achieve these impressive results.”

Mike McCann, the Manatee County School District’s supervisor of dropout prevention, credited a number of factors for the positive trends.

He cites an increase in academic options, including career academies and career-readiness programs, at district high schools.

Additionally, the district’s Learning is For Everyone program has given at-risk students the ability to obtain credit recovery courses to make up for time they might have missed in school.

See data from the past six school years below:

127105

The graduation rate in the Manatee County School District continues to rise, while the number of students who drop out of school falls, according to data released Dec. 11 by the Florida Department of Education.

The district’s graduation rate was 76.8% for the 2012-13 school year — 14.3% greater than the district’s graduation rate for the 2007-08 school year.

Last year’s figures also exceeded the statewide graduation rate of 75.6%.

Only 1.6% of Manatee County students dropped out of school last year, a 2.8% decrease from the district’s dropout rate in 2007-08.

The 1.6% dropout rate from 2012-13 bettered the statewide dropout rate of 2%.

“The consistent, positive trend in the Manatee School District’s gradu-

8A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

Observer EAST COUNTY

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Editor / CEO / Matt Walsh mwalsh@yourobserver.com Publisher / Lisa Walsh lwalsh@yourobserver.com Chief Digital Officer / Emily Walsh ewalsh@yourobserver.com Executive Editor / Kat Hughes khughes@yourobserver.com Deputy Executive Editor / Jessica Luck jluck@yourobserver.com Managing Editor / Pam Eubanks peubanks@yourobserver.com Sports Editor / Jen Blanco jblanco@yourobserver.com Staff Writers / Josh Siegel, jsiegel@yourobserver.com Amanda Sebastiano, amandas@yourobserver.com Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz nschwartz@yourobserver.com Designer / Jess Eng jeng@plantcityobserver.com Managing Editor/Diversions-Season / Stephanie Hannum, stephanie@yourobserver.com Managing Editor/Design / Nancy Schwartz nschwartz@yourobserver.com Arts & Entertainment Editor / Mallory Gnaegy mgnaegy@yourobserver.com Black Tie Assistant Editor / Heather Merriman hmerriman@yourobserver.com Director of Advertising / Jill Raleigh jraleigh@yourobserver.com East County Advertising Manager / Lori Ruth lruth@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Penny DiGregorio pdigregorio@yourobserver.com Sales Manager / Rosemary Felton rfelton@yourobserver.com Senior Advertising Executive / Laura Ritter lritter@yourobserver.com Advertising Executives / Robyn Didelot, rdidelot@yourobserver.com Patti Duff, pduff@yourobserver.com Laura Fernandez, lfernandez@yourobserver.com Beth Holman, bholman@yourobserver.com Beth Jacobson, bjacobson@yourobserver.com Robert Lewis, blewis@yourobserver.com Suzanne Munroe, smunroe@yourobserver.com Brand Marketing Manager / Leslie Gnaegy lgnaegy@yourobserver.com Sales Coordinator/Account Managers / Lori Downey, ldowney@yourobserver.com Susan Leedom, sleedom@yourobserver.com Rachel Livingston, rlivingston@yourobserver.com Classified Advertising Sales Executives/ Maureen Hird, mhird@yourobserver.com Deedie Parker, dparker@yourobserver.com Director of Creative Services and Information Technology / Kathy Payne, kpayne@yourobserver.com Assistant Creative Services Manager / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver.com Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com Jim Knake, jknake@yourobserver.com Chris Stolz, cstolz@yourobserver.com Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com Director of Digital Sales / Kathleen O’Hara kohara@yourobserver.com Interactive Art Director / Caleb Stanton cstanton@yourobserver.com Digital Marketing Consultant / Brandon Steinert bsteinert@digitalobservermedia.com Digital Fulfillment Specialist / Jordon Stone jstone@digitalobservermedia.com Digital Content Producer / Alex Mahadevan alexm@yourobserver.com Chief Financial Officer / Laura Keisacker lkeisacker@yourobserver.com Controller / Lisa Schwenk lschwenk@yourobserver.com Office Coordinator / Donna Condon dcondon@yourobserver.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

RISING STAR

by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Dancer lands a leading role in ballet After playing nearly every role in ‘The Nutcracker,’ Isabelle Starner comes full circle, from a snow flurry to the Snow Queen.

EAST COUNTY — Putting on the white sparkly tutu and jewelcovered crown for her role as the Snow Queen in “The Nutcracker” means something more than two days of fame for 15-year-old Isabelle Starner.

For nearly 10 years, Starner worked toward getting the part in Diane Partington’s rendition of “The Nutcracker,” playing a variety of other roles over the years.

“It feels amazing,” Starner said.

“It’s crazy, but fun, and I enjoy it.”

The ballet, produced by Partington’s Ellenton-based studio, comes to the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., for two days, showing at 7 p.m. Dec. 21 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Admission is $28 for adults, and $16 for children 12 and under.

Starner will showcase her part the first night.

Starting out as a snow flurry in 2004 — Starner’s first year in the production— she progressed to more advanced roles, including her portrayal of Clara in 2010.

“Starting out as a flurry and now being the Snow Queen — it’s really a full circle,” said Starner’s mother, Tina. “It put a big smile on her face.”

Starner’s enrollment in Partington’s more advanced classes, and the fact she’s now too old for the role of Clara, kept Starner quiet about her hopes of being chosen for the more advanced, sophisticated role in the ballet. Telling only her mother that she want-

REPORTS / PAGE 1A and misused spending.

As in the first report, the district has 30 days to respond to the latest findings — by Jan. 9 — giving it a chance to mitigate some of the costs.

The $1.9 million figure from the new report consists of questioned costs from the 2012-13 year (see sidebar).

Some of the costs date back to the 2010-11 school year.

The newest report comes after the first one, released Nov. 25, found a misuse of funds and other mistakes could cost the district $7.2 million from its general fund balance.

Combined, the two figures

AT A GLANCE Some of the findings from the latest report from the state Auditor General’s Office — this one on federal, grant-funded programs — include: • $1.5 million of questioned costs because the district did not adequately document charges to the Special Education Program for Early Intervention Services.

• $207,900 of questioned costs because district records did not adequately document the feasibility of certain Title I program expenditures.

• $91,600 of questioned costs because money from the Improving Teacher Quality Program was used for purposes contrary to federal regulations.

Isabelle Starner, 15, will share the Snow Queen role in “The Nutcracker” this year — a part she worked toward since she was 5.

Courtesy photo

ed the part, she was afraid she wouldn’t be chosen, Tina Starner said.

In the spring, Partington’s ballerinas put on a “Swan Lake” production, for which Starner had a leading role. After the show commenced, Starner showed more confidence in dance practices.

The newly found self-assurance Starner portrayed caught Partington’s eye when she was making selections for the Snow Queen.

With no formal auditions for the role, and the decision centered on Partington’s impression of the ballerinas’ abilities shown in threaten to bite into the $10.3 million the administration is trying to save to meet state-mandated reserves.

But Mills believes he can reduce those costs because he says the district has addressed some of them already.

From March to just before Thanksgiving, state auditors made the third floor of the Manatee County School Board’s Administration building their home as they formulated the reports.

During the same time, Mills and his team prepared fixes to findings that they knew were coming.

An external audit that accounting firm Mauldin & Jenkins conducted in the spring confirmed many of the problems the state would soon find. The district posted an action plan related to that report on its website.

“After we got that report in the spring, we took what they had to say as a team, had a plan and corrected it,” Mills said. “Some of the findings from the state were redundant to that audit. These are things we’ve already fixed.”

For example, the district has set aside $724,788 in workers’ compensation repayment funds in this year’s budget. Mills expects that fund to be in the black within two years.

Still, Mills said, auditors have an obligation to report things from the year they found them — even if the district had later addressed the concerns.

“The state will still report it as a finding because it happened,” Mills said. “You can’t escape that.”

Mills has instructed his staff —

practice, Starner received word in September that she and Kristi Jones would share the part.

Since landing the role, Starner adopted a more rigorous practice schedule in preparation for the show. She rehearses Saturdays and stays after her Tuesday night classes for 30 minutes to perfect maintaining her balance during turns — something she struggles with in her new role.

Jumps, arm extensions and en pointe routines — tip-of-the-toe dancing — are not among her weaknesses, however, and also helped her score the position as

the authoritative figure on stage.

“The Snow Queen is in charge of everybody when she’s on stage, which is nice, because if you mess up on stage, no one knows since you’re the only one doing it,” Starner said, jokingly.

Starner believes blossoming from a flurry to a queen shows she matured as a dancer and proves that hard work pays off.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit partingtonclassicalballet.com or sarasotaopera.org.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at amandas@yourobserver.com.

Josh Siegel

Rick Mills reassured his finance staff during a special holiday lunch that the district remains on a path to recovery, despite challenges presented in two state audits in the past month. corresponding with the relevant department — to look at the findings and provide evidence to eliminate, decrease or confirm each one.

The school board will discuss corrective actions from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wed. Dec. 18, during a special workshop at the administration building.

Later, Mills will post his action plan to the district’s website for public viewing, based on his staff’s findings.

Then, Mills and Julie Aranibar, the school board chairwoman, plan to travel to Tallahassee to present the plan in person to elected officials and state education leaders.

“It’s important for the community to have confidence we are taking a strong response,” Mills said.

By presenting evidence that the district is taking aggressive action to address the state’s concerns — installing budget controls, streamlining a senior leadership team that has a director of budget for the first time — Mills hopes to persuade the state to permit a deferred payment plan to meet required reserves.

Mills’ financial recovery plan — approved by the Florida Department of Education in June — promised to restore the 3% fund balance by June 30.

But circumstances change.

Mills’ says his goals haven’t.

“My goal going to my work here was to balance the budget, which we have, and restore the fund balance,” Mills said. “That hasn’t changed.”

Contact Josh Siegel at jsiegel@ yourobserver.com.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

PLANNING COMMISSION OKS DEL TIERRA In other business, the Manatee County Planning Commission voted 4-3 to recommend approval of a preliminary site plan for Del Tierra, a 610home subdivision slated for 233 acres on the west side of Rye Road, just south of Upper Manatee River Road.

Residents of the neighboring Country Meadows community voiced objections to the plan, citing concerns with traffic, water runoff and density.

Although Country Meadows residents argued the proposed

CREEKWOOD / PAGE 1A ning Commission unanimously recommended approval for the project Dec. 12.

“The site was a transition from the larger commercial use,” said attorney Caleb Grimes, M/I’s representative for the project.

“Townhomes provide that same type of transition.”

Grimes said M/I plans to proceed with the project in “due haste,” but could not offer a specific timeline.

The parcel on which the townhomes will be constructed sits within Creekwood’s Development of Regional Impact.

As part of the approval, commissioners agreed to allow M/I Homes to modify Creekwood’s DRI by changing the use of a land

community would be significantly more dense than its neighboring subdivisions (roughly three homes per acre compared to one home per acre), county planning staff noted density for the proposed development is less than the maximum allowed for the property’s zoning category.

“The uses are the same between our neighbors and where we are; they’re all singlefamily homes,” developer representative Caleb Grimes said.

“We think this is a natural progression.” parcel from office to residential, increasing the total number of resident units by 112 (for a total of 1,362 units) and decreasing the office square footage by 125,000, to a total of 100,000 square feet.

Grimes said the property’s close proximity to shopping and Interstate 75 make it ideal for residential development.

“Right now, townhomes are quite popular in the market,” Grimes said.

The Creekwood DRI has been approved in four phases for 1,250 residential units, 603,000 square feet of commercial space, 800,000 feet of industrial space, 225,000 square feet of office space, 80,000 square feet of mini-warehouse space and 100 hotel rooms.

Contact Pam Eubanks at peubanks@yourobserver.com.

COPS

MANATEE

CORNER

DEC. 6 Midnight — 800 block of Kay Road N.E. Driving While License Suspended. As he sat in his parked vehicle, a deputy saw a white car speed past him. The car traveled 50 mph in a 30 mph zone. The deputy pulled over the driver and asked for insurance, vehicle registration and license.

The driver said her license had been suspended because she had recently been arrested for driving under the influence. The deputy determined the woman had been arrested for DUI Nov. 5.

The woman was arrested again.

127557

FL State Certification # CC CO 14711

11:38 p.m. — 4900 block of Peridia Boulevard East. Burglary.

While a homeowner was out running errands for less than three hours, an unknown person pried open the locked sliding-glass master bedroom door.

Once inside, the person stole items before fleeing by unknown means.

DEC. 10 ONE MAN’S TRASH

DEC. 9

8:39 a.m. —8300 block of Lockwood Ridge Road. Trespass Warning. A homeless man sat at the edge of a lake reading a magazine. He was surrounded by trash and empty beer cans. A deputy issued a trespass warning to the man, because he felt the man’s appearance and behavior was disruptive. The man offered to clean up the mess, but then he acted arrogant, a deputy said, and left the property.

ARM IN ARM 12:23 a.m. — 5500 block of 41st Street East. Burglary.

Armed burglars forced entry into a home. Once inside, the burglars ransacked the master bedroom. The burglars stole two firearms before fleeing.

PHONE SWIPE 3:43 p.m. — 6900 block of Linger Lodge Road. Theft.

A student’s phone was stolen from her desk inside a technology classroom at an elementary school. The victim tracked her lost phone to a specific address.

SHOPPING SPREE 1 p.m. — 2900 block of 53rd Avenue. Identity Theft. A man’s wife notified him about a suspi-

2:58 p.m. — 6600 block of 48th Avenue Drive E. Criminal Mischief. A man was riding his ATV around the outside of his home. The property also has a guesthouse. When the homeowner rode near the recently remodeled guesthouse, he found it damaged.

Unknown persons, believed to be juveniles, broke three windows to the guesthouse using a baseball bat. Inside the guesthouse, police found three soda cans and evidence the intruders had tried to start a fire. Deputies also discovered a scooter inside.

Deputies took photographs of the scene. There have been no arrests.

cious transaction that appeared in their bank statement. The man reviewed the account and determined unknown person(s) used one of his checks to make a $366.57 purchase at a department store. The man authorized his bank to stop the payment.

109160

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

THE GOOD NEWS // How donors, volunteers and beneficiaries connect

Sponsored Content

by Nick Friedman | Staff Writer

“These are things that emphasize that kids really are amazing when you give them the opportunity to think about helping others. They’ve really shined.” — SUZI LYNCH

SUZI LYNCH Fourth-grade Odyssey Program teacher // Laurel Nokomis School

The scene is an odd one at Grace United Methodist Preschool. A miniature Albert Einstein trots down the hall in mismatched shoes to retrieve the fuzzy white adhesive eyebrow that has fallen off in the excitement.

Amelia Earhart casually follows close behind, model airplane in tow. These pint-sized historical figures are actually students in Suzi Lynch’s fourthgrade class at Laurel Nokomis School.

Today, they’ve dressed as their personal heroes in preparation for their reading ambassadors program, in which they read books they’ve written to the preschoolers.

“We were talking about heroes in

the classroom,” says Lynch. “I kept hearing them say, ‘When I grow up … ’ I thought that was great, but could they be heroes now? It upset me as a teacher that they felt other people could do great things, when I know they’re capable of it, too.”

So, Lynch posed a question to her class: To a 4-year-old preschool student, couldn’t something as simple as reading a book be considered heroic? After some thought, her class agreed that, indeed, they could make a difference in these students’ lives.

They started writing books they would like to have read in preschool.

Subject matter included youthful concerns such as going to the doctor, overcoming teasing and being afraid

of the dark.

The next step would require each student to choose his or her personal hero and put together an accompanying costume before visiting Grace United Methodist Preschool. Funds raised through Gulf Coast Gives provided school bus transportation as well as hardback copies of the students’ books.

When the day came to present their books and definitions of a hero, the fourth-graders and preschoolers seemed equally excited to know that being a hero doesn’t require super powers or a cape — just the effort to make a positive change in one’s community.

“These are things that emphasize that kids really are amazing when you give them the opportunity to think about helping others,” says Lynch. “They’ve really shined.”

// BY THE NUMBERS

19 $500

NUMBER OF LAUREL NOKOMIS READING AMBASSADORS MONEY RAISED SO FAR TO FUND THE PROGRAM

YOUROBSERVER.COM/THEGOODNEWS // See the reading ambassadors dressed in costume to share their books with Grace United Methodist preschoolers.

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Donate Give Cards on GulfCoastGives.org to support the real and immediate needs of local charities.

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an initiative of

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

GETTING SQUIRRELY

11A

by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Couple teams up to write first children’s story Two residents released the first children’s story in their series, ‘The Adventures of the Nutters.’

EAST COUNTY — After seeing a group of squirrels watching them through their bay window, waiting for their nightly treat of mixed nuts, Anne Corbett Brown and Patrick Ringley stood up from the couch in their East County home to feed their guests — a fitting scene considering recent events.

The couple started bonding with their furry neighbors while they worked on their recent project — a children’s story.

In September, the duo, through Sarasota-based publishing company Peppertree Press, released a story about a family of squirrels: “The Tree Highway.” It is the first book in a series called “The Adventures of the Nutters.”

The glossy, 43-page chapter book is designed for children ages 6 to 9. The story demonstrates themes of working together and the importance of family.

In it, a family of squirrels, the Nutters, journey to find a new home after a demolition crew chops down their oak tree.

Photos by Amanda Sebastiano

Anne Corbett Brown and Patrick Ringley wrote “The Tree Highway” — the first in a series of children’s books.

They travel by way of the tree highway — a path of treetops that will keep the family from having to face the dangers on the

ground.

The couple came up with the idea for the story in May, days after Brown’s retirement from her 21-year career as a corporate communications manager.

“I was ready to start something new,” Brown said. “It’s neat for me to get a chance to be creative again.”

Sitting beside Ringley in matching lawn chairs behind their cabin-inspired home, Brown enjoyed watching the squirrels playing in the palm trees in their backyard.

The sight of a neighbor cutting down one of his trees sparked an idea, and, within minutes, the couple decided on a plot and the main characters.

“It all just fell into place,” Brown said.

After sending a query letter summarizing the story’s plot to Peppertree Press in the spring, the couple received publisher’s approval. Over the summer, they worked with book illustrator Sue Lynn Cotton, with whom they

were paired through the publishing company.

“We gave her (Cotton) onesentence descriptions for what we were looking for in each character,” Ringley said.

“The mother was to look like a Southern belle, and the father, a conservative businessman.”

With a bachelor’s in English, Brown served primarily as the editor of the story.

She also came up with various ideas for the story, often coming up with ideas faster than she could write them down, Ringley said.

Ringley, a musician and a retired cabinet designer, took on the task of writing the story.

The couple is happy with the sale of more than 100 books so

far and continues working on the fourth book in the series.

Next year, they will focus on bringing the Nutters to the big screen by reaching out and pitching their story to animation studios, such as Pixar.

“The Tree Highway” is available on amazon. com for $17, and through personal requests made through the authors’ website — paracba.com.

Through website requests, Brown and Ringley will autograph and deliver copies to area residents for $16.

“I never thought I’d be writing a story about squirrels,” Ringley said, laughing. “But, this is the first time I’ve done a project just for fun; it has been a blast.”

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at amandas@yourobserver.com.

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6 Area locations in Sarasota / Lakewood Ranch / Bradenton SARASOTA:

YourObserver.com

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

12A

FRIDAY, DEC. 20 Jingle 5K Run/Walk — starts at 7 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Registration starts at 4 p.m. in the Health Parkway Lakewood Ranch Medical Center parking lot. Kids’ Santa dashes start at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the 5K at 7 p.m. A one-mile holiday walk starts at 7:10 p.m. For more information, visit fit2run.com.

Kim Betts Duo — plays from 7 to 10 p.m. at Linger Lodge, 7205 85th St. E., Bradenton. For more information, call 755-2757.

Soulrcoaster — plays at 9 p.m. at Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. For more information, visit pologrillandbar.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 21 Breakfast with Santa — runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Polo Grill and Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop,

DON’T MISS Living Nativity at Jingle in the Jungle — runs from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 20 through Dec. 24, at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota.

Come see a living nativity, which includes Nomad, the habitat’s resident “hump day” camel, along with other sanctuary animal residents.

The event coincides with the sanctuary’s regular Jingle in the Jungle holiday schedule, which includes animal-training sessions at 2 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 and younger. For more information, visit Bigcathabitat.org.

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet, holiday music, family-friendly entertainment and pictures with Santa. Tickets cost $17.50 for adults in advance (or $20 at the door) and children 12 and younger cost $12 in advance (or $15 at the door). To register, visit pologrillandbar. com.

Apron’s Cooking School: Gingerbread Houses — starts at 11 a.m. at Publix, 2875 University Parkway, Sarasota. Event costs $50 for a family of four. Class allows you and your children (at least one adult and up to three children) to decorate your own gingerbread house. Children should be at least 4 years old. Reservations required. For information or to register, call 358-7829, or visit publix. com/cookingschools.

Ovation Holiday Musical Theatre Revue — starts at 7 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch High School, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Ovation students will showcase a variety of performance types, including ballet, acting and musical theater. Admission costs $5 for students and $10 for adults. For more information, call 400-4854.

Latin Night Dancing — runs from 8 to 11 p.m. every Saturday, at Sashay, 8209 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch.

Come dance for the evening. Cost is $20 for singles or $30 per couple.

No reservations required. For more information, visit sashaydance.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 22 Lunch with Santa — runs from noon to 2 p.m. at Main Street Trattoria, 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch. Cost is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children. Reservations required. For information, call 9071518.

MONDAY, DEC. 23 Cooking Class: Nuts About Holiday Cookies — starts at 6 p.m. at Publix, 2875 University Parkway, Sarasota. Learn to make four types of cookies — Nutella pistachio biscotti; chocolate peanut butter cup cookie; butter pecan balls; and icebox walnut cookies — during this Apron’s cooking class. Each student takes home a dozen of each type of cookie. Class costs $40 per seat. Reservations required. For information or to register, call 358-7829 or visit publix.com/cookingschools.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

13A

girl power by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

All-women choir’s performances are a lark The University Park Women’s Club Park Larks’ performance season hits a high note as the group sings in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

EAST COUNTY — Sopranos and altos harmonized together to perform “Feliz Navidad” and other holiday tunes Dec. 11, at Bird Key Yacht Club. The group sang in front of a backdrop of colorfully wrapped gifts and Christmas trees covered in glittery gold ornaments and strings of white lights.

For the 10th year, members of the University Park Women’s Club Park Larks singing group will visit venues around the East County, including assisted-living facilities, wearing their signature black blouses and pants with red scarves nestled around their necks.

Barbara Staton has served as the choir’s director since 2003, when she and Emmy Walsh put the group together.

“I remember if as if it were yesterday,” Staton said.

The women agreed there needed to be an outlet for women in University Park to showcase their vocal talents.

“We figured there are all these other groups and clubs, why not have one for singing?” Staton said. “It all started in Emmy Walsh’s living room. We didn’t even have an accompanist; it was just the bare bones.”

The 14-member group includes Gia Havener, music director at Peace Presbyterian

Church. Havener plays the piano for the ladies and writes songs for them to intersperse in their repertoire of Broadway hits and classics.

Although members have joined and left the group during the 10 years of its existence, a few, such as Staton and Walsh, are veterans.

About half of the members are snowbirds who leave to head north during the group’s offseason — May to September — including the newest singer of the group, Susan Gordon.

Captivated by Sarasota five years ago, Gordon, a Rochester, N.Y., native, decided to spend her summers in New England and head south for the winter.

She now owns a home in University Park Country Club — a qualification to be a member of the Larks and the University Park Women’s Club.

A former interior designer, Gordon enjoys being retired, and the laid-back, easygoing nature of the choir, she said.

Although she doesn’t share group seniority with Staton and Havener, Gordon shares similarities with the two women — they all have backgrounds in music.

Hoping to make a career out of singing, Gordon was a musicology major at Smith College.

Amanda Sebastiano

First row: Gia Havener and Barbara Staton; second row: Holly Barry, Susan Gordon, Judy Soha, Joni Pensack, Nawal Obeid and Joyce Giberti; third row: Moyra Jackson, Phyllis Roth, Peggy Losee, Gail Shaeffer, Nancy Crowley, Emmy Walsh, Louise Dianna, Karen Curlin and Sandy Rosin.

Somewhere along the line, however, it took a back seat to other interests. But, she always loved to belt out tunes, even if just for fun.

The women practice once a week during season; they enjoy bringing their own singing styles to the songs they perform.

The members work alongside Havener to create arrangements that showcase their singing abilities.

The ladies have two singing

seasons — January to April and October to December — with more than six shows a season that the public, not just those who live in University Park, is invited to attend for free.

In March, the Park Larks will join forces with two other local singing groups whose members, too, live in and represent the communities for which their groups are named — The Glenridge Harmonaires and The Landoliers.

Although the Lark ladies are dedicated to their performances, they still laugh at themselves and have fun together.

“We’re ordinary gals who just enjoy singing,” group member Louise Dianna said. “We’re light-hearted and don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

For more information on the Park Larks, visit universityparkwomensclub.com.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at amandas@yourobserver.com.

GUITAR CENTER SARASOTA

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14A

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

Sarasota Concert Association presents the 2014

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday, January 6 • 8 p.m.

Marc-André Hamelin, piano Combining deep insight and technical wizardry!

Monday, January 27 • 8 p.m.

Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio Nokuthula Ngwenyama, violist

Wednesday, February 5 • 8 p.m.

East Coast Chamber Orchestra A rare ensemble performance by these celebrated musicians!

Wednesday, February 19 • 8 p.m.

Russia’s St. Petersburg Philharmonic

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Registered nurses Carol Sutherland and Ruth Betts take time from their medical mission journey to show the East County Observer to a resident in La Vega, Dominican Republic. In November, the two spent a week with a medical mission team ministering to people in need.

Nikolai Alexeev, conductor • Denis Kozhukhin, pianist

Monday, March 3 • 8 p.m.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra

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Leonard Slatkin, conductor • Olga Kern, pianist

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Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | SENIORS | COMMUNITY | TENNIS

HIGH

MOMENTS OF THE WEEK

1

The Lakewood Ranch High girls basketball team is now ranked second in the state in Class 7A in the 2013-14 FABC/ Source Hoops Girls Basketball State Rankings.

2

The East Manatee Bulldogs Jr. Pee Wee cheerleading squad finished third in the Small Level 3 Division at the Pop Warner National Cheer Championship Dec. 9, at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.

3

Rose Amato scored two goals and added three assists to lead the Cardinal Mooney girls soccer team to an 8-0 victory over Sarasota Military Academy Dec. 10.

4

The Lakewood Ranch High football and boys cross-country teams finished first in their respective classifications in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Fall Academic Team Champions.

5

Lexi Murphy scored the lone goal to lead The Outof-Door Academy girls soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Bradenton Christian Dec. 9.

Lady Cougars, Thunder face off.

PAGE 16A THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

basketball by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

FRESH FORCE The Out-of-Door Academy freshman Amad Brayboy is averaging 21.7 points per game in his first season with the Thunder.

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Amad Brayboy had something to prove.

The Out-of-Door Academy freshman knew what he was capable of, but he was still adjusting to being back on the court after spending the offseason playing football, and having a new set of teammates — the majority with whom he had never played before.

But it didn’t take long for the 15-year-old small forward to come into his own.

In his first game with ODA at Northside Christian, Brayboy scored 34 of his team’s 56 points.

“I hadn’t played in a long time and I wanted to show my coaches that I could play basketball,” Brayboy says. “I thought it was best to just show (them) on the court.”

It didn’t take long for first-year head coach Marcus Liberty to realize he had something special in Brayboy.

“When I first saw the kid, he was just going through the motions,” Liberty says. “The next day, he just lit it up and played hard. I thought, ‘Where has this been?’ You can see when he’s on the court that he’s a kid who loves the game.”

Brayboy began playing basketball when he was in fifth grade, after joining a league at G.T. Bray. There, Brayboy met ODA teammate Chase Maasdorp. The two formed a friendship and began hitting the court together on a routine basis.

“I wanted to be in the NBA,” Brayboy says.

“I saw LeBron James and I wanted to be like him, so I started playing with other kids.”

Following his first season at G.T. Bray, Brayboy joined his first travel basketball team with Maasdorp. Brayboy has been playing AAU basketball ever since, and he now plays for Reebok Select.

Prior to the start of basketball season, Brayboy played football for ODA with intentions to get in shape for basketball and the contact that comes along with it; he didn’t want to be afraid to compete against players who were older and bigger.

The plan appears to have worked.

Brayboy has scored in double figures in five games this season, averaging 24.2 points in that five-game span.

Although Brayboy admits a feeling of pressure comes with being the leading scorer on his team, he tries not to let expectations overshadow his play on the court.

“I try not to get frustrated,” Brayboy says.

“I just try to do my best and get everyone involved. I feel pressure, but I try to keep my composure and just play and give it my all.”

He may only be a freshman, but Brayboy already has demonstrated to his coaches that he’s willing to accept the challenge of being the leader of this year’s team.

“He reminds me of myself,” Liberty says.

“You hear all the time how great you are, but I try and remind him that how far you go is how far this team goes. He still needs some guidance and has a lot to learn, but I just try

Jen Blanco

Freshman Amad Brayboy is The Out-of-Door Academy’s top scorer so far this season. He aspires to play basketball in college and in the NBA. and remind him to stay humble and not get caught up in all of the hoopla.

“He has a high talent level, and he’s only going to keep getting better,” Liberty says.

“He just has to remember to never settle for where you’re at. You have to have a goal and, right now, that’s to help ODA be the best it can be.”

Although the Thunder has yet to win a game this season, Brayboy has used each game as an opportunity to learn.

Eventually, Brayboy has aspirations of

playing in college and eventually the NBA. But his focus is on helping lead the Thunder to its first victory of the season.

“My goal is to do my best and get some wins for the school,” Brayboy says. “I want to get other people involved in the game besides me having to do it all. I just want us to perform to the best of our abilities.”

Contact Jen Blanco at jblanco@yourobserver.com.

“

5

YOUROBSERVER.COM

BASKETBALL

I try not to get frustrated. I just try to do my best and get everyone involved.

I feel pressure, but I try to keep my composure and just play and give it my all.

16A

SAILOR CIRCUS ACADEMY

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

WEEKLYROUNDUP

PRESENTS

THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY GIRLS (32) VS. CARDINAL MOONEY (26) THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY BOYS (74) VS. CARDINAL MOONEY (28)

The 2013 Holiday Spectacular

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Adults $16 • Children $12

Cardinal Mooney’s Tommy Rao looks for an open teammate in the second quarter.

At the Sailor Circus Arena 2075 Bahia Vista St.

Cardinal Mooney guard Emily Walser drives to the hoop in the fourth quarter.

CIRCUSARTS.ORG 941.355.9805

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ODA freshman Amad Brayboy attempts to drive past a Mooney defender in the first quarter.

JOIN CLUB AQUA Never worry about breakdowns or costly repairs ever again.

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At the Lakewood Ranch Branch Y we have so much for your children to do. From preschool to teens, there is a program waiting for you! *Parents Morning Out

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

17A

Left: Cardinal Mooney’s Jacqueline Kulle finished with 15 points in the Lady Cougars’ 32-26 loss to ODA Dec. 10.

First America Bank TM

ODA eighthgrader Chase Maasdorp attempts to set up a play around Cardinal Mooney defender Justin Najmy.

Cardinal Mooney’s Katie Hebda brings the ball down the court late in the fourth quarter.

LAKEWOOD RANCH (6) VS. RIVERVIEW (2)

114566

Lakewood defender Tatum Young attempts to control the ball away from Riverview High’s Paige Reichenberger.

Sophomore midfielder Hannah Miller moves the ball up the field midway through the first half.

Medical services you can count on ... right here in our community.

8340 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton, FL 34202

Raelyn Calendine, MD

Reed Holland, DO

Family Medicine Physician Board Certified in Family Medicine

Internal Medicine Physician Specializes in internal medicine for adult patients

Treats children age 5 and above, adolescents, adults and older adults Suite 350

For an appointment, please call 941.907.0588.

For an appointment, please call 941.907.0588 Suite 350

Sheryl Okuhara, DO

Herbert Pegues II, MD, FAAFP

Internal Medicine Physician Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Suite 390

Specializes in internal medicine for adult patients

Family Medicine Physician Board Certified in Family Medicine

For an appointment, please call 941.782.2800.

Treats children age 5 and above, adolescents, adults and older adults

Christina Knauer, ARNP Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For an appointment, please call 941.782.2800.

New Addre ss

FirstCare South 2401 University Parkway, Suite 105 Sarasota, FL 34243 Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For an appointment, please call 941.893.5942.

115916

Suite 390

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

SIDELINES

18A

GAME TO

WATCH BOYS BASKETBALL DEC. 19 Lakewood Ranch vs.

Sarasota (7 p.m.)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

+ Mustangs’ boys soccer posts shutout The Lakewood Ranch High boys soccer team defeated Charlotte 7-0 Dec. 10.

Ben Wilson recorded a hat trick to lead the way for the Mustangs. Jake Dube scored two goals. Felipe Dangond and Martin Martinez each added a goal. Nico Dangond recorded his second straight shutout.

+ ODA boys soccer blanks Imagine High The Out-of-Door Academy boys soccer team defeated Imagine High School 5-0 in district action Dec. 10.

The Thunder scored all five of its goals in the first half.

Mark Sulimirski scored two goals to lead the way for ODA. Will Harwell, Richard Vicek and Tyler Wenger each added a goal.

With the win, ODA improves to 7-4 (5-2). The Thunder returns to action Dec. 20 versus Sarasota Christian.

+ Lady Thunder cruise to victory The Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer team cruised to a 9-1 victory over Imagine High School in a district contest

Dec. 10.

Katie Lang powered ODA with two goals and four assists. Lexi Murphy added two goals and two assists.

Sierra Dickerson scored a pair of goals. Abby Lagasse, Miller Condrack and Nicole Petron each added a goal. Natalie Chait was credited with an assist.

6

+ i9 Sports teams up with Premier Sports i9 Sports Manatee-Sarasota recently announced it will move its Lakewood Ranch location to the Premier Sports Campus at the start of the winter season, which begins Jan. 11.

Previously, i9 Sports used Nolan Middle School for its Lakewood Ranch location. The league is hoping the move will increase visibility while also providing players and families with an improved level of play.

“We are very excited about this new partnership with the Premier Sports Campus,” i9 Sports Manatee-Sarasota area developer Larry Jackson says. “This change of venue increases our ability to touch the hearts and minds of more young people here in Manatee County through a fun, safe and convenient sports program.”

+ Monsters Lacrosse makes tournament The U11 Monsters Lacrosse team has been recognized as one of the best teams in the nation and has been invited to the Dick’s Tournament of Champions Dec. 29 through Dec. 31, in Wesley Chapel.

The elite youth lacrosse team, composed of fourththrough sixth-graders, finished first in several tournaments, including the Casey Powell Orange Classic, Rippin’ at the Ranch and the Grip It and Rip It tournament. The team also Jackson and his wife, Angie, have owned the Manatee County franchise since 2006.

Over the summer, the couple

Girls Soccer Lakewood Ranch High

PLAYER

STATS The number of saves Cardinal Mooney goalkeeper Michael Staikos had in the Cougars’ 4-0 victory over Sarasota Military Academy Dec. 10.

Delaney Riggins

STANDOUT

JUST THE

KUDOS

11 3

Millions of Lights & Magical Nights

3

The number of players who scored in double figures in the Cardinal Mooney boys basketball team’s 74-28 victory over The Out-ofDoor Academy Dec. 10.

finished second at the Citrus Bowl Summer Face Off and the LB3 Summer Jam. During the Dick’s Tournament of Champions, the Monsters will face the best U11 teams from New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana and Canada.

“We are looking forward to competing against the best teams in the nation,” coach Chris Sforzo says. Our kids have worked very hard and are a special group.

It’s been a blast coaching them.”

0

The number of goals The Out-of-Door Academy boys soccer team allowed in its 7-0 victory over Bradenton Christian Dec. 9.

32

The number of points the Lakewood Ranch High girls weightlifting team scored to finish second at the Palmetto Tri-Meet Dec. 11.

expanded its territory from North Manatee to Punta Gorda.

For more information on the league, visit i9sports.com.

The number of victories Riggins has helped lead the Lady Mustangs to so far this season.

4

The number of years Riggins has been on Lakewood Ranch’s varsity squad.

The number of goals Riggins scored in Lakewood Ranch’s 6-2 victory over Riverview Dec. 9.

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December 6, 7, 13-15, 20-24, 26-29 from 6-9 pm Featuring holiday themed activities including: • A visit from Santa • Roasting marshmallows & s’mores • Live entertainment • Holiday dinner ($7.95) Adults: $11 Children 3-12: $6 Kids 2 and under: FREE

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All prices are plus tax. No coupons are accepted for this event.

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Please tail us on

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

POLO

19A

by Jen Blanco | Sports Editor

Siaana defeated the Ocala Polo Association in an exhibition match Sunday at the Sarasota Polo Club.

Exhibition marks the start of polo season Hundreds of local residents gathered Sunday at the Sarasota Polo Club for an exhibition match between Siaana and the Ocala Polo Association.

The match served as

the season opener for the 2013-14 polo season.

Sianna defeated Ocala 8-7. James Miller and Josh Shelton each scored four goals to lead the way for Siaana.

David Manuel scored a pair of goals for the Ocala Polo Association.

Oliver Butterworth scored three goals to power Ocala.

David Manuel and Murad Ishmael both added a pair of goals for the Siaana team.

Siaana’s James Miller, left, battles an Ocala Polo Association player for possession in the first chukker.

Right: Robin Davis, Christina Page, Sandy King, Denise Celano, Katie Celano, Samantha Everett and Donna Everett have organized mother-and-daughter polo outings since 2001.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

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1744 south Drive Gigi Silverberg

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lauRel oak 2650 Dick Wilson Drive Jerry Zaback premiersir.com/id/A3984382

8735 midnight Pass Road, 601B Kathleen Ucci 941.302.2344 premiersir.com/id/A3977921 $895,000

noRth PoRt 6660 lino Road Debbie Sugden

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WilloWBenD 513 habitat Boulevard Tamara & Todd Currey

941.223.9363 $479,900

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venice 4700 lemon Bay Drive Carol Clark & Paul Clark premiersir.com/id/A3983712

941.993.3695 $1,749,000

siesta key

941.350.6885 $1,029,000

941.587.1776 $439,900

venice islanD 424 south harbor Drive Frank Wheeler

941.350.4500 $399,000

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5510 inspiration terrace Vittoria Rutigliano & Laura Pearson

916 indian Beach Drive Joel Schemmel

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6911 River Birch court Charles Totonis

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941.928.8424 $880,000

lakeWooD Ranch 941.524.8299 $639,900

12334 thornhill court Gregory Van Natter

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siesta key 150 Givens street Arnie DuFort

RivieRa Dunes

941.730.1999 $549,000

West of tRail 941.224.8602 $4,650,000

995 Whitakers lane Toi Estes & Craig Cerreta premiersir.com/id/A3967586

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the founDeRs cluB

lonGBoat key

3815 founders club Drive Don Carroll 941.539.2132 premiersir.com/id/A3984686 $1,384,900

350 Gulf of mexico Drive, 232 Stephanie Shaw 941.544.3770 premiersir.com/id/A3982935 $1,195,000

silveR oak

seRenoa lakes

8965 Wildlife loop Ken Ipox

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941.993.7279 $699,000

6793 areca Boulevard Greg Hudson

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venice islanD 500 Park south Boulevard, 124 Brad Tritschler 941.716.1042 premiersir.com/id/N5781026 $435,000

lonGBoat key 601 Russell street Leslie Russell

premiersir.com/id/M5837133

saRasota 2129 michele Drive Maureen & Matt Morris

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941.302.1485 $695,000

941.330.7006 $425,000

venice islanD 941.320.3960 $369,000

1555 tarpon center Drive, 259 Debbie Sugden 941.223.9363 premiersir.com/id/N5782643 $359,250

606 Riviera Dunes Way, 601 Arnie DuFort 941.224.8602 premiersir.com/id/A3977208 $790,000

WateRlefe 991 fish hook cove Pat & Peter Evans

GReyhaWk lanDinG 12708 Daisy Place Janice Clary

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Palma sola Bay cluB 7820 34th avenue West, 102 Brian & Kathy Maher 941.284.5070 premiersir.com/id/A3988831 $318,150

san Remo estates 1310 tangier Way Andrew Bers

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941.383.2550 $1,999,900

noRth venice faRms 3157 ewing Drive Carol Clark & Paul Clark

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anna maRia islanD 238 lakeview Drive Terry Hayes

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941.350.4500 $1,875,000

siesta key 5411 avenida Del mare Judie Berger

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eaGles Point at the lanDinGs 5440 eagles Point circle, 204 Cindy Migone 941.812.7438 premiersir.com/id/A3988848 $599,000

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venetian Golf & RiveR cluB 225 martellago Drive Patricia Guenther

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941.961.3570 $589,000

osPRey

Rivo at RinGlinG

1124 Beachcomber court, 6 Helena & Per Nordstrom 941.228.7356 premiersir.com/id/A3988773 $419,000

1771 Ringling Boulevard, Ph106 Perry Corneau 941.650.4626 premiersir.com/id/A3984056 $400,000

lonGBoat key

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13,809 associates. 646 offices. 51 countries worldwide. 20 locations along the Gulf Coast. cleaRWateR | 727.585.9600

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Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity 11/25/13

122877

premiersothebysrealty.com

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

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS

by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Amy Cutmore, Fran Goh and Lauren Redington entertain patrons as elves and a nutcracker.

Back: Amanda Boccarossa, 11, and Marissa Boccarossa, 14; Front: Gabriella Inverso, 8; Ali Inverso, 4; Jessica Boccarossa,6; and Ana Inverso, 4

Six-year-olds Grace Grogan and Stephanie Green play Rudolph.

Balloon-animal extraordinaire Mike Jones chats with a satisfied customer, Tom Okuhara.

Thousands of East County residents flocked to Lakewood Ranch Main Street Dec. 13 for Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp.’s annual Holidays Around the Ranch event.

Families enjoyed a variety of activities, whether it was riding the Choo-Choo Express around the freshly lit Christmas tree, indulging in eggnog and hot cocoa or decorating sugar cookies.

DJ Eric Martin created a dance floor in the middle of it all, while he played contemporary music blasted through speakers almost as tall as himself.

Patrons also took turns sitting in front of a green screen to have their faces pasted on hula dancers’ bodies for passersby to see.

Mason Elie, 21 months, and his father, Clee, enjoy the festivities.

Left: The Smith family — John, John, Tiffany and Trinity — enjoy the night together.

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Beth Pheney 941.345.5636 premiersir.com/id/A3986253

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Debbie Rempert 941.223.8343 premiersir.com/id/M5842206

7816 Rosehall Cove

Shannon Rogers 941.920.5454 premiersir.com/id/A3984358

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

122893

Rockin’ theRanch

2B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

familiar face by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Resident shines on national television network University Park resident Chris Kohatsu’s recipe for success is to follow her passion for cooking wherever it leads.

EAST COUNTY — Chris Kohatsu looks familiar.

Kohatsu, a Washington, D.C., native, can be seen not only locally at the Polo Grill and Bar, where she has served as the director of marketing and communications since 2010, but also on TV stations such as the Travel Channel, HGTV, the Home Shopping Network and the Food Network.

But those who grew up with Kohatsu probably wouldn’t recognize her, she says.

“I was the girl in school with braces, glasses and my hair always pulled back — a total tomboy,” Kohatsu says. “If those people (classmates) were to see me now, they wouldn’t believe I’m the same person.”

Kohatsu has hosted segments on the Travel Channel’s website, such as a gig that led her to visit unique restaurants in Austin, Texas, along with an appearance four years ago on HGTV’s “I Want That!” during which she demonstrated the CordaRoy Bean Bag Bed. This week, Kohatsu is on standby to again step in front of the HSN cameras, at the network’s headquarters in St. Petersburg. The cooking guru demonstrates kitchen products and answers callers’ questions on air.

“I spent a lot of time when I was younger trying to find my voice,” Kohatsu says, smiling.

“Now, it’s like I’ve come full circle, and I am the voice for these networks.”

Fifteen years ago, 22-year-old Kohatsu decided to make her love for cooking her full-time focus. She studied cooking in Tuscany, Italy, and Mexico, and took courses at L’Academie de Cuisine, in Gaithersburg, Md. Those experiences led her to apply for the cooking expert position at HSN five years ago.

Now, she appears on the network four to six times a month.

For each segment, she demonstrates how to use cooking equipment and answers callers’ questions about products, cooking, recipes and whatever else is on their minds.

“The Home Shopping Network is live and completely unscripted,” Kohatsu says. “So, anything can happen — and it does. We laugh our way through it; our audience is with us all the way.”

Prior to each time she is on the show, the network sends products — ones she will use on set — to Kohatsu’s home in University Park, for her to review.

During a summer session on HSN, she used the Sony Edition Chef’s Tablet — a water-resistant,

Bobbi Ray Carter and Chris Kohatsu on set at the Home Shopping Network. kitchen-proof piece of technology designed for at-home cooks.

To test the sturdiness of the product, she used a mixer on high speed, splashing batter on the tablet’s screen, poured her coffee on it and scrambled eggs on the screen — it proved to be nearly indestructible — and it gave her a funny story to tell on air.

She recalls preparing for a segment during which she worked with cookbook authors Matt

Courtesy photo

FUN FACTS • Chris Kohatsu once ate a rattlesnake for a Travel Channel series on unique restaurants in Austin, Texas.

“It was a restaurant that specialized in wild game, so how would I tell the story without trying something wild?” Kohatsu said. “It tasted like chewy, overdone squid.”

• Kohatsu avoids chaotic crowds and events, such as Black Friday shopping and traveling during the holidays.

• Soup is one of her favorite foods.

Don’t Miss These Special Editions!

January 2 - Year in Review/Year in Pictures

Deadline: Thursday, December 19, 10am

January 9 - Top issues for 2014 Deadline: Thursday, January 2, 4pm

To reserve space or for questions, contact your Observer advertising representative 941.366.3468

129387

The Observer Media Group offices will be closed December 24 through January 1.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

and Ted Lee. To feel confident enough to present their canning kit, she read the manual and their recipes multiple times, watched their videos and researched canning on the Internet. She believes doing her homework paid off — the kits sold out during the airing.

She also checks forums on the HSN website daily; she’s looking for customer feedback to help hone in on what viewers want to see.

In addition to her appearances on the shopping network every month, she wears a multitude of other hats besides her cooking guru hat.

When she isn’t sending out press releases about upcoming events at the Polo Grill and Bar or appearing on cooking shows, she splits her time between cooking for friends, attending Tampa Bay Lightning games and cheering on the Washington Redskins.

Despite her achievements and experience, she still gets star-struck. She says she will never forget her first run-in at HSN with one of her favorite TV personalities.

“When I met Martha Stewart, she said, ‘Good morning,’ in the sweetest, softest, most caring voice I’ve ever heard,” Kohatsu says. “She had this kindness about her — I was in awe.”

Kohatsu continues to look for opportunities to showcase her love for cooking and ways to tell her story on television.

She remains tight-lipped about her next move, but she is working toward some-

YourObserver.com

3B

124091

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Happy Holidays from Your Family Orthodontist

Courtesy photo

Food Network personality Curtis Stone with Chris Kohatsu

thing she has always wanted to do, she says. Stay tuned.

“You have to stay hungry — not just in the physical sense,” Kohatsu says. “You need to always want to do more, try new things and strive for something more.”

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at amandas@yourobserver.com.

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A Beautiful SMILE for Everyone

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• A network report showed sales can reach up to $10 million in one day during the holiday season.

4B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

helping hunger by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Students dish out support for charity Students in Braden River Middle School’s Junior National Honor Society program organized its annual Empty Bowls event Dec. 12 to help combat poverty.

Guests enjoyed soup — tomato basil, broccoliand-cheese or chicken

noodle — as well as bread and dessert, while orchestra students provided live music. Attendees also took home student-made soup bowls.

The event raised more than $400 for All Faiths Food Bank.

Care for the whole family

Luke Andrews, 13, ladles tomato-basil soup donated

by Crispers.

7 days a week, 8 to 8!

Michelle Sobolewski and Elizabeth Gape serve bread Publix donated.

Left: Irene Spranger searches for the perfect bowl to take home.

3 Convenient Locations Open Daily 8am to 8pm!

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

TOWN TUNES

by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

5B

Join us in celebrating our

10th ANNIVERSARY!

Lucy Milner and Matthew Talbot portray Mary and Joseph.

Willis third-graders celebrate ‘Our Town’

Ethan Dobson is 8 years old.

PMP Sarasota Winter Residency

Third-grade students at Willis Elementary School welcomed the holiday season with a special musical show, “December in Our Town,” Dec. 12. The audience enjoyed visits from Mary and Joseph, Santa and Mrs. Claus and other characters during the hour-long performance held at the school.

20 free musical events led by Itzhak Perlman and other acclaimed mentors

December 22, 2013-January 4, 2014 USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus

Right: Leonel Marines sings “La Fiesta.”

10TH ANNIVERSARY

Celebration Concert Featuring Itzhak Perlman conducting The Perlman Music Program String Orchestra Brooke Morgan plays the part of Michelle.

As the culmination of the 10th annual PMP Sarasota Winter Residency

The students sing a variety of songs.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR at

January 4, 2014, 5 p.m.

Sarasota Opera House Tickets are $40, $60, $80 Sarasota Opera box office: 941-366-8450

Join us after the concert for the

10th Anniversary Gala!

Ed’s Tavern A Jersey Joint in Lakewood Ranch

For gala and special events, call 941-350-2338

Ed’s Annual New Year’s Eve Bash!!!

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BEST STAFF • BEST PRICES • BEST FOOD 907-0400 • www.edstavernlwr.com

For information, call 941-955-4942 or visit PMPSuncoast.org

6B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

winter wonderland by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Braden River High celebrates the season Braden River High School’s Student Government Association invited faculty, students and their families to its Winter Wonderland Carnival — a night of s’mores-making and pictures with Santa in the middle of faux snow — Dec. 11.

In front of the high school, students in red-and-green elf costumes greeted guests. Christmas cookies and a bulb-filled, brightly lit tree were on the scene, too.

Student Government Association Vice President Kayla McMulty and President Victoria Najmy

Briana Defilitpis, 17, and Peyton Murphy, 17, get ready to munch on s’mores.

Left: Rachel Katzen, Michelle Kadorette and Gianna Traylor show off festive carnival ensembles.

Sixteen-year-olds John Graves, Lucas Mingote and Andrew Garcia show off their holiday gear.

Jim and Pat Gregory as Santa and Mrs. Claus

Personal Care & Companion Services

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There are many options to consider when someone you love needs help. During our free in home consultation, together we will create a solution that’s just right for you.

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515 Upper Manatee River Rd (which is just 1/2 north of state road 64)

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Christ Presbyterian with the emphasis on Christ

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

GLITZ AND GLAM

7B Improve your ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦

Bridge Game!!

by Amanda Sebastiano | Staff Writer

Are you a social bridge player who wants to update your game?

Are you a duplicate bridge player who wants to win more?

Improve with 10 weeks of lessons and games!

CLASSES BEGIN:

Saturday, Jan. 18 • 9-11:30 am Beginner Lessons Intermediate Lessons

In-Between BRIDGE CLUB

The ladies in red — Terry O’Day and Judy Engle

Sue Arcady, Pat Collins, Ginny Witt and Barb Thornot make new friends.

Women’s Club members dazzle during fundraiser Members of the Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club pulled out their flashiest dresses and accessories for their Puttin’ on the Glitz dinner and charity auction Dec. 11, at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.

Glittery stilettos, little black dresses and sparkly accessories filled the venue for the club’s fundraiser for several charities. The ladies also entered raffles Diane Mulroy with sister-in-laws, Sheila Seashore to win an array of prizes. and Susie Seashore-Rife

Melissa Howard and Tresa Zumsteg

Gemz Fine Jewelry BATTERIES

plus tax expires 12-31-13

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11505 Rangeland Prkwy, Bradenton, FL 34211

8B

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

merry midway by Pam Eubanks | Managing Editor

Creekwood Crossing I-75 & S.R. 70 • Bradenton 941.751.6600 Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:30pm • Sun 11am-4pm

BARTLETTJEWELERS

128695

Eleven-year-old Paige Cochran practices her toe touch.

Imagine School families have fun at winter carnival Families at Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch enjoyed carnival-style games, popcorn, an inflat-

able obstacle course and other festivities as part of the school’s winter carnival Dec. 14.

(Fried, Grilled, Broiled or Blackened)

Served with a choice of 22ides

Natalie Garst, 3, plays with a rubber duck toy while helping her brother, Kyle Crescenzi, an eighth-grade student, raise money for a trip to Washington, D.C.

OFFER EXPIRES: 01/01/14

Shannon Martinez and her children, Lauren, Joel and Nathan Garcia

All day - Everyday

127883

www.pincherscrabshack.com

Bobby Newmann spends time with his son, Jax, 4.

BORDER CAFE

Lindsay Dinant poses with her daughter, Mikayla, 10.

HOMEMADE COOKING

GRAND OPENING FIESTA THIS WEEKEND!

941.758.5675

ALSO OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE 6AM-8PM

YES! WE WILL BE OPEN

CHRISTMAS DAY 6AM-5PM

Friday, DEC 20th & Saturday DEC 21st ALL DAY 11am-10pm

Whole Menu Available PLUS These Specials ROAST TURKEY w/ stuffing & cranberry sauce .... $1095 BAKED HAM STEAK w/ fruit sauce ........................ $1095 ROAST PORK w/ stuffing......................................... $1095 BROILED SCALLOPS in garlic wine sauce .............. $1595 TWIN LOBSTER TAILS ............................................. $2595 NY STRIP STEAK w/Lobster Tail. ........................... $2195

Enjoy delicious Mexican Food and Fun Atmosphere for the Whole Family!

Special Priced Entrees 2 for 1 Drink Specials including Wine, Sangria & Well Drinks

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7246 55th Ave East (S.R. 70 just west of I -75) • Inside Tara Twelve Oaks Plaza • Bradenton, FL

941-251-5910

129154

We Cater!

School Fundraiser?

Ask Us!

Hannah Tisone, 10, prepares to climb the rock wall.

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

ARTFUL AFTERNOON

9B

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

358-6654 www.papagiorgiosrestaurant.com

TUES - 14" CHEESE PIZZA ............................ $599 WED - TWO TOPPING CALZONE ............................$599 THURS - .33 CENT WINGS WITH ENTRÉE OR PIZZA (Dine in Only, Minimum order of 10 wings)

BUY ONE SPECIALTY PIZZA, GET A CHEESE PIZZA OF THE SAME SIZE

FREE!

129275

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

Expires 1-31-14 (must present coupon)

7644 Lockwood Ridge Rd • Corner of Tallevast & Lockwood Ridge Rd • Open 11-9 M-F and 4-9 Sat and Sun

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD FISH HOUSE There’s nothing quite like it!

Freshest Seafood

Only Local Shucked Raw Bar

Friendliest Atmosphere

Lunch Served

Stan and Arlette Jacob, honoree Howard Millman and Steve Johnson

Monday-Saturday

Howard Millman honored at Fine Arts Society luncheon The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota held its annual fundraiser luncheon, “Celebrate the Arts on Stage,” Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Polo Grill’s Fête Ballroom.

Former producing artistic director of the Asolo

Repertory Theatre, Howard Millman, was honored with the Luminaire Award at the luncheon.

Prior to being seated for the luncheon, guests mingled, bid on items in the silent auction and perused

Staff and Neighborhood Patrons

Dinner Served

Fun for the Whole Family

View our video

Real Food & Real Good Times!

Tuesday-Sunday

Sunday Hours

Happy Holidays!

3pm-8pm

vendor booths in the “Artful Market” set up outside the ballroom.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Scholarships and Grants Program of the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota.

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WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20 and 2 & 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 WHERE: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

941-755-1800

COST: $15 to $100 The Sarasota Ballet will perform this holiday classic set to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s music performed by the Sarasota Orchestra. The Sarasota Ballet injects Sarasota’s circus heritage into the original story.

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10B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

real estate | transactions

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

Grosvenor Gardens home sells for $730,000 The following residential real estate transactions took place between Dec. 2 and Dec. 6.

A home in Grosvenor Gardens tops all transactions in this week’s real estate. Nancy and James Kopnisky, of University Park, sold their home at 8323 Grosvenor Court to Geise Farms LLC for $730,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,819 square feet of living area.

River Club South

Craig and Betty Trigueiro, of Bradenton, sold their home at 9904 Old Hyde Park Place to Douglas Daugherty, trustee, of West Chester, Ohio, for $635,000.

Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,438 square feet of living area.

Heritage Harbour

Lennar Homes LLC sold the home at 7206 Heritage Grand Place to Richard and Carol Salomone, of Bradenton, for $535,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,907 square feet of living area.

Watercrest

Michael and Rebecca Vredenburg sold their Unit 301 condominium at 6370 Watercrest Way to Richard and Merilynn Klein, of University Park, for $500,000.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,376 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $522,100 in 2005.

Thomas Gentile and Gabrielle

Odierno sold their Unit 201 condominium at 6422 Watercrest Way to Patricia Wallington, of Lakewood Ranch, for $499,000.

Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,376 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $352,300 in 2009.

Edgewater Village

Norma Mayle sold the home at 6615 Waters Edge Way to 6615 Waters Edge LLC for $450,000.

Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a pool and 2,493 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $460,000 in 2002.

Rye Wilderness Estates

Oliver and Anne Capio, of Windermere, sold their home at 372 165th Court N.E. to Ronald and Carol Terlep and Douglas Terlep, of Bradenton, for $355,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,401 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $272,000 in 2012.

Ashley Trace at University Place

William and Margueritte Bates, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7836 Ashley Circle to Robert and Linda Smith, of University Place, for $350,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,727 square feet of living area.

GreyHawk Landing

David and Sharon Livesay sold their home at 12672 Cara Cara

Amanda Sebastiano

This home at 8323 Grosvenor Court has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,819 square feet of living area. It sold for $730,000.

Loop to Joseph and Kerrie Parrino, of Bradenton, for $347,500.

Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,621 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $313,000 in 2004.

Country Creek

Elton and Tracey Johnson, of Bradenton, sold their home at 119 Mill Run E. to Dean and Ka-

mla Long, of Lakewood Ranch, for $330,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,776 square feet of living area.

Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,226 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $315,000 in 2004.

Summerfield Village

Creekwood

Edwin and MaryJean Barcewicz, of Holmes Beach, sold their home at 6622 Buttonbush Court to Donald Andersen, of Lakewood Ranch, for $327,000.

Darren and Dyann Cummings, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7607 52nd Terrace E. to

TRANSACTIONS / PAGE 12B

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER

5011 64th Dr W #A3984990 $599,000 Adam Cuffaro

Bradenton 941-752-2683 941-812-0791

11758 Forest Park Cir #A3986683 $399,900 Brian Loebker

6609 24th Ave E #M5838425 $341,900 Lynne Callahan

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-720-3278

5114 87th Ct E #M5841735 Elsa Roth

$339,000

Lakewood Ranch 941-349-3444 941-735-4393

1701 51st St W #M5837466 $349,900 Maria Christenson

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-920-3583

4544 Topaz Ct #M5840436 $345,000 Beth Ann McFadyen

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-780-6606

5312 Bimini Dr #A3984254 $1,299,000 Saint Cacchiotti

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-224-6064

6243 Wingspan Way #M5842456 $309,000 Jim D’alessio

Braden River 941-907-9595 941-737-0606

11763 Fennemore Way #M5842198 $287,500 Debbie Vogler

Parrish 941-748-6300 941-705-3328

6908 W 21st St W #A3979023 $275,000 Liza Knipe

Bradenton 941-383-7591 941-809-0787

Bradenton 941-951-6660 941-586-0576

7804 Lake Vista Ct # 202 #A3977770 $269,000 Nancy Sarajew

Lakewood Ranch 941-951-6660 941-661-7383

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618 Foggy Morn Ln #M5841142 $269,000 Mary Fiorini

8105 Warwick Gardens Ln #A3983625 $1,195,000 Nancy Phillips

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-526-6755

977 Waterside Ln #M5841745 $249,900 Peggy Horlander

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-932-7199

University Park 941-907-9595 941-400-6078

4648 56th Ter E #A3988233 $249,900 Steve Durand

Braden River 941-748-6300 941-447-2531

2765 Ringling Blvd #A3988531 $248,000 Thomas Cinquegrano

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-284-5049

840 Audubon Dr # 840 #M5841426 $239,000 Ralph Faillace

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-713-9142

305 Beacon Harbour Loop #M5842420 $239,000 Jamie Van Vliet

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-993-8996

10623 58th St E #M5839499 $209,995 Leah Secondo

Parrish 941-748-6300 941-545-4430

5631 Avista Dr #A3989121 $190,000 Theresa Meyers

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-780-5214

4736 Sand Trap Street E Cir #M5842452 $189,400 Rebecca Zimmerman

Braden River 941-907-9595 941-224-4824

1082 Bird Bay Way # 304 #M5842316 $169,000 Dani Pearson

Venice 941-907-9595 941-725-2112

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

11B

michaelsaunders.com

TOP BUILDING PERMITS

Explore now on your phone or tablet.

These are the largest East County building permits issued by Manatee County for the week of Dec. 2 through Dec. 6, in order of dollar amounts.

Address

Permit

Applicant

Amount

4907 Torrey Pines Run 4120 Third Ave. N.E. 10815 Bullrush Terrace 6940 W. Country Club Drive 6611 Peach Tree Creek Road 13538 Fourth Ave. N.E. 7612 Verna Bethany Road 13232 Palmers Creek Terrace 4713 78th Court E. 4402 Murfield Drive E. 7519 Abbey Glen 7213 St. Georges Way 7939 Treesdale Glen 336 Bow Lane 11707 Cullen Park Terrace 4204 Presidential Ave. Circle 4901 Linsey Court 6407 Stone River Road 8120 Collingwood Court 4652 Peridia Blvd. E.

Pool Door/Windows Solar Door/Windows Re-roof Pool Cage Re-roof Fence Mechanical Re-roof Door/Windows Mechanical Mechanical Mechanical Pool Cage Mechanical Re-roof Mechanical Alterations Mechanical

Vincent Moran David Moore Ronald Reuss Franklin Wester Roger Hess Darryl Crowe Onesime Nault David Grain Jeanne Belt Wayne Amorosi Russell Johnson John Millar Marilyn Martin James Parrish Jr. Diana Brown Gerda Odell Jeffrey Harner Barbara Dipalma Wendy Grady Edith Coyne

$43,735 $27,438 $23,187 $15,998 $13,225 $12,799 $12,000 $10,482 $9,247 $9,200 $9,041 $9,000 $8,975 $8,500 $8,204 $8,165 $8,085 $7,564 $7,500 $7,450

4700 Riverview Blvd #M5841639 $1,725,000 Pamela Sperounes & Fran DeDona

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-812-0754

Source: Manatee County

6302 Riverview Blvd #A3963330 $2,499,900 Victoria Stultz

3706 66th St W #M5841109 $99,900 Laura Tracy Clekis

University Park 941-907-9595 941-445-2431

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-915-4167

Lakewood Ranch $2,100 941-552-4200

9707 33Rd E Ave #M5841940 $1,550 Kendra Vogel

7720 Eagle Creek Dr # 7720 #A3989175 $129,000 Keely Crosby

5722 8th Street Ct E #M5840650 $84,900 Kimberly Roehl

7042 Twin Hills Ter #A3984510 $699,000 Sandy and Jerry Strom

Lakewood Ranch 941-966-8000 941-650-8297

5453 46th Ct W # 304 #A3980748 $625,000 Adam Cuffaro

Bradenton 941-752-2683 941-812-0791

11723 Darsey Rd #M5841282 $625,000 Joe Foster

Parrish 941-907-9595 941-812-7634

7909 Royal Queensland Way #A3982073 $619,000 Sherwin Taradash, PA

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-448-3301

9375 Old Tampa Rd #A3987189 $595,000 Sandra Maslen

Parrish 941-907-9595 941-726-0035

$590,000

Anna Maria Island 941-748-6300 941-465-8843

522 Country Meadows Way #M5841421 $549,000 Jamie Van Vliet

Bradenton 941-907-9595 941-993-8996

4011 Bamboo Ter #M5842227 $499,000 Kathy Valente

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-685-6767

7234 Lake Forest Gln #M5842393 $489,000 Deborah Angelo O’Mara

Lakewood Ranch 941-907-9595 941-730-0777

627 Sand Crane Ct #M5839982 $480,000 Judy LaValliere

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-504-3792

6453 Indigo Bunting Pl #A3988514 $479,000 Daria Spina

Lakewood Ranch 941-349-3444 941-650-7207

Sarasota 941-907-9595 941-342-1448

Braden River 941-748-6300 941-447-9988

Palmetto 941-552-4200 941-773-4372

6538 Lincoln Rd # C #M5839760 Laurie Rastovski

Braden River $1,350 941-552-4200

101 66th St # 6 #A3978620 Kevin Carroll

Bradenton 941-966-8000 941-387-5676

Bradenton 941.748.6300 • Lakewood Ranch 941.907.9595 • IMG Academy 941.752.2683

129337

12044 Winding Woods Way #M5842331 Laurie Rastovski

7710 Plantation Cir # 7710 #A3979112 $133,900 Diane Fogo Harter

Lakewood Ranch 941-383-7591 941-350-5022

RE N TA L

Bradenton 941-748-6300 941-705-5510

RE N TA L

2502 11th Ave W #M5839590 $119,000 Dana Preston

Bradenton 941-388-4447 941-356-6777

RE N TA L

3630 57Th Avenue W Dr # 58 #A3984163 $163,000 Carol Aviles

7218 Ashland Gln #A3982478 $949,500 Sylvia Zimmerman

12B

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TRANSACTIONS / PAGE 10B Adam and Erin Gangemi, of Bradenton, for $319,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,539 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $183,000 in 2000.

Darren Cummings and Shonda Cummings, of Bradenton, sold their home at 7608 52nd Terrace E. to Robert and Betti Hargen, of Bradenton, for $240,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,126 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $169,000 in 2003.

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Mill Creek

Nicholas and Keri Hommez, of St. Paul, Minn., sold their home at 13635 Second Ave. N.E. to Lisa Conway and James McCartney, of Bradenton, for $290,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,354 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $235,000 in 2009.

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Federal National Mortgage Association sold the home at 332 Heritage Isles Way to David Gillaspy, of Bradenton, for $290,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,548 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $332,200 in 2003.

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Brian Balmer and Jennifer Yordy, of Sarasota, sold their home at 10868 Forest Run Drive to Jeffrey and Jennifer Chadwick, of Sarasota, for $288,000. Built in 1989, itNMLS#418452 has four bedrooms, two-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 1,995 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $208,000 in 2011.

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Center atCannot 941.592.7649 10, 2013 and are local subject tocall change without be

SSvirsky@BankUnited.com BLeereveld@BankUnited.com or visit us at www.mortgages.bankunited.com.

To be eligible for the closing cost discount you must This be an existing BankUnited accountholder. Discount on closing Other restrictions,**limitations and fees may apply. is not a

costs is only applicable to first mortgage purchase or refinancing transaction loan amounts greater than $150,000.

Fee reductions are those in effect as of October 10, 2013 and are subject to change without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offers or specials.

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Frank Cundari and Margaret Cannon, of Sarasota, sold their Unit C-301 condominium at 7710 Lake Vista Court to Rolla and Stuart Eisman, of Sarasota, for $272,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and 2,138 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $511,600 in 2007.

Kenneth Kravec, of Sarasota sold his 5:05 PM Unit B-201 condominium at 7718 Lake Vista Court to James and Kimberly Liston, of Dublin, Ohio, for $240,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths and 2,138 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $503,200 in 2006.

10/10/13 5:05 PM

1

10/10/13

GIVE A GIFT. GET A GIFT.

Pine Trace

Mary and Donald Traurig, trustees, of Sarasota, sold the Unit 35 condominium

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

at 7766 Pine Trace Drive to Timo Salovalta, of Sarasota, for $235,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,724 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $135,000 in 1992.

Braden River Lakes

Frank Ridge and Elizabeth Ridge sold their home at 1203 50th St. E. to Laurent Jeulin, of Nice, France, for $224,500. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,972 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $240,000 in 2004.

Sabal Harbour

Rodolfo and Lucia Pullano, of Torrington, Conn., sold their home at 4874 Sabal Harbour Drive to George and Mary Martin, of Bradenton, for $220,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,832 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $185,000 in 2012.

Pomello City

Barry and Leslie Bass, of Bradenton, sold their home at 23314 77th Ave. E. to Tyler Boggs, of Bradenton, for $215,000.

Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,121 square feet of living area.

It previously sold for $172,500 in 2009.

NORTH MANATEE River Wilderness

Ronald and Sidni Hecox, of Ponte Vedra, sold their home at 11523 Savannah Lakes Drive to Habibollah and Lydia Shobeiri, of Parrish, for $610,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-ahalf baths, a pool and 3,881 square feet of living area.

Twin Rivers

Dennis Jones and Tammy Lemert, of Goshen, Ind., sold their home at 2702 155th Ave. E. to William and Kathleen Yee, of Parrish, for $425,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,270 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $440,000 in July.

Covered Bridge Estates

Sunshine Homes of Sarasota LLC sold the home at 6287 Rock Creek Circle to Drue Chatfield and Martha Casey, of Ellenton, for $265,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,601 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $270,000 in 2012.

YOUROBSERVER.COM // See a map of this week’s real estate sales.

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

PRESERVATION PARTY

13B Unique, live musical events that entertain, engage and inspire.

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

In the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling Museum of Art

Sat/Sun–December 21 & 22–7:30 p.m.

Broadway’s Original “ANNIE”

ANDREA McARDLE With Steve Marzullo, piano

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Phillip Wolff, Chairwoman Charlene Wolff and Catherine Wolff with Conor Clymore

Lemurs enchant guests at Lemur Conservation Foundation Gala Guests gathered for an evening of “Lemur Enchantment” Thursday, Dec. 12, at Michael’s On East, for the annual Lemur Conservation Foundation Gala. The event, chaired by Charlene Wolff, benefits the Lemur Conservation Foundation’s efforts to protect the lemurs at its Florida reserve

and sister reserve in Madagascar.

Lemur artwork by artist Craig Rubadoux was auctioned off during cocktail hour before 120 guests took their seats for dinner.

The lemur performers (from the Alice Farley Dance Company) then enchanted the guests with a performance.

A feast of holiday music also featuring baritone Todd Donovan, singers Maria Wirries, and Deborah Berioli, pianist Alan Corey, dancers from the Carreno Dance Festival, Le Voci di Venizia Singers ( Sat ) and Gloria Musicae Singers ( Sun)

Saturday–December 21–2:00 p.m. Only!

Gian Carlo Menotti’s Holiday Favorite – One-act Opera

AMAHL a n d t h e NIGHT VISITORS

Featuring Deborah Berioli, Todd Donovan, Christopher Culpepper, Joshua Mazur, Andrea Guiaita, Jose Guiaita, Michael Algeria, Mary Jeanne Moorman and Le Voci de Venezia

With additional support from Iberia Bank, WUSF Public Media, The Observer Group, and Spotlight Graphics

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EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

OBSERVER WEATHER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

Do you love taking photos? We want your best photos of sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, etc.

Submit your local weather photos for a chance to have your photo published in the paper!

See all of the winning photos each week by visiting The Observer’s Facebook page.

TEMPERATURES

Record Temperatures High

Low

High

Low

Tuesday, Dec. 10

81

59

86 (1972)

29 (1917)

Wednesday, Dec. 11

84

65

87 (1972)

31 (1938)

Thursday, Dec. 12

75

55

85 (2001)

26 (1957)

Friday, Dec. 13

78

51

87 (1965)

22 (1962)

Saturday, Dec. 14

83

63

90 (1971)

23 (1962)

Sunday, Dec. 15

75

68

86 (1923)

31 (2010)

Monday, Dec. 16

64

54

86 (2001)

27 (1968)

AVERAGE GULF WATER TEMPERATURE: 74 SUNRISE / SUNSET

RAINFALL Tuesday, Dec. 10

0.01

Wednesday, Dec. 11

0.00

Thursday, Dec. 12

0.00

Friday, Dec. 13

0.00

Saturday, Dec. 14

Sunrise

Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 19

7:15a

5:40p

Friday, Dec. 20

7:16a

5:40p

0.00

Saturday, Dec. 21

7:16a

5:41p

Sunday, Dec. 15

0.02

Sunday, Dec. 22

7:17a

5:41p

Monday, Dec. 16

0.00

Monday, Dec. 23

7:17a

5:42p

Year-to-date: 2013 2012

52.49 in. 45.06 in.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

7:18a

5:42p

Wednesday, Dec. 25 7:18a

5:43p

Month-to-date: 2013 2012

0.03 in. 1.02 in.

MOON

 Jim Lustgarten submitted this sunset photo, taken near University Park.

Scan the QR code on your smartphone to submit your weather photos!

Or visit YourObserver.com and click on the “Contests” tab.

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

1 5 8 12

22 23 25

27 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 41 44 45 48 49 50

CRYPTOGRAMS 1. Y M N R B P B Q I R F N K T D F L R Y M W A D C D F O Z W L C O R W H Q L R M I R I M S I R . Q I ’ R A N N O D B R D S L FA D F O V I I H R Q L R T N F I P L F D R F N K Z D F V. 2. H M N Y A F H Q Z W A M W V X K K F X W X E X D Y Q J V M W Z W Z X E N V D M W S H X W S D X J W K Q D S X S M Q J , H M N A W Y X S A W.

Dec. 25 Last

Jan. 1 New

Jan. 7 First

Jan. 15 Full

IN SEASON by Jerry Berns ACROSS

19 20 21

3

PHASES

53 55 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 71 72

Quirky habits The lady Lady’s maid in India Improper distribution of cards Vocalist Fitzgerald Scotsman’s cap Run-down place to eat Shakespearean tragedy Impart knowledge again What an avid baseball fan may own Aug. 4 is one Speech imperfection Suffers defeat Preserves from oblivion Tons No longer amusing Trigger puller?

FedEx alternative Beats, as an incumbent “___ this corner ...” (boxing intro) OPEC customer Hotel room upgrade Frat letter WWII battle site in France Ceremonial celebration The real ___ (the genuine article) Tea type (var.)

A little drunk Allowing seepage Fort Worth sch.

High-society roster By way of A person may have one of invincibility Resets one’s clocks Burden of proof Plumbing pipe with

73 74 75 78 80 82 83 85 86 87 88 89 90 93 94 95 96 99 103 106 107 109 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121

a right angle Marry in haste One doing time Start to give in Tim and Harry Grooming practice Like crystal Work produced by manual labor Pear-shaped instrument Feel out of sorts Weather balloon “ ___ the ramparts ...”

Katmandu’s country “War and Peace” author Woman in a habit ___-Man (video game) “Figured it out!”

Ready for plucking Seven-piece combos ___ Canyon National Park Person under the Union Jack Jan. 4 is one $100,000, for some Wallace’s first “60 Minutes” co-host Ratite relative Niagara River source Nickelodeon’s “Kenan & ___” Spanish artist Salvador Mick Jagger’s home country Indian flatbread Yearbook sect.

5-Across, in Venice

DOWN

1 Brief 2 Part of the small intestine 3 Tackle Everest 4 World’s smallest

republic 5 “It was a dark and ___ night ...”

6 Die-___ (bitterenders) 7 Austen novel 8 Product movers 9 Cedes the right of way 10 Make use of 11 “Steppenwolf” novelist Hermann 12 Tues. preceder 13 “Addams Family” member 14 Swindlers’ decoys 15 Translate, as a secret message 16 Wild buglers 17 Away from the wind, at sea 18 Way more than a few 24 Criminal 26 Photo ___ (campaign activities) 28 Y’all, in Brooklyn 33 Abstract painting style of the ‘60s 34 Atomic number of hydrogen 37 All-purpose vehicle, briefly 38 With the bow, in music 39 You of yesteryear 40 Asian restaurant sauces 41 Some are FDICinsured 42 Spingarn Medal awarder 43 Voice a formal objection 44 ___ hammer on (pounds) 45 Flavorful 46 More than risky 47 More than unfriendly 50 Gadget for a grease monkey 51 Ignorance, in an adage 52 Composer of over 400 concerti

53 Juicy tidbit 54 Maryland seafood specialty 56 Way of doing things 58 Preacher’s podium 61 Words seen before closing credits 63 Emotionally distant 65 Very small quantity 66 Fail to pronounce, as a syllable 67 Church platform 68 Behave badly 69 Terra ___ 70 Demonstrate subservience 75 “Beat it, cat!”

76 Collection of miscellaneous pieces 77 Took a tumble 78 Wasn’t brave in the least 79 Scrub 81 Item of current technology?

83 Today, in Madrid 84 Keep the magazines coming 87 “___ guy walks into a bar ...”

89 Neck parts 91 ___ plexus (lower back network) 92 Louise’s partner in filmdom 93 Water-dwelling rodent 94 Petunia parts 96 Upper mgmt. degree 97 “Wizard of Oz” composer 98 Prom queen’s wear 99 Look of contempt 100 Actress Best and writer Ferber 101 Asian weight units 102 Six-Day War nation 103 Computer memory measure 104 It’s straight from the horse’s mouth 105 Partner of yin 108 Exasperates 110 Hither and ___ 111 South of France?

112 Craving 12-19-13

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

15B

Holiday Worship Guide Christmas

11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 • (941) 753-9365 Pastor Jeffrey R Gross • www.livinglordfl.org Your family is invited to join our family to lift our voices as we celebrate our Savior’s birth!

East bradenton Campus - 15800 SR 64 E

ADVENT HOLDEN VESPERS

Christmasass-E4 ve pm

Dec. 21 at 4:30pm & 6:30pm | Dec. 22 at 9:00am, 10:30am & 12:00pm Dec. 23 at 6:00pm & 7:30pm | Dec. 24 at 2:00pm & 4:00pm

7:00 PM Wednesdays during December

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE

West bradenton Campus - 3304 43rd St. W

7:00 PM December 18th

ily M

127796

East Sarasota Campus - 8893 Fruitville Rd. Dec. 22 at 9:00am, 10:30am & 12:00pm Dec. 24 at 2:00pm & 4:00pm

127875

Dec. 21 at 6:30pm, Dec. 22 at 9:00am & 10:30am Dec. 23 at 6:00pm | Dec. 24 at 2:00pm & 4:00pm

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

CANDLELIGHT – COMMUNION – CAROLS 4:00 PM Traditional Service • 7:00 PM Family Service 11:00 PM Traditional Service with Choir

Celebrate Christmas with Redeemer

candlelight services

Fam s & Choir St. Nicholas, Carol 0 pm Carols begin at 3:3

ass - 6:30 pm Evening Choral M sic begins at 6 pm

mu

artet & Organ

Carols, Brass Qu

St. Andrew United Church of Christ

music begins

Christmas Eve

Organ Brass Quartet & s Anthems & Carol

Pine Shores Presbyterian

6116 Crestwood Avenue (West of US 41 - North of Stickney Pt.)

Sunday Worship Services in Advent - 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - 7:00 p.m.

Special Music @ 6:45 p.m.

Communion & Candlelight at all Services

Nursery provided at the 5:00 & 7:30 services www.pineshorespres.org • (941) 922-1597

7:30 am Choral M ass - 10 a m Spanish M ass - 1 pm

Child care available for Christmas Eve 4 pm Mass

128446

128332

941-922-7595

s Day

munion -

Complimentary parking Christmas Eve from 3 pm to 1 am at BMO Harris Bank Garage, McAnsh Square

5:00 pm ~ Early Service for Children, Youth and Adults 7:30 pm ~ Traditional Service with Chancel Choir 11:00 pm ~ The Eve of Christmas

You are also invited to join Mary Mother of Jesus Catholic Mass on Satudays at 4 p.m.

6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota 34238 www.uccstandrew.org

10:30 pm Midnight Massat- 9:30 pm

Christma

Holy Com

Celebrate the Birth of Jesus

www.redeemersarasota.org

128583

LIVING LORD LUTHERAN CHURCH

Come! God’s Son Is Born for All!

December 21 6:30 p.m.: A Christian Family Christmas December 24 – Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m.: Family Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 9:00 p.m.: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 25 – Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.: Christmas Worship Service

EVERY SATURDAY EVE

5:30 p.m.: worship with Holy Communion

EVERY SUNDAY MORN

128522

9 a.m.: contemporary worship with praise band 10:45 a.m.: traditional worship with choir

CHRISTMAS EVE

7 p.m.: Family candlelit service with children’s pageant 11 p.m.: Candlelit worship with Holy Communion

Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service 7:00 PM

Concordia Lutheran Church

Looking for PEACE this Christmas?

Lakewood Christian Church Your church. Your community.

Join us for Christmas Eve Candlelight 3131 61 St. • Sarasota, Fl. 34243 Rev. Dr. Christopher Carlson

Childcare at 5:00 and 7:00 Peace Presbyterian Church has moved from the Manatee Association of Realtors to our new home at 12705 E. State Road 64 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34212

Tuesday, December 24

SUNDAY SERVICE

6:00 P.M.

10:30 am

(near Greyhawk Landing)

Services at the Fete Ballroom at the Polo Grill on Main Street LWR

10670 Boardwalk Loop • 941-357-7055 www.lakewoodchurchontheranch.com

941.753.7778 128040

127797

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Tel: 355-4729 • www.npcsarasota.com

Christmas Eve at 5:00, 7:00, or 9:00 Carols, candlelight, and communion

Communion Gathering

st

7pm

Please join us Every Sunday at 8:30 or 11:00

&

Northminster Presbyterian

ConcordiaSarasota.org

128584

9:00 AM and 10:30 AM

2185 Wood Street

(along School Avenue, north of Sarasota High School)

www.peacepcusa.org

Peace Presbyterian Church

127878

Regular Sunday Service Hours

LV7269

unityofsarasota.com

7:00 PM 128509

941-955-3301

10 a.m.: Christmas carol worship with Holy Communion

128546

3023 Proctor Rd Sarasota, FL 34231

CHRISTMAS MORN

New Years Eve Burning Bowl Service

16B

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

First Congregational United Church of Christ

Faith Lutheran Church

4:30 pm Christmas Pageant with Holy Communion 8:30 pm Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion

Dec. 25

10:00 am Christmas Service with Holy Communion

128445

8700 SR72, Sarasota, FL

941-925-2525 www.stmargaretsarasota.org

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

5900 N. Lockwood Ridge Road • just south of University Pky.

The Rev. Charles Mann, Rector • 355-3262

DECEMBER 22ND

10:30am - Appalachian Christmas Cantata

Candlelight Communion

CHRISTMAS EVE

5pm - Family Candlelight Service 11pm - Acoustic Candlelight Worship

Music begins ½ hour before each service

Let Your Light Shine This Christmas

CHRISTMAS DAY

10am - Communion Merry Christmas! & Carols

7750 Beneva Rd. Sarasota, FL 34238

Trinity United Methodist Church United Methodist Church

Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

4150 S. Shade Ave. • Sarasota 924-7756 • www.iTrinity.org

4150 S. Shade Ave. 34231 924-7756 www.iTrinity.org

128511

127801

Trinity - Sarasota

December 22nd 10:30am - Appalachian Christmas Cantata

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 7:00 and 10:30 pm Music and Carols 6:45 and 10:15pm

Christmas Day 10:00am

127798

6:00 & 9:00 p.m.

www.faithsarasota.com

4:00 p.m. - Soloists and instrumentalists; communion 7:00 p.m. - Family service with choirs and instrumentalists 11:00 p.m. - Communion; choirs, soloists, instrumentalists 1031 South Euclid Avenue • 941-953-7044

Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

941-924-4664

Dec. 24

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SCHEDULE

127759

• Candlelight Christmas Eve Tue. Dec 24 @ 4:30pm & 7pm • Christmas Day Festival 7461 Prospect Road • Sarasota, FL 34243 Wed. Dec. 25 @ 10am • New Year’s Eve 941-355-2798 Tues. Dec. 31 @ 4:30pm www.beautifulsaviorlcms.com

128005

Holiday Worship Guide

Christmas Eve 5pm - Family Candlelight Service 11pm - Acoustic Candlelight Worship

Christmas Services at Saint Boniface Church Christmas Day 10am - Communion & Carols

Everyone Welcome!

The Episcopal Church on Siesta Key!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 6:00 p.m. Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

CHRISTMAS EVE

941.907.3939

www.onthecorner.org 14306 Covenant Way Lakewood Ranch, FL

CHRISTMAS DAY

Lorraine Road just north of University.

10:00 a.m. Christmas Day Eucharist with Organ and Carols

BRINGING PEOPLE TO MATURITY IN CHRIST

4:00 and 5:30pm

WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday 9am Traditional Service Sunday 10:45am Contemporary Service Nursery available during 9am service.

Nursery and full children’s program during 10:45am service.

LV7296

5615 Midnight Pass Rd. (941) 349-5616 www.bonifacechurch.org Sarasota, FL 34242

128608

128590

Saint Boniface Church

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

128514

4:30 p.m. Family Service with Pageant and Eucharist 7:00 p.m. Christmas music for Choir, Strings & Organ 7:30 p.m. The Christ Mass, “Mass of the Nativity” 10:30 p.m. Christmas music for Choir, Strings & Organ 11:00 p.m. The Christ Mass, “Mass of the Nativity”

Arriving

on your

screen

Winter

2014!

LV7303

Observer Classifieds.

It’s read everywhere.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Cleaning SENIOR LOOKING to purchase precious metals, time pieces, coins, jewelry and antiques. Please call Marc, 941-321-0707.

Dec. 26th

Service Directory deadlines Dec. 17th at noon Classified Ads deadline Dec. 18th at noon

Jan. 2nd

Storage STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer. Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rd area.

941-809-3660, 941-809-3662.

Service Directory deadlines Dec. 18 at noon Classified Ads deadline Dec. 19th at noon th

Business Opportunities

The Observer Classified Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 23rd at 5pm for the holidays.

We will reopen Thursday, Jan. 2nd at 8:30am

CANOPY: 10X10, steel frame, 2 stages with wheeled polyester carrying bag. New. $75.

941-358-5313.

CHAIR: OFFICE, brown leather, swivel, $40.

941-807-8248 FREE WOODEN SWING SET. Slide, fort and 3 swings. Call for time to pick up and remove from Sarasota backyard. 302-3079.

MICROWAVE: STYLISH stainless steel, like new, used a few times, counter top. $35.00.

941-524-8867.

P.A SPEAKER: JBL MR 925 series. Cabinet has 15” speaker. Great condition w/cable, $175.00.

(941)727-8700.

PIANOLA PLAYER Piano: Upright spinet model.

40 plus rolls. $200 OBO. 941-907-9115.

Appliances ALMOST NEW: G.E. appliances. Microwave, natural gas stove and refrigerator, color bisque.

Call for info. 941-350-7572.

Autos Wanted WE BUY CARS. TOP $$ PAID FOR YOUR VEHICLES. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Observer EAST COUNTY JULY FREE • THURSDAY,

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS.

BUILDING

SPORTS

Neal Communities marks 9,000th home with commemorative tree. PAGE 5

Thirteen-year-old figure skater competes in Philadelphia.

PAGE 13

OUR TOWN

SAFETY FIRST Editor

by Pam Eubanks |

Managing

11, 2013

PATRIOTIC SPIRIT Local parades honor the American spirit for Fourth of July.

PAGE 17

It’s

READ Everywhere!

estate| Managing Editor real

by Pam Eubanks

Manatee property values on the rise

Help Wanted DRIVERS: $5,000 Sign-On Bonus! Great Pay! Consistent Freight, Great Miles on this Regional Account. Werner Enterprises: 1-855-517-2507.

HOUSECLEANER for Company. Car needed, Experience helpful. Background Checked. Bring home $300-$400/wk. Call Drew 941-445-5844.

ChitwoodCharters.com Cruise or Fish Hyatt Sarasota Docks 32’/53’ Yachts - 2hrs./2 months 941-383-5232

Furnishings BRAND NEW Serta Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set Willing to sacrifice for $150! (941)387-4810.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales ESTATE SALE: Saturday, 12/21 and Sunday 12/22, 8a.m.-5p.m., 6353 Royal Tern Circle, Lakewood Ranch 34202. Antiques, furniture, all household, Christmas gift items.

JOHNSON SMITH Company is a local leading catalog and e-commerce company right here in Bradenton. We invite you, your friends and family to shop at our Attic Store on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21st from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. We have tons of merchandise to liquidate - Some NEW, Some GENTLY USED. Sale merchandise includes: T-Shirts, Books/DVD’s, Stuffed Animals, Kid Stuff, Housewares, Games, Lucy, Betty Boop, Elvis, Health related items along with all sorts of other stuff. Merchandise is at ROCK bottom prices ($1.00 - $35.00)

Hope you can stop by and see us - ALL SALES FINAL - Unfortunately, due to the area size limitation - Children under the age of 15 are not allowed at the sale.

Merchandise Wanted

Personalized attention with professional honest advice.

25 Years Experience - References available

Vacation/Seasonal Rentals PALM AIRE CONDO: 2BR/2BA, furnished, great views, upgraded, utilities included. Available January, February & March. 3/mo. minimum. $2800/mo. 941-351-1741.

' / 2 6

955.4888

www.yourobserver.com

This week’s Crossword answers

FIRST FLOOR 2 bedroom condo unit in a gated community built in 2002. Spectacular water view of the 17th island hole of the Legacy Golf Course at Lakewood Ranch Country Club. Each bedroom includes two walk-in closets and its own full bath.

Spacious kitchen with breakfast nook. Includes washer/dryer. New carpet. One car detached garage and additional parking. Lanai with fabulous view. Short walk to pool and clubhouse. No pets.

NO SMOKING in this unit. Credit check, one year lease. Must have impeccable references.

Call 908-692-7057.

HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 56733

Homes For Rent LUXOR MHP $450/mo-1 bed/bath mobile homes.

55+ community. No Pets.

5811 14th St. W. Bradenton.

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

Visit our website at www.yourobserver.com

Financial strategies to accumulate wealth, manage risk and reduce taxes.

MOST REPAIRS Plus Parts $ at Retail

• Refrigerators • Ranges • Washers & Dryers • Ovens • Dishwashers • Garbage Disposals • Icemakers (Frig. only) • Stoves

75 Mel Steverson • 941-526-6832

2013

This week’s Cryptogram answers

1. Frosty the snowman is frugal and builds up his reserves. He’s good at saving and keeps his money in a snowbank.

2. Mickey Mouse is happy as a lark on his usual Christmas transportation, mice skates.

CLOCK REPAIR

Appliance Repair

Christo’s Clock Repair Serving Bradenton/Sarasota areas Over 30 years experience

“IF IT DOESN’T TIC, TOC TO ME.”

(941) 752-4741 Don Christo, Sr.

CLEANING

Horologist

All Makes & Models House Calls by apt.

Free tes ma Esti

COMPUTER

Krow Cleaning Co.

Insured

Residential/Commercial/Events/Storms Clean Up

Tim

941-735-5778

Dustin Yoder yoderaluminum@gmail.com

15505 Lemon Fish Dr. Bradenton, FL 34202 Office 941-650-9790

128645

“Specializing in 6” Seamless Gutters”

Move In/Move Out Clean Up Foreclosures Clean Up Storms Clean Up Events Clean Up House/Condo/Apartment/Office Next Day Guaranteed Call for Free Estimates

Friendly, Expert Computer Repairs 129273

Yoder Aluminum Inc. 127848

126808

email: info@sarasotaluxuryrentals.com

Condos/Apts. For Rent

APPLIANCE REPAIR

ALUMINUM

Contact - Sarasota Luxury Rentals 941-225-1356

Commercial Property For Rent

FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, PA Certified Public Accountants

ANGELA

For Qualified Waiting Clients

RESTAURANT FOR lease: Village of The Arts, Bradenton. 1506 13th St. W. $900/mo. Call 941-747-6915.

BUYING VINTAGE Sports Cards and Memorabilia, American Flyer and Lionel Trains, pre-1970.

Leave message 941-928-5908.

6371 Business Blvd., Suite 101 Sarasota, Florida 34240 H. DYCHES, CPA, PFS (941) 923-1831 Fax (941) 923-8647 Email: angie@ cpafinancialsolutions.com www.cpafinancialsolutions.com

WANTED LUXURY ANNUAL RENTALS

QUICKBOOKS EXPERIENCE for P/T in East Bradenton. 941-746-8201.

RELIABLE NAIL TECH to take over large clientele IMMEDIATELY at upscale LBK salon. Manicure, pedicure, gel service experience a must! Beautiful, friendly atmosphere family owned/operated.

941-387-9807.

We are located in the Manasota Industrial Park at 4514 19th St Ct East, Bradenton. Call 747-5566 and press 0, for more information. All transactions are cash or credit card only. Visit our website at www.johnsonsmith.com to learn more about our company.

ACCOUNTING

CPA

Boats

JAN PRO CLEANING FRANCHISE: $950 Down Required, Financing Available for growth, Includes customers. Earn up to $10,000 Month+.

Call 941-907-8141.

127732

ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising.

Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks in 1 Observer.

(No phone calls please.)

(Please provide your name and address) Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com Online at: www.yourobserver.com Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230

127825

Happy Holidays To You and Yours!

Items Under $200 For Sale

Real Estate Wanted

CASH FOR Old Military Items. Swords, uniforms, insignia & old guns. Call 941-416-3280.

125691

The Observer Classifieds Holiday Early Deadlines . for Dec 26th and Jan. 2nd

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

18B Classifieds

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERV Thursday, December 19, 2013

www.yourobserver.com

Adult Care Services

Cleaning

A Lending Hand, Inc.

ND SPARKLE. We are a family business experienced in both home and office cleaning great rates. Call for a quote. 941-330-4466. Email: norgrasi@hotmail.com

Landscaping & Lawn Service

Personal Services YOUR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPER, LLC Gail Sunray, Owner

Computer Services

Personal & Business Bookkeeping Accounting/ Taxes

COMPUTER TECHNICAL Support. H/W & S/W problems solved. Virus/Malware removal; data recovery; Networking/ Internet Issues; Upgrades; A+, Network+ Cert. Tech. Navy trained electronics tech veteran. 941-225-0046.

ELVES PAINTING AND REMODELING. Interior/ exterior painting, pressure washing, interior/exterior window cleaning and home improvement services.

10+ years experience. Excellent references. Please call Elves, 941-447-3778.

FRED’S HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR. Painting, tile, kitchen backsplash, windows, drywall, fans, just ask! 941-744-7473.

Auto Transport SHIP YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV anywhere in the United States. Great rates, fast quotes. Call Hawley Motors, 941-923-3421.

Cleaning

BONDED & INSURED Over 25 yrs. experience Telephone: 941-749-5646 yourbookkeeper@tampabay.rr.com

Masonry

STEVE ALLEN FLOOR COVERINGS

20 YRS. EXPERIENCE CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE 726-1802 LIC/ INS

DOGGY HOTEL/GROOMING. 24 Hour Daycare.

FREE Daycare with groom (we are the best).

3925 Brown Avenue behind Sleep King. doggyhotel.net 941-554-4620.

Painting/Wallpapering

Landscaping & Lawn Service DE LA ROSA LAWN CARE - Family owned and operated. Now accepting new clients. Free estimates. No yard too big or too small. Serving Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota. Tony De La Rosa, owner and operator 813-900-4056.

Licensed and Insured.

GENTLEMAN GARDENER. Refine your space.

15 years LW Ranch resident. I’m in your backyard!

941-724-5792.

CARLO DATTILO PAINTING. Licensed & insured.

Interior/ Exterior painting including drywall repair and retexturing. Wallpaper installation & removal, pressure washing. Residential & commercial, condos. Honest & reliable. Free estimates.

941-744-1020. 35+ years experience.

MASTER CLUB MAKER will repair or modify your golf equipment. All work 100% guaranteed.

Call 941-748-4262.

Team Up With ClassiďŹ eds

DOORS

Pools

Professional Services

955-4888

955-4888

TIKI TIME PET SITTING! In-Home Pet Sitting! Leave your fur kids in their environment with trusted, loving care! Providing quality pet care for 10 years! No extra charge for multiple pets & Holidays! Excellent references.

480-694-0756 tikitimepetcare@gmail.com

FULL WEEKLY POOL SERVICE FROM $65 per month including chemicals. For screened-in pools. Owner operated, reliable, personal service. Save money - call now. Blissful Pools, 941-705-0400.

SELL IT!

MAKE YOUR PHONE RING

BLUE FISH CLEANING INC. 941-705-3812.

Insured, Bonded. Affordable reliable home cleaning, $60, 2 cleaners, 2 hours.

Pet Services

ALL TYPES OF MASONRY Specializing in concrete driveways, pavers, decorative concrete, stone work, patios.

Call for free and honest estimates.

941-525-2435

PROFESSIONAL TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATION

Air Conditioning GULFSIDE A/C & Heating, LLC. SALES & SERVICE, FREE ESTIMATES! 10 MINUTE RESPONSE. Visa/MC/Disc. Lic. #CAC1816929 941-962-6863.

LAKEWOOD RANCH LAWN & LANDSCAPE LLC. Unhappy with your current lawn service?

Try us for free! First week free with no contract when switching from current company. We offer complete lawn care and landscaping services.

FREE ESTIMATES. 941-373-5110.

www.yourobserver.com

HOME SERVICES

LANDSCAPING & LAWN

PRO Sliding Glass Door Repair

128286

Call Mark 941-928-2263 www.proslidingglassdoorrepair.com

ELECTRIC

Lakewood Ranch Home Watchers, L.L.C.

Now Offering Full Service Lawn Maintenance

Licensed and Insured

www.nativesonlandscape.com

941-356-2332 / 941-356-2601

CALL 24/7 • RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS!

Homewatcher1@aol.com www.lakewoodranchhomewatcher.com

941.538.7274

365-2407

Detective Robert L. McCabe, (Ret.) 126985

“FIX IT - DON’T REPLACE�

YOUR DOORS WILL SLIDE LIKE NEW

Experienced • Insured • Worker’s Comp LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 1121 LEWIS AVE, SARASOTA, FL 34237 JOHN L. BLASER/OWNER

MOVERS

126809

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

941-504-0903

# 128281

15% OFF

Dave McCarthy

rain sensors

20 any irrigation

$

HANDYMAN

Operator/Owner

$ OFF repair over 100

References Available

Place Your Ad Online 24/7 www.YourObserver.com/classifieds

What ever “...IT� is, we’ll MOVE IT! Call: 941-803-4959 Moveitsuncoast@gmail.com

941-779-3665 Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

Jack North President

941-961-3989

Ask a Neighbor!

jack@fivestarhomewatch.com www.fivestarhomewatch.com

Always reachable at

941-966-0333 www.drgrabbars.com

Buy 1 grab bar & get 1 FREE FREE

INSTALLATION

941-726-7077

a FREE estimate!

MARK HOWARD

GRAB THIS DEAL

Your Bathroom Safety Specialist

LAKEWOOD RANCH PAINTING

• Interior & Exterior Painting & Wallcovering • Full Service Interior Design & Color Selection Assistance • Over 30 Years Experience Need a Referral? Matt Arndt, Owner Call today for

KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING

HOME SERVICES

128967

PAINTING

SUNCOAST SPRINKLER CO, LLC

Irrigation Systems • Maintenance & Repairs Pumps • Valves • Controllers • Sprayheads System Revamps • Maintenance Contracts • Installations

*In Mo st Cases

Delivery • Transport • Hauling • Junk Removal

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126799

www.Manateehomeservices.com

Day Same * e Servic

127852

Licensed, Insured & Bonded • References available • Serving Manatee & Sarasota

Phone (941) 704-4278 Fax (941) 538-3781 dmccarthy114@hotmail.com

MOVE IT! DELIVERY AND TRANSPORT

127851

Rick Murphy, President 941-773-4550

127010

Monthly/Weekly Home Watch services by retired Police OfďŹ cer Handyman/Retired Licensed Contractor experienced in keeping your home secure & running while you’re away or when you need a home repair.

Holiday Lighting Installation Available

I.C.C 361253 • DOT 812623 FL MOVERS #IM1102

Maintenance - Repair -Installation

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MANATEE HOME WATCH & HANDYMAN SERVICES, LLC

LOCAL - LONG DISTANCE FREE ESTIMATES

A FULL SERVICE IRRIGATION COMPANY

128270 38056

FurnitureSales Sales &&Repairs Furniture Repairs Cushions • Slings • Re-powdercoating #USHIONS s 3LINGS s 5MBRELLAS

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LPfrom Missing: “Will move anything a couch to a household�

127730

PATIO REPAIRS, INC PATIO REPAIRS

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955-4888

IRRIGATION

FURNITURE REPAIR

Lic./Ins. & Bonded

MO V I N G Dave McCarthy

in the Service Directory Call today to reserve your space

•Landscape Design/ Renovation/Installation • Xeriscape Experts/ Native Plants • Organic Gardening & Fertilizing • Sod Repair • Drainage Solutions • Seasonal Clean Up, Remulch • New Pavers & Paver Repair

127850

IN-HOME ASSISTED LIVING. Why leave the safety, beauty and comfort of your own home to receive professional, affordable and compassionate care? You don’t need to! ElderCare Services provides complete customized care perfectly tailored to suit your needs and lifestyle. Services include, but not limited to, homemaking, transportation, running errands, meal prep., medication supervision, 24/7 medical staffing, and more.

Please call 377-4465 for more info. or visit us on the web @ eldercaresarasota.com. Licensed, bonded and insured. Lic.#30211372

4 Bill Paying & Account Reconciliation 4 Organizing Personal and Business Files 4 Budgets & Financial Reports 4 Federal and State Tax Returns

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

128281

Provides home healthcare from as little as 4 hours to 24/7 care.

For more info Phone: 941-809-3725 License #230506 & #30211577

I come to your home or office.

PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENT Remodel • Repair

941-254-7327 941-807-9800

Mark Fortson • CertiďŹ ed Building Contractor LIC# CBC056615 MRKFRTSN1@YAHOO.COM

128646

18B

Classifieds 19B 19B

www.yourobserver.com

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

POWER WASHING

SAFE ROOF CLEANING 5 yr. spot free warranty 5 yr. spot free warranty

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15% HOLIDAY SAVINGS With this ad Before

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3 Document Document Creation Creation 3 3 Special Special Projects Projects 3

Gift Certificates Certificates Available Available Gift

Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Our Bugs Take It Back to the Nest & END the Problem

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528 E. Brandon Blvd.

922-1817

www.floridamoves.com/lora.carpenter

ROOFING

Bisson Roofing Inc.

813-651-4477

FREE ESTIMATES

Residential/Commercial Roofing • Specializing in Roof Repairs

30 Year Year 30 East County Resident East County Resident

941-748-7400

Licensed & Insured • RC0067420 • NO HIDDEN COSTS Owner Supervises Every Job

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SANDALS REALTY

PET SERVICES

TREES

NATIVE CUT TREE SERVICE • Best Price on Palm Trimming

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Family Owned 1993 126840 126840

746-6654

941-713-0432 Direct 941-739-6777 Office

Contact Alice Alice Bozza, Bozza, Realtor Realtor Contact

PROTECT YOUR HOME BEFORE A PROBLEM Sarasota

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WINDOWS

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PLUMBING FALL SPECIALS

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Repairs, new new Repairs, construction, construction, $ 00 remodels, repipes, repipes, • Insinkerator Badger 5 disposal $17500 installed remodels, water filter filter water $ 00 • Save $5000 off the installation of a new 30 or 40 systems. systems. gallon energy miser electric water heater No job job too too big big No or too too small. small. or • Save 10% OFF any regular service call (with ad) Call Today!

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941-447-0127 • 941-284-5880

Harold@TheLaskyTeam.com Harold@TheLaskyTeam.com Harold@TheLaskyTeam.com

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices

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bobandersonplumbing.com • 941-322-4510

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COUNTRY CANINE MAKEOVERS DOG GROOMING Located off of SR 70 E. 1 mile North on Verna Bethany Rd. 7804 Barr Road Myakka City, FL 34251

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BUG BUSTERS

5900 Tamiami Trail

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REALTORS

Voted #1

6 Month Control for Yard

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Classified Ads Bring Results 941-955-4888

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Bradenton

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top2bottompressurewashing.com 127510 127510

3 Record Record Keeping Keeping 3 3 2IÀFH 7DVNV 3 2IÀFH 7DVNV 3 +RXVHKROG 7DVNV 3 +RXVHKROG 7DVNV

Call 924-9000 *A/H 730-0130

www.realtor.com/sarasota/bethbarnett

Office: 941.379.6302 941.379.6302 Office: Cell: 941.928.4325 941.928.4325 Cell: www.yourveryownassistant.com www.yourveryownassistant.com E-mail: jamerkt@comcast.net jamerkt@comcast.net E-mail:

For listing your house, call BETH for proven results!!

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2 Bath Mirrors • 2 Fans • Tracks • Screens

126805 126805

Providing personal and administrative support to individuals and small businesses.

3790 14th St. W.

www.PantherHydroCleaning.com

128289 128289

941-737-4483

126810 126810

Houses, Pool Cage & Decks, Fences, Driveways & Walks Irrigation, Fertilizer, Rust & Battery Stain Removal

Take Control of Your Life…

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3 De-cluttering De-cluttering 3 3 Organization Organization 3

Pressure Cleaning Cleaning & & Soft Soft Washing Washing Pressure Residential and and Commercial Commercial Residential

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PERSONAL SERVICES

BETH BARNETT “East County’s #1 Agent!”

announces

BIODEGRADABLE BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS PRODUCTS

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KK Painting and Handyman Services LICENSED

REALTORS Lakewood Ranch

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*4 week commitment required

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205 Every 4 weeks!

$

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PelicanPRESS SIESTA KEY

LV3018

129314 129314

PAINTING

127857 127857

THE EAST COUNTY OBSERVER Thursday, December 19, 2013 EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

YourObserver.com

EAST COUNTY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

126995

20B

Love Came Down ECO outlines.indd 1

12/12/2013 7:30:38 AM