April 2012

Page 1

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 55 YEARS

SInnovation TERLING in Remodeling

The Latest Beauty Wands

Michael Donald Edwards

Prince of Adventure

YMCA’s Angels

Sarasota Film Festival Calendar, Social News & Pix

APRIL 2012 $3.95 U.S.


EMBRACE THE E

E


THE CONCESSION GOLF CLUB

Celebrate Your Next Event With Us

Whether you’re planning an upcoming special event, corporate event, intimate dinner or fairy tale wedding,The Concession Golf Club offers timeless sophistication enhanced by our private, picturesque location and award-winning cuisine. To schedule a private tour call 941-322-1922 or visit: www.TheConcession.com.


INSPIRED PERFORMANCE THE WAY OF

2012 Infiniti M

Starting From

COAST INFINITI

$48,595

“A True Luxury Experience”

We invite you to come in and experience the redesigned M Series. With a combination of Performance, Luxury and Value, The Infiniti M Series is a Consumer’s Best Choice.

Why Coast Infiniti? • A Family Owned & Operated Facility Built Around Trust & Integrity For Over 35 Years. • Florida’s Highest Rated Sales & Service Department. • Complimentary Infiniti Premier Loaner Service with VIP Service Card.

2124 Bee Ridge Road • Sarasota, FL 34239 941.924.1211 • coastinfiniti.com


Quality You Can See & Feel In today’s highly competitive luxury market, it isn’t enough to engineer vehicles that provide great performance and equip them with all the latest amenities. In addition, customers must be able to immediately sense the vehicles quality. To realize excellent perceived quality, designing and engineering must be in harmony with each other. Infiniti conducts extensive research on what customers want and how they use the car and then carefully quantify each element. By studying why someone feels good when he or she touches things, rather than what he or she likes, we can make things that feel good to everyone. A new synthetic leather material is used for armrests, which are in constant contact with people’s hands. With the softness of a fingerpad and a surface texture similar to a fingerprint, it creates the soft, comfortable feeling of a baby’s skin. The inside of the door trim pull handle is an area where a good feel to the touch is required. Infiniti M’s instrument panel uses a synthetic material that is structurally similar to real leather. This provides a soft feeling and higher durability than genuine leather. What is important is not only the overall impression of the design, but also the detailed design cues that stimulate feelings of higher quality.

The automotive press is recognizing the quality of the 2012 Infiniti M. Each year, Popular Mechanics recognizes the best in automotive design, execution and technology for the Automotive Excellence Awards. The magazine’s editors test drive more than 100 vehicles over 100,000 miles to determine the best vehicle in ten categories, ranging from off-road ability to versatility. After extended test drives, instrumented comparison tests and longer-term evaluations, the top 2012 luxury vehicle was awarded to the Infiniti M37/M56. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2012 Infiniti M a Top Safety Pick. The Infiniti M received the best possible score across all four of the IIHS tests – frontal offset, side impact, roof strength, and rear crash protection. The 2012 Infiniti M has recently been named “Auto Interior of the Year” in the premium-priced car category by Ward’s AutoWorld magazine. Designed to honor excellence in automotive interiors, winners were chosen by a team of eight Ward’s editors using criteria that included aesthetics and design harmony, comfort, ergonomics, fit and finish, materials, safety and overall value.

coastinfiniti.com




contentsfeatures forty Luxury & Beauty April 2012

40

Volume 55 No. 4

Innovation In Remodeling Tom Shapiro of Sterling Manufacturing Sue Cullen

44 48

Beauty Wands Sarasota Plastic Surgeon Dr. Raja Nalluri Prince of Adventure Asolo Rep's Michael Donald Edwards Steven J. Smith

54

Stuart Roth A Champion of What's Right Sue Cullen

68

Football Moms Foxy Flag Football Ryan G. Van Cleave

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 55 YEARS

44

54

SInnovation TERLING in Remodeling

The Latest Beauty Wands

Michael Donald Edwards

Prince of Adventure

YMCA’s Angels

Sarasota Film Festival Calendar, Social News & Pix

Cover / Tom Shapiro’s innovative kitchen and bath remodeling process has made his company, Sterling, a top consumer choice. Photo by Keith A. Millard.

48



contents

60

38 58

87

Arts & Culture 33

Culture Matters

58

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

70

The Visual Arts Tim Jaeger & Sabrina Small

78 79

Performing Arts Calendar Get your tickets to the best performances in town

81

Sarasota Film Festival Calendar of Events

Dining 87

Holistic Satisfaction Local Food & Beverage Pros Share Delectible Favorites with Susan Cullen

Education 63

Education Matters Amazing Minds and Intellectual Happenings by Ryan G. Van Cleave

96

Literary Scene Ryan G. Van Cleave Highlights Local Authors

Giving 38

Steven J. Smith

83

Finding the Perfect Fit Janis Fawn Steven J. Smith

Stories of Joy Community Philanthropy with Joy Weston

Curtain Call Steven J. Smith Reviews Local Theatre

• Jewish Housing Council's

A Life of Dedication & Generosity

"Keeping the Dream Alive"

Adrienne Matcham

65 73

New College Foundation Gala Behind the Scene Debbi Benedict Gives the Latest Society Scoop

Health 91 92

Health Matters

Community News, Appointments and Awards

Social 20 24

SMHF's Corinthian Gala

Van Wezel Foundation Gala Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Jet Port Reception

37

Fundraiser

86 93 94

Junior League Legacy Luncheon Saint Stephen's Falcon 5K Run 2nd Annual Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic

95 98

PNC Wealth Management's

• Sarasota Opera's Opening Night Gala

Ear Research Foundation Gala

Up Close 60

The Y Angels Supporters of the YMCA Programs

Education Foundation's Evening of Excellence

57

• FST Hard Hats & Tails

Pathfinders Event Be Scene Calendar of Events

29 36

Sarasota Ballet Annual Gala

• The Players Theatre

Pet Health

Locally 97

80 82

Karin E. Gustafson

67

Embracing Our Differences Dennis McGillicuddy


One Community. Two Ways to Give. 1.

GulfCoastGives.org Every donation, in any amount, counts. Help reduce the distance between a dream and a dream fulďŹ lled for amazing charities in your own backyard.

2.

YoudBePerfectForThis.org Volunteer yourself. Volunteer a friend. Volunteer a group. Find the perfect volunteer opportunity for yourself, or recommend one to a family member or friend.

GulfCoastCF.org | 941.486.4600


scene | from the editor

I

play tennis on Sunday mornings at a local tennis club and my friends and I are fortunate to play most every time next to a darling, elderly couple. The husband looks 80-ish. He is hunched and can barely move. His bride looks to be a few

years younger, but not by much. They always have a wonderful time together, laughingly poking fun at their double bounce shots and occasional hard-earned winners (which look pretty good to me!), stopping every now and then to relish all of the wildlife that surrounds the tennis courts. They put a smile on my face every week; they are inspirational and a joy to behold. In fact, as spring fever hits the Culture Coast, I see many more couples out and about than I can remember in quite some time – walking, biking, shopping and just enjoying one another’s company. Yes, love is in the air, it’s all around us, and it seems very much alive and well. I wish I could give you a sure reason why I believe this is so, but who am I to say. OK, I’ll give it a stab!! My simple guess is many people are finally leaving the stressful funk caused by the uncertain times of the last several years, and are more eager to be pleasant, lend a hand, and be more appreciative and affectionate towards those they love. Perhaps the moon is in the seventh house, Mercury’s not in retrograde, well you get it, let’s not question it, let’s embrace it. So with the beauty of April upon us, catch the fever, grab the hand of the one you love, get out and enjoy the many local festivals and fairs taking place this spring. Hug everyone who is important to you and tell them that you love them. Everything seems to be perfectly aligned – why wait? I look forward to seeing all of you love bugs out there!

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April 2012

scenesarasota.com



Michelle Crabtree

Realtor, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, GRI, PMN, ABR, TRC, RSPS, AWWD, SFR, GREEN

2011 Five Star Real Estate Agents “Best In Client Satisfaction” – 4 Years 2010 Florida Realtor Honor Society – 4 Years 2010 Director, Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) – 3 year term 2009 Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) Sarasota “Business Woman of the Year”

Cell: 941.724.HOME (4663) Office: 941.907.9595 Email: Sales@CrabtreeHomes.com www.CrabtreeHomes.com A third generation local & Broker Sales Associate since 1982; dedicated to your needs. Serving Sarasota, Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch.

2008 WCR Sarasota Chapter President 2007 SAR “Meritorious Service Award” 2005 WCR Sarasota “Realtor of the Year”

scene

Locally Owned, Operated & Printed For More Than 55 Years CEO/Publisher: Ronald Milton Executive Editor: Julie A. Milton Senior Account Executive: Wanda Martinetto Special Issue Director: Debbi Benedict Art and Production Director: Michelle Cross Contributing Writers: Debbi Benedict, Sue Cullen, Gus Mollasis, Steven J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave, Joy Weston Photographers: Keith A. Millard, Cliff Roles, Rob Villetto Principal Office & Mailing Address: 7269 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34241 941-365-1119 • Fax: 941-954-5067 SCENESARASOTA.COM

SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year by RJM

Ventures, LLC. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufficient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, art work and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged. Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $19.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

Special Publications:

Trevor T. Taylor Wealth Manager

To schedule a complimentary portfolio review please call

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County's Arts & Culture Guide Doctors On The Scene The Giving Book Leading the Scene Men On The Scene Women On The Scene

(941) 822-0401

1924 South Osprey Avenue, Suite 202, Sarasota, FL 34239 Trevor@LCMcapitaladvisors.com www.LCMcapitaladvisors.com Securities and Advisory Services offered through JHS Capital Advisors Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. JHS and LCM are not affiliated.

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April 2012

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Family

is Life.

Enjoy it to the Fullest.

Laurel Oak

T H E P R E M I E R FA M I LY C O U N T RY C LU B


Member-owned since 1999, at Laurel Oak you will find very warm, welcoming, and friendly members. With abundant natural beauty teeming with wildlife, the Club’s many amenities include 36 holes of championship golf, 12 Har Tru tennis courts, a junior Olympic-size pool and a 45,000 sq ft clubhouse. Whether you play golf or tennis, or like to socialize, dine and party with friends in a warm and inviting environment, we have a membership plan for your lifestyle. In addition to our retired members, there are many young families at Laurel Oak, giving the Club a very energetic, highly participatory membership with many family-oriented events throughout the year. We invite you for a Club tour anytime or take advantage of our try-us-out membership, designed to allow you to experience Laurel Oak Country Club, with virtually all the privileges of a full member, before making the commitment to full membership. Call today for your personal tour. Enjoy family and life to the fullest at Laurel Oak.

Secure your spot in one of Sarasota’s finest family country clubs. Schedule a private tour today. 941-378-3399 2700 Gary Player Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34240 www.laureloak.com A Private Club


The stars will shine brightly once again on May 18 at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota when ESPN’s Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale hosts a star-studded event to raise funds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, one of the nation’s leading cancer research fundraising organizations. The event will honor the former head men’s basketball coach for the University of Maryland Gary Williams, Hall of Fame college football coach Lou Holtz, and the head men’s basketball coach for Villanova University Jay Wright.

“Celebrities from the sports world will focus on raising $1 million for pediatric cancer research. This year’s gala will have a new twist as we will end the evening with music and dancing to the Motown sound of The Spinners. Nothing excites me more than the preparation for my annual Dick Vitale Gala. It is so gratifying to see everyone uniting and demonstrating a keen sense of pride and passion to help raise dollars for kids battling cancer.”

– Dick Vitale


B GROUP TH & R ED M FA E TH G N RI TU FEA

E SPINNERS

NEW!!! AFTER-PARTY FEATURING THE SPINNERS! Entertaining audiences of all ages for over 50 years, THE SPINNERS will be performing many of their hits including “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” and “I’ll Be Around” after the Gala dinner. The Spinners have been nominated for six Grammy Awards and have 12 gold records that have topped the Pop and R&B charts. Since its inception in 2006, the event has raised over $6.5 million for pediatric cancer research. This year, net proceeds from the Gala will benefit pediatric cancer research initiatives at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and Shands Cancer Center in Gainesville through The V Foundation. The V Foundation has awarded $6.16 million in research grants in the state of Florida and has raised more than $120 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide.

BUY YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY SELL OUT!

For ticket and sponsorship information, please visit www.jimmyv.org/vitale or contact Mary Kenealy at 941-350-0580 or dickvitalegala@jimmyv.org.


scene | social

SMHF’S CORINTHIAN GALA S

arasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. celebrated its 36th

Anniversary Corinthian Gala at The Ritz-Carlton with more than Photography by Cliff Roles

650 guests. Chairs Susan Jones and Kim Githler created the event’s Supper Club & Speakeasy theme featuring a Cocktails & Cole lounge, The Peacock Room supper club and the Corinthian Club after-party. Bathtubs filled with gin bottles, secret passwords, gangsters and Keystone Kops added to the ambiance. While net proceeds benefit the Foundation’s ENVISION initiative to support future healthcare needs, a special appeal was held for Sarasota Memorial’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, matching previous gifts of $75,000 from Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse and The Burruss Foundation Trust.

Jay & Veronica Brady

Paul & Jenni Hudson

Tracy & Tom Knight

20

scene |

April 2012

Dennis & Graci McGillicuddy with Ingrid Russell

Alex Quarles

Sandy & Vern Buchanan

Margaret & Bill Wise

Susan Jones & Kim Githler

Doug & Gwen MacKenzie

Scott & Kelly Engel scenesarasota.com


TOMORROW’S MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY TODAY ENVISION the possibilities . . .

SARASOTA MEMORIAL

HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

INCORPORATED 1976

941.917.1286 | SMHF.ORG PATIENT CARE | RESEARCH | EDUCATION | TECHNOLOGY | FACILITIES


WEALTH MANAGEMENT

TRANSITION CHECKLIST – LIFE EVENTS THAT COULD ALTER YOUR INVESTMENT PLAN Courtesy of:

Ernie B. Garcia

Senior Vice President - Wealth Management - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

T

he potential for change is one of the few constants in life. Whether your circumstances evolve unexpectedly or as the result of careful planning, you may have to alter your investment strategy. The following are transitional events that may present opportunities

or savings obstacles: Changing Jobs If you change jobs or get promoted and receive a salary increase, consider investing at least some of the difference for your long-term goals. You won’t miss the money if you invest it right from the start. If you had a retirement plan at your former company, consider transferring that plan tax free to your own individual retirement account (IRA). Doing so will make it easier for you to manage your accounts, especially when making your required minimum distributions at age 70 1⁄2. Tying the Knot The decision to marry or remarry could raise a variety of questions about your portfolio and


s investment advice is an important part of a comprehensive wealth advice about your estate, your business, your philanthropic giving, your

stock position and plans. your lending needs. At Morgan Stanley SmithaBarney, financial Will your combined assets provide parental bonus, consider investing at least part of it for

income for two Willand thetransfer need foryouryour retirement needs. full range enough of services to help youretirements? grow, protect wealth. just one primary residence free up income? If so, you may be able to increase your investments. Divorce also

Caring for Aging Relatives

raises financial questions. For example, a new financial

The need to support aging family members, possibly at the

plan would be recommended to determine how much

same time you’re caring for children of your own, could force

money you will need to save to meet the cost of

you to revise your investment plan to pursue more income

retirement on your own.

for today’s needs or capital appreciation for tomorrow’s.

Adding a Family Member

These are just some of the circumstances that can alter

The addition of a newborn family could signal the Ernie toB.your Garcia

your life — and your investment plan. For assistance

mail me for a complimentary consultation to discuss how I can

with your wealth planning goals and objectives.

PS-1725

need to start planning forVice someone else’s- future. adjusting your portfolio accordingly, consult a qualified Senior President WealthAside Management

from the usual expenses of rearing a Management child, there’s the financial professional for strategies that can help your Senior Investment Consultant cost of an education to consider.

investment plan overcome change.

Emptying the Nest

For More Information

2 North Tamiami Trail, Suite 1100 Sarasota, Florida 34236

Many parents with941.364.7405 grown children often enjoy a “parental

bonus” after their 800.237.9441 children leave home. If you anticipate ext. 405

If you’d like to learn more, please contact Ernie B. Garcia, 941.364.7405, www.fa.smithbarney.com/ernie_garcia.

ernie.b.garcia@mssb.com www.fa.smithbarney.com/ernie_garcia

Ernie B. Garcia Senior Vice President - Wealth Management Senior Investment Management Consultant Morgan Stanley Smith Barney does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax or legal advisor for such guidance.

27 Years of Experience

Call or email me for a complimentary consultation and a second opinion of Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended your investment portfolio.

The author(s) and/or publication are neither employees of nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“MSSB”). By providing this third party publication, we are not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement, investigation, verification or Morgan Stanley Smith approval, Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan monitoring by MSSB of any information contained in the publication.

written to are be solely used their for the ofnecessarily avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed The opinions expressed or by the authors ownpurpose and do not reflect those of MSSB. The information and data inClients the article or publication has been obtainedfor matters involving taxation on the taxpayer. should consult their tax advisor from sources outside of MSSB and MSSB makes no representations or guarantees as and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of MSSB. othernor legal Neither the information and provided anymatters. opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by MSSB with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned.

941.364.7405 800.237.9441 ext. 405

©2010 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC

Article written by McGraw Hill and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisor Ernie B. Garcia.

ernie.b.garcia@mssb.com

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC# 388889 10/11

Please visit my website for timely news and articles:

www.fa.smithbarney.com/ernie_garcia Follow me on

2 North Tamiami Trail, Suite 1100, Sarasota, Florida 34236

@ErnieGMSSB


bescene

April Calendar For a complete listing of community events please visit scenesarasota.com

Photo by Cliff Roles.

Coexistence Inc.’s Embracing Our Differences Through 05-28 6:00 am Island Park, Downtown Sarasota. International outdoor art exhibit intended to demonstrate in a positive way that diversity enriches our lives. Free and open to the public. 941.928.0567 / embracingourdifferences.org

Van Wezel’s Art & Backstage Tours 04-03 10:00 am Van Wezel Main Lobby. Guides take you through the gallery of paintings and sculptures of Florida’s most renowned artists. Open to the public the first Tuesday of the month from October through May. Benefits Van Wezel and the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota. Tickets $5 / 941.953.3368 / fineartssarasota.com

La Musica’s International Chamber Festival 04-05 to 18 Sarasota Opera House. Concerts by outstanding chamber musicians. Five concerts, youth activities, open rehearsals and lectures. Tickets: $10-$175 / 941.366.8450 / lamusicafestival.org

Music on Main 04-06 6:00 pm Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. Concert by Shaman, playing disco, rock and country. Benefits the Humane Society. Free

Mote Marine’s 26th Annual Run for the Turtles 04-07 6:30 am Siesta Key Public Beach. 1 mile fun run/walk on the beach. Benefits sea turtle research and conservation at Mote Marine. Tickets: $15-$30 / 941.388.4441 x357 / mote.org

Sarasota Polo Club’s Ringling Cup 04-08 12:00 pm Sarasota Polo Club. Easter Egg Drop, Easter Bonnet Contest, catered lunch, cash bar, and silent auction. Benefits All Children’s Hospital Guild. Free Parking. Tickets: Free-$45 / 941.350.6872 / sarasotapolo.com

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29th Annual New College Library Association’s Pique Nique Sur La Baie 04-11 11:00 am College Hall, Bayfront Gardens. Benefits New College Library Association. “Going back to our French roots” with a chance drawing, fashion show by Saks 5th Ave, catered by Michaels on East, and best hat contest. Tickets: $150 / 941.487.4600 / ncf.edu

Florida Winefest & Auction’s World Class Food & Wine Fundraiser 04-12 to 04-15 This 4-day event benefiting children’s charities begins with various Winemaker’s dinners on April 12; followed by a Friday night Beach Feast at LBK Club on April 13; “Sip & Shop” on St. Armands on April 14; the “Titanic” dinner on April 14 at a private home (limited seating); and ends with the Grand Tasting Brunch & Charity Auction at the Polo Grill in LWR on April 15. Various ticket prices / 941.952.1109 / floridawinefest.org

14th Annual Sarasota Film Festival 04-13 to 22 Various locations. Over 180 films shown, star-studded events, free movies, and programs for kids. Tickets: $8-$100 / 941.366.6200 / sarasotafilmfestival.com

20th Annual BB&T Venice Sharks Tooth Festival 04-13 to 15 Venice Airport Festival grounds. Family festival, arts and crafts, fossil vendor, kids game area, live entertainment and food. Tickets: Free$3 / no pets / free parking / 941.412.0402 / sharkstoothfest.com

Take Steps to Cure Lou Gehrig’s Disease 04-14 8:00 am Payne Park, Sarasota. Make a difference by walking 2 miles to help find a cure for ALS Disease. 888-257-1717 / www.WalktoDefeatALS.org

State College of Florida Foundation’s “Evening under the Stars” 04-14 6:30 pm SCF Venice campus. Outdoor concert in old Florida setting, with tunes by the Venice Symphony Pops Orchestra. Bring your own cooler or cocktails. Tickets: $15 / 941.752.5390 / scf.edu

Mote Marine’s Party on the Pass 04-14 6:00 pm Mote Aquarium. Casual evening of food and fun supporting Mote’s hospitals for marine life. Tickets: $75 / 941.388.4441 ext 509 / mote.org

Simply Sarasota Kitchen & Garden Festival 04-14 to 04-15 Enjoy two days of culinary fun, featuring symposiums & classes, kitchen tours, celebrity breakfasts, and tablescape displays. Featuring Celebrity Chef Darren McGrady. Tickets: $5-$75 / 941.953. 5600 / jlsarasota.org

11th Annual Cattle Barons’ Ball: “Wish! Let’s Cure Cancer” 04-14 6:30 pm Michael’s On East. Dinner, live music and silent/live auction. Benefits American Cancer Society’s Reaching Out to Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K). 941.328.3760 / cancer.org

Easter Seals Southwest Florida 16th Annual Meadows Cup Pro-Am Golf Tournament 04-14 10:30 am Meadows Country Club. Player’s luncheon, reception and dinner. Shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Tickets: $1,500 per foursome with scorekeeper and golf pro (includes golf bag gift). 941.812.8692 / themeadowscup.com scenesarasota.com

April 2012

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JFCS Gala Performance by

Sarasota Orchestra

December 16, 2012 Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Co-Chairs Margie Barancik and Clare Segall

Contact: Josephine Eisenberg 941.366.2224 jeisenberg@jfcs-cares.org


Asolo Repertory Theatre’s 2nd Annual Men Who Cook

Déjà vu Friday Night at the Movies

04-15 6:00 pm The Longboat Key Club and Resort. Live music, parade of chefs, auction, and shopping. Tickets: $150 / 941.351.9010 ext.4712 / asolorep.org

04-20 6:30 pm Sarasota Hyatt Regency. Come dressed as your favorite movie star. Silent/live auction, raffle, costume contest, dancing, and great food. Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast. Tickets: $175-$300 / 941.488.4009 / bbbssun.org

Friends of the Sarasota Ballet Showcase Luncheon 04-16 11:30 am Michaels on East. Benefits Sarasota Ballet. Tickets: $35 / 941.780.331 / sarasotaballet.org

The Children’s Guardian Fund 3rd Annual Golf Tournament 04-16 11:30 am Laurel Oak Country Club. Lunch, reception and awards dinner with prizes and entertainment. Shotgun start. Tickets: $35-$500 / / 941.504.9515 / childrensguardianfund.org

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 6th Annual “65 Roses” Golf Classic 04-21 1:00 pm Founders Club. Help raise funds for cutting edge cystic fibrosis research. Participants will receive a boxed lunch, dinner and a player’s gift bag. Tickets: 813.374.9041 / cff.org

Children First’s Meet Me at the TROPicana

SPARRC’s Auxiliary Card & Games Party

04-21 6:30 pm Michael’s on East. Benefits Children First. Cocktails, silent/live auction, dinner, and dancing. Black tie optional. Tickets: $200$250 / 941.953.3877 ext.138 / childrenfirst.net

04-18 10:00 am Laurel Oak Country Club. Lunch included; 50/50 raffle and drawings. Tickets: $24 / 941.365.0208 x 106 / sparcc.net

South County Family YMCA’s Tropical Nights

Samaritan Counseling Services Women Helping Women Luncheon 04-19 Michael’s On East. This event raises funds to support the organization’s mission of strengthening individuals and families with professional Christian counseling services. Tickets: $100 / 941.320.2552 / samaritangulfcoast.com

Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Gala 04-20 7:00pm Fete Ballroom, Polo Grill. “Lost Weekend in Las Vegas”. Cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Tickets: $175 / 941.556.5448 / lwrfund.org

04-21 5:00 pm Palm Island Resort. Havana night’s theme, lobster and steak dinner, silent/live auction Benefits YMCA children and family scholarship fund and programs in the community. Tickets: $150 / 941.475. 1234 / southcountyfamilyymca.org

3rd Annual Suncoast BBQ Bash 04-21 11:00 am Venice Airport Festival Grounds. Benefits the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children Inc. BBQ competition, Chili for Charity cook-off, and a cornhole tournament hosted by Habitat for Humanity. Music, outdoor sports exhibits, a kid’s zone, family activities, and good food. Free / 941.809.5232 / suncoastbbqbash.com

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MK Designs & The Golden Image Jewelry Store ������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������� �������������������

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April 2012

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Live the Lifestyle

Community Video Archives Hall of Fame Premiere Luncheon 04-23 11:00 am Michaels on East, Ballroom. 2012 Honorees induction into the hall of fame with a professional video biography. Honorees: Betty Schoenbaum, Kim Githler, Linda Desmarais, and Debra Jacobs. Tickets: $75 / 941.365.7052 / videoarchives@comcast.net

Sarasota Orchestra Association’s Serenade: Spring Luncheon

Without the hassles The Affordable Alternative to Boat Ownership

JOIN THE CLUB CALL (941) 225-2219 www.freedomboatclub.com

04-25 11:30 am Michaels on East. Fashion Show, honoring past presidents of Sarasota Orchestra Association. Music by University Park Larks. Benefits Sarasota Orchestra & Youth Orchestra. Tickets: $45 / 941.321. 9787 / soassociation.org

11th Annual Celebration of Hope Dinner 04-25 6:00 pm Michaels on East. Honoring nominees for their support. Benefits Cancer Support Community. Tickets: $200 / 941.921.5539 / cancersupportsuncoast.com

Gems of Philanthropy Luncheon 04-27 11:30 am Van Wezel. Keynote speaker Carla A. Harris, discussing strategies achieving greater community outcome. Tickets: $50 / 941.921.5410 / vanwezel.org

Humane Society of Sarasota County 6th Annual Paws on the Catwalk: Animal Magnetism 04-27 11:30 am Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Luncheon with celebrity guests, animals, shopping, live entertainment, and a fashion show. Tickets: $85 / 941.955.4131 / hssc.org

SPARCC’s Princess & Pirate Ball 04-28 4:30 pm Girls Scout Conference Building. Family event with dinner, entertainment, activities, and a silent auction. Benefits SPARRC. Tickets: $40-$65 / 941.365.0208 x 106 / sparcc.net

GWIZ’s The Cheese Ball 04-28 7:00 pm Polo Grill & Bar. Food stations, full bar, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. Benefits GWIZ Science Museum. Tickets: $100 / 941. 309.4949 / gulfcoastcheesefest.org

JOY’s Rags to Riches Fundraiser 04-30 11:00 am Michaels on East. Bazaar, luncheon, fashion show by youth, and shopping by trendy threads. Benefits JOY (Joining Our Youth) in support of youth aging out of foster care. Tickets: $65 / 812.568.1124

Siesta Key’s Meet the Sky: Observational Astronomy

374 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota

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. 941.388.1964 . www.ohmygauze.com

04-30 8:00 pm Siesta Key Beach Pavilion. Learn and observe the moon and other planets. Telescope provided. Free scenesarasota.com


scene | social

VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION GALA J

erry Seinfeld celebrated with the Van Wezel Foundation to ring in their

silver anniversary. The night included a cocktail party, two sold out Photography by Cliff Roles

Jerry Seinfeld shows, an elegant dinner and an after-party. Co-chairs, Lucille Smith and Nikki Taylor along with board members and staff, led by Interim President and CEO Monica Slater Van Buskirk and Board Chairman Mark Famiglio, fashioned an evening worthy of the occasion. Proceeds will go towards continuing the mission of the Foundation to enrich the lives of members of the Gulf Coast Community, with an emphasis on children, through the performing arts. The Foundation supports The Van Wezel School Time Performances and its alliance Mark Famiglio

with Kennedy Center’s “Any Given Child” program.

Katie & Michael Moulton

Lucille Smith & Nikki Taylor

Richard van Buskirk & Monica Slater van Buskirk

Victoria Leopold & Jennie Famiglio

Suzanne Atwell & Suzette Jones

ENJOY YOUR BACKYARD WITH YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS IN THE PERFECT OUTDOOR SETTING.

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Light

Moods

Fashions Available at Dream Weaver, 364 St. Armands Circle, 941.388.1974



All fashions from Sarah Pacini’s linen viscose “Knit Group” for Spring line. Three piece outfit of a white tank, elbow sleeve knitted pullover and linen wrap skirt. Inset: Susan Green Chloe Fringe Necklace of Rock Crystal and Freshwater Pearls with Gold-filled Chain.

Linen viscose knit drape wrap vest over long linen dress. Linen viscose boat neck knit pullover with matching vest over wide leg linen pant. Sarah’s sexy stretch tank under 3/4 sleeve pullover with button vest paired with linen pocket pants paired with the must have accessory of the season – the flowing light weight scarf.


scene | arts & culture PRESENTED BY:

1

April’s cultural offerings will shower you with local and international flair. Support arts education, witness the talent of a young piano prodigy, rub shoulders with film greats, and celebrate chamber music.

1) Conrad Tao April 1 & 3 16-year-old pianist and “rising star” Conrad Tao will present two concerts as part of the popular Soiree Series. The concerts will feature works by Bach, Liszt, and Ravel. Tao was recently featured in the PBS

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special recorded at the Ringling Museum, and has performed as soloist with leading orchestras and symphonies across the country and in Europe. Why It Matters: Combining entertainment by exemplary young talent and innovative presentations, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota merges the best of the traditional classical presentation style with the expectations of the audiences of tomorrow – creating a result which pleases existing audiences and encourages new and younger audiences to become fans of classical music. Artist Series Concerts also encourages next generation musicians and audiences through its statewide scholarship competition, in-school programs with professional musicians, and student/family rush tickets.

2) La Musica International Chamber Music Festival April 3-18 Artists from four countries will perform during the 26th Annual La Musica International Chamber Music

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Festival: violinists Federico Agostini, Anne Schoenholtz, Laura Zarina; violists Daniel Avshalomov, Bruno Giuranna, Nokuthula Ngwenyama; cellists Julie Albers, Emilio Colon, Eric Kim; double bass player Dee Moses; soprano Dina Kuznetsova; and pianists Derek Han and James Winn. Why It Matters: Under the direction of Artistic Director Bruno Giuranna and Associate Artistic Director Derek Han, La Musica brings together the finest musicians from around the world to present inspired programs of familiar and unusual chamber music.

3) 14th Annual Sarasota Film Festival April 13-22 "See things differently" at The 14th annual Sarasota Film Festival. With over 180 films, star-studded events and free movies and programs for kids, The Sarasota Film Festival offers something for every-

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one. This year’s highlights include our Opening Night Film & Party at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Filmmaker Tribute at the Sarasota Opera House and their intimate Conversation Series. Why It Matters: The Sarasota Film Festival draws nearly 50,000 attendees annually, half of which come from outside the Sarasota region. All these visitors to the area certainly have an economic impact, but the Festival itself also has a great artistic and cultural impact, bringing hundreds of filmmakers to the area in addition to showcasing the talents of our local filmmakers. Their education department works with area students year-round, teaching kids how to write, direct, shoot, edit and understand films, all at no cost to area students.

4) YouthArts Fest 2012 April 21 YouthArts Fest is a fun, free event for families that celebrates the extraordinary artistic talent being descenesarasota.com

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veloped by the arts education programs in our local public schools. Over 500 students will showcase their talents in various performances throughout the day. Selby Library will display an extensive student art exhibit and a room exclusively for screening student-made films curated by Sarasota Film Festival Education Department. Hands-on craft areas and kid-friendly

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food and drink vendors will be spread throughout the festival. Local organizations will be exhibiting to offer information on the summer and after-school programs, workshops and scholarship opportunities they offer to students. Why It Matters: One of the top priorities of the Arts and Cultural Alliance is to build support for arts education programs in local schools. The Alliance hopes this showcase of the amazing artistic talents in local schools will inspire the community to ensure the arts remain an essential part of a complete education for students. YouthArts Fest is a collaboration of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, Herald-Tribune Media Group, Sarasota County Schools, Selby Library, and Sarasota Film Festival. Visit SarasotaArts.org for additional events, artist profiles and information about Sarasota’s exciting season of arts and culture.

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You can dream it, we can build it!

scene | social SARASOTA EXOTIC CAR FEST JET PORT RECEPTION

T

he 2012 Sarasota Exotic Car Fest weekend benefiting the Child

Protection Center kicked off in grand style at an energetic Jet Port

Reception held at Rectrix Aerodrome Center. Guests viewed some of the world’s most coveted luxury and exotic cars, along with private jets, and enjoyed fashion shows by local boutiques, gourmet fare, and an auction that included a guitar donated by Brian Johnson, lead singer for the band AC/DC. Saturday’s annual Exotics on St. Armands featured over 120 of the world’s most exotic cars, attracting thousands of visitors to the Circle. Saturday evening’s dinner at The Oaks Club included a live auction of unique items, and Sunday’s festivities continued with a Road Rally and closing brunch at The Founders Golf Club. All proceeds raised

Photography by Cliff Roles

benefited the Child Protection Center, Inc.

Brian & Brenda Johnson with Cassandra & Carlos Dequesada

Pat’s Cabinets: WHERE FURNITURE MEETS FINE ART Residential Commercial Custom Cabinets Purchased Cabinets Entertainment Rooms General Add-A-Room Remodel-A-Room Crown Trim Work Solid Surface Counter Tops Finished Carpentry

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Robin Savage, Gary & Marilee Roberts

Ashley & Tim Gruters

4425 Independence Court (941) 224-3247 • www.patscabinets.com Audrey Landers

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Jeff McGrath & LeAnn Swor scenesarasota.com


scene | social EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S EVENING OF EXCELLENCE

T

he Education Foundation of Sarasota County’s 17th Annual Evening of Excellence, chaired by Chris Cremer and Meg

Mahoney, was recently held at Michael’s on East. A sell-out crowd of 410 enjoyed an elegant dinner and live auction of 25 pieces of award-winning original art created by area high school students. “See the Ordinary. Create the Extraordinary.” was the theme for this year’s festivities, which grossed over $258,000. Proceeds benefit Sarasota County’s 41,000 students through the

Photography by Cliff Roles

work of the Education Foundation.

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Susan & John Scott scenesarasota.com

Phil & Sue Hammersley April 2012

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scene | giving

Finding the Perfect Fit For Janis Fawn, a holistic approach towards helping the community grow and prosper is a mission that fits her perfectly. By Steven J. Smith | Photo by Cliff Roles

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After a long and successful career in the telecommunications industry, Janis Fawn has turned her attention and energies to helping others. Since moving to Venice, Florida in 1996, Janis — along with her husband Winston Wilmore — has ably served her community by joining the Sertoma Club of Venice, the Venice and North Port chambers of commerce, and assisting Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor at Venice High School. In addition, the couple has set up two funds of their own through Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF): the Lord-Higel Family House Endowment Fund and the Janis Fawn and Winston Wilmore Charitable Fund. The latter, a donor-advised fund established in 2006, was created to support charitable organizations in areas served by GCCF. “We believe in Venice,” Janis said. “We have such respect for the way the agencies are run here. Since we live here, we wanted to put the money back into the area and see it grow in the right direction.” Additional organizations the couple has supported include the Suncoast Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, Venice Main Street, Sherriff’s Youth Ranch, and Venice Area Beautification, Inc. Born and raised in Toronto, Janis worked for Bell Canada for 24 years. Through its international contacts — specifically Nortel Networks — she traveled the world over the following 11 years in her position as a senior executive for the company. “It was a good learning experience, working with business leaders from other countries,” Janis said. “You have to be flexible, and you learn so much that way.” Janis said that she and Winston — who served with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 20 years, then finished his career as a lawyer with the Toronto Stock Exchange — ended up in Venice as a result of a Christmas gift. “I gave him a two-week package to Florida,” she said. “When he got here, he sent me a fax that said, ‘I’ve moved!’” Janis would join Winston not too long afterward after taking an early retirement, but quickly realized that a life of leisure was not for her. “When I got here I immediately joined the chamber of commerce, because I didn’t want to lose my connection with business,” Janis said. “Also, the chamber offers you the opportunity to deal with people of all ages.” That led to her association with the Sertoma Club (“Sertoma stands for ‘Service to mankind’,” she says), which in turn led her to mentor three students at Venice High School. “The fact that you just show up has an unbelievable meaning to scenesarasota.com

these kids, because they don’t have that at home,” she said. “One of the young ladies I mentored is now in college. And I learned a lot from the experience.” Janis is particularly proud of her involvement with the preservation of the Lord-Higel House in Venice. Built in 1896 by Joseph Lord, the two-story house originally stood in the middle of Lord’s 90-acre citrus grove south of Roberts Bay. In the early 1900s, Lord turned the house over to the manager of his grove, George Higel, and the Higel family continued to live there for several generations. The goal is to restore it to its 1896 appearance and possibly open it as a museum reflecting pioneer days in the area. Funds to accomplish this must be raised by preservationists and volunteers. Janis has made generous contributions to the project, but said it will require about $800,000 to reach completion. “We had a preservation architect come in and make a complete record of what the house is made of, how it was used, the community that it lived in,” she said. “I’ve begun two funds for it: one to help towards its restoration and one to keep it going after it’s restored. We’ve now got a group called the Friends of the LordHigel House, and they are really working hard to raise funds and are doing some restoration work themselves.” Janis believes that Gulf Coast acts as a knowledgeable partner in deriving positive results from donor dollars, which is why she has volunteered her services as a retired business leader — and donated a sizable amount from her own estate — an unrestricted gift that will meet future needs of the community. Her current volunteer role with Gulf Coast is to promote the community-wide volunteer recruitment Web site www.YoudBePerfectForThis.org. Locals and even vacationers can visit the site to offer their services in a variety of worthy volunteer efforts — from building homes with Habitat For Humanity or working in a consignment shop for The Woman’s Exchange, to canine care with Honor Animal Rescue or serving as a food drive coordinator with the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition. “Gulf Coast Community Foundation has grown to be the biggest community foundation in Florida,” Janis said. “And from my perspective, why I gave my legacy without any strings attached is because they know what the best use of my money can be. I think a foundation’s role is that the whole health of the community, not just individual pieces, should be attended to. It should stretch the limits, present challenging ideas, and think about the future.” A proponent of smart growth, Janis said she would like to devote herself in the coming years to helping Venice develop into a more vigorous community. “I believe in growth,” she said. “I believe if you stop growing, you start dying. We need growth. We need to increase the tax base. And we need to be able to create jobs for the young people who live here. This is not just a retirement community. We want to be a community where all ages live.” April 2012

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INNOVATION IN

REMODELING By Sue Cullen

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Photo by Keith A. Millard

It was Benjamin Franklin who told us that nothing is certain but death and taxes. In more modern times, some might add to his list of certainties that remodeling is aggravating, takes too long, and involves too many people. While Tom Shapiro is not about to tackle death and taxes, he has definitely changed the game when it comes to remodeling. scenesarasota.com

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Countertops are digitally laid out in the slab to refine stone utilization. Finally, they are assembled to accurately display the vein matching.

Sterling Manufacturing offers a turnkey remodeling service from concept through completion, which means customers are given firm, all-inclusive pricing and a guaranteed completion date, with kitchen and bath remodeling projects often just requiring a week or two from start to finish. “Our access to technology and our process enable us to complete a kitchen project in the same footprint with new cabinets and counters and some drywall work within a week,” says Shapiro, who is the company president. “I tell people that if we begin on Monday, you’ll be able to have dinner in your new kitchen on Friday night.” Projects that include new flooring may take two to three weeks, he adds. On-staff interior designers work with customers and everything is created digitally, which allows Sterling to prepare and present its designs much quicker. “Laser measuring devices and computer aided design software allow us to model everything for a precise fit, so it goes in correctly from the start rather than just bringing it in and having to work the bugs out in your home,” Shapiro says. He also aims to make product selection easy with a newly opened showroom at 8293 Consumer Court in Sarasota, which gives customers a one-stop option for viewing a variety of displays for cabinets, countertops, showers, tile and more. “Anyone can stop by to see it,” he adds. “People are amazed at the range and quality of what we are offering there.” The most popular countertop choices include granite, Silestone and Corian. Other brands carried at the design center are Kraftmaid, Kohler, Moen, and Elkay. Because the company has more than 20 years of experience as one of Florida’s largest countertop manufacturers, Sterling can compress project completion time even more because countertops are ready to install as soon as the cabinets arrive. Typically, countertops are measured and prepared after the cabinets are installed, resulting in a lag time of two or three weeks. “We eliminate that wait,” Shapiro said. “Our digital laser also creates a precise template that shows the layout on the slab and can prepare a diagram that allows us and our customers to see how the countertop will look before it is installed.”

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TOP: Robotic Arm waterjet can cut any shape from stone slabs, while optimizing material layouts. LT-55 Laser Templator precisely measures all surfaces, eliminating old-fashioned wood templates.

What a contrast to the usual process of remodeling where homeowners may typically start with an interior designer who can only take the project through the design phase or a contractor who often has little control

BRANDS / ASSOCIATIONS

over the project because it contracts out for labor and products, Shapiro said. Going through a specialty store means the customer has to do much of the work of tracking down materials and subcontractors, which is very time-consuming and can be costly because of missed opportunities for better pricing through one supplier. “Because we come from a manufacturing background, we know how to manage a project,” he says. “We understand production, deadlines, and how to make the most of technology so we can deliver quality to our customers every time.” Shapiro emphasizes that this model of service has been developed over more than 20 years with thousands of installations allowing the work to be completed quickly, but with strict attention to careful craftsmanship. Each installation is assigned a highly experienced project manager, and one of eight experienced customer service representatives is dedicated to the project so customers can always reach someone who is knowledgeable about their remodel and can respond quickly to any questions. Sterling also employs installers who have demonstrated competency in their craft. Over the years, in addition to its residential work, Sterling has been involved in many high profile projects in the commercial and healthcare areas, including providing countertops and showers for the recent $250 million Courtyard Tower and campus improvement expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital as well as All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. The largest home centers are also among the company’s customers, and Sterling’s turnkey installations are consistently given high ratings by consumers for their quality workmanship. “The bottom line is that we manage a lot of projects, and our mindset is that we want to do great work and be efficient. We always will commit to a timeframe, and it won’t be months,” Shapiro said. “Our goal is to do everything we possibly can to satisfy our customers.” scenesarasota.com

For more information please call Sterling Manufacturing at 941.955.8787 or visit them online at www.sterlingmfg.com (Florida State Certified CRC1330091)

April 2012

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BEAUTY WANDS Photo by Cliff Roles

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Recent advances in cold laser and radio frequency technology have made it possible to eliminate body fat and tighten wrinkled or sagging skin without plastic surgery. These new non-invasive procedures can be a boon to those who are not candidates for, or don’t want, surgery or who can’t take the necessary downtime for recovery, says Dr. Raja Nalluri, a board-certified, Sarasota-based plastic surgeon. Nalluri is the first to bring this technology here. Both the cold laser therapy for shrinking fat and the radio frequency device that bolsters

Sarasota plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Nalluri shares the latest news on the newest non-invasive technologies showing impressive results to lose fat and tighten the skin.

collagen tightening and restores more youthful skin have been approved by the FDA and have shown very good results. “What is especially nice is these noninvasive procedures are showing very impressive results that we previously were only able to treat through surgery,” says Nalluri who has been honored as one of the nation’s top plastic surgeons by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., an independent research firm that ranks physicians and whose rankings cannot be purchased but are earned based on market research. “The cold laser will penetrate the skin and empty the fat cells. It can reduce areas on average 1 to 3 inches on the trunk and legs. Some people have even greater results.” It is a good option for those who want to address an area that has persistently resisted diet and exercise or for who want to drop a dress size without the risks of surgery. The radio frequency skin-tightening technology goes beyond the benefits of laser treatments without the limitations lasers have with skin type, he says. People with olive or darker

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skin tones have higher risks

“Our role is to help patients understand their alternatives and guide

with lasers. So do those who

them to the right treatment. I never suggest added surgeries, but if

are sun-tanned. Darker skins

they are focusing only on a particular area, we may make them aware

absorb more of the laser’s ener-

of other considerations, like asymmetries for instance. ”

gy, making those patients more susceptible to being burned.

Prospective patients also should ask questions about the qualifica-

Like lasers, radio frequencies

tions of others who will be involved with their surgeries and pro-

penetrate the skin through a wand, heating the collagen and tightening

cedures. To provide the safest circumstances possible in surgery,

the fibers to smooth wrinkles and bolster lax skin. The RF technology

Nalluri says he only uses board-certified anesthesiologists and cer-

successfully tightens skin on the face, neck, arms, legs and trunk.

tified nurses in a healthcare facility licensed by the state. “Because I am a sole practitioner, I’m doing every stitch on every one of my

While Nalluri believes these new technologies are beneficial, he ad-

patients.” Independent rating and awards bodies also can be help-

vises anyone considering plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures to

ful in evaluating a particular practitioner’s skills, particularly if the

be as well informed as possible before making decisions. Infomer-

evaluations are by other physicians.

cials and ads may tout new products and procedures, but prospective patients should do their own research to understand what they

Nalluri also encourages people to educate themselves as much as

are getting. “I believe in being up to speed on the latest technology,

possible through reputable sources like the American Society of

but I don’t adopt every new thing that comes out,” he says. “I want to

Plastic Surgeons, which posts educational material online. Likewise,

be sure it has been proven safe and effective in properly conducted

they should review thoroughly the forms they are given regarding any

trials and has FDA approval. Having the latest proven technology is

risks or hazards associated with the procedures that the surgeon

a large investment for my practice, but it gives me greater control,

recommends as options for the enhancements they are considering.

which results in a nicer outcome for my patients.”

Seeing as many examples as possible of a surgeon’s work also is crucial to understanding what is the likely outcome. “I spend quite a

Navigating the ever-increasing array of options for self-improvement

bit of time showing my sample results,” he says. “I don’t just show the

isn’t easy, and Nalluri says the place to start is with proper nutrition,

best outcomes, I show them average results so they have a realistic

diet and exercise to ensure overall good health and appearance. “Af-

idea of what to expect.”

ter someone has achieved their maximum benefit with that, if they are still not satisfied or are at a standstill, that is when they may want

Determining what procedure is best for a particular patient is

to consider certain procedures or surgery,” he said.

a function of the outcomes they want, whether they are healthy enough or otherwise a good candidate for a particular choice, and

Typically, whether for surgery or other cosmetic procedures, prospec-

the patient’s own preference. Noninvasive option like the new cold

tive patients need to know how to choose the right professional and

laser fat burning and radio frequency skin tightening procedures

select the best option for their individual circumstances and the re-

allow patients to return to work and daily activities the next day if

sults they are hoping to achieve. The decision always ultimately rests

they wish. Financial options also should be discussed as well as

with the individual, and information from friends and other sources

any other needs the patient has, such as for an overnight stay, ad-

like the Internet at best tells what has worked and not worked for

ditional assistance during recovery, and any supplemental medica-

others, which only applies to their particular circumstances, and at

tions following the procedure.

worst can be just plain wrong. Patients also want to know how long the results of their procedure The place to start is by selecting a board-certified specialist in plastic

will last. “Cosmetic procedures, whether done with a device or sur-

surgery, and not all board certifications are created equal. A variety

gery, are like turning back the clock,” Nalluri said. “The clock will

of certifications are available, but a surgeon certified by the American

continue to tick, but the person’s look will remain more youthful

Board of Plastic Surgery has successfully undergone rigorous scru-

than their chronological age.” Seeing the positive changes that can

tiny regarding education, training and professional requirements. The

be made in someone’s life with cosmetic procedures and plastic

next step is to make an appointment for an initial consultation, which

surgery is one of the benefits of his job, he says. “My father was a

in Nalluri’s case is free. He said his office will offer some guidance

doctor. I looked up to him and always knew I wanted to be a doc-

when people call with questions, and when they come in, he spends

tor too,” Nalluri said. “I chose plastic surgery as a specialty when

at least an hour with them to understand their concerns, what they

I saw the degree of satisfaction I could bring to patients. No other

want and why, what information they currently have, and where they

specialty showed me the same radical positive change that pa-

are in life nutritionally, physically, and mentally. “We delicately look at

tients feel, and that is very rewarding.” For more information call

that and make our recommendations as professionals,” Nalluri said.

941.752.7842 or visit www.nalluri.com.

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Time for a New Look?

Photos © Greg Wilson 2004

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Celebrating 26 Years In Business


Photo by Cliff Roles

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PRINCE OF

ADVENTURE By Steven J. Smith

For Asolo Rep’s Michael Donald Edwards, fear is not an option. In Hamlet, Prince of Cuba, he bridges generations with a Latino-American twist on an old classic. When he was 18, Michael Donald Edwards thought he was

diverse audience. He says he’s gone a long way to fulfill that

on an academic track in Latin and English literature at college

promise, but he’s not there yet.

when a seemingly random event changed his life forever.

“We’re on a journey where you have to mix artistic risk with

“I was in a residence hall and my roommate dragged me along

comfort,” he said. “We have to do things that are reassuring to

to an audition for a production of Lysistrata, because his girl-

the audience here and we have to do things that take them out

friend was in it and they were looking for boys to come and be

of their comfort zone. We have to bridge generations and I think

in the show,” Edwards said during a recent break in rehearsals

there has been a strong interest with what we have been putting

for Hamlet, Prince of Cuba.

on our stage. We’re not a cookie cutter of what other theatres

Edwards called the experience “transformative,” and within a

are doing around the country. We’re making unique choices.”

year he was president of the student drama society. “Since

Those choices have been represented well in Asolo Rep’s cur-

then, I have never been doing anything else,” he said.

rent season as the company has so far mounted such diverse

Edwards is currently in the midst of his sixth season as producing artistic director for Asolo Repertory Theatre. Since leaving college, the Australian native has lived a life in the theatre, directing for such esteemed companies as Cleveland Playhouse, Indiana

productions as Kaufman and Hart’s screwball spoof Once In A Lifetime, the gender-bending Yentl, adapted for the stage by Leah Napolin and Isaac Bashevis Singer, and Yasmina Reza’s farcical zinger-fest, God of Carnage.

Repertory Theatre, Geva Theatre, Syracuse Stage, San Jose

“People have decided that Florida is a conservative place,” Ed-

Rep, Opera San Jose, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Old

wards said. “My experience of Sarasota and running this theatre

Globe in Dan Diego, Virginia Stage Company, the Virginia Op-

is that retirees can be much more open-minded and willing to go

era, the State Theatre of South Australia, Opera Australia, Victoria

on journeys than their children. We have a long way to go to truly

State Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, to name a few.

diversify our audience, but I feel like I’m on an adventure with the community. And they’re inspiring me, telling me to be fearless.”

MIXING RISK WITH COMFORT Over the last few seasons, Edwards has directed a wide array

LOOKING AT A CLASSIC IN A NEW WAY

of productions at Asolo Rep ranging from Shakespeare’s The

This spirit of adventure has led Edwards to Hamlet, Prince of

Winter’s Tale and Peter Shaffer’s Equus to The Life of Galileo,

Cuba, playing from March 23 through May 6 at Asolo Rep’s

Las Meninas, La Bête, and A Tale of Two Cities, which made it

Mertz Theatre. Casting a distinctively Latin flavor on Shake-

all the way to Broadway. Edwards promised when he first got

speare’s classic, Edwards believes this production — with

the job that he would do more eclectic work, do classics as

performances in both Spanish and English — reveals contem-

well as new works, reach younger audiences, and find a more

porary and relevant sociological perspectives while staying

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true to the Bard’s original story. “I’m so curious about America, because

I’m

an

immigrant,”

he said. “So I look at America through a different lens, and I feel a kind of passionate curiosity about it. And this is a very interesting time to be looking at how Latino and Anglo sensibilities and communities intersect, and how we’re evolving a whole different aspect of what it is to be an American.” As a result, Edwards sought a project that would bring bilingual talent into the Sarasota community while shining a searing light on Shakespeare’s towering classic through the prism of the Latino-American experience. “This has been an inspiration for me, to find a Cuban — and an American — way into the piece,” he said.

Above:

“I want it to look and sound like a contemporary play. And the actor playing Hamlet (Frankie J. Alvarez) is

Life of Galileo.

a Miami-born Cuban. How interesting, to bring these two languages together, through Hamlet, probably

Paul Whitworth and

the single greatest language achievement by a dramatic artist. It became irresistible to me.” The production, adapted by Edwards with Spanish translations by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright

Michael Joseph Mitchell. Photo by Frank Atura.

Nilo Cruz, will move to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center following its Asolo Rep run. THE ROAD AHEAD

Top Left: The Winter’s Tale. Photo by Frank Atura.

Edwards’ predecessor, Howard Millman, once advised him to get out more than Millman ever did, to see what other theatre companies are doing around the U.S. and in other countries.

Bottom Left: Las Meninas.

“It was very good advice,” Edwards said. “And I have taken it. I’ve gone to New York, Chicago, San

Lindsay Marie Tierce.

Francisco, London, and every year, because I have family there, I go to Australia. And I don’t just go to

Photo by Frank Atura.

the theater. I go to museums, concerts. Everything influences decisions I make. Without broadening our horizons we would not have the artistic resources, the web of contacts, the interest in working with us and coproducing here, and the incredibly talented artists that want to come and work with us. It’s essential. Howard was absolutely right.” Edwards added as an artist it is not his place to comment on world events and culture by writing Op-Ed pieces in the New York Times. Instead, he believes it is his mission to create works of art that connect to what is going on in the world and involve his audience on both an intellectual and emotional level. Therefore, the theme of Asolo Rep’s 2012-2013 season will be “an assessment of the American character,” he said, filled with a variety of different styles that he promised will keep the productions new, fresh, interesting, and on the cutting edge. Shows planned for the upcoming season include 1776, You Can’t Take It With You, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Heidi Chronicles, Clybourne Park, and The Game’s Afoot — an amalgam of comedies, dramas, and thought-provoking fare that certainly reflects interesting and contrasting aspects of the American character, both past and present. “The American Character Project is a five year artistic initiative that poses a series of galvanizing questions: what is the American character? How did it come to be? What is its nature? How has it scenesarasota.com

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evolved into what it is now? Where is it going?” Edwards said. “It’s impossible to ever concretely define such a vast, farreaching concept as the American character, but that is precisely why it is worth exploring.” Edwards added these questions provide a gateway to a truly collaborative experience that the Asolo will share with its audiences. The company will examine every facet of the American character — the character of the nation, the character we each possess as individuals, and the characters that populate the productions on its stages. “The end goal of this project is to deepen

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our collective understanding of what it

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are not searching for a single answer to

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swers. In fact, there are as many answers

means to be living in this country at this point in time, and how we got here, and where we will go from here,” he said. “We these questions — we want many anas there are people in our audiences, there are as many answers as there are creative artists working on our productions. Each person brings a different element of what it means to be American or have an American experience — they bring their American character to the work we’re doing.”

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season together.

“It’s tremendously influenced by the talent that’s available to me — the actors, the directors, the designers,” he said. “But also

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April 2012

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it’s influenced by what is happening, what is going on in the culture. It’s my goal to make every play in our season necessary for people to see and enjoy. We’re the leading resident professional theatre company south of Atlanta. How can we not have in our mission the goal of trying to reach everyone?” scenesarasota.com


Honoring a Legacy.

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FUTURE

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Taylor William Emmons

January 31, 1991 - December 5, 2010

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The following sponsors, friends and families and those that wish to remain anonymous for their support of the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund’s 1st Annual Charity Golf Classic & Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. With your help, we raised over $140,000.

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Grapevine Communications Advertising Agency ~ Green Family Foundation ~ Caldwell Trust Company Billy and Sandi Dietrich of Bobcat Disposal ~ Surfin’ Plumbers ~ Maduro Cigar & Wine Bar ~ Scene Magazine Jason’s Deli ~ Morse Watchmans Incorporated ~ The Soda Group ~ The Out-of-Door Academy’s Thunder Athletics Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club ~ Knicks Tavern ~ Jonathon Stiebeling ~ Dave and Maureen Mason Suncoast Porsche ~ Gold Coast Eagle Distributing ~ Fast N Fresh ~ Mattison’s ~ Michael’s On East Nancy’s BBQ ~ Pizza SRQ ~ Bonefish ~ Libby’s ~ Sun Garden

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STUART ROTH

A CHAMPION OF WHAT’S RIGHT By Sue Cullen

For Salt & Light Production founder, humanitarian and constitutional attorney Stuart Roth, expanding his award-winning video productions to include businesses will help ensure his ability to underwrite productions for local nonprofits. Salt & Light Productions now is bringing its Emmy Award-winning capabilities to the business community. Under the leadership of its founder and CEO Stuart Roth, the Lakewood Ranch-based production company has gained an international reputation for creating compelling, professionalquality media presentations lauded by industry critics who have honored Salt & Light with two Emmys and 26 Telly Awards in the past four years. Until recently, Salt & Light worked exclusively with nonprofit communities throughout the nation and internationally. After many years of being asked by business leaders for his production expertise, Roth decided to expand into the

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commercial sector in order to create an additional source of

His constitutional legal work has evolved into an international

funding that will enable him to continue to underwrite his work

practice defending religious liberties and fostering human rights

with nonprofits. With a state-of-the-art production facility and

and democratic freedoms that spans Europe, the Middle East,

a team that knows how to craft potent and persuasive stories

Africa, and Russia. Roth has collaborated on 12 cases that have

with a strong call to action, his capabilities are a natural fit for

been argued before the United States Supreme Court as senior

businesses looking to stimulate employee morale, customer

counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice based in

buying decisions or investor support.

Washington, D.C. He also is senior counsel with the European Center for Law and Justice based in Strasbourg, France, where

“I don’t know anyone who has our facilities, accomplishments,

the firm argues cases before the European Court of Human

and unrelenting commitment to excellence. We pride ourselves

Rights. The court hears appeals from citizens and organizations

on outstanding production values and a unique attention to our

that have exhausted legal options in their own countries. Roth

clients, whether the project is for a nonprofit or commercial enter-

also is called upon to bring his perspective to world events, such

prise,” Roth says. “People want to trust those with whom they do

as a recent gathering in Jerusalem to discuss flaring hostilities

business, and my goal is for them to know that if Salt & Light does

resulting from the Arab Spring and how that could affect religious

a presentation for them it will be phenomenal. I won’t let it get out

minorities in Arab countries.

the door unless it meets my standards.” Having the latest technology housed in three multimedia post-production editing and

“I really have two full time jobs now with a very sophisticated

graphic suites along with two fully equipped studios has helped

international law practice and running Salt & Light Productions,”

create the quality productions for which the company has been

Roth says. “My day encompasses many different things. I try to

recognized. A larger driver of that quest for excellence, however, is

pride myself on being the ultimate multi-tasker.” This is nothing

the fact that Roth plays on a much larger, international stage giving

new. Even early in his legal career, he had a concurrent career in

him a broader understanding of what truly is exceptional work.

real estate. Then a vastly different opportunity came along. “I was getting my constitutional law practice off the ground in Atlanta

Many know Roth is a lawyer by profession, but may not know

when an opportunity came up to create a faith-based television

the international scope and humanitarian focus of his practice.

network from scratch,” he says. “We acquired a station in the

Likewise, some may not be aware of the depth of broadcast ex-

Mobile and Pensacola area and went on to build and acquire sta-

perience that underpins his current production work. Roth is an

tions in Montgomery, Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga.“

honors graduate of Florida State University and received his juris doctorate from Mercer University in Georgia where he also began

That foray into broadcast management also led Roth into the pro-

building his practice in constitutional law and legislative issues

duction side of the business. He hosted the syndicated program,

focusing on first amendment freedoms and religious liberties. “I

“Vital Issues,” which dealt with the pressing issues of the day.

live here and am a member of our community, but I also have

Following the sale of the television network, which had grown to

a unique career that takes me to exotic places and brings an

10 stations, Roth founded the Center for Faith and Freedom, a

interesting perspective and drive for excellence to Salt & Light

non-denominational, faith-based charitable organization, and its

because of what I feel is a professional accountability,” he says.

production arm Salt & Light Productions. In 2001, Roth relocated

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his operations to Sarasota and in 2006

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interior design BUS LIC # IB26000942

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completed construction of a beautiful 8,300 square foot headquarters building in Lakewood Ranch that houses two studios and three post-production suites brimming with leading edge technology. The facility also has a tiered conference and education facility, which Roth makes available to nonprofits for meetings and other events. Within two years, his work was achieving critical acclaim and the awards started coming, now numbering two Emmy Awards and 26 Telly Awards and counting. One Emmy was snagged for a documentary on domestic violence produced for SPARCC—Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, and the other was for Micaiah Ministries. Among the Telly Awards are several for local nonprofits, including the Child Protection Center, Take Stock in Children, Manasota BUDS, and First Step of Sarasota. Over the past couple of years, Roth has begun producing more “generic” documentaries that can be used by a variety of organizations. These documentaries highlight important social issues like hunger, physical disabilities, gangs, and domestic violence. “Our facility is state-of-the-art and gor-

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April 2012

measure up to the building, that would be like a beautiful restaurant with bad food,” Roth says. “I wouldn’t let a brief be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court that wasn’t thoroughly prepared and edited, and I give the same degree of caring and attention to our media presentations. When a production goes out our door, it is exceptional. The videography, editing, graph-

2123 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, FL 34233 (Across from Dillards)

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video of the highest caliber. Our goal is

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to have people watch it and say to our cli-

&

56

geous. If the work we produce did not

choose all come together to ensure a

ents, ‘Wow, what a great organization or business, and who did your video’?” scenesarasota.com


scene | social

SARASOTA OPERA’S OPENING NIGHT GALA

S

arasota Opera was delighted to return to the Ritz Carlton for its recent Opening Night Gala. The Gala followed the Photography by Cliff Roles

opening night performance of Georges Bizet’s Carmen at the Sarasota Opera House. Don and Rachael Worthington served as the event chairs for this elegant affair, which was designed to reflect elements from Carmen including Spanish-themed appetizers, a four course dinner and ballroom décor. Guests enjoyed the sounds of the Jazz Legacy Big Band. Maestro Victor DeRenzi celebrates his 30th season with Sarasota Opera at a special event on March 25.

Don & Rachael Worthington

Susan Danis, Skip & Gail Sack

Larry & Carol English, Jody Ulrich & Gerald Lippes Carol & Les Brualdi, Jane Newman & Anna Maria Troiano Elton & Gordie White, Nora & Joe Stephan

JEWISH HOUSING COUNCIL’S “KEEPING

THE

DREAM ALIVE”

J

ewish Housing Council Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Jewish Housing Council (JHC) which sponsors

Kobernick Anchin, recently held “Keeping the Dream Alive”, a sold-out champagne/dessert reception featuring a terrific benefit performance by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. JHC’s goal is to provide a nonsectarian housing campus helping residents regardless of health changes or financial status. Kobernick-Anchin is a retirement complex offering seniors independent and assisted living as well as skilled Carole Camiener, Lois Stulberg & Sarah Yanowitz

nursing care.

Ken & Sylvia Stock scenesarasota.com

Dan Paradies & Darlene Arbeit

Debbie & Dr. Larry Haspel

Dorothy & Sue Jacobson

Shannon Frankel & Janet Udell April 2012

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scene | giving

A Life of Dedication & Generosity Adrienne Matcham’s years of service and philanthropy to the Healthcare Foundation help keep the hospital on the leading edge of technology. By Steven J. Smith | Photo by Cliff Roles

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“If it were not for the foundation, Sarasota Memorial would certainly not be at the level it is. The foundation gives the hospital tremendous advantages and support”... Adrienne Matcham will be the first to tell you she doesn’t

after her death.

deserve to have a story written about her philanthropy, but on closer inspection it is abundantly clear that her legacy

Alexandra Quarles, president, CEO and trustee of Sarasota

to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and its partner organization

Memorial Healthcare Foundation, deemed Adrienne’s contri-

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. represents

butions both generous and noble.

decades of invaluable service — both as a medical professional and as a champion of the community.

“We consider it the most thoughtful of all giving,” Quarles said. “It takes a special and unique individual to want to include in

Originally from the U.K., Adrienne immigrated to the U.S.

their estate plans a nonprofit organization such as ours.”

with her parents in 1950. She soon entered nurses training at Women’s Medical College in Philadelphia, which has since

But Adrienne shrugged off the accolades.

become part of Drexel University. Upon graduation, she followed her parents to Sarasota and found employment at

“If it were not for the foundation, Sarasota Memorial would

Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

certainly not be at the level that it is,” she said. “The foundation gives the hospital tremendous advantages and support,

“The hospital was little more than a hiccup back then,” she

lately in robotic surgery, for example.”

laughed. “I worked there for a short while before joining the Air Force for eight years. In the latter part of that time I was a

Quarles affirmed the Healthcare Foundation helps fund

flight nurse in Hawaii.”

technology and education efforts, and added that the foundation has recently worked with the Bolger Founda-

Faced at the end of her hitch with the prospect of transfer-

tion to amass much-needed funds for the Stickney Point

ring to an Air Force base in frigid northern Michigan, Adrienne

Urgent Care Center, and “will be involved in some level”

opted instead to resign her commission and return to Saraso-

with the University Park Urgent Care Center planned in the

ta’s warm and sunny climes where she reclaimed her job as

very near future.

an operating room nurse at Sarasota Memorial. That was in 1964. She would retire in 1994 after 30 years there.

“But keeping the hospital on the leading edge of technology and helping to recruit and retain the very best and brightest

“I’m still very close to the hospital,” she said. “I still have a lot

is really in a sense our mission,” Quarles said.

of friends who not only work there, but are retired also. We meet once, twice, three times a month to keep in contact,

Quarles added that Adrienne, as one of those best and bright-

find out what’s going on and how things are going.”

est, has left a living legacy to Sarasota Memorial — beyond any monetary one — by training many of the highly skilled

That sense of closeness led to contributions Adrienne has

nurses that work there today.

made of her own to Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, which she has named as a beneficiary in its Legacy of

“Adrienne has dedicated her entire adult life to nursing, medi-

Life program. Her donations have earned plaques on three

cine, and Sarasota Memorial,” Quarles said. “She is an excel-

orthopedic patient rooms at Sarasota Memorial in memory

lent role model and a shining example for what it takes to

of her family members, and the Legacy of Life commitment

be a good nurse, and continues to lead the way through her

means that the foundation will receive funds from her estate

philanthropy.”

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Y THE

ANGELS

By Karin E. Gustafson

They’re known as the “Y Angels”, a resourceful group of local women that team up to support Y programs for highly at-risk kids. They’re smart, beautiful, passionate, savvy, confident and successful and they parlay all of these attributes into making a better way of life for kids that are struggling beyond imagination. They operate under the umbrella of the Y Foundation’s Community Coalition for Children, founded by Kim Githler in 1998. Coalition members partner with specific Y programs or facilities to create awareness and raise discretionary funds to help children in need. Recently I was invited to join the Y Angels Steering Committee for a

owns Café Baci and recently became a Realtor with Michael Saunders

planning session and photo shoot for a November 29, 2012 Holiday

& Company. Pat Martin says she had a wonderful childhood growing up

Fashion Show and Luncheon. Each was brimming with enthusiasm as

in Sarasota. Her career credits include project development with Rich-

they engaged legendary designer Eugene Stutzman (of Eugene Alexan-

mond/Ryan Homes and The Players Club of Longboat Key. In 1982 she

der fame) in a collaboration to create a stunning holiday event. Notable

joined R.C.Martin Concrete Products eventually becoming President for

among the legions of influential women dressed by the Eugene Alexan-

the last five years before it was sold in 1997.

der team in the 80’s and 90’s are Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Elizabeth Taylor and a very young Whitney Houston (shown in the February

Lead Y Angel is Debbie Dannheisser who left Atlanta 18 years ago

edition of People Magazine wearing the blue floral design Eugene put on

where she was in hotel sales/catering, leadership, business consulting

her in New York.) These dramatic fashions are timeless and the holiday

and life coaching. Married for 17 years to local attorney Dan Dannheiss-

event will create a renewal of enthusiasm and interest in these designs.

er, among Debbie’s bold moves was to take an art therapy class only to discover her unique artistic talent that has resulted in broad recognition

The Y Angels leadership is as uniquely different as they are so much

and acceptance of her work. Debbie is a friend magnet. In addition to

alike. The common thread that runs within the group is their genuine love

the large cadre of loyal friends she’s developed in her years here, she

for each other and the shared resolve and compassion to help children.

can always be counted on to befriend new people who come to town

Barbara Bingham is Director of Kaizen Total Wellness Center, and an

and help integrate them into the community. She’s chaired several ma-

author and e-book publishing coach. Dawn Epstein left the corporate

jor Y events (this year co-chairing the May 5 Cirque du Gold event along

world to raise the Epstein’s daughter but kept her hand in the game

with Dawn Epstein and Denise Mei) and is a member of the Board of

by continuing to provide home studies for prospective adoptive families

Trustees. Barbara Bingham sums up the group sentiment best when

and teaching yoga. Judy Winslow is a consultant, trainer, speaker and

she says, “As far as I know, one person – Debbie Dannheisser – took

coach working through her UnforgettableBrands.com. Denise Mei had

a stand. Debbie’s commitment, fueled by her very heart and soul, is to

a long career as a flight attendant who, along with husband Roberto,

touch the lives of older children so that they understand no matter what

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Eugene Sutzman is shown with Y Angels Steering Committee Members with a copy of the Whitney Houston gown featured in the February issue of People Magazine: L to R: Dawn Epstein, Barbara Bingham, Pat Martin, Debbie Dannheisser, Stutzman, Judy Winslow & Denise Mei. their past has been, they are lovable, important and can have a real

to meet. Yet there is one special young woman she met several years

chance for a better future.”

ago that will always remind her of how one person can make a difference. Now FSU bound Rachel has been part of her Guardian Ad Litem

Last fall the Y Angels packed McCurdy’s Comedy Club for a success-

and the Dannheisser family for years. Her remarkable story of recovery

ful fund raiser for the School House Link program raising money that

from a horrific childhood has been chronicled in the local media. Watching

would help homeless students with a variety of necessities that allow

Rachel blossom into a bright and happy young woman who’s pursuing

them to do well in public school. With the assistance of the broader An-

her dreams brings joy to the entire Dannheisser family. Denise Mei took a

gels team, audiologist Donna Simmons and attorney Lainie Van Winkle

young Joseph under her wings making him part of their family for special

among them, over $12,000 was raised and “banked” for use by the kids.

occasions and being there as much as possible to provide emotional sup-

As Judy Winslow said, “We personally don’t worry about getting the kids

port for all he was going through in his teen years. Denise has memories

iPods, we’re about providing them with the essentials – socks,glasses

of many tough love conversations during his formative years that will serve

and books. These are the basic tools for success.”

him well into adulthood. Dawn Epstein is a mentor to a high school student. The student knows that week in and week out she can count on

You can count on the angel wings flapping most times of the year. In

Dawn to be there to listen and support. Stories of caring abound.

August it’s back to school buying back packs and school supplies. In the fall thoughts go to colder weather and providing warm clothing and

At the last Christmas party for the shelter kids a teenage girl who had

shoes and then there is Thanksgiving when turkey meals are provided.

just chosen a pair of yellow ducky bedroom slippers came over to Pat

The biggest effort comes at Christmas when they join other members

Martin and said, “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.” Pat was so

of the Coalition to decorate the runaway shelter and buy gifts bought

moved by her gratitude for such a small thing, she commented,“This

especially with each child in mind.

simply confirms that a kind word, a little gift and a lot of support and encouragement can change their lives, encouraging and helping them

Commitments are very personal. Each member of the group has a be-

to complete their education and creating the possibilities of a success-

hind-the-scenes experience and story about a child. Some have helped

ful life.” The Angels are about hope. The young people who are fortu-

too many kids over the years to keep count. Debbie Dannheisser admits

nate enough to come under their wings realize possibilities they never

that there are many kids that we care for but never have an opportunity

felt existed. The Angels are ALL about love!

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Don’t Struggle With Hearing Loss Sharon and Doug of Gibson’s Hearing Technologies know from first-hand experience that the art of any good relationship is the art of good communication. “Not being able to hear clearly was frustrating to say the least,” says Doug Gibson. “Hearing loss can cause social isolation because the sufferer may find it easier to withdraw from group activities than to participate in them, “ notes Doug. “Such behavior might in turn cause people to think of him or her as timid or disconnected and give up trying to communicate.” “Sometimes I felt he did not care enough to listen, “ said Sharon. At least ten percent of Americans have some degree of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. Older adults are affected most, as hearing loss tends to accelerate with age. An estimated thirty percent of Americans aged 65 and older, and approximately fifty percent of those over age 75 have a hearing impairment. Hearing loss can occur at any age, however, due to factors such as noise exposure, trauma, genetics and illness. Worldwide, the number of people with hearing loss is estimated at 500 million. “Fortunately, significant improvements in hearing technology have been made in the last few decades,” reports Doug. “More options for treating hearing loss are available, and some of these options are not even noticeable to others. They key is for the patient to find a treatment for their needs and lifestyle.” “My name is Doug Gibson, of Gibson’s Hearings Technologies. I am a Board Certified Hearing Aid Specialist and a fellow hearing aid user for over fifteen years. I’ve tried over forty-five different aids and I currently wear an aid — without anyone noticing! I invite you to come in for a free hearing test and evaluation to find out what your options are for different styles, circuits and manufacturers. We will answer all your questions and found out how we can change your life.”

941.927.2424 2344 Bee Ridge Rd. #101 Sarasota, FL 34239 www.gibsonshearing.com


scene | education

EDUCATION MATTERS

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

SCENE continues its community-centered focus by presenting some of the most exciting intellectual happenings taking place in our community. Education Matters focuses on higher education, with an emphasis on difference-making programs, professors and students. This month, we proudly feature New College of Florida. As someone who’s been on the teaching side of the educa-

that in May 2009 they received a $1.7 million, multi-year grant

tion business for nearly two decades, I’ve had a lot of misgiv-

from the U.S. Army Research Laboratory entitled “Nanoparti-

ings over our government’s huge push for a new emphasis on

cles, Laser-Assisted Modification, Characterization and Prop-

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)

erties.” It’s anticipated that when the grant is up in May 2012,

fields in our public education agenda. I believe that a strong

a two-year extension will be awarded.

background in the humanities and social sciences is a crucial part of our education system, with perhaps the three most important outcomes being an increased fluency in reading, writing, and communicating. In a democratic society, those skills seem of upmost importance for one to be able to participate.

Look, this is the largest federal grant ever awarded to New College. And it’s in the sciences! And it’s not just your mom and pop type of everyday science stuff — physics, biology, and the natural sciences. It’s in nanotechnology, which is the study of objects, atoms, and molecules whose size is under 100 nanometers. What’s a nanometer, you might (quite rea-

As a Professor of Liberal Arts at the Ringling College of Art

sonably) ask? Let’s put it in a human perspective, or more

+ Design, I sometimes wonder if my college doesn’t insist on

specifically, a human hair perspective. A single human hair

enough humanities and social sciences classes for our terrifi-

is about 100,000 nanometers thick. For those who are more

cally talented art students. But I confess that I haven’t given

inclined to math explanations, a nanometer is 10-9 power, or

much thought to the opposite — too much emphasis in those

one billionth of a meter.

areas and too few STEM opportunities.

Who’s studying such small subjects at New College? Brooks-

Enter New College of Florida, one of the premier liberal arts

ville, Florida native Katherine McAlpine is. This third-year stu-

institutions in our state. Imagine my surprise when I learned

dent hasn’t even signed up for her senior thesis project yet

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— which she points out might well NOT be in the sciences — but she still is participating in cutting-edge research usually reserved for postgraduate work at major research institutions like MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, or the University of Illinois. She’s getting a lot out of it, too, she assures me. “Now that we have these technologies, we can better understand what is happening with the particles,” McAlpine explains. “Since we are working on such a small scale, we must rely on optical spectroscopy to understand the way in which light interacts with our samples. For example, our Raman Spectrometer relies on the way in which light scatters inelastically from a particle. Having this has allowed us to measure and understand changes in our nanoparticles that do not happen when the particles are in bulk form.” What does that translate into for the rest of us? Ideas and understandings like this are the science behind some of today’s most advanced and compact electronics, with clear applications in the computer or robotic industry, in the medical field for diagnostics and targeted drug delivery, in raising the efficiency and speed of optical communication systems, and in the search for new energy sources. How cool is the study of nanoparticles in the world of science? Last year, the Nobel Prize in physics went to a researcher focusing on carbon nanotubes. The principal investigator for the research project at New College of Florida is the Bulgarian-born Professor of Physics Mariana Sendova, who has successfully solved scientific problems in different areas of applied physics, material science, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, and biophysics. Witness two patents and more than 50 publications in peer reviewed journals. Since her arrival at New College in 2000, she’s been a scientific force to be reckoned with, starting the school’s first experimental physics research laboratory and attracting outside funding from the National Science Foundation, the Collaboration in Basic Science and Engineering, and the Department of Education. “We’ve been able to attract students who weren’t all that interested in physics from the start,” admits Sendova. One of the real surprises for her? How interested the community has been in New College’s efforts in scientific research. When the new Optical Spectrography and Nano-Materials Lab opened, she was pleasantly surprised both by the existence of the Longboat Key Physics Club and that so many members showed up. It’s not just high-tech, super-geeky stuff that’s going on in this new lab, either. When the Ringling Museum needed crucial information on a 17th-century painting, the equipment at New College was able to easily

A $1.7 million grant from the U.S. army funded several new pieces of equipment, including an acoustical and vibrational isolation chamber for an atomic force microscope and a high-temperature furnace. All of the equipment relates to studying the fundamental properties of new materials using ultraviolet light.

determine that a heraldic crest was created years later than the rest of the painting — a useful thing for a museum curator to know. They’ve also been able to determine that the firing temperature of a pre-Arctic pottery piece was 4,000 years ago. With so many real-world uses for the type of research going on at New College, it’s a surprise that they’re the only undergraduate liberal arts college in the country to have this type of equipment. “It’s a rare opportunity for the students,” explains Sendova, who has brought in many students as researchers or co-authors on scientific papers in journals such as Material Science, Journal of Luminescence, Optical Materials and the Journal of Raman Spectrography. She’s even involved students in collaborative projects with leading research institutions in France, Bulgaria, South Africa, and Germany. The more I speak with students like McAlpine and professors like Sendova, the more interested I am in what our country’s push in the STEM fields might bring about. Yes, the study of humanities and social sciences does matter. A lot. But science matters too. And with New College leading the way in the liberal arts AND sciences, the future looks bright indeed. For more information on New College or the Nano-Materials Lab visit: ncf.edu

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Brian Hosterman, postdoctoral researcher, is conducting nanotechnology research at New College’s Optical Spectrography and NanoMaterials Lab, opened in January of this year. Phillip Pope, a New College student, has been able to participate in cutting-edge physics research at New College that is unavailable at most undergraduate liberal arts institutions. scenesarasota.com


scene | social

New College Foundation Gala R

etiring President Dr. Gordon E. “Mike” Michalson Jr. was honored at the New College Gala, which was held at Fete Ballroom in Photography by Cliff Roles

Lakewood Ranch. During Dr. Michalson’s tenure, New College became an independent member of the State University System and one of the most highly ranked public undergraduate schools in the nation. The “Dr. Mike years” have been marked by substantial growth of the student body and a major investment in new academic facilities, including two state-of-the-art science buildings, five “green” dormitories, a Public Archaeology Lab, a Black Box Theatre, and most recently, the new 33,000 square-foot Academic Center. Dr. Michalson will be returning to the faculty after eleven years as College President.

Sherry, Thomas & Bev Koski

Dick & Cornelia Matson

Mike, Suzanne & Elliott Michalson

John & Denise Saputo with Tina & George Skelsos

Sidney Katz & Elaine Keating

Frank Smith & Anne Folsom-Smith

Elegance Within Reach. Surround yourself with beautiful cabinetry by choosing from over 100 door styles, wood species and finish combinations to transform your space into the home of your dreams.

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scenesarasota.com

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Peter Migliaccio and family for the most delicious Join

Italian food and

best wine selection in town!

SalutĂŠ

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Fine Italian Cuisine - Over 500 wines from around the world

5104 Ocean Boulevard | Siesta Key | Please Call for Reservations: 941-349-1423


By Dennis McGillicuddy As we enter our 9th season, Embracing Our Differences®, the international outdoor art exhibit that demonstrates in a positive way how diversity enriches our lives, will once again return to Sarasota’s beautiful bay front during the months of April and May. The exhibit features 39 billboard-sized images created by artists, writers and students from around the world reflecting their interpretation of our message: “enriching lives through diversity.” Since 2004, this vitally important and timely message has impacted more than 1,100,000 visitors. Since our first exhibit in 2004, annual attendance has grown to a record setting 277,000 last year. For 2012, 4,502 submissions were received from 53 countries, 40 states and 127 schools, including student submissions from such places as China, India, Romania, and many other countries. Almost half of the submissions selected for display this year were submitted by students. Of great importance are our education initiatives that we believe represents the most important aspect of our efforts – impacting the lives of our children. Through this program, age appropriate lesson plans and support materials are created each year and provided to teachers in various electronic formats. Providing free transportation for field trips to the exhibit is also an integral part of this program. Since 2004, more than 94,000 students have participated in our various education initiatives including 19,695 students in 2011 alone making us one of the largest educational programs in Sarasota County. Our very successful “Partners in Education” program with organizations such as Florida Studio Theater, Sarasota Film Festival, the Van Wezel and Selby Gardens continues to grow. This past year more than 7,000 Embracing Our Differences® students participated in a full day of character education. This collaborative effort is unique on the Gulfcoast. Embracing Our Differences’® partnership with Riverview High School’s International Baccalaureate Program continues to grow with 88 students acting as docents and mentors in our education program. The Co-Existence Club has become one of the largest at Riverview High School. This year has seen the expansion of this type of partnership with both Venice & North Port High Schools. As a result of these efforts, we not only have a great field trip for the students, but also a robust curriculum of character education taught before, during and after visiting the exhibit. By commissioning an annual independent outcomes measurement evaluation, we are able to verify how Embracing Our Differences® is changing our future for the better and we assure you that we are! Finally, our incredibly successful “Community Partner” program with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Jewish Federation, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota Sister Cities and YEA Arts play an integral part in enhancing the effectiveness of all our programs. We look forward to our 10th anniversary next year and consider it a privilege to continue providing an opportunity for our community to reflect upon and deepen its awareness that embracing our differences, respecting the views of others and standing up against hatred and prejudice will lead to a better world for everyone. scenesarasota.com

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FOOTBALL

MOMS Don’t bother to bring your powder puffs ladies. For the athletic-minded competitive female Foxy Flag Football is the latest local sports craze. BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE

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Move over, guys — it’s the ladies’ time to shine on the grid-

the league, but the players themselves are helping make

iron, announces the website for Foxy Flag Football. Jay

it a huge hit. Sure, the players get paid $30 per game to

Haren, the league’s co-founder, says the idea for a women-

play, and the league-winning team gets a bit more money,

only league emerged when he was refereeing at Suncoast

but it’s not about the money. And it’s certainly not about

Sports Club for Saturday morning youth leagues. “I kept

sex. “This isn’t the Lingerie Football League,” Lee says.

seeing these moms tossing footballs around,” he says, and

“The players here wear compression shorts and T-shirts.

it got him thinking. When he was a student at Riverview

Most important is that they’re all committed to learning

High School, they had a powder puff football team. And at

the game and becoming better at playing it.” The league’s

Florida Atlantic University? They had girls’ football. What

players agree. That’s why they talk it up with their families,

happened to those players after they left school? Maybe

friends, and neighbors.

they’d like a chance to do more than just noodle around with a football while their kids were playing organized sports?

Haren participates as one of the league’s coaches, and he loves it because “when you teach a girl something, and

He ran it by his girlfriend, Jessie Lee, and she was imme-

you see her apply it on the field, that feeling is awesome.

diately onboard. And in July 2011, the Foxy Flag Football

Especially for girls who are new to football.” They get bet-

league started. The interest was through the roof. The forty-

ter every day, he adds, and it’s great to watch that happen.

six players that came out to participate were drafted onto

To help ensure that the girls get more time to unify as a

four teams that played an eight-game season on Sundays

team and better learn the game, they’re now given a full

at Glebe Park (100 Glebe Lane) on Siesta Key Beach where

month to practice before the season starts. Since every

referees from Sarasota High School helped manage the

girl is allowed—and expected—to try every position on the

game. “It’s a kid-friendly area,” says Lee, “and tons of kids

field, that extra time goes a long way toward really learn-

play there while we play on the field. It’s a great situation

ing the game.

where everyone’s having fun.” Foxy Flag Football instills team and league unity into their “Fun” is one of the main words that come up when talk-

players, Haren says. After each Sunday’s games, the ma-

ing to the players. Dani Johnson, a player from last season

jority of the players, coaches, and even spectators meet

who’s come back to play this spring, says, “I couldn’t wait

at that week’s sponsor location to have a party. It’s such a

to attend the practices/tryouts to see what the league had

success that the sponsors are more than happy to donate

to offer.” And it did have a lot to offer, but the real appeal is

a percentage of their sales to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

a combination of camaraderie, fun, and competition for the

Talk about a fun, community-centered event!

twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, forty-somethings, and even fifty-somethings who come out to play.

The first games of the spring 2012 season are at 5pm and 6pm on April 15th at Glebe Park on Siesta Key Beach. The

Lee says that while she’d always been an athlete, she’d

suggested donation for audience members is $5, which

never thrown a football before. The challenge of learning

goes to help pay the players.

a new sport and being part of a team competition really held a lot of appeal. “Girls might be fearful that they can’t do it, but the majority of our players came in having never played football. Some were athletes, but some didn’t even have that background.” And it didn’t matter because the coaches were patient and eager, and the other girls helped each other out.

“In five years,” Haren says, “I’d like to have maybe 10 or 12 teams, including teams in Ft. Myers and Tampa. But it’s like anything else — you have to start small and make sure you have a top-notch product.” Another idea he’s entertaining is to market it as a TV reality show, where players and coaches are followed around to show glimpses of the lives of the people involved. If the current level of enthusiasm

Part of the success of the league is because of Haren’s

and success is any indication of the future, then watch your

background—he works for Perfect Vodka, and traveling

local channels for Foxy Flag Football. It might be here be-

the country to put on PR events for this liquor company

fore you think! www.foxyflagfootball.com

really showed him how to set up events, promote things, and get people excited. These same skills helped launch scenesarasota.com

Ryan G. Van Cleave / ryangvancleave.com April 2012

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scene | profiles

The Visual Arts... Tim Jaeger The local press has called him passionate, humble, witty, and one of the five rising artist talents in Sarasota. At 32, Tim Jaeger has achieved both local and increasingly national recognition and he is at the forefront of Sarasota’s visual arts community. A 2002 graduate of the Ringling School of Art and Design, Jaeger decided to remain in the resort coastal town of Sarasota after earning his bachelors of arts, where he now works and paints. Born in Michigan and raised in Paducah, Kentucky, Jaeger is attracted by the colors, warmth and light of Florida, as well as its sophisticated and growing artist communities. But he’s more than an artist. Though poised with paintbrush in hand, his creative mind expands into the business and politics of our city’s visual arts. As co-founder of the local arts group sARTq, and CEO of SarasotaVisualArt.com, Jaeger works toward engaging the community and fostering new artistic partnerships. Tim’s “Rooster” Statement: “Until a few years ago, I worked solely with the human figure, and throughout that time, found myself becoming more interested in the paint and what I could do with the color, application, and process, rather than the subject itself. The subject of my works became impressions, the mundane imprint of the human shape, rather than real expressions of humanity. I knew that I had something to say, but I did not know how to say it. I leaned too heavily on what I had been drawing and painting my whole career, the figure, and knew it was time to find something else to work on. Initially, my first feeling was that I wanted to have more of a relationship with my own work. I wanted something more of myself to be in my work, that had relevance to where I came from and who I am. I thought about Kentucky, and what kind of visual imagery I could pick up from there that would convey a piece of my own personal history, as well as attempt to contribute something to the history of art, and current issues. As I searched for a new subject matter, I found myself increasingly and inexplicably painting roosters. In them, I discovered a relationship between painting abstractly and figuratively, not only that, but also a symbol of something that has the capability to convey a lot of the traits that humans portray. In the body, particularly through the feathers, I began to free myself of the rules that held me down my previous works. I remembered the paintings of roosters in my grandmother’s kitchen, and then thought about how many people had some sort of rooster imagery in their home. From stamps, t-shirts, stationery, calendars, tea kettles, mailboxes, coffee mugs, cookie cutters, paper-towel dispensers, quilts, specialty plates, welcome mats, and just about anything else you can think of, the roosters lends its likeness. We associate the rooster’s image with just about anything but the beast itself, and there lies an issue of what I am working with.” www.regeajstudio.com

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...so rich in inspiration, ambition and sheer beauty. SCENE proudly recognizes the passion and talents of local visual artists in this new monthly feature. Artists are selected by an independent panel organized by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. Sabrina Small Sabrina Small, a Philadelphia-born artist, earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Maryland Institute College of Art, in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2008, after working for six years in Berlin, Germany, Small returned to her former home in Sarasota, Florida, where she currently resides. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries in Berlin, Budapest, Hamburg, London, Los Angeles, Mallorca, Nanjing, San Francisco, Seattle, Stuttgart and South Florida. The images in Small’s work seem mysterious, even anthropomorphic, like creatures from a strange dream world: the spongy detail of an octopus tentacle, the abstract possibility of conjoined twins, aspects of biomorphic reality objectified. Small breathes life into surrealistic figures and infuses them with a poignant sensitivity that is rare and revelatory. Inspired by a rich and full variety of styles, her brushstrokes and narrative structure are uniquely her own. Whether drawn, embroidered or painted, fine and flowing lines structure her motifs. More, her profoundly sensitive and evocative images surpass easy categorizations, for her deeply personal representations are both autobiographical, visual diaries, and sensitive documentations of her past relations and life experiences. Headshot by Brian Braun. Artwork photos by Peter Acker.

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Dazzling People Deserve

Dazzling

Smiles

Dr. B. Jimenez of Beneva Dental

The Man Behind Some of the Best Smiles in Town Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry 5917 S. Beneva Road, Sarasota

941.924.2939

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scene | social

Behind the Scene

Society Maven Debbi Benedict Gives the Latest Scoop

I

scenesarasota.com

can’t believe we are winding down another

best springtime attire, sipping champagne and

social season, Poodle, can you? The best

looking at gorgeous fashions? Aimee Cogan is

news – it seems like we are totally back on

this year’s chair. She told me with a glint in her eye,

track event-wise. Several events sold out before

that she thinks she was chosen because she has

the invitations were even printed and attendance

scads of Derby hats, as husband Chris is from

seemed to be up at the majority of events I

Louisville and she has attended that lauded event

observed. There were also several new events. The

for many years. Aimee will be resplendent in a

trend seems to be less formality and a lot of themed

gold dress and surely a magnificent hat. Saks Fifth

events. I must say, I do love a black tie evening,

Avenue will once again be producing the fashion

though. I am glad we still have the opportunity to

show and will have a small boutique at the event

pull out all the stops glamour-wise, at least several

for your immediate shopping gratification! Be sure

times a year, if not every weekend like in the past.

to be on the lookout for the charming invitation

After all, this IS Sarasota – city of galas!

designed by Brittany White – a Provence scene

All things French will be present at New College

highlighting a field of lavender. I can almost smell

Library Association’s Pique-nique sur la Baie, THE

that delicate scent now! Major sponsors include

spring luncheon in town. It has always been my

Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Ajax Building

very favorite “hat” luncheon because what could

Corporation, and Ruby E. and Carole Crosby

be more divine than an afternoon spent on the

Family Foundation.

lawn of the Charles Ringling Mansion overlooking

Love, love, love the fun invitation for Children

the beautiful bay, whilst elegantly dressed in your

First’s Celebration Gala. The theme, Meet Me at April 2012

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the Tropicana, refers to the nightclub, not the



ball field! Chairs are Gerri Aaron and Marv Albert, Dr. Heidi Anderson and Dr. Paul Brannan, Mindy and Wayne Rollins, and Jo and Stan Rutstein – whew! It better be good with eight chairs! Expect a retro Cuban flair with lots of tropical decorations at Michael’s On East and hot Latin music from Big Night Out. Wouldn’t you just die

 

 

   

   



to be able to go back in time and sashay around the nightclubs of the 50s? The clothes, the swagger, the towering feather headdresses on the showgirls - ooh. Wait, do I hear Ricky Ricardo and his band in the background? I think I do! Diamond Sponsor is Gerry Daniel, and Platinum Sponsors are Dawn and Mitchell Epstein, and Mindy and Wayne Rollins. SCENE Magazine is a media sponsor. Four

female

powerhouses

will

be

honored at the Community Video Archives Hall of Fame Luncheon. When you have honorees

Betty

Schoenbaum,

Kim

Githler, Linda DesMarais, and Debra Jacobs all together, you know the room will be bursting with energy and influence!

World Class Tailoring

...without compromise

Annette Scherman, founder and president of the organization, with Chris Pfahler as chair and Judy Fiala as emcee, will put on a mesmerizing show which includes video snippets of each of the four lives. Betty of course, is the grand dame of philanthropy in Sarasota. In her 90s, she acts younger and seems more vibrant than some women in their 50s. Kim, also a major philanthropist, is the driving force behind the Money Show, the world’s leading producer of investment

trade

shows.

Serving

the

community through her 25 years of local TV station ownership, Linda’s stations have provided millions of dollars of marketing and TV production in support of arts and other local charities. Finally, Debra is the guiding force of the Patterson Foundation and the voice of wisdom that many of our

Studio Five at 1530 Dolphin Street • Sarasota, FL 34236

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local leaders depend on. Powerhouses, indeed. In addition to Betty, major sponsors are SCENE Magazine, Ringling College of Art and Design, SunTrust, Northern Trust, SNN6, and the Herald Tribune Media Group.

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The

Three

Divine

“D”s,

Debbie

Dannheiser, Dawn Epstein, and Denise Mei are chairing the YMCA Foundation’s Cirque du Gold at the Y’s Berlin Branch. Always the final big gala of the season, it never disappoints. Denise tells me there will be lots of entertainment in the “Cirque” mode. Comedian Tim Wilkins will auction only three spectacular items, along with a treasure trove of silent items, some more than $10,000 in value. The Y probably has the best silent auction in town, valuewise. They always have multiple high ticket items. Millennium Magnates, those donating $25,000, are Paul and Carina Bowman, Ron and Dorothea Morris, Ed and Pat Landis, Mary Ann Robinson, Mitchell and Dawn Epstein, Kim Githler, Rep. Vern and Sandy Buchanan, Stanley Kane, Gary and Ann Olson, and Wayne and Debbie Seitl. My darling, that’s $250,000 right there! SCENE is a media sponsor. I have such a soft spot in my heart for the Humane Society. When I was four years old,

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• 1st Edition of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer (Sold to a NY Collector for the price of a new car)

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my parents took me to the local humane society where we lived in Michigan and allowed me to select my first dog. She was part Jack Russell terrier and I named her Star. I so loved that dog. She slept with me every night until I was 16. Oh my, I’m getting teary-eyed just writing this. On to lighter, more fun things! Paws on the Catwalk is

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE WORLD Prepare them for learning and for life.

exactly what you think it is – owners and their dogs walking the fashion show runway at the Ritz Carlton to benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota County. So fun! Cochairs are Alex Miller and Chris Voelker with Dr. Anne Chauvet as the fashion show chair. Alex tells me there is a “furtabulous” silent and live auction and Chris Eisenberg will perform. The presenting sponsor is Dr. Elizabeth Callahan’s SkinSmart Dermatology. Over $7.5 million has been given to area children’s charities from the proceeds of Florida Winefest & Auction. Now that is a lot of wine, my dear. The queen of all things Winefest, Sandy Loevner, shared with me

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that they are changing up things a bit for scenesarasota.com

April 2012

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their weekend of wine. Thursday night is still the winemaker dinners hosted all over town. Some of the venues are the Dick and Leslie Rivera’s yacht, the Viking Culinary Center, Bob Garvin and Julie Maggenheim’s home in Lido Shores, Laurel Oak Country Club, Carl and Tommie Cannova’s University Park home and the list goes on. Friday is the Beach Feast at the Longboat Key Club. Saturday is the Sip and Shop around St. Armand’s Circle, and Sunday is the Grand Tasting, Brunch, and Charity Auction at the Polo Grill and Bar in Lakewood Ranch. The event I am most interested in is Saturday night’s “The Grand Titanic Dinner” in Gator Creek, which is limited to only 100 very special guests. The dinner commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Titanic voyage. You will toast the Unsinkable Molly Brown and are asked to wear period costumes or white-tie evening attire. It will be a seven course meal, each paired with the appropriate wine. And what would the evening be without a lifeboat drill simulation? I think that might be a little too real for me! I can’t even begin to list all the sponsors of the weekend, but will list a few – Band Weintraub, Aladdin Equipment, Dattoli Cancer Center, Kerkering Barberio, Synovus Bank, and SCENE Magazine. Samaritan Counseling Services’ Women Helping Women Luncheon chaired by Cherie Leetzow and Debbie Howell at Michael’s On East will have a very special announcement. An anonymous donor will donate $2 for each dollar raised the day of the luncheon up to $20,000 for a total of $30,000. I bet they won’t have any trouble at all. There will be a silent auction, but the majority of the luncheon is about the mission – to provide affordable counseling to women and their children. A client will speak about how the services have impacted her, as will the Executive Director, Rick Howell. Linda Carson from ABC7 will be the emcee. Adorable and yummy. That’s all I can say about Asolo Rep’s Men Who Cook held at the Longboat Key Club’s Harbourside Dining Room. Chairs are Beverly Bartner, Molly Schechter, and Margaret Wise with Culinary Director, Judi Gallagher. Twenty five prominent men from our area, including Scott Anderson, Terry McKee, Dr. Brad Lerner, Chris Cogan, Jerry Feinstein, Todd Morton, and Trevor Taylor will be cooking, or at least pretending to cook, for your dining pleasure. Last year Bob Plunket made a Twinkie Casserole and this year the word is he is making three, count them, three different kinds of deviled eggs. Well, if anyone knows anything about deviling, it’s Bob! They even hand out cookbooks with all the recipes included. The biggest activity of the evening is an oldfashioned homemade cake auction. Last year, cakes went for up to $300 each. Now that must be some really decadent and delicious cake! Calling all philanthropists to The Giving Matters Council’s Gems of Philanthropy Luncheon at the Van Wezel Bayside. The featured speaker is Carla Harris, Managing Director, Emerging Managers Program, Morgan Stanley Investment Management. She is not only the board chair of the Morgan Stanley Foundation, but I’m told, also a gospel singer extraordinaire. This event celebrates women’s philanthropy, and believe me, this town could not run without women’s philanthropy. Some of Sarasota’s largest donors are women and we all know who they are. ABC7’s Bob Harrigan and Lauren Dorsett will be doing the red carpet interviews at Big Brothers Big Sisters Déjà vu - Friday Night at the Movies at the Hyatt Regency. Susan Brennan, Sharlene Hillier, and Lindy Smith are asking guests to come as their favorite movie star. I think this may be the third or fourth “movie” themed event this season, so finding your costume should be easy! Presenting sponsor is Fifth Third Bank and additional sponsors are PNC Wealth Management, Tervis, Aladdin Equipment, and At&T. Have you heard of Joining Our Youth (JOY)? They work to improve the quality of life for those aging out of foster care by providing them mentoring and targeted services, including giving them housekeeping starter kits, career prep, and appropriate clothes from their Trendy Threads boutique. Tish FitzGerald told me their Rags to Riches Luncheon at Michael’s On East will feature models from their program in clothes from their boutique. Sounds like a heartwarming and feel good afternoon.

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Your little ones can get their charity event training early at their very own Princess and Pirate Ball. The SPARCC event is held at the Girl Scouts Conference Center. They are calling it a family gala, but we know the wee ones will be the stars of the show. Dinner, dancing and fun is on the menu, along with face painting, crafts, a caricaturist, green-screen photos, and a balloon artist. Stephanie

Hannum

and

Shannon

Hankin are co-chairs and are encouraging costumes.

Presenting

sponsor

is

the

Observer Group and Monarch sponsors include Dermatology Associates, Griffin & Griffin, Pain Medicine Consultants, and Vulcan Materials Co. Pick up your whisks and your garden trowels and head to the Junior League’s Kitchen and Garden Festival. Four kitchens will be on tour, along with a home and garden marketplace. A Celebrity Luncheon with Royal Chef, Darren McGrady at the Hyatt Regency and a Garden Tea Party with a floral demonstration from Sybil Sylvester at the Sarasota Garden Club. Beth CannataKeefe is the festival chair. Publix Super Markets Charities is the major sponsor. Next month’s column is a reader favorite – “What are you reading this summer?” I’ve got some new books I’m looking forward to spending lazy afternoons with. Be sure to email me what you will be reading! Society Notes from April 1962:

TARGET MARKET DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGNS PUBLISHING & FULFILLMENT CONCEPT AND DESIGN BUSINESS MAIL SERVICES Until next time....TaTa! Debbi Benedict is SCENE’s society maven and Special Issues Director. Contact Debbi at 941483-4460 or debbi@benedictandco.com

scenesarasota.com

1500 N. Washington Blvd. • Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192 • fax 941-365-6327 www.SerbinPrinting.com April 2012

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scene | performing arts

CURTAINCALL STEVEN J. SMITH REVIEWS LOCAL THEATRE

SARASOTA OPERA

of making a living, and Kathryn Parks as Cassie, a once-promising

Carmen

star now struggling to make the cut as a chorus girl.

Georges Bizet’s timeless classic of love and betrayal is a main-

But above all, Mr. Ayers’ choreography makes this show soar. As

stay of the opera canon and this buoyant production, flawlessly con-

a former cast member in the national tour of “ACL,” he has obviously

ducted by Victor DeRenzi and directed by Martha Collins, wonder-

retained much of Michael Bennett’s original routines and has incorpo-

fully maximized its impact. Bizet’s lush score features many famous

rated them seamlessly here. This show is a must-see for that alone.

and recognizable passages — such as the prelude to Act One, the Habañera, and of course the Toreador Song — but for me this pro-

THE GOLDEN APPLE DINNER THEATRE

duction’s most moving passage was the entr’acte to Act Three, set-

Disenchanted: Bitches of the Kingdom

ting the scene in the mountains where the smugglers convene. And the Sarasota Opera Orchestra played it all beautifully.

The bitches are back, and they haven’t mellowed a bit. Returning by popular demand after a successful run at the Apple last year,

Fredrika Brillembourg’s Carmen is a marvelous study in beauty,

Disenchanted: Bitches of the Kingdom is as rowdy and funny the

allure, manipulation, and a fatalistic resignation that her flamboyant

second time around as it was the first. Maybe more so! All of your

and seductive lifestyle will bring her to an untimely end. Her spicy

favorite Disney heroines have reunited — Snow White, Cinderella,

rendition of “L’amour est un oiseaux rebelle” was as sadly touching

Sleeping Beauty, Belle, The Little Mermaid, Mulan, Pocahontas, Ra-

as it was enticingly seductive. Antonio Nagore turned in a passion-

punzel, and the Frog Princess — and they’ve got issues. Cast in

ate performance as Don Jose, whose tortured obsession with Car-

the harsh, realistic light of day without the “happily ever after,” this

men was painfully palpable. Other notable performances included

sassy, brassy, irreverent musical pulls no punches in its social com-

Danielle Walker as the faithful and sympathetic Micaela, Don Jose’s

mentary and cunningly reveals how Mr. Disney and his successors

intended bride, and Carlos Monzon as Escamillo, the striking, charis-

have placed women on an impossibly high pedestal while removing

matic bullfighter who lures Carmen from the jealous Don Jose.

virtually all of their human qualities.

Kudos also to David P. Gordon’s sets, which drew applause

Created by Dennis Giancino and Fiely Matias and a hit at last

twice at the performance I attended, and both the chorus of appren-

year’s Orlando Fringe Festival, the show has been snapped up by

tice musicians and the Youth Opera chorus, who added consider-

Golden Apple producer Robert Ennis Turoff before it heads Off-

able depth and breadth to this stirring production.

Broadway. Spiritedly directed and choreographed by Kyle Ennis

THE PLAYERS THEATRE A Chorus Line

Turoff, the show provides an evening of naughty fun for those of us who have had it with the squeaky clean image of Disney’s saccharine-sweet, one-dimensional heroines.

I must confess that I cringed when I learned the Players were

Here are some memorable moments. In the song “One More

tackling this extremely difficult musical, which I first saw on Broadway

Happily Ever After,” Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty

back in 1976. It’s tough enough to find decent community theatre ac-

(rowdily and comically played by Jenn Baker, Mari Bryan, and Alex

tors who can sing, but to find those who can act, sing and dance is a

Torres respectively) rail about happy endings. Instead, they insist

really tall order. Well I needn’t have worried, because director Jeffery

they should control their own lives without handsome princes. Throw

Kin and choreographer Berry Ayers have found them. In spades.

in Pocahontas (Aileen Susick) who’s having trouble dealing with a

I was hooked as early as the opening moments, as we’re cat-

false sexiness Disney has saddled her with, Rapunzel (in a hysterical-

apulted into the turbulent sea of anxious dancers learning difficult

ly funny Wagnerian turn by Helen Holliday), the Frog Princess (played

combinations as they fight for just eight spots in the chorus line of

by the soulful Ariel Blue) and a Secondary Princess (Roberta Mac-

an upcoming show. Along the way we learn their backstories as the

Donald, who stops the show with her song “Secondary Princess”)

director Zach (wonderfully underplayed by Mr. Kin) attempts to see

and you’ve got an uproarious evening of can’t-miss fun.

if their personalities might mesh as well as their dance styles. My

Kudos also to Trez Cole’s Magic Kingdom set design, David

favorites were Brandon Brinson who gave a heartbreaking perfor-

Walker’s colorful and sexy costumes, and Michael Sebastian’s spot-

mance as the dedicated but luckless Paul, Mark Mercado as Ed,

on music direction. Next up in the Golden Apple’s current season is

who must weigh the dream of a dancing career against the realities

“Oliver!” which runs through May 5.

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scene | performing arts

CALENDAR LOVE PERFORMING ARTS? GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE BEST PERFORMANCES IN TOWN

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 941.351.8000 / asolorep.org Red Through April 22 A 2010 Tony Award® for Best Play, Red is a compelling depiction of one of the 20th century’s most important and complex artists – the abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. Yentl Through April 26, 2012 A beautifully written play, filled with fresh, contemporary music, resonates with pure magic. Hamlet, Prince of Cuba Through May 6 This new adaption by Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards is a fresh portrayal of a son’s struggle to pursue justice for his father, and the consequences that threaten to destroy the lives of those he loves. Fallen Angels Through May 13 A brilliant comedy about desperate housewives, this is Noël Coward at his best – sharp, witty and utterly sophisticated. Fanny Brice, America’s Funny Girl May 20 – June 17 Fanny Brice’s gift for comedy and expressive singing made her one of the most beloved celebrities of the American theatre.

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE (FST) 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org Jericho (Keating Theatre) April 4 through June 3 In 2005, a Jewish 9/11 survivor and a Palestinian 9/11 widow find themselves embroiled in one family’s personal and political dramas. With surprising humor and wit, Jericho reminds us that all struggles are ultimately personal. Vintage Whine (Goldstein Cabaret) Through May 7 This homegrown Senior Improv troupe is back in action. They take your suggestions and twist them to show that life really is just one big laugh riot. Reel Music (Goldstein Cabaret) Through June 17 Journey from the Land of Oz to the nightclubs of Casablanca to the high-flying adventure of Top Gun in a celebration of the greatest movie songs ever written.

THE GOLDEN APPLE DINNER THEATRE 941.366.5454 / thegoldenapple.com Oliver! The Musical Through May 5 Based on the Dickens novel, this version of scenesarasota.com

Oliver combines pathos and drama, as well as delightful musical numbers.

MANATEE PLAYERS 941.748.5875 / manateeplayers.com Ring of Fire Through April 15 Singer/songwriter Johnny Cash’s remarkable life story is told through his music. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers May 3 – May 21 Bursting with the rambunctious energy of the original film, Seven Brides is boisterous fun and romance that harkens back to the glory days of the movie musical.

THE PLAYERS THEATRE 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org The Full Monty April 25 – May 6 A musical based on the film about 6 unemployed steel workers who overcome their inner demons as they prepare to pull a “full monty” at a local strip club.

SARASOTA BALLET 941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org My Way April 13 -14 Includes George Balanchine’s Serenade; Dominic Walsh’s Bello and Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs. Theatre of Dreams April 27 – 29 Octavio Martin’s On The Outside. World premieres by Kate Honea, Ricardo Graziano, Ricki Bertoni and Jamie Carter

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 941.953.3434 / sarasotaorchestra.org Pops: A Tribute to Boston Pops April 14 Sarasota Orchestra pays tribute to musical icons Arthur Fiedler and John Williams, pioneers of the modern Pops experience. Journeys to Genius: Shostakovich: Truth or Consequence April 28 Denounced by Stalin, the composer Shostakovich faced a life or death decision as he penned his Fifth Symphony. See the true story of a creative genius who successfully navigated a solution to an impossible dilemma: follow his heart and die, or bend to the iron will of the Soviet Union’s greatest tyrant. Chamber Soiree: Fantaisie April 19

Once described as, “the French Beethoven,” Saint-Saëns’ Fantaisie is a bewitching duet for violin and harp that was written for a married couple and portrays a sweet and simple sense of affection. Great Escapes: La Bamba May 2 – 5 Latin dance rhythms abound in this spicy evening of festive beats and intensely passionate melodies. This Cinco de Mayo celebration showcases south of the border classics including La Bamba and España Cani.

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL 941.955.7676 For a complete listing of performances, visit vanwezel.org Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific April 4 Pops: Tribute to the Boston Pops April 14 Sergio Mendes April 15 Pop Goes the Rock (Cirque Dream production) April 16 Burn the Floor April 19 Bill Gardell – Halftime April 20 In the Mood – 1940s Musical Review April 22 Chicago April 24 An Evening with Yanni April 25

VENICE THEATRE 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com Avenue Q Through April 15 Sesame Street meets South Park. This musical played Broadway for over six years. Stand by Your Van Through April 22 This interactive play about competitive hysteria, willpower and a pickup truck has six different endings. Its “touch-the-truck” competition is reminiscent of the popular dance marathons of the 1930s America. The Miser (Pinkerton Theatre) April 19 – May 6 One of the world’s greatest comedies by Moliere and adapted by Timothy Mooney. Greed, lies, conflict and paranoia make this classic as funny today as it was in 1668.

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scene | social

SARASOTA BALLET A NNUAL GALA T

he Sarasota Ballet held its annual gala at the FSU Center for Performing Arts themed “Five Fabulous Years” in honor of Iain Webb’s five years as director of Sarasota

Photography by Cliff Roles

Ballet. Guests were greeted with a Champagne reception followed by a “one night only” performance of highlights from the past five years and excerpts from ballets which Webb will be doing over the next few years. Guests then enjoyed dinner under an outside tent catered by Chef Paul Mattison. Honorary Chair was Mary Ann Robinson and the Presenting Sponsor was Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Co-sponsors included Jerome & Sydney Goldstein; Jean Allenby-Weidner & Alfred Goldstein, in honor of Mary Ann Robinson; Mary Ann Robinson; Fifth-Third Bank; Williams Parker; Janet Sperling/ Raymond James on St. Armand’s Circle; JP Morgan; and Mattison’s.

Gene & Helene Noble

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Sydney & Jerome Goldstein

Julie Planck, Donna D’Agostino & Lauren Walsh

David & Lin Tidmarsh, Mary Ann Servian, Chris & Jane Harcourt Hillary Steele & Chuck Borancyk

scenesarasota.com


SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL

Calendar of Events Opening Night Film & Party Friday, April 13 Red Carpet 6:00 PM Film 7:00 PM Party 9:00 PM VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL Ticket Price Film $25 Party $75 VIP $125 Attire: Cocktail Walk the red carpet for the Opening Night Film, ROBOT AND FRANK, a dramatic comedy set sometime in the near future starring Frank Langella, James Marsden, Liv Tyler, Susan Sarandon and Peter Sarsgaard. After-film party includes food, drinks and dancing.

U.N. Women Filmmakers Reception Saturday, April 14 6:30 PM- 8:30 PM ART CENTER Ticket Price: $75 Attire: Casual

of and finding cures for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and addictions, with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease.

Filmmaker Luncheon Friday, April 20 Noon - 2:00 PM SARASOTA YACHT CLUB Price: $100 Attire: Society Luncheon A delightful afternoon in support of SFF Women featuring a delectable lunch and an intimate opportunity to mingle with Festival guests and film lovers.

Cinema Tropicale Friday, April 20 9:00 PM - MIDNIGHT SARASOTA YACHT CLUB Price: $125 Attire: Cocktail/ Caribbean

SFF partners with the Gulf Coast Chapter of U.N. Women to host this fundraising reception benefiting their organization. The filmmakers from the Through Women’s Eyes program attend to discuss their films and inspire the next generation of artists.

SFF’s island-themed celebration honoring filmmakers and visiting artists at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Enjoy tropical dining selections, live entertainment and much more!

The 13th Annual Through Women’s Eyes Film Festival

Closing Night Film with Filmmaker Tribute Awards

Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 REGAL CINEMAS HOLLYWOOD 20

Hollywood Nights Student Cinema Showcase Sunday, April 15 REGAL CINEMAS HOLLYWOOD 20 Student $5 Adult $10 Attire: Party Hollywood Nights is a red carpet event featuring screenings from the most promising filmmakers of tomorrow (students 18 and under).

Youth Screenwriters Circle LIVE! Monday, April 16 7:00 PM FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE Price: FREE Tickets required and available at the SFF Box Office Staged reading of works created by students from Phoenix Academy and performed by the Sarasota High School Drama department. Recommended for students and families ages 13 and up.

The Roskamp Institute

Saturday, April 21 6:00 PM SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE Ticket Price: $25 VIP: $125 SFF’s annual salute to the filmmakers and artists. This year’s award presentation will be followed by the 2012 Closing Night Film, Joe Berlinger’s UNDER AFRICAN SKIES, a look at the making of Paul Simon’s seminal album Graceland and the political and artistic waves it created.

Late Night Wrap Party Saturday, April 21 11:37 PM - 2:53 AM DARWIN’S ON 4TH Ticket Price: $25 VIP: $100. Attire: Hollywood Chic The Wrap Party brings everyone together for a final late night of dining and dancing. VIP level includes complimentary drinks and appetizers on the mezzanine, while everyone has access to the dance floor, a cash bar and DJ.

YOUTHFEST

Thursday, April 19 American Man Reception 6:00 PM Film 7:30 PM SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE

SFF Sensory-Friendly Screening! Sunday, April 22, 11 AM REGAL CINEMAS HOLLYWOOD 20 FREE Tickets required and available at the SFF Box Office

SFF and The Roskamp Institute present a special world premiere screening of Jon Frankel’s AMERICAN MAN to benefit the Institute’s programs. Sarasota-based Roskamp Institute is devoted to understanding causes

Designed for those with cognitive and developmental disabilities, the theater will have the lights turned up, the sound turned down, and invites audience members to enjoy a positive, stress-free afternoon at the movies.

For a complete listing of films and events visit www.sarasotafilmfestival.com scenesarasota.com

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scene | social

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE HARD HATS & TAILS

F

Photos by Keith A. Millard Photography

lorida Studio Theatre recently held its black-tie gala, Hard Hats & Tails overlooking the construction and renovation of The New Gompertz Theatre.

FST’s supporters, artists, and staff gathered with event chair Carol M. PoteatBuchanan to celebrate the thriving downtown theatre company. Guests enjoyed a cocktail party and an array of heavy hors d’ouevres provided by Café Baci, Darwin’s on Fourth, Half Shell Oyster House, Hotel Indigo, Pastry Art, Patrick’s 1481, Sarasota Bay Club, and Zwiwell. The Spelman Award was presented to Ina Schnell for her leadership and support. Guests were then treated to an exclusive performance of Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas in the Gompertz Theatre, followed by an after-show champagne and dessert reception.

Danae Deshazer & Sue Coyne

Arthur Ancowitz, Ina & Eric Schnell

Carol Buchanan, Steve Turrisi & Rebecca Hopkins

Sally Yanowitz, Tom & Sally Trout Ross

Sy & Shelley Goldblatt

THE PLAYERS THEATRE FUNDRAISER

F

Photos by Keith A. Millard Photography

ilm and TV actress and Sarasota resident Audrey Landers headlined “The T & A Soiree”, a fundraiser

for The Players Theatre. Ms. Landers is most noted for her role on TV’s Dallas and in the film version of A Chorus Line. Her son, Daniel Landers, a Europe XFactor finalist, performed with his band and The Players cast of A Chorus Line delighted more than 275 guests. Honorary event chair was Mary Ann Robinson and event co-chairs were Bobbi Hicks and Ken Shelin.

Barbara & Dick Johnson

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Victor Young & Tim Minar

Gayle Foster, Ken Shelin & Bobbi Hicks

Laurie Yeostros, Michael Lewandowski & Louie Yeostros

Jeffery Kin, Michelle Bianchi-Pingel, Lyn Wiley & Bob Trisolini scenesarasota.com


scene | giving By Joy Weston

T H E P E O P L E & PA S S I O N B E H I N D C O M M U N I T Y P H I L A N T H R O P Y

“The arts, whatever they do, whenever they call us together, invite us to look at our fellow human being with generosity and curiosity.” Ben Cameron

Over the course of my lifetime I have proudly garnered various titles:

services. Locals have a reason to be out in the evenings, keeping bars,

nationally recognized photographer, acclaimed speaker, best-selling au-

restaurants, cafes and numerous businesses alive and healthy – not to

thor, communications consultant, coach, magazine columnist, philan-

mention all the jobs created by each organization! Just by engaging,

thropic rainmaker, daughter, girlfriend, wife, mother, aunt, “grand” mom,

we can make a difference.

and a few others I will leave to my own memories if you don’t mind. But just recently I was anointed with a new one, “Cultural Junkie!” I mean really, just because in one week I went from seeing the very entertaining opera Lucia di Lammermoor, to the Ballet Gala that delighted everyone with glorious performances from past and future shows, to the

“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the

most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” Oscar Wilde

Artist Series “Enchanted Evening” event filled with exciting musical and vocal performances, to a moving production of Raisin in the Sun at the Westcoast Black Theatre, back to the Opera for an amazing production

Theater is a story that comes alive as a tragedy, comedy, mystery

of Otello, then joined in a standing ovation for A Chorus Line at The Play-

and lots more. It’s a craft that requires lots of people with different

ers Theatre, and rounded it off with the thoroughly enjoyable “Sophie

talents just to educate and entertain us – a playwright, director, stage

Tucker” performance as part of the FST “Under The Stars” event. Cul-

manager, actors, sets, costume, lighting and sound designers, running

tural Junkie? Maybe, or just someone trying to making a difference when

crew, light and sound board operators, and a PR person to attract the

she can, and smart enough to take advantage of all the very affordably

audience. Our theaters are a collaborative form of fine art at its best.

priced performing arts venues available in this fabulous town!

Asolo Rep, now in its 53rd season, is the largest professional not-for-

At a very young age I learned that all forms of art are deeply entwined

profit theater in the U.S. south of Atlanta, and is a major force in our rich

in the human journey. Recognized or not, we depend on them to carry

art scene. Its diverse repertoire has something for everyone – new plays,

us towards the fullness of our humanity. The arts are inseparable from

bold reinterpretations of contemporary and classic works, plus exciting

the very meaning of the word “education,” and the incredible shift that

new musicals that are simple wonderful! Under the dynamic leadership

occurs when you engage in life and connect with the moment by lis-

of Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing

tening more deeply, focusing your concentration, developing empathy

Director Linda DiGabriele, over 100,000 patrons are drawn each year to

and articulating change, all come via the arts, which helps cultivate

the theater’s rotating repertory season. Its ongoing partnership with the

these qualities. Yet, what I’ve realized as I’ve become more involved in

FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training headed up by Greg Leam-

our philanthropic community, is that way too many know way too little

ing, ranks among the top ten actor training programs in the country, and

about what the organizations are really doing to benefit our community,

with its ground-breaking education, outreach and audience develop-

or the challenges they face daily in delivering the level of excellence we

ment programming, Asolo Rep is more relevant than ever.

have come to expect.

Recently I was at the opening night performance of the Noel Coward

For example, did you know that the world of technology has be-

play Fallen Angels, and OMG it was so good — do not miss it! (It’s running

come a serious competitor for ticket sales and funding to keep art

thru May 13). While sipping on a bit of champagne, I had the pleasure of

forms alive and well? In a world where we believe what we want can

meeting Susan Buck, a fascinating woman and board member of Asolo

be delivered to our doorstep at any time of day or night, things like

Rep. She started her life as a zoologist, but for many years now has moved

curtain times, set venues, costs and even parking problems are a real

on to being “a people zoologist,” piloting (which she really is) her passion

consideration for so many, yet the performing arts are absolutely criti-

for the arts into her vocation and avocation, as a dedicated volunteer.

cal in supporting the economy of our community. Figures have proven

When I asked Susan, “Why Asolo Rep?”, her answer revealed a

that every dollar spent creates 5 to 7 additional forms of revenue. They

commitment to a well-rounded education embedded in her being at

attract tourists who directly spend on events, hotels, shopping and

a very young age.

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Susan Buck: “I fondly remember taking many long train rides with my grandparents from Tulsa, Oklahoma to NYC to see Broadway plays and visit museums, simply because my grandfather believed, ‘What

“If you really want to help the American theater, don’t be an actor, dahling, be an audience!” Tallulah Bankhead

you put up here (tapping his temple) can never be taken away from you.’ As much as I love all the varied performances and productions, what’s really kept the flame of my love burning so bright is the fabulous educational and out-reach programs that have flourished under Brian Hersh’s leadership as Director of Education, and the continuous work to enhance the love of the theater with schools and special programs for children and adults with disabilities. This year alone, 6,000 students will see full-length productions. As the expression goes, ‘We know what we like, but we need to learn what it is we like. Thanks to Michael Donald Edwards, our producing Artistic Director, the shows are nothing less than first rate. Following Howard Millman’s lead, another wonderful artistic director who took us through the lean years, maintaining repeat quality performances is quite an accomplishment and well worth any of my efforts. Linda DiGabrelle, our Managing Director, has one of the toughest jobs of all – she is the glue that holds us all together and she does it brilliantly. Working with Victor Meyrich, our production manager for over 35 years plus, difficult as it has been at times, they have managed to see that this organization keeps mov-

Rounding out my theater list today is The Players Theatre where at any given moment you could be an actor or an audience, dahling. PT is really a great community theater, drawing from accomplished professionals who are still in, or used to be, in the business. They are dedicated to presenting a diverse and entertaining slate of high quality volunteer driven theatrical productions, as well as programs that support the development of our youth. This company is seamlessly run by Managing Director Michelle Bianchi Pingel — probably because she has a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science — and the amazingly talented Artistic Director Jeffery Kin, who is a director, playwright, teacher and actor, and lastly by a committed, dedicated board. At The Players recent fundraiser highlighting the talents of Audrey Landers and her non-stoppable mother Ruth, I met the lovely Karen Roe, an ER Doctor at Lakewood Ranch Hospital. Karen Roe: “I came to Sarasota because my British husband fantasized about living on an American beach and this town fit the bill!

ing forward and flourishes.”

The only challenge was our extremely shy child Grace, who couldn’t

“You need three things in the theater - the play, the actors and the audience - and each must give something.”

where this would eventually lead, a friend suggested acting classes

Kenneth Haigh

performs anywhere and everywhere! I love the high-quality perfor-

bear to walk into a room with people she didn’t know. Fearful of at The Players. The teacher’s professionalism and kindness helped to dissipate her fears, and our miracle child was set free. She now mances using pros who also teach at The Players Performing Arts

Another great performing arts organization is Florida Studio Theatre,

Studio, to the year-round classes that build confidence and instill in

better known as FST. In this village of theaters – the historic Keating

each participant the need to give back. They are obliged to perform

and Gompertz theaters and the Parisian-style Goldstein Cabaret – one

for multiple nursing homes, assisted living centers and do commu-

can see terrific contemporary theater at very affordable prices. Since

nity offerings. I personally cannot do enough to support this incred-

1973, it has grown to 25,000 subscribers, more than any theater its

ible organization.”

size in the country, serving over 160,000 attendees per year through its major programs: The Mainstage Series, The Cabaret Series, Stage lll, WRITE A PLAY initiative for young people, educational classes for students between 5 and 95, and an outreach program for financially disadvantaged, physical and mentally challenged individuals. Carol Poteat-Buchanan is a great lady involved with many organiza-

“Ballet is not technique but a way of expression that comes more closely to the inner language of man than any other.” George Borodin

tions in our town, but FST holds a special place in her heart. Carol Poteat-Buchanan: “I came to Sarasota 23 years ago with my

Dance has been with us possibly longer than any other form of art.

husband Carroll and we were looking for ways to enjoy ourselves, so

Some cultural theorists argue that dance — or artful body movements

we took out subscriptions to everything. At a performance at FST, we

— may have been the first way that humans communicated something

had a problem with something we felt audiences should be informed

symbolic. Now-a-days, dance is not just for dance sake, but a total

of before-hand. When we told them, they listened and it became a

experience designed by brilliant direction and choreography to deliver

practice, which impressed us so much that we had to get involved.

some kind of message~ a story worth understanding.

Between the high quality and diversity of the plays, cabaret, and the

The Sarasota Ballet is the Gulf Coast of Florida’s first and only profes-

Writer’s Play Program for young people, it’s just an amazing organiza-

sional ballet company, and a sparkling jewel in the crown of performing

tion. Our board is small, but committed. Richard Hopkins is a great

arts in Sarasota. Founded by Jean Weidner and established as a full

inspiration as an incredible artistic director who knows how to finan-

resident ballet company in 1990, it really took off when Iain Webb took

cially run a theater. Rebecca Hopkins, our longtime managing direc-

over the directorship in 2007. During the last four seasons, the company

tor, is an amazing woman and Kate Alexander a great associate direc-

has performed 102 ballets & divertissements which include 16 world

tor, handling student programs as well as getting involved with the

premieres, 55 Sarasota premieres, 4 new productions and 27 American

Sister Cities program where kids come here and ours go there. For

premieres, while receiving critical acclaim in many respected publica-

anyone who has not attended a production at FST or had the privilege

tions. Dominic Walsh as Resident Choreographer and Margaret Barbieri,

of getting involved with its good work, do it now, you will love it!”

Assistant Director, round out this amazing company. Dance — The Next

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Generation is a seven-year full-scholarship dance program designed to

added purpose of helping young musicians in their quest for excellence

serve children at risk of dropping out of school, and The Trainee Pro-

through the scholarship program. The truth is, most good people get

gram, is a two year full scholarship program for students who want to

‘gooder’ thanks to music, and because of ASCS, that’s a good thing.”

dance professionally. How’s that for taking movement to another level! The charming Sydney Goldstein is a Sarasota Ballet board member and true Ballet devotee and proud of it! Sydney Goldstein: “I’ve been involved with the arts since I was a

“Grand opera is the most powerful of stage appeals and that almost entirely through the beauty of music.” John Philip Sousa

young child in Buffalo and was often taken to musicals in NYC as well as the ballet when it came to town. I’ve always loved dance... all kinds of dance...so when I came to Sarasota 18 years ago I was naturally interested in the ballet. I was skeptical since I had seen the best, but I went and was happily surprised. The entire company is remarkable! Iain and Margaret have not only brought Sarasota Ballet to great heights, but they have created the feeling of one big family between the staff and the dancers. MaryAnn Servian is the perfect Managing Director, forthright with integrity, as she rallies everyone to focus on making the Sarasota Ballet the very best it can be. I also love supporting their wonderful school and Dance – The Next Generation. Its seven years of instruction for disadvantage children is not about creating professionals, but how to be better people through the disciplines of ballet. Once they complete the program, they get a scholarship to any local college, which is really great. Ballet brings magic into your life...it makes you feel good! It’s just beautiful!”

What do you get when you mix a great story with music, singing and dancing? Opera! But what makes so many enthralled with this art form? Is it merely exquisite voices that can move you to tears, fill you with joy or leave you fantasizing about a tender moment in the past or yet to come? Yes, and more. Opera has the ability to incorporate music, literature and stage to produce a work of art. And when it is done well, it can strike an emotional chord or even a moment of epiphany. If you have never tried it, you might be pleasantly surprised at what you discover. Sarasota Opera owns and performs in the beautiful historic Sarasota Opera House. Since 1983 it has been under the artistic leadership of Maestro Victor DeRenzi, who has garnered international attention with his Masterwork Revivals Series and by producing the complete works of Giuseppe Verdi. With the strong leadership of its Executive Director, Susan Danis, her amazingly qualified staff and committed board of directors, our world renowned opera company is thriving. Through

“Music is well said to be the speech of angel, in fact, nothing among other utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. Music brings us near to the infinite.” Thomas Carlyle The Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota (ASCS) were conceived in 1996 by co-founders Jerold Ross and Lee Dougherty Ross with a mission of presenting live concerts, primarily classical programming, featuring voice, piano, string and other instruments, and cultural enrichment in Sarasota and surrounding communities. John Fischer, the affable Executive Director and “resident chef” for some amazing fundraising soirees, presents a warm, welcoming face to ASCS. It is mostly supported and funded by a loyal audience, donors and enthusiastic volunteers, which also includes an expanding community and school outreach program. ASCS sixteenth season runs between October and June and supports 46 performances at either the Historic Asolo Theater or soiree’s at private homes. This year’s fundraiser, “Enchanted Evening: A Salute to Strings,” raised funds to provide scholarship opportunities for young musicians ages 14 through 28 from the entire State of Florida. Mary Elizabeth Carey, a delightful woman, shared her story of why she loves ASCS. Mary Elizabeth Carey: “My soul has a need to be fed and nourished musically. So when I came to Florida in 2000, I slowly began tasting the art offerings. One day at a testimonial luncheon sponsored by the opera guild honoring Lee Dougherty Ross, who is one of the most interesting women I had ever met, I instantly felt a kinship. Add John Fischer into the mix, also one of the most special people who walks the planet, and you now have magic. Together they create an inspired leadership with a patina of music for all to enjoy – sax players from Italy, brilliant vio-

many education and outreach programs, Sarasota Opera offers opportunities for many in the community to learn about and share in the operatic art form. Don and Rachel Worthington are so committed to the Sarasota Opera Company, they frequently drive from Pinellas County to Sarasota to support their love of opera. Rachel, an attorney with a Master’s from USF in music, discovered opera in college, and Don, a retired mechanical engineer, got involved thanks to Rachel! Don and Rachel Worthington: “We loved the whole process and the way that Sarasota Opera takes care of all of it participants – from the performers to the donors, everyone is made to feel appreciated. It’s a place where you can play a part and see that your contribution is truly helping create an environment of purpose, pleasure and beauty. And even though we are believers and supporters of human services organizations, we believe that we must also provide a culture and society that uplifts the human spirit and makes life worth living. We personally adore sitting as close as possible to the stage so we can enjoy the full emotional experience. Feeling part of a family, living and learning – Sarasota Opera really makes you feel that way.” These are just a few of the performing arts I am able to share in this article. I intend to share more with you at a later date. But since I couldn’t convince my editor to surrender more space in this publication to my efforts, all you loyal fans will just have to be patient! In the meantime, stay happy, stay well and try to make a difference in someone’s life today! En-JOY!

Joy Weston is an international bestselling author, speaker, presentation coach and a devotee of making a difference. Contact Joy@JoyWeston.com.

linists, great gospel music and incredible varied style singers – with the scenesarasota.com

April 2012

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scene | social

JUNIOR LEAGUE LEGACY LUNCHEON

T

he Junior League of Sarasota recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Legacy Luncheon at Michaels on East. Organized by Sustainers,

the celebration began with a Champagne social followed by a seated luncheon. Guest speaker was Kati Marton, reporter, author and human rights advocate who enthralled everyone in the room with her talk titled, To Form a More Perfect Union: The History of Presidential Marriages, which was based on her New York Times best-selling book, Hidden Power: How Presidential Marriages Have Shaped our Recent History. Scene social columnist and past Junior League president Debbi Benedict was honorary chair and Cheryl Burstein was the event chair.

Dee Stottlemyer & Leila Windom

Debbi Benedict, Kati Marton & Cheryl Burstein

Julie Riddell & Renee Hamad

Barbara Petrecca, Myrna Welch & Suzanne Bissell

Martha Rogers & Wendy Weiss

Peggy Wilhelm & Christine Johnson

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ph: 941-953-3240 fax: 941-953-9792 www.srq-kitchens.com

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Holistic Satisfaction By Susan Cullen

For many restaurant patrons, it’s about the whole experience – from soup to surroundings. scenesarasota.com

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True Mixed Media They paint with sauces; they sculpt with cheese…their

When it comes to making memorable dining experiences, let’s face it; it’s more than just the food. As important as the edibles are, a marvelous setting delivers that indefinable feeling that you are about to experience something special. Not surprisingly in a town that has a School of Architecture named for it, we’re blessed with delightful restaurants housed in structures ranging from historic to brand new where the ambiance vies for top billing against some exceptional eats. When nothing but a taste of old Florida will do to remind us exactly why we live and/or visit here, there’s always Mar Vista. Built as a residence in the very early days of the last century, it is one of the 12 oldest structures on Longboat Key. Situated on the water with a 12-foot dock and decent draw, diners can arrive by land or sea.

canvas, a gently warmed plate. At Café Baci, we call these artisans “Chefs” and feature their masterpieces daily.

Authentically Fresh. Authentically Italian.

4001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • 921-4848 • www.CafeBaci.net

Seafood definitely rules the menu starting with our area’s ubiquitous grouper sandwich for which diners may choose grilled, blackened or fried. A variety of steamer pots are available along with a tempting selection of appetizers like the Tuna Fusion, marrying Asian and Latin influences with soy and Thai sriachi sauces accented with “guacasabi,” avocado enflamed with wasabi. “Our Scallops Rumaki has been on our menu forever. It’s the appetizer everyone knows,” says Caryn Hodge, marketing director. “The scallops are wrapped in bacon and served with plum sauce.” Yum. Diners who love settings that ooze cute, quaint and “ahwww” charm have no shortage of choices. Towles Court is teeming with enchanting cottages. Options range from a Hagrid-style English cottage and Europeany gardens at Shoogie Boogie’s to the trendy Indigenous and venerable Lavanda with their deep, welcoming verandas. One relative newcomer in a somewhat unexpected location is The Breakfast House with its cheerful yellow exterior, white latticework, and darling picket fence. Located near the corner of Fruitville and Osprey, the restaurant has led a mini-resurgence in what was once, let us say, a rather tired area that now has added a smattering of boutiques in a rainbow of bright hues on what was once the very first nine-hole golf course in the country, according to owner Wendy Goldberg. Goldberg serves breakfast and lunch in the 900-square foot Key West-style bungalow, which features interior seating with a cozy white brick fireplace as focal point and outdoor seating under a canopy of leafy

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oaks. “Coming here is kind of like going to Grandma’s for breakfast. I wanted it to feel like you’re home,” Goldberg said. “It’s more of a dining room experience than a diner.” White tablecloths and an edible orchid on every plate set the stage for some definitely-notdiner fare like the Key West Eggs Benedict whose traditional English muffin and poached egg get a gourmet kick with sautéed Maine lobster and hollandaise sauce made fresh every day. Island-style pancakes are built atop a thin slice of grilled pineapple that looks like a flower gilded with fresh coconut and macadamia nuts. Not too far away on Lemon at Fourth Street is Station 400 housed in a picturesque former railway station built in 1852 and shipped here for a new incarnation from Kentland, Ind. In keeping with the theme, a miniature train circles on a ceiling-level track. It too offers shade-dappled garden dining. Chef/owner Eric Bein’s creative breakfast and lunch offerings start with as many locally sourced items as possible. He says one don’t-miss item is the Croque Madame. “It is a unique breakfast item that hits people in a familiar way,” Bein says. The dish is a smoked ham and Swiss cheese sandwich bathed in creamy Parmesan sauce and topped with a fried egg. “It’s decadent and rich and served with an asparagus salad to lighten it up,” he added. The lightly blanched asparagus, tossed with slightly bitter arugula and dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, hits just the right palate-cleansing note to complement the eggy, cheesy richness of the dish. Other menu treats are inspired pancake combinations like strawberry and lavender with strawberry butter and vanilla bean syrup. A Station 400 opened in Lakewood Ranch recently, and although the digs are new, it has the same vintage look and nostalgic feel of the original. If there is anyone in the two-county area who hasn’t experienced a sunset from Ceviche’s rooftop in downtown Sarasota, then head over there tonight. Perched atop three stories, it provides a panorama that includes the Gulf and a large swath of the city while you munch Spanish-style tapas with a Latin beat. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Mediterranean Revival Style structure, aka the historic Times building, was designed circa 1925 to house the Sarasota Times newspaper. Thank heavens for such delectable food and glorious surroundings. If it weren’t for that, some of us would never move the dining experience beyond a quick bite at our kitchen sinks. scenesarasota.com

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ZAMIKOFF, K LEMENT, JUNGMAN & VARGA, D.D.S.

Whether patients need general preventive dentistry, a full cosmetic smile makeover or help overcoming fear, the goal set by the four dentists

cases and draw on their colleagues’ experience by consulting with each other on patients’ care.

of Zamikoff, Klement, Jungman & Varga, D.D.S., is to deliver that care

Continuing education and credentialing also is a priority for keeping

with a high degree of professional competency and respect for their pa-

up with what is new in general and cosmetic dentistry, and they reach out

tients’ needs and circumstances.

to share knowledge with other area dentists in a study club founded by

Their professional dedication, patient-focused care and collegiality

Dr. Irving Zamikoff 30 years ago. In addition, Zamikoff teaches dentistry

are the foundation of the practice, which has been in the same Manatee

as a visiting clinical professor at the University of Florida, and he is certi-

County location for 37 years. That formula has proven successful with

fied as a specialist in tooth restoration and replacement by the American

many patients who have been treated there for as long as 25 or 30 years.

Board of Prosthodontics. Dr. Robert Klement is a fellow of the Academy

Providing the cornerstone of care is an extremely thorough exam fol-

of General Dentistry and the American College of Dentists. Dr. Douglas

lowed by a long-term plan that takes into consideration a patient’s oral

Jungman is founder and past president of the Florida Academy of Cos-

health over a lifetime. Recommendations are made for treatment, and

metic Dentistry and is certified by the Florida Board of Dental Examiners

alternatives are always discussed that weigh what patients feel they really

in IV sedation dentistry. Dr. Andrew Varga completed a hospital dental

need and can manage in terms of time and money.

residency as a Navy dentist and is a past winner of the Florida Academy

Oral and IV sedation also are available for patients who need help

of Cosmetic Dentistry’s Smile Gallery Award. The office has won the

to overcome anxiety about their dental work. An onsite lab gives the

Bradenton Herald’s People’s Choice Award for favorite dentist 10 times,

dentists control over the quality of dentures, partials, crowns, veneers

and the dentists are on staff at Blake Medical Center.

and implants, and allows for precision in contour and color for cosmetic

The four men also take pride in having a knowledgeable, compas-

procedures. Patients in the practice see their own dentist of record.

sionate staff that provides quality care, which allows the dentists to de-

However, one of the advantages of a group practice is that there is al-

liver their professional results. What matters most, though, is seeing pa-

ways coverage available even when their doctor is unavailable. Plus, with

tients receiving the dental care they need and the increased confidence

120 years of combined experience, the dentists routinely handle difficult

of those whose smiles they keep healthy and have restored.

2103 59th Street West | Bradenton, FL 34209 | 941-792-2766 | www.zkjdental.com


scene | health matters

PSA SCREENING FOR PROSTATE CANCER By Dr. John Sylvester

There has been a great deal of attention in the media re-

Other, cleaner randomized studies have been pub-

cently about PSA screening. The United States Preventative

lished on PSA screening. The European randomized study

Services Task Force (USPSTF) came out with preliminary

from the same issue of the NEJM as the PLCO study was

recommendations that PSA screening should not be done.

much larger, had less contamination and showed a 20%

Currently, these recommendations are being evaluated. If

reduction in prostate cancer deaths initially, and with longer

these recommendations are passed, insurance compa-

follow-up, now shows a 31% reduction in prostate cancer

nies may refuse to pay for PSA tests. Many prostate cancer

deaths with PSA screening. The smaller, but even better

experts were surprised and frankly upset by the USPSTF

run, Goteborg randomized trial showed a 44% reduction in

recommendations. We feel the USPSTF made some major

prostate cancer deaths with PSA screening (Lancet 2010).

errors. They made these recommendations after reviewing

Why the USPSTF chose to de-emphasize these positive

several articles published in medical literature. They primar-

studies was, again, not explained.

ily based their decision on one article published in the New

During the PSA era, prostate cancer mortality in the

England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in 2009 “Mortality Re-

USA has dropped 41% and the percentage of men being

sults from a Randomized Prostate Cancer Screening Trial”

diagnosed with metastatic (incurable disease) has dropped

(the PLCO trial). This paper evaluated whether patients, ran-

75%. The USPSTF suggests evaluation and biopsies be

domized to PSA screening versus “usual care”, experienced

considered when men develop symptoms of prostate can-

a reduced risk of death from prostate cancer. It was a poorly

cer. Every cancer doctor knows it is usually incurable at

run study with major flaws and should not have been used

that point. Remarkably enough, the USPTF did not have

to make any recommendations.

any cancer doctors on the panel. The bottom line: PSA screening saves the lives of thou-

Problems with PLCO article:

sands of men every year. Radical prostatectomy, external

• Only 85% of men in PSA screening arm actually got

beam radiation therapy (IG-IMRT) and brachytherapy (seed

PSA tests. • At least 52% of men in non-screening arm received PSA screening. • Length of follow-up was too short to show a survival advantage. • PSA cut-off was too high to detect many cancers when they are most curable. Why the USPSTF chose to ignore these major problems was not explained. Moreover, the USPSTF chose to ignore the positive findings in the PLCO study. The “healthy” men

implantation) continue to improve. Side effects are falling and cure rates rising. For example, in the medical journal Cancer in 2011, I published a 99.1% cancer-free survival rate with brachytherapy. Other experts are publishing similar numbers. We are making major strides in beating this disease. The USPSTF recommendations must be rejected; otherwise we could be put back to where we were 30 years ago. Dr. John Sylvester is Director of Lakewood Ranch Radiation Oncology Center. Previously, he was co-founder and Director of The Seattle Prostate Institute and Director of the Puget Sound Tumor Institute. He has published over 70 articles in medical journals on prostate can-

who participated in the PLCO were 44% less likely to die of

cer, and multiple medical textbook chapters. He is lead investigator in

prostate cancer with screening. The 10% of men in the study

multiple prostate cancer trials. He co-wrote the American Brachyther-

that had one to two PSA checks prior to entering the PLCO

apy Society Prostate Cancer Treatment Guidelines and The Prostate

trial had a 25% reduction in prostate cancer deaths. scenesarasota.com

Cancer Treatment Book. Main contact number 941-907-9053. April 2012

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S P E C I A L

scene | pet health

P R O M O T I O N

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P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L

P R O M O T I O N

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P R O M O T I O N

B U S I N E S S

P R O F I L E S

SWALLOWING TROUBLE

����������� ����������� ����������������� ����������� ����������������� By Dr. Anne Chauvet

Sometimes our family pets eat things that they shouldn’t and, frequently, that means a trip to our clinic and emergency treatment. We have seen an astonishing array of objects that pets have swallowed, including bones, coins, plant materials, toys, mango pits, treats and even shoes.

�����������������

We call these objects foreign bodies, which includes anything that never should be found in a body. In our area, fishing line, hooks, and palm tree seeds are of special concern, but mostly we see fabrics ranging from clothing to bedding materials. A year-old Siamese cat recently swallowed thread—with the needle attached. Fortunately, Dr. Tim Schneider was able to remove it surgically from the kitty’s colon, and the cat recovered just fine. Here’s what else Dr. Schneider has to say about foreign bodies. Trouble starts when the ingested foreign material does not pass completely and blocks the passage of food somewhere in the digestive tract. These objects can damage the stomach or intestines by causing holes and resulting infections as bacteria invades the abdominal cavity (peritonitis.) This can be life-threatening. Sometimes it can be hard to tell that a pet has an obstruction. Clinical Victor Leon, on Sarasota’s fashion scene for many years. After start-

Victor Leon, on Sarasota’s fashion scene for many years. After startsigns can be vague and are similar to those for numerous other problems. ing his career in Connecticut and New York he brought hisSarasota’s familydeto fashion scene for many years. After startVictor Leon,discomfort, on They can include vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal ing his career in Connecticut and New York he brought his family to Sarasota enjoy the water and the weather. Instead opened one of andSarasota pression ortodiarrhea. This is where diagnostic skills of your ing hishe career inveterinarian Connecticut New Yorktoheenjoy brought family to weather. Instead he opened one of thehis water and come into play, a visit to your vet for a in thorough examination is needed the largest andand most popular salons town and has been going Sarasota to enjoy the water andthe weather. Instead opened one ofsalons in town and has been going largest and he most popular to diagnose the problem. 100% ever since. He began an education program for his clients the largest and most popular salons townsince. and has going 100%inever Hebeen began an education program for his clients

to help style their own hair salon and After thethem initial exam, diagnostic testsbetween may be required. Those canstarted include 100% visits ever since. He began antoeducation program for hisown clients help them style their hair between salon visits and started radiographs (x-rays,) ultrasound, blood work, contrast GI radiographs or a trend that has been copied ever since. Victor started volunteer to help them astyle their own hair between salon started a trend that hasvisits beenand copied ever since. Victor started a volunteer even surgical exploration of the abdomen to determine if an obstruction

program in the county middle schools to assist teachers in health a trend that copied ever since. Victor program in thestarted countya volunteer middle schools to assist teachers in health exists. If an object is found by radiograph or ultrasound, thehas petbeen is anesand grooming classes for teens becoming aware fashion and inofthe county middle schools to assist teachers in teens health just becoming aware of fashion and thetized so it can be removed. If thejust material is inprogram the esophagus, stomach and grooming classes for or the very of the intestine, sometimes endoscopy can proper hair first andportion skincare. He small also taught a grooming program for for a teens proper and grooming classes just becoming aware of fashion hair and skincare. Heand also taught a grooming program for a

find and remove it. This technique is minimally invasive and extremely well National airline flight attendant school. As director of and the skincare. SarasotaHe alsoNational proper hair taught a airline grooming program for a school. As director of the Sarasota flight attendant tolerated, but unfortunately, it is not available everywhere, not all foreign Manatee Miss America pagent for several years he assisted 3 of the National airline flight attendant school. As director of the Sarasota Manatee Miss America pagent for several years he assisted 3 of the materials can be retrieved this way, and not all parts of the gastrointestinal

pagent to gowith on endoscopy. to win the Title of Miss America! Manatee Miss America pagent for severalwinners years hetoassisted 3 ofwin thethe Title of Miss America! tract canwinners be explored pagent go on to pagent winners to go on to win the Title of Miss America!

Most foreign body removal requires open abdominal surgery, which is usuIn alongby with partnerand Diane Victor In 1991 he, along with business partner Diane K opened Victor Leon ally1991 well he, tolerated ourbusiness animal patients, alsoKisopened often the best Leon techSalon downtown andtreat is now celebratingThe 20 prognosis years Victor In 1991Downtown! he,foralong with business partner Diane K opened nique to both find and the obstruction. recovery can Salon downtown and Victor is nowLeon celebrating 20 years Downtown! Victor vary had extremely depending numerous variables, including theand location has the privilege of upon studing with some of the greatest fashion Salon downtown is now celebrating 20 years Downtown! Victor has had the privilege of studing with some of the greatest fashion of the object and the amount of damage it causes. However, we have defihas had thewith privilege of studingicons with some of the greatest fashion icons and hair innovators in the world. His association the freat and hair innovators in the world. His association with the freat nitely seen our share of happy endings with both endoscopic procedures icons and hair innovators world. Sasson His association with Mitchel the freat early in his career focused him on Vidal Sasson and Paul Mitchel early in his career focused him onin the Vidal and Paul and surgery.

Vidal and Sasson and Paul Mitchel precision early in hiscutting career and focused him onis a former trainer and platform artist precision cutting and styling.He is a former trainer platform artist styling.He

Of course, prevention is the best solution. Keep intriguing ingestible objects out of reach, and this particularly goes for puppies and kittens just as it Sexy Hair would for a human toddler. As pet owners, it is for important to International stay alert forand Framissi Color and Wella. any work changes your pets’ in habits or demeanor. The signs that they are in His hasinappeared many style and fashion publications.He His work has appeared in many style and fashion publications.He distress can be subtle, and it’s up to us to notice and get them the help His work has and appeared stylewon and Editorial fashion publications.He Stylist of the year and other cutting and styling also won Editorial Stylist of the year and other cutting stylingin manyalso they need.

cutting and styling.He is formerHair trainer and platformand artistFramissi Color and Wella. for Sexy Hair International and Framissi Colorprecision and Wella. fora Sexy International

wonenthusiastic Editorial Stylist year and otherapproaches cutting and styling each cient with the same enthusiastic and awards.Victor approaches each cient with thealso same andof theawards.Victor Dr. Anne Chauvet, a veterinary neurologist and neu-

theeach sametime enthusiastic andWorking with each person to achieve freshwith ideas they visit. fresh ideas each time they visit. Working with awards.Victor each personapproaches to achieve each cient rosurgeon, is founder of Critical Care & Veterinary fresh ideas eacheach time time they visit. Working with each person to achieve a goal that not only looks the best but, that is achievable each time a goal that not only looks the best but, that is achievable

they do it themselves.

92

Specialists of Sarasota (CCVSS) located at 4937 a goal Dr. thatTim notSchneider only looksisthe best but, is achievable each time S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. they dothat it themselves. available 24 hours for emergency and non-emerthey do it themselves. gency surgeries at CCVSS. For information or 1642 Main Street | Street | Sarasota, FL 34236 questions, contact criticalvetcare@gmail.com.

Sarasota, FL 34236 1642 Main 1642 Main Street | Sarasota, FL 34236 941-953-6577 | www.victorleon.net 941-953-6577 | www.victorleon.net 941-953-6577 | www.victorleon.net scenesarasota.com scene | April 2012

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scene | social

SAINT STEPHEN’S FALCON 5K RUN S

aint Stephen’s Episcopal School recently hosted its annual Falcon 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. Over 375 participants from

Photography by Cliff Roles

around the community participated in the family-friendly event, sponsored by Coastal Orthopedics. Parent volunteer chair, Veronica Van Dyke helped organize this year’s run, which is sanctioned by the Bradenton Runners Club. Now in its 8th year, all proceeds from the Falcon 5K support and enhance the athletic programs for student-athletes at Saint Stephen’s, a college preparatory school for students in Pre-K through Twelfth Grade.

Jessica & Rosanne Jones

Nilesh Patel & Brooke Tharpe

Clay, Kaitlyn & Kristen Johnson

Jennifer Vigne, Cathy Willard, Charlie Boothby, Charlene Graeber & Ally Thomas

TOM & JERRY’S Body Shop Too EXPERIENCE... PERFECTION.... GUARANTEED RESULTS • European & High-End Auto Body Repair • Washing, Waxing, Detailing Services • Car Rentals • Paintless Dent Removal • PPG Water-Based Paint (No Toxins) • 100% Lifetime Warranty (Includes Labor) • Over 25 Years of Experience

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE Jerry Sobiech, Owner 3920 Brown Avenue, Sarasota | 941.362.0863 scenesarasota.com

April 2012

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T

2nd Annual Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic

he second annual Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf

Photography by Tracey Westberry

Classic which was recently held at The Concession

Golf Club in Bradenton was once again an unforgettable event. Over 30 celebrities participated including the two-time Heisman Trophy-winner Archie Griffin, Calvin Johnson, Robert Smith and many more celebrities. All proceeds benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. The dates for the third annual Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic are March 4-5, 2013.

Kaylee Luh & Anthony DiDomenico

Cindy & Bruce Cassidy

Bruce Ruhl, David Perna & Larry Fox

Bob Kessler, Tony Vidmar, Larry Wade, Clay Graham & Bob Thompson

Bob & Emilie Buschman, Theresa & Tom Parsons

94

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April 2012

John & Sandra Fitzpatrick with Astrid & Tony Jacklin

Ernie Garcia, Rick Dees, Dina & Graeme Malloch

William White, Chuck Hutchinson, Jaime Skelton & Rick Smith

Coach Russ Rogers, Chico Nelson, Tito Paul, Keith Byars, Issac Curtis & Pete Johnson scenesarasota.com


scene | social

PNC Wealth Management’s Pathfinders Event P of Scott Collins, invited special guests and

members of its exclusive Pathfinders group to attend a

unique “red carpet” event at Ringling College featuring Tom Sherak, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Guests got to hold an actual “Oscar” and hear Sherak tell rare stories about the industry, its Golden Age and the Oscar buzz. Pathfinder events feature extraordinary people whose stories and experiences money can’t buy.

Victor Young & R. Scott Collins

Dr. Larry Thompson

Mimi Edlin & Melanie Eckstein

Ellen Berman, Joy Naylor & Isabel Norton

Katherine Harris & Tom Sherak

Merry & Stan Williams

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scenesarasota.com

April 2012

| scene

95

Photography by Tracey Westberry

NC Wealth Management, under the new leadership


cene

LITERARY S By Ryan G. Van Cleave

The first author featured in this month’s Literary

there were slaves in the North for centuries,”

We were shocked and quite upset.

she says. “I think Faye is the perfect archaeolo-

The cat’s name is Tabitha,

gist to check out the slave quarters of an old

She’s black and very slick,

Yankee farmhouse.”

She has big green eyes,

For more on Mary Anna Evans, please visit

Her attitude makes us sick.

www.maryannaevans.com

The poems range from those written as if the

Scene is Florida resident Mary Anna Evans’ Plunder (Poisoned Pen Press, softcover,

306

pages,

$14.95), the latest novel archaeology mystery series. In this story, Longchamp and her Native American husband Joe mouth on an archaeological site — time is of the essence since the Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico has exploded and a big oil slick looms toward the coastline. Pretty clearly, the BP disaster provided inspiration for this tale, the seventh in the Longchamp mystery series. The couple ends up hiring teenage amateur treasure hunter Amande Landraneau to babysit their toddler Michael. The plot sizzles with tension when Amande’s lousy relatives—a hard-drinking uncle and an irresponsible grandmother who both live on a broken-down houseboat—are murdered. It’s easy to see some of Evans’ writing influences (William Faulkner and Harper Lee, to name just two) at work in Plunder. But she points out that she also admires the logical approach the Golden Age of Science Fiction masters like Isaac Asimov utilized to great effect. “When you’re writing a book set in an absolutely alien place, then you have to establish the rules of that place and stick to them, or your readers will feel like they’re wandering without a compass,” she explains. If this type of common sense approach to storytelling appeals to you, then you might well appreciate her newest book which comes out this month—Your Novel, Day by Day: A Fiction Writer’s Companion. “This is my attempt to tell aspiring novelists the things I wish I’d known fifteen years ago,” she explains. Plunder is a fast-paced book with a lot of narrative energy. While Longchamp is an interesting heroine, however, it’s the intriguing character of Amande who really steals the show with her compelling personality. I hope she reappears in future novels. For those who want more Faye Longchamp stories, Evans reveals that she’s taking her north of the Mason-Dixon for the next novel. “I like to investigate the little cracks and crevices in history that people don’t really know much about, and I think most people don’t realize that

96

scene |

April 2012

dogs are narrating their own adventures to oth-

author is Sarasota

ers about Duffy’s feelings over the loss of the

resident James E.

dogs, to verse about the pleasures and rewards

Duffy,

wrote

of taking home a new puppy, a Jack Russell

Adventures

named Alfie. The illustrations have a decades-

of Emmy & Endy

ago feel which lends a keen sense of nostalgia

and Alfie Duffy Too!

to the many stories Duffy shares, from flying on

The

in her Faye Longchamp

Mantooth are working near the Mississippi’s

The second featured

who

(Peppertree

Press,

an airplane to riding a tractor, to scaring away a

softcover, 33 pages, $15.95). While this is the

burglar to visiting the vet.

first children’s book Duffy has written, he’s been

Dog lovers in particular will find this book poignant

involved in storytelling of one type or another

and compelling, but lovers of rhyming verse might

for decades. In 1970, he became president

also enjoy this tribute to Duffy’s canine friends.

of ABC Television Network. What he discovered to his surprise was that none of the three

Classics Revisited

major TV networks had departments whose

This

responsibility was creating programs specifi-

book to revisit is The

cally for children. “Most of the programs being

Graveyard Book (Harper,

aired on Saturday morning were prepackaged

2008,

by the cereal and toy companies,” he explains.

pages, $7.99), written by

“Really they were just infomercials and reruns

the “literary world’s rock

of movie theater adventure briefs.” So he fixed

star,” Neil Gaiman. Yes,

that quickly after calling for a highly publicized,

it’s a young adult book.

three-day “Children’s Workshop” in New York

Yes, he’s British. And

City. The result was award-winning programs

yes, the book starts with the slaughter of a family.

like “Curiosity Shop,” “After School Specials,”

But the book is plain terrific.

“Scholastic Rock,” “Movies for Children,” and

Don’t believe me? Check out just a sample

“Rainbow Sundae.” Some of these programs

of the laundry list of awards this book has re-

were even published in book form simultane-

ceived: #1 New York Times bestseller, the 2009

ously while being aired on television.

Hugo Award, the 2009 John Newberry Medal,

So in this book, Duffy combined his background

and Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book,

in children’s stories via TV with his interest in

and the 2010 Carnegie Medal.

poetry. His mother introduced him to Rudyard

Here’s the plot: It’s (more or less) contemporary

Kipling, Robert Frost, and Edgar A. Guest as

Britain, and the infant Nobody “Bod” Owens is

a child. And he was attracted to poetry in high

the sole survivor of a massacre. How does he

school, becoming an English major at Beloit Col-

escape? He slips out of his crib, manages to

lege “where we read and recited much of Keats,

tumble his way down the stairs, crawls out into

Shelley, Byron, Wordsworth, and others both

the street where he doesn’t stop until he ends

in the classroom and off campus,” he explains.

up inside a graveyard populated by ghostly in-

“The attraction of the poetic form followed me

habitants. It seems scary — an 18-month old

into my adult life and I have written many informal

baby surrounded by the walking dead, but in

rhymes and verses about many subjects.” But

Gaiman’s world, the dead are delightful. It’s the

the reason he wrote this book in verse? Because

living who need to be feared!

he felt it best suited the mode of the stories he

As with much of Gaiman’s work, the humor is

was telling about his beloved companions.

subtle but effective. The scenes are delightfully

Here’s an example of Duffy’s verse in the poem

fantastic. The story is emotionally charged and

“The New Cat”:

compelling. Trust me — The Graveyard Book is

The Boss really surprised us,

a rousing tale of mystery, murder, family, dreams,

He brought home another pet,

and graveyards. It’d be difficult to find a better

A weird looking pussy cat,

young adult book written in the past ten years.

month’s

classic

softcover,

313

scenesarasota.com


scene | locally

NEWS SHAPING

OUR COMMUNITY GULF COAST AWARDS MORE THAN $600,000 IN GRANTS The Board of Directors of Gulf Coast Community Foundation approved $604,686 in program and operating grants to eight local nonprofit organizations in February. Several of the Gulf Coast grants will expand health and wellness opportunities in the greater Venice area. South County Family YMCA was awarded a $250,000 program grant from the Community Health Endowment Fund to help it completely renovate the gymnasium at its Venice branch. The gym serves nearly 1,000 community members weekly. Laurel Civic Association received a $47,500 program grant; Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County received a $42,500 operating grant; Venice Theatre was awarded a $60,000 program grant; Asolo Repertory Theatre received a $35,000 operating grant; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Venice received an $84,686 program grant. For a complete list of grants, visit GulfCoastCF.org.

NEW COLLEGE ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION GIFT, SECOND LARGEST IN COLLEGE’S HISTORY New College of Florida has announced what is believed to be the second largest individual gift in the College’s history. The gift, which is part of the Heidi H. Boothe estate, is expected to top $3 million in assets and property when liquidated, according to attorney Bob Johnson, administrator of the Boothe estate. The gift was made in honor of Boothe’s daughter, Sharon Boothe Rider, a New College graduate, who died unexpectedly in 2004. Heidi H. Boothe was one of the early pioneers of Tallevast, FL. For more than 50 years, she owned and operated a substantial cattle ranch in the area and was known for her love of animals and interest in environmental conservation. ncf.edu

NEW BUSINESSES COMING TO LWR MAIN STREET Nine additional new businesses are opening in the first half of 2012 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. New businesses include: Soma, a national franchise owned by Chico’s; Premier Sotheby’s International Realty which replaced Prudential Palms; JPan Sushi; The American Shore Trading Company; Lorelei’s clothing store; the Naples Soap Company; Fast N Fresh casual restaurant; Pincher’s Crab Shack; and, Berlin Patten, PLLC, opening a third office location. lwrmainstreet.com

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF RADIOLOGY RECOGNIZES DOCTORS HOSPITAL Doctors Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT), Nuclear Medicine and MRI as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR scenesarasota.com

gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. doctorsofsarasota.com

SARASOTA REAL ESTATE SALES CONTINUE TO CLIMB According to the Sarasota Association of Realtors, pending sales in the Sarasota real estate market hit an 11-month high in February 2012, demonstrating once more the health of the local industry as the buying season heats up. Median sale prices were also up substantially for single family homes and condos in February 2012 compared to this time last year – another positive sign for a successful home buying season. Overall, February 2012 saw a 15 percent increase in property sales over January 2012, and a 17 percent increase in pending sales from the previous month.

INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF SARASOTA COUNTY SCHOOLS IDENTIFIES COST-SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES MGT of America released an independent study of Sarasota County Schools’ administration and operations that finds potential savings of $23.1 million over five years. Cost-savings opportunities were presented in the areas of operations, programs, and collective bargaining. The objective evaluation, conducted in cooperation with the school district, was commissioned by a group of community investors to help the district identify cost-savings opportunities as it grapples with an anticipated fifth consecutive annual revenue shortfall. Funding for the study was provided by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Argus Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, business groups, and individual businesses and community members. The executive summary and full report from MGT of America are available on the Gulf Coast Community Foundation website at GulfCoastCF.org and on the Sarasota County Schools website at SarasotaCountySchools.net.

THE PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM/SUNCOAST APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast (PMP/Suncoast) announced the appointment of two new board members, David A. White and Irwin L. Davis. In addition, founding board members Marty Fine and Dottie Baer Garner have received emeritus status in recognition of their exemplary vision and service. David White is a discretionary portfolio manager with the Wells Fargo Advisors Private Client group. Irwin L. Davis has been involved in planning and economic development in the central upstate New York and Sarasota-Manatee regions for 40 years. perlmanmusicsuncoast.org April 2012

| scene

97


scene | social

EAR RESEARCH FOUNDATION GALA T

he Ear Research Foundation (ERF) recently held their

9th Annual Hear & Now Fundraiser at the Longboat Key Photography by Cliff Roles

Club. With a theme of “HollEARwood”, guests entered via a red carpet and were greeted by paparazzi and a glass of champagne. Guest of honor, Sarasota Mayor Suzanne Atwell, presented a proclamation recognizing March 9 as Dr. Herbert Silverstein day, to recognize ERF’s President and Founder. Dr. Jack Wazen unveiled the “Help Us Hear” campaign (www. earsinus.com) with goals to educate the public on hearing loss treatment options and to help those with financial barriers.

Dr. Peter & Lisa Catalano

Dr. Lou & Marianne Cohen

Beth & Dr. Herb Silverstein

Keith & Judy Greene with Dr. Jack Wazen

Jennifer Moss & Mayor Suzanne Atwell

Carol Brodie & Dr. Jonathan Aviv

New this year...Two-Field Tournament! East and West courses open for play!

Join us on Friday, May 4, 2012 at Laurel Oak Country Club Registration: 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start: 12:45 p.m. Format: Scramble Cost: $295 per player

Event includes golf, cart, lunch buffet, awards dinner and all beverages.

Space is limited, so act now! Sponsorships are still available For more information or to reserve your space, contact Lisa Intagliata at (941) 917-1286. Proceeds benefit the Physicians Endowment (Fund for SMH staff education)

scene 98Scene Ad | April1 2012 2012.indd

scenesarasota.com 1/17/12 8:56 AM


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