August 2020

the

Boomer Beauty scenesarasota.com

issue

AUGUST 2020 $3.95 U.S.

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CONTENTS features

39

28 SOCIAL SEASON WRAP-UP A look back at the some of the best events of the 2019/2020 social season

39 BOOMER BEAUTY Cover girls of the past are our Boomers of today

By Julie Milton

59 BEAUTY NOTES Tips and trends from local health and beauty experts

68 FULL THROTTLE Passions Fuel Activism in Retirement At Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay

By Sue Cullen

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SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

ON THE COVER A retro-inspired collage created from vintage Sarasota Scene issues

by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

Super Clean Rooms

Tru-D Superbug Slaying Robots

They are powerful, pint-sized super heroes here to battle and prevent infection.

Sarasota Memorial’s new Tru-D Robots are slaying superbugs, contagious viruses and pathogens with a disinfecting dose of ultraviolet light. From a single position, Tru-D’s automated 360-degree UVC rays sanitize every surface and crevice, making each room super clean.

Ultraviolet robots keeping our patients and the hospital safer - super cool.

smh.com

CONTENTS departments

INHEALTH

SOCIAL SCENE

16 THE LIST August Events Calendar

PHILANTHROPY 24 Joe and Nora Stephan: Gulf Coast Community Foundation Ups the Quality of Philanthropy

By Sylvia Whitman

20 THE FIND Health & Beauty Products 72 SPOTLIGHT Chop…Chop!

A Community Classic Gets a Face Lift

By Gus Mollasis 76 EDUCATION MATTERS Summer Learning in the Age of Covid-19: National Edition

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

8

BEACH READS

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

88

82 Out of His League

By Gerry Coleman

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Proactive In-Home Care Enhances Ability to Live Independently

By Nikki Kobritz, R.N. Ketamine For Pain Management

By Steven Reichbach, MD

ARTS & CULTURE 78 80

ON THE TOWN

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87

76

85

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BEST SEATS Performing Arts Calendar GET INSPIRED Cultural happenings brought to

you by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County LITERARY SCENE Three Eclectic Selections

By Ryan G. Van Cleave LAUGHING MATTERS The One About Zoom

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE scenesarasota.com

from the publisher

A

AS OUR EXECUTIVE EDITOR, JULIE MILTON, SAYS IN OUR BOOMER BEAUTY COVER ARTICLE, Sarasota from the 60s through the 80s was probably like the famed TV show Cheers—but on steroids. After all, who would have been more friendly and be more likely to know your name than the polite Mid-Westerners who flocked to our beach town back then?

I love going back in Scene’s 63-year-old archives and looking at and reading about the people who left their mark on our community during its formative years. This is the issue that garners the most thank you notes and emails throughout the year, and is definitely the issue the Scene team has the most fun producing.

We also take a fond look back at our pandemic-shortened social season with season highlights from special events that took place before “you know what” changed our world. There were several organizations that are dependent on funds raised from signature events that were canceled in late March, April and May. Sarasota Scene was a sponsor of several of these canceled events, which included: Children First’s Fairytale Ball, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center’s SPARCCle gala, the third Asolo Rep Starry Night Dinner, Sarasota Memorial’s Women & Medicine Luncheon and Annual Golf Tournament, Florida Winefest’s events including Pique Nique sur la Baie, the annual Taylor Emmons Charity Event, and the Dick Vitale Gala now scheduled for September 4 at the Ritz-Carlton. These organizations need extra help from all of us as do so many others.

Despite the increase in positive Covid-19 testing, many are taking a stand and fighting not to shut ourselves off from the world once again. We have seen restaurant owners in particular do their very best to accommodate the current situation with curbside pick-up and cautious inside dining that adheres to the guidelines. We should try to be supportive of these brave proprietors while being responsible about our own safety and wellbeing.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 is part of our current fabric—physically, emotionally, and economically—and I have firsthand experience with all three of these consequences.

As a small business owner, I have not only felt the economic crunch, I have felt the physical and emotional crunch as well. Despite being extremely cautious and limiting my interactions, much to my surprise I did not escape the wrath of this virus. I contracted Covid-19 in June. Being healthy and fit, and working out every other day, did not make me immune.

My symptoms lasted for four weeks with the first two weeks being quite severe and resulting in a trip to Sarasota Memorial. We are so blessed to have this incredible hospital in our community.

The team at SMH were very efficient and very professional. My breathing became labored and I was constantly coughing. My fear was that the virus

10

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

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from the publisher was affecting my lungs. Fortunately, my lungs were clear of the Covid-19 virus despite what was going on in my throat.

CO N N EC TI N G

the Community CO NTRI BU TI N G

Important

TO

Causes

C E L E B R AT I N G

All of You S I N C E 195 7

As of this writing, I am happy to report that I am much better, but I am still waiting for a negative test result. Once I get the all clear, I will participate in Suncoast Blood Bank’s Plasma Donation Program. I have been a regular blood donor with SCBB since arriving in Sarasota. Now 71 years strong, SCBB is one of the few organizations that has served this community longer than this magazine (63 years strong), and throughout these years, we have been great partners. Sarasota Scene has sponsored the organization’s signature fundraising event, Red Hot, many times, and supported the organization in other ways as well.

There was an extraordinarily touching part to contracting the virus—how my friends and colleagues rallied around me.

We live in a special place, rich in culture, philanthropy, and community spirit. Despite the setbacks we have experienced both individually and as a community, it is important that we rally around the foundations, the nonprofits, the businesses, and the performing arts the way we rally around our friends and neighbors. They were all hit like a ton of bricks during a crucial part of the season.

It seemed when the virus first hit, we were all devising a three-month plan to get through June, when we thought we would turn the corner. Unfortunately, cases spiked, and plans remained uncertain. Now, as Summer ends, creative plans for the 2020/2021 season are being formulated. For the survival of these organizations and performing arts organizations, we will need to be flexible and most of all understanding.

They need us now more than ever. So please, let’s buy our tickets, plan an evening out, and enjoy what Sarasota offers.

We need to look forward, be positive, and give our support.

If we have to wear masks and be temperature-tested to make this happen, that’s a small price to pay for everyone’s health and safety, and for health and wellbeing of our community. I believe we will all be happier with the outcome.

Be well, and be sure to keep up with the Scene!

BE INFORMED. BE ENTERTAINED. Be Scene.

1491 2nd St, Ste. D, Sarasota, FL 34236 P: 941.365.1119 // F: 941.954.5067 scenesarasota.com 12

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

Sincerely, John

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Locally Owned and Operated Since 1957 Vol. 63 No. 8

Publisher H John Knowles Executive Editor Julie A. Milton Account Executive Alysia De Maio Art Director Darcy Kelly-Laviolette Marketing & Digital Content Director Jordan Kelly-Laviolette Distribution Mike Straffin Accounting Sally Bailey

From special occasions to daily dining, Morton’s Market has got you covered. Stop in for fresh seasonal produce, prime cuts of meat and seafood, and hot-from-the-oven baked goods. Choose from our tempting array of chef-prepared deli and gourmet to-go items, as well as fine wines, exotic cheeses and cut flowers. Think of us for your catered events, holiday menus and gift baskets too.

Contributing Writers Sue Cullen Jacqueline Miller Gus Mollasis Ryan G. Van Cleave Sylvia Whitman Contributing & Social Photographer Nancy Guth Contributing Photographers Nicole Mausser Matthew Roback

1491 2nd St, Ste. D, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | Fax: 941.954.5067 | scenesarasota.com

Serving the Sarasota area for over 50 years Historic Southside Village 1924 South Osprey Ave. Sarasota ∙ (941) 955-9856 MortonsMarket.com 14

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H John Knowles LLC, dba SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address.

Sufficient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, artwork 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.

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AUGUST 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

OPEN DAILY 5PM-10PM

15

social SCENE

THE LIST PARTY PICS

scenesarasota.com

Aug 1 & 2 » Repticon

The LIST

AUGUST 2020 EVENTS CALENDAR

Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & Sept 14 » JFED Sarasota-Manatee Presents Religions of the World

At the time we compiled this list of events, many venues were still

Six-week Zoom course with Dr. Steven Derfler.

Cost: $18 | jfedsrq.org

closed due to Covid-19. Because we go to print in advance of August, it is possible that by the time you read this, there will be more events open to the public. So be on the lookout for more things to do in our incredible town.

16

Retail reptile event offering reptiles, amphibians, and other exotics, and supplies.

Robarts Arena sarasotafair.com

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

3 » Mote Aquarium Online STEMventures (OSM) Educational and engaging pre-packaged, themed STEMventures for children ages 2 – 7. $50 | mote.org

discover the possibilities

107 ELM AVE • Anna Maria Island 3B/2.5B • Beachfront Home Offered at $3,850,000

3 & 4 » Loomis Bros Circus Traveling 3-Ring Circus with elephants, clowns, acrobats, daredevils and white tigers.

Robarts Arena Buy Tickets Online at sarasotafair.com

4678 PINE HARRIER DR • Sarasota 4B/3B • Totally Renovated Pool Home Offered at $775,000

350 GOLDEN GATE PT #23 • Sarasota 668 CLEAR CREEK DR • Osprey 3B/2.5B • Bay And Bridge Views 3B/3B • Heated Pool • 3-Car Garage Offered at $725,000 Offered at $529,000

4 » Conservation Foundation VIRTUAL Lunch and Learn An in-depth look at the role Conservation Foundation plays in protecting the places that make a difference in our community.

Free | conservationfoundation.com

4 » JFED Sarasota-Manatee: The Israel Series Part 2 with Ken Stein on Zoom

4734 E TRAILS DRIVE • Sarasota 4B/3B • Fireplace • 3-Car Garage Offered at $517,000

11808 SOFT RUSH TERRACE Lakewood Ranch • 4B/2.5 • Pool Offered at $475,000

STEPHANIE CHURCH • 941.724.5448

COURTNEY CHURCH • 941-323-0028

Stephanie@StephanieChurch.com StephanieChurch.com

Courtney@CourtneyChurch.com CourtneyChurch.com

Parts 3 and 4 are on Aug 11 and Aug 18. jfedsrq.org

4 – 8 » Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament Marina Jack Proceeds benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. sarasotaslam.com

5 » The Ringling Virtual Gallery Talks Virtual Gallery Conversation: Leisure Time A look at lazy summer days spent boating, fishing, picnicking, traveling, and more.

Free w/ Membership | ringling.org

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M OV E - I N 2 0 21 RESERVE NOW!

8 » The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature KidSpace on Zoom 10:30 a.m.

Free | Facebook.com/bishopsciencefl

10 » Mote Aquarium Online Stemventures With Mote

S TA RT I N G F RO M T H E M I D - $1 M I L L I O N S F I V E F U L L L E V E L P E N T H O U S E S TO C H O O S E F RO M

T H E C O L L E C T I O N133 5 .C O M 13 3 5 S E C O N D S T R E E T, S A R A S O TA , F L O R I D A

For Ages 2 – 7. Education materials and links to videos of our early childhood educators introducing topics and activities. $50 | mote.org

14 » Venice Main Street Wine Walk Downtown Venice 5:00 p.m. $10 | visitvenicefl.org

Through Aug 15 » Conservation Foundation VIRTUAL Summer Photo Contest Showcasing Landscape Photography by locals in a competition on Facebook.

Free | conservationfoundation.com

941.232.2868

JonathanAbrams@michaelsaunders.com

www.SRQHouse.com

17 » Mote Aquarium Online Stemventures With Mote (Osm) For Ages 2 – 7. Education materials and links to videos of our early childhood educators introducing topics and activities. $50|mote.org

18 » Historic Spanish Point 20th Century Women Who Shaped Arts and Culture “Oral Representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representation of the Developer. For correct representations make reference to this brochure and to the documents required by Section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by Developer to Buyer or Lessee”

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SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

Special presentation series from Baila Miller. $20 | historicspanishpoint.org

For those ready for what’s next

Michelle has been a third-generation local and broker associate since 1982. Some of her awards include: • Five Star Professional - 13th year and the Florida REALTORS® Honor Society - 13th year.

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• She also earned the Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) endorsement from the National Association of REALTORS® for agents who are committed to practicing business at the highest standards.

19 » The Ringling Virtual Gallery Talks Virtual Gallery Talk: Ola Wlusek and Mike Solomon Ola Wlusek, Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, discusses Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed with Mike Solomon.

Free w/ Membership | ringling.org

20 » Florida Studio Theatre's Women Unite Luncheon FST’s Court Cabaret 11:30 AM | Reservations Required Tickets: $35 | floridastudiotheatre.org

MICHELLE CRABTREE 941.724.4663 Michelle.Crabtree@PremierSIR.com MichelleCrabtree.PremierSothebysRealty.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

Thank You

26 » The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Stelliferous on Zoom 7:00 p.m. facebook.com/BishopScienceFL

UPCOMING events SEPT 10 | Dick Vitale Gala The Ritz Carlton 6:30 p.m.

Fundraiser for premiere pediatric cancer research across the nation. $1,000 jimmyv.org

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on the town

1 The FIND HEALTH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOU REFRESHED AND REVITALIZED

2 3 20

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

on the town

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AUGUST 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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philanthropy

JOE AND NORA STEPHAN

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SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

philanthropy

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Ups the Quality OF PHILANTHROPY

BY SYLVIA WHITMAN You’d need a globe in full spin to follow the peripatetic life of Joe and Nora Stephan. Born in Egypt. Engaged in Lebanon.

Married in Switzerland. Based in the United States, with sojourns in Brazil, Greece, and Kuwait. “Although we enjoyed the experience of living in other countries,” says Joe, “we always looked forward to returning to our favorite place—the United States.” One of the reasons? Here, the giving is easy.

“I do not believe there is any country in the world as philanthropic as the United States,” says Joe. “The care, the empathy—the whole area of philanthropy is second to none.” The Stephans marvel at the time donated, as well as the money. “It’s really very striking. I don’t think many people appreciate how much giving goes on here.”

The Stephans have joined that tradition. In 1999, when Joe retired, the couple settled in Sarasota. At first, they gave to the usual suspects. Raised Catholic, they support the church and its ministries. Opera lovers, they have embraced Sarasota Opera, with Joe joining and eventually chairing the board of trustees. But the couple considered their other charitable activities “very broad and scattered” until Joe’s friend and onetime colleague Elton White introduced the Stephans to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

“Our giving has improved in terms of quality because it addresses real needs of the community,” says Joe.

He’s quick to clarify that “there’s never any low-quality philanthropy.” All giving is good. “We are meant as human beings to lend a helping hand to people who are less fortunate and in need.” What Gulf Coast did was draw the Stephans’ attention to “needs closer to us and visible to us.” Among other things, they support Children First, which offers Head Start programs to vulnerable kids from birth to age 5, and Harvest House, which helps people transition out of homelessness.

“We would not have learned about these organizations if not for Gulf Coast,” says Joe.

“Whatever the needs are, they find it,” adds Nora. “We are guided by their initiatives.”

Instead of just sending a check, the Stephans often look in on programs that Gulf Coast suggests. “We’re able to monitor the progress that our philanthropy is able to achieve,” says Joe. When the foundation launched “STEMsmart” about a decade ago, he visited a Sarasota middle school piloting the initiative. With new equipment, reconfigured classrooms, and teacher training, STEMsmart aimed to improve students’

AUGUST 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

25

philanthropy expertise in and enthusiasm for STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), fields in which American kids sometimes lag behind their peers abroad.

“I saw its impact,” says Joe. “It was really an eye-opener and a heartwarming experience.”

RETURNING FAVORS Living in different Cairo suburbs, Joe and Nora met as teenagers. As Coptic Catholics—“a minority within a minority,” says Nora—they shared a similar upbringing.

And similar losses. Joe’s circumstances changed abruptly when his dad died while he was in middle school, but he was able to continue his French private-school education thanks to a scholarship from the alumni organization. He went on to the university, e a r n e d a m a s t e r ’s degree in aeronautical engineering, and came to the United States to pursue more graduate studies. At 16, Nora also lost her father and the attendant security.

“You are formed by the way you grew up and your experiences,” says Joe. “That stuck in our mind. We really owe a lot to the people who helped us.”

Adds Nora, “They really showed us what to do.”

But first the Stephans had to launch their own family. When the multinational NCR Corporation offered Joe a job, Joe headed to NCR’s headquarters, at the time in Dayton, Ohio.

Nora joined him there.

NCR sent them to Rio de Janeiro. Nora, an aspiring interior designer, couldn’t continue her education; she learned Portuguese, but “my language wasn’t good enough to put myself through school there.” The first of their two sons was

26

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

born in Rio, the second back in Dayton. She didn’t return to school until the boys headed off to college.

“She was serving as both a mom and dad because I was traveling a lot,” says Joe. “She had a really full-time job to raise the family.” As Joe rose through the ranks to senior vice president of the company’s international division, the whole family moved abroad several times, boomeranging back to Dayton several times over 25 years. Depending on the who and the where, the Stephans switch up among four languages—Arabic, French, English, and Portuguese.

(At home, à deux, French wins out about 60% of the time.)

OPENING OPPORTUNITY Joe’s boss introduced the couple to Sarasota in 1986, and they vacationed here before the final millennium move. Through Catholic Charities, Nora discovered Our Mother’s House, which s h e l t e r s a n d p ro v i d e s childcare for single homeless mothers while they job hunt.

“I really love this place,” says Nora.

But it was a long drive to Venice for volunteering, so the couple started delivering for Meals on Wheels, one driving while the other made the drop.

Alas, the pandemic has temporarily halted their 12-year run.

During their globe-trotting years, the Stephans connected, through Nora’s mother, with a network of 30-odd schools in poor villages in Upper Egypt and developed a scholarship program for more than two dozen kids. In Sarasota, as the Stephans became involved with Gulf Coast Community Foundation, they appreciated that it tackled issues by bringing together multiple organizations, nonprofits and government agencies, as well as donors and community leaders.

“It put those programs to work together to be more efficient,” says Nora.

philanthropy As a retired business executive, Joe also approves of the foundation’s systematic process of assessing needs every couple of years, soliciting feedback and producing a “good size report.”

The Stephans have directed their philanthropy toward children’s development, both education and general well-being. “We firmly believe that if we want to address all sorts of inequality in our society—income, social standing—the best way is to enable equality of opportunity,” says Joe.

Through Gulf Coast, they have helped underwrite STEMsmart and Children First, obvious choices. Now they’re also backing youth mental health initiatives, something not even in their plans a couple of years ago.

Nora again credits Gulf Coast with showing her and Joe a need so present but previously invisible to them. “Transforming Mental Health Care for Sarasota County Youth,” a study commissioned

by Gulf Coast and the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and released in 2019, highlighted roadblocks for kids with mental illness. Researchers estimated that more than 17,000 children in Sarasota have had an Adverse Child Experience (ACE), such as abuse and neglect, incarceration of a family member, or substance abuse or mental health issues of a household member. ACEs in turn correlate with present and future problems: mental illness, run-ins with law enforcement, substance abuse, or even suicide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 37% of students with a mental health condition age 14 or older drop out of school—the highest dropout rate of any disability group.

“Our main focus,” says Joe, “is helping kids by giving them a chance to succeed in life.” Their sons and five grandkids are doing well up North. So, Joe and Nora are minding the children of Sarasota—and elsewhere through their support of a pediatric project at a major research university.

“We’ve been blessed in so many ways,” says Joe. “So many, many ways. People have helped me develop and have a chance to succeed. We truly believe that one has to give back.

It’s an obligation.”

FOR MORE I N F ORMATI ON

on Gulf Coast Community Foundation, please visit www.gulfcoastcf.org or call 941.486.4600.

Helping you live the life you want, the way you want.

“You have given us the true gift of peace of mind, knowing that • Personal Care • Daily Living Assistance • Light Housekeeping • Skilled Nursing • Dementia Specialists • Respite Care & Family Relief • Inpatient Hospital Sitters • And Much More . . .

Mom is being very well cared for in a tough situation where we can’t be there every day to look over her.”

— Cheryl

FOR A PRIVATE CONSULTATION, CALL OR EMAIL

941.925.9532

nkobritz@youthfulaginghomecare.com youthfulaginghomecare.com | theCBH.com 293794-1

License 299991326

Nicci Kobritz, President

AUGUST 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Social Season WRAP UP

Before our 2019/2020 social season came to a screeching halt, Sarasota Scene sponsored many non-profit fundraising events. As we do every year, here’s a look back at the good times, the special moments, and some of the people who made them so memorable.

Let’s hope the 2020/2021 social season soon gets underway and raises much-needed funds for the vital area nonprofits which keep our community so strong. Let’s support them any way we can. They need us now more than ever!

Suncoast Blood Bank Red Hot Event It’s the event that kicked off our social season and it definitely proved to be “red hot.” The organization celebrated 70 years as the oldest blood bank in the state and announced the addition of a 25,000 square foot facility in Lakewood Ranch. Be sure to wear red!

Sarasota Opera Curtain Raiser This season kick-off event for Sarasota Opera never fails to delight opera lovers every year. With an overview of the season by Maestro DeRenzi, to artist performances that dazzle, this enchanting event is a winner!

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La Musica’ s Exotic Car Show Sonata a Due

Who says car guys are only into cars?

The Sarasota Ferrari Drivers Group loves to help the community, donating 100% of its profits to local charities, when it annually showcases more than 100 high-end autos on St. Armands Circle.

Roskamp Institute’s Grey Matters Yes, grey matters for sure at this informative and educational luncheon with funds raised for Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders. It is important research being done right here in our town, and the Roskamp Institute needs all of our support.

Josh Provides Wine Dinner & Auction This classy and passionate evening of incredible food, wine, and most importantly, of educating attendees on the need to support those living with seizure disorders, is always a special night for those in attendance. So get your seat around the table, enjoy a wonderful evening, and learn why you should help. Its leadership is outstanding!

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Asolo Rep Starry Night Dinners We promise you that Asolo Rep Starry Night season dinners (there are typically three during season) are one of the most fun, inspiring, and beautiful nights of the social season. Always held at a private home, the production-inspired themes, the artist performances, and the behindthe-scenes insight presented by Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards, will leave you buying your tickets for the next Starry Night, and the shows, as soon as you walk out the door.

USFSM Brunch on the Bay A favorite event every year, this signature fundraising event benefiting University of Sarasota-Manatee features exuberant students eager to share their pride and stories in a fabulous bayside setting, and brings together top area restaurants offering delectable tastes and treats. Short speeches, lots of fun, and a great event at which to be seen!

Celebration of Automobile Enthusiasts This first-time cocktail party hosted by Sarasota-based Corsa 7 featured notable cars from around the world and capped off a weekend of motorsport activities that included a classic car auction. If you love cars and beautiful people, put this one on your list.

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Men on the Scene Launch Party Wine, Women & Shoes Winemaker Dinner

Sarasota Scene celebrated one if its triennial issues, Men on the Scene, with a fun evening that brought together local professionals of various backgrounds to connect and network. Next year marks the return of another special triennial issue—Women on the Scene.

We were there to capture this elegant and intimate Wine, Women & Shoes wine dinner hosted by Rita Thibault, Gary Kirschner, and BDG Architects. Funds raised helped support parenting education, mental health, and early childhood development programs at Forty Carrots.

Pines Foundation Wit & Wisdom Luncheon Always a favorite, this luncheon raises funds for one of our longest-running nonprofits—Pines Foundation—which helps Pines of Sarasota residents stayin-place when they outlive their financial resources. Plus, notable locals shared stories of life and wisdom that are interesting and inspiring.

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Florida Center Winter Gala The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s Winter Gala celebrated 40 years and honored its founder, Dr. Norman Goldstein.

Themed “Once Upon a Time,” it was a magical evening in ruby and gold. The Florida Center provides therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for infants and children who are at-risk academically, socially, or economically.

JFCS Gala One of our most vital local nonprofits wowed once again with its Hearts of Gold gala at the Ritz. The stories of those in need bring tears to your eyes, and the passion and heart of its leadership fills the room. The programs of JFCS are so important to our community. Attending this event is a great way to help.

La Musica’s Sonata a Due Bringing world-class chamber music festival to our town every year is quite special and it is the passion and mission of the incomparable Sally Faron. Sonata a Due, LaMusica’s annual fundraising event, with beautiful music in an enchanting Field Club holiday setting, helps Ms. Faron do just that. Well done!

Selby Garden’s Lights in Bloom Every holiday season, with the flip of a switch, two million lights shine on Selby Gardens making it even more magical than ever! This preview night party marked the beginning of 18 nights of Lights in Bloom with holiday displays, beautifully lit rainforest butterflies and dragonflies, and lots more. It is definitely a holiday must!

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JFED Women’s Day Every year, Jewish Federation Sarasota-Manatee brings incredible speakers to its annual Women’s Day luncheon, which is one of the hottest luncheon tickets in town.

TV personality Gail Simmons shared her story of her rise to fame and how growing up in a Jewish home influenced her cooking. Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to get yours early.

The Hospital Gala No organization puts on a better event than Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and its Hospital Gala leads the way. Beautiful gowns, great entertainment, and a filled to the max Ritz ballroom all contribute to an exciting evening. What’s even more special is the generosity of those in attendance. This event shatters fundraising records year after year.

The Sarasota Ballet Gala Always an incredibly beautiful evening, The Sarasota Ballet Gala celebrated 29 glorious years and the 50th anniversary of Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri’s promotion to a Principal Dancer with The Royal Ballet. Be on the lookout for news of this season’s gala as The Sarasota Ballet celebrates 30 years. It’s certain to be quite special.

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2020 Opera Gala The kickoff to Sarasota Opera’s winter season, this elegant dinner themed “The Colors of Love” was a major hit. The Ritz-Carlton ballroom was decorated in dramatic colored ribbons and guests donned black-tie with a colorful twist.

There’s something about the Opera Gala that always makes it one of the events to attend every season.

Circus Gala If you’ve never been to the Circus Gala, you are missing out on of the most thrilling events of the season. After all, who would/could put on a better show that our circus stars? It is fun, exciting, and entertaining. Be sure to get your clown on for next year’s gala and help raise funds for our Circus Arts Conservatory!

Conservation Foundation Palm Ball This magnificent Osprey bayside event celebrates the preservation of key Gulf Coast lands and waters and raises funds in support of the Foundation’s incredibly important work for today and for our future. With a different and appropriate theme every year, this elegant event is always very special and is attended by the who’s who in town.

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JDRF Sarasota/Manatee Sarasota/Manatee Night ofHope HopeGala Gala Night of It was a night to party like “kings and queens” and guests in the Ritz ballroom did just that. The event raises important funds for innovative research, to advocate for government action, and to provide support structure for our community to help fight type 1 diabetes.

BGCSC Steak & Burger Celebration The attire was cowboy hats and western boots, beef was the fare, and celebration filled the evening. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County honored Wells Purmort as an honorary alumnus, Shaneeka (Lee) Foster as 2020 Alumna of the Year, and Marguerite Andrich was 2020 Youth of the Year.

Catholic Charities Ball Tim Tebow delivered a powerful address to more than 500 people at the 2020 ball, which was one if its best. The event supports the important programs and services of Catholic Charities, Dioecese of Venice, which includes Our Mother’s House, St. Martha’s Early Learning Center, Bethesda House, Catholic Charities Family Haven and other important assistance programs.

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SCF Avenues to the Future This annual “funtastic” event supports important programs, scholarships and students at State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota. Held in an intimate on campus setting, passionate and talented students entertain attendees with musical performances as the stars twinkle above. A hit year after year, supporting SCF in its mission to provide quality education is a great way to help the future of our community.

Glasser/ Schoenbaum Believe Gala If you believe in miracles, the story of this vital center is one you should know. Founded by the late Alex and Betty Schoenbaum and Dr. Kay Glasser, the center exists as a “campus of caring” for over 20 human service agencies that serve the less fortunate of our community. The Believe Gala was a magical evening to help support the collective impact of all of the center’s agencies.

Conservation Foundation Bourbon & Boots Held at Bay Preserve in Osprey, this relaxed event benefiting Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast brought supporters together for good fun, mouthwatering cuisine, and top bourbons. It’s just a cool way to help save our lands—forever.

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Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic Bruce Cassidy, Sr. hosted this annual classic, now in its 10th year, at his beautiful Concession Golf Club. Two-time Heisman trophy winner Archie Griffin, along with a host of other celebrities, paired with locals to raise funds for Concession Charities, which supports organizations that help children and families. It’s the top golf event in town!

Van Wezel Inspiration Gala If you’ve never attended the annual Van Wezel Gala, what are you waiting for? It all starts with cocktails by the Bay, followed by a glorious dinner, and then into the hall to hear a top entertainer. There’s nothing like it. John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame rocked the house at this year’s event. Can’t wait for next year’s gala!

Exotic Car Gala The Sarasota Ferrari Group were revving the engines once again with its Exotic Car Festival weekend.

Featuring a car show, a road rally, brunch, and gala and auction, the event benefited The Flight to North Pole Foundation. Daredevil and circus performer Bello Nock was Grand Marshall.

The Women of Aviva This annual event benefits Aviva—A Campus of Senior Life, and honors volunteers, advocates, and philanthropists who contribute to the success of Aviva. Appropriately held on the evening of International Women’s Day, the 2020 event featured keynote speaker Elizabeth McCormick, who thrilled attendees with stories of triumph in the face of adversity.

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Experience elegant dining inside or alfresco...

From its inviting old world charm and sophistication to its timeless, artistic cuisine, let the legendary Cafe L’Europe take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Carry Out Available!

431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota | 941.388.4415 | cafeleurope.net

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ESTABLISHED 1973

CONTINENTAL CUISINE | FINE WINES | CRAFT COCKTAILS | PIANO MUSIC ALFRESCO DINING | PRIVATE DINING | PRIVATE DINING CATERING

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2020

0s, the 6

a in ilton rasot k then.

M a e S i l n live i s bac d culture

By Ju d to it wa

an ove ee arts ave l nd carefr g ite h n i d v l a ho qu ou vol n e w w u , t f n s a a w , er th ne ho pty space Western f me art o nly imagi d m p i e s a M id . o e’s s of ostly stero m Ther 80s. I can with ton n , o e l case r eop es eers show o o 70s o rs, beach friendly p f like Ch t f ca fitting eople wh do ht it lots o ame. Kin Few g d fp u of n o a h e, et ves o oomers r i ur n w h o c , y r scen e a B u w one o s r e d l s u n i w o o k o y n t r e y l a like Beau ey ar you k 3-ye omer cene’s 6 cades. Th ne? Did o B r S u e ce this o Sarasota g these d arasota s n With S i m r r o u u ea d es fr ld us d t of o vers u r o o a c imag c p l r an al d ou still a , we lane, e f y i r grace Are they r t o s m ainly . s and down me may cert s e r today f them? t ow? lk ds o them at right n s wa i o adde t h f t t o more u h time Enjoy ing o use t razy ldn’t mile. ed, reach c u s s o i a c h o gt and eatur . Wh Durin ic pause one f s as well y n g a l nosta ecognize and their ur r day if yo n you e t h g bri

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1960’s cool kids oing easyg o w t n... t. ay Fu ing se w s Holid e th ng a es for weari s i n dress nsto ted ie Joh accen s s e Debb r td aid. it coa ite br h red kn w d avy an ckett with n ne Sa n y ree L ra with f t i n Barba k d cy idere ls a la mbro e mode d n a m Lad lease es f ro s falling s e r 69 ues. D ate. 19 g h t appliq u So sie in ‘n Las

ke, l Coo l e w Max an Mrs. airm h c y t ici llege publ w Co e N h e ll wit of th hey al Ba r u g igh. T e l Inau h s A on hter phed daug a r g s hoto mpu are p e Ca g e l l Co top New hard w e n a f rom with Ville e ny. d n mpa o C Seda r to e Mo Cook 1967

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Top: Ou r voyag ers, Lin Rosenb da aum an d Don M were ph artin, otograp hed ab the luxu oard rious m otor yac “Hellion ht ” with D o u g la Neill at s W. the wh eel. 196 7 Left: Su mmer a t the Sh Cheryl ore!

Paver in a Fiesta printed bikini b y Cole. basket Picnic filled w it h a ccessor for spen ies ding th e d a y at the beach.

All f rom The Sea Stable o n Long boat Ke y. 1969

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1970’s groovy gals

Top: A fanfar e of p mode leats. ls a pin Mrs. N k poly an Oli spill o ester ver f rasp k n b it erry b dress the N e w a ith a ds. In EW Le the ba wis an Perfo ckgro d Eug rming und, enia V Arts H an We Wesle all de z y Pete e l signe rs. 197 d by W 0 illiam Right : Valer ie Von a pink Gutte straw nburg h a shown t throu woven gh. St with t o let t . Arma he su nds K n shine ey. 19 70

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Top L eft: Ch ecked spring out fo , Joy C r hutz m doub odels le knit a polye suit. P ster p hotog a n t raphe Colleg d on N e Cam ew pus. 1 970 Top R ight: G inger mode Dillard ls the right pants lo ok. Sli flaring m at the All f ro hemli m the ne.

Rings Arma , St. nds K ey. 19 72 Botto m Lef t: The green lush ery of M y akka S Park h tate elps g ive th of coo e il lusion lness and tr as we a n q uility wind up an summ o t her er. Mo del Ka Willia r e n ms. 1 977

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Performing arts The Vintage Years... Sharon Spelman, who plays the role of the incomparable Billie Dawn to perfection in Asolo’s production of “Born Yesterday”, models a blazer next to a 300 Mercedes. 1971

Bottom L eft: Jillian Lindig an d Robert Murch, Asolo perf ormers in Jean Anouilh’s French co medy “Ring Aro und the M oon” are photo graphed a t the Asolo on the groun d s of The Ring ling Muse um.

1974 Bottom R

ight: Mis s Polly Holliday a t the Asolo Theatre w here she is appearin g from no w until fall playin g to perfe ction such lead ing roles as Bananas Shaughn essy in “The H ouse of B lue Leaves.” 19 72

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Revival of the B eaux Arts Ball at the Sarasota Exhibition Hall under sponsorship of the RIngling Art Sc hool Library Assiciation. With the picturesque As olo Theatre as a bacvkgroun d, honorary chairman Guy “Pappy” Saunders helps third year design student Patricia Johnsonwith a preview of a colorful costum e, which is a feature of the ba ll. 1976

Taking one more bow at this Sarasota landmark soon to be torn down to make way for the new, are Ginny Blough (star of “Funny Girl”, ”On a Clear Day”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, and “I do, I do”) and Jo Richard (Star of “Mame”, “Hello Dolly,” “Roberta” and “Butterflies are Free”). The old theater at the corner of North Trail will be replaced by a new one to open late 1974. 1974

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Miss Sarasota

Top: Miss Sarasota 1965— M Hegler p iss Sandra oses at th e L id o sculpture Biltmore in a d white b athing su emphasiz it w h ich es her ta wny tan. band at th A w id e e midriff is knit in lacy stitc a loose h and be lt ed with p ties. 1965 ompon

Right: M iss Saras ota 1966, Diane Co Miss lston mo d els a swis small silk h of a dress de signed b y Anika.

Photogra phed on the Circle , St. Armands Key. 1966

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Top: Miss Sa rasota 1972— The title goes to Miss Ellen Lo uise Fisher. She’s wearing a p o lished cotton short jump suit w ith a long blowy skirt.

Photograph ed at the fabulous Rin gling Reside nce. 1972 Bottom Left : Miss Saraso ta 1974, Donna Robe rts, photogra phed in the lush sett ing at the Sa ra sota Garden Club . 1972 Bottom Rig ht: For girls w ho know where they’ re going, this is the way to look. Lisa Donovan, th e cu rrent Miss Sarasota , models a ca n va s and leather coat over a st riped jersey dress.

A combinati o n that is unmistaka bly Bonnie C ashin.

Photograph ed at the Va n Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 197 0

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Lou Binns Binns, 1972

The 1970s scene featured lots of photos of cover girls Lou Binns and Mary Stottlemyer in a variety of outfits and locations.

Binns, 1970 48

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Binns, 1974

Mary Stottlemyer Stottlemyer, 1970

Stottlemyer, 1972

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School-Day Memories

Top: An a ssignme nt to live some wa n up lls at Sara s o ta High Sch turned in ool, to a fun p ro g ra m for the school’s senior art departm The initia ent. l effort w as the art graphics and motif on the wall the north o n side of th e buildin Completi g. ng the fi n is hing tou are teach ches er H.O. D avis, stud art direc e nt tor Paul Roberts, student a n d art Eric Zun del. 1981

Right: A new stad ium at Riverv iew High .

T he 10,000 se at Ram B owl was cons tructed b y public su bscriptio n through a campa ig n spearhea ded by J oe Fitzgerald and E.E “Gene” S immons . Shown on the fi eld are: R obert Brown, C edric Sau nders, Warren B erg, Tom Biggy, Ja mes Bac on, Jim Brown a nd cheerl eaders Robin Art hur and Cindy Thompso n. 1972

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ck To rio of Ba t is h T : tinct Top e the dis v a h s r Schoole tending ge of at advanta ant the verd n o s e s hool, clas Prew Sc e h t f o campus al day ucation a co-ed in 1931. blished a t s e l o o scho ne Mint iller, Dia M e n n Jea d. All eenwoo r G l e r u and La on Main m P.J.’s o r f s n fashio 974 Street. 1 m one crew f ro A : m o ding Bott om Rea o R g in iv of the L n to be the soo t a s a e r a Library. y Public lb e S d e open t are: ft to righ le d e r u Pict iverview Torine, R ie b b e D ols, Pine ari Nich High, Sh s, Out my Surfu A d n a , View 1976 School. of Door

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Flower Power

When it com es to breathta king settings beautiful ph for otos, there’s no better pla ce than Selby Garden s…Then & No w!

Top: A lovely g al in a vivid pri nt dress at Sa own exotic Se rasota’s lby Gardens g races this mon cover. The pri th’s nt dress is from Lilly Pulitzer, Armands Circl St. e and is worn

by Florence R Photographed enault. in the Display House at Selb y Gardens. 198 4 Bottom: A bre athtakingly b eautiful orchid reflected in th e eyes and fa ce of Patti Lloy photographed d at Marie Selb y Botanical G preparing for ar d ens, the annual O rchid Show, on e of Sarasota’s bes t attended ev ents. 1978 52 52

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Top: Vivid hib iscus blossom s frame the pre tty face of Kar en Johnston from United First Federal as a re minder of the annual hibiscu s show plann ed for August 5 in the Venice of fice of United Firs t Federal. 1979 Bottom: The beauty of the rustic setting at Pelican Cov e, provides the perfect foil fo r the vivid colors of these dresses worn by Mrs. Lowell Brame, left, and Mrs. Rob ert McDaniel, ri ght.

Dresses from Conrad Egan on Siesta Key. 19 75

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Let The Sunshine In Our sunn y days lu red kids of their h out omes an d o u td o sports w or ere as po pular the as they a n re now.

Left: The Longboa t Beach and Tenn is Club pro vides the backg round for Marilyn Marigold photogra phed in one of he r own des ig ns to be marketed under Co n c ept Ltd. label. 1974

vering s are disco Sarasotan rt of rating spo the exhila Beach g at Turtle n rfi su d in w ey. 1979 on Siesta K

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more Outdoor Sarasota is g, than beaches, sailin lf. go tennis courts and r Riding, too, is a majo sport. Bitsy Kunkle on Dareen Diamond with Mrs. .

Kunkle holding Sash 1973

S, the SHARK Pictured is at im team th the local sw ti a onal olds the N this year h . mpionship YMCA cha h blems wit Despite pro bility, these pool availa ers ic swimm enthusiast a half leven and practice e year. 1982 months a

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Peace & Love r’s idsumme A perfect M uth ing. Miss R Eve wedd rd ce and Wa Ann Lovela ir e on III at th Harris Patt e son Patton is th r.

M . e m o h nder Scene fou of Sarasota on. 1983 Ward Patt

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lls Royce legant Ro Top: The e ession priced poss e th is y e tl Ben graphed ger. Photo of Craig Sa elley ds with Sh n a rm A t. on S 1975 l librarian.

Hill, a loca s are nd beache sa e il h W : Left of the l element an integra one are ene and n c S ta so ra Sa tch off Big an this stre lovelier th e Jones and Georg n sa u S . ss Pa sunset i Cat for a b o H e th beach 77 picnic. 19

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S a r a s o ta

wines & dines

eat | drink | explore DARUMA

JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

DaRuMaRestaurant.com

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FIRST WATCH

SELVA GRILL

FirstWatch.com

SelvaGrill.com

BREAKFAST | BRUNCH | LUNCH

PERUVIAN EATERY

BEAUTY NOTES

Need some fine tuning?

Spend some time this summer thinking about you! Here are some tips and trends from local health and beauty experts to help you get started.

• • • boomer edition • • •

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CoolSculpting Does CoolSculpt ing® really result in fat loss?

Yes! CoolSculpting was invented by two doctors affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Precise, controlled cooling is used to freeze and damage fat cells beyond repair. As with any cell turnover, the lymphatic system flushes the dead fat cells from your body over the next three to four months, reducing your total number of fat cells.

CoolSculpting was first FDA approved in 2010, and since that time, more than eight million treatments have been performed globally.

CoolSculpting is the world’s #1 non-invasive body contouring procedure because the results are proven and permanent.

What should I look for when choosing a CoolSculpting provider?

There are several important factors to consider, as CoolSculpting is both an art and a science. The technology works, but it is as important to have a provider who specializes in CoolSculpting and is an expert at proper applicator placement. Spa Founder Lori Bailey says she wanted The Contour Day Spa to be dedicated to CoolSculpting because she loves the technology and knew that being dedicated to this treatment will give her clients the most desirable results. At Contour, you get a team of certified technicians with advanced training from CoolSculpting® University. Lori and Wendy Rose apply their combined expertise when creating personalized plans and providing treatment. Patients say they chose Contour after visiting other providers because of the careful evaluation and personalized attention they received. Lori is the only CoolSculpting provider in Florida that offers a guarantee, because she wants clients to be confident when they make the decision to invest in themselves.

before 60

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w if o n k I o How d didate n a c a I’m lpting? u c S l o o C for

Lori Bailey, RN Lori Bailey opened The Contour Day Spa after a nearly 30-year career as a labor and delivery nurse.

Her lifelong commitment to exceptional standards

It starts with a consultation to evaluate the area(s) of your body where there is unwanted fat that might be resistant to diet and exercise. Lori & Wendy conduct a hands-on examination to make sure it’s pinchable, pliable tissue, but they will also be completely honest if CoolSculpting isn’t right for you. The team will determine how best to treat the entire area and recommend one or more treatments to achieve your desired results. Patients at Contour vary in age, weight and body type. While CoolSculpting is fat loss, not weight loss, many of their clients come in to jump start a healthy new lifestyle. Others are looking for help with the stubborn pockets of fat that wouldn’t budge during their fitness journey. When you lose fat cells through CoolSculpting, the results are natural looking and gradual. Lori says her sole goal is to help people transform their body, gain confidence and feel comfortable in their own skin.

after (12 weeks)

and superior patient care is evident throughout the Contour experience, but the environment is far from clinical. Every aspect of the space was thoughtfully designed to ensure an excellent patient experience.

The Contour Day Spa 405 Commercial Ct., Suite A Venice, FL 34292 941.777.4448 thecontourdayspa.com

permanent makeup

Mary McAndrews Since the opening of Lasting Looks of Sarasota in 2001, Mary has been passionately working as a certified permanent makeup artist

What’s the etween b e c n e r e f if d troke S ir a H id r b Hy d Eyebrows an g?

Micro bladin

for close to 20 years. Her background as a licensed oncology esthetician has been critical in assessing skin before each permanent makeup procedure. It’s important to understand the anatomy and physiology of the skin and recognize skin disorders before proceeding

Hair stroke eyebrows require the use of a state-of-the-art permanent makeup machine to create natural single needle hair strokes.

Using such advanced technology allows for a more accurate deposit of the pigment into the dermis by regulating the tension of your tissue on the needle and giving each hair stroke more staying power. Micro blading is done by using a hand-held tool that holds a grouping of ultra fine needles to create a multiple hair stroke eyebrow look. Pigments are implemented with variation of pressure and dexterity.

with any procedure. Mary’s restorative permanent makeup approach has allowed her to repair what aging, hormonal imbalances, and cancer treatments may have taken away.

Lasting Looks of Sarasota 3300 S Tamiami Tr., Suite #6 Sarasota, Florida 34239 941.539.7990

Hybrid eyebrows are my most sought out eyebrow procedure. This is a combination of using both my permanent makeup machine and hand tool to give your eyebrows a dimension for a more natural look.

from eight months to 1.5 years before you need a color boost, depending on how your care for them. Our skin typically sheds every 28-35 days depending on your age.

How much time you spend in the sun and how many chemicals your facial art comes in contact with makes a difference as well.

Salt water and chlorine in pools, as well as facial products with chemicals can alter the color dramatically. Some clients prefer to do a powdery stardust eyebrow look which typically lasts a few months longer then any of the hair stroke methods.

What will I learn at the consultatio n?

When clients come in for their consultation I review their lifestyle, diet, and condition of their skin. All of these will play a critical role in their final result. With consideration of their natural hair patterning and loss, we work together to create a proper shape, color and symmetry so they can see what they could look like to make an educated decision on whether they wish to proceed. As one of the few areola/ nipple restoration artists in the area I offer complimentary consults for cancer patients and survivors. Many skin disorders arise from chemotherapy and radiation so some may choose to indulge in one of our nourishing facial as to prepare the skin for the permanent makeup procedure.

How long does it last?

This hot and humid Florida climate makes it almost impossible to keep your makeup looking fresh and smudge-free. Many women have found that even though permanent makeup is more semi-permanent than permanent, it is a welcome alternative to the time and effort that it takes to put on makeup everyday. Unlike tattoo ink that lasts forever, permanent makeup artists use pigments specially designed to have a soft cosmetic look that sheds out of the skin over time.

Facial permanent makeup lasts anywhere

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dermalinfusion What is n dermalinfusio ology n h c e t d n o m dia using the ?

Diamond Glow It is the simultaneous action of skin exfoliation and infusion of condition specific serums.

The diamond glow machine by Allergan, the makers of Botox, is a three-in-one technology using a closed vacuum chamber loop. It exfoliates using a precise diamond tip which helps remove dry damaged skin. Extraction using a high powered suction deep cleanses the skin surface and pores while infusing targeted serums to the dermal epidermal junction. This is done all in one pass. The ability to infuse therapeutic serums down to the dermal epidermal junction rather than just the epidermis is one of the benefits that sets the Diamond Glow apart from any other machine on the market.

Diamond glow is non-invasive and can treat the face, around the eye area, lips and body.

Targeted serums are used for ultimate hydration, vitamin C for sun damage, hyper pigmentation, and acne. The Diamond Glow can be used more aggressively to treat acne scarring and stretch marks as well.

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The treatment is comfortable and takes approximately one hour or less per area. Post treatment, skin appears brighter, fresher, healthier, smoother, clearer, with unclogged pores, and more even tone. And beyond the treatment, improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, roughness and dryness, dark spots, skin coloration, and dull, congested skin. Special pricing is available on this treatment through September 15th at Inner Circle Spa.

How does the Diamond Glow machine and dermalinfu sion work?

Three processes must occur simultaneously to achieve Dermalinfusion. As the handpiece makes contact with skin, a closed loop vacuum is created. Air is removed from the device, tubes and handpiece. The handpiece glides over the skin and the diamond tip removes the Stratum Corneum. The abraded Stratum Corneum allows for penetration of proinfusion serums. At the same time that the Stratum Corneum is being abraded, the vacuum is also pulling pro-infusion serums into the handpiece from the device. As the serums travel from the device through the tubing and into the handpiece, they gain speed and strike the skin with positive force, where they penetrate into the epidermis.

Alison Pollack Alison Pollack, owner of the Inner Circle Spa, has been a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist for over 34 years. She is also a Holy Fire 3 Karuna Reiki Master. Alison was formerly a skincare account executive in the state of Florida and was responsible for education and training of new estheticians and makeup artists in the field.

The Inner Circle Spa 4141 S Tamiami Tr., Suite 12 Sarasota,Florida 34239 941.954.4968

plastic surgery

Alissa Shulman, M.D., F.A.C.S Dr. Shulman was named Physician of the Year for 2016 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She is currently Chief of Staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and the President of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Sovereign Plastic Surgery Medical Arts Building 1950 Arlington St., Suite 112 Sarasota, Florida 34239 941.366.5476 sovereignps.com

Should I lose weight before plastic surgery?

The simple answer is no. However, if you were already on a weight loss program, and its working, then continue. A lastminute “fad diet” is of no use if you are not or cannot maintain it.

I believe most people have a basic weight range that they “live” at. I feel that my talent as a plastic surgeon is to work with realistic body shapes and consider a patient’s overall health and attitude (not size or age). If you are looking at a breast lift or abdominoplasty, then getting within 20% of a realistic weight is reasonable; losing or gaining a few pounds after such surgery is unlikely to “ruin” the overall results.

If I had my choice, I would prefer a patient to have a few extra pounds...rather than be underweight. This gives me tissue/fat to work with (rearrange).

se i c r e x e i Should before my ry? e g r u s c i t plas The simple answer here is yes. I always recommend patients establish some type of (realistic) exercise routine for general health and emotional wellbeing. I certainly do not expect stronger muscles to tighten skin; excess skin need s to be removed surgic ally.

However, well developed muscles create a shapely volume over which I can drape the skin. When someone has lost a significant amount of weight, and presents for an arm or thigh lift, I consider it a “lateral move” to go from excess skin to shapeless, stick-like extremities. Muscle behind the skin is what gives the pleasing shape.

I also find that all too often the guilt some have (because they are “treating” themselves to plastic surgery) can be lessened if routine exercise has not resulted in the desired body shape.

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Injectables What are injectable wrinkle reducers and how do they work?

Injectable wrinkle treatments can be used to temporarily reduce the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles, most commonly in the forehead, frown lines and smile lines. Once injected into the treatment area, they work to temporarily block the contracted muscles, which causes the muscle activity to decrease therefore smoothing the skin. Many of my patients also love the “brow lift” effect that can occur following their treatment. Today, there are four FDA approved injectable wrinkle reducers including Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeaveau.

Wh at is the right age to get inj ecta ble wrinkle re du ce rs?

Being a candidate for wrinkle reducers is dependent on both age and the severity of wrinkles. If you are 18 years or older and are noticing wrinkles on your face, you may be a candidate. Many patients start in their 20s and 30s to prevent these wrinkles when they are in their 40s and 50s.

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How do dermal fillers work and are they right for me?

Injectable fillers are made from a range of different substances, but the primary ingredient in most injectable fillers is hyaluronic acid. This helps to create soft, gel-like fillers which can be injected under the skin to give cheek hollows, lips, and deep facial wrinkles a plumping boost. My favorite areas to inject are the cheeks and lips! Injecting the cheeks not only gives volume to the midface, but can also lift the lower face and give support to the under eye area. If you are concerned about a loss of facial volume or deepening facial lines, injectable dermal fillers can be a treatment option. The amount of filler needed varies based on the amount of volume loss and the look that we are trying to achieve. I am very conservative and don’t want anyone leaving with an “overdone” or “overfilled” look.

Who can administer an injectable wrinkle reducers and fillers?

You should only receive your injectable treatments from a licensed provider.

In the state of Florida, only physicians, physician assistants, and advanced registered nurse practitioners may perform aesthetic injec tions. Do your research! Ask yourself Is this person qualified? Do they have experience? Do they know how to handle complications? I’m a Physician Assistant and certified Master Injector with over ten years experience in aesthetic medicine. I love helping people look and feel their best!

Susan Lynch, MMS, PA-C Susan Lynch has been practicing medicine for 14 years and has devoted the last 11 years to aesthetic medicine. She is the founder and master injector at Sarasota Premier Aesthetics and has trained with some of the country’s top aesthetic injectors.

Her passion is helping her patients feel more beautiful and confident thru nonsurgical procedures.

Sarasota Premier Aesthetics 5580 Broadcast Ct. Sarasota, FL 34240 941.993.5926 SarasotaPremierAesthetics.com

facelift Consequently, techniques of filling the upper cheek hollows, laugh lines, and lips just distort and mask this altered shape into a cherub-like, ageless, shapeless face. Is this one size fits all solution the answer?

sumeet bhanot Dr. Sumeet Bhanot is a Yale-trained double boardcertified facial plastic surgeon who has been

What is AGING?

named among Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors for the last nine consecutive years. He has been bringing his unique blend of art, beauty and science to patients in the Sarasota area for almost two decades.

Bhanot Facial Plastic Surgery 2038 Bee Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34239 941.966.3223

Defining the aging face seems deceptively simple yet its true manifestations elude the best of us because we hang on to oversimplified, one dimensional catch phrases of wrinkles and volume loss. Our faces are constructed with a deep bony skeleton and interwoven mesh of various types of soft tissue (fat, muscle, fascia and skin) all of which are tethered to the bone by cutaneous ligaments. Youth is defined by the shape and volume distribution of the face, the ideal being more fullness in the upper cheeks, hollows in the lower cheeks and a crisp jawline. With aging, the soft tissue falls, especially fat, reversing this facial proportion. As the volume falls, it creates the perceived volume loss of the upper face, and the bunching of this tissue around the mouth creates laugh lines and accordions the lips filling them with wrinkles.

What is the solution?

If one subscribes to the one dimensional analysis, we just pull and plump. However, in studying the unique subtle changes the solution itself presents, the question is why not just move the fallen volume back? Hmmm.

Science purports tremendous innovative progress with shiny expensive energy machines and eloquently named products that just hollow out the areas that need fullness and overly plump others. Look around you—do you like what you see? We seem to have become slaves to a system of simple solutions for a quick buck.

We should not be selling the idea of beauty with smoke and mirrors; we should be creating it.

I start with a detailed analysis of the face and old photos to diagnose the problem. I don’t just chase the wrinkles and the hollows. The rare Deep Plane Facelift truly helps restore the aging face by lifting the volume back. It doesn’t mask its limitations by overfilling or overstretching. It creates harmonious youthful proportions that appear unmistakably two decades younger without corrupting the essence of beauty. The proof is in the results.

To realize our dreams is to face reality, embrace vanity, and ignore hype. Choose wisely and enjoy life!

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Hair Loss My hair is shedding a lot.

What can I do?

One of the most common complaints I hear today, especially with female patients, is I’m “losing my hair in handfuls”. Because of the enormous psychological stress we are all under today with COVID19, undoubtedly many will experience excessive shedding of hair or the medical term, Telogen Effluvium (TE). The most common cause of TE is psychological stress, fevers, and illness. Although, major diet changes, medications, scalp diseases, heavy metals, and immunizations are among other common causes.

Fortunately, this form of shedding and hair volume loss is not permanent, and generally reverses, but is quite distressing.

Increased shedding is acute, or sudden onset, less than 6 months, while chronic shedding is longer than 6 months.

Infusing high doses of your own proteins in PRP/CRP/Matrix can help slow down the shedding process and jump-start the return to normal hair cycling safely. This fertilization of the hair and scalp is just one of the many ways we can restore the quality and character to your hair safely, without side effects. So, stay safe at this difficult time and when the timing is right, we will restore your hair!

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Can my hair be strengthened,

thickened and repaired?

A growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cellular grow th, proliferation, healing, and cellular differentiation. The shape of the growth factor is of key importance. Its shape allows it to lock into a receptor on the surface of the cell and cause the cell to grow and divide. Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF) is not only correct in structure, but also in shape, ensuring that the growth factor to receptor connection at the follicle is true and the cell growth signals are received.

KGF is an all-natural, effective serum for thickening, lengthening, strengthening and repairing hair. This treatment is also used for eyebrows, eyelashes and beard enhancement. An in-depth consultation is the best way to evaluate; however, we also offer a remote consultation package to determine your treatment plan.

Joseph Greco, PhD, PA/C The Greco family has been at the forefront of hair restoration for 60 years.

Joseph Greco PhD, PA/C of Greco Medical Group has honored that tradition by continuing to pioneer and validate surgical and nonsurgical innovations.

Dr. Greco has stayed on the leading edge of advanced cellular therapies to offer biologic treatments along with medical and surgical hair restoration solutions for women and men.

Greco Medical Group 1990 Main St., Suite 700 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.952.3300 grecomedicalgroup.com

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FULL THROTTLE Passions Fuel Activism in Retirement

By Sue Cullen

T

he United States has witnessed the power that can be unleashed when people’s passions are ignited. We have seen millions of Americans flooding streets nationwide protesting the tragic death of George Floyd and others.

Additional issues from women’s and LGBTQ rights to healthcare and climate change also have driven activism for many local residents. These four women, all residents of Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay, a notfor-profit Life Plan Community, are demonstrating that retirement life doesn’t mean retiring from life.

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For Norma Schatz, actively following her passions has been an integral part of her long life. While living in Connecticut, Schatz served on her local school board, ran for the state legislature, was active in children’s issues and served on the Planned Parenthood board.

Since coming to Plymouth Harbor 13 years ago, she has continued to pursue her passions although she did give up kayaking on Sarasota Bay two years ago—when she was 95.

Schatz has continued her involvement in politics. She volunteers at the Sarasota County Democratic Party headquarters, participated in Sarasota’s Women’s March, and produces a monthly newsletter for Democrats at Plymouth Harbor whose circulation continues to grow. “That has gotten bigger than I expected as word about it spreads. I think you have to stay engaged as long as you’re alive and able to,” Schatz says. “We are privileged to be able to do that here. We have time, our lives are comfortable, and if we’re aware of what goes on in the rest of the world, we have to take responsibility for doing something.”

One of the youngest persons at Plymouth Harbor, Barbara Kerr has pursued interests in aiding animal welfare efforts, signing for the deaf, and becoming more politically active since she moved in five years ago at age 62. “Activism does not end when you enter a retirement community.

I was in a very conservative job as a financial advisor in a small community, and I decided not to ruffle feathers by talking politics,” Kerr says. “It was not until I came to Plymouth Harbor that I attended my first march, the Women’s March. It doesn’t matter your age or walk of life, when you come here and have really interesting conversations with people that pique your curiosity, you want to learn more.”

Kerr’s interest also was sparked by a Plymouth Harbor lecture and tour of Save Our Seabirds on City Island. She now volunteers there, helping out in the baby bird room, providing enrichment for the parrots, and transporting and rescuing birds. “I’m an active volunteer and have become a climate advocate because that clearly is affecting birds,” Kerr says. “I’m informing myself and thinking about how we can bring that to the attention of people who can make a difference.”

Joyce Fitzpatrick discovered her propensity for activism after her husband retired following 30 years in the U.S. Foreign Service. “It is in my blood, and I never knew that before,” Fitzpatrick says. “When I was overseas, I lived a charmed life as a diplomat’s wife, but I wanted to get involved when we retired.” When they returned to the U.S., she was a hospice volunteer, became a certified mediator for conflict resolution, and worked for the Obama campaign on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. “I didn’t think of myself as an activist up until that point,” she says.

At Plymouth Harbor, where she has lived for four years, Fitzpatrick is involved in helping residents and those in surrounding communities with voter registration. She also is an avid biker who raised funds for the Legacy Trail extension and now is involved with Ready for 100, Sarasota’s effort to transition the city to 100 percent renewable energy. Fitzpatrick also is committed to Black Lives Matter. She is looking for like-minded people to help her establish a community care organization similar to one she organized in Maryland, which helps donors aid struggling individuals and families with specific needs. Fitzpatrick also has established a Meetup group for mediators interested in donating their skills to help others.

Although being an educator wasn’t what Dr. Sarah Pappas set out to do in life, she built a very successful

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Norma Schatz, Dr. Sarah Pappas, Joyce Fitzpatrick & Barbara Kerr Photo by Nancy Guth

academic career. People here are familiar with her community involvement while serving an 11-year tenure as President of Manatee Community College, now State College of Florida, and for nine years as President of the Selby Foundation.

She has shaped an equally involved retirement life. “I don’t go out and protest with 200 people very often, although I have,” she says. “I love the word, engaged, and being a person who is engaged with her passions.”

One of Pappas’ passions is The Ringling where she serves on the board. She’s particularly enthusiastic about its diversity initiatives, which include increasing diversity on the board and in exhibits, outreach to diverse populations, and support for efforts to build a black history museum in Newtown. Pappas also serves on the Tiger Bay Club board, as a hospital volunteer, and in a variety of roles at Plymouth Harbor including Chair of the Civic Affairs Committee and with the Residents Association. Another important cause for Pappas is the Innocence Project of Florida, which helps free innocent prisoners. “Retiring here is so far from an old age home,” she says. “It gives you the freedom to do the things you want to do.”

For more information on Plymouth Harbor, call 941.365.2600 or visit plymouthharbor.org.

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OUR DOORS ARE OPEN FOR DISCOVERY. www.BishopScience.org 201 10th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205

Journey to worlds beyond and below. We are now open and taking extra safety measures so you can connect with the cosmos and dive deep fearlessly. With so much to discover, where do you begin?

There's so much to look forward to, just wait... by your community for your community

AUGUST 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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SPOTLIGHT

Chop…Chop!

A Community Classic Gets a Face Lift

By Gus Mollasis | Interior Photos by Nancy Guth

T

he corner of Main and Palm has long been a prime spot in downtown Sarasota. It perfectly fits the well-known real estate mantra: “Location.

Location. Location.”

While sky rise condos have changed the downtown landscape in our alluring seaside town, and old haunts like The Sport’s Page and Two Senoritas have disappeared, some legendary watering holes and bistros have hung on to write the next chapter in their story.

Even in the best of times, the restaurant business is precarious. Enter a pandemic and a prolonged shutdown, and many restaurant owners have been challenged to come up with a new recipe for success. But there’s once classic spot on that prime corner of Main and Palm that’s handled that challenge and is moving to its next chapter—Clasico Bistro is now Clasico Italian Chop House.

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on the town

Joe Rhem & Raff Perna

The former location for two bookstores—Charlie’s News and Sarasota News & Books—there’s big news coming out of this corner spot that’s had lots of people turning pages inside its walls for many years. Clasico has gone through a complete transformation, and while owner Raffaele (Raff) Perna is still there to greet you with a smile and implement his stellar attention to detail, he has new partners: Kevin Enderle and Dick Rivera from Brick’s Smoked Meats. Rounding out the new team is Executive Chef Raymond Ortiz.

According to Raff, “We had been doing the same thing for the last eight years and we needed a refresh. That often happens in the restaurant business. You need a re-investment in concept and energy. These gentlemen have vast experience and I was excited about the fresh concepts that they brought to the table.”

Aside from the management line-up changes, the dining room has been boldly remodeled to give an airy and sophisticated yet comfortable feel. Oversized booths provide a setting that will remind some of a Vegas hot spot or old Hollywood combined with an old country roadhouse out east.

So, while we were all in shutdown, this dream team demonstrated tremendous courage and used this time to boldly renovate what is arguably the best corner in Sarasota. The result is a unique vibe and one that of course can only be experienced by being there. And while the management team and service may all be first rate, and the new décor pleasant, the food, as it should be, is the best part of this dining experience.

The joy on Raff Perna’s face said everything as he talked about the new raw bar and wood burning pizza oven that are new to Clasico. But the thing he really wanted to talk about were the chops—bone-in pork chops, rack of lamb, bone-in ribeyes, and other amazing steaks.

As we talked between jazz riffs from the overhead music, a baby grand piano sat invitingly. I could hear the music that will be played in future days. That’s when it came to me. What this new place was and what it represented—a relaxed joint

“When you open a restaurant, you’re opening up your home.

You’re inviting people to come to your home. You like your guest to be treated like family.”

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oninsider the town

where memories will be made as you enjoy great food. The kind of place Sinatra would have been comfortable in. Holding court with his entourage hanging on his every word while the Chairman of the Board paused mid story to say, “Have the chops. They’re just marvelous.”

And because he’s Italian like old Blue Eyes, Raff’s eyes light up when asked about the lunch menu and the pizza.

“It’s an Italian Chophouse – so we have to have pizza. But this is not regular pizza that you pick up and it folds and falls in your lap. It’s nice and crisp. We make it in house.”

From food talk Raff turns to his new-found partners. “They brought a dream team. Our executive chef Raymond Ortiz is assisted by our concept chef, Fernando. And Kevin is all about the concepts and taking restaurants to the next level. His goal is to build a brand and something that can be duplicated.

That’s what he and Dick do. I was looking at expanding the brand and they are the guys to do just that.”

And just what is the Clasico Italian Chophouse brand? Who will eat here? Raff says it’s for adults and families, and is also a place for foodies and businesspeople. A place that is exactly like a second home and an office to entrepreneur and gentleman Joe Rehm.

Joe joins the conversation and our talk turns to technology and dreams—the soul food for all entrepreneurs. Joe is an entrepreneur who developed his own brand of success in technology as a founder of Star2Star Communications, a business solution provider that was named “Product of the Year” by Internet Telephony magazine.

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His latest venture, WiredIQ, a unified communications company, offers an entire suite of managed services and business needs including state-of-the-art SD-WAN Networking, Network Security, Audio Visual Services, Surveillance, Alarm, managed WiFi and IT support all managed via one intelligent appliance— The Wired IQ BrainBox. Basically, they offer everything from a technology standpoint that a business needs except for point of sale.

That’s a full plate. A buffet of services that Joe Rehm is as excited talking about as the food at Clasico Italian Chophouse.

“The food here is first class. So much so that I leased an office upstairs,” says Joe. “All the technology I offer is incorporated here at Clasico. Services that help run a restaurant operation like this. They are all on full display.”

Joe has created a special relationship with Clasico to showcase WiredIQ’s varied technology. Rather than show a potential franchise owner a power point or meet them in a trade show booth, the Clasico power team can fly prospective franchise owners into Sarasota and invite them to experience its technology in action and have a great meal at the same time.

Now that’s a businessman’s luncheon!

“We are particularly focused on restaurants, hotels, retail and other businesses with multiple locations that would benefit from centralized management and support. Our systems are monitored and notify us automatically if there is any kind of system failure. Most of the time we can correct things from our network operations center,” says Joe. Now that’s a kitchen that’s cooking with gas.

on the town Joe Rehm is the kind of guy who thinks big and has made it big. And he’s a man who thinks highly of this restaurant at one of the best corner properties in town.

“Everything here is outstanding,” he says. “Make sure you try the burgers, and the wings are out of this world. But if you like chops, this will be the place for you.”

Bullseye. I am, after all, a meat man’s son. My mouth starts watering at the thought of a ribeye.

WITH YOUR HELP...

A promising future becomes a reality, a passion becomes a career and a dream comes true.

But it is 3:00 p.m. Raff interrupts my ribeye dream. He chimes in, “It’s a great marriage.

Joe’s able to showcase his products in the restaurant to his clients, and he’s able to show what can be done visually and with audio for your business.”

Joe jumps in, “And somewhere in that day the tech talk turns to food. I’m a foodie so I have no problem telling them to try the chops or boast about the braised short rib.”

As we sit outside on this fabulous corner on a sweltering July day in Florida, we are all thankful just to be out. If anything, the recent pandemic has taught many of us to count our blessings, something Raff has always counted. And one of his greatest blessings is his outdoor seating.

“We are known for our outside seating. We are one of the few restaurants anywhere in Sarasota with this much outside seating,” says Raff.

So just how tough is the restaurant business, I ask. “They say that to be in the restaurant business you really need a hole in the head,” Raff quickly quips. We all laugh.

But now Raff gets serious and you can hear the passion in his voice. “The true restaurateur loves hospitality and loves people. When you open a restaurant, you’re opening up your home. You’re inviting people to come to your home. You like your guest to be treated like family. Many times in a good restaurant the owner will serve you. I have no problem bringing a dish to a table whether we are busy or not, because it’s an honor for me to serve my guests. If you have that in your being then there is no reason why you shouldn’t be in the hospitality business.”

So, here’s a news flash from that fame corner property of Main and Palm, from which news played the starring role for many years: Raff Perna loves to serve people. He’s got great food, a great attitude, a wonderful venue, and new partners with talent and vision. It’s a winning combo that’s destined to make the next chapter of Clasico Italian Chophouse one of the hottest places and most successful joints in Sarasota. A place that old Blue Eyes would dig. A place where entrepreneurs entertain their clients. And a place where you’re treated like family. A place with big chops.

What are you waiting for?

Clasico Italian Chophouse 1341 Main Street Downtown Sarasota 941.957.0700 ClasicoSrq.com Hours of Operation – Open Sunday, Monday & Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Your support impacts a student’s future.

Contact Cassandra Holmes 941-752-5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu

SCF-Foundation.org AUGUST 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Education MATTERS

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

SUMMER LEARNING IN THE AGE OF COVID-19: NATIONAL EDITION!

In the last issue, I compiled a list of some of the best local resources available to help keep your kids—and yourself!—going strong during these summer months where the heat + virus combo has us all spending a LOT of time inside.

Without further ado, here are some of best national opportunities and resources I’ve found, with a premium on things that are extremely affordable (or free!). Enjoy, and share the good news as you see fit!

Just Plain Fun

Because fun is just plain fun.

• Crayola at Home—“Beat the heat with fun things to do at home each week. Check out summer activities for kids and adults.” » www.crayola.com/athome • Dance, Dance, Dance—Learn some moves from the best! » www.cnn.com/2020/04/29/health/international-dance-daywellness-trnd/index.html • Harry Potter at Home—Bring Hogwarts to you via magical craft videos, fun articles, quizzes, puzzles, and plenty more. » www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home • Virtual Theme Park rides—“BigFatPanda.com delivers the best Theme Park entertainment until you can visit it yourself.” » Visit the “BigFatPanda” YouTube Channel

Learning Opportunities for Kids

There’s always time for a little summer learning.

• 30-Day LEGO Challenge—Download a printable calendar and let their imaginations run wild. » thatbricklife.com/lego-challenge-30-days-of-play-calendar/ • “Imagineering in a Box”—Does your kid dream of being a Disney Imagineer? Discover what it takes to make that happen. » www.khanacademy.org/humanities/hass-storytelling/ imagineering-in-a-box • Lincoln Center Pop-Up Classroom—“School may be closed but Lincoln Center Pop-Up classroom is open.” Learn from some of the world’s best artists and educators. » lincolncenter.org/lincoln-center-at-home/series/lincolncenter-pop-up-classroom • NASA—They’ve made their entire collection of images, sounds, and video available. » images.nasa.gov/

Self-Improvement

If you’d like to level up your life, here are some ways to start!

• The KonMari Method—“Tidy your space, transform your life. “ Follow Marie Kondo’s 6 basic rules of tidying, which help you be mindful, introspective, and forward-looking.

•

•

» konmari .com Learn a Language—Enjoy hundreds of free languagelearning lessons, games, and activities. www.learnalanguage.com New York Times’ 7-minute workout—All you need are things you have, like a chair and a wall (or for the advanced version, which adds in dumbbell use.) » www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/well/workouts/

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on the town • Virtual Cooking Classes—Save yourself time and money by learning how to cook at home. » www.popsugar.com/food/free-online-cookingclasses-47344274

Virtual Aquarium Experiences

Whether it’s through virtual tours or webcams, you can easily enjoy exhibits from the comfort of your own home.

• Georgia Aquarium—Be sure to check out the Beluga Whale and Underwater Puffin webcams! » www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/ocean-voyager • Monterey Bay Aquarium—Ten live webcams to choose from. » www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-and-exhibits/liveweb-cams • Seattle Aquarium—Lots of live cams here (check out the harbor seals). » Visit the “Seattle Aquarium” YouTube channel

Virtual Museum Tours

I’ve been meaning to visit all of these places, so let’s go see some art together!

• The Louvre—Don’t miss the virtual tour “Founding Myths: From Hercules to Darth Vader.” » www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne • Metropolitan Museum of Art—The Met’s got 20+ online exhibits going now. I’ve been enjoying the “Coco Chanel: Modernism,” “A New Look at Vermeer,” and “The Art of Music through Time” ones a lot. » artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-metropolitanmuseum-of-art • National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC)—Try out the virtual tours of current exhibitions, in-depth looks at highlights of the collection, online learning opportunities, audio and video recordings of lectures by artists and curators, and more. » artsandculture.google.com/partner/national-gallery-of-artwashington-dc • Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy)—The “Creative Process Behind Federico Barocci’s Drawings” online exhibit is amazing. » artsandculture.google.com/partner/uffizi-gallery?hl=en

• Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam)—Try out the “Which Books Did Vincent van Gogh Read?” exhibit. » artsandculture.google.com/partner/van-gogh-

museum?hl=en

Virtual Trips to World Landmarks

It’s easier than ever to travel the world without leaving home.

• Acropolis (Greece)—Check out this ancient citadel near Athens. » www.yougoculture.com/virtual-tour/athens/myth/acropolis

• Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia)—This 300-acre living museum captures the historic period of the 18th century. » www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/webcams/ • Ellis Island (New York City)—From 1892 to 1954, more than 12 million immigrants came through here to become US citizens. » teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/webcast.htm • Giant’s Causeway (Ireland)—If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this part of the rugged Northern Irish coast is where much of it was filmed. » www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/features/take-avirtual-tour-of-the-giants-causeway • Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)— The first US national park, this is the site of Old Faithful, among other geologic and geothermal treasures. » www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm

Virtual Zoo Visits

While I’ve got an annual pass for Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park, I’m not getting up there these days. I miss seeing the animals. If you’re like me, you’ll get a kick out of these offerings.

• Australia Zoo—Some of the videos are hosted by Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter). » Visit the “Australia Zoo” YouTube channel • Atlanta Zoo—Home to more than 1,000 animals (and yes, they’ve got a Panda Cam) » Visit the “Atlanta Zoo” YouTube channel • Ouwehand Park (Rhenen, Netherlands) —The polar bear cub cams are a can’t-miss. » explore.org/livecams/polar-bears/polar-bear-ouwehandtwin-cubs-cam-2 • San Diego Zoo—Enjoy the hippo, koala, and penguin cams. » zoo.sandiegozoo.org

YouTube Travel Channels

Each of these channels takes you to a ton of places.

• Island Holler TV—Focuses on travel and adventure throughout the world » www.youtube.com/c/IslandHopperT V/videos • Let’s Go Somewhere—Follow a filmmaker/travel vlogger/ photographer on adventures » www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIupuXxw8LeL3VXBDBbVlw • Tom’s Road Trippin—From roadside attractions to theme parks to zoos and more! » www.youtube.com/c/BeyondWaltDisneyPlanet/videos And happy learning!

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Best SEATS PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR WHILE THEATERS ARE DARK RIGHT NOW, TAKE A COMFORTABLE SEAT AT HOME AND ENJOY VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES AND CLASSES PRESENTED BY SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS.

941.351.8000 / asolorep.org Engage: On Air Hosted by Associate Artistic Director, Celine Rosenthal, this weekly radio program on 96.5 LPFM features Asolo Rep staff and the world class artists they work with.

Wednesdays at 6 p.m. or online.

Live stream link: wslr.org/wslr-popup-player/

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY 941.355.9805 / circusarts.org CAC Connects Online platform featuring a variety of educational and fun programming for children of all ages, including performance videos of past shows Link for more information: circusarts.org

ALL LISTINGS ARE SUBJECT TO

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CHANGE, SO PLEASE CHECK

941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org FST Improv Presents Triple Play Select Fridays & Every Saturday in August in FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre 7:00 p.m. | Tickets: $15

WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.

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Live Musical Performances Fridays and Saturdays at the Green Room Café & Bar 5 – 7 p.m. | Reservations Required

THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org That’s Entertainment…

A Virtual 90th Celebration 2 hours Zoom celebration of entertainment and live and silent auctions August 7 | 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $19.29 Link for more information: tickets.theplayers.org

• Listen to your loved ones. No one wants to take away driving privileges, but if l oved ones are worried, there are generally reasons. Be prepared. Have a “driving retirement plan” and seek out resources like ITN Suncoast (www.itnsuncoast.org) as options to get where you need to go if you have to give up your license.

LOCATIONS: Sarasota: (941) 923-0880 Bradenton: (941) 739-0880 Venice: (941) 480-0880 Port Charlotte: (941) 764-0880

arts&culture

FREE CONSULTATION License #HHA299991043

Getting to Know LSF Guardianship Program

If it is determined by the courts that an individ can no longer care for themselves, or pro themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitatio guardian can be appointed. The court overs all Guardians. They must regularly file rep regarding plans of care, and financial expenditu The process is invasive and can be expensive, it is designed to protect the rights of the “alle incapacitated person.”

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AARP and AAA also offer several resources of older drivers, including safety tips, classes and even an online evaluation to help older drivers stay safe on the road.

This article brought to you by: Lutheran Services of Florida.

Kathleen J. Houseweart Director Sarasota Guardianship Program, 941-358-6330.

Most people will never need a guardian. If plan well, talk to family about your wishes, prepare legal documents to designate someon take care of your affairs when you are no lon able, a guardian would generally not be necess Unfortunately, unexpected events can occur, not everyone plans well.

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Guardianship Course often in partnership with SCF twice n this day and age, maintaining independence requires a a year, providing community education to individuals and groups. driver’s license. While most older adults are safe drivers, many of Certified the physical changes that occur as weBoard age can affect our safety on the care, meal preparation, light house keeping road. Here are some suggestions to help you “drive well” as youand age.runni

DOCTOR RICHTER OFFERS The most common care we offer is a Home Health Aide or Call our 24steering HOUR Helpline • Stay physically fit. Strength to grip the wheel and to Today lift Certified Nursing Assistant. Services include assistance with your leg from one pedal to another is necessary for safe driving.

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941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org Music Moves Us A collection of video messages and music, and concert recordings.

August 4 – 25 Link for more information: sarasotaorchestra.org/music-moves-us

SARASOTA OPERA 941.328.1300 / sarasotaopera.org Sarasota Opera Online Visit the Opera’s website, social media and YouTube channel to relive some of the thrilling moments from past seasons.

Links for more information: -sarasotaopera.org/throwback-thursday -youtube.com/SarasotaOpera -facebook.com/SarasotaOpera

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Port Charlotte: (941) 764-

• Listen to your loved ones. No one wantsCLOSURE to take away driving privileges, but if l oved ones are worried, there are generally reasons.

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VENICE THEATRE 941.488.1115 / venicetheatre.org Classes for Adults Adults In-Person and Online Classes include Beginning Acting,Scene Study, Just Say Yes Improvisation and more.

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For a full list of this season’s performing arts events, view our Arts & Culture Guide.

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dabbertgallery.com 941.955.1315 Boundless Color, Florida Style Tuesday – Saturday: 11 – 5 p.m.

Through September 2020

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floridastudiotheatre.org 941.366.9000 In-Person Improv Drop in Classes (Adult) Saturdays at 3 p.m. | $10 per class Suffragist Saturdays: Intimate conversations with leading Sarasota women Court Cabaret 4 p.m.

August 1 – Jane Plitt August 8 – Sonia Fuentes Link for more information: floridatudiotheatre.org/suffragist-project

OF SARASOTA COUNTY

Note: Events are subject to change.

Please call or check online before attending.

ISLAND GALLERY WEST islandgallerywest.com 941.778.6648 Out of the Blue Wednesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

August 1 – 31

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CULTURAL HAPPENINGS ARTS AND CULTURAL ALLIANCE

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MEG KRAKOWIAK GALLERY & STUDIO megkrakowiakstudios.com 941.400.2478 Bringing Beaches Home August 1 – 28

STATE OF THE ARTS GALLERY sarasotafineart.com 941.468.6914 Fresh Start Tuesday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Through October 1

Have an upcoming visual art event?

Send your event details to COMMUNICATIONS@SARASOTAARTS.ORG

Meet Artist

JEROME CHESLEY Jerome Chesley is most comfortable painting, viewing and learning about art.

Proficient in watercolor medium, his artwork is a mixture of things he is interested in such as architecture, still life, travel images and Funky Vibe portraits, made with splashes of bold vivid color.

His artwork has been exhibited in two watercolor shows which he helped to curate at Art Ovation Hotel. He was asked to be the Hotel’s Artist in Residence where he painted in the studio adjoining the lobby for a period of time.

Jerome serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Watercolor Society and in 2018, as the organization’s president, he brought over 600 artists to Sarasota for a Statewide Exhibition, Convention and Trade Show. He has served on many boards of art organizations while continuing to paint in his home art studio in downtown Sarasota. Locally, his works are currently represented at Malbi Decor at 127 S Pineapple Ave. The vibrant arts scene here is what attracted Jerome to our area. He currently works for Discover Sarasota Tours as a guide to the public art and private art collections in the city. His paintings of local historic buildings and cards are sold there. During evenings, he leads art gallery crawls sharing his knowledge of city art while cruising to different art galleries.

Jerome also teaches painting and conducts workshops throughout Florida and at the internationally renowned Chautauqua Institution in New York state, where he summers. He continues to be involved with their programs at the Visual Arts Center where he served on the Advisory Board.

With the present slow down and closing of city events due to Covid-19, it’s giving Jerome time to learn more about the city’s historical background in art, paint, and connect with artist friends via phone or Zoom.

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Beach reads

Out of His League

By Gerry Coleman | Illustration by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette “Love is a zero-sum game. Pretty much.”

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– Billy Olsen

hen Billy Olsen first saw her, he behaved oddly, like a Cubist painting tumbling down a staircase.

It was Tuesday evening and it was The Parrot on Ninety-First Street off Fifth. Its sole décor statement was a stuffed parrot in a cage hanging in cigarette smoke from the ceiling. This was not the place to take a date nor find a snug corner to brood in—too much light, too loud, substandard bar food, and flat pitchers of beer. It was a hangout to waste a few hours and punch in another day toward the weekend.

People hung out with friends, some pushed tables together.

Modern 60s-70s folksy pop music was on the juke box. Simon and Garfunkel, Dylan, The Doors. Weekday nights were about nothing—talk, listen to the music, leave early, get up for school or work in the morning.

He looked at her through a three-ringed pretzel as she sat with her girlfriends at a table on the other end of the room. She was pretty and on the quiet side. She wore a red bandito-looking serape fringed at the ends that she fiddled with. Her chestnut brown eyes were highlighted by coral shadows of teal and cobalt blue under black penciled eyebrows. She was perfect. Maybe a little too.

A cloud lid hung overhead the Mid-Atlantic states like a beaten tin ceiling: no stars, no snow, no wind. The clouds hovered for three days or moved from west to east in pace with the spinning planet, as if the earth were preparing for the monster Blizzard of 82

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1967 that hit Brooklyn early Tuesday afternoon. It raged outside.

They were inside.

Outside, the neighborhood was losing a bout of gentrification to pseudo-sophisticated eateries and woody pubs operating along the avenues with gas fireplaces named after romantic, mystical things or places—The Salmon of Truth, The Silver Apple of The Moon, Where The Water Lilies Grow. The old beer-and-ball gin mills on the side streets, known by family names like Kelly’s and Mueller’s, were being sold off by grandchildren and banks in receivership to real estate companies. The longstanding familyrun Italiano joints—offering great food for a couple of bucks and authentic, poorly painted murals of villages under mountain cliffs on the lapping Mediterranean—were likewise being replaced by expensive Northern Italian affairs with valet parking, frozen butter patties in cardboard squares, and tiny porcelain spoons for the Parmigiano in white cups with lids. The Villa Bellini had a dwarf dressed like a gentleman on a gin bottle to greet customers at the door. The Parrot stuck to the working class, backstreet tradition—for the upwardly mobile young singles and college crowd.

Billy went to The Parrot’s only window to cover a better eyeful of the girl.

The sill was a death destination for leafy, formerly flying insects to pile up prior to the weekly sweep-up. He held the blinds back with his head and turned red next to the Rheingold Extra Dry sign. After staring at her too long, he made a porthole with the heel of his palm in the condensation and squinted through the aperture into the unnatural neon redness. Billy looked through a life-sized reflection of his eye, which appeared outside in the blizzard, and imagined pigeons puffed along the cliff ledges of the apartments above the avenue, as snow curled around and into

Beach reads their hidden crevices and rims. The headlights of a black sedan doing 8 mph down the middle of the street made the snow whiter, fall thicker, more severely angled in front of it. Its ice-thickened windshield wipers thumped to the ghost-wagon jangle of snow chains long after the car disappeared into the storm.

His friends, Eddie and Kevin, presented their glasses like nestlings when he brought back the second pitcher from the bar. Billy’s mind was not his own.

the desert sands. But, suppose, just before he kissed her, the girl nudged forward a little teddy bear tongue from between her lips, ever so slightly. What pimples? Suppose she lifted her shoulder tips and tilted her face to await Billy’s first embrace. He was glad to accommodate to the inconvenience of the blemishes and the flaking make-up if the girl was that nice. Being in his league was a series of compromises and offsetting compensations, but he was hardly perfect. The girls on the receiving end did the same assets-to-liabilities assessments. His hair was thinning at twentyone. He frequently suffered cognitive fogginess and was prone to dark maroon to childishly impish mood swings.

One Tuesday night, while Eddie explained how his Army Reserve meeting went, Billy checked her out through a pretzel ring to see what she was wearing, when she appeared in the middle of a loop looking at him. He made “Hi” with his lips. She made

He considered the salt pieces on the pretzel while looking at the girl again. Janis Joplin was complaining about something in the background—Awah Awah Awah—while his friends discussed how the Yankees sucked. Each salt crystal was a tiny, white marbled geometric fragment that glowed dully from inside when angled in the artificial light. He wondered how it was done—getting the salt on the pretzel distributed evenly across the circumference of the rings. It was as though little workers attached each crystal “Hi” back. He smiled. She looked away. separately. Intertwined, salted infinity loops tied in a bow.

When he least expected it, he was in front of her. She was alone He conceded the Yanks were not good. at her table. Perhaps that was why he got up.

Kevin poured salt into the pitcher to give the impression of “Hi. Sorry for spying at you through the pretzel. Your outfit is very carbonation. Outside the volume and intensity of snow and gale nice. What is it, a poncho?” had flattened the high features of the earth and houses over

Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and Canarsie into Coney Island. The “I guess it’s a poncho. Or a wrap, perhaps.” pulsebeat of the Belt Parkway along the curve of the shoreline

clotted to a near halt.

“Sorry, I’m Billy Olsen.” He offered his hand.

The girl and her friends came back every Tuesday night, always Her left hand offered from under the wrap. “Hello Billy Olsen.” sitting at the same seats at the same table. She listened patiently, She was Gabriella. attending to her girlfriends—her smile fixed during humorous stories or frowning throughout if sad. When she spoke, her They talked about ponchos and wraps and sun colors, things comments were introduced by disclaimers and facial modifiers Billy knew nothing about. When her girlfriends came back, he she titled into: returned to his table. Before he left for the night, he looked for

her through a pretzel to say “Bye,” but she was gone.

“I don’t know, perhaps….”

Next Wednesday, taking the great circle route to the bar with “I guess, I think….” noticeable nonchalance by her table, he said, “Hey, Gabriella.

Nice cape, I think?”

Billy found that sweet. She had an extra tooth in front of her

incisors that picked up smudges of bright red or pink lipstick. She “A cape. Maybe a blanket.” felt out of place. Perhaps she was out of place. Sometimes she

would rustle for a moment, then reconnect with her friends. But “I believe it’s a cape.” the quality that leaped out, that was beyond interpretation—she

was in a fashion universe of her own. One week it was a roaring “Could be.” twenties flapper dress with a long stole around her shoulders

and a pulled down Gatsby hat on her head; the next she would It was a blanket, Lakota in design. A star quilt with reds, yellows, arrive in a bright, curtainy Indian sari. Diaphanous like see-through oranges clipped with a clasp to hold it together with her head clouds. The Parrot was filled with people in jeans and t-shirts or in the middle. sweaters, while she tried out her imitation Tang Dynasty retro with flowing dragon sleeves for the first cool, breezy Wednesday night Taking Bill’s lead, the guys carried their chairs to encamp at the of autumn. girls’ table in a coordinated, peaceful occupation. They mostly

had girlfriends, but it was not that kind of move. The Parrot was She was out of his league. not that kind of place. The Parrot wasn’t particularly any kind

of place. Random conversation sparked—people knew other It was important to be in his league. Shoot too high, he was looking people who knew someone else. This and that. Billy kept an for trouble down the road. Go low, he already lost. He was more eye on Gabriella, even though she was out of his league, even comfortable when his dates and he were comfortable, in the though he didn’t expect a promotion any time soon. same league. He had dates with girls with acne, for example, who

applied foundation make-ups that would not necessarily match Kevin lit a joint. Teddy and Sal were behind the bar. They were their natural facial coloration. By the time they were back at the cool. Kev was cool. He took a toke and backhanded it waist high girl’s door at end of the evening, her face would be cracked like AUGUST 2020 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Beach reads under the table to the girl to his left. The joint passed cupped by giver to receiver to preserve the flame around the table. It was accepted to gift to the next, some declined—no offense— passing it on by the wettened tip. Others made it glow red in the grottoes of their palms. Peace be with you. When it came to Billy he took a draw, hoping not to fall into a coughing fit, which he did. Gabriella’s left hand came from under her Lakota blanket to rescue it into a lingering pull passed her brilliant red lips and extra teeth into her lungs which she held.

rain whipped into his face. How he knew Crane’s poems by heart.

They were short and there weren’t many, and he recited several standing over what was left of Crane under the ground. How one was about leaping to his death into the limitless universe in the white arms of his love, if the fall was a long, long way. Billy Olsen was thinking of her, was what he was trying to project.

Kevin drove some of them home in his father’s 1960 Studebaker Lark. Billy Olsen and Gabriella were piled in the backseat with a girlfriend in between. He tried to make contact, but Gabriella was happy enough to be the center of his attention from a safe distance. John Lennon and The Plastic Ono Band joined them on Fourth Avenue jacked loud by Kevin, who swayed with the wheel and they all sang and weaved together like the moon, the sun, and the stars along Marine Avenue onto Ninety-Seventh Street.

The Verrazzano Bridge’s red warning lights blinked in the sea fog leading cars and trucks over the black waters of The Narrows in and out of The City and into the dark toward America.

Her sketched eyeline pushed mysteriously into her forehead and her hair sparkled down his arm like a living thing in the blur of the passing buildings, the bridge, and the empty streets, in the heavy musk of the car, and the promise of everlasting life. He wanted to live reflected in her brown eyes, bury his face in the unwinding curls and starling tints of black and copper of her hair.

Billy Olsen looked into Gabriella’s face from the vantage of her girlfriend’s lap, who continued to shine on and on and on while he bombarded Gabriella with battalions of photons emanating from his eyes, which he was unaware did not work that way, but so it felt to him, and so it felt to her. His eyes were bland blue, like the Brooklyn night sky above the streetlights.

Kevin pulled up to an apartment building, turned to the backseat, his arm incidentally dropping over the shoulder of the girl in the front seat. “Here we are. Out you go.”

And out they were on the sidewalk. Billy had a long hike home. He had a brief chat with Gabriella, while her girlfriend fled shivering into their apartment building.

He leaned through Gabriella’s girlfriend, who parted to allow them to be next to each other.

“Tell me a story about you,” he whispered. Billy Olsen had waited long enough. “You could make it up and I promise to believe you.”

“Maybe see you next week?” he asked.

“I don’t have a story about me. At least I can’t think of one,” she said as if she had been asked the question many times before.

The apartment door was ajar when they got to her floor. Music came from her girlfriend’s room. They were alone on the sofa.

Her hair hung down around her face. He touched the clasp of her Lakota blanket, which opened to reveal a red blouse. Very nice. Her right arm was willowy and handless, like the bud of an un-blossomed flower. Gabriella touched Billy’s cheek.

“I can’t think of a story either,” he said.

Which was a lie, so he told her how last year he went to Newark to visit Stephen Crane’s grave. His arm was as close as he dared on the back of the seat over her shoulder. He told her how the

“Just me and Crane. The rain turned to snow crusting my head and shoulders and Crane’s grave white,” he said.

Billy winced with joy as they looked out the window as Brooklyn flew by. Four cauldrons of sewer gas rose miasmically at each intersection.

She suggested come up stairs with her eyes without realizing.

When they were alone in the elevator, there was no worrying about what would happen. They were calm, very calm.

She had beautiful eyes.

about the author Gerry Coleman Gerry Coleman was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He taught writing for almost forty years at Union County College in Cranford, New Jersey. Since retiring to Oldsmar, Florida seven years ago, he helps organize writing workshops at WordSmitten Media in St. Petersburg and is working on a collection of short fiction set in Vietnam era Brooklyn.

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arts&culture

LITERARY Scene

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

ENJOY THIS MONTH’S ECLECTIC SELECTIONS!

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS: HOW A SELFISH APE INVENTED A NEW MORAL CODE

BY MICHAEL E. MCCULLOUGH

Considering the challenging times we find ourselves in, this title called out to me. Indeed, the idea of the good Samaritan is tackled in these pages. It might seem strange, but the good Samaritan concept wasn’t always something worthy of applause and admiration, explains Michael E. McCullough, a professor of psychology at the University of California, San Diego.

Prior to reading this book, I hadn’t deeply contemplated the history of humans’ concern for the well-being of perfect strangers, but as the author notes, there is no analog for this behavior in the animal kingdom. And until 1500 or so, people assumed poverty was “just another of life’s unpleasant inevitabilities.” What happened then is what has happened since—our species has run across crisis after crisis, and we realized the only way to survive was to alter our behavior. So, we did.

In short, McCullough argues, we created an evolved moral sense via taking a reasoned approach. We decided that there’s not that much difference between our close relatives and strangers, and that meant someday strangers can help us if we are kind to them first. The “secret” ingredient here is reason. It’s why we rush to donate blood when there’s a disaster, and it’s why most industrialized nations commit 20% or more of their funding to social programs. We KNOW it’s the right thing to do.

For those who feel anxiety about one or more of the great challenges we face today—climate change, nationalism, mass migration, and more—this book offers ideas on how we might adapt our moral thinking to survive and thrive. And it wisely avoids lapsing into sentimentality or glibness along the way.

The Kindness of Strangers contains big ideas, but McCullough presents them in understandable ways with helpful anecdotes and well-explained theory.

Some might find his ideas controversial, but the book is well-worth reading.

RYAN’S RATING:

THE SCAM LIST

BY KURT DINAN

I’m a fan of TV “feel-good crime” shows like Leverage, and that’s what Kurt Dinan’s young adult book reminds me of. Enter the unreliable narrator, Boone McReedy. Shady. Narcissistic. And a kid, too. The goal? With the help of his fiery ex-girlfriend, Darby West, pull off enough cons to cover the $15,000 scammed from his mom’s business… that was his fault.

Yes, he’s a kid con artist, but Dinan works hard to make him likable despite his flaws. He’s got a dad in jail—reader sympathy there for sure! He’s got the fast-talking gift of gab—fun! And when it comes to cons, Boone’s only conning those who deserve it, Robin Hood style.

LOCAL.PSY.MIAMI.EDU/FACULTY/MMCCULLOUGH/

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I enjoyed this book a good bit. It moved fast, the cons were fun, the humor was there without being overdone, and Boone had a complexity that was unexpected.

So, read it. You’ll enjoy it. As Boone himself says it: “You have my word. Would I lie to you?”

(Visit the author’s website to get The Con Artist Dates: The Prequel Stories to THE SCAM LIST for free by signing up for a newsletter, if you want!)

RYAN’S RATING: WWW.KURT-DINAN.COM

A THOUSAND NO’S

BY DJ CORCHIN, ILLUSTRATED BY DAN DOUGHERTY

DJ Corchin’s picture book, A Thousand No’s, aspires to empower young readers and help them overcome rejection.

The story follows an unnamed, ponytailed girl—who curiously has no nose!—who has an idea. We never know quite what it is, but it’s represented as a glowing ball of light. Time after time, this idea gets rejected by others. But she perseveres, and that good idea transforms into a great idea. And we all can guess what’ll happen to her once she’s got a great idea on her hands!

The art is simple and has a sparse, comic feel to it. The language is lean. At 40 pages, the book is a fast read, which helps keep readers focused on the messaging. In short, it’s easy to see why this story would be popular with parents and educators, as well as people in marketing and sales.

Two things to note.

One—this book was originally published a couple of years ago. The author’s website states that publisher Sourcebooks has acquired the rights to his entire published library, which is why it’s now being reissued. Having never seen the original, all of my comments are regarding the new version, which releases in August 2020.

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Two—As much as I support the fundamental message of the book, the plural of “No” is not “No’s.” Merriam Webster, the Oxford English Dictionary, and numerous other sources all explain that the correct plural is “noes” or “nos.” This might not bug you, but it stops me cold, grammatically speaking.

Regardless, this book plays with color in an interesting way—watch for the end! And fans of Kobi Yamada, Peter H. Reynolds, and Etan Boritzer might well appreciate the metaphorical success story that is A Thousand No’s.

RYAN’S RATING: WWW.DJCORCHIN.COM

InHEALTH PROACTIVE IN-HOME CARE ENHANCES ABILITY TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY

By Nicci Kobritz, R.N.

A modern, proactive approach to in-home care is allowing older adults to live more independently with a greater ability to enjoy their dayto-day lives. This Progressive Model of in-home care relies on a comprehensive approach that provides the time and attention to implement a highly personalized care plan with an added emphasis on brain health, which is the foundation for overall wellbeing.

Chronic, silent inflammation is a significant factor in cognitive decline and a host of other conditions including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, insulin resistance and inflammatory bowel disease. To combat this unhealthy condition, we recommend clients follow a Mediterranean diet emphasizing foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as inflammation-fighting fruits and vegetables.

An appropriate level of exercise also is a key component for brain health. Routine exercise improves strength and balance, but also increases circulation, which carries vitalizing oxygen to support every part of the body.

Sadly, the statistics on aging show two out of three adults will become physically and cognitively impaired in a lifetime. Half of those over 85 will develop Alzheimer’s disease, and progressive memory loss means loss of independent living. Many clients come to us for home care because they are experiencing the physical and mental limitations that are related to memory loss.

Emphasizing cognitive health places improved wellness within the reach of many who fear that is not possible for them.

In addition to helping clients build their capacity to manage the aging process more proactively, Youthful Aging provides a continuum of in-home care. Companion caregivers help with daily needs such as shopping and meal preparation, light housekeeping, pet care and personal assistant services. Certified nursing assistants and home health aides assist with personal care including bathing, dressing and monitoring chronic conditions.

Our nurse assists with clients’ aging-in-place programs by providing consultative care management, assistance with doctors appointments and ensuring care is coordinated among all providers. Communicating with designated family members and continuity of care are priorities whether clients need assistance an hour a day or around-the-clock live-in assistance.

Youthful Aging Home Care offers the Progressive Model of in-home care to help clients who want added support through the aging process. This model provides tools that give them the chance to live their best lives independently as long as possible. We have so much more hope for improvement today as scientific research is rapidly advancing our knowledge about how supporting brain health impacts physical capabilities.

Our nurses and caregivers work with clients who want to implement beneficial changes. An individualized wellness program is developed that focuses on modifiable risk factors for cognitive and physical decline.

Any unstable chronic conditions that are a factor in cognitive decline are addressed first, and preventive screenings are done for other factors that impact brain health. These include sleep apnea, depression, stress, memory, and vision or hearing impairment. Nutritional deficiencies also are assessed.

Our goal is always to foster independence for our clients and to help them make progress along the wellness continuum. We help clients implement positive changes that they maintain with encouragement from their caregivers until these changes become a natural part of their routine. It is incredibly satisfying to see the results they are able to achieve and how their progress motivates them to achieve even more.

Nicci Kobritz, R.N. Nurse Practitioner Youthful Aging Home Care 5602 Marquesas Circle, Suite 105, Sarasota, FL 34233 941.925.9532 | youthfulaginghomecare.com

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InHEALTH KETAMINE FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT

By Steven Reichbach, MD

In the U.S. over 100 million people reportedly suffer from some form of chronic pain. Most people can relate to having experienced physi­cal pain in their lifetimes, but to have to live with that pain on a daily basis can become intolerable. Neuropathic pain syndromes are the root cause of many individuals’ chronic discomfort. Neuro­pathic pain syndromes are related to disorders like diabetes, fibromyalgia, CRPS, Lyme disease and migraines to name a few.

The most common treatment for neuropathy is to mask it with narcotic prescription pain medica­tions. Narcotics like opioids are highly addictive, and our state is currently leading the country in abusing the drug and overdose episodes.

The CDC reports that nearly half of all opioid-related deaths are due to the narcotic being prescribed for pain­ related circumstances.

Pain medications have adverse side effects and also, in many cases, show signs of cognitive decline in long-term use. The other issue with standard pain medication is that they, more often than not, become ineffective and are unable to mask the pain signals. This is called treatment resistance.

Opioids fool the body by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, spine and other areas of the body. They DON’T treat the health condition; they merely mask the pain by disrupting the signals to the brain. Opioids are one of the most highly addictive classes of drugs available.

ONE OF THE MOST PROMISING ALTERNATIVE METHODS IS KETAMINE IV THERAPY. How does Ketamine Work?

Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist. Through this mechanism, it is able to modulate the neurotransmitter glutamate. This in turn leads to a cascade of events which can allow for “hardwire” changes in the brain which may result in lifting of depression, reductions in anxiety as well as improvements in other mood disorders. It also allows for a “resetting” of the pathways responsible for Central pain, which is a large component of chronic pain in many patients.

A recent study conducted at Thomas Jefferson Uni­versity Hospital involved 61 patients with intrac­table migraines.

Of the 61 patients in the study, 75% showed a decrease in the intensity of their headaches after receiving low dose IV 88

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Ketamine infusions over five days. On a scale of 0 to 10 (10 being the highest), the self-reported pain score from patients was on average 7.5 before the initia­tion of the study and 3.4 at the conclusion of the IV Ketamine infusions.

IV Ketamine is currently used to help treat neuro­pathic pain syndromes such as CRPS, fibromyal­gia, trigeminal neuralgia, migraines, and herpetic neuralgias. There is a growing body of evidence to support that it may have long-term effects for pain relief.

In recent FDA and other professional associated studies, patient results with ketamine show: • Reduced pain • Decreased depression • Diminished suicidal thoughts and episodes • Rapid ability to reverse depression and its symptoms How is Ketamine Administered?

In our office, Ketamine is administered intravenously.

The initial series of infusions are completed over a one week period for pain and over a two week period for mental health and mood disorders.

Ketamine IV therapy impacts pain relief, mood, and anxiety and can result in positive treatment outcomes for the following disorders: • Severe or Chronic Depression • Chronic Pain • Bipolar Disorder • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Post-Partum Depression (PPD) • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Produces Rapid Onset of Neural Connections With our ongoing drug-related epidemic, ketamine therapy can reduce the risk of opioids, benzodiaz­epines, and other narcotic addictions. Physicians are often overprescribing these types of highly addictive drugs to help minimize or mask patient’s chronic pain, depression or other ailments. With Ketamine therapy, the treatment is safe, non-habit forming and highly effective.

Steven Reichbach, MD Board-Certified Anesthe­siologist Gulf Coast Ketamine Center 2415 University Parkway, Building #3, Suite 215 941.213.4444 | www.findpainrelief.com.

arts&culture

Laughing MATTERS THE ONE ABOUT ZOOM

By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Illustrations by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

T

he rumors are true: I’m Zoomed out. Totally so.

The only reason I hop onto Zoom meetings these days with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors is this—I’m still somewhat tickled by the human drama that seems to be exacerbated by the new virtual venue. A few of my fave examples are: • The guy whose vociferous Trump-related rant is lost thanks to the apparently insurmountable challenge of the mute button he’s still unable to master. Pro or against? Who’s to say, silent as he is?

• The woman who leaves her camera on in a webinar while doing 15 minutes of calisthenics on a mini-trampoline.

• The person who eats two bowls of cornflakes while “paying attention.”

• The dude with the suspiciously perfect room behind him, where the museum-quality nature feels overly theatrical.

After suffering through a few months of Zoom-related activities like these, I’ve come to realize that our current language isn’t yet fully able to articulate all I’m witnessing. To that end, I’ve decided to help us out by coining a few new terms so we can better appreciate what’s going on in the Age of Zoom: Zoomdread (verb) To anticipate with great apprehension or fear the dismal wasting of a large chunk of time in a Zoom meeting.

Zoom Screamer (adjective) A person in a Zoom meeting who fully understands and appreciates that he (or she!) who is the loudest gets to speak, so they attack moments of silence with verbal shock-and-awe to ensure they get their point across… at 100+ decibels.

Zoom Face (noun) (1) The awkward expression people have in those few moments between saying goodbye and figuring out how to exit the virtual meeting. (2) The asleep-while-awake expression people have in Zoom meetings when they’ve got a second window up and are playing Call of Duty, checking email, or shopping for sassy flats at Zappos.

Zoomscaper (noun) A person who always has a new silly background in every Zoom chat that they’re waiting for everyone to notice and remark on.

Zoom Ego (noun) One’s virtual self-worth in a Zoom environment, which can take a real beating when things don’t go as planned (see Zoomscaper and Zoom Face, above).

The Off-Target Zoomer (noun) Someone who can’t figure out the art of getting their entire face in the frame, so they attend meeting after meeting via forehead or torso.

Now, I’m being completely serious here. Our forced entry into the world of Zoom has a few benefits—I admit it. For one thing,

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do we now have enough evidence that every work-related meeting should be capped at 27 minutes? And do we now appreciate the vital distinction between “awkward silence” and “awkward Zoom-room silence”?

But just in case I’m being overly biased, I’ve reached out to an impartial outsider. Via Zoom, of course. My buddy, “Bob,” has been attending “work sessions” via Zoom for three months without fail, so he’s pretty much the next best thing to a Zoom expert.

After much debate and discussion (read this as “freezedried ice cream—for or against?, and how obvious is it that Carole Baskin whacked her first husband?”), we determined the following to be The Five Noble Zoom Truths of 2020.

Noble Truth #1: The Zoom equivalent to reply-all is not muting your mic.

Noble Truth #2: It’s hilarious the first time only that a kid in a Zoom class says, “Man, this show is boring.” (bonus points for picking up a TV remote and trying to change the channel.)

Noble Truth #3: We should all just agree to look like crap on Zoom calls—please don’t be that one person who gets all spruced up and makes the rest of us look like total degenerates.

Noble Truth #4: It’s disconcerting when you stop to think that someone in your Zoom session can be creepy-staring at you the whole time…and you’d never know.

Noble Truth #5: As Seth Rogen says, the best Zoom meeting look is “lace up from the waist up.”

With that, I’ve gotta run. I’ve got a Zoom meeting in an hour, and I need to change into my business pajamas.

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For those of you who read these little final send-off notes, kudos, wow, and yahoo to you. But instead of peppering off a few parting shots as I normally do, I’m instead offering an opportunity to have your own fifteen seconds of fame and glory, Sarasota Scene style. “What do I have to do?” you’re asking. “Does it require making a financial investment?

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It’s easy. Just keep track of your own Zoom meeting disasters, foibles, and bungles over the next few weeks.

When you’ve got one that’s LOL-good, send it right here via Ryan@SarasotaScene.com. If we get anything laughtastically tremendous, we might do a future roundup piece that shares your misfortunes in amusing fashion.

Possibly anonymous. Probably not, though.

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