August 2022 by SARASOTA SCENE Magazine

Classic

scenesarasota.com

COOL GIRLS Boomer Beauty | season wrap-up

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Luxury Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay 4

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

Sarasota Bay Club gives you the freedom to create your perfect lifestyle and provides the support to live it well. At Sarasota Bay Club, we help you do things your way – from dining and entertainment to transportation and concierge services – whatever you need to live your perfect lifestyle. We are now offering private sales appointments and showings of available luxury residences. Call Mimi Nowak or Dana Moe To Schedule Your Visit: (941) 552-3284 1301 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Online at SarasotaBayClub.com

Luxury Condominiums Priced From $500,000 to Over $2 Million | AUGUST 2022

SARASOTA SCENE

contents•features

61 34

SOCIAL SEASON WRAP-UP a look back at some of

a solid foundation John and phillipa cannon By Carol Brzozowski

sarasota’s premier galas and fundraisers

CLASSIC COOL GIRLS boomer beauty tips

tidewell hospice: A COMMUNITY OF CARING By Ryan G. Van Cleave

from local notables

On the Cover

“Classic Cool Girls” Audrey Robbins, Debbie Dannheisser, Terri Klauber, Nikki Sedacca, and Elisabeth Waters pose in a 1965 Mercedes convertible by the Bayfront of College Hall on New College Campus. Photography by Jordan Kelly-Laviolette.

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

A Lifetime of Healthy Skin

Proud to be Voted Best Dermatologist 2022

contents•departments

• socialscene • 16 THE LIST August Events Calendar

24 party pics Berlin Wall Auction

70 scene snaps Boomer Prom

• insider • 26 the find Rejuvenating Products By Gina Liga

65 spotlight Legendary Ladies of St. Armands: Lorry Eible of Foxy Lady & Joy Mooney of Oh My Gauze!

• philanthropy • 30 intelligent giving Dr. William (Bill) H. Jervey & Gulf Coast Community Foundation By Lisa Codianne Fowler

• b e ac h r e a d s • 79

final masterpiece By Elise Covino

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

Celebrate Years Of Retail Success on the Circle By Sylvia Whitman

76 ed matters Building a Better Tomorrow: Harvest House’s New Life Enrichment Campus By Ryan G. Van Cleave

• a r t s + c ult ur e • 84 BEST SEATS Performing Arts Calendar

86 art scene Visual Arts Calendar

88 MEET THE ARTIST Alexander Solotzew

89 literary Scene Three New Books of Fantasy and Wonder By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE scenesarasota.com

Ready to Glow? Best Med Spa 2022

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A Luxury Aesthetic Clinic For Women and Men By Arsenault Dermatology Lakewood Ranch, FL 941.264.1161 Glowdermspa.com

f r o m t h e • publ i s h e r s I welcome my fourth grandchild (second grandson) into the world I reflect on my own beginnings. Save for 2007-08 when the population crested 300,000 million, there were more people born in 1961 than any other year. That’s part of the generation we call Baby Boomers. Hailing from Howth County Dublin, Ireland and growing up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in the ‘70s was an experience like no other, and one that made me who I am today. I discovered a love of sports like football, running track, baseball, skiing, and even a couple years of hockey. I also joined the Scouts, which included camping and several jamborees, where I was immersed in civic activities that would shape my life. The community involvement reinforced and integrated me into both my mother’s Irish Catholic upbringing and my father’s Irish Protestant heritage. I learned at a young age the value of tenacity and accommodation. Growing up, I also enjoyed an abundance of popular culture, as I’m sure we all did. From Welcome Back Kotter to Dukes of Hazard, Mary Tyler Moore, and Good Times (and who could forget Roots!), it was both a unique and evolutionary time for TV. We got glimpses into the future, with the Space Invaders video game, the Walkman, VCRs, and Floppy Disks (remember those?). We became much more aware of global events and the constant changes in our environment. The changes that were initiated by the first ten years of Boomers was our reality. In many respects our innocence became our awakening. An interesting tidbit I can’t help but mention is the separation of two real ends of the Boomer spectrum. “Early Boomers” (born before 1955) were teens in the ‘60s. Many of them had stay-at-home moms, everyone was getting color TVs, and families looked forward to taking annual vacations. They entered the work force in a booming economy and now that they occupy key positions in government and cultural organizations, they (generally speaking) don’t want to exit. “Generation Jones” (born between 1955 and 1964), were teens in the ‘70s. We saw a chocolate bar go from 10 cents to a dollar overnight. Generally, both parents were working, and we spent much time independently, practically caring for ourselves. When we entered the workforce, the economy was shaky. When we bought our first house, we paid between 12%–18% interest on our mortgage loans, and our children were crammed into portables at school. I must acknowledge that the front of the cohort was inspired by the changing role of women, the new economic landscape, and the rise of a counterculture that would impact the world. Change was the constant in the culture they shaped.

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com

Artistry. Passion. Perfection. For over 30 years, John Cannon has designed and built homes for families just like yours throughout Florida’s west coast. When you choose John Cannon Homes, you are selecting an award-winning team with the single goal of creating your home just as you envisioned. Build a home that’s customized for you, your family and your lifestyle. Build with John Cannon Homes. Call 941 361.1300 for your private tour of our Corporate Offices and Design Center today. www.johncannonhomes.com

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Being a Jones has had its challenges, but also its perks. Much of my graduating class started their own businesses, either right after university or within a few years of taking their first job. We learned to keep our heads down and work hard, dress for the job we wanted or the business we coveted. The fierce, competitive nature of the ‘80s has stayed with us. We were constantly trying to “keep up with the Joneses.” This country has a wonderful entrepreneurial spirit, unlike anywhere else in the world, and the Jones generation has taken it to a whole new level. Realizing my dream of being a business owner in such a wonderful community has been special. With more than 25 years in the corporate world and many geographical moves, I could not ask for a better place to live. In this issue of Sarasota Scene, we celebrate what it is to be a Boomer. Classic Cool Girls features five “Boomer beauties” who not only look great but are beautiful people making wonderful contributions in our community. They are just a few of the myriad of people in this town who represent the good of our generation by supporting the arts, the environment, children’s issues, health, senior living, and much more. They also shine brightly at many of our events, as you’ll see in our 2021/2022 Social Season Wrap-Up later in this issue. We also proudly feature several other Boomer business-owners, such as power couple John and Phillipa Cannon of John Cannon Homes, Lorry Eible of Foxy Lady (who will be celebrating her 50th business anniversary this October), and Joy Mooney, celebrating more than 30 years at the helm of Oh My Gauze. We invited local Boomers to dig out those old photos and reminisce with us in our bi-monthly Scene Snaps department. Please enjoy the prom and glam photos they shared – big sleeves, bell bottoms, and all! I’ve even joined the fun and included my own prom with this letter. Yes, as Boomers we’ve experienced much change and social realignment (making recent events somewhat familiar). It’s what has made us continually strong and tenacious—but mostly, appreciative of what we have. Embrace and celebrate the Scene you’re in, it will likely be a different Scene tomorrow.

Schedule your FREE consultation today! 941-284-9220 • www.southshorekitchenandbath.com 1333 N Washington Blvd, Unit D Sarasota, FL 34236 12

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H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com

Bringing a global perspective to local properties.

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MICHAELSAUNDERS.COM | 888.552.5228 Licensed Real Estate Broker

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E MAGAZ

65 YEARS

DED 19

Vol. 65 No. 8

Publisher/Executive Editor H John Knowles Strategic Partnerships Julie A. Milton Executive Creative Director Darcy Kelly–Laviolette Digital Media & Editorial Content Coordinator Gina Liga Distribution Mike Straffin Accounting Sally A. Bailey Advertising Enquiries Paul McNamara Call/Text 917.751.6506 | paul@scenesarasota.com

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.

Sharon Castellano Call/Text 203.984.7577 | sharon@scenesarasota.com Contributing Writers Ryan G. Van Cleave Sylvia Whitman Carol Brzozowski Lisa Codianne Fowler Copy Editing Liz Nickson Contributing & Social Photographer Nancy Guth Contributing Photographer Cliff Roles

1834 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | Fax: 941.954.5067 | scenesarasota.com Subscribe at scenesarasota.com/magazine/shop

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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• socialscene •

AUG 2022 EVENTS CALENDAR

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

3-7

FLORIDA STATE DANCE PORT CHAMPIONSHIP Every day and night are filled with dancers from all over the world competing in different divisions and styles. Additional events include seminars with former Dance Sport legends, gourmet dinners, general dancing and awards ceremony. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | flstatedance.com

SUMMER MOVIE SERIES Explore the new Waterside Place while watching a free, outdoor, family-friendly movie this summer. Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch | lakewoodranch.com/connect/events

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Write a letter to be shared with close relatives and friends, recalling special moments and including significant reflections. Suggest to your family members that you have a conversation — or more than one — with them so that you can exchange memories of your lives with them and give them an opportunity to ask questions of you. These conversations can be so helpful in easing the pain of passing and preserving the images of those happier times. The compassion that you have for your loved ones and their dedication to you can be perpetuated through the pre-planning process. Pre-planning can relieve so much of the stress on you and those closest to you — not only emotionally but financially as well. And the family at Toale Brothers is available, whenever the need arises, to assist with that process. Their experts listen to your thoughts and answer your questions while balancing your needs with the needs of your loved ones. Their professional and thoughtful advice will be available to you whenever you need their support. That is their promise.

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Proudly serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice since 1912. AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

• socialscene •

5 LWR MAIN STREET MUSIC ON MAIN PARTY Enjoy a free concert and block party every first Friday! Event includes food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, family activities and more. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a short leash. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Lakewood Ranch Main Street | lakewoodranch.com/ connect/events

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

TIKI FEST 2022 Tiki-themed live music, dance, specialty vendors, family-friendly activities (juggling acts, magic show, festival glitter/tattoos artists), shopping, dining and more. Free entrance and free parking available. Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda | fishermensvillage.com/events

6-8 ANNA MARIA ISLAND PRIVATEERS RETURN TO TORTUGA Help the Privateers with their “Kids and Community” mission. Events

include the bilge rat derby, invasion kick-off party, island pub crawl, scavenger hunt, breakfast with the pirates and an evening cruise around the island. Margaritaville Hotel, Anna Maria | amiprivateers.org

6-8 SPORTS COLLECTORS SHOW Dealers will be buying and selling sports cards and memorabilia from the 19th century to present. Over 100 dealer tables. On-the-spot free appraisals for your pre 1975 materials. Manatee County Fairgrounds | manateecountyfair.com

• socialscene •

FASHION ISN’T BLACK & WHITE. Find your perfect pair at Moon & Company Eyewear.

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THANKS TO YOU... 8 FST’S “OFF THE CHARTS” On select Saturdays and Sundays, Journey with FST from the jukebox to the iPod as they celebrate the universal language of music through free public performances at community locations across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. With more than a dozen chart-topping songs from the past eight decades. Gulf Gate Library | floridastudiotheatre.org

The Exchange has been a proud supporter of the arts of our community since 1962.

Find your joy Sarasota’s #1 consignment shop  The joy of shopping  The joy of giving  The joy of recycling  The joy of supporting students and the arts in our community

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This purchase helped support 23 Art Organizations & 22 Students during fiscal year 2019-2020 539 S. ORANGE | 941-955-7859 | OPEN MON-FRI 9-4 & SAT 10-4 | www.sarasotawex.com AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

• socialscene •

481 GOUR.MET Elegant Global Dining Join us for Brunch Sundays • 11AM–3:30PM

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8 ART & BACKSTAGE TOUR AT THE VAN WEZEL The tour features paintings and sculptures from Art Advocates’ Sarasota Artist Colony collection as well as several noted Florida artists. The experience also includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Van Wezel. Guests will go backstage and see the dressing rooms, green room, stage and more. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | vanwezel.org

10 POETRY BOOK CLUB: THE HURTING KIND BY ADA LIMÓN Sign up for Sarasota’s premier book club and participate in discussions pertaining to the works of several authors at meetings led by Doug Knowlton. Bookstore 1 | sarasotabooks.com

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SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

• socialscene •

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11 DREAMERS AND DOERS SPEAKER SERIES: RECIPE FOR SUCCESS WITH MICHAEL KLAUBER Meet local restauranteur and business leader Michael Klauber, Co-Owner of Michael’s On East, Michael’s Catering and Michael’s Wine Cellar, Founder of Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, Co-Founder of Sarasota Manatee Originals and 50 year resident of Sarasota. Learn the secret of his success while having an open discussion alongside peers and professionals. The Bay Park | dreamlarge.org/dreamers

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• socialscene •

FRIDAY FEST Friday Fest brings together a wide variety of talented artists along with food trucks and drink stations. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the music. Van Wezel Lawn | vanwezel.org/ boxoffice

LASER LIGHT NIGHTS AT THE BISHOP Don’t miss the last show of the summer featuring Elton John, Queen, Journey, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and more. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature | bishopscience.com

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Meet your friends and family beneath the event tent on the Circle for a night of free music by former American Idol finalist Jonathan Cortez. Stop by any one of the Circle’s restaurants for dinner and stroll the shops afterwards. St. Armands Circle | starmandscircleassoc.com

NBP REC DAYS! This is a great way to get on the water and have some family fun. Participants have the opportunity to try stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and more. Nathan Benderson Park | nathanbendersonpark.org

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

18 UTC NIGHT MARKET Sip, shop, and stroll during this monthly outdoor night market featuring live music and a great mix of local farmers and artisans selling handmade goods, jewelry, art and gifts. West District, UTC | utcsarasota.com

19-21 GEM, JEWELRY AND BEAD SHOW Come browse the collections of dealers from around the country selling gems, jewelry, beads, crystals and more. The Bay Kayak & Paddle Launch | rideandpaddle.com

• socialscene •

4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941.260.8905 www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

23-27 SARASOTA SLAM Sarasota’s annual fishing tournament includes billfish, offshore, inshore and junior angler divisions. Following the weigh-in there will be dock-side BBQ and awards ceremony. Marina Jack’s | marinajacks.com

24 AUGUST LUNCH & LEARN WITH CONSERVATION FOUNDATION Join the CFGC for an in-depth look at the role we play in protecting the places that make a difference in our community. Bay Preserve at Osprey | conservationfoundation.com

AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

• socialscene •

partypics HISTORIC ART OF THE BERLIN WALL AUCTION On July 7, The Berlin Wall Art Museum conducted an auction of its Autograph Collection at the Art Ovation Hotel. The oneof-a-kind pieces of art being auctioned were created on authentic concrete slabs that were part of the Berlin Wall that divided Germany during the Soviet regime over Eastern Europe. Preserved when the Berlin Wall was demolished in 1989, these unique pieces of history remain to remind us of our past and preserve hope for a peaceful future. Alexander Solotzew, a German artist who spent time painting on the Berlin Wall in protest against the Soviet regime, was one of the artists featured in this collection. Alexander was a civil rights activist fighting on the front line for the freedom of speech and expression, who later was expelled from East Germany to the West. Later, Solotzew was recognized as an Honored Artist of East Germany and his name was inscribed in the Golden Book for his courageous efforts. Partial proceeds from the Original Berlin Art wall slabs that were sold benefitted St. John’s Children’s hospital. Photos by Berlin Wall Art.

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

Marina Solozew, Angus Rogers & Alexander Solotzew

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• p h i la n t h r o p y •

Giving

intelligent • Dr. William (Bill) H. Jervey •

By Lisa Codianne Fowler | Photos by Nancy Guth

It’s not often that a man retires at the age of 37 and becomes a millionaire within a year, much less proceeds to shower an entire community with blessings. Philanthropist Bill Jervey, inspired by “his hero” Andrew Carnegie, acquired his means from studying the stock market. Once an esteemed college professor, he turned to the market and was wildly successful. From there, he has been making magnanimous contributions, both before and since becoming involved with Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “I bought my first share of stock at the age of 13,” Jervey says. “In fact, it’s kind of an interesting story. It was Friday the 13th of June 1958, and I will always remember that day. That day started my journey, and I have been in the market literally every day since 1958. I have seen an awful lot of these ups and downs, so these temporary drops of magnitudes that you wouldn’t believe don’t scare me off. Patience and persistence I have found are the two biggest virtues you can have in the stock market.” Jervey was born in Washington, DC in 1944 right before the end of WWII, to parents who were both Federal civil servants. That’s when his mother became a homemaker, and his father went into the Civil Aeronautics Administration. The family lived in Virginia for 11 years 30

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

and spent many vacations in parts of Florida, including Venice. “I had a fabulous time as a seven- or eight-year-old kid playing on the beach and building sandcastles. I thought even then, I would like to eventually land in this part of Florida and had no idea that I would end up going to Hawaii first. When I was 11, my dad was offered a great job promotion to go to Honolulu, and he eagerly accepted it.” From the time Jervey was in seventh grade through college, Hawaii was home. The Library of Hawaii was his second home. “While other kids my age were surfing, I was at the library, a voracious reader, in a beautiful building that, at the time, I did not know was built by Andrew Carnegie.” There he learned that Carnegie was perhaps the first true philanthropist, who vowed to give away most of his enormous wealth while still alive. Through more than 20 philanthropic causes, he gave some $60 million to fund a system of 1,689 public libraries around the English-speaking world. That became Jervey’s life-long inspiration. Jervey had a great opportunity at the University of Hawaii. He received his bachelor’s degree in three years, and graduated with the highest-grade average in the class.

• p h i la n t h r o p y •

“The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” —Albert Einstein

Politics became his passion, and he received a fellowship at the University of Arizona. A Masters and Doctorate later, he went on to attack various public policy issues. His first job was in New Mexico at the University of New Mexico where he stayed for only a year. But New Mexico was not his destined home. “The Florida bug caught me again. I accepted a position at a nearly new university called Florida Technological University (or FTU), better known today as UCF, University of Central Florida. I was there almost from the beginning. I got there in 1970 and it held its first classes in 1968. It was quite a small campus then; little did I have an inkling that it would become one of the largest universities in the United States. I was there for 12 years in the Department of Political Science, and finally in 1982 I had to decide if I wanted to stay in academia for the rest of my life. I chose to return to the stock market, something I had been playing with since I was a 13-year-old back in Hawaii. From there, it’s all history.” “I met a lovely lady at a Christmas party, and we fell deeply in love. Even though she was a senior airline attendant, she had never been to Florida’s West Coast before. When we toured and got to Venice, she said, ‘Bill I think this is the spot.’ I hadn’t shared my childhood experience in Venice and was glad she said that. A long AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

• p h i la n t h r o p y •

these successes, which include a permanent $1 million endowment at Gulf Coast Community Foundation to support a new Venice library through the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. This new state-of-theart structure is named the William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library. “Bill Jervey is a man of great intellect, curiosity, and character,” says Mark Pritchett, President/CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “I am a better person for knowing him. Our entire team at Gulf Coast Community Foundation loves working with Bill and we are honored to be his philanthropic home. We will make sure that Bill’s impact upon our region will be felt for generations to come.”

story short, Janet and I did not work out, but I didn’t let that discourage me from making a change.” “I bought a condo right here in downtown Venice. Since 2009, I have been ‘bicoastal’ with condos in Daytona Beach Shores and Venice. As we speak, I’m on my penthouse lanai on the ninth floor overlooking most of the island of Venice where I can watch the sailboats in the Gulf of Mexico. I think this is probably my favorite room in all the world.” When Jervey moved to Venice, one of the things that most intrigued him were the historic homes that were here. He contemplated buying one of the charming homes built in the 1920s, but when he considered the work required—at his age, and as a single guy—he decided against it. But he wasn’t deterred from getting involved in preserving the richness of the area’s history. Jervey joined the Venice Area Historical Society and Venice Heritage, Inc., volunteered as a docent at the Venice Train Depot, and contributed to the effort to restore a Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Pullman railroad car and Circus Arena. The Circus Arena didn’t succeed (it was demolished in 2014), but that did not discourage him. He launched a new project – the restoration of the Lord-Higel House, the second oldest home in Sarasota County. “This is where I started with my major philanthropic efforts. The house was built in 1896 by Joseph H. Lord and it sat for five years with very little being done, before I came along.”

Jervey’s generous gift to State College of Florida was the largest in the school’s 62-year history. The State College of Florida Venice campus library and lake are named after him. Jervey’s philanthropy and involvement extends to many worthy causes and organizations including the Venice Area Historical Society, Venice Heritage, Venice Theatre, Venice Area Beautification, Rotary Futures at Venice High School, Library Foundation for Sarasota County, Friends of the Jervey Venice Public Library, and the Sarabeth Bryan Kalajian Children’s Wing and Garden at the Jervey Venice Public Library. “Over the years of working with Bill I’ve learned that he loves to spend his afternoons in the library,” says Kirstin Fulkerson, Senior Vice President for Philanthropy at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “Once when I needed to chat on a timely project, I drove to the library and sure enough there he was! We are so grateful to have Bill in our Gulf Coast donor family.” There’s a good chance you too may meet Bill Jervey at the library that bears his name. He doesn’t own a computer but instead uses the library resources. It is his home away from home. A quiet place where deep thinking and contemplation become the gateway to great things. Where dreams become realities, and where Bill Jervey just may tell you “I never dreamed anything like this would be possible.”

F O R M O R E IN F O R M AT IO N

Jervey is quick to credit others for the progress made in Venice. He is quite modest when explaining the effort, funds, guidance, and complications involved to achieve 32

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

on ways you can give, please contact Gulf Coast Community Foundation at 941-486-4600 or visit gulfcoastcf.org.

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We laughed. We cried. We raised some funds and had some fun—and it’s almost time to do it all again! Getting geared up for next season’s glamorous galas? Take a look back at some of the specacular events of the 2021/2022 Sarasota season!

wrap up! SOCIAL SEASON

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION FEAST UPON THE FIELDS Conservation Foundation’s soldout lunch on the land raised over $175,000 for land conservation. Mattison’s provided the farmto-table meal enjoyed at the recently protected Old Miakka Ranch.

SARASOTA OPERA CURTAIN RAISER Sarasota Opera patrons and friends enjoyed an elegant th ree - cou r se dinner at Selby Gardens and exciting performances by principal artists from the Sarasota Opera’s fall production of Rossini’s The Silken Ladder (La scala di seta). Mark your calendars for the start of the 2022-23 season on October 16, 2022.

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

THE FLORIDA CENTER WINTER GALA The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s 34th Annual Winter Gala: Lighting the Way was their most successful fundraiser to date, raising enough to fund a full year of early education

SUNSHINE FROM DARKNESS: INSPIRING HOPE DINNER

services for 20 local children

More than 300 attended the sold-out 2021

in need.

Inspiring Hope Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, co-chaired by Taylor Karp Teymuri and Sarah Karp. Over $170,000 was raised.

USFSM BRUNCH ON THE BAY This popular brunch, which raises funds for student s c h o l a r s h i p s , fe a t u r e s music, delicious food by l o ca l res ta u ra nt s, a n d proud students greeting guests. Brunch on the Bay returns for its 28th year on November 6, 2022. Get your tickets early!

SPARCCLE IN THE CITY: THE RUBY GALA Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) commemorated its 40th Anniversary with The Ruby Gala at The Westin Sarasota, where 235 guests celebrated and raised critical funding. The 2022 gala will be held on September 22, with the theme “SPARCCle by the Sea.”

AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

COCKTAILS AT THE COTTAGE A casual, open - ai r evening of cock tai l s and conver sation to celebrate and support the Historic Spanish Point campus, which Selby Gardens adopted last year. The event overlooked Little Sarasota Bay from the iconic White Cottage Lawn, Sunken Garden and Pergola.

CIRCUS GALA Following exciting circus acts featuring co-chairwomen Donna Koffman and Elisabeth Waters, and local fitness guru Chaz Glunk, more than $250,000 was raised to suppor t Ci rcus Ar ts Conservatory outreach programs. Don’t miss next year’s high flying fun when Circus Sarasota celebrates 25 years!

UNCONVENTIONAL EVENING AT SARASOTA ART MUSEUM

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM

Sarasota Art Museum hosted

Cantor Azi Schwartz returned by

an immersive and fluid event

popular demand to the Sarasota

featur ing cock tails, dinner,

Opera House for Temple Beth

artists, and performers flowing

Sholom’s Celebration in Song.

throughout each of the Museum’s

He was joined by Cantor Mira

spaces. Guests could interact,

Davis to perform a wide variety

activate, and “be the art.”

of music.

NEW COLLEGE CLAMBAKE New College of Florida’s 42nd annual Clambake, co-chaired by Karin Gustafson and Priscilla and Jack Schlegel, garnered nea r ly 4 0 0 at tendees and $530,0 0 0 — a record for this signature event! Join us for the next one on November 3, 2022.

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

AAF SUNCOAST’S PROM NIGHT AT THE ADDYS The American Adver tising Awards, home of the ADDY® Award, is one of the industry’s largest creative competitions, attracting nearly 35,000 professional and student entries each year. The local AAF Suncoast chapter hosted a Prom themed ADDY® Award at CineBistro, featuring dinner, dancing, and a vote for Prom King & Queen.

FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS “PARTY UNDER THE STARS” Guests enjoyed live entertainment, dancing, dining, and silent and live auctions with fabulous items. Proceeds from this event provide non-medical financial assistance to cancer patients in need.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES BALL Hundreds gathered to support the programs and services of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. Held at the Ritz Ca r lton, this yea r’s theme ‘ To g et h e r Ag a i n’ w a s a n elegant evening including

VAN WEZEL INSPIRATION GALA

fine dining, lots of dancing, upbeat music, and a spirited live

The 20th annual gala raised more than

auction benefitted the Catholic

$1.7 million, making it the most successful in

Charities programs in Sarasota,

Van Wezel Foundation Gala history. During

Manatee, Highlands, Glades,

the gala, it was also announced that the

DeSoto and Hardee counties.

first $20 million in private funding for the

Mark your calendars for next

future Sarasota Performing Arts Center

year’s gala on February 4, 2023.

was committed by the Foundation Board.

AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

AN EVENING WITH PATTI SMITH + SELBY ORCHID BALL The O rchid Ball 202 2: Because the Night celebrated the glorious gardens and the artistic legacy of Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith, with dinner and dancing on the Great Lawn of Selby Botanical Gardens. The fun continued at Selby’s Downtown Sarasota campus a few days later. Guests enjoyed per for mances by Patti Smit in celebration of the 2022 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith: Flowers, Poetry, and Light.

SARASOTA OPERA GALA The 2 02 2 Sa rasota Opera Gala celebrated Maestro Victor DeRenzi’s 40th Season as Artistic Director. The festivities began with a lively reception and then continued into the William E. Schmidt Opera Theatre for a Jubilee Concert filled with arias and heartfelt remembrances of a career that changed the face of opera on the Suncoast.

ASOLO REP STARRY NIGHT DINNER Asolo Rep’s Starr y Night Dinner celebrated the production of Grand Horizons. Hosted by Jeff and Nikki Sedacca, who opened their home in Sapphire Shores, guests enjoyed an exquisite dinner and tropical cock ta i l s se r ved by cate r i ng sponsor, Innovative Dining. Keep an eye out for announcements about next year’s series of Starry Night Dinners. 38

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

CHILDREN FIRST FAIRYTALE BALL More than 300 guests traveled “into the woods” for the 22nd annual Fairytale Ball hosted by Children First. The event included a nearly $400,000 record-breaking paddle raise. Next year’s event will be held on April Fool’s Day, themed “Life, what is it but a dream?”

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION PALM BALL The 14th annual Palm Ball raised over $300,000 to protect land and water for the benefit of people and nature. This year’s theme, The Kaleidoscope of Nature, celebrated the rich biodiversity and vibrant beauty of Southwest Florida. Photos by Cliff Roles.

SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL OPENING PARTY The 24th annual Sarasota Film Festival, themed “Upstream with a Paddle”, featured nearly 200 films ranging from documentaries to comedies and everything in-between. Next year’s festival begins in April. Don’t miss out!

AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION BOURBON & BOOTS The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast hosted their annual bootscootin’ fundraiser at Bay Preserve. Attendees danced to live music, enjoyed mouthwatering cuisine from Michaels on East, and sampled a distinctive selection of distilled bourbons. All proceeds

JOSHPROVIDES INTERACTIVE DINNER

benefitted critical land conservation initiatives. Photos by Terry Grady.

Chaired by Traci Smullen, and always a fan favorite, this year’s interactive dinner raised more than $160,000 to support children, families, and individuals diagnosed with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

JFED WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON The Jewish Federation of SarasotaManatee hosted its first in-person Wo m e n’s D a y eve nt s i n c e 2019. Chaired by Janis Collier and Wendy Mann Resnick, the event featured New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner, who entertained the crowd of more than 250 with stories about her family, her work and her passion for cycling. Photos by Cliff Roles.

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA BRUNCH Over 300 guests gathered in the ballroom at Michael’s On East to enjoy a delicious brunch and learn about important education programs that benefit our community. Performances included the John Miller Jazz Ensemble, a featured Youth Orchestra Ensemble, and the 2021 Edward & Ida Wilkof Young Artists Concerto Competition winner.

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

PAWS ON THE DANCE FLOOR Paws on the Dance Floor was a smash hit on April 8th, 2022 at the Art Ovation Hotel. Guests came dressed as their favorite musical decade and performers. There were flappers, hippies, disco dancers, and more. The successful event raised over $100,000 for the shelter and its mission.

POUR FOR A CAUSE Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and a r tistic di recto r, Nate Jacobs, was celebrated by his friends at SRQ Waterworks for his nomination as the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2022 Man of the Year. Nate then competed in a 10-week capital campaign to raise funds in support of local cancer research and patient care powered by LLS.

SPARCC RUNWAY This sold-out event was attended by over 500 guests who eagerly shopped for trendy items at very fair prices. Volunteers modeled designer attire from SPARCC’s Treasure Chest boutique.

ELIZABETH MOORE SARASOTA OPEN This year’s Open was held at its new location at Payne Park, beniffitting local businesses with increased traffic and activity. In partnership with the city of Sarasota, new owners Steve Gareleck and Remington Reynolds, as well as Kenneth Paslaqua and Elizabeth Moore, brought together a substantial volunteer group to make this a well-attended and successful event. AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

SARASOTA GARDEN CLUB GARDENS IN PARADISE The Sarasota Garden Club hosted their biggest fundraiser event of the year, Gardens in Paradise. More than 800 guests toured several beautiful gardens in the community. The Garden Club hosted a lunch following the tour, where “Mable Ringling” greeted guests and answered many historical questions. Don’t miss next year’s showing on March

USFSM HOSPITABULL

27, 2023. Photos by Rick Benitez.

The USF School of Hospitality and Tourism Management held their annual HospitaBull at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. After a two-year hiatus, over 250 guests, sponsors, faculty, staff and

SMHF WOMEN & MEDICINE

students enjoyed an elegant dinner prepared in partnership by students

Over 350 guests attended this

of the hospitality program and the

year’s Women & Medicine

Ritz-Carlton culinary staff.

Educational Luncheon held at Michael’s on East. To date, this event has raised more than $928,000. Proceeds from this year help support the expansion of the Genetics Co u n s e l i n g P ro g ra m at Sarasota Memorial. Next year’s event will be held on March 24, 2023.

ASOLO REP GALA: AN EVENING IN SHERWOOD FOREST Guests gathered at The Ritz-Carlton which was transformed into “Sherwood Forest” for an evening of cocktails, a seated dinner, dancing, entertainment, and live auction. The annual gala is Asolo’s largest fundraising event, and p roceeds suppo r t the a r tists and performers involved in the season, as well as Asolo’s award-winning education and engagement programs. 42

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS SPRING SOIREE Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast held their “Spring Soiree” for 200 guests at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club. Attendees enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, specialty cocktails, a bourbon tasting, silent auction and a performance by jaz z vocalist, Sarah Santiago.

SARASOTA BALLET GALA The annual gala celebrated Director Iain Webb’s 15 seasons w ith The Sarasota Ballet. Guests gathered at the Sarasota Opera House for a reception and special performance from past and present members, a tribute to Webb’s tenure with the Ballet.

DICK VITALE GALA The annual Dick Vitale Gala raised over $11 million for the fight against pediatric cancer this year, and honored NFL superstar Keyshawn Johnson, tennis star Chris Evert, Baylor University’s men’s basketball coach Scott Drew, and ESPN’s Rod Gilmore

2022 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GIVING CHALLENGE Within 24 hours, donors across the community united with an outpouring of support for the 2022 Giving Challenge, raising $16,017,021 million for 669 participating nonprofit organizations in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties!

AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

INAUGERATION OF DR. PATRICIA OKKER This year, New College of Florida officially welcomed Dr. Patricia Okker as the school’s new president. The inauguration ceremony was held outside College Hall and concluded with a lemonade toast on the bayfront. The “ReNEWing Community: Presidential Inauguration Week” leading up to the main event included festivities such as an academic showcase, virtual mini-classes, a juried student art exhibit and a symposium.

SMHF GOLF TOURNAMENT T h i s ye a r m a r ked t h e 2 0 t h anniversary of SMHF’s annual golf tournament. Held at Laurel Oak Country Club, 230+ golfers participated in support of the Physicians Endowment Fund, which provides critical education opportunities to hospital staff. In addition to the tournament, golfers enjoyed lunch, a silent auction, chance drawings and more. Join them next year on May 5, 2023!

WOMEN IN POWER LUNCHEON This event marked NCJW’s 40th annual celebration of women who have made a positive impact on the lives of others. The honorees give their time, energy, and skills to help others by providing childcare, teaching, preparing and distributing food, caring for the homebound, addressing the medical needs of many underserved communities, and so much more.

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

CLASSIC COOL GIRLS

Photography by Jordan Kelly-Laviolette | Hair & Makeup Touch Ups by Emily Apatow via Cutting Loose Salon Photographed on New College of Florida Campus | Car provided by David Gubney

• In celebration of our Boomer issue, five local beauties share their secrets to staying young! AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

“With privilege comes responsibility: give, share, teach, serve”

audrey robbins

Tell us a little about yourself. I arrived in Sarasota in 1999, having taken a job as the Math Department Chair at the Out-of-Door Academy. My daughter Callan was 2, and my son Trey was 7. I was newly divorced and had lived in the Caribbean for 10 years. I bought a house in Lakewood Ranch and never looked back! Over the years, I have started a school, worked in universities, tutored extensively, coached sports, and worked in independent schools. For a few years, my ex-husband and I ran a restaurant on a tiny island in the Dutch West Indies. What are some recent projects you’ve been working on? As a lifelong advocate for those who have less than I, I am currently researching ways we can help alleviate the homeless crisis in our area. I am also passionate about women’s reproductive rights, and hope to keep up the fight. Any hobbies? I am an avid athlete. I play team tennis throughout the year, and have recently taken up golf. I play 4-5 times per week, even in the summer heat. I also spend the better part of the season at musical events nightly, and just started taking piano lessons. One of the keys to my happiness is to keep learning. As my good friend Bob Roskamp says, “it’s a good day if you’ve learned something new.” Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? I am a devoted board member of the Sarasota Ballet as the chair of the Development Committee. I am also proud to be a new member of the Board of Trustees of Marie Selby Gardens, and hope to add in some way to the vibrant group leading this magnificent organization into the future. We love music and attend every concert that the Sarasota Orchestra performs. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County inspires me as well. Do you have a mantra? I have tried to adopt a phrase that my son Trey Malone left in his letter to us before he took his own life in 2012: Lead a good life. I try to live each day spreading love and kindness. It is the best way I know to honor his short life. What brings you joy? First of all, my greatest joy is the love that I have found with my husband, Harry Leopold. It has been life-changing. Much of my joy comes from my relationship with my daughters and my best girl friends. The power of relationships among women is mighty. French fries and ice cream also make me happy. Joy is found

along the path, of which mine is one of service, sport, spirituality, and community. Music of all kinds makes me happy—especially 70’s rock and roll and classical. As everyone knows, I also love fashion. Getting dressed makes me smile. Favorite beauty products and procedures? I love natural products, like Ilea, Osea, and Eminence. I keep my skin routine pretty simple: Eminence serum and oil, Isden sun screen, and makeup only when we go to events. I have a facial done every month, using all natural products. I no longer use lotions/cremes on my face, only oils, as they don’t block my pores. I am blessed with good genes—a good thing, as I have spent most of my life outside. I am a proponent of doing anything I can to avoid “the knife.” I love Sculptra; it has worked well to built a lot of collagen. I have never had any resurfacing procedures. I strangely love the fuzz on my face! Let’s talk hair and nails. My hair has been short since I was 30. It’s easy and fun. Recently my hair stylist, Amanda Vincent, suggested that I go blonde. Why not? I also love fun, colorful nails and try to go chemical free. Paint Nail Bar is my go-to. Tell us more about your nutritional regiment. I have always exercised. I started playing competitive sports when I was 10. Presently, I work out at home every morning with a streaming service, walk the dog, play tennis, and golf. For years I swam daily; it’s on my mind to restart. It’s very meditative. I have also been a vegetarian since I was 18. I weigh myself daily, and try to eat accordingly. That being said, because I am so active, I eat what I want. I believe that the gut is the key to everything, so I try to eat a lot of greens and take a number of pre and probiotic supplements. What do you do for “me time”? I start every day with a cup of coffee out on the lanai. I write at least a page in my journal and meditate before I read the paper or get online. As a luxury, I get massages every week. I use my body a lot, and it needs the work. I also go to acupuncture weekly; I feel it keeps my mind, hormones, and body balanced. I do the NYT crossword puzzle everyday; somehow that relaxes me too.

AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

“Appreciation is the doorway into the heart, it opens and lets love inside”

debbie dannheisser Tell us a little about yourself. I moved to Sarasota for love, marrying my husband Dan and joining the family here in 1994 from Atlanta, Georgia. I worked as a personal coach and manager of a leadership and personal growth consulting firm for years, and my current passion project is my art and athleisure business, Debbie Dannheisser Fine Art Threads. I am a painter and love creating and experimenting with color. For years I have expressed myself on canvas, but Debbie Dannheisser Threads combines colorful art and colorful clothing. The endeavor of my company is created from my feelings of both love and loss of our daughter Nicole. Creating art is part of the fibers of the bond and connection that she and I hold, and I want to keep her beautiful and colorful spirit alive as well as support others to keep going through life’s difficult times. Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? Tidewell Foundation that benefits the Tidewell Butterfly Grief Center is a big one for me. They have helped me through so much over the years. Additional charities I work closely with include Big Brothers, Big Sisters, 40 Carrots Family Center, Make A Wish, New College Scholarship Fund and a few others. Do you have a mantra? My favorite quote is, “Appreciation is the doorway into the heart, it opens and lets love inside,” by Shakti Gawan. I always feel more beautiful when I am in gratitude, and in appreciation of myself and others. Tell us about what keeps you “young” at heart? What brings you joy? Being silly! I love teasing and telling funny stories. I love being with our boys, Sam and Josh, just hanging and laughing with them. I try to keep things light and enjoy a good sense of humor. We love McCurdy’s Comedy Club and FST Improv and Music to do just that! What are some things you find beautiful? Right now, I love watching the many birds, rabbits and squirrels eating nuts and seeds outside my mom’s window that open against our gorgeous tropical garden backyard. She recently passed, so I find it is therapeutic to watch and feel her spirit live 48

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on. I find certain colors incredibly beautiful especially when they look even more yummy next to each other. I find the turquoise wall in my family room beautiful. ( I do love color!) But most of all, I adore enriching the relationship between me, my husband, and my sons. Now that is beauty to me! Favorite beauty products and procedures? For hair, Sandra from Nuovo is my girl—I love her! She cuts, highlights, and adds low lights, with occasional damage treatments. I use the strengthening shampoo and conditioner by Aveda. For skin, I use a daily exfoliating cleanser, followed by Biopelle moisturizers and serums with eye cream and, some days, a skin lightener. My favorite lipstick is from Sisley (number 22 and 10 ). I get facials about twice a year, and mani/pedis at Two Sisters Salon in downtown Sarasota. Let’s talk nutrition and exercise. Any tips? I work out with trainer, Kem Lindsay, 3 times a week at the Evolution gym downtown. In between that, I do yoga at home and occasionally at Dawn Epstein’s kundalini class. I also walk and use the elliptical, which can sometimes be the best exercise, both mentally and physically. In terms of diet, I do occasionally try to make smoothies and juices, but found the most beneficial thing is sticking to the Mediterranean Diet. This consists of foods like fruits and vegetables, potatoes, whole-grains, beans, nuts, seeds and extra virgin olive oil, and moderate amounts of lean poultry, fish, seafood, dairy and eggs. It’s inspired by the eating habits of people who live near the Mediterranean Sea. What do you do for “me time”? I’ve been learning new mindfulness techniques, and I breathe in and out Sa Ta Na Ma to meditate and center myself. I have a brain gym app I recently discovered and get reminders all during the day and work out my brain. Reading and journaling in the book called The Artist’s Way is another great way to keep my creativity flowing. A massage a couple times a month doesn’t hurt either!

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SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

“Live ev ery day.”

elisabeth waters Tell us a little about yourself. I moved to Sarasota in the 90s with my daughter, so she could play tennis at Nick Bollettieri Academy (now IMG Academy). We’re originally from Austria, where I started my career as a Chemical Engineer. I love people! And I’m always working on different projects. At the moment I am working on finishing my condo. I also love working out and staying fit.

I also get hydrafacials every six weeks. It combines cleansing, exfoliation, extrac tion, hydration and antioxidant protection that removes dead skin cells and impurities, while also putting moisturizing serums into the skin.

Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? I support many organizations in town, and love giving back. Especially notable is Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, CAN Communnity Health, Asolo Rep, the Circus Arts Conservatory, Forty Carrots, Sarasota Orchestra, and many more. You’ll see me at a lot of the events in town, showing my support, and always dressing for the cause!

And Paint Nail Bar is my go-to for manicures. They offer a chemical-free manicure that lasts for weeks without the negative effects on the nails.

Do you have a mantra? Tell us about what keeps you “young” at heart? One of my favorite sayings is “Live every day.” That’s what I try to do. I also spend my time with young, and young-at-heart friends, which I find keeps my mentally and emotionally rejuvenated. Favorite books or movies? I’d say my favorite book is Shantaram, a novel by Gregory David Roberts. As for movies, I like anything that’s a comedy. Favorite beauty products and procedures? For my everyday products, I use MAC makeup and SkinMedica moisturizers. I find they work the best for me and my skin.

Anything special for hair and nails? For hair, I go to Hrvoje Horvat at The Met. He’s amazing!

Tell us more about your nutritional regiment. As I mentioned earlier, I love working out. I attend both Pure Barre for a total-body barre workout, and ThaVma in Sarasota where I do yoga at least 5 times a week, if not more. I keep up with cardio as well, but definitely prefer the stretching of my muscles to maintain my flexibility as I get older! It’s hard to maintain such a rigorus routine, but it’s all about making it a habit. It helps me be my best self. As for diet, I’ve been a pescatarian for more than 40 years, and find it helps keep me feeling healthy and refreshed. I also do my best to sleep 8 hours a night. Sleep is very important to me, and is the key to having a good day. Any other tips? Another notable mention is Sarasota IV Lounge. They offer customized IV vitamin cocktails, boosters & shots that maximize health, prevent illness and reverse disease. It’s somewhere I frequent to make sure my health is at its best.

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“Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers, plant your own garden.”

nikki sedacca Tell us a little about yourself. I’ve been in Sarasota since I was 17, and I have been a business owner here for over 35 years. The entrepreneurial spirit comes to me naturally, as my father was in the restaurant business and owned Windjammer, Davy’s Locker, and Hemingway’s on St. Armands Circle. Currently, I own an art gallery downtown in Burns Court, 530 Burns Gallery. I am a creative and designer by trade, and have expanded from textile design and handmade one-of-a-kind art jewelry to interiors. My interior decorating and design business, Curated Interiors SRQ, has me busy! I have several projects ongoing at any given time, and no one project is the same. Each client’s unique style gives me to the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, textile designers, and custom furniture designers. What keeps you “young” at heart, and brings you joy? My grandchildren keep me young—and always moving! They keep things in perspective for me, and bring so much energy and joy to my life. My girlfriends and their spirit, zest for life and ability to make me laugh is refreshing and revitalizing! My work and passion to stay on top of the trends and style keeps me young and (I like to think) “in the know.” I have always loved to cook and travel, and one of my favorite things to do is to take cooking classes wherever we go. Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? Over the past 35 years, I have been so fortunate to see the incredible work that many local organizations are doing. It is so important to me to give back. Currently, I sit on the Advisory Board of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Board of Directors of the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Do you have a mantra? My mantra has ALWAYS been “Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers, plant your own garden.” What this means to me is that you control your own destiny. You have the ability to create the life that you want to live and don’t waste your time waiting for someone else to do that for you. What are some things you find beautiful? I am always amazed by the beauty found in nature and it is an inspiration in all of my design work. If you look around you can always find beauty in your surroundings.

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Let’s talk beauty products and procedures. I have used Dermalogica products for years. They are reasonable and work well with my skin. The YSL moisturizer is a splurge, but to me it is worth it. Lipsticks in my make up drawer range from Revlon to some special Chanel, and when I travel I love to try different beauty products from the countries I am in. I try to get a few facials a year, focusing on a good deep cleanse. When I can’t make it, I will do a facial at home. I have always protected my skin from the sun and now more than ever I am grateful for that. One thing I am always consistent with is getting my nails done. It’s the one thing I make time to do for myself. My signature color is Big Apple Red. I also get a hair cut and color regularly and I have been seeing Ana Molanari for over 30 years. Tell us more about your nutritional regimen. Exercise—can’t stand it. Next question! (Haha) I love to eat a lot of greens, like stir fry with organic vegetables. As I get older, I realize that my love for pasta doesn’t make me feel great so I can’t do that as much as I used to. I am not a big meat eater. I try to eat as clean as I can to keep me feeling energized, but I can never turn down an ice cream cone. Mint chocolate chip, always. Do you have a regiment for beauty sleep? I have always been big on having a routine in the evening and I enjoy those few moments to really relax. No television, calming music and a cup of hot tea before bed does the trick. I also use a calming essential oil on my skin before bed. It triggers it is time to wind down. I start by removing my make up with a gel cleanser, toning, a vitamin C cream at least 3 times a week and a good moisturizer. I never go to sleep with my make up on no matter how late or how tired I am! Any other tips? I am a big fan of vitamin B shots as I know that’s somewhere I am deficient. I think being diligent and knowing my body is important because then I know when something is off. I drink a lot of water and work to maintain balance and manage stress the best I can.

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SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

“Always liv e life with gratitude.”

terri klauber Tell us a little about yourself. I moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 1981 to be closer to my grandmother who lived in St. Petersburg. When I started my family, I wanted to move to a community that had great schools, arts, and culture—and Sarasota was the best choice. My professional career allowed me to succeed in marketing, sales, retail, management and I owned my own business. Today I’m thrilled to be the Director of Community Engagement for our company, Michael’s On East! I am currently working on our 13th annual Cooking for Wishes event on February 23, benefitting our Make-A-Wish children, as well as co-chairing the Easterseals Abilities Shining Luncheon on March 2. I also enjoy working on our many Michael’s On East design projects, which always seem to keep popping up! Another part of my focus is identifying organizations that may be interested in hosting events at one of our multiple Michael’s On East special event venues. My husband Michael and I have also led over 40 food and wine journeys across the globe with our Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club. We are taking a group on a fabulous cruise of the Greek Islands on the Regent Explorer later this month. Any foundations/organizations close to your heart? I am very involved in philanthropy; I have been on our Make-AWish Southern Florida chapter advisory board for the past 13 years. I am very passionate about this organization and how we help grant local wishes in our community. Locally, I work closely with the Child Protection Center, Easterseals, All Star Children’s Foundation, and various other non-profits. I also helped create the All Heart Fund in Sarasota in 2013, which supports the Good Work Foundation in South Africa. We have helped build seven innovative digital learning centers to date in some of South Africa’s most rural communities serving thousands of children and young adults each week. Tell us about what keeps you “young” at heart? I definitely have an “inner child.” I love spending time with my children and grandchildren! They keep me young at heart and watching them grow into the amazing humans they are today, is my greatest blessing. I find joy in nature, in people, in my faith, and in creating memories for my family—that brings me complete joy! Read any good books lately? I am currently reading my dear friend Beth Knopik’s newly published book, Beyond the Rainbow. It’s a story of “a mother’s journey through grief to grace” and I can’t say enough wonderful things about it.

Favorite beauty products and procedures? Aveda Shampoo, Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum, Chanel Rouge Cocoa Lipstick, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation with SPF 15. Charlotte Tilbury “Instant Look of Love in a Palette” is my go-to, all-in-one for on the go! For skincare routine, washing my face with a gentle cleanser is very important and moisturizing daily—and I always apply sunscreen. I use Chanel Le Blanc Foam Cleanser. My favorite sunscreen for under make-up is ISDIN Photo Ultralight Emulsiom SPF 50+. The best moisturizer for me is Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Crème. It’s an investment, that’s for sure, and “a little dab will do you!” I have also had Red & Blue Light Therapy for skin cancer damage. I get a facial every 2-4 months. I have never had a “peel” but I might try one in the future. Let’s talk hair and nails. Nuovo Salon hair stylist David Roodbeen has been my hair god for the past 18 years. He helps to keep my “natural red” color up to date as I continue to mature in my age. He uses all Aveda products on me. As for nails, I also frequent Paint Nail Bar. I love their super friendly atmosphere and great attention to all things nails/current trends. Tell us more about your nutritional regiment. I have pivoted from the gym in my condo to a home gym. We purchased two pieces of equipment that I love: The Nordic Track X32i Treadmill with iFit, and the Lululemon Mirror. I work out every day for at least 20 minutes. No personal trainer. I enjoy yoga, pilates, weight training, and walking on our treadmill for two miles per day—unless I’m on vacation! As for food and drink, I try to keep to a 1500-2000 caloriebased diet, low carbs and Keto (until I have to try the newest wine for our Michael’s On East wine cellar!). I love cooking with fresh vegetables, light proteins, and have been exploring some great vegan recipes lately. Any other helpful tips? I am a huge note-taker and Post-It sticker gal. I also set many reminders on my daily calendar. I like to be pro-active with meal planning and start planning each Sunday for the week. I cook at home every night unless it’s an event night out. I am a travel planner, so for travel I plan all outfits that can easily be mixed and matched. I use the “travel pouches” for easy access and to condense packing.

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Solid

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FOUNDATION Teamwork, passion, and a commitment to excellence help power couple John and Phillipa Cannon of John Cannon Homes build a dream for themselves and for others By Carol Brzozowski John and Phillipa Cannon are living the dream…their dream to come together as a couple in marriage, start a business together, and do that in one of the country’s most desirable areas – Manatee and Sarasota counties. John Cannon Homes was founded in 1987 to serve the homebuilding needs of discerning clients. Together, John and Phillipa have sustained the dreams and goals they created and built a business that for 30 consecutive years has earned the distinction of being southwest Florida’s Best Builder from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. “One of the greatest things we do is offer home packages for our custom designed homes,” says John. “We take care of the architectural services and the interior design. Many of our clients are relocating and are building their dream home. We listen to their vision, put it on paper, and make it a reality. I love the creative energy and going through that process with clients. Not many people get to do that!” John says not only does he get to enjoy doing what he always has loved to do, but he gets to work with Phillipa. That commitment to their business and family has grown, with the two emerging through time as one of the area’s power couples.

PHOTO BY NANCY GUTH

“Our clients tend to make their home their haven,” says Phillipa. “They tend to think of everything that they could possibly want AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

“Our clients tend to think of everything that they could possibly want and try to incorporate it into their homes. The value of a home serving as a haven became more important during the COVID-19 pandemic.” —Phillipa Cannon

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and try to incorporate it into their homes. The value of a home serving as a haven became more important during the COVID-19 pandemic.” John earned a degree in building construction from Michigan State University, which was the foundation of his homebuilding business. He moved to Sarasota at the age of 22, and worked for the legendary building contractor Ruth Richmond, building a few homes on spec before setting off on his own. “It was my dream to always be a homebuilder and to do it on my own,” says John, who discussed this with his future wife when they were dating. “He talked a lot about it,” Phillipa Cannon adds. “It had been his passion. I’m lucky to have been a part of it.” “It may seem a little corny, but when we got married, it seemed like that was a turning point,” notes John. “Being with ‘Phil’ (his nickname for Phillipa) gave me the confidence that we could do it – that we had to do it.” And they did.

John Cannon is paying it forward through his community engagement as an appointee to the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee business advisory board for the school’s Business College. And operating a well-run business is something the Cannons have done for 35 years. John Cannon Homes weathered the nation’s economic ups and downs and faced the challenges of sustaining a family business since its founding, building its headquarters and design center in Lakewood Ranch. The company stands on a strong foundation, its footprint evident throughout the region, from the Keys—Casey, Longboat, Siesta and Bird—to Lakewood Ranch and beyond, building over 1,500 custom designed homes. John notes the greatest reward in operating John Cannon Homes is that he and Phillipa “spend so much time together and built something together. It’s been most rewarding realizing a dream, sharing it with Phillipa, and going through the journey together.”

The couple’s son Jack and daughter Rachel—now adults— grew up developing their own strong work ethic having watched their parents serve as role models. Phillipa identifies John’s greatest strength as having the vision to see the possibilities that are not evident to others. Together, they act on that vision. John notes that Phillipa brings her outstanding organizational abilities to the table. “She can break things down into components, organize them, and make sure they happen. She is the ‘heart and soul’ of the business,” he adds. John is also quick to credit the rest of the John Cannon Homes’ team—90 strong—who have helped pave the way for the company’s success and are key in making clients’ dreams come true. “We definitely wouldn’t be where we are without our team,” says John. “This is our extended family at work. AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

It’s where we spend most of our time every day for many hours. Many of these people have been with us for a long time. They matter greatly to us.” As for her greatest accomplishments, Phillipa says that would be her family. She is proud of her razor-sharp focus on balancing raising their children and helping her husband grow a successful business. That’s an outgrowth of Phillipa’s strong ability to build and maintain positive relationships, says John, adding that she incorporates that into every relationship she has. “There’s a tremendous amount of relationship that has to happen, not just with the employees. Phil does our banking relations along with every financial aspect of working with our clients, and she does this in a very effective and efficient manner.” John Cannon pinpoints his greatest accomplishment as building a solid team at the company that bears his name. While he used to spend more time in the construction field, he is confident that he can rely on the team to handle day-to-day activities and perform the work in a manner that reflects the company’s focus

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on excellence as they build approximately 50 custom homes a year. The couple’s vision for the future centers on continuing the same path and providing top-notch service for their high-end homebuilding clients. “The lead times on what we do takes years, from acquiring land to developing land to building model homes,” he adds. “All of that requires a cutting edge feel for the market—what are people going to buy five years from now?” That requires having a keen eye for knowing where to build, when to build, and what to build. “We’re trying to stay on-trend to understand where the world is going,” John adds. “And we’re trying to be trendsetters ourselves. When we design and build models, we must be in the right locations, and that goes back to the team we have in place.” Phillipa concurs and will be right alongside her husband, helping to keep John Cannon Homes building beautiful trend-setting homes for years to come. For more information about John Cannon Homes, please visit johncannonhomes.com.

THERAPY PET CHESTER

TIDEWELL HOSPICE:

aofCommunity caring BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE

idewell Hospice has been part of this community for more than four decades, and is well known for the high-quality, compassionate care they give to the patients and families dealing with advanced illness and endof-life care. As a not-for-profit hospice, Tidewell relies on the generosity of people, companies, and communities to fund its many necessary services.

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VOLUNTEER CLOWNS

While it seems like all their services revolve around direct medical treatment, Tidewell ac tually provides a host of complementary services that can greatly improve the quality of life for patients by reducing pain, stress and anxiety while increasing joy and psychosocial healing. Their horticulture program, for example, can alleviate a patient’s feelings of depression, boredom, or loneliness by offering plants to care for, which creates a valuable sense of purpose and a living legacy. Animals can bring a natural joy with their selfless love, so pet therapy is an option that is also welcomed. All of Tidewell’s pet volunteers receive special training and the pets themselves are all certified and insured. And since this is Sarasota, it only makes sense that Tidewell launched a clowning program in 2001 that is recognized by Clowns of America International. The clowns in this program not only visit area nursing homes and assisted living facilities, but they also perform at community events as well. One of Tidewell’s most exciting new complementary services, though, is music therapy. Laura Devore, MSN, RN, Vice

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President of long term care hospice, notes that they hired their first certified music therapist in 2019, though the music therapy program officially launched in 2020. Music therapist Jasmine Ridge explains that she uses music as a tool in research-based intervention. “All of our interventions are used to target a specific therapeutic goal, whether that might be decreasing pain, anxiety, or trouble breathing. It might be targeting emotional processing, or anticipatory grief support for family,” states Ridge. Ridge also notes that she views music therapy as much more than an interest area—it’s the result of focused college study, so she earned a Bachelors of Music degree in music therapy. “The degree is essentially almost two in one, where I had to do all of the things that a music education or performance major did, but my

area also included a lot of science such as neuroscience, biology, and psychology,” Ridge adds. In addition to passing a board certification exam, Ridge also completed a 1,200-hour, six-month internship, just as student teachers in regular k-12 schools would normally do. Hav ing b e e n w i t h T id e w ell sin c e t h e beginning of the music therapy program, Ridge has had her share of success stories. A recent one happened at the hospice house: When Ridge arrived, the patient was minimally responsive and had been that way for hours. The entire family of ten or more was present and tearful, but they requested the patient’s favorite hymn. Ridge, whose main instrument is her voice, began singing and playing the guitar. One verse into the song, the patient quietly passed. Having Ridge there to provide the requested music was beneficial for the family. Not only did they feel that it helped them connect spiritually with the patient, but they felt it helped her cross over. As Ridge says, music therapy helps “meet the patient or family where they are at with the music.” One of the exciting projec ts that Ridge is using is a legacy projec t. She uses a stethoscope to record a patient’s heartbeats and then they might write an original song or simply choose a song that’s important to the patient and the family. The heartbeat is added into it almost like a drum in the background. “That’s just one type of legacy project we can do to leave behind something for the family,” Ridge says. “We also have songwriting, and we can create a video collage with songs and pictures that are important to the family. I’ve also done arts-and-crafts projects with them to create a hand impression or things like that, too, if they want.” Like anyone who works in hospice in some capacity, Ridge does more than her basic job description.

JASMINE RIDGE

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VOLUNTEER ANN MARIE KECK & POSEY

“while we’re there for the patients, the families are also going through this journey with them.”

“I spend a lot of time with our patient families and caregivers processing what they’re going through,” Ridge says. “This speaks largely to all of hospice work, because while we’re there for the patients, the families are also going through this journey with them.” Tidewell currently employs four music therapists— three work fulltime for hospice and one works 10 hours a week in hospice and 30 hours a week for the PIC (Partners in Care: Together for Kids), a Florida program for children with serious illnesses. The goal of PIC is to help children and their families receive the special care they need while maintaining the quality of their lives. As part of PIC’s palliative care approach, Devore says, “music therapy is an effective way to address pain as well as physical, emotional, or spiritual needs.” While Devore has been with Tidewell for 9 years and oversees all the long term care teams, she has a special place in her heart for the music therapy program. That’s partially because for her master’s degree, she wrote about the effects of music therapy in dementia patients at the end of their lives, which shows how their pain and anxiety could be alleviated. Even though she’s an RN, she knows that while it can help, medicine doesn’t always cure everything “With music therapy, it just goes the extra mile to really support the person and family in a different way—an alternative way. It can even make the medicine’s effects better. We see that happen a lot,” says Devore. As a result of the success of Ridge and the other music therapists, Devore wants to expand the program. “We’re very open to additional technology,” she says, “but the biggest thing is adding more music therapists because we have a 1,200-per-day average census and being able to meet the needs of all the patients who could really benefit from music therapy is important.”

For more information on Tidewell Hospice, visit tidewellhospice.org or call (855) 843-3935. To donate, visit tidewellfoundation.org or call 941.552.7546.

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Leg en daryLadies • spotlight •

St. Arm an ds of

Lorry Eible of Foxy Lady & Joy Mooney of Oh My Gauze! celebrate years of retail success on the Circle

By Sylvia Whitman • Photos by Nancy Guth

his October, the upscale women’s boutique Foxy Lady celebrates 50 years in business. Across St Armands Circle, Oh My Gauze!, is going strong at age 35+. Yet the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that roughly 20% of new businesses fail in their first two years, 45% in their first five. Only 25% survive beyond 15. According to the doyennes behind these two long-lived retail establishments on St. Armands Key, the secret sauce of success varies, but common ingredients include hard work they love, family and staff support, and a deep understanding of what their customers like and want.

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foxy lady

Founder Lorry Eible moved to Sarasota with her sons, Edward and Bryan, in early 1972. A third generation hairdresser and salon owner from Chester, NJ—her famous grandfather had styled the rich and famous on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, creating the first highlighting bleach and making the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar—Eible was looking for change. Despite the success of her salons, Eible had grown allergic to many hair products and tired of long hours. “I knew another career was waiting for me,” she says. Within her original salon, she had operated a small boutique. After enrolling her boys in school, she began to hunt for a possible location for a store. Poking around Siesta Key, she discovered a “cute little café,” Anna’s Deli, and next door to it, a dilapidated cottage. She queried the owner and found that it would soon be for rent. She opened the Siesta Key store there on October 23, 1972, her younger son’s birthday, and christened it Foxy Lady, after the famous Jimmy Hendrix song. Within a decade, she had outgrown the cottage. Builder John Walter, her then boyfriend who would later become her husband, constructed a new, bigger and better store. Two years later, he found a property on St. Armands Circle, an abandoned gas station, and built the flagship shop at 481 John Ringling Boulevard. 66

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What was your vision for Foxy Lady? My concept was to dress a woman from head to toe—bathing suits, shoes, trousers, sportswear. The first store was only about 1200 square feet, but it had a little bit of everything. That’s how it all started. It just kept going until we had the bigger store, which was quite a bit bigger, about 3300 square feet. We incorporated a lot of other things—jewelry, more shoes, evening wear. Back then, a lot of professional women such as Realtors, doctors, and attorneys had no place to shop. We attracted more professional women—attorneys, doctors. Who are your customers now? I have customers who started with me in the ‘70s who are now bringing their granddaughters in to buy prom dresses. We have two and three generations of shoppers. People follow us on Facebook; they follow us on Instagram. They come down from other states for the season, and I hear, “Do you know that I haven’t even gone to open my house yet? I came here first. I wanted to get a few things so I’ll have something to wear this week.” Anyone in business who stays in business has to have a loyal clientele. What creates that loyalty? A lot of things. But mostly it’s the labels we carry, along with product knowledge and really good service.

We have a tremendous inventory, with new arrivals daily. Women know they’ll see fresh items every time they shop with us. Having a hairdresser background really helped me to understand and hear what women want. We always want to know where people are going when they are shopping for an event, whether it be a wedding, social event, or just traveling. I always ask the customer, “What do you envision yourself feeling and looking like?” Some answer, “I want to just blend in.” Others say, “I want to wow the room.” We listen to what they want so our service is on target. I would say that 80% of the stores that I walk into, I’m totally ignored. Someone’s on the phone. Somebody’s talking to a friend or gossiping about what happened last night. This is a pet peeve of mine. Although we’re not perfect, we monitor this carefully. As a result, we hear very often, “I love the one-on-one attention I got today” or “Your staff is so helpful.” That’s what I want to hear. A woman should feel fantastic when she walks into a clothing store—and not intimidated. Stores are overwhelming. Our big things are making customers know that we are there to point them in the right direction and to help them find exactly what they’re looking for. And they do know that. We hear it over and over and over again. We get letters all the time of how the wedding went and how fabulous everybody looked. And their trip to Italy turned out to be so great thanks to us and the beautiful wardrobe we’ve put together.

Sometimes we have three generations of customers in the store at the same time. We want everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable at Foxy Lady. Can you say more about the “we” in Foxy Lady? The “we” is all the support and relationships with customers and staff through the years. My mom worked with me in my first store and continued until she retired. When I grew into my larger Siesta Key store, I had 5-7 ladies working with me. After opening the St. Armand’s store, we had 6-8 more. You can have the most beautiful clothes in the world, but if you don’t have people who work with you who understand your vision and your expectations, you have nothing. Our staff and management team doesn’t change much. Some employees have been with me for 25-45 years. My son, Bryan, at one point was my partner at our Siesta store until his life did a 360 and he moved to New Zealand. But then came Lori Ann Steiner, who started with me at 18 and has been my partner for the past 14 years. And not to forget the late John Walter, my husband, who supported me every step of the way. Without him I wouldn’t have such beautiful stores. I couldn’t do any of this without my family and friend, who have been with me for every up and down through 50 years.

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oh my gauze! Joy Mooney opened Oh My Gauze! (originally named Down to Earth) more than three decades ago after her husband’s aerospace company transferred him from California to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. A nutritionist by training, she wondered, “What am I going to do in this cute little town?”

to Siesta Key—right in the midst of a hurricane. “Nothing was open, and it was awful. Limbs down. At the hotel, all these people canceled, but we didn’t know.” Still, they found a store. Renting a condo sight unseen, they made the move.

She missed the comfy cotton clothes she’d picked up on trips to Mexico from the West Coast. Lake Geneva attracted tourists, so Mooney found an inexpensive storefront to rent near the water—$100 a month—and filled it with gauzy loungewear. Her husband, Ken, handled the books. Daughters Allison and Kendra helped out as schoolwork allowed. Traffic slowed during long, frigid winters, but locals still packed for cruises and Florida vacations. Every other store was selling sweaters.

Allison, a computer graphics major who had just graduated from college, came down to Florida to help with the setup. She never left. Older daughter, Kendra, with a degree in merchandising, followed about a month later. She stayed, too. In 1994, Oh My Gauze! opened a St. Armands Key store (locations have changed a couple of times). There’s another shop in Naples.

“It just got bigger,” says Mooney. “People like the clothes. So now we have people—we call them Gauze Groupies.”

Both sisters work in the shop on St. Armands Circle. Their husbands manage the warehouse. The clan all lives within about four miles of Joy and Ken’s home on Bird Key. Allison’s son is heading off to college to study business, a possible third generation shopkeeper in the wings.

It occurred to Mooney and family that maybe they should follow the snowbirds. After a couple of years growing the Wisconsin store, they left a manager in charge and made a scouting trip

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What’s the story behind the store name? We came up with Oh My Gauze! because that’s what we sell. You said your friends would come in and be like Oh My Gauze! It’s just a funny name. It’s better than saying Joy’s boutique. Customers take pictures of our sign all the time because it’s so crazy. Where do you get your clothes? I found my first manufacturer in Guadalajara. Then we found someone else who would do our designs, too, because sometimes we design the clothes ourselves. We get inspired by other looks. There’s an Oh My Gauze! label, and we wholesale. We sell to maybe 600 boutiques across the United States and Canada. You have to look at a lot cotton to find the good material. We found that out. We bring it home, and we test it. We all wear it and wash it and dry it and make sure it looks the same. All natural. It’s been boiled so you can put it in the wash. No shrinking. No ironing. We have another line that we’ve carried for years, from Europe, a little more dressy. Linen. And we have fun jewelry, from Africa, New Mexico, other places. Artists make a lot of it, one of a kind. Have you ever made any mistakes? We did order a couple lines that we didn’t like that much. That’s normal. Everybody does that. We decorated a lot. We like to look kind of fun rather than like a store. Some of the things we’ve done were better than others, right? We can’t get rid of that chandelier because it won’t fit through the door. Who does the selling? I’m the one who talks to the customers a lot because I’m a talker. I used to work every day. Now I just work in the morning. I just get tired sometimes, and you’re not good when you’re tired. My daughters know what to do now.

“We bring (the cotton) home, and we test it. We all wear it and wash it and dry it and make sure it looks the same.” -Joy Mooney Also, we have really good employees who do their job. That’s why people request them. “I’m going on a cruise. Pick out an outfit for me.” Our employees stay with us for a long time. They’re from all walks of life, which makes it interesting. Not every family can run a business together. How do you do it? If I get mad, it only lasts for a couple of minutes. My daughters both know what they’re good at, and they do it. Kendra’s in charge of jewelry and merchandising, like window displays. Allison’s good with a lot of artwork in here, and she sells with me. Any idea what the future might hold? You never know what’s going to happen. Our Lake Geneva store closed in 2021. You get disappointed if you plan. We’re lucky that we have our own lines. During the pandemic, sales were slower, but we were selling online. And people wanted comfortable clothes. Now that the doors are open again, we’re not going to change our direction. We love being part of the circle.

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• socialscene •

Laura Dietz (left) and her then-boyfriend Greg, sit with

friends Karen and Lou before homecoming 1977 at James

Ford Rhodes High School in Cleveland, Ohio. Pictured below are friends John and Moni (left) and Karen and Lou (right). All

three girls have known each other all of our lives and remain friends to this day.

Join us! Enter before September 9 for the theme: Unique Costumes Do you have a favorite costume you’ve worn for an event or Halloween? Share it with us! Scan QR Code to submit photos and description, or email editor@scenesarasota.com by September 9 to be considered for the October issue. 74

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• insider •

Erin Minor

educationmatters BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW: HARVEST HOUSE’S NEW LIFE ENRICHMENT CAMPUS By Ryan G. Van Cleave

In 1992, Harvest House was founded by Pastors Jim and Peggy Minor to help men recover from substance abuse. While the pastors are officially retired, the Minor family is still running Harvest House 30 years later. Three of their five children work there, and the entire organization is run by their daughter, Erin Minor, “who grew up in the middle of four brothers.” As CEO, Erin oversees the organization’s supportive housing and hunger relief programs with 380 beds and multiple programs throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. They serve members of our community who are working to rebuild their lives, including families and youth experiencing homelessness, and adults with a history of addiction and incarceration. Erin’s also pleased that Harvest house is able to offer affordable rentals to low-income families. “Last year,” she explains, “we provided 116,781 bed nights. That means for every night that a head was in a bed of ours, that counted as 1.” Erin clarifies that all of Harvest House’s efforts—from providing housing to any other type of services—aren’t a handout but rather a hand-up to help people work toward independence. Getting people back on their feet and able to succeed on their own is always the goal. To meet the growing need in our community, Harvest House continually adds beds and expands their programming to serve different populations. Currently, they provide life enrichment activities to 150+ clients each, with 100 of them attending classes four nights a week despite Harvest House not having their own classroom space. That problem is about to be addressed because of the new Life Enrichment campus which is scheduled to be completed in September 2022. The plan to create Harvest House’s first infrastructure dedicated to wraparound services includes repurposing an existing 5,000 square foot space on the corner of Beneva Road and 17th Street and adding 11,000 square feet of additional

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• insider •

space. This new campus will feature seven communityaccessible administrative offices, two private spaces for community partners and therapy, four classrooms, lots of multipurpose space, childcare space for kids of all ages, a catering kitchen, and more. “It’s going to serve as the foundation for our next phase of growth in addition to allowing us to increase services to our current clients,” she says. Other challenges remain, such as the growing need for family services. Housing in specific is a real issue for many families, so Erin is working on improving Harvest House’s ability to provide emergency shelter, transition rental housing, and permanent supportive housing. While families certainly need help, Harvest House has 96 beds dedicated for use by uninsured people recovering from drug and/or alcohol abuse. Many of those are coming directly from the prison system or jail. Erin notes

that “many aren’t able to pay $10,000 a month to get addiction recovery services, so we work closely with the court system to pick people up when they’re leaving jail or actually get them court ordered to us in lieu of a jail or prison sentence. Here, they get the help they need—case management, classes, therapy, the ability to work. All of that instead of wasted time in jail.” Harvest House is one of the few agencies that offers supportive housing, which is a round-the-clock commitment and not an office that does case management therapy 9 to 5 for five days a week. “We have crises at night, on holidays, on weekends,” Erin admits. “Homelessness and crises simply don’t wait for a Monday through Friday during business hours.” Clearly, many people don’t realize the scope and depth of all Harvest House does. Once a month, they offer

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• insider •

community tours. It takes about an hour to visit all their campuses, but for those who take the time to see it all firsthand, the Harvest House mission (“champion hope and transform lives through supportive and affordable, addiction recovery programs, and food security”) comes alive in an unforgettable way.

seen a lot of hurt, sadness, and anger over the last several years. People experienced a lot of pain.” That’s why the tagline for the Life Enrichment campus capital campaign has been “Building a place where the love is louder and the light is brighter.” As Erin says, Love IS louder than all of that. It’s also louder than shame, regret, or guilt.

“Something that always surprises me is how resilient people are,” Erin says. “Hearing some of the horrors people have been through reminds me how strong and resilient the human spirit is. It’s a privilege that people trust us with their intimate details and to be with them on their journey.” Erin adds that she always says that Harvest House handles the fine China of people’s lives because they deal with crisis. But Erin and her colleagues do a great job with their compassionate support, guidance, and services, as well.

Erin says, “We’re trying to bring community together and saying, Listen, we can do this. And we can focus on these things instead of some of these other things that are driving us crazy. We can move forward, but only if we can come together.” With the new Life Enrichment campus, it’ll be easier than ever for the community to join Harvest House in building a better tomorrow for everyone.

“Lately, we’ve heard a lot of divisive rhetoric when it comes to politics or COVID,” Erin says. “And we’ve

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F O R M O R E IN F O R M AT IO N

please visit www.harvesthousecenters.org or call 941.953.3154.

beach reads W hat’s better than lying in a lounge chair, toes tucked into the sand, relaxing to the sounds of breaking waves, all while immersing yourself in a great story? This summer, we’ll feature exclusive short reads by Florida authors for your enjoyment

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• b e ac h r e a d s •

f inalMASTERPIECE BY ELISE COVINO

Paul Gauguin, Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?, 1897-98, oil on canvas, 139.1 x 374.6 cm (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)

Paul Gauguin’s vision blurred as his horse trotted along the dirt track out of Atuona. In the midday heat, he passed a Marquesan man carving a wooden paddle, a young boy sorting dried coconut flesh, and a woman hauling crabs in a woven palm basket. Ordinarily, these South Pacific island scenes drew his eye, but on this day, the artist was too deeply shaken to notice. Gauguin entered his seaside hamlet’s central clearing. He didn’t see Ku tending his taro garden. Or Joris picking breadfruit. Or Oliana minding her goats and pigs. His horse, familiar with its owner’s habits, slowed on its own. Manu, grower of oranges and coconuts, approached. “Paul, you don’t look so good. What did Doc say about the sores?”

At those words, Gauguin’s trance broke. “Oui. Syphilis.” Manu winced. “I am sorry. Did he give you any remedy?” Gauguin pulled two white envelopes from his pants pocket. “Morphine for the pain. And mercury.” He showed Manu the tablets. “Not sure which is worse, dying from the disease or the cure.” Manu gazed at his feet. “What will you do?”

Gauguin blinked, but his eyes refused to focus.

“Bring some oranges.”

Manu’s brown complexion paled. “Is it...the grande verole?”

Manu hurried off to fetch the fruit from his small grove.

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Gauguin shrugged. He had no idea and, in his current state, no desire to consider it. About one thing he was certain, though—he could postpone his decision-making by spending the afternoon in a whiskey-induced stupor. “How can I help?” Manu asked.

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After allowing his horse to drink at the community trough, Gauguin rode to his thatch-roofed hut and tied the animal to a backyard post. Inside his one-room home, he drew back the tapa cloth curtain concealing a large window facing Ta’a ’Oa Bay. The view from this window had never failed to delight him. Verdant, jungle-covered mountain ridges embraced aquamarine waters dotted with vermillion and cadmium yellow fishing boats. Temetiu, the highest peak, rose majestically from the bay’s west end into a cobalt blue sky. Ever-present zinc white clouds tinged with gray ochre hung above. To Gauguin, this was a seascape more perfect than he could ever hope to paint. He sat at his scarred wooden table and stared out the window, barely noticing the terns and plovers scampering over wet sand. For months he’d feared that his sores and nightly bone pain signaled a serious affliction, but he hadn’t allowed himself to imagine an imminent death. When Doc told him, mercury tablets or not, his life would likely end soon, he’d been utterly thunderstruck. A knock shook Gauguin’s door, startling him from his daze. He stood and opened it. Manu carried a basket of oranges and a slab of tuna wrapped in a banana leaf into the hut and deposited them on the table. “Thought you could use some solid food too.” Gauguin nodded his thanks. He filled a hollowed-out coconut with French whiskey he’d bought with proceeds from the sale of a painting and extended it to the fruit grower. Manu took it in both hands. “That’s way too much.” “I won’t be needing it.” Manu drank from the cup and set it down next to the fish. “The mercury might work.” Gauguin scowled. “Unlikely.” “Then here.” Manu grasped the carved bone tiki pendant resting against his tattooed chest and pulled the attached leather strap over his head. “This will protect you.” He placed the pendant on the artist’s palm and closed his fingers over it.

“If only.” Gauguin stuffed the necklace into his pants pocket. “When are you returning to France?” Manu asked. “I’m not.” “Why not?” Manu frowned. “Surely you want your family close now.” “Yes, but that’s not possible. My wife sent me away. Two of our children are dead. The other three won’t speak to me.” “Can’t you settle your differences before . . .” Gauguin shook his head. “Even if we did, they could never tolerate the disgrace my disease would bring them.” Manu sipped his whiskey. “What about friends? You must have many in France who would be a comfort.” “Friends? I have none.” Manu looked wounded. “You have me.” Gauguin continued as though he hadn’t heard. “Pissarro is disgusted by my work. And Van Gogh? Our friendship ended after our row and that incident with his ear. Now he is dead.” “Then, not to worry. I will get you through this.” Gauguin, in no mood for optimistic chatter and eager to anesthetize himself, sent Manu away. He poured whiskey to the halfway mark etched inside a coconut cup, cut an orange, and squeezed it over the cup until its juice reached the rim. Seated before his beloved view, he gulped the entire drink. While he waited for the liquor to blunt his emotions, he examined the contours and hues of a stately heron near the water’s edge. The whiskey soon melted his muscle tension. But it did not deliver the longed-for mental escape. Instead, it aroused an intense sadness in him. He reflected on his lifetime devotion to creating art worthy of respect from the great French painters he so admired. And on how after all his years of trying he’d

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• b e ac h r e a d s •

hadn’t achieved the fame and success he so desired. Now it was clear he never would. Blinking away the wetness that threatened to fill his eyes, he stirred a second whiskey and orange juice with his finger. As he chugged the entire drink, his distress turned into anger. It wasn’t fair. Why should others live to realize their dreams while his life simply ended? He slammed the empty cup down on the table. A third whiskey-and-orange awakened fears of death’s prelude. The bothersome sores would gnaw deeper. His joint and muscle pain would become excruciating. He’d be haunted by the nightmarish hallucinations of a demented mind. How was he to endure such suffering? He swigged whiskey straight from the bottle. His wife was right. He had neglected her and the children. Even though he cared deeply for them, he’d felt compelled to spend nearly every waking hour painting. And for what? Several minor exhibits? A few meager sales? It hardly seemed worth it. So what now? Spend his remaining time on a long, difficult journey to France to beg for forgiveness? Or stay on Hiva ’Oa and fill his last days with a final attempt to create a masterpiece fit to hang in the Louvre? He groaned. In his inebriated state, he hadn’t the strength of mind needed to arrive at an answer. Gauguin rested his forehead on the table and listened to the waves crashing rhythmically ashore. Before long, the oblivion of sleep claimed him. He awoke with no idea how many hours had passed. Groggy and disoriented, he blinked until his vision cleared, then looked through his window. An obscure line split the black sea from the graphite sky. Dawn was at hand. Soon fuchsia and violet streaked the heavens, silhouetting low-hanging clouds. The volcanic ridges lining the bay emerged from the murk y haze and reached for the junction of sea and sky as if embracing the new day. A golden semicircle peeked over the horizon and grew into a glowing orb. Its glistening beacon reached toward shore, turning wave crests metallic silver. So captivated was Gauguin that he barely noticed the searing sores on his left arm. As the morning mist cleared,

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so did his mind. The answer to his dilemma was obvious. He must devote his remaining time to a painting that captured the splendor of a Polynesian sunrise. It would be the culmination of his life’s work, the masterpiece he’d long yearned to create. He set about planning it while breakfasting on coconut and mashed taro root. Watercolors dried far faster than oils and would give the work a more nebulous quality. Shades of apricot and indigo were essential. Tingling with anticipation, Gauguin assembled paints, palettes, and brushes and spent the afternoon roughly sketching Ta’a ’Oa Bay’s curves. Following a supper of breadfruit and goat cheese, he lay on his straw tick mattress, hoping to fall into an early slumber that would assure a pre-dawn awakening. But the pain in his arms and legs, intensifying by the minute, kept him awake. He tried to lull himself to sleep by imagining the hues and shapes that would fill his canvas the next day. When that distraction proved ineffective, he swallowed a morphine tablet with a sip of whiskey. The aching in his bones softened. He fell into a slumber disturbed by dreams of lengthy, arduous sea voyages. In each, he expired before ever reaching his wife and children. After a third nightmare woke him, he abandoned his attempts to sleep and sat at his table, waiting for the sun to transform the ebony sky. Hours later, another day was born. To Gauguin, it was even more awe inspiring than the phenomenon he’d observed the day before. Exhilarated, he traced cloud outlines on his canvas and applied slashes of orangey-pink and buttery yellow. Working quickly, he struggled to depict the spectacle before the morning light lost its softness. The haze cleared as the gilded sphere rose. The sky’s profusion of color dissolved into a uniform cornflowerblue. Gauguin raced his fading memory to recreate the exquisite daybreak. The sun was at its pinnacle when he stood back to evaluate his work. Something was off. In some indeterminate way, he’d failed to capture the glorious event’s magical component, its essence. Gauguin collapsed into his chair. He grabbed a clump of hair in each fist and pulled. “Argh.” This painting was not even adequate. He’d been such a fool. He’d sacrificed closeness with his loved ones to pursue an occupation at which he’d never excel.

• b e ac h r e a d s •

Guzzling whiskey from the bottle, he squinted at his sunrise rendering and compared it with his mid-day view through the window. Near the shore, a fisherman was filleting tuna on a wooden plank. Gauguin ignored him and studied the dense growth covering the mountains and the curve of the bay. Had he depicted the arc of the ridges too loosely or tightly? Or did color hold the key?

Manu opened the door and poked his head through. “You okay?” Concern etched his face when his friend didn’t respond. He rushed to Gauguin’s bedside. “What’s wrong?”

A local woman named Tehani, clad only in the pareo wrapped around her waist, wove through the palms next to his hut with her twin four-year-old boys and pre-teen daughter. The family made its way onto the beach as Gauguin muttered about the correct shade to use for the silvery light reflected off the sea at sunrise. Tehani waded into the aquamarine water and stood on a sandbar, gathering clams and cowries. The little ones joined the search, and one triumphantly pulled a small conch from the water. Tehani responded with a joyful exclamation and a pat of praise to his head.

Manu followed his finger to the empty morphine tablet envelope. “No. Tell me you didn’t!”

Gauguin again took in the entire scene. In a flash of inspiration, he knew what was missing. He set about correcting his mistake. For three days he toiled at perfecting his final painting. On the afternoon of the fourth day, Manu knocked on his door and called to him. Gauguin yelled, “Come back in an hour.”

Gauguin, his eyes half closed, pointed toward the wooden nightstand next to his mattress.

“It’s okay. Everything is in order.” Gauguin’s gaze shifted toward the foot of his bed. “I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.” Manu turned to see what had caught Gauguin’s attention. “Oh.” For several moments, both men silently contemplated the painting. The background consisted of the subtle colors of a Ta’a ’Oa Bay sunrise. In the foreground, a woman and five children gazed lovingly from the canvas. A tattooed Polynesian man who more than slightly resembled Manu occupied the lower left corner. In his hand was a basket of oranges. On his face was an expression that reflected his eagerness to help a friend in need. Manu’s eyes lit up. “That’s me?”

Gauguin added the finishing touches and set his brush on the table. He placed his easel at the foot of his mattress and lay down to enjoy his life’s greatest work. That evening, after Manu finished picking oranges and trading them for his household needs, he returned and again pounded his fist against Gauguin’s door. Gauguin moaned from his mattress.

Gauguin nodded. “You did it,” Manu said. “You brilliantly portrayed all that is important to you. It is indeed a masterpiece.” With sigh of contentment, Gaugin gently closed his eyes.

about the author elise covino Elise Covino is a University of Buffalo graduate whose long career as a paralegal in a personal injury firm ended with a switch from brief-writing to fiction-writing. Her nearly complete first novel, a mystery, is set in a fictional Florida city that may seem familiar to Sarasota residents. She resides in Bradenton. AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

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AUGUST 2022 |

PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR

asolo repertory theatre 941.351.8000/asolorep.org

manatee performing arts center

Young Artist Classes and Camps

941.749.1111/

Through August 5

manateeperformingartscenter.com

circus arts conservatory 941.355.9805/circusarts.org Summer Circus Spectacular

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying August 11 – 21

Partnered with Ringling Museum

mccurdy’s comedy theatre

at Historic Asolo Museum

941.925.3869/mccurdyscomedy.com

Through August 13

Tracy Smith

florida studio theatre

August 4 – 6 Hard Heart Burlesque

941.366.9000/

August 7

floridastudiotheatre.org

Jeff Shaw

Smoke & Mirrors

August 11 – 14

August 3 – 21

Derek Richards

Rock & Roll Reignited

August 17 – 21

with Not Fade Away Through August 8

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

Al Earnst August 24 – 28 Open Bar Comedy August 30 Humor Institute Class Performance August 30

the players center for performing arts 941.365.2494/theplayers.org Let It Be August 17 – 28

sarasota music archive 941.861.1168/sarasotamusicarchive.org Hot Club SRQ August 3 The Jazz Guitar of Akeem Esdaile August 17

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sarasota opera

venice theatre

941.328.1300/sarasotaopera.org

941.488.1115/venicetheatre.org

Classic Movies:

Godspell, Jr.

Fiddler on the Roof

August 4 – 7

August 5

Teen Improv Troupe Performance

HD at the Opera House:

August 13

La Traviata August 7

westcoast black theatre troupe

Classic Movies:

941.366.1505/westcoastblacktheatre.org

Double Indemnity

WBTT Live!

August 19

On Demand Video

HD at the Opera House: Rusalka August 21

venice performing arts center 941.218.0627/ veniceperformingartscenter.com Assisted Living the Musical August 21

V I S I T S CE N ES AR AS OTA. C OM to s u b mi t your event for co n si d e rat i on, pl ea s e s end i nfo r m at i on to e di to r@ s cenes a ra s ot a .com

Help make higher education possible. Cassandra Holmes 941-752-5390 HolmesC@SCF.edu SCF-Foundation.org AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

Bishop Museum

artscene

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AUGUST 2022 |

State of the Arts

Island Gallery West

VISUAL ARTS CALENDAR

alfstad & contemporary

art ovation

941.366.6400 / alfstadand.com Christophe von Hohenberg, Warhol’s Last Party: Pictures from the Memorial Through August 24

941.316.0808 / artovation.com Tribute to Andrés Valerio Through September 6 Ana Albertina Delgado: The Human Mysteries and the Indifference of the Universe Through September 6 Alexander Solotzew: Life in Colors Through September 6 The Rainer Hildebrandt Collection: Original Painted Slabs from the Berlin Wall Through September 6

art avenue 440.227.4592 / artavenueflorida.com International Art: Dali, Picasso, Turovsky Current Local Artists: Vicki Chelf, Richard Moravits, Elin Li Current

artcenter manatee 941.746.2862 / artcentermanatee.org My Happy Place Through August 12

art center sarasota 941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org Faces & Places Through August 6

Alfstad & Contemporary

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

art uptown 941.955.5409 / artuptown.com Summer in the City Through August 19

bishop museum of science & nature 941.746.4131 /bishopscience.org Picturing Science: Museum Science & Imaging Technologies Current/Temporary Exhibition

Illumination: Seeing Beyond the Shell Current/Temporary Exhibition Rainbow Room Current/Temporary Exhibition

dabbert gallery 941.955.1315 / dabbertgallery.com Summer Showcase Through September 30

florida maritime museum 941.708.6120 / floridamaritimemuseum.org Caught in the Storm: 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes Temporary Exhibit

marie selby botanical gardens 941.210.0874 / selby.org Seeing the Invisible: An Augmented Reality Contemporary Art Exhibition Through August 2023 (Historic Spanish Point campus) Flora Imaginaria: The Flower in Contemporary Photography Through September 25

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Dabbert Gallery

Art Center Sarasota Meg Krakowiak

Art Uptown

ringling museum

skc studio on 5th

941.359.5700 / ringling.org As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Through August 13 Eleanor Merritt: Remembrance Through August 21 Metadata: Rethinking Photography from the 21st Century Through August 28 Ballroom Florida: Deco & Desire in Japan’s Jazz Age Through September 25 The Marvelous Marbling of Matsui Kosei Through September 25

941.330.8091 / susancronkart.com Susan Cronk Original Art: Pure, Figurative & Still Life Current

sarasota art museum sarasotaartmuseum.org Daniel Lind-Ramos: Las Tres Marías Through August 7 State of the Art 2020: Constructs Through September 11 Katrina Coombs: Threads of the Maternal Figure Through October 2 Xaviera Simmons Through November

the southern atelier 941.753.7755 / southernatelier.org See Website for Classes & Studios

stakenborg/greenberg fine art 941.487.8001 / stakenborgfineart.com “Go Figure” Figurative Art Summer 2022

state of the arts gallery 941.955.2787 / sarasotafineart.com Some Like It Hot Summer 2022

TO SUB M IT YO U R EV EN T / EX H IB IT IO N F OR CO N S ID ER AT IO N , please send information to editor@scenesarasota.com

AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

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meet the artist

ALEXANDER SOLOTZEW Alexander Solotzew was born in Kaliningrad city (former Soviet Union) in 1957. At the age of eleven he was admitted to the Art Lyceum for gifted children in Moscow. From the young age he was exploring the Old Masters like Botticelli, Michelangelo and El Greco. Later, Alexander was encouraged to continue his rigorous classical training in one of world-renowned Academies of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. Shortly after his successful graduation with Master’s Degree in Fine Arts he immigrated to East Germany, where he started developing as an avant-garde artist. Solotzew’s aesthetic language can be described as a fusion of figurative art with elements of cubism and realism. Inspired by 20th-century Russian masters his paintings embody compelling artistry and visual sensitivity. The Artist chiseled his style to perfection. He can be easily recognized by the spiral movements of his wide brush strokes and a diamond like color palette with almost real engagement of floating figures. All of this are the symbols of the artist’s life philosophy and passion for love. Alexander is a true cosmopolitan, who believes that different languages and cultures enrich the world and it is a great motivation for him to portray daily scenes depicting human relations in specific settings, be it the United States or Europe where he spends time every year. Solotzew has presented over two hundred exhibitions around the world for more than four decades, receiving international critics’ praise. He received numerous awards, including gold medals for his artistic contribution to Germany’s national culture. His works belong to significant private and institutional collections in Europe and the United States. The Artist lives on two continents and travels between his artistic studios in Sarasota, Florida and Germany. Currently, Alexander Solotzew presents his solo exhibition traditionally named “Life in Colors” in the main lobby of the Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota. The exposition is open to public 24/7 until September 6, 2022 at 1255 N. Palm Ave, Sarasota. For more information visit www.solotzew.com or call 941. 780.2897 88

SARASOTA SCENE | AUGUST 2022

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LITERARYScene By Ryan G. Van Cleave THREE NEW BOOKS OF FANTASY AND WONDER

ACTS OF VIOLET by Margarita Montimore (Flatiron Books, July 2022) The Las Vegas magician Violet Volk vanished for good in the middle of her famous disappearing act and hasn’t been seen since. A decade later, people remain intrigued by her disappearance, but no one more so than Cameron Frank who wants to unlock that mystery for his podcast audience. All he has to do is get Violet’s family to play along, but that’s not going to be easy since Violet and her sister (Sasha) had a tumultuous relationship. Plus, Quinn—Sasha’s daughter—is doing some investigating on her own. The story is a mashup of genres—science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, family drama, and more. What I like about it most is the way the story is delivered. We get Cameron’s podcast transcripts, emails from Cameron, letters to Violet from her sister Sasha, articles, a website that claims Violet’s a big phony, etc. It’s a fresh approach that helps the story feel even more authentic than most novels do. Ultimately, the book is long and some might find it slow at times, but it’s a layered, unconventional, and interesting story, and if you—like me!—enjoy stories about magic, Acts of Violet is abracadabra good. **Bonus tip: I listened to part of the audiobook as well and it was exceptionally good. Highly recommended.

RYAN’S RATING: www.montimore.com

UPGRADE • by Blake Crouch (Ballantine Books, July 2022) With certain books, it’s difficult to write a solid review without spoiling the reading experience, and Blake Crouch’s new science-fiction novel, Upgrade, is one of those. I’ll do what I can to give you just what you need to tell if this is for you. In the future, the US has banned gene editing. Our main character, Logan Ramsey, works for the GPA (Gene Protection Agency) to support that mission, but an explosion at work AUGUST 2022 | SARASOTA SCENE

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the

leaves him transformed by a synthetic virus. As a result, he multitasks better, reads better, thinks better, and even needs less sleep. Essentially, he’s been upgraded. But at what cost do these benefits come? The drawbacks are significant, after all. And what has been unknowingly unleashed? Will Logan be the savior of humankind, or will he follow in the footsteps of his mad scientist mother who was notorious? The science might be a lot for some, though this three-part novel is a rewarding read that provokes readers to think deeply about the possibilities and ramifications of genetic manipulation.

RYAN’S RATING: www.blakecrouch.com

HOOKED • by A.C. Wise (Atria Books, July 2022) I typically avoid retellings but this one grabbed me despite me not being a big Peter Pan fan. I also avoid jumping into a series in which I haven’t read the previous books (this book is more or less a sequel to Wise’s Wendy, Darling). But once I realized that Hooked is a contemporary feminist spin on a Peter Pan story, I had to give it a shot.

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Make no mistake, Hooked is a dark retelling. James (Captain Hook) is roaming London and using opium to mute his pain and suffering. Decades after leaving Neverland, he teams up with Wendy and Jane (Wendy’s daughter) to investigate a strange monster that’s siphoning off the essence of people—including Jane’s own roommate. What they come to realize is that the monster escaped from Neverland so there’s an obligation for them to make matters right. I’m pleased at how this serves as a redemption arc for Hook and that Peter Pan comes across as cruel to the point of nearly being a villain (which readers saw in full in Wendy, Darling). In terms of the writing, Hooked is also quite beautiful at times, but the story itself is challenging. There are lots of time jumps, setting changes, and points of view. But the story has love—Hook clearly loves Samuel, and the mother-daughter dynamic of Wendy and Jane is handled quite well. You might want to try Wendy, Darling first to see if Wise’s style works for you. If that novel pleases you, this one surely will as well.

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