Feb/March 2010 by SARASOTA SCENE Magazine

The Out-of-Door Academy

Celebrating 85 Years of School Spirit & Family

Home&Garden

FEB/MARCH 2010 $3.95 U.S.

Builders Are Back | Easy Green Living | Waterfront Masterpiece

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Florida Winefest & Auction ● Visit floridawinefest.org Join food & wine lovers like our mascots, Woodrow & Babbs Longnecker, at a world-class fundraiser held at various fun locations throughout Sarasota. Visit our website to purchase tickets for our events, starting at $15.00. Opening doors of opportunity for children 365 days a year. Wine dinners, seminars & tastings at area venues and a Party with a Purpose!

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Contact Information:

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Facilitating Philanthropy Since 1989, the Center for Faith and Freedom has utilized its video production capabilities to document many of the social, economic, humanitarian and spiritual issues facing individuals and families in crisis. We take seriously our obligation to support and serve those citizens that may have been forgotten or overlooked by our fast-paced society.

Stuart J. Roth Founder and President

To see samples of our award-winning video documentaries, visit our web site at FaithandFreedom.org

Winner of Six 2008 Telly Awards

Winner of Six 2009 Telly Awards

7357 Merchant Court • Sarasota, FL 34240 • Phone 941.487.4061 • Fax 941.487.4062

contentsfeatures fortynine

Home & Garden February/March 2010

46 49 52

Volume 53 No. 2

The Out-of-Door Academy Celebrating 85 Years of School Spirit & Family Treat Your Senses at this Caribbean-Style Masterpiece They're Back! Local Builders Get Busy Again Ryan G. Van Cleave

Greener & Healthier Homes & Gardens 3 Local Experts Tell Us How Grace Carlson

Play Ball! Ray Collins

fiftysix 62 Cover / The Out-of-Door Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Banyan Ball on March 20, 2010 - Celebrating 85 years The Out-of-Door Academy

Celebrates 85 Years of School Spirit & Family

Home&Garden

Builders Are Back | Easy Green Living | Waterfront Masterpiece

of School Spirit and Family. Pictured Banyan Ball chairs: (L-R): Nora Johnson, Kitty Cranor, Myrna Band, Sandy Loevner, Mickey Davis, Elizabeth Mahler with Out-of-Door kindergarten students (L-R in tree): Ashley Jabari & Mateo Giacinti,(L-R standing): Tristan Jordan, & Sofie Hazelhoff. PHOTO BY STEPHEN LeBLANC

Make The Move To Sarasota Bay Club Now – With Our Exciting New Freedom Purchase Program! • Delay Your Closing Up To 12 Months • Move-In Before Your Current Home Is Sold • Assistance Selling Your Current Home If you are ready to make the move to a more carefree retirement lifestyle, Sarasota Bay Club’s Freedom Purchase Program is designed especially for you! Your minimal deposit locks in your purchase price on select units, and provides you with the option of delaying your closing up to a year. With the Freedom Purchase Program, you start enjoying the Sarasota Bay Club lifestyle before you move in. You get full access to all of the wonderful amenities we offer our residents, including fine dining, a full schedule of social and recreational activities, and access to ClubCare Home Health Services. Or you can choose to move into the Sarasota Bay Club before you close while your current home is on the market. Our dedicated move-in coordinator will assist with all the details of your move.

A Carefree Retirement Lifestyle Is Waiting For You! Many Of The Best Floor Plans and Views Are Still Available.

Call Kathryn Cooper Today

For Your Complimentary Luncheon & Tour!

(941) 552-3284

www.SarasotaBayClub.com 1301 N. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, Florida 34236

contents inside 10

From the Editor Julie Milton

16 27

64 27

Events Calendar Arts & Culture Culture Matters The Sarasota County Arts Council

Design Reclaiming Our Furniture Jacqueline Miller

Behind the Scene Debbi Benedict

45 64

Scenes from an Interview Sam Holladay Gus Mollasis

67 73

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From the Desk of: Linda W. Mansperger

Scene Healthy Advice for Healthy Living Water's Edge Dining Susan Cullen

Curtain Call Terence Fugate

Locally

upclose 60

Julia Grant Russian Princess & A Founder of Sarasota's First Garden Club Selden Sutton

All Aboard for Romance! Sue Blue

socialscene 14 24 32 33 42

MofďŹ tt Cancer Center Awareness Luncheon Pines of Sarasota Foundation's Beauty of Aging ARC's Dog's Night Out Cure Club's 2nd Annual Exotic Car Show The Perlman Music Program's Winter Residency Celebration

44 48 58 70 80

Children First Luncheon The Bradenton Opera Guild Winter Gala NCJW's 58th Annual Women in Power Luncheon JHCF Honors Janis & Ron Collier The Temple Beth Israel Gala

scene | from the editor

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Photo by Mary McCulley

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ith this our Home and Garden issue, I must say how I enjoyed working on stories about the resurgence of one of our most important industries- home building,

and I especially enjoyed hearing from several local green experts.

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We have made tremendous strides in sustainability and our community should be proud that we have among us top “green living” leaders who are paving the way to a safer environment and healthier homes.

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Focusing on homes also made me realize how little time I actually get to enjoy my home and the nature that surrounds it. Lately I’ve been operating on a fast and furious speed with little time to stop and smell the roses. And if I was sure of anything in this life, I know I don’t want to continue at this warped speed. So, I’ve decided to make a conscious effort to slow the roll one step at a time and actually carve out a bit of time each week for myself. For you see, it has taken me over ﬁve decades to realize that enjoying the present makes for a brighter future. My feverish pace today will undoubtedly cause regrets and problems in my retirement years so this gal is slowing down and making some changes. The ﬁrst place I am going to start is by spending more time enjoying my home and actually using the spaces that were

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created for relaxing and rejuvenating. It sounds like a good idea – I’ll let you know if it works!

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FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

12th ANNUAL SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL

APRIL 9 - 18, 2010

Visit www.sarasotaﬁlmfestival.com for all the latest information!

�� The Insider�� PAID FOR IN PART BY: Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues

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Locally Owned, Operated & Printed CEO/Publisher: Ronald Milton Co-Publisher/Executive Editor: Julie A. Milton VP Sales & Marketing: Karen Koblenz Art and Production Director: Michelle Cross

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Events/Subscriptions: Charlotte Wilson Langley Contributing Writers: Debbi Benedict, Sue Blue, Ray Collins,

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Sue Cullen, Terence Fugate, Gus Mollasis, Ryan G. Van Cleave Photographers: Cliff Roles, Carissa Warfield Principal Office and Mailing Address: 1343 Main St, Ste. 201, Sarasota, FL 34236 941-365-1119 • Fax: 941-954-5067 SCENESARASOTA.COM offers our current and recent issues, a comprehensive calendar of community events, photos of the latest charity events and much more! Annual Subscriptions: Please call 941365-1119, write the Circulation Dept. at our mailing address listed above,or visit our web site at scenesarasota.com SCENE magazine is published 12 times a year. Info and Comments: Please submit press releases to info@scenesarasota.com and editorial comments to editor@scenesarasota.com. Advertisers: Call 941-365-1119, ext. 302, or email sales@scenesarasota.com scene magazine is published monthly by RJM Ventures, LLC. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufficient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, art work and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged. Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $16.95 per

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FEB/MARCH 2010

year, $24.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

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Put a Team Together & Come Play LAUREL OAK COUNTRY CLUB’S SIGNATURE COURSES

ak Cup! O l e r u a L c a l l i d a C t s a 7th Annual Co 2010 Honorary Chairman Mark Guthrie, World Series Champion Minnesota Twins

BENEFITS

Sunday, March 14, 2010 – Dinner and Auction Monday, March 15, 2010 – Golf Tournament 1pm Shotgun We provide your team a golf pro (or bring your own). The format is a four player Scramble with professional options.

Prizes Total $7,500.00 (Gross and Net Awards) Sign up today! Call Event Chair Sue Hokamp - 941-378-3952

Laurel Oak Country Club

| 2700 Gary Player Blvd. | Sarasota, FL 34240 | www.laureloak.com

scene | social

View all photos at scenesarasota.com

Mofﬁtt Cancer Center Awareness Luncheon N early 400 guests packed the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota for

the 11th Annual Sarasota/Manatee Mofﬁtt Cancer Center

Photography by Cliff Roles

Awareness Luncheon. Broadcaster and author Cokie Roberts gave the keynote address and challenged women to keep up the constant vigilancy and advocacy to cure breast cancer. The luncheon also featured ABC 7 Medical Editor Heidi Godman who moderated a discussion panel with two of Mofﬁtt Cancer Center’s top breast cancer physicians, Dr. Christine Laronga and Dr. Eleanor

Harris. The event raised nearly $40,000 to beneﬁt women’s cancer research at Mofﬁtt Cancer Center.

Ann Proctor, Barbara Cruikshank & Charlene Wolff

Barbara Ackerman, Debi Chapman, Judith Stanley & Paulette Schindler

Kristine Nickel, Renee Eppard & Catherine Middleton

Sarah Lansky & Gayle Guynup

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

Marianne Meyer & Patsy Garno

Penny Hill, Betty Wild, Beathe Elden & Alfred Rose

Janet Allen, Mary Kenealy Barbetta, Cindy Peterson & Lorraine Vitale

Eileen Curd & Mary Forte

Cokie Roberts

Pat Pantello & Lisa Morris scenesarasota.com

INTRODUCING A NEW CASUAL LUXURY BOUTIQUE... LIFESTYLE CLOTHING FOR DREAMWEAVER

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Februar y / March Calendar of Events

Photo courtesy of Cliff Roles

February Tidewell Hospice Compassion in Caring Award Luncheon 2-19 11:30 am Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. Benefits Tidewell Hospice. Tickets: $75/941.552.7551

Best in Show Gala 2-20 6:30 pm Michael’s on East. Benefits Animal Rescue Coalition. “Woofstock” theme to celebrate in style. Tickets: 941.957.1955, ext.7/ animalrescuecoalition.org

Police Athletic League of Sarasota County Gala 2-20 6:30 pm Sailor Circus Arena. Benefits the Police Athletic League. Tickets: 941.316.8108

Asolo Rep Starry Night Dinner Series 2-22 6:30 pm Asolo Rep Main Stage. Benefits the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Tickets: $200/941.351.9010, ext 4712/asolo.org

Junior League of Sarasota Sustainers Legacy Luncheon 2-22 11:00 am Michael’s on East. Guest speaker is Mavis Leno, advocate for Afghan and women’s rights. Tickets: $85 for friends, $150 for patrons/941-953-5600.

Caring Hearts Luncheon 2-23 11:00 am Michael’s on East. Benefits First Step of Sarasota’s Mothers and Infants Program. Tickets: $60/941.552.2065

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FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

Planned Parenthood’s 44th Annual Dinner 2-23 5:30 pm Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Features silent auction, dinner and guest speaker. Tickets: $150/941.365.3913ext.1105/ myplannedparenthood.org

Mote Marine 55th Anniversary Fashion Show & Luncheon 2-24 11:00 am Field Club. Fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue. Benefits Mote Marine Aquarium. Tickets: $55/941.951.3128

Founders Garden Club Gala Cocktail Party & Fair 2-24 & 2-25 Chelsea Center. Shop while enjoying cocktails & hors d’oeuvres at the opening night Gardeners Gala (5 pm on the 24th). Tickets: $50 for the party which includes free entry into the Fair the next day. The Fair (10 am - 4 pm on the 25th) features unique home & garden accessories, live plants, flowers & designer fashions. Tickets: $10 in advance or $15 at the door. 941-256-1457/email: founderssrq@gmail.com.

Evening of Excellence Dinner & Student Art Auction 2-26 6:00 pm Michael’s on East. Benefits the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Tickets: $200/941.927.0965

Enchanted Evening Dinner, Dance, & Auction Gala 2-27 6:30 pm at the private estate of Dr. and Mrs. Wahl. Benefits the New Gate School. Tickets: $125/941.922.4949

THE JEWISH HOUSING FOUNDATION PRESENTS

SAT, MARCH 6 • PLAY BEGINS @ 6:30 “Eddie Jacobson was one of the best friends I had in this world” - President Harry S. Truman

EDDIE A friendship that changed the world

Written by BOB FEINBERG & MARVIN STARKMAN Directed by MAX DANIELS With MARVIN STARKMAN as Eddie Jacobson In 1948, President Truman was visited by army buddy, former business partner and life long friend, Eddie Jacobson, interceding on behalf of his fellow Jews to urge Truman to support a UN resolution creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Strongly opposed by the State Department, the quest put the 30- year relationship in peril. A moving and inspirational production tells the story of their improbable friendship and Eddie’s nearly impossible mission. Outside under the Big Tent! $5 per person, Children under 12 Free Space is limited. Pre-order tickets and food online

Sponsored by

American Cancer Society Cattle Barons’ Ball 2-27 6:00 pm Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice. Benefits services provided by the American Cancer Society. Tickets: $100/841.484.3500/email: Kelly.Pickering@lpl.com.

March

On the Kobernick/Anchin campus: 1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota BENEFITING THE BENOVOLENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Come early! Box Dinners $10 (your choice of Corned Beef, Pastrami or Turkey sandwich, chips & drink - or Lox & Bagel with drink. Desserts & Coffee to purchase.)

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UCP’S Chocolate Inspired Interactive Dinner 3-3 7:00 pm Michael’s on East. Benefits United Cerebral Palsy. Tickets: $125/941.957.3599/ucpsarasota.org

SUNDAY

En Plein Aire Affair

MARCH 7

3-5 from 6 pm Longboat Key Club and Resort. Benefits Longboat

10AM-5PM

Key Center for the Arts. Five well known watercolorists create outdoor watercolor paintings. Elegant dinner, wine and dancing. Tickets:

on the campus of

$175/941.383.2345/ringling.edu

KOBERNICK HOUSE ANCHIN PAVILION

1951 N. Honore Ave.

Club Forty 3-6 at Rectrix Aviation. A Benefit for Forty Carrots Family Center. Club Forty combines a stylish cafe, bar and dance floor with a silent auction for an evening as cool as a Manhattan lounge. Tickets: $95/941.365.7716/fortycarrots.com

JHCF’s Festival of Jewish Food 3-6 10am-5:00 pm Kobernick House. Benefits the Jewish Housing Council Foundation. This family oriented festival features an expanscenesarasota.com

SARASOTA

KOSHER FOOD • SHOPPING • CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY AREA

Huge Rummage Sale - Antiques and Collectables CONTINUOUS ENTERTAINMENT ON THE MAIN STAGE FUN FOR EVERYONE! SAVE THE DATE & YOUR APPETITE! Vendor Opportunities Call Jeremy

941-377-0781 • www.KobernickAnchin.org

Sponsored by the Jewish Housing Council Foundation, a not for proﬁt organization. FEB/MARCH 2010

| scene

sive food market and entertainment throughout the day. Tickets:

Celebration of Imagination “Club South Beach”

free/941.377.0781/kobernickanchin.org

3-6 7:30 pm Temple Beth Sholom School. A glamorous and fun theme benefiting Temple Beth Sholom Schools. Tickets: $125/941.954.2027/

All Children’s Miracle Ball “Exotic Ports of Call”

goldiefeldmanacademy.com

3-6 6 pm Sarasota Yacht Club. A waterfront gala benefitting All Children’s Hospital Guild Sarasota-Manatee. Tickets: $150/941.650.0337/

Little Black Dress Luncheon

achgsarasotamanatee.org

3-9 11:30 am Sarasota Yacht Club. Fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue. Benefits Children First. Tickets: $35/941.953.3877/childrenfirst.net

Asolo Rep Starry Night Dinner Series - “Managing Maxine” 3-6 6:30 pm Asolo Repertory Theatre. Benefits Asolo Rep. Tickets:

Artist Series “A Dream A-Fare” 3-9 6:30 pm Michael’s on East. Benefits The Artist Series of Sarasota

$200/941.351.9010/asolo.org

Scholarship Fund. Tickets: $100/941.504.4729/artistseries.net

We Care Manatee Casino Night 2010

A Night at the Opera

3-6 6:30 pm at Renaissance on 9th. Proceeds benefit We Care Mana-

3-9 6:30 pm Senior Friendship Center. A madcap evening featuring

tee. Tickets: $125/941.755.3952 ext.6/wecaremanatee.org

the Sarasota Opera and Marx Brothers antics. Benefits the Friendship Centers. Tickets: $150/941.556.3205/friendshipcenters.org

JHCF Presents “Eddie” 3-6 6:30 pm Kobernick House. A one-man show featuring Eddie Jacob-

UCP’s Willy Wonka Chocolate Gala

son, lifelong friend of President Harry Truman. Benefits the Jewish Hous-

3-10 8:00 pm Michael’s on East. Enjoy cullinary delights featuring

ing Council Foundation. Tickets: $25 for play and box dinner; $15 gen-

chocolate and music by Chameleon. Benefits United Cerebral Palsy.

eral admission/kids under 12 free/941.377.0781/kobernickanchin.org

Tickets: $150/941.957.3599/ucpsarasota.org

F L O R I D A’ S P R E M I E R P R O F E S S I O N A L T H E AT R E

THE PERFUME SHOP NOW–APR.1 A warm & bubbly comedy.

THE LIFE OF GALILEO NOW–FEB. 17 A thrilling & dramatic masterpiece.

SEARCHING FOR EDEN NOW–FEB. 25 Love through the ages.

THE LAST FIVE YEARS NOW–FEB. 28 A musical love story.

HEARTS

NOW–APR. 11 A stirring tribute to the Greatest Generation. PAUL WHITWORTH & MICHAEL JOSEPH MITCHELL IN THE LIFE OF GALILEO PHOTO BY FRANK ATURA.

MANAGING MAXINE NOW–APR. 18 Love in the “golden years.”

CALL

351-8000 OR 800-361-8388

ONLINE:

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

ASOLO.ORG

scenesarasota.com

RCLA Town Hall Lecture Series

Coast Cadillac/Laurel Oak Cup

3-10 10:30 am & 7:30 pm RCLA Town Hall. Former Pakistan presi-

3-14 & 3-15 Laurel Oak Country Club. Sunday 6:30 pm dinner &

dent, Pervez Musharraf will be the guest speaker. Benefits Ringling

auction. Monday 1:00 pm golf tournament; 4 player scramble with

College Library Association. 941.925.1343/rclassociation.org

professional options. Prizes total $7500. Benefits Special Olympics Florida, Sarasota County. Tickets: Call Event Chair Sue Hokamp at

6th Annual Sports Legends Weekend Gala & Auction

941.378.3952.

3-12 6:30 pm Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. Tickets: $175/941.488.4009/bbbssun.org

Sarasota Ballet Luncheon Series 3-15 11:30 am Michael’s on East. Benefits the Sarasota Ballet Asso-

Fine Arts Society’s Creators & Collectors Tour

ciation. Tickets: $27/941.351.5361/sarasotaballetassociation.org

3-12 & 3-13 10 - 4 pm in Sarasota. A 2-day self-guided tour of Sarasota artist studios around Sarasota and a gallery show of other outstanding

WCR “Dare to Dream” Renaissance Luncheon

local artists at Ringling College. Tickets: $20/fineartssarasota.com.

3-15 10:30 am Ritz-Carlton. Benefits the Women’s Resource Center. Boutique shopping following by luncheon featuring guest speaker Liz

SMHF’s Rock the Roof

Lange, designer of NIKE products and founder of Liz Lange Maternity.

3-13 6:30 pm Top of Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Lasula Parking

Tickets: $95/941.366.1700/thewomensresourcecenter.org

Garage. Featuring SMH Physician’s Jam Session and the band Mad Margritt. Benefits Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. Tickets:

Celebrity Chefs & Wine Tasting

$65/941.917.1286/smhf.org

3-16 5:30 pm Longboat Key Club and Resort Harbourside Dining Room. Benefits Jewish Family & Children’s Services of

Crowley Museum’s Starry Night

Sarasota-Manatee. Local chefs prepare signature dishes, W.J.

3-13 5:00 pm Crowley Museum and Nature Center. A ‘rustic elegant’ eve-

Deutsch & Sons, Ltd. will provide hand-selected wines, and

ning underneath the stars with dancing, dinner & music. Benefits Crowley

new this year is Blue Angel Vodka. Tickets: $75/941.366.2224

Museum & Nature Center. Tickets: $140 /941.322.1000/cmncfl.org

ext.142/.jfcs-cares.org

The Right Words To Deﬁne Our Concierge Medical Practice. Board Certified. Exceptional Doctors. Unlimited Visits. Personal Attention. Individualized. Compassionate. House Calls. 24/ 7 Access. The Doctor Is In. Always. When you put it all together, Lerner-Cohen spells the best kind of Concierge Medical Healthcare.

941. 953.9080

1921 Waldemere Street, Ste. 814 ı Sarasota, FL 34239 ı LernerCohen.com ~ Brad S. Lerner, MD ı Louis M. Cohen, MD scenesarasota.com

FEB/MARCH 2010

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Celebrating Thirty-Six Years

THE PERFECT BAL ANCE OF TR ADITION & INNOVATION Dine Alfresco and Enjoy the View Relax and Mingle at the Bar Experience Elegant Dining Inside Full Service Catering for Private Dinners, Banquets & Galas All at Café L’Europe on the Circle! Complimentary Valet Parking All Day Long

941.388.4415 | 431 St. Armands Circle | cafeleurope.net

Bradenton Opera Guild’s Helen Jepson Dellera Fellowship Award Luncheon

Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon

3-17 11:30 am IMG Academies Golf and Country Club at El Con-

$75/941.366.6646 ext. 207/ girlsincsrq.org

3-23 11:00 am Ritz-Carlton. Benefits Girls Incorporated. Tickets:

quistador. Award will be given at luncheon and the recipient artist will entertain guests. Tickets: $30/941.358.5660/sarasotaopera.org

Sarasota Ballet 20th Anniversary Celebration 3-24 6 pm – 8 pm Michael’s on East. The Ballet unveils its 20th An-

Wellness Community Night of Hope

niversary Season and other events happening during its year-long cel-

3-19 6:30 pm Michael’s On East. An Italian-style gala chaired by Fran

ebration. Tickets: $100/sarasotaballet.org

& John LaCivita. Benefits the Wellness Community Southwest Florida. Tickets: $175/941.921.5539 ext. 209/wellness-swfl.org.

Hammers and Hope 3-25 6:00 pm Hyatt Regency. The evening will showcase and cel-

Beach Bash

ebrate how Habitat Sarasota benefits local families. Benefits Habitat

3-20 Bradenton Auditorium. Silent and live auction and cuisine by Man-

for Humanity. Tickets: $100/941.927.0965/sarasotahabitat.com

grove Grille. Benefits Manatee Glens. Tickets: $100/941.782.4354/ manateeglens.org

Cat’sino Nautical Night Gala

Asolo Rep Starry Night Dinner Series - “Asolo Rep: Unplugged.” 3-25 6:30 pm Home of Michael Donald Edwards. Benefits the

3-20 6:30 pm Sarasota Yacht Club. Benefits the Cat Depot. Tickets:

Asolo Repertory Theatre. Tickets: $200/941.351.9010 ext .4712/

$150/941.966.8020

asolo.org

ODA’s The Banyan Ball

Sarasota Polo Club Polo Ball

3-20 6:00 pm Uihlein Campus, Lakewood Ranch. Benefits Out-of-Door

3-26 The Lake Club. Benefit for SMART – Sarasota Manatee

Academy. Celebrate 85 years of school spirit and family with a night to

Association for Riding Therapy. Tickets: $175/941.907.0000/

remember. Tickets: $200/$85 Alumni & Faculty/941.554.3408/oda.edu.

sarasotapolo.com

YOUR FEET �� SOMETHING. CONSIDER US THE

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PERFORMANCE

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3rd Annual Chillounge Night 3-27 6:00 pm Palm Avenue. Benefits United Cerebral Palsy. Palm Avenue transforms into a ‘South Beach Style’ outdoor lounge with daybeds, food vendors, cash bar, and entertainment. Tickets: $20/941.448.0995/chillloungenight.com

An Evening at the Avant Guard 3-27 6:30 pm Ringling College of Art and Design Campus. Party in your pajamas while enjoying art, music, food, interactive entertainment, exciting play and experiences in a fun, young environment. Tickets: varied/ 941.359.7589/ringling.edu

29th Annual Orchid Ball “Bollywood Bound” 3-27 6:30 pm Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Fusing Old-World Indian traditions with Western influences, this year’s Orchid Ball promises lots of pomp and pageantry. Benefits Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.Tickets: $250/941.366.5731 ext.229/ selby.org

Forks and Corks Grand Tasting Celebration 3-28 The Grand Tasting will feature food samples from over 35 member restaurants, wine tastings from up to 75 esteemed wineries from around the globe, live entertainment and a charity auction to benefit a local food bank. Tickets: 941.706.2751/freshoriginals.com

RCLA Town Hall Lecture Series 3-31 10:30 am & 7:30 pm RCLA Town Hall. Benefits Ringling College Library Association. Former CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Phillipe de Montebello is the guest speaker. 941.925.1343/rclassociation.org

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

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Sarasota Orchestra Designer

SHOWCASE February 13 to March 7, 2O1O

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“REFRESHING N 2O1O” A Taste of Luxurious Waterfront Living on Legends Bay Extraordinary residence on Sarasota Bay, situated in a nature lover’s paradise and decorated by the area’s top designers. Minutes north of the Ringling Museum and west on Bayshore Gardens Pkwy. Free parking on site. World Class Boutique. Designer Sales. Special Events to stir the imagination from 2 to 3 p.m. daily. Mondays – Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sundays 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and allow multiple entries, but are non-transferable. For ticket outlets, information or to order on-line go to www.sarasotaorchestra.org or call 941.685.0425. TM

association

HAVE YOU BEEN

SCENE FLIPPING? Go to scenesarasota.com where you can instantly read the latest issue of Scene Magazine. Scroll across each page to ﬁnd the “click to connect” feature, which instantly links you to business and personal websites where you can shop, explore and learn more. Happy Flipping!

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scene | social Pines of Sarasota Foundation’s Beauty of Aging View all photos at scenesarasota.com

ines of Sarasota Foundation’s Beauty of Aging “Would You Date Your Mate?” was recently held at the Hyatt Regency Photography by Cliff Roles

Sarasota. The event was co-chaired by Margaret Wise, Lee Peterson and Betty Schoenbaum and proceeds will beneﬁt Alzheimer’s/dementia care at Pine of Sarasota. Over 250 guests enjoyed dinner, a silent auction and entertainment featuring Jewel and Mike Ash, Sarah and Tramm Hudson, Gwen and Doug MacKenzie, and Elaine Keating and Dr. Sidney Katz playing an improvised version of The Newlywed Game with Masters of Ceremonies Ken Sons and Les McCurdy.

Marvin Albert, Geri Aaron, Sidney Katz, Elaine Keating & Nancy Markle

Debra Jacobs, Karen Bell & Chuck Sidlow Susanne Rodriguez & Beth Kompothecras

Phil & Julie Delaney with Roxanne & Sam Joffe

Nancy Markle & Susan Buck

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FEB/MARCH 2010

Virginia Toulmin & Dr. Sarah Pappas

Tana Sandefur & Sophia LaRusso

Lee Peterson, Dorothy Stuart & Flori Roberts

Gwen MacKenzie, Marjorie Broughton, Laurey Stryker & Diane McFarlin

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61st Annual Show PAL Sailor Circus Presents

A Night at The Oscars March 24, 25, 26, 31 at 7:00pm March 27 at 11:45am & 7:00pm April 1, 2, 3 at 7:00pm

TICKETS ON SALE NOW – CALL 941-361-6350 Box Ofﬁce: 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota Visit www.sailorcircus.com for online ticket sales Adults $16

Children (Under 12) $12

In celebration of PAL Sailor Circus’ 61st Annual performances, the 2010 Spring Show is expected to be like none other! This high energy performance will be an action-packed show illustrating the Sailor Circus’ talented youth. These performers will amaze you with their modern day presentation on the aerial silks and take you down memory lane with circus classics such as the high wire and clowns and the electrifying ﬁnale of the ﬂying trapeze.

scene | arts & culture

3 1. "Lips" by Tim Jaeger 2. Four Freshman 3. Circus Sarasota 4. "Suckerfish" by Scott Moore 5. "Mid-Century Armchair Shootout" by Joseph Patrick Arnegger

CULTURE MATTERS 6. Taiko Drummers

PR E S E N TE D BY TH E S A R A SOTA CO U NT Y A RT S CO U N C I L

e’ve rounded up some of some of the best, and more unique festivals, tours and events happening around Sarasota County. Make plans to enjoy one of these special arts events this month and take in some Sarasota culture.

Circus Sarasota February 12-March 28, 2010 The next season of Circus Sarasota kicks off this February and the circus is

thrilled to announce this season’s line-up includes The World Famous Wallendas, featuring Nik Wallenda, a seventh-generation highwire performer. And while the Wallendas prefer to perform their daring feats up high in the air, back on the ground there will be plenty more to amaze you. Enjoy laughs brought to you by a clown named Renaldo, plus hand balancers, foot jugglers and aerialists. And there’s still more, but you’ll have to head “Under the Big Top” to find out all the circus has to offer.

Why it matters: One of the most unique parts of Sarasota’s culture has to be our unique circus legacy. Circus Sarasota’s commitment to bringing circus arts at their highest level to Sarasota County, has allowed the circus to remain a vital part of Sarasota’s culture for you to enjoy. scenesarasota.com

FEB/MARCH 2010

| scene

Michelle

5th Annual Asian Cultural Festival February 27 & 28, 2010 This collaboration of the Sarasota Chapter of Ikebana International, Sho Fu Bonsai

Realtor, GRI, ABR, PMN, TRC, CSP

Society of Sarasota, and Sumi-e Societies, in partnership with Selby Gardens, creates

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ciding whether you want to hear the sounds of the Matsuriza Taiko drummers or see a traditional Chinese lion dance. Or better yet, have a taste of China, Japan or Korea as you sit for a traditional tea ceremony. And why choose, experience it all! Enjoy all the Orient with a visit to Selby Gardens the last weekend in February. Why it matters: The organizations that participate in this annual festival make it possible

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leaving Sarasota. By highlighting these organizations, Selby Gardens is supporting their and traditions in Sarasota County. 30th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival

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February 28-March 6, 2010 Beginning the end of February, you’ll be able to hear great jazz music all over Sarasota.... literally. You can enjoy jazz in the park at the Phillippi Estate Park, or catch some jazz on stage at The Players. Then later in the week, head downtown and jump on the Sarasota Trolley for a jazz caravan. This week-long festival is brought to Sarasota County each year by the Sarasota Jazz Club. Why it matters: The Jazz Club of Sarasota is the most active jazz club in the United States, hosting over 80 concerts and lec-

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vals in the United States. Help the Jazz Club of Sarasota celebrate the 30th birthday of the festival this year. 7th Annual Sarasota Folk Festival March 6 & 7, 2010 The theme of this year’s Sarasota Folk Festival is “Go Green!” Rain or shine the Sarasota Folk Club-sponsored festival will feature scenesarasota.com

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both local and statewide musicians, as well as workshops, food and products from ecofriendly vendors. And don’t be misled by the name, this year’s folk festival will feature over 30 musical acts – that’s right 30 – and will satisfy all tastes in music, from folk and bluegrass, to country, jazz and pop.

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the Sarasota Folk Club has dedicated itself to keeping the traditions of folk music a liv-

Owner, Stylist & Makeover Specialist Bethany Bafia has worked with top stylists in NYC, for hit TV shows like The Biggest Loser and The Tyra Show and will be working the runway during the NYC Fashion Week in September.

Why it matters: Created in the late 80’s,

ing part of the Sarasota community. The club sponsors monthly concerts throughout the year. The Fine Arts Society’s “Creators and Collectors Tour” March 12 & 13, 2010 For 39 years the Fine Arts Society has held its annual Creators and Collectors Tour – a two-day, self-guided tour of artists studios, coupled with a gallery show of outstanding local artists. Begin with the rare opportunity

– 6PM

to see works in progress, talk with the artists, and experience how artists create and live with art on a daily basis. Then head to the gallery show at the Ulla Searing Student Center on the campus of Ringling College of Art and Design. Finish your day with a stop at the official art gallery of the tour, the State of the Arts Gallery in downtown Sarasota. Why it matters: Each year the Fine Arts Society plans and promotes events to support its community outreach efforts that include a variety of grant, scholarship and acquisition programs. The society is also dedicated to supporting local artists. Since it was organized in 1969, the Fine Arts Society has acquired an amazing collection of paintings and sculptures from some of Florida’s most renowned artists. The entire collection is on permanent exhibit at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. This is a merely a taste of a few upcoming events and by no means an exhaustive list-

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ing. Want to see more events? Head over to SarasotaArts.org for additional events, artist profiles and information about Sarasota’s exciting season of arts and culture.

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

P R O - A M

T O U R N A M E N T

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

LAKEWOOD RANCH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 Monday, May 3rd, 2010 6PM-9PM Pre-Tournament Cocktails & Dinner Silent & Live Auction

10:30AM Registration & Lunch 12PM Shotgun Awards & Cocktail Reception To Follow

$275 Per Golfer $200 Per Hole Sponsorship $1000 Per Five Man Scramble Team For more info call 941.365.1119, or email Michelle.butler@suncoastwish.org

We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. GOLD SPONSOR:

scene | social

View all photos at scenesarasota.com

ARC’s Dog’s Night Out

roud owners paraded and celebrated their “best friends” at Dog’s Night Out, a Photography by Carissa Warfield

fundraiser at Saks Fifth Avenue for Animal Rescue Coalition chaired by Caroline

Resnick and emceed by Elliott Metcalfe. Hors d’oevres and cocktails by were supplied by Siesta Key Catering, doggie treats were courtesy of Holistic for Pets, and Paws & Relax gave massages to relieve pet stress for the doggie costume contest. The Animal Rescue Coalition is nonproﬁt organization whose mission is to end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats in Sarasota and Manatee Counties by means of a proactive spay/neuter program, comprehensive adoption effort, and various other initiatives designed to recognize the profound beneﬁts to people of animal companionship. Kristi Cruz with Wrigley

Cathy Belding with Buffy

Charlie Ann Syprett with Bella

Jack & Eva O’Hara with Ruff & Sparky

Stephanie & Alan Taylor with Cricket & Kermit

Caroline Resnick with Fisher

Debbi Benedict with Bailey

Ryan Shurley with Blue

Dr. Elizabeth Callahan with Polo

Gina Ferlise & Charlotte Hinman with Lily & Erin McGregor

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

scene | social

View all photos at scenesarasota.com

Cure Club’s 2nd Annual Exotic Car Show

uests braved chilly temperatures but the cars were hot and rumbling at the Second Annual Exotic Car Show beneﬁting Photography by Cliff Roles

Pine View School’s CURE Club (Children United for Research and Education). Event director Adam Berkowitz, a Pine View Junior, coordinated the event which featured several cars from Ferrari of Tampa Bay, including its brand new California Ferrari, as well as several locally owned luxury vehicles including Aston Martins, Bentleys and others. The CURE Club donated the event proceeds to the American Cancer Society, Pine View’s Class of 2011 and the Save Darfur Club.

Pineview Students

Karl Marshall, Manuel & Anne Spindel, Tammy Marshall & Donald Berkowitz

Audrey Landers & Alison Pollack

Ruth Landers & Tom Hassel

Daniel Landers/Berkowitz & Jordan Carlson

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scene | design

Reclaiming

Our Furniture By Jacqueline Miller

o you remember your parents’ or grandparents’ wood

Turning House is also is a good steward of the environ-

furniture looking more substantial and attractive than

ment. They recycle 98 percent of every abandoned building

the so called “real wood” furniture found at most retail

by reclaiming the wood, bricks, copper and steel. Even nails

stores today? Odds are that your “real” wood furniture is made

are recycled and used in their furniture-making. The Turning

mostly of particle board with a laminated wood finish. Even

House website (www.turninghousefurniture.com) says that as

some of the higher end furniture companies have sadly given in

many as 19,000 trees are saved with one reclaimed building.

to this lower quality standard. But this is not so for a company

Furniture portfolios showcase three distinct inspirations

called Turning House Furniture.

each with their own diverse flavor to work with individual

Turning House finds massive abandoned old buildings

styles. The Summer House portfolio is described as relaxed,

across the country used many years ago as textile plants, fac-

easygoing, and casually elegant. The Fresh Heritage line is

tories and mills. The buildings have no historical significance

timeless, refined and traditionally fresh. Belgian Modern is

and are often in locations where renovation would be point-

defined as simple, organic, and rustically sophisticated.

less and rehabbing impractical. These buildings do, however,

If you want your furniture to be handed down for gen-

contain an abundance of amazingly beautiful old wood which

erations, you can find Turning House furniture locally and ex-

has developed a rich character and patina that is impossible

clusively at Lyteworks, a unique store featuring chandeliers,

to recreate in new wood. Turning House Furniture brings these

furniture, ceiling fans, accessories and artwork. Lyteworks is

buildings and their rich history into today’s world transforming

located at 816 Manatee Avenue E in Bradenton (941.745.2900/

the wood into beautifully hand-crafted furniture.

lyteworks.com).

scenesarasota.com

FEB/MARCH 2010

| scene

Designer Looks Without the Price

BehindwiththeDebbiScene Benedict

I know what I like. I like a luxe look that doesn’t lap up all my lucre. Sure, it’s time to stop overspendhave to settle. At Woman’s Ex-

change, you get stunning savings

the unexpected. Just what we party-

ing, but that doesn’t mean you

arrying the torch for change and excitement, this month’s parties

are adding the spice and adventure of

on unique items with great style

weary Sarasotans are looking for this

and ﬂair.

time of year!

Woman’s Exchange is a nonprof-

Fran and John LaCivita had so

it which enhances the depth and

much fun with the Wiseguys theme

development of the arts in Sarasota. Now, that’s a shopping bonus we can all enjoy. 539 S. ORANGE | 941-955-7859 | OPEN MON-FRI 9-4 & SAT 10-4, 1st FRIDAYS TIL 9 PM

for John’s big birthday party, they are recreating it for the Wellness Community’s Flight of Hope gala – The Family Goes Legit. Fran conﬁded in me that it was important for her and John to support the Wellness Community as they are both cancer survivors. The Linguini Family, headed by Mob boss Johnny Linguini and his wife, Legs, aka John and Fran, will be trying to pull off a “classy evening” — hear those words with a Real Housewives of New Jersey accent, as guests interact with each other in character. You can get to know the characters through their Facebook page, so you can easily join the fun. Sponsors are Dr. Murf and Sue Bassett Klauber, Ed and Pat Breslow, Jean and Laurence DeLynn, Diana Paver, Jim and Angela Freeman, and Sally and Douglas Wright. In celebration of the school’s 85th anniversary, Out-of-Door Academy’s new

Banyan

Ball

replacing

Extravaganza. A coterie of co-chairs Kitty Cranor, Mickey Davis, Kim

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com



Githler, Nora Johnson, Elizabeth Mahler, and Terri Vitale, along with honorary founding chairs Myrna Band and Sandy Loevner, are concentrating on expanding on the theme of school spirit, roots, and family. In fact, the party favor will be a copy of a new book telling of the history of this academic treasure. The silent auction has been reconﬁgured also and will be handmade gifts from each class. Kitty tells me that the live auction will be the most spectacular ever including a trip to Rome with a private tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, a cruise to Russia with tickets to the Bolshoi Ballet, a private tour of ESPN Headquarters, and tickets to the Masters Golf Tournament and the NCAA’s Final Four. Sponsors include the Petrik family, the Uihlein family, the

You want an education that challenges your child                                                                               *Ranked in the top 1 percent of public and private schools nationwide by the prestigious Cum Laude Society

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Savage family, Ron Gelbman, and PNC Private Wealth Management. Brilliant chairwoman,

and Renee

hard-working Hamad,

has

turned this year’s Women’s Resource Center’s Renaissance Luncheon into a year-long lollapalooza! The Dare to Dream theme started with three preluncheons featuring local superstar business women who dared to dream big

–

Michael

Saunders,

Flori

Roberts, and Anne Folsom Smith. The main event luncheon held at the Ritz Carlton will have leading fashion designer and retail pioneer, Liz Lange as the featured speaker, sharing the story of her journey as an entrepreneur. Several post-events being coordinated by Mary Miller and Jacqueline

This is Your Year To SHINE! We Make it Easy for You! Personal Training Special: 12 one-hour sessions: $70 (PER SESSION, REGULARLY $85) 12 one-hour Buddy sessions: $40 (PER PERSON, PER SESSION) Prices good thru Friday, March 26, 2010

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Salvino will include Kibbles and Nibbles

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– ﬁnding out what your pet is thinking

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with a pet psychic, an April in Paris scenesarasota.com

FEB/MARCH 2010

| scene

July Ad:Layout 1

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French-themed dinner, and a Midnight Summer’s Dream dinner at Renee’s home. As an homage to Renee, Sally Schule, General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, is providing a bottle of

Extraordinary Couture • Fine Home Furnishings & Art Estate Liquidation • Resale & Retail

Renee’s signature perfume, Angel, to each guest. Honorary chair is Betty Schoenbaum. Don your formal cruise attire for the All Children’s Hospital Guild’s Miracle Ball – Exotic Ports of Call. Denise Berceau and Jerry Filipowski are your cruise directors and they promise to entertain you with belly dancers, ﬁre throwers, and a Turkish open air market. Just make sure you take your Dramamine before boarding!

a non-profit consignment shop

For the Sarasota Ballet’s 20th

Designing Women Boutique

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Celebration

they

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changing it up a bit to be a TuTu Terriﬁc cocktail party, instead of their normal gala. The glamorous and sleek Hillary Steele is chairing and shared will me that the dancers will be pirouetting down the runway in a retro fashion show and Artistic Director Iain Webb will be announcing the new season.

��

I’m sure all the suave, debonair male guests at SMART’s Polo Ball – License to Thrill will be doing their best “I’m Bond, James Bond” impressions. Mary Ellen Paterson, events manager at the Polo Club, told me she is making special James Bond martinis and setting up wild casino gambling tables to entice guests after they walk the red carpet to the Lake Club Clubhouse. I wonder how many Sarasota/Manatee matrons will be channeling famous Bond girls that night. Oh, what a sight! I think I could actually name names if I wanted to, but of course, I won’t.

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

 

As always, the theme of Ringling College of Art and Design’s Avant Garde party is unique and fun, never failing to delight. This year it’s Pajama Party. Chairs David Sessions, president of Willis Smith Construction, and wife Amy are encouraging everyone to wear what they wear to bed at night and no, that does not mean you can come in the nude. They expect everything from hair rollers and union suits, to something slightly more risqué. I believe I am going to go as my favorite fashion icon, Eva Gabor’s character Lisa Douglas on Green Acres. Who does not love a ﬂowing peignoir set trimmed in maribou with

matching

high

heel

slippers

– supremely divine. Honorary chair is Ulla Searing and aren’t we all dying to

OUTperform Yo u w an t an e du c at io n t h at i n s pire s y ou r ch i ld                                                  *Ranking by the prestigious Cum Laude Society

Siesta Key Campus: Pre-K-Grade 6 | Sarasota, FL | 941-554-3400 Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch: Grades 7-12 | www.ODA.edu

know what she will wear! Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be topped off with some fabulous jewels. RCAD President Larry Thompson and wife Pat are usually the stars of the show in their always inventive and photogenic costumes.

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The party will be held in the new

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academic building that Willis Smith just

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built and will showcase student artwork.

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In addition to Willis Smith, other artful

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sponsors are SunTrust, Chartwells,

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Eric Mower and Associates, and

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Lawson Group Architects.

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Larry and Pat Thompson are not

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only going to be front and center at Avant

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Garde, but they are also being honored

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with the Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award at the Salvation Army’s Glitz at the Ritz luncheon. Glenda Leonard shared with me that Larry and Pat are the type of people that every community needs – creative, positive, industrious scenesarasota.com

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

and all about changing peoples’ lives for the better – just like the Salvation Army! Co-chairs are Pat Hoefﬂer and Dale Wooddale. Matching

the

cutting

edge,

sizzling vibe of Miami, iconic co-chairs Margaret Wise and Lee Peterson

OUTshine

are giving the Asolo Rep a South Beach Soiree. Miami chic dress is required and exclusive cabanas with a private attendant can be had for a $10,000

You want the best for your child.                      

sponsorship. I think the real stories will happen in there! As the invitation says, it is going to “take you into the seductive world of the America Riviera.” I think this party might turn out to be a little too hot

*Ranking by the prestigious Cum Laude Society

to handle and certainly fodder for much post-party gossip!

Siesta Key Campus: Pre-K-Grade 6 | Sarasota, FL | 941-554-3400 Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch: Grades 7-12 | www.ODA.edu

Chairing for the second year, Emily Walsh Parry and Karin Parry

throbbing Bollywood disco for a vibrant Orchid Ball. Starting out in elegant India with rickshaw rides and vintage cars, the tempo will change after dinner when the DJ converts the feeling to a Bollywood movie set. Expect to see lots of turbans, saris, and henna tattoos. The Mad Margritt Band (and no, it is not lead by either of the Margarets – Wise or Callihan) will be playing covers from 80’s hair bands Poison, Whitesnake, and Metallica at this year’s Sarasota Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Rock the Roof event atop the LaSula Garage, which will be covered with actual grass. A mock concert feel is what co-chairs and best friends Amie and Jack Swan and Emily and Julian Parry are going for. Even more casual than scenesarasota.com

ANNUAL WELL WOMAN EXAMS • BONE DENSITOMETRY • PREGNANCY URINARY INCONTINENCE • GYN SURGERY • OFFICE CRYOABLATION

Botanical Garden’s Great Lawn in a

Jorge E. Alvarez, MD, FACOG Jennifer R. McCullen, MD, FACOG Jill S. Miller, ARNP M. Joanne Bevers, CNM Dedicated to a Lifetime of Women’s Health Serving Bradenton & Sarasota since 1997

OB/GYN Women’s Centre 8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Ste. #240 M-Th 9AM-5PM Fri 9AM-12PM www.obgynwomenscenter.com

907-3008

Se Habla Español Accepting New Patients Most Insurance Accepted

OB/GYN CERTIFIED IN E S S U R E® PERMANENT BIRTH CONTROL FEB/MARCH 2010

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BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIANS • DELIVERING AT LKWR MEDICAL CENTER

Leereveld will turn the Marie Selby

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View all photos at scenesarasota.com

The Perlman Music Program’s Winter Residency Celebration T

he 6th annual Perlman Music Program Winter Residency came to its celebratory conclusion when Maestro Itzhak Perlman and 35 exceptionally talented young

musicians heated up the Sarasota Opera House for a full audience of enthusiastic fans. Michaels on East catered and an elegant teal and pearl decked tent was ﬁlled friends and supporters who have made this annual residency a permanent ﬁxture in the Sarasota cultural landscape. The Gala, produced by a quartet of event chairs – Fran Lambert, Victoria Leopold, Liz Barzell and Sally Yanowitz – featured video highlights of the two weeks of rehearsals and interviews with Toby Perlman, the founder and dream-maker of the program. Last year’s surprise doo-wop quartet made a return appearance, this time

Photography by Cliff Roles

with the PerlTones bass Itzhak Perlman being joined by three faculty colleagues.

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Fran Lambert, Liz Barzell, Victoria Leopold & Sally Yanowitz

Toby & Itzhak Perlman

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Monica Slater & Richard Van Buskirk

Sydney & Jerome Goldstein

Gerald Lippas & Jody Ulrich scenesarasota.com

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normal, expect to see guests in AC/DC t-shirts and torn jeans with ﬂip ﬂops.

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But this being Sarasota, also expect a VIP tent with box seating. Sponsors are Northern Trust and Skanskas. I can deﬁnitely see all the Northern Trust folks in their concert tees and torn jeans,

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can’t you? You can always plan on the Girls Inc. Celebration Luncheon to be a bit of a tear jerker, which is a good thing. Lots of money gets raised that way. The stories that are told are wonderfully inspiring and uplifting. Tri-chairs are the mother-daughters team of Lisa Walsh, Kate Walsh Honea, and Emily Walsh

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Parry. This year’s honorees are Charlie

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Lenger and Jaymie Klauber. The Girl

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of the Year is Taylor DeStasio, who was the lead on the girls’ Jill Project.

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The Visionary Award winner was not named at press time. Icard Merrill, the Barrie Foundation, Karen and Alton Fessel, Jones Family Foundation, the

Community

Foundation

Sarasota County, and the Observer Group are sponsors. Okay, that’s three major events

5212 Ocean Blvd. (Next to Big Olafs) in Siesta Village

941.346.0988

Miss Emily is chairing this month alone, not to even mention the several she has already chaired this year! She tells me that now that she is with child, it will give her a good excuse to cut back next

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year. Oh, that’s what they all say... Until next time...TaTa! Debbi Benedict is president of Benedict & Co., an event planning ﬁrm.

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Contact Debbi at 941-483-4460 or debbi@benedictandco.com

lab-created diamond simulant

�� scenesarasota.com

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scene | social

View all photos at scenesarasota.com

Children First Luncheon Y

oung children were on hand to greet over 350 guests at Children First’s Photography by Carissa Warfield

50th Anniversary Luncheon. Co-chaired by Judy Green, Leslie Jones

and Sophia LaRusso, the event showcased the service and dedication that Children First has provided to the community for the past 50 years, while honoring The Junior League of Sarasota for founding the organization. Stewart Stearns of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, announced that they will be launching an endowment fund that will ensure Children First’s future. They will be providing $50,000 for this endowment, with an initial $25,000 coming from the Sarah Greer Mayer Fund.

Photo of Bertha Potter Palmer courtesy of the History Center.

Henry “Hank” Battle, Sophia LaRusso & Phil Delaney

Melissa O’Bush, Stacey Corley & Lisa Beckstein

Angie Stringer & Carol Butera

Fran Dietz & Nancy Vafeas

Proceeds to beneﬁt Historic Spanish Point

Honorary Chairs: BJ Creighton | Kristy Lonsdale | Cornelia Matson | Margaret Wise | Peggy Wood

& Committee Tri-Chairs: Kathy Coﬀey | Ann Moore | Judy Rossmoore Veale

Invite you to a once in a decade fête under the stars on the Duchene Lawn at

Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 6:30pm Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the arrival in Sarasota of Mrs. Potter Palmer, a woman who shaped the county and inspired a community.

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FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

scene | from the desk of...

Linda W. Mansperger Executive Director, Historic Spanish Point

I have found my one talent, if I have any, at Sarasota Bay. It is to watch beautiful things grow and see flowers blossom as I plant them. - Mrs. Potter Palmer, Chicago Tribune, 1915

Bertha Palmer The Gardener

ow fascinating that Ber tha Palmer, at age 66,

took on her last major focus – Florida. She and her family

believed that gardening in Florida was so noteworthy.

interests purchased over 140,000 acres for citrus groves, cattle

Especially if one reviews her life story. She had

ranching, subdivisions, and a winter estate she named Osprey

married Potter Palmer, a successful Chicago businessman,

Point. Yet, five years after establishing this Florida home,

at the age of 21 in 1870. Twenty years her senior, Potter had

Palmer modestly bragged on her flowers and plants.

built a fortune in retail and real estate and gave her his new

The source of her pride continues today at Historic Spanish

“Palmer House” hotel as a wedding present. The newlyweds

Point where three of her gardens have been authentically

played instrumental roles in helping Chicago recover from the

restored. This work was accomplished under the direction of

devastating fire of 1871, rebuilding the hotel and later their

landscape architect Rudy J. Favretti, who noted, “Mrs. Palmer

own mansion known simply throughout the city as “the castle.”

developed a country house landscape that was typical in its

Together they raised two sons, Potter II and Honore.

integrated eclecticism but atypical in the sense that she

Mrs. Palmer became known internationally, purchasing

introduced her own interpretation of each element. Within the

impressionist art and entertaining American presidents,

natural landscape of the estate she included several major

European royalty, and the social leaders of the nation. She

landscape elements — the Classic Arch and the Duchene

was the logical choice to serve as President of the Board

Lawn, the Sunken Garden with its Pergola, the Jungle Walk

of Lady Managers for the World’s Columbian Exposition of

and Aqueduct to name some. While the estate is studded

1893. At the opening ceremony commemorating the 400th

with various strong and unique elements, the whole is held

anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the new

together by the natural landscape — vegetation, rolling terrain,

world, Palmer was one of the featured speakers. To the

water — and the circulation system of paths and drives.

international assembly gathered that day, she spoke of women’s

Obviously, the natural landscape was very important to Mrs.

issues, noting, “Even more important than the discovery of

Palmer, and she utilized it extensively in her plan.”

Columbus, which we are gathered together to celebrate, is the fact that the general government has just discovered women.”

Historic Spanish Point is proud to celebrate the centennial of Mrs. Potter Palmer’s 1910 arrival in Sarasota. Visit our 30-

Potter Palmer died in 1902 and his widow spent most of

acre museum and you will see the beautiful property she

the next eight years in Paris and London, where she socialized

cherished and the results of her “one talent” — the Sunken

with kings and princes, dukes and duchesses. With the looming

Garden, Duchene Lawn, and Jungle Walk, preserved for now

threat of World War I, Palmer returned to the United States and

and future generations to treasure.

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Celebrating 85 Years of School Spirit & Family

Out-of-Door students studying in their dormitory

The Catherine Gavin Memorial Library, designed by Ralph Twitchell and built by students in 1933.

The birth of an idea ... Fanneal “Nena” Harrison, the founder of The Out-of-Door School,

dents then traveled en masse to Siesta Key in November and stayed

was born a Southern belle, but she forsook that life to study for a

until May. When the weather was fine, they ate, studied, played and

medical degree, work in children’s clinics, and, during World War I,

slept outdoors. They enjoyed daily swims and horseback lessons;

serve with the American Red Cross in Europe caring for orphans and

their studies included arts, crafts, poetry, dancing and theatre.

destitute children.

Most early students were boarders, but prominent Sarasota fami-

She developed a passion for helping children and became

lies, including famed developer Owen Burns, also sent their children.

friends with Catherine “Gabby” Gavin, who had also worked in

Renowned architect and ODS parent Ralph Twitchell designed the Cath-

wartime Europe. Both women were deeply influenced by Dr. Ovid

erine Gavin Memorial Library to be built by the students. The 1933 pecky

Decroly, a physician, psychologist and educator who believed that

cypress structure remains the centerpiece of the Siesta Key campus.

education was more than book learning. Decroly stressed hands-on learning experiences through real world situations, the outdoors, and nurturing his students’ bodies and spirits as well as their minds.

An idea for all times ... The ideas of the founders resonate in the present day school’s mission “to provide an environment in which students strive to achieve

The idea births a school ...

their highest academic goals and to build character through a balanced

Misses Harrison and Gavin introduced Decroly’s ideas to the

program of academics, athletics and the arts.” Still, much is new. In

United States. They formed a pre-kindergarten to 12th grade board-

1977, 120 parents purchased the school, reorganized it as a nonprofit

ing school in 1924 and named it The Out-of-Door School (ODS). The

corporation and renamed it The Out-of-Door Academy. In 1979, finan-

campus with its magnificent banyan trees was adjacent to the Har-

cial pressures necessitated substantial fundraising, the genesis of the

rison family’s winter home on Siesta Key. The school year started in

Out-of-Door Extravaganza event. Created by parents Myrna Band and

North Carolina or Vermont to avoid hurricanes and mosquitoes; stu-

Sandy Loevner, it has raised over $5 million over 30 years. In 1996,

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scenesarasota.com

thanks to a generous donation of land by the Uihlein family and Schro-

schools in the U.S. In 2009, 91% of the senior class was awarded at

eder-Manatee Ranch, The Out-of-Door Academy was able to realize

least one unsolicited academic scholarship, totaling $3.37 million.

its dream of an upper school campus in Lakewood Ranch.

A new idea joins the family ... the Banyan Ball The ODA idea at 85 ...

In celebration of its 85th anniversary, The Out-of-Door Academy is

The Out-of-Door Academy’s present is as impressive as its his-

launching a new fundraising event that steps into the very big shoes of

tory. The student body numbers over 600. Since the founding of the

the Extravaganza. The first-ever Banyan Ball will take place on Saturday,

Upper School, 100% of Out-of-Door graduates have been accepted

March 20 at the Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch. A team of six co-

into a 4-year college/university. In 2006, ODA was inducted into the

chairs, supported by their remarkable committee and honorary chairs

Cum Laude Society, a distinction enjoyed by the top 1% of all secondary

(see box), is putting together the season’s most spectacular event.

Honorary Chairs Myrna Band

Sandy Loevner

Executive Co-Chairs

6 PM Head-of-School David Mahler, his wife Elizabeth and the event co-chairs will greet guests in a receiving line. There will be a silent auction in the Petrik Thunderdome – a walk down memory lane displaying highlights of the school’s history. It will feature one-of-a-kind

Kitty Cranor

Mickey Davis

Kim Githler

Nora Johnson

items designed by each class, adventures with faculty, vacation times in second homes

Elizabeth Mahler

Terri Vitale

donated by generous parents, and other treasures unique to the school.

The Committee

7:30 PM Guests will walk through a magical landscape in the quad to a huge tent with lan-

Sue Ambruster

Ted Berg

Tonie Branica

Lisa Dailey

tern-themed décor conceived and executed by co-chair Nora Johnson and event planner

Rhonda Deems

Amy Donato

Jennifer Grondahl. Expect it to be breathtaking in coral and white, with a comfortably

Marie Dowdy

Carolyn Eaden

furnished lounge atmosphere around the perimeter. There will be a special seating area

Kathy Fleeman

Marjorie Floyd

for patrons, and guests will enjoy a feast created by Phil Mancini of Michael’s On East

Tonya Gowan

Ann Grano

especially for the occasion.

Kate Grayson

Jamie Grollman

Janet Hagan

Diana Harvey

Kate Hawkins

Katie Hayes

Mitzie Henson

Janet Kempton

Ann Kittle

Sherri Krug

Ollie Kyte

Valerie LaSalla

Michelle Lea

Linda Lowitz

After Dinner The live auction will offer one-of-a-kind, best-of-the-best experiences linked directly with The Out-of-Door-Academy’s emphasis on academics, athletics and the arts, and focusing on unique family journeys that will yield a lifetime of memories. Then an “After Glow” party featuring music and magic will entertain guests well into the night.

Julie Luhrsen

Tonya Maxey

Elle McComb

Bonnie McKee

Parent, prospective parent, alumnus, supporter or just a fan... if you consider

Lisa Meshad

Angie Miller

yourself part of the ODA family, you will not want to miss the first-ever Banyan

Lynn Morris

Suzanne Munroe

Angie Nutter

Shannon Olson

Ball! The ticket price is $200; sponsorships are available from $1,000 to

Sharon Petrik

Rochelle Reeves

Linda Ruschau

Ingrid Russell

Laura Scalisi

Allison Scanlan

Molly Schechter

Christina Schlotthauer

Sally Schule

Roberta Tengerdy

Margaret Wise scenesarasota.com

$25,000. For more info, visit www.BanyanBall.com or phone Julie Fineberg, Director of Events and Parent Relations, at 941-554-3408. The Out-of-Door Academy of Sarasota, Florida, established in 1924, is the second oldest independent coeducational day school in the state with an enrollment of 600+ students, pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Additional information is available at www.oda.edu. FEB/MARCH 2010

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View all photos at scenesarasota.com

The Bradenton Opera Guild Winter Gala T he Bradenton Opera Guild (BOG) held its Winter Gala, themed

“Girl of the Golden West”, in honor of Joey Frye, a long-time opera

supporter and former president of the Guild. Guest donned “boots and bling” for a fun evening to celebrate the Sarasota Opera’s upcoming season and were treated to outstanding operatic performances. The Bradenton Opera Guild is a nonproﬁt organization that fosters appreciation of opera in Manatee County by raising money for the Sarasota Opera Association, by encouraging and assisting young singers by sponsoring performances and awarding scholarships, and through developing programs that will introduce opera to school children.

Ernest & Alisa Kretzmer

Joey Frye, Mary Ellen Cease & Jeanne Auten

Betsy & Harvey Hinrichs

Matthew & Lori Bower

Chuck Elzer, Syble Di Girolamo & Vicki Elzer

Maestro Victor DeRenzi, Les Brualdi & Stephanie Sundine

BENEFITING Senior Services at JFCS EVENT CO-CHAIRS Susan Landau Sherry Linhart CHEF CHAIR Robert Weil Director of Food & Beverage Longboat Key Club & Resort

JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICE OF SARASOTA-MANATEE, INC. 2688 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34237 941.366.2224 www.jfcs-cares.org

Introducing:

Longboat Key Club & Resort

COMMITTEE Marion Levine Barbara Boltuch Elaine Rosen Barbara Brizdle Suzette Seigel Karen Gary Madelyn Spoll Betty Greenspan Arline Steinberg Vlatka Ivanisevic Debbie Yonker Ben Klein Sheila Zinder Fran Lambert CONTACT Johnette Cappadona Director of Special Events 366-2224 or jcappadona@jfcs-cares.org

VINTAGE

SPONSORED BY

�� -�� 2010

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Senses Caribbean-Style

T R E AT YO U R at this

MASTERPIECE

An incredible waterfall and lush tropical landscaping greet you as you enter this spectacular 4 bedroom, 5 bath, 7,000 square foot paradise on over a half acre of gorgeous property overlooking little Sarasota Bay in the magniďŹ cent Oaks Country Club/Bayside. scenesarasota.com

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TOP: With a Caribbean resort-like feel, the spacious living room features warm and inviting wood panelling which showcases the high ceilings. LEFT: Swim laps or enjoy the cool breezes while ďŹ&#x201A;oating with your piĂąa colada in the huge pool overlooking the bay. 50

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LEFT: The home’s impressive patio space has lots of seating areas and is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. BELOW: A large dock with two power lifts completes the perfect “Island” lifestyle!

This fabulous home in The Oaks, a gated golf community, is priced to sell through Michael Saunders & Company. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Betty Mullinnix or Steve Abbe at 941– 400–3969. scenesarasota.com

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Local Builders Get Busy Again By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Front elevation

This January, Las Vegas hosted the International Builders’ Show (IBS), the largest annual building industry

of The Kiah,

trade show in the United States. What’s the mood of America’s home builders? Surprisingly optimistic. And

John Cannon’s model home in

that’s not just because the grand opening ceremony keynote speaker was Miami humorist Dave Barry.

La Cantera,

Builders were excited because the 175+ educational sessions focused on such topics as eco-business, the

the newest

future of green building, cost-cutting measures, and the psychology of home buying, which all helps them

neighborhood in

succeed better in an uncertain economic climate.

Lakewood Ranch Country Club

What does this mean for Sarasota and Manatee counties? Good things. Like builders across much of America, local builders are back at work making our community bigger, better, and more beautiful. To give you a sense of what’s to come in 2010, here are what some of them are up to in the coming year.

John Cannon Homes John Cannon (johncannonhomes.com) has been building award-winning custom homes in the area for more than two decades. Part of their success is their showroom, which has lighting, ﬂooring, and decorating examples, along with a full range of construction materials to show exactly what a customer is buying — one-stop shopping at its easiest. The other element that makes them stand out is customer service. Recognizing that buyers are now demanding more for their money, Cannon spoke with all of his suppliers and subcontractors in 2009 in order to adjust their margins accordingly. The result? A home that cost $1 million

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Neal Communities newest

ﬁve years ago, Cannon can now have built for about $700,000. If a value-conscious buyer chooses to go with

model, the Westover II,

quality middle-tier materials versus top-of-the-line, such as selecting ceramic tile versus stone, the savings

in Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s Greystone neighborhood. Photo by Matt McCourtney.

increase dramatically more. “A lot of people are passing on the $10,000 stone surround ﬁreplace and going with a great-looking $1500 wooden mantel,” Cannon says. And he’s happy to meet their new needs because at Cannon Homes, the customer’s satisfaction is job #1.

Neal Communities In 2009, Neal Communities (nealcommunities.com) did something that raised a few eyebrows in Manatee County: they opened a new community at River Sound. This brand new, gated community has already sold over 100 homes in less than a year, and has shown no signs of slowing. Neal is also working to complete construction of Central Park, a community that will open in July 2010 with over 800 homes. In addition, Neal recently acquired over 60 acres of land within Lakewood Ranch’s Country Club East, with construction of a new 173-home neighborhood expected to begin later this year. Neal Communities also recently opened its newest model, the Westover II, in Lakewood Ranch Country Club’s Greystone neighborhood. “We’ve designed it for our country club buyers who are looking for homes with style that live well without wasted space,” says Charlene Neal, VP of Design for Neal Communities and owner of Neal Design. “Our buyers are looking for stylish design, an open ﬂoor plan that ﬂows effortless from room to room and integrates indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. So, I’ve got to create a consistent look throughout the home because spaces merge.” She’s currently working on the interior merchandising for six new model homes that will be in the new Central Park neighborhood.

Arthur Rutenberg Homes Arthur Rutenberg Homes (arthurrutenberghomes.com) has recently begun the construction of new scenesarasota.com

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Corial Homes at Evergreen, the latest village at Trinity, the $1.5 billion planned community in southwest Pasco County. Priced in the low- to mid- $200s, these 1,500- to 2,400-square foot homes are in a spacious, private, gated neighborhood. Other eye-catching Arthur Rutenberg Homes are also easily seen right in our area, such as Highﬁeld in the Country Club at Lakewood Ranch ($550,000), Legends Bay at IMG Academies ($679,000) and The Preserve at Heron Lake ($500,000). Derek Nelson (president) and Pete McNabb (franchisee) operate the Sarasota franchise of Arthur Rutenberg Homes. Since 1987, they’ve done a lot to meet the large demand of new housing here in Sarasota, building more than 2,300 homes valued at over $800 million.

DwellGreen Steve Ellis, CEO of DwellGreen (dwellgreen.com), will be selling national franchises of this Sarasota home-grown company within the next five months if their capital-raising efforts continue to be so successful. What’s so special about DwellGreen? It combines the idea of saving consumer cash with the idea of being environmentally responsible. For under $300, certified green construction experts from DwellGreen will check houses—everything from duct work to windows to flooring—and create an online and print report that analyzes any short-term and long-term costs that green upgrades and renovations will provide. Of course, they have a stable of first-rate green builders and repair services to recommend, if desired. Ellis also works for MyGreenBuildings (mygreenbuildings.com), which takes the commitment to the environment that Dwellgreen has, and implements that same type of care and attention into new housing projects. The Gulf Coast Business Review 500 rates MyGreenBuildings as the 5th Fastest Growing Company on the Gulf Coast from Tampa to Naples — with the public’s growing emphasis on green building and environmental consciousness, it’s easy to see why.

The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch Three of Sarasota’s locally-owned builders now have exclusive rights to build in The Forest at Hi Hat Ranch, an upscale community of 56 three- to six-acre estates: Anchor Builders (anchor.com), Gibraltar Homes (gibraltar.com), and John Cannon Homes. Starting in the $700,000s, these no-repeat homes (a requirement of the Architectural Review Committee) will each be a one-of-a-kind beauty. Anchor is contributing its Frenchinspired Savoy collection which differs from traditional Florida mold, but has a stylishness that’s hard to match. Gibraltar features Muir Woods, a Mediterranean-Spanish Revival design, and the Sequoia, a British Colonial home. John Cannon offers a lovely Low Country-inspired design, The Taronga. Taken together, the three builders’ mix of elegance and understated charm makes Hi Hat Ranch a desirable location. “Two years ago at Lakewood Ranch, there were 900 available existing units. Today? That number is right under 200,” says John Cannon. “It’s a great time to build.” So why build in Sarasota? Cannon answers, “There aren’t many places to go in this country that measure up to what Sarasota has to offer. Not many have the beaches of Siesta Key, the shopping of St. Armands, the downtown and Palm Avenue area, the golf courses, Lakewood Ranch, great weather, and access to two airports.” About the future of home builders, Neal Communities president Pat Neal adds, “I’ve been in this industry for 41 years and I’ve found that this business is cyclical.” And 2010 looks to be headed for an upswing in value and customer satisfaction, thanks to the conscientious, quality efforts being made by Cannon Homes, Anchor Builders, Gibraltar Homes, MyGreenBuildings, Neal Communities, and Arthur Rutenberg Homes. That’s something to happy about, even if we don’t have Dave Barry working our funny bones by reminding us that “Magnetism, as you recall from physics class, is a powerful force that causes certain items to be attracted to refrigerators.”

Ryan G. Van Cleave (ryangvancleave.com) is a Sarasota-based freelance writer & writing coach. 54

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View all photos at scenesarasota.com

NCJW’s 38th Annual Women in Power Luncheon E

ach year since Ruth Rolfe organized the ﬁrst Women in Power “brown bag lunch”, the Sarasota-Manatee Section of National Council of Jewish Women has honored local

women who mirror the organization’s ideals of championing the rights of women, children, and families. Co-Chairs Barbara Berkowitz and Marcia DuBrin welcomed 350 guests at Michael’s On East and Sandy Kuskin gave the invocation. Honorees Eugenie Clark, Audrey Coleman, and Sally Yanowitz were introduced by former WiP honorees Diane McFarlin, Wendy Hopkins, and Barbara Zdravecky, respectively. Each honoree shared the path they

Photography by Carissa Warfield

traveled and the people who inﬂuenced them in becoming who they are today.

Marcia Dubrin, Barbara Berkowitz & Gwen Baseman

Marilyn Shapo, Sandi Yoffee, Sandy Ward & Ruth Scribner

Lee Levine & Norma Cohen

Barbara Zdravecky, Wendy Hopkins & Diane McFarlin

Dr. Eugenie Clark, Audrey Coleman & Sally Yanowitz scenesarasota.com

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Greener & Healthier Homes & Gardens 3 Local Experts Tell Us How By Grace Carlson

Our community has always had an afďŹ nity for the environment, so we were curious if that natural attraction is translating to the spaces we call home. SCENE visited with some notable local green home and garden experts for their thoughts about where home and landscape design may be headed this year. Steve Ellis of My Green Buildings, Kimberly Doucette of Studio EI, Jesse White of Sarasota Architectural Salvage and Tammy Kovar of Biological Tree Services discussed how sustainability, resilience and timeless beauty are being showcased in home projects throughout our community today. SCENE: What are you hearing from customers, what are they asking to see and how are you advising various home projects? SE: In the custom homebuilding world, our clients are looking for the most innovative ways to make their homes green. They want to know how they can remake their surroundings into spaces that add comfort to their everyday lives. And they are also interested in what they can do make their homes healthier. JW: We are seeing a shift in what clients are buying now compared to just a few years ago. In the past, most people were looking to add pieces to a home that would improve its resale value. Now, more and more, clients are purchasing items for the sheer pleasure and joy it will bring them. They are looking to improve their own lifestyle rather than make home improvements with the next buyer in mind.

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“Green” home by My Green Buildings

BTS t e s t i m o n i a l s

�� Restored Table by Sarasota Architectural Salvage

BEFORE

AFTER

BTS t e s t i m o n i a l s

Residential courtyard design by Studio “EI”, Environmental Interiors Design Studio

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AFTER

Also, whether it’s for economic reasons or simply a time-practical component, we are seeing major renovation or home improvement projects being reconsidered in smaller, phased approaches. It was customary in major additions or whole house re-dos for the

Biological Tree Services before & after recovery

homeowner to be displaced to temporary housing for a period of time. Now it seems that the projects are being tackled on a smaller scale, people are living in the home while the construction is underway. They are making changes that can be done in a few days as opposed to a few weeks – replacing the counter, but keeping the cabinets or replacing hardware or doors, for example. KD: Yes, I am seeing more clients who want to make changes, improvements or upgrades in their homes but they are looking to make the projects more manageable. They have a less is more outlook and the improvements they are selecting are reminiscent as

surface that doesn’t gather dirt, dust, mold and other allergens such

if trying to recapture memories of better days. Home is changing.

as bamboo, cork, stained concrete, will go a long way to making

With more people spending time at home for ﬁnancial reasons, they

a home interior healthier. We are currently working on a home on

are looking to add “comfort food” touches that make their spaces cozier, more inviting and great for entertaining. The trend is moving

Siesta Key that expects to earn LEED Platinum certiﬁcation. Those Before and after of Plant and bed recovery homeowners areFebruary installing American ClayJune – a16,perfectly from 26, 2009 to 2009 natural

away from accumulating and as people discard things from rooms,

product that comes directly from the earth – for their interior walls.

from their lives, they are reintroducing pieces in a more careful, judicious manner.

But even with conventional sheetrock or lumber construction, we

Before after those of Plant andwith bed recovery are and pre-treating materials mold resistant coatings and from February 26, 2009 to June 16, 2009 then applying paint with low-or-no VOCs – meaning no off gassing

TK: Our clients fall into one of two categories - seasonal clients

chemicals into the air we breathe.

looking for landscaping solutions with low maintenance aspects

Improving interior health and air quality through proper balanced

or year-round residents who enjoy landscaping but don’t want

A/C and insulation strategy can be part of renovation and re do of a

to worry about ongoing pest control schedules. Our approach is

house. Cabinetry is another area of improving a home’s interior air

biologically based as opposed to introducing chemicals. While the

quality. Today we are selecting plywood based materials and other

results require a little patience up front, the long lasting outcomes

products (caulks, adhesives and sealers) with no urea formaldehyde

make our solutions well worth the wait.

or VOC contaminants.

SCENE: News about sick building syndrome and Chinese drywall

KD: For interiors, I am really pleased that there are more eco-

persist in today’s news. How are those current events affecting

friendly manufacturers coming into the marketplace every day. That

your clients’ needs?

makes more choices and selections available and more consumer-

SE: There are really simple, primary, basic steps anyone can take

oriented information about what the materials contain. And of

to make a home healthier. For example, replacing carpet with a

course, when my clients buy something pre-loved, they know they

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are getting something that has stood the test of time. Quality is

fundamental characteristic; but there is almost no cost differential

becoming the highest priority in my clients’ buying decisions now.

anymore between building a quality custom home and building a green custom home. Just like in conventional construction though,

JW: At Sarasota Architectural Salvage, our merchandise is wrought

the more bells and whistles you add to a green home – such as PV

iron, hardwoods ... materials made of ﬁne craftsmanship – not from

panels –there are higher costs associated.

inexpensive assembly line construction. KD: If you purchase things that hold their value, you will get a much TK: For lawn and garden customers, they are becoming increasingly

better buy. Now we have such great availability of products nobody has

concerned about chemical contamination. They are looking for more

to be limited to choose green. And with more variety and, therefore,

holistic ways to nurture their lawns and cultivate their landscapes. A

supply, costs are lower too. Eco conscious companies are springing

simple, cultural shift that does not require adding a thing is cutting

up everywhere. One of my favorite new companies is converting a

your yard less frequently. We have a tendency to cut our grass too

nuisance vine from the rain forest into funky, modern furniture.

short and it scientiﬁcally proven that longer grass is healthier and more resistant to pests and drought.

JW: Durability/proven track record of antique wood whether an architectural element or already formed into furnishings always make

SCENE: Are people more educated about green? Is that

sound investments. We have experienced a noticeable increase

inﬂuencing their home improvement decisions?

at SAS in our made-from-salvage line (lumber or other materials

SE: We are deﬁnitely hearing more clients raise concern about their

– heart pine beams, for example, converted into farm tables). Folks

home’s health than we were previously. And as the green building industry

are interested in the story ... where did it come from; what is the

evolves, we have better knowledge to share and more technology

history of the piece?

improvements to help people live more simply and healthier. TK: Natural landscaping saves water, reduces use of pesticides, KD: I think the days of conspicuous consumption are over. My clients

reduces use of chemical fertilizers, builds healthier plants and saves

have watched people who had it all, lose it all. Customers are treating

money. For example, before Palmer Ranch began implementing our

their purchases more as investments. Thriftiness is coming back into

biological technologies, they replaced $92K worth of sod a year.

vogue. Personal taste and style is less about ﬂaunting wealth and

Today they replace $800/year.

more about choosing pieces for their reﬁnement and durability. SCENE: What are some simple steps people can take now to JW: While my customers aren’t necessarily coming into SAS for

begin improving their home – whether from an energy efﬁciency

health-related purchases per se, they are pleased to know they

standpoint or if the goal is a healthier home or simply wanting to

are taking home solid woods that produce no off gassing. Another

give your surroundings a fresh appearance?

advantage of purchasing pre-loved furnishings is purchasing a

SE: After seeing so many projects being delayed last year due to

piece of history. Something that was installed 50 years ago has

the economy, this is a great time - from a pure cost perspective

shown that it can stand the test of time. Buyers know that the things

– to make some changes and upgrade or remodel your home. Cost

they ﬁnd in our shop should last decades as opposed to buying

of construction is at an historic low right now. A healthy supply of

something new that may only have a lifespan of a few years.

materials and labor are keeping costs down. In fact, I am building my family’s island dream home right now because of the value I’m

TK: As the national dialogue continues to revolve around

getting. And even though it’s completely new construction, I am

conservation and sustainability, we are ﬁnding customers are

shopping at Sarasota Architectural Salvage to ﬁnd unique, one-

looking to develop natural eco systems – whether in their front or

of-a-kind items that will add character and distinction there. For

backyard. Our customers have a real thirst for knowledge and we

instance, I found a carved, wooden ﬁgurehead from a ship, in the

ﬁnd the more we help educate people about the challenges and

shape of a woman, and I’ve got the perfect location where I’m going

opportunities about Florida landscapes, the better their buying

to attach it to the house overlooking the water.

decisions become.

We’re seeing smaller/quality-built projects coming into vogue more so than oversized spec projects built to impress.

SCENE: Isn’t green more expensive? Is there way to be ecofriendly and have quality yet still be affordable?

KD: Creativity abounds when you look for ways to incorporate

SE: We are seeing our customers placing a greater emphasis

reclaimed and antique pieces. When I opened my new ofﬁce, I

on quality construction and are less pre-occupied with aesthetic

wanted a certain kind of desk that had lots of surface area and

features like trim. Green building design provides for quality as a

commanded some attention. I found a great 1930s solid wood

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desk at an antique store downtown. It still had tags in from the manufacturer in Michigan! It had all kinds of scratches and blemishes it had

JANET BASSETT REALTOR

Putting Your Home First.

acquired over time. I sanded it and ﬁnished it with a water-based treatment (all for less than $200) and when people come in, they can’t stop talking about it. It’s become a real conversation starter where I can introduce my sustainable values to clients in a subtle way. But show how versatile and innovative you can be, I have paired the desk with a very hip, contemporary chair. By taking some old and adding some modern ﬂourishes, such as an eco-friendly fabric, you can vamp up anything and give it a fresh appearance. Home life is changing. People are spending more time at home. Aging in place and transitional living – where one generation is moving in and sharing a home with another generation of family – is beginning to occur

IMPRESSIVELY inviting this stately Mediterranean gated two-story waterfront residence is situated one block from St. Armand's Circle and Lido Beach welcoming guests to a 3,283 square foot showcase home with gulf views. $2,575,000. Janet.Bassett@sothebysrealty.com www.signaturesir.com

more frequently. I perceive that people are looking to make nests more comfortable, healthier and more personal. When people consider remodeling, they are looking for ways

941.809.3409

to feel better in their homes. JW: The pinnacle of sustainability is capturing the embodied energy that a piece of furniture, a building or anything manufactured contains. Looking for something that is already available and just making some simple adjustments to give that item a new lease on life offers so many easy advantages. TK: We help customers rebuild the organic composition of their soil from the ground up with fungi, bacteria and worms. In Florida, only 1% of the soil contains organic composition. We can help improve the soil’s quality in stages. Biological solutions versus chemicals may be slower but it’s more sustainable and will last longer and require less maintenance in the long run.

Grace Carlson, APR, LEED GA is the owner of Carlson Studio Marketing, an eco-marketing ﬁrm in downtown Sarasota. CarlsonEcoMarketing.com scenesarasota.com

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Julia Grant Russian Princess & A Founder of Sarasota’s First Garden Club By Selden Sutton

iving up a glamorous life in the court of Tsar Nicholas II and fleeing St. Petersburg during the Russian Revolution, Princess Cantacuzene, the former Julia Grant and niece of Bertha Palmer, embraced a life in Sarasota of “catching rattlers” and “chas-

ing pigs out off the grove and off the lawn” during a period when Sarasota was struggling to become a dazzling resort in the early part of the 1900s. Almost lost to history and overshadowed by her

Captions L-R Julia Grant, one of the founders of the Founders Garden Club of Sarasota. Photograph by Underwood and Underwood, 1924. Library of Congress. Prints and Photographs Division.

better-known contemporaries Marie Selby, Mable Ringling and others, Princess Cantacuzene played a part in brightening the spirits of Sarasotans during the Depression that began here in 1926. Born in the White House, Julia Grant was the first grandchild of Ulysses S. Grant. She made her debut in Vienna at the Court of Elisabeth of Austria Hungary, where her father, Frederick Dent Grant, was a diplomat. Julia’s move to Sarasota was more circuitous than other newcomers to the area who were more likely drawn here by way of Chicago at the behest of personages such as Bertha Palmer, John Ringling, and Owen Burns. Bertha Palmer played important role in Julia’s life. It was while traveling in Europe with her aunt that the dazzlingly beautiful Julia met and became engaged to Prince Mikhail Cantacuzene, a member of the Russian Romanov family and a diplomat. The couple married in September 24, 1899 at Beaulieu, an Astor home which Bertha Palmer rented for the summer season in Newport, Rhode Island. It was one of the major social events of the season. Following the wedding, the Prince and Princess divided their time between St. Petersburg and their 80,000 acre estate in the Ukraine. They had three children – Prince Michel, Princess Ida (Julia’s mother was Bertha Palmer’s sister Ida Marie Honore), and Princess Bertha. The couple remained in St. Petersburg during World War I during which time Prince Cantacuzene served as a General in the service of Tsar Nicholas II. The family left Russia in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution. They escaped from St. Petersburg via Finland, Sweden, and

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Owen Burns, for whom Burns Court is named, was one of two men to help organize the Founders Circle. But he didn’t last long. Mr. Burns said the ladies were to “talkative” for him and he sent his wife Vernona in his place. Mr. Burns’ daughter is still an active member of the Founders Garden Club today. Courtesy Sarasota County History Center. Mrs. A.E. Cummer (third from left) among friends and standing next to John Ringling at Sarasota’s Sara de Sota Pageant with a Spanish theme. The event was a perennial highlight of the tourist season. It was on Mrs. Cummer’s porch that the founding members of what was to be called the Founders Circle first congregated to discuss the formation of a garden club. Courtesy Sarasota County History Center scenesarasota.com

Paris to Washington, D.C. with Julia’s jewels sewn into her clothes.

eventually came together as the Sarasota Garden Club.

After trying to attract support for a counter-revolution in Washington,

Now know as the Founders Garden Club of Sarasota, the Club’s

D.C, they abandoned the effort after news of the assassination of

mission is as relevant today as it was over 80 years ago, particularly

the Tsar. They moved to Sarasota in 1918 where Prince Canacuzene

as Sarasota goes through another difficult economic period. As one

joined the Palmer family firm, Palmer First National Bank and Trust

member observed in the 1930s, “Most of us who were making our

Company.

homes here were striving to adapt our more northerly idea of garden-

After arriving in Sarasota, Julia’s cousin and Bertha Palmer’s

ing to a strange and defiant clime. The only thing we succeeded in

daughter-in-law, Pauline Palmer, wrote to her mother saying, “It’s

growing were weeds! At the time the Club was founded, little was

such a different life down here that it’s difficult to adjust oneself to

known by many Floridians about semi-tropical plants, soils, and

it immediately. Catching rattlers is an everyday occurrence, food

conditions. Even to this day, the problem confounds newcomers to

coming or not, no grass around the house – only sand.” Of her

Sarasota so the Founders Garden Club has stepped up to the plate

house, Pauline wrote, “It is so far from anything we ever dreamed

by recently publishing Founders’ Almanac: Backyard Basics for the

of” and there is “great excitement chasing pigs out of the grove and

Suncoast Gardener ($20; to order call 923-5074).

off the lawn.”

And, just as the Founders Circle in its early days raised money

This was the new life also facing the Canacuzenes, a life which

to support its community projects, giving teas, holding flower shows

Pauline, a dyonne of Chicago society and herself a world traveler dur-

and sponsoring concerts, today’s Founders Garden Club continues

ing America’s Gilded Age, called “my Turkey life.” Elaborating on the

the traditions of its fore bearers in its fundraising efforts.

theme in another letter to her mother from Sarasota, Pauline wrote,

Following the success of last years’ Broadway in Bloom Flow-

“I have a comfortable feeling (in Sarasota) of having washed the slate

er Show, this February 25th the Club will host its 2010 Gardeners

clean and beginning again, which I suppose will disappear as soon

Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chelsea Center on the campus

as we get back to Chicago and I get into the thick of it again. It is a

of St. Thomas More Church. The Fair, a sneak preview of spring,

great feeling to have nothing more on your mind than young turkeys

will provide a unique marketplace featuring select vendors offering

and clearing away shrubs to making charming vistas.”

home and garden accessories, live plants, flowers and designer

“Making charming vistas” became even more important when

fashions. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. To or-

by 1927 the Florida real estate bust had demoralized Sarasota.

der tickets and for additional information call 941-256-1457 or email

As Jeff LaHurd reports in his book, Quintessential Sarasota, “The

founderssrq@gmail.com.

same town that had been giddy with the excitement of transforming

Over the years, the Founders Garden Club has focused its ef-

itself into a glitzy resort was now somberly realizing that the party

forts on education, conservation and civic projects. The Club was

was over. Building stopped, businesses closed, downtown stores

actively involved in the restoration of Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden

sat vacant, the stream of new residents quit flowing and local mo-

at the Ca’d Zan, recognized as one of the country’s most outstand-

rale slumped.”

ing All-American Rose Gardens open to the public. It has helped

In May 1927, a group of civic minded women, Julia among them,

fund a greenhouse and the planting of the perimeter of gardens at

and two men met informally on the front porch of Louise Cummer’s

the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The Club was also active in es-

elegant home on Gulfstream Avenue to form what they called the

tablishing identification markers for plants on the 30-acre property

Founders Circle to help spruce up the town and boost the morale

at Historic Spanish Point that was formerly part of the site of Bertha

of its citizens. Although some sneered that the Founders Circle was

Palmer’s home.

formed simply to give local women a diversion while their husbands

In 1985, the Club’s decades of work toward community beautifi-

fretted over the collapse of the Florida land boom, this determined

cation earned it acceptance into the Garden Club of America, one of

group were not to be deterred. On November 29th, 1927, the first

only six garden clubs in Florida to belong to that organization.

regular meeting of the Founders Circle was held at Ca d’Zan, the home of its president Mrs. John (Mable) Ringling.

So what happened to Julia Grant? She went on to have a very successful writing and speaking career in the United States. In 1934,

The Founders Circle became the first garden club in Sarasota

she and Prince Cantacuzene divorced. She eventually moved to

and it was dedicated not only to improving its natural green spaces

Washington, D.C. and she founded the Sulgrave Club, where she

but also to enhancing the knowledge of local horticulture among its

also lunched regularly until 1970. She died in Washington, D.C. on

citizens. The Founders concept caught on and other Circles were

October 5, 1975 at the age of 99, where she was, according to her

formed, such as the Begonia and Tree Circles in 1928. These circles

obituary, “one of the capital’s more spirited hostesses”.

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It was the bottom of the ninth, two outs, full count — and spring training baseball was one pitch away from leaving Sarasota. And then in heroic fashion, from the bullpen, the Baltimore Orioles came out of nowhere to save the game for Sarasota baseball fans.

Spring training continues in Sarasota — but gone are the Cincinnati Reds, and in their place the orange and black from Camden Yards. The Orioles trained here in the early 1990s and are back again. The Reds had been here over a decade but wanted more stadium upgrades than city voters wanted to pay for, so the team picked up their bats and balls and took a better offer in Arizona. The Orioles had been training in Ft. Lauderdale but looking for a new place to call home — and as the expression goes, “timing is everything.” Orioles team spokesman Greg Bader says they couldn’t be happier. “Sarasota is a community that understands and embraces the many benefits associated with a partnership with a Major League Baseball team. In Sarasota, we have found a community ready to embrace a true year-round partnership,” Bader said. Proof of that was undeniable on a recent rainy January morning: Fans began lining up as early as 4 a.m. for Orioles tickets. Bader says they sold more season tickets that one day than the past several seasons in Ft. Lauderdale combined. Orioles pitchers and catchers report to camp February 17th. The first full team workout is February 23rd. The first game is home against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 3rd. The Orioles had been in Ft. Lauderdale the past 14 years, but insiders say they never had the impact on that community that baseball-hungry fans in Sarasota can offer. “Sarasota’s Spring Training tradition is well documented, and we have already found the business community and its citizens to be strong supporters of baseball and the Baltimore Orioles,” Bader said. Top: Right Fielder Nick Markakis Middle: 2nd Baseman Brian Roberts Bottom: Center Fielder Adam Jones

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For local tourism experts, the Orioles are even more valuable than the slightly smaller market Reds. (Nielson Rankings says Baltimore is the 27th largest media market in the country. Cinscenesarasota.com

cinnati is 33rd.) “The key difference with our relationship with Baltimore is the million dollar marketing package they are providing to reach the mid-Atlantic market,” said Virginia Haley, director of the Sarasota County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our partnership with the Orioles is going to extend our Sarasota County brand into a new region for us and drive new tourism business to our community,” she said. Ed Woelfle is a Chicago-based internet sales trainer who has followed the Orioles since the days of Boog Powell and Jim Palmer. He’s already planning a trip to Sarasota to see his team prepare for the 2010 season. “I’m looking forward to scheduling a trip to Sarasota this spring to see my team and all Sarasota has to offer,” he said. Woelfle hopes the move to Sarasota is the start of an upswing for his team. Tourism experts are banking on fans like Woelfle to cause a ripple effect in the local economy. The Convention and Visitors Bureau predicts the Orioles financial impact on Sarasota will be a mind-boggling $34 million dollars a year. The Sports Manager of the CVB, Jason Puckett, says major league baseball can generate a lot of money for a community. “The impact is generated from hotels, restaurants, gas, and retail. Also you can take into account the residual effects, such as future home purchases, rentals, and repeat visits beyond spring training,” he said. But it doesn’t come without a cost. Once the team finishes spring training in April and heads north to begin the season, the real work begins. Ed Smith Stadium will undergo $31 million dollars in renovations. The difference—the Reds deal involved more tax dollars. The Orioles funding mostly comes from the Tourist Development Tax that visitors pay to stay in county hotels. Orioles columnist Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun says fans are glad the new deal with allow the major and minor league teams to train in the same complex. “It was a logistical nightmare and hurt the team’s continuity. Plus, Fort Lauderdale Stadium was dilapidated and the prospect of a fully renovated Ed Smith Stadium certainly has the players and staff excited. So, overall, I’d say the move is looked on as favorable up here,” Connolly says. Down here as well! Play ball indeed!

Getting the Orioles on the Gulf Coast of Florida enhances the hot bed of Spring Training baseball up and down the I-75 corridor. To the north, the Toronto Blue Jays are in Dunedin, the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater and the defending-champion New York Yankees in Tampa. The Pittsburgh Pirates are just up the road in nearby Bradenton. To the south, the Tampa Bay Rays began training last year in Port Charlotte — and Ft. Myers has the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. Orioles tickets range from $5 to $22. Season tickets for the 16 home games are also available. Call (941) 954-4101, (888) 329-3365 or www.Orioles.com. The stadium is at 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue in Sarasota. Parking is available for $8 dollars at a lot across from the 3rd base side. Some games are already nearly sold out. The Orioles host the Red Sox three times (March 7, 27 and 31) and the Yankees twice (March 25 and 29).

Ray Collins is a freelance writer and former TV newscaster. He now owns a media company; visit RayCollinsMedia.com to learn more. scenesarasota.com

FEB/MARCH 2010

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from an interview Sam Holladay Sarasota School of Architecture by Gus Mollasis

He is a soft spoken man who has always liked to build and create things. A native Floridian with a deep respect for Florida’s past and a definite vision of how Florida builds for the future, Sam Holladay’s pedigree in architecture is rich. Heading the legendary Sarasota School of Architecture since 1994, Sam Holladay brings to the drafting table the wisdom of previous heroes and mentors Paul Rudolph and Edward Siebert. He is proud and honored to take on the responsibility of creating structures where form follows function and where clients are left saying, “It turned out better than I thought it would.” Recently I sat down with Sam Holladay, of Siebert Architects, and we discussed a few scenes from an interview of his life. SCENE: Where were you born?

second year at Pensacola Junior College, I made a decision to

SH: Pensacola, Florida.

try architecture. Once I got into it. I fell in love with it. Then I transferred to the University of Florida where I got my Bachelors

SCENE: What kind of home did you live in growing up?

degree in architecture.

SH: Mostly military. My father was in the military and up until forth grade we lived in officer quarters that were nondescript but efficient.

SCENE: When did you know you could make a living in architecture?

SCENE: What was your childhood like?

SH: Back in 1972 I interviewed with Tim Siebert who said he

SH: When I was nine or ten we were living in the Seattle area.

would give me a two week contract and see how it works out. I

With my friends, we were always building things. We had a big

have been with the firm ever since.

piece of property at the time and I was always helping my father with different things on the property.

SCENE: What makes great architecture? SH: Talented architects. But it’s not all the architects. If you don’t

SCENE: What did you want to be when you grew up?

have a good client, you don’t have a good building.

SH: A cowboy. Anything with horses and cows and wide open spaces, that’s what I wanted to do.

SCENE: What makes a great architect? SH: Talent beyond technical competence. Talented architects

SCENE: What type of student were you?

with vision and creativity are far and few between and we are for-

SH: Fair. I was taking a lot of art classes. I might have been one of

tunate to have many great architects with our firm. When some-

the only males who didn’t take shop in junior high school.

one comes to us with an idea or concept, and a desire and need, we translate that into architecture.

SCENE: When did you first become interested in architecture? SH: I was always interested in how things go together. When I

SCENE: Which architect influenced you the most?

was a kid I tried building boats. Architecture came along much

SH: The way I think architecture works, probably Tim Siebert has

later than that. I was in college wondering what I wanted to do.

influenced me as much as anybody else. He’s a one of kind guy who

I was taking some business courses and art courses. After my

thought about things in ways that I never would have come up with.

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scenesarasota.com

SCENE: Define the Sarasota School of Architecture? SH: A fellow named Gene Leedy coined the term at an AIA con-

the first innovative glass skinned buildings. It changed the whole approach to high rise construction.

vention that Tim Siebert and Paul Rudolph were attending. They were all there making presentations, and out that came this term.

SCENE: Do you ever scratch your head when you see a building?

A book was written by John Howey who kind of branded the

SH: Yes. I say why on earth would anyone one spend the time

term and it states that when Paul Rudolph came to Sarasota in

and money to come up with that!

1941, that’s when the idea of The Sarasota School of Architecture was born.

SCENE: “Architecture is Art...when it... SH: ...works. When it really works, it functions and looks good, if

SCENE: Mr. Siebert’ talent was... SH: ...his creativity with anything. SCENE: “Paul Rudolph was... SH:: ...an original thinker.”

that’s what it’s supposed to do. It corresponds and responds to its sight, location and time. SCENE: Do you have a favorite city in terms of architecture? SH: When I go away from Sarasota and I come back, I realize there is a lot going on here. Some will say that the character of

SCENE: How does it feel to carry the torch of this renowned

the architecture has changed here, but that’s true for every town.

school of architecture?

I used to be fond of the little town of Foley, in southern Alabama.

SH: I enjoy it. I’ve got some great people that make up our team.

It was a quaint little town. I hadn’t been there for a while and they ruined it with conventional zoning, strip malls, etc. It’s the same

SCENE: Define where the school has been, what it looks like

reason why the north and south trail look as they do verses what

today and where it is heading in the future?

they are trying to with the downtown zoning by making it a real city.

SH: I don’t think that it’s something you copy. Things are always

They need more parking structures like the Duany study pointed

changing. In today’s world, our codes are different. The very light-

out, where people could walk between buildings and pass in front

ness and delicateness of those older buildings are impossible to

of shops, and get to do all those things you do in a city.

emulate today. They would never comply with today’s code. So we’re looking at other ways of doing these things and interpret

SCENE: What does architecture mean to you?

them differently. There are some special things about them that we

SH: Enjoyment and making my life better. We’ve been very for-

still maintain. Architecture is changing totally. A lot of our minimum

tunate to have the clients we have had and I can’t stress how

comforts we take for granted today weren’t as common back then,

important I think that is. Being able to satisfy their programs and

like even central air. When you look at the number of bathrooms

interpret them into a building is just magic to me.

and start counting ceiling light fixtures in those older houses, there were a handful throughout the house. Today, we have a handful

SCENE: How does it feel when one of your buildings is restored

in every room today. The technology is definitely different and we

or renovated?

need to be thinking about how to put things together differently

SH: A lot of them have been renovated. To me it’s good. You get

than we have been. How we’ve been doing it is the same way the

an opportunity to take something that had some good bones

Romans were doing it — one brick on top of another brick. In the

and good ideas about it and make it new with modern conve-

future we’re going to have to do something other than that.

niences that weren’t available back in the day.

SCENE: Name me the three or four projects that you are most

SCENE: How does it feel when one of your buildings is torn

proud of?

down?

SH: This office, Bay Plaza downtown, the downtown Bus Transfer

SH: Tim (Siebert) said something a few years ago, “I never

Facility, Bayport Beach and Tennis on Longboat, The Inn on the

thought they would tear my buildings down before I was dead.”

Beach on Longboat. Numerous houses, like the Cooney House,

It’s kind of eye opener. Personally I’ve seen buildings that I built

built on a fifty foot lot. Of course, the Riverview and Sarasota

demolished. To me it’s not like a death. I have been around our

High Schools were great buildings and we were proud of them.

buildings that have been modified (by others) and it wasn’t a good job and you go, I really wish that hadn’t happened.

SCENE: Name a famous structure in another city that you wish you designed or are in awe of? SH: The Seagram building in New York because it was one of scenesarasota.com

SCENE: If there are homes in heaven what do they look like? SH: Oh God. I don’t know. I hope they are like the really good FEB/MARCH 2010

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ones here. The house I live in right now, designed by William Rupp in the 1960s. It had some major renovations a few years back. I’ve never lived in a home like this before. It has a two story living room space with a lot of glass. The connection to the outdoors is amazing. You see flocks of birds flying by and noth-

��

ing escapes you. You experience the weather, whether it’s day or night. I get a feeling of joy every time I open the door and walk into it. I hope the houses in heaven are like that. SCENE: What do you hope your clients take away from the process? SH: We work a lot on paper, building models, but to have one of these designs actually constructed, it’s almost like giving birth and raising a child until they go off on their own. You go through all the drama of the building process, things come up and you take care of them, you see how the details go together, and eventually you toss the keys to the guy and they take it over. It’s a

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real satisfaction for me to go through that process. SCENE: After the final design has been submitted, the final building built, how do you want people to remember you, Siebert Architects and the Sarasota School of Architecture?

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SH: I want them to remember the firm.

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I hope the firm is still going on just as it was when I when I picked it up from Tim Siebert. Nobody could be a Tim Siebert. I’m running things differently from how he ran it, but we’re all trying to go in the same direction, in the terms of the quality of the buildings we do. Our favorite line from a client is when

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they walked into their finished building and said, “This is better than I thought it would be.” That gets you in the heart every time. That’s what I live for. scenesarasota.com

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BOOMERITIS By David A. Sugar, MD, FAAOS

I don’t know about you, but lately, it sure is harder to get moving in

up. This will stretch them in a dynamic manner. The philosophy

the morning. My joints ache, my muscles are stiff and since when

has changed and now static stretching, when one stretches and

did mild exercise on the weekend hurt on Monday. If you can

holds that stretch for a longer period of time, is best performed

relate to this, you may be suffering from “Boomeritis”. I’ve heard

after physical activity.

it said that 50 is the new 30, but they forgot to tell my knees and my back this news.

• Do not exercise just on the weekends. We need activity throughout the week as well. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes every

Baby Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are much

day of some form of exercise into your routine.

more active than the generations that preceded them. Prior generations may have labored hard at their job, but until recently, they

• Take lessons in the sports that you participate in even if you

did not participate in sports and exercise like we do now. In fact, it

have been playing these for long periods of time. Improper form

was the Boomer generation that ushered in the fitness craze of the

can lead to injuries.

1970s and 1980s. So we have people who are more active and are doing so for decades. We all want to be able to do at 45, what we

• Proper equipment and shoes are extremely important. Make sure

could do at 25 and we want to do at 65, what we could do at 45.

that shoes and other equipment are replaced on a regular basis.

What this amounts to is overuse and gradual wear and tear. The

• Remember to listen to your body. Pain that persists or compro-

injuries that occur are usually tendonitis, arthritis (wearing out of

mises your ability to perform activities is something that should

the cartilage of the joints), tendon tears and stress fractures. Our

not be ignored.

muscle tissue decreases in elasticity and eventually forms scar tissue and this makes us stiff.

• Obey the 10% rule. Do not try to increase your activity by more than 10% at a time. Build up endurance gradually, especially with

In 2008, 166,000 Boomers sought medical treatment for exercise

strength training and endurance training.

and exercise equipment related injuries. That is only the number who sought treatment and does not include those who treated

• Balance your activities. Focus on strength, flexibility and en-

themselves. One of the reasons for these injuries is that we tend to

durance/cardiovascular fitness and utilize a fitness program that

be weekend warriors. Going all out on Saturday and Sunday can

includes weight training, stretching and some form of cardiovas-

make us pay for it until Wednesday.

cular exercise.

So what is one to do? Be less active and grow old gracefully?

• Mix it up. Again, many of these injuries are overuse injuries, so

NO, do not go down without a fight. The key is to stay active and

try to vary the muscle groups that are utilized from day to day. This

perhaps even increase your amount of exercise, but in a healthy

is where the concept of “cross training” came from.

manner. Do not play through pain, listen to your body and be proactive with a preventive fitness plan.

• Nutrition. A well-balanced diet is key to giving your body the energy and nutrients it needs to tolerate exercise and to continue to feel fit.

If you have any medical condition, check with your doctor first before starting a new exercise program. There are several factors that

Certainly adhering to these principles is no guarantee that one will

are important to stay active and stay healthy as we get older.

be injury free, but certainly they will better your chances of enjoying your years and staying fit as we grow older.

• Warm up and stretch before and after physical activity. Warm

up is different than stretching. It is basically simulating your move-

Dr. David Sugar heads Sugar Orthopaedics located at 1921

ments in a slower manner to get your muscles moving and warmed

Waldemere Street in Sarasota. 941.556.6900.

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scenesarasota.com

CHARTING YOUR COURSE

THROUGH THE LATEST

MEDICAL ADVANCES By Dr. Louis M. Cohen, MD

The first ten years of the 21st century have brought many innova-

Hypertension - Each year, newer and better agents to treat el-

tions and technological advancements in the field of medicine.

evated blood pressure arrive thanks to our medical researchers

Some of these innovations have yielded immediate and direct pa-

in academia as well as our magnificent pharmaceutical industry.

tient benefits, while others hold promise for future help to those

Long gone are the days of using Phenobarbital for the treatment

patients in need.

of hypertension. Today’s agents are engineered and directed to lower blood pressure while avoiding the numerous side effects of

I will attempt to briefly summarize some of the medical triumphs

prior therapeutics.

during this past decade realizing that I will only be scratching the surface of a vast field of amazing technological innovation.

Rheumatology - Rising from the depths of the untreatable, the patients afflicted with crippling rheumatologic disorders have wit-

Cardiology has seen such rapid advancements in the field of

nessed a new and exciting era in therapeutics. Monoclonal anti-

stents that the rates of open heart surgery have plummeted in the

bodies have forged a new frontier where not only can the debilitat-

past decade. We now have both bare metal and coated stents to

ing pain of the diseases be treated, but also the joint destruction

fit a variety of circumstances and afford patients the most optimal

that afflicts these patients can be halted.

chances of excellent results. Antiplatelet agents have come a long way from just aspirin and now offer combination therapy to better

Genetic Assays, The Human Genome Project, Stem Cell

assure long term stent patency.

Research - These modalities exist only in the labs of our researchers for now. The coming decades of the 21st century hold

Robotic Surgery has sky rocketed to the forefront of several

enormous promise in the field of medical therapeutics.

surgical scenarios. Prostatectomies for cancer can now be done robotically to afford the patient better chances at nerve sparing

The treatment modalities noted above are but a few of the many

as well as sphincter control. Heart valve replacement and even

medical “miracles” that have become realities in the past de-

artery bypasses can be done even more precisely and without the

cade. So how does one successfully navigate the complexities

need for painful sternotomies thereby allowing rapid recoveries

of healthcare in the 21st century? You simply cannot go it alone!

with less complications. Complete kidney resections can even be

Now more than ever a team approach to healthcare is essential if

performed using robotic precision.

one is to reap the benefits of these technological advances.

Oncology has seen an explosion in the armamentarium of che-

Choose a primary care physician with whom you can successfully

motherapeutic agents now available to combat malignancies. En-

partner for your healthcare concerns. In today’s medical climate

dothelial growth factor inhibitors, hormone receptor blockers and

this is no easy task. The savvy patient needs to partner with a

genetically directed chemotherapy have all risen from the pages

strong advocate who not only is an insider in the medical field but

of science fiction to reality. Cancer patients have seen significant

with whom they can also develop a close rapport. Asking the right

survival benefits with these new agents.

questions and accessing the appropriate resources are essential to healthcare. If one successfully partners with a physician who

Infectious Disease - Through the marvels of research in the field

is a strong champion for their patients, then benefiting from our

of infectious diseases, HIV infection has been transformed from a

technological advancements becomes a reality.

uniformly fatal disease to a chronic condition whose patients lead long productive lives and remain in the workforce for many years.

Dr. Louis M. Cohen practices internal medicine at Lerner-Co-

It is truly a marvel of our healthcare system that we know so much

hen, a concierge medical practice, located at 1921 Walde-

about a disease that has been identified less than 25 years ago.

mere Street, Sarasota. 941.953.9080.

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scene | social

View all photos at scenesarasota.com

JHCF Honors Janis & Ron Collier A

pproximately 270 people attended Jewish Housing Council

Photography by Carissa Warfield

Federation’s “Generations”, an event honoring Janis and Ron Collier

at Michael’s on East. Co-chaired by Debbie Yonker and Renee Sheade, event proceeds beneﬁt the Benevolent Assistance Program, a program in need of help which assists residents of Kobernick/Anchin who are experiencing ﬁnancial hardship. “Generations” took its theme from the Colliers’ unique lives. The evening offered tributes from Wendy Mann Resnick, and the Collier children: Jason Collier and Rebecca Aaronson. Dancing and entertainment was provided by Tony Benade and Friends, videos produced by Wagy Productions and the wine provided by Michael’s on East and Collier Falls Winery.

Sue Mattioli, Janis Collier & Linda Driggs

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Wendy Mann Resnick Debbie Yonker, Harry Kartoz & Renee Sheade & Barbara Baseman

Rebecca & Madelyn Aaronson with Ron Collier

Marilynn Cinquegrano, Laura Lurgio, Louise Cogan & Eileen Curd

scenesarasota.com

All Aboard For

ROMANCE! By Sue Blue

r. Owen Burns of Frederick, Maryland, recently from Chicago, woke early one March morning and began to dress in his “Sunday best”, as mothers are prone to say. He promised to meet the morning train at the Seaboard Railway Station on Lemon Avenue and, although the exact times of train arrivals could

not always be predicted, meet it he surely would. He was a man of his word and he would meet that train if it took all day. Owen’s mother was depending on him to escort Aunt Hattie and her entourage of cousins and guests from New York City, whom he had never met, to the Belle Haven. It was reassuring to note that the Belle Haven Inn had just been renovated and the Seaboard Airline Railway building was brand new. Yes, the red brick building would certainly impress Aunt Hattie. Burns sighed as he settled his white Panama hat on his carefully combed head. He was not looking forward to this “assignment”. He was not a ladies’ man and dreaded the thought of trying to make “parlor” conversation. Well, he thought, he could leave that up to his brother, E.O., and his nephew. They would take separate autos to transport the passengers and luggage. Women traveled with such a lot of luggage; steamer trunks and hat boxes and shoe boxes and cases for this and that. Well, he could handle it, he thought. Owen Burns was capable of handling a lot of projects and handling them very well. Two years ago, in 1910, when he’d first arrived in the small village of Sarasota, Florida, he’d intended to just have a wonderfully relaxed time for a few days engaging in his favorite past time, sports fishing. The fishing in Sarasota waters was very good and everywhere he looked he saw opportunities for growth and investment. Soon, he’d purchased all of the Gillespie and Florida Mortgage and Investment Company’s property as well as the Halton Sanitarium where Bertha Palmer had stayed. Within a year’s time, he’d established and become president of a new bank called The Citizens Bank and was instrumental in the City Council’s passage of the seawall ordinance. The seawalls were constructed after he had declared, “Unless you clean up your front yard—and get seawalls built—this town will never amount to a tinker’s damn!” Waiting by the train tracks in downtown Sarasota, Burns thought about his next project. Since he’d just been elected Commodore of the Sarasota Yacht Club, he wanted to build a large clubhouse on Gulf Stream Avenue. He was sure he could get that done before next year. The whistle and the chugging and the snorting of the train’s steam Photo Courtesy of Harriet Burns Stieff

scenesarasota.com

engine interrupted his thoughts. He, his brother, and nephew approached the train car FEB/MARCH 2010

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as the conductor swung off and placed the step below. Amid many “welcomes” and “be carefuls” and “so good to see you again, Aunt Hattie”, Owen Burns looked up. There, on the steps of that grimy train stood a young woman with the most beautiful, glowing face

Come Celebrate with Us!

he’d ever seen. She was introduced as Vernona Freeman. Burns went into action. “Here, Aunt Hattie, and cousins, you go in my nephew’s auto. Miss Vernona, let me help you to my car...and E.O., see to the luggage, won’t you?” Owen Burns may not have been an expert with “parlor talk”, but he certainly could talk business. Driving down Main Street, he pointed out to Miss Vernona the buildings where he conducted the affairs of Burns Realty Company, Burns Dredging Company, and Burns Construction Company. He talked of the progress the town had made in just the past two years. He talked of his dreams for the future of Sarasota. Before they reached the Belle Haven, he’d made arrangements to meet her the next day to show her more of the sights of Sarasota. Later that week, he took her sports fishing and was ecstatic when she hooked a tarpon. When Burns spied a barracuda looking for a good meal, he jumped into the water and flailed his arms and legs to scare the attacking fish away. He desperately wanted

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Vernona to land a beautiful tarpon, not one chewed to pieces by a barracuda. Soon it was time to escort Aunt Hattie, the cousins, and Miss Vernona back to the train headed to New York City. At the station, Burns attended to all the details, making sure the cousins and Aunt Hattie were safely aboard the train and that all of the luggage was properly taken care of. As he bid a proper goodbye to Miss Vernona, she stepped up the train stairs and then disappeared behind the door. The conductor lifted up the step and called out, “All aboard!” Owen Burns must have suddenly thought...”What if I never see her again? I can’t let this happen!” The train was beginning to move. He began to run and jumped onto the train. The very surprised porter was almost knocked over as Owen entered the train car

Issue and approached a youngFebruary lady who sat 10 pensively gazing out the window. “Pardon me, 2.25”heXasked, 9.875” tall, 4 color Miss. Is this seat taken?”, doffing his white Panama hat.

In New York michelle@scenesarasota.com City, he took Miss Vernona to the Ritz Carlton for afternoon tea and pro-

posed. Three months later, on June 4, 1912, they were married, went on a European honeymoon, and returned to Sarasota by train, of course. The newlyweds were met at the Seaboard Railway Station by Mayor Harry Higel, citizens of Sarasota, and the newly formed Sarasota Brass Band and were then escorted to their decorated home for a proper reception.

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Burns accomplishments and his investments in Sarasota continued throughout his lifetime. His company paved streets, built the Ringling Causeway, the El Vernona Hotel (which later became the Ringling Towers), the Ca’d’Zan, and Burns Court. He established the Board of Trade which evolved into the Chamber of Commerce. But he might very well have thought that his greatest accomplishment was jumping on a moving train when he heard the words, “All aboard!” The story of Burns’ whirlwind courtship was told to me, for the most part, by the youngest of the five Burns children, Harriet Burns Stieff, during lunch overlooking Sarasota Bay, which Mrs. Stieff lovingly refers to as her “childhood playground”. Harriet was named for Aunt Hattie who introduced the New York City debutante, Vernona Hill Freeman, to Owen Burns. I am most grateful to Mrs. Stieff for affording me the pleasure of writing All Aboard for Romance! – Sue Blue

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scenesarasota.com

Photo cour tesy of Mar V

ista

WATER’S

EDGE ining By Susan Cullen

While our area teems with a multitude of treasures and pleasures, it is hard to beat a sun-kissed springtime day spent leisurely on the water — or the waterfront. Luckily for us, when all that fresh air inevitably works up an appetite, we have a selection of dining options at water’s edge that are available by land or sea, and even by air. So if spring-like breezes are enticing you, snag your shorts and your crew and join locals, snowbirds and tourists for some high-season fun and great food on the waterfront. scenesarasota.com

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For your basic toes-in-the-sand casual dining, Sharkey’s on the

the Manatee River at the Riviera Dunes Marina Resort, for

Pier in Venice ﬁts the bill. Lots of outdoor seating puts nothing

instance. Being at the marina has its perks.

between you and the Gulf of Mexico but sand. If lolling at an umbrella table or under the thatched tiki roof doesn’t appeal,

“At the beach, you can see a sunset. Here we’ve got a lot more

the creamy white sand and blue waters can be enjoyed from

going on. Boats come in and out. Dolphins and manatees are

air-conditioned comfort inside.

always coming in to the marina. You’ll sometimes see whole schools of ﬁsh churning up the middle,” says Rick Willats,

“We are deﬁnitely a destination restaurant. People will plan a

general manager. “There’s always something going on.”

one-day get away to have lunch, play in the sand and then come back for dinner,” says general manager Kim Rasmussen. “A lot

The Mangrove Grill is a quintessential Florida seafood restaurant

of people ﬂy in just for lunch.” Convenient since Sharkey’s is

sourcing fresh local seafood and ﬂying in specialty seafood and

adjacent to the Venice Municipal Airport.

fresh Maine lobster daily. With its ample outdoor seating and full glass wall allowing indoor diners to enjoy the scenic views,

Sharkey’s menu is a mix of traditional and “out of the box” dishes

the restaurant ﬁlls up early during season. Especially so with its

with an emphasis on seafood, Rasmussen said. Macadamia Nut

happy hour menu of about a dozen $2 items, such as Kobe beef

Grouper & Coconut Shrimp are a conventional tropical marriage

mini-sliders, mini-pizzas, ﬂatbreads and ﬁrecracker shrimp.

while Shrimp & Lobster Andouille Au Gratin introduces a Cajun twist. A pretzel coated chicken breast steps out of the ordinary

For those coming to the restaurant by boat, the marina monitors

with a cranberry, pineapple and jalapeño relish.

Channel 68 or boaters can call 941-723-9595 to get assistance with docking.

While our Gulf beaches are beautiful (and we never tire of hearing people tell us so), the notion of waterfront dining is so much

If you’re still craving sand, however, a drive--or sail--to the

more than just that. Take the Mangrove Grill, which overlooks

northern tip of Longboat Key will bring you to Mar Vista Dockside

�� 74

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

Café Gabbiano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

Owners Peter & Susan Migliaccio “A total ﬁrst class dining experience all the way around. I would consider ﬂying down from Ohio just to dine at Gabbiano’s again.” -Warren, OH

Fine Italian Cuisine

Over 500 wines from around the world 5104 Ocean Boulevard | Siesta Key |

941-349-1423

Casual Waterfront Dining Meets Fresh Local Seafood

BROILED • STEAMED • BAKED • BLACKENED • GRILLED • CAJUN • COMBO POTS FRESH SEAFOOD PLATTERS • SEAFOOD PASTA • CHICKEN • STEAKS • SOUPS & SALADS

925-4444 5353 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Sunday – Thursday 11am – 10pm Friday – Saturday 11am – 10:30pm

FEB/MARCH 2010

| scene

Restaurant & Pub whose property encompasses one of the oldest buildings on the island. Mar Vista has carefully retained its Old Florida charm with a weathered wood exterior set off by a newer covered outdoor dining area. Or, if dappled shade is more to your liking, sit under the spreading, curvaceous branches of the buttonwood trees that flank the beach and gaze across Sarasota Bay to pretty Sister Key. “Mar Vista is most definitely accessible by boat, in fact during season it is the way to go,” says Caryn Hodge, marketing director of the Chiles Restaurant Group. “We have 12 slips and a 12-foot draw on most days.” As expected, seafood rules the menu ranging from coconut shrimp and crab cakes to a bouillabaisse loaded with shrimp, mussels, crab clusters and stone crab claws. “You can even bring in your fresh catch, and we will cook it up for you,” Hodge says. “That is called the Customer Catch.” In addition, Hodge wants patrons to know that the restaurant will be taking down the dollar bills with which guests have papered the walls since Hurricane Katrina, and it is donating them to the victims of Haiti’s devastating January earthquake. Tucked away on the far southern end of Siesta Key is Ophelia’s on the Bay named by Power & Motoryacht magazine as the No. 1 U.S. restaurant for dock and dine. “There is a great waterfront view from any table in the restaurant as it is all glass facing the bay. We also have great dockside dining outside,” said owner Stanley Ferro. “We overlook Little Sarasota Bay with views across to a mangrove island bird sanctuary. We often have dolphins swimming past our restaurant as well as ospreys, pelicans and other sea birds flying by.” Ophelia’s menu emphasizes fresh fish and meats along with organic produce and can be counted on for creative culinary touches like a fresh mozzarella cheese salad with fried green tomatoes, baby arugula, Thai basil, aged balsamic syrup and white truffle oil. The dish makes a normally delicious caprese salad look a little anemic. Also popular is an ocean canyon-caught Hawaiian Bigeye Tuna spiced with an African adobo rub, avocado salsa, marinated cucumbers, spicy mayo and a sweet soy-based Kabayaki sauce. Whatever you do don’t skip the chocolate lava-centered brown sugar, vanilla bean beignets. Or take a few for the trip home whether that’s by land or sea.

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

scene | entertainment CURTAIN CALL by Terence Fugate

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

middle school child. Milton set about shoring up the gaps with an

Bridge and Tunnel

incomparable addition.

It’s often said that “word of mouth advertising” is far and again

Which is why we found Searching for Eden so disconcerting:

the most effective publicity going. How true, and in that regard Florida

Adam and Eve’s conduct in the Garden is a hip, altogether secular

Studio Theatre has established a reputation for originality and creative

take on a fall that has nothing to do with eating forbidden fruit, much

excellence that is the pea-green envy of theatrical institutions here

less their defying God. Sure there’s a snake, and Adam and Eve bite

in town and around the country. Whether it’s the Keating, Cabaret

the apple. But aside from a thunderous clap the end of Act I, the re-

or Gompertz Theatre, FST has blazed a theatrical trail that has lit up

ligious consequences of their joint defiance are blithely ignored. Fast

our city for decades. Tradition happily continues at the Gompertz with

forward a few millennia to Act II. Our so-called first parents are now

Sarah Jones’ Bridge and Tunnel.

middle-aged and sharing intimate marital revelations usually heard on

In a one-woman show, actress Karen Stephens plays the roles

Dr. Phil. Sample: Adam tells Eve he’s never been unfaithful; Eve cava-

of fourteen separate and totally distinct immigrants from around the

lierly replies she once slept with their lawn boy. Adam shrugs it off. Sex

globe. Pakistani poet Mohammed Ali (not to be confused with the

with a buffed stud? What’s the Big Deal? What indeed.

boxer) acts as the host and keeps the mini UN assembly rolling along

Let us now cut to the bone. James Still’s modernistic version of

in rapid, humorous and sometimes touching manner. Fact is, reciting

the Eden narrative blithely ignores God’s command to avoid eating

their poetry is just a front. The real reason most of the immigrants get

from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From any cultural, literary

on stage is to tell us what it’s like to leave behind their native country

or religious perspective worth naming, this is a critical omission. For

for a better life in America.

once Adam and Eve choose of their own free will to put themselves

And so, in a series of telling vignettes, with colorful accents, Ste-

first, to ignore divine authority, suffering, death and a loss of original in-

phens weaves her way through a varied assortment of newly arrived

nocence became their lot and humanity’s sequel. By the by, our review

characters from China, Jordan, Haiti, Russia, the Dominican Repub-

isn’t aimed at getting you inside a church or temple. Believe OR disbe-

lic, etc., and back again to the Pakistani MC, Mohammed Ali. A truly

lieve as you please. At the same time, bear in mind that playwright Still

noteworthy acting achievement! We asked Marketing Director Eric

has created a godless Paradise. By our lights this is a contradiction in

Pugh how B&T was holding up and were informed the remaining per-

terms; an oxymoron of cheeky and egregious proportions.

formances were sold out with Standing Room Only slots left open.

Question: Does our thumbs down review mean there was noth-

Not surprising. With an actress such as the talented Karen Stephens,

ing positive to say regarding Searching for Eden? Not at all. Sam Os-

and a director like “Wonder Woman” Kate Alexander, Bridge and Tun-

heroff (Adam) and Kris Danford (Eve) were perfectly cast as mankind’s

nel was bound to be the crowd-pleasing hit that it was.

first couple. Married in real life, Osheroff and Danford captured the

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE Searching for Eden

essence of Still’s lighthearted and bantering lines. Kris Danford was especially appealing as the sometimes playful, other times serious Eve. Finally, director Melissa Kievman is to be commended for her

Not doubt the better part of wisdom would be to recuse myself

evenhanded handling of Still’s script. Like a good defense attorney,

from reviewing James Still’s Searching for Eden. But doing so would

Ms. Kievman gave her client the finest, non-judgmental representation

be a craven copout. Nevertheless, there’s a reason for our hankering

possible. For yours truly, that’s saying a gracious plenty.

to take a pass on Eden. Back in the 70s we checked into the graduate school dorm at USF in Tampa to spend the entire summer delving

THE PLAYERS THEATRE

into the works of John Milton. Mainly, though, our hot weather sojourn

Some Enchanted Evening

was given over to studying the twelve books of Milton’s Paradise Lost.

When The Players hits on all cylinders — the way it did Opening

It was one of the most demanding yet satisfying times on record. In

Night with Some Enchanted Evening — Sarasota’s premiere commu-

particular, Milton’s account of Adam and Eve’s banishment from Para-

nity theatre gives the Big Boys and Girls in town a genuine run for their

dise left an indelible impression on this writer. On the other hand, the

money. And since we happened to stumble across the word money,

biblical account of the fall — while monumental in Judeo-Christian

it’s a long-established truism that the only authentic difference between

theology — is nonetheless written in a simplistic style suitable for a

professionals and amateurs is the former gets paid, while the latter

scenesarasota.com

FEB/MARCH 2010

| scene

works free. To be sure, other considerations separate pros from non-

THE GOLDSTEIN CABARET

pros, not the least of which are talent, tough skin and staying power.

Reflections

But when it comes to sheer, ebullient, existential enthusiasm, many’s the time non-professionals have blown the pros out of the lake.

The music continues at the Goldstein Cabaret with Reflections, a salute to the lively and thought-provoking music of the 60s and 70s.

Case in point were the five actors in Enchanted who kept us

Developed by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Langford and Jim Prosser,

enthralled for two glorious acts. Listed in the playbill with character

Reflections was performed in two acts by four supremely gifted in-

names from a wide assortment of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals,

dividuals: Joe Christenson; Melissa Fleming; Robert H. Fowler and

Greg Wiegers (Billy); Heath Jorgenson (Will); Susan Cole (Anna); Mari-

Natalie Renee. Act I show-cased such toe-tapping Oldie Goldies as

lyn Jennings (Julie); and Blair Dalton (Nellie) sang their hearts out for

“Shop Around”; “You Can’t Hurry Love”; “You’ve Made Me So Happy”;

us with such unforgettable numbers as “It Might as Well Be Spring”;

“When a Man Loves a Woman”; “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”;

“Hello, Young Lovers”; “Shall We Dance?”; “This Nearly Was Mine”;

and “Stand by Me.” Act II came on strong with “Reach Out”; “I Say

“Younger Than Springtime”; and the signature number closing Act II:

a Little Prayer”; “Please, Mr. Postman”; “A Place in the Sun”; “Feelin’

“Some Enchanted Evening.”

Good”; and the wildly energetic “Dancing in the Street.”

We simply cannot recall a more enjoyable production. All of the

There was a nice balance between the two acts of Reflections

above actors were just right in their assigned roles. All honor, praise

— with Act I being more upbeat, while Act II was more serious and

and glory is theirs forever. Yet if we had to single out the STAR of

contemplative — in keeping with America’s ever changing mood

Some Enchanted Evening, it would be the director, Scott Keys. Nor-

swings that were brought on by both the Civil Rights movement, as

mally shows that feature the music of popular composers line up

well as the increasing unpopularity of the Vietnam War. In addition to

their songs in a certain order and let the tunes work their will on our

the show’s bouncy numbers and heartfelt deliveries, Director/Chore-

ears. There are worse ways to organize a musical. But Scott Keys

ography Bill Castellino fashioned a show that satisfied the Cabaret’s

had the good sense to reprise the show’s most satisfying numbers,

packed house audience. Include the incredible piano playing of Jim

in and out and back again, throughout the night. Keys’ skill as a

Prosser and you have in Reflections a show that satisfied souls and

director/choreographer definitely made for an enchanted evening to

soothed spirits. Come to think of it, the Cabaret performs that service

remember for ages.

as well as any other theatre in town. Pass the news on to a friend.

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ABOUT FINE DINING...

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scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

Victor DeRenzi, Artistic Director Susan T. Danis, Executive Director

2005 production of Pagliacci. Photo by Debra Hesser.

Great music, compelling stories, dazzling productions… Sarasota Opera, an experience that is Timeless.

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     

                               

                       

  





  

 

scene | social

View all photos at scenesarasota.com

The Temple Beth Israel Gala

espite the chilly temperatures, almost 200 people attended Temple Beth Israel’s very successful thirty-ﬁrst annual Gala held at Michael’s on East.

The event honored ﬁve members for their services to the Temple over many years. The honorees were Ruth Engman, Joe Miler, Mae Lavinson, Richard Olin and Sandie Cutler-Cohen. This is Beth Israel’s largest annual fundraiser and proceeds will be used to fund Temple programs and for the many outreach

Who Can You Trust?

To get the best deal, you need a brokerage that only works with buyers and never takes listings or works for sellers. Trust True Real Estate, Sarasota’s Exclusive Buyer Agency

Photography by Cliff Roles

programs in which it participates.

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Ruth Lerner, Pearl Gurewitz, Mae Lavinson & Ina Rae Levy

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For more info or to search homes:

Rabbi Jonathan & Marty Katz scenesarasota.com

Donald & Elaine Weill

TrueSarasota.com FEB/MARCH 2010

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scene | locally SHAPING OUR COMMUNITY Community Foundation President Announces Retirement

pathologists, radiation and medical oncologists, and other professionals

Stewart W. Stearns, President and CEO of the Com-

working together as a coordinated team. The team reviews cases, ana-

munity Foundation of Sarasota County for 21 years, an-

lyze test results, discuss different treatment options, share insights from

nounced his retirement for reasons of health. According

recent research studies and reaches a consensus on the best approach

to a Foundation news release, Mr. Stearns considers this

to cure or eliminate each specific kind of cancer. smhf.org

an optimal occasion to retire, having just completed the Foundation’s 30th anniversary celebration, the successful

The Patterson Foundation Launches Vision

rollout of the BOOST Initiative, the achievement of surpassing Season of

With a blank charter from the late Dorothy

Sharing’s ambitious $1 million goal, and the upcoming 10th anniversary

Patterson to do good throughout Sarasota and be-

of the Nonprofit Resource Center. The board of directors has directed the

yond, The Patterson Foundation has launched with

Foundation’s Executive Committee to begin a national search for a new

a mission to inspire individuals and organizations to

President & CEO. CFSarasota.org

transform communities through innovative, collaborative and efficient philanthropy. The Foundation was established by Dorothy Patterson in 1997 with

Foundation Grants $1.2 Million to Help Troops, Veterans of Wars

a corpus of approximately $3 million. Patterson

in Afghanistan and Iraq Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice recently awarded

passed away in 2007 and her estate was settled in 2009, increasing the

more than $1.2 million in grants from its $5-million Florida BRAIVE Fund

Foundation assets to approximately $200 million. As a private foundation

to seven nonprofit organizations that serve military personnel of the wars

established in perpetuity, The Patterson Foundation, led by President

in Afghanistan and Iraq and their families. The funding supports every-

and CEO Debra Jacobs and governed by a Designation Committee,

thing from financial assistance for injured troops’ families to job training

which serves as the board, has the responsibility to distribute 5 percent

and counseling for returned veterans trying to reintegrate into their com-

of the corpus annually. With no grant cycle or application process, the

munities. The nonprofit organizations and grants included: $500,000 to

Foundation will honor the Patterson family history through nine areas of

the American Red Cross – Tampa Bay Chapter; $243,792 to the Florida

focus: Their Roman Catholic Faith; The Military; New Media Journalism;

National Guard Foundation; $60,000 to Haley House Fund; $50,000 to

Aging with Independence and Dignity; Connecting Culture with Stu-

Operation Helping Hand; $49,479 to Seminole Behavioral Healthcare;

dents; Digital Imagery; Debilitating Diseases – Arthritis, Dementia and

$219,775 to State College of Florida Foundation; and $125,000 to Wel-

Diabetes. “Dorothy Patterson created The Patterson Foundation with a

come Home, Vets. gulfcoastcf.org

‘blank charter’ — providing the flexibility and opportunity to work beyond today to create new tomorrows,” Jacobs said. “We hope to inspire others

Mental Health Community Centers Receives BOOST Grant Mental Health Community Centers, Inc. has received a $46,800

to philanthropy through our actions, transforming communities to a new reality of philanthropy.” The PattersonFoundation.org

BOOST (Building Organization’s Operational Strength Today) grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to hire a Volunteer Co-

Fine Arts Society to Hold Creators & Collectors Tour

ordinator to help with programs and special events in its four centers.

The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota will hold its two day, self-guided

MHCC was one of 30 local organizations honored in this competitive

tour of artist studios around Sarasota on Friday, March 12 and Saturday,

field. mhcci.com

March 13. The tour gives the public an opportunity to see where artists live and work, see works in progress, talk with the artists, and experi-

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Receives Grant for

ence how artists create and live on a daily basis. All art work is for sale.

Breast Biopsy System

The home tour features these award-winning artists: Painters Joseph

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation provided a grant of $100,000 to

Patrick Arnegger, Tim Jaeger, Susan Klein, David Piurek and Sculptor

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. that helped fund a

Scott Moore. As part of the tour, the Fine Arts Society has also created a

$187,127 state-of-the-art MammoTest Breast Biopsy System at Sarasota

major art exhibit at the dramatic new Ulla Searing Exhibition Hall on the

Memorial Health Care System’s (SMHCS) Comprehensive Breast Care

Ringling College Campus where you can meet more artists displaying a

Center. Providing stereotactic breast biopsy through the use of the Mam-

variety of work, from pottery to painting. The tour also includes a stop at

moTest system offers patients the advantages of a minimally invasive

the “official art gallery” of the tour, State of the Arts Gallery in downtown

intervention, including decreased stress and faster recovery. The equip-

Sarasota on State Street. The gallery plans a special exhibit during the

ment also provides the physician with superior image detail during the

Tour, Locally Grown and Certified Organic, and represents several former

breast biopsy, visualizing even the smallest micro-calcification—which is

Tour artists. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased through the Fine

essential to early breast cancer detection. Sarasota Memorial Health Care

Arts Society website: fineartssarasota.com. For more information, call

System’s Comprehensive Breast Care Center includes breast surgeons,

941.330.0680.

scene |

FEB/MARCH 2010

scenesarasota.com

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #88

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