February 2011 by SARASOTA SCENE Magazine

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 54 YEARS

Café Gabbiano Masterfully Creating Perfection

Peter Migliaccio’s

Dining & Entertainment

FEBRUARY 2011 $3.95 U.S.

THE NEW HOLLYWOOD | SARASOTA’S ART “INTERSECTIONS” JIMMY ARIAS ON ROGER, RAFA & THE 2011 PRO TOUR

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contentsfeatures fortythree Dining & Entertainment February 2011

Volume 54 No. 2

Peter Migliaccio's Café Gabbiano Susan Cullen

The Intersection of Art, Culture & Society A Closer Look at Downtown Sarasota's "Intersections" Project Ryan G. Van Cleave

Tennis Icon Jimmy Arias Around the World with Roger & Rafa Ray Collins

The New Hollywood Sarasota's Bid To Lure Filmmakers Steven J. Smith

Circle of Confusion How St. Armands Got Its Name Sue Blue

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 54 YEARS

00 Peter Migliaccio’s

Café Gabbiano

Masterfully Creating Perfection

Dining & Entertainment

THE NEW HOLLYWOOD | SARASOTA’S ART “INTERSECTIONS” JIMMY ARIAS: AROUND THE WORLD WITH ROGER & RAFA

Cover / Peter Migliaccio and family invite you to experience superbly prepared meals and fine wines at Café Gabbiano, an oasis of Italian ambiance on Siesta Key. Cover Photo by Cliff Roles

Directing Awareness

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 who may have been forgotten or overlooked by our fast-paced society.

To see samples of our award-winning video documentaries, visit us online: www.FaithandFreedom.org

Stuart J. Roth

Founder and President With 22 Telly Awards and an Emmy® Award for Advanced Media Documentary, the Center for Faith and Freedom represents the cutting edge of the multi-media industry.

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

contents inside 10

From the Editor

fiftyseven

Julie Milton

Events Calendar

Arts & Culture Culture Matters Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

Behind the Scene Debbi Benedict

The Ringling Art Experience Ryan G. Van Cleave

Scenes from an Interview Nate Jacobs

Gus Mollasis

Scene Healthy Advice for Healthy Living

Curtain Call Steven J. Smith

Cool Places to Get Your Groove On Susan Cullen

Locally

socialscene 24

A Silver Celebration for JFCS

Perlman & Pearls Gala

1 1 Walk-In Walk-In at Heritage at Heritage Harbour Harbour 1 10401040 Walk-In at Heritage Harbour RiverRiver Heritage Heritage Blvd.,Blvd., Bradenton Bradenton 1040 River Heritage Blvd., Bradenton (941) (941) 917-9176440 6440

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It’s A Buyers Market,

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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

f you’re a Northerner like me, you may remember the old supper clubs of New York and South New Jersey – great food, ambiance, a terriﬁc band and a huge dance ﬂoor. It was fun to get dressed to the nines and strut your stuff. Oh, how I wish they were still around!

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In this, our Dining and Entertainment issue, Sue Cullen explores some cool local eateries that

are not the supper clubs of yesteryear, but they do combine good food and entertainment for our enjoyment. From jazz to salsa dancing, to DJs and bands, from piano bars and guitar players, Sarasota/Bradenton has tons of great places to get your groove on. If Italian food is your favorite, read our cover story about the superb cuisine and private label wines at Peter Migliaccio’s Café Gabbiano on Siesta Key. Peter and his family have created a true home-away-from home atmosphere – comfortable, charming, and very traditional. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Italy. But beyond our great local restaurants, we are also making great strides in other areas of entertainment. Read Steve Smith’s “The New Hollywood”, which will fill you in on our local film industry. Steve says, “...the greater Sarasota area is on the verge of becoming a Mecca for television and movie producers.” As we expand our entertainment industry, the economic ripple is expected to be significant with additional jobs needed in hospitality, retail and other sectors. What an exciting way to keep our many young creative minds energized and excited and keeping roots in our community. If you’re a tennis fan, read Ray Collins’ article about Sarasota’s Jimmy Arias, a former top ten pro tennis player in the ‘80s, now announcing the big matches for ESPN and the Tennis Channel. Jimmy entertains us with his knowledge and insight into today’s pro tour, gives his predictions for the 2011 pro season and shares his personal encounters with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

William True

Licensed Real Estate Broker, Licensed Mortgage Broker & Notary Public

If you love visual arts, be sure to go on the “Intersections” tour. Ryan Van Cleave tell us about twelve sculptures in ﬁve downtown shopping districts showcasing the works of several local artists. This issue features a Walking Tour Map so you can be sure to enjoy every work of art. There’s lots of entertaining reasons to enjoy life in our community. Carpe diem!

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February 2011

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Locally Owned, Operated & Printed For More Than 54 Years CEO/Publisher: Ronald Milton Co-Publisher/Executive Editor: Julie A. Milton Special Issue Director: Debbi Benedict Art and Production Director: Michelle Cross Contributing Writers: Debbi Benedict, Sue Blue, Sue Cullen, Gus Mollasis Steven J. Smith, Ryan G. Van Cleave

Inspire a Child. Enrich a Life. Support Arts Education. 941.366.5578 | www.VWFoundation.org

Photographers: Cliff Roles, Carissa Warﬁeld Principal Ofﬁce & 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 social events and much more!

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SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year by RJM Ventures, LLC. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufﬁcient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, art work and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged. Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $19.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

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Women On The Scene Men On The Scene Doctors On The Scene Sarasota County Arts Council 2010/2011 Arts & Culture Guide

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Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its afﬁliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

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

New Years Eve Downtown Sarasota Pineapple Drop Photo: Cliff Roles

SMHF Annual Healthcare Education Luncheon 02-03 11:30 am Michael’s On East. Featuring guest speakers discussing Trends in Women’s Oncology Care. Benefits Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Inc. Tickets: $25 / 941.917.1286 / smhf.org

Lakewood Ranch Music on Main Street 02-04 6:00 pm Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. Featuring country and classic rock music by Mumbo Jumbo. Open to the public. Benefits Foundation for Dreams. lakewoodranch.com

Vinology: Uncork Your World 02-04 7:00 pm South Florida Museum. Enjoy an evening filled with opportunities to eat, drink, laugh and learn. Wines and beers from around the world will be featured, along with small bites from the area’s best restaurants. Tickets: $75 / 941.746.4131 ext. 14 / southfloridamuseum.org

The 4th Annual Palm Ball 02-05 6:30 pm Bay Preserve, Osprey. An elegant evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing under the stars. Benefits the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Tickets: $350 & up / 941.918.2100 / conservationfoundation.com

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February 2011

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Sarasota Opera Opening Night Gala 02-05 7:00 pm Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Celebrate the opening of the season after the performance of La Boheme with an elegant evening of music, dining and dancing. Tickets: $225 / 941.366.8450 ext. 402 / sarasotaopera.org

Archie Griffin 2011 Celebrity Golf Classic 02-07 & 08 The Concession Golf Club. Golf and mingle with celebrities including Archie Griffin. Benefits All Children’s Hospital. 813-817-9022 / concessioncharities.org

Second Hand Rose Fashion Show & Luncheon 02-10 10:00 am Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Shop, dine & enjoy a fabulous fashion show. Benefits Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center. Tickets: $95 / 941.365.0208 ext. 106 / sparcc.net

New College at 50 Festival & 50th Anniversary Tribute Dinner 02-11 & 02-12 10:00 am - 5:00 pm New College Campus. A weekend full of events, featuring a formal dinner at 6:30 on Friday evening, hosted by the Ritz-Carlton, to honor and celebrate the first 50 years of New College. Tickets for dinner: $250 / 941.487.4685 / 50th.ncf.edu

24th Annual YMCA Black Tie “Moroccan The Casbah” Dinner & Auction 02-12 6:00 pm South County Family YMCA. Featuring a fabulous evening of gourmet dining, dancing, bidding and fun at South County’s premier event of the season. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Children & Family Scholarship Fund. Tickets: $175 / 941.375.9108 / southcountyfamilyymca.org

heARTS & Flowers – A Valentine Tea 02-13 3:00 pm Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. The Selby Gardens Associates and the artists of Art Center Sarasota present an “Artragious” Fashion show featuring themed tablescapes, fabulous fashions and “artyfacts” created by the artists. Benefits the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Tickets: $45 / 941.921.9442 / selby.org

Tropical Fusion Annual Luncheon 02-16 11:00 am Michael’s On East. Featuring a cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Judi Gallagher, catering by Phil Mancini and an exciting live auction. Benefits Historic Spanish Point. Tickets: $75 & up / 941.966.5214 ext. 230 / historicspanishpoint.org

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February 2011

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2010 2011 2011 2010 S E A S O N S E A S O N Leif Bjaland, Artistic Director Leif Bjaland, Artistic Director

Friday, April April 15, 15, 8:00 8:00 pm pm || Van Van Wezel Wezel Friday, Alfred Hitchcock pioneered the psychological thriller genre of movies. In this innovative Alfred Hitchcock pioneered the psychological thriller genre of movies. In this innovative tribute, clips from many of his great movies are paired with live performances of the original tribute, clips from many of his great movies are paired with live performances of the original scores by the Sarasota Orchestra. Footage and dialogue from To Catch a Thief, Strangers scores by the Sarasota Orchestra. Footage and dialogue from To Catch a Thief, Strangers on a Train, Dial M for Murder, and North by Northwest highlight a musical evening of on a Train, Dial M for Murder, and North by Northwest highlight a musical evening of suspense, excitement and thrills. Conducted by Andrew Lane. suspense, excitement and thrills. Conducted by Andrew Lane.

TICKETS FROM $29 TICKETS FROM $29

www.SarasotaOrchestra.org || 941-953-3434 941-953-3434 www.SarasotaOrchestra.org Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues

Come as as you you are. are. Come Leave different. different. Leave

Spirit of Manatee Awards

Taste of the Suncoast

02-16 11:30 am Bradenton Auditorium. Manatee Community

02-17 6:00 pm Whole Foods Market, Sarasota. Sample food

Foundation honors outstanding community members. Tickets:

and wine from local restaurants. Benefits All Faiths Food

$125 / 941.747.7765 / manateecf.org

Bank. Tickets: $50 / 941.379.6333 / allfaithsfoodbank.org

Eighth Annual Caring Hearts Luncheon

ARC Safari Best in Show Gala

02-17 11:30 am Michael’s On East. Honoring Paul Welch with the

02-19 6:30 pm Michael’s On East. Go on Safari with live animals

Caring Heart of the Year award, and emceed by Heidi Godman.

and unique cuisine. Benefits the Animal Rescue Coalition. Tick-

Benefits First Step’s Mothers & Infants program. Tickets: $60 /

ets: $200 / 941.957.1955 ext. 8 / animalrescuecoalition.org

941.366.5333 / fsos.org

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest & Jet Port Reception

Junior League Legacy Luncheon 02-21 11:00 am Michael’s On East. Featuring guest speaker Lee

02-17 to 20 Various times and locations. Featuring a Golf Tour-

Woodruff. Benefits the Junior League of Sarasota. Tickets: $85 /

nament at The Concession Golf Club Thursday, followed by the

941.953.5600 / jlsarasota.org

Luxury Lifestyle Jet Port Reception on Friday evening at the Rectrix Aerodrome Center at SRQ Airport. On Saturday, walk around

RCLA Town Hall Lecture Series

St. Armands and check out the Feraris, Rolls-Royces, Lambo-

02-23 10:30 am & 7:30 pm Van Wezel. Benefits the Ringling College

rghinis, Bentleys and other Exotics on display, then head out to

Library Association. Featuring Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of

The Longboat Key Club & Resort for cocktails, live entertainment,

Great Britain. Tickets: 941.925.1343/rclassociation.org

dinner and dancing. Sunday features a Road Rally and a closing brunch at The Concession Golf Club. 941.365.1277 ext. 103 /

DWB Salon Series Luncheon & Style Show

sarasotaexoticcarfest.com

02-24 11:30 am Designing Women Boutique. Featuring guest

A Smarter Path to a Healthier Life. Nothing is more important than your health and well-being. At LernerCohen Healthcare, we believe the best path to good health starts with a personal approach to patient care. We limit the number of patients in our practice, spend as much time as necessary for each appointment and recommend lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life. Our unique personal care focuses on what’s ailing you today, and on optimizing your wellness for the future. ~ Board Certiﬁed in Internal Medicine ~ Exceptional, Experienced Primary Care Physicians

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941.953.9080 The Doctor Is In. Always. scenesarasota.com

Brad S. Lerner, MD ~ Louis M. Cohen, MD 1921 Waldemere Street, Suite 814 ~ Sarasota, FL 34239 ~ LernerCohen.com February 2011

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F L O R I DA’ 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

by David

Hirson

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Rose

by Marc

Camoletti

translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans

Highbrow comedy meets lowbrow art in this hilarious tour-de-force.

Would you fight for your reasonable doubt?

1960s: 3 stewardesses, 2 bachelors, 1 apartment, you do the math.

PLAYING THRU FEB. 20

PLAYING THRU MAR. 26

PLAYING THRU APR. 23

by Lynn

Seduction. Scandal. Intrigue.

A devilishly clever, suspense-filled thrill ride.

MAR 18–MAY 15

APR 1–MAY 14

Nottage

by Ira

Levin

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mood for Sarasota Opera’s Opening Night Gala. Co-chairs Suzanne and Henry Foster are making magic by devising a plan to whisk the cars of gala guests from the Opera House to the Ritz Carlton during the performance. Guests will then board a bus, I mean, luxury coach to the hotel after the

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performance and at evening’s end, their cars will be waiting for them like patient French schoolgirls. Haute cuisine will mix gaily with haute couture. How many of our luscious ladies will be clad in Chanel, Dior, or vintage

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several. Cigar City Big Band will be playing

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for your dancing pleasure. Joie de vivre sponsors are PNC Wealth Management and Williams Parker. Bubbly Cheryl Burstein is chairing this year’s Junior League of Sarasota Sustainers’ Legacy Luncheon with speaker Lee Woodruff, wife of the former ABC News anchor, Bob Woodruff who was seriously injured in a roadside bombing in Iraq. Starting the morning off with a

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champagne reception, the luncheon will also feature a rafﬂe with a signature jewelry piece from Belinda Coffrin of Coffrin

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February 2011

scenesarasota.com

Jewelers. Joining Cheryl as major sponsors are SCENE Magazine, Kim Cornetet, and Barbara Barrett. We can thank Condoleezza Rice for

VAN WEZEL

ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH THE PERFORMING ARTS

FOUNDATION

encouraging Tony Blair to speak at Ringling College Library Association’s Town Hall this year. Chair, Kathleen Weiner shared with me that Ms. Rice said our Town Hall is the best speaker series around and she was

Boar’s Head is proud to partner with the Van Wezel Foundation in support of their efforts to inspire student learning and enrich our community through the performing arts. Michael Martella

very inﬂuential in changing the former prime

President of Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc.

minister’s mind after he initially turned down the invitation. Now his wife Cherie will join him in Sarasota. She is the Platinum Dinner speaker, with him speaking at Town Hall the next day. The dinner is a must attend event for the town’s intelligentsia and those who pretend to be, but really just want a photo with the speaker for their ofﬁce. Other speakers in this year’s series are Greg Mortenson,

Inspire a Child.

George Will, Elie Wiesel, and Malcolm

Enrich a Life.

Gladwell with Adam Gopnik.

Support Arts Education.

SPARCC’s Second Hand Rose Fashion Show is going Mardi Gras at the Ritz Carlton this year chair Sandy Strom tells me. Les

941.366.5578 | www.VWFoundation.org

McCurdy and Ken Sons will once again be the very engaging emcees and three gorgeous men, David Krombeen, Tom Luzier, and Michael Moulton will be

Extraordinary Couture

among the models. In addition to Sandy,

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major sponsors are Betty Schoenbaum, Walsh,

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Luisa Goldman, Gloria Webel, Erika

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Women

Valor

Luncheon, celebrating the agency’s 25th anniversary by honoring 25 outstanding women. Mistress of Ceremonies is author Joy Weston. Be on the lookout for our new publication, The Giving Book, THE premiere resource guide for charitable giving in Sarasota and Manatee – debuting soon! Until next time....TaTa! Debbi Benedict is SCENE’s society maven and Special Issues Director. Contact Debbi at

1226 North Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, Fl 34236

941.366.5293 DesigningWomenBoutique.org

Beneﬁting local Arts & Humanities

Concierge Estate Liquidation & Downsizing Services

941-483-4460 or debbi@benedictandco.com scenesarasota.com

February 2011

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E C N E I R E P X E T R A G N I L G N I R E H T BY RYAN G.

VAN CLEAVE

Scene Magazine is pleased pay tribute to the John Ringling tradition

of supporting local art and artists with “The Ringling Art Experience”. Each featured artist has a connection with the Ringling Museum of Art or the school named in his honor, The Ringling College of Art and Design. What better way to continue John Ringling’s commitment to art and culture than to provide a forum for the exciting new work being created right here on the Culture Coast? This issue’s Featured Artist is a Trustee Scholar senior at the Ringling College of Art + Design: Ana Carmichael, or “Annie” to her friends. While a Trustee Scholarship is a coveted award at Ringling College, perhaps her most impressive honor might be the two Davis Project for Peace Grants that first sent her to Oxaca, Mexico in 2008 where she taught 30 children about art, and then in 2009 to Swaziland, Africa where she backpacked around the country, helped create cultural murals, and started putting together a children’s book to raise awareness about AIDS, the orphans it left behind, and how anything is possible through the power of positive thinking. From a social commitment like this, it’s clear Annie isn’t your run-of-the mill art student who’s content to navel-gaze and ignore the world. She’s committed to making a difference. While art has always been a passion of hers, she didn’t realize she wanted to be an illustrator until high school. “While I grew up,” she explains, “paintings by my Colombian relatives filled my house, and I just loved looking at those Caribbean scenes.” To speak with her now, it’s clear that this constant exposure to art worked deep into her DNA. Yet a love for art and exposure to good art isn’t enough. A first-rate education is key, and that’s what she received at Ringling College, where “the energy and creativity always push me to do more. Plus the city’s cultural and artistic atmosphere always reminds me why I love what I do.” But just as quickly, Annie turns the conversation away from herself and back onto others. “After volunteering in Swaziland and seeing so many children unable to better themselves because of their lack of education, I became much more passionate about using my illustrations to help educate and empower young kids.” That’s the type of person you don’t just root for, but wish you could be more like. To learn more about Annie or to see more of her artwork, please visit: http://anacarmichael.blogspot.com/ Ryan G. Van Cleave (ryangvancleave.com) is a Sarasota-based freelance writer & writing coach.

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February 2011

scenesarasota.com

Peter, center, with sons Russell, Luigi, Joseph & Christopher

Peter Migliaccioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

CafĂŠ Gabbiano

Peter & Susan Migliaccio invite you to experience superbly prepared meals and fine wines served with all the comforts and traditions of home. By Susan Cullen, Photos by Cliff Roles

scenesarasota.com

February 2011

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THIS PAGE:

Café Gabbiano has been undergoing a complete transformation as the Migliaccio family is re-

Peter & Susan Migliaccio.

alizing its dream of creating an oasis of Italian ambiance on Siesta Key. While returning snowbirds will be

Collectible ceramic labels from Café Gabbiano's private label wines.

pleasantly surprised at the physical changes, they will be reassured to know that the welcoming “homeaway-from-home” atmosphere remains the same. Of course, making oneself at home at Café Gabbiano comes with perks like superbly-prepared meals with unstintingly fresh ingredients along with rare fine wines from around the world.

Pietro “Peter” Migliaccio and his wife, Susan, have fashioned an exquisite recreation of a cozy Italian wine

Interior of Café Gabbiano. Variety of wines & collectible labels.

cellar. “We like to say that we offer an alternative experience of Siesta Key with fine dining and beautiful wines,” says the ever-exuberant Peter. “In spite of the recession, last year was very successful, and we brought back some exciting new ideas for the menu and wine list from our annual trip to Italy in September.” Having completed phase two of the restaurant’s renovation in 2010, the outdoor dining area has been weatherized without losing the feel of relaxing in a shady bower in southern Italy. Its rustic dark wood lattice, softly draping fabrics and lush foliage create a dappling sunlit effect that can be enjoyed from a new outdoor

In spite of

bar as well as table seating. Also new, a spacious entryway welcomes guests into the restaurant and, because of its increasing

the growth

popularity, the private bar and priority-seating dining area for the restaurant’s exclusive wine club has been

that has come

phase of our plan to improve the beauty and comfort of our indoor and outdoor dining areas,” Susan said.

with our says, “you still are a stranger here only once. After that, you feel like you are coming home. scene |

“We’ve made our outside seating area a bit more rustic with décor that is true to Italian wine cellars.” One of the most interesting additions for this year, however, is a line of 10 Café Gabbiano private label

success,” Peter

expanded and a second private dining room has been added. “We’re so pleased to have completed the next

February 2011

wines from boutique Italian wineries whose production rarely makes it to the United States. The wines are available to everyone in house, but may only be purchased retail by wine club members. “That’s how Peter and Susan spend their vacation, going to Italian wineries,” Peter quips. “Actually, we were able to get some very rare vintages from smaller wineries that are difficult to get access to. It’s a situation where you have to know somebody who knows somebody to get there.” The Migliaccios are buying the wine by the barrel for bottling. Wanting the bottles to reflect the extraordinary character of the wines inside, they opted for specially-designed collectable ceramic labels that can easily be removed from the bottles with hot water. Wines include a sparkling Prosecco, two Super Tuscans, including one from the Rosso Conero region, Tokai, Taurasi, known as the Barolo of the south, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Vin Santo, a dessert wine. Plans are to add a Barolo, Barbera and an Amarone. The Migliaccios even corralled 400 cases of the five-star 2004 vintage Taurasi. “It is very exciting for us to be able to offer this wine because it is from a year that has been called the best ever for that region,” Peter said. Grown in the Campania region at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius, the unique volcanic soil of the area, its terroir in wine parlance, imparts distinctive characteristics to the wine. scenesarasota.com

A tasting of the new wines is being planned as are other wine club events. “We’re looking at events that include the arts, music and dancing,” Susan says,” and we welcome suggestions from members.” Last year’s events included unique tastings such as wines from the Alps and vertical tastings of Amarone from 1959 and Barolo from 1961. “One of the reasons we invite people to our wine club is to introduce them to wines they may not have known before,” Peter said. “I was especially proud to be able to taste these wines in Italy along with a number of our friends from the wine club who accompanied us there.” Also while in Italy, Peter was invited as a guest chef at the renowned Restaurant Paradise on his native island of Ischia, situated off the heel of the boot. “We brought back a lot of new ideas and will be introducing some new items to the menu,” he said. “Our plans include adding more seafood dishes.” In addition to the whole tableside-filleted Branzino, which is pan-seared and finished in the oven bathed in white wine, parsley and its own fresh-from-the-sea juices, another Italian fish, Orata, will be flown in from Italy and served the same day. Known for hand-cutting its veal on the premises, Café Gabbiano will continue to offer its signature 14-ounce milk-fed veal chop in a variety of preparations as part of its daily specials. “Peter sometimes serves it with a mushroom cream sauce or with truffle oil and wild mushrooms and a variety of other ways,” Susan said. “It’s just delicious.” The restaurant’s menu offers a broad selection of classic Italian-American cuisine prepared with Italian tradition, which means very simply, allowing the freshness and natural flavors of high-quality ingredients to carry the dishes. Appetizer classics include a bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic, prosciutto wrapped melon or asparagus and perfectly-fried calamari with lemon and fresh marinara sauce. Entrees range from the rustic Bucatini alla Amatriciana, with sautéed pancetta, onions, white wine, marinara and fresh basil, to the time-honored linguine with clam sauce, eggplant Parmesan, veal scaloppini in several varieties, and chicken prepared in cacciatore, Marsala and Francese styles. This year, the Migliaccios will be adding more dishes for vegetarians and vegans to supplement the restaurant’s grilled vegetables and eggplant Parmesan. “Any night of the week, we will create a pasta primavera or a special vegetarian or vegan meal on request,” Peter says. “It is simple for us because our meals always are prepared to order. Nothing is pre-prepared. All of our dressings and sauces are made fresh daily.” This philosophy has served Café Gabbiano very well since its opening in 2003 as well as its sister restaurant, Mamma Lucia’s in Brooklyn, which has been in operation for more than 40 years playing host to celebrities like Luciano Pavarotti and Isabella Rossellini. Mamma Lucia’s was Peter’s first foray into restaurant ownership, opening the restaurant along with his brother in 1969. Previously, after immigrating to the United States at age 18, Peter worked at a number of fine New York restaurants where he gained his philosophy of viewing restaurant service as a distinguished career marked by high professional standards. When he and his family moved to Florida, he discovered Siesta Key whose white sands and tropical climate were so like his native Ischia that he decided to relocate here. Forging Café Gabbiano’s success from the ashes of several failed breakfast and lunch restaurants at the same location has been a family affair. At various times, all four of the couple’s sons have worked in the restaurant, including Luigi, their eldest son and the restaurant’s chef and manager who has been with them from the start. “There were days our kids watched TV in the van while we worked on getting the restaurant going,” Susan said. “They’ve all played a big part. I don’t think we could have done it without them.” It is this dedication to family that spills over into the Migliaccios’ practice of ensuring newcomers are welcomed and have the opportunity to meet everyone. Over time, friendships are forged. “They know our stories, and we know their stories,” she adds. “It makes for a lot of good times, and like any family, some sad ones. It is hard when someone comes in and tells us they lost a spouse while they were away over the summer. It also is heart-warming that they feel comfortable continuing to come here alone to be with all of us.” Peter concurs. “In spite of the growth that has come with our success,” he says, “you still are a stranger here only once. After that, you feel like you are coming home.”

Café Gabbiano, Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

5104 Ocean Boulevard | Siesta Key | 941-349-1423 | cafegabbiano.com scenesarasota.com

February 2011

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THE

, t r of A e r u t Cul iety c o S &

The idea of outdoor urban art displays has grown in popularity during the last decade. In 1999, hundreds of artistically painted (and sometimes wildly dressed) cow sculptures were showcased in downtown Chicago during their “Cows on Parade” Art Exhibit. In 2001, Baltimore witnessed 180 six-foot fish sculptures appear throughout Inner Harbor and other city

A Closer Look at Downtown Sarasota’s

”Intersections” Project

By Ryan G. Van Cleave 46

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February 2011

neighborhoods. (The name given to these gigantic fish? Ichthyarius Baltimoris.) In 2009, St. Louis opened a downtown sculpture garden that hosts more than two dozen artworks over three acres. Some of these art pieces include a spray fountain, a huge bronze head resting on its side, and animated figures moving across giant screens. Now downtown Sarasota is joining the ranks of cities that have committed to hosting urban art exhibits. Why now? Chicago’s popular cow sculptures generated an estimated $200 million in tourism revenues. An influx of new tourism money is certainly welcome in Sarasota (as well as nearly any other city in the United States right now). But there are plenty of other reasons to make this new commitment to public art, says Virginia Hoffman, a volunteer Public Art Coordinator who proposed the project two years ago. One reason for supporting Sarasota’s “Intersections” project is to “keep up with the Joneses.” It’s not just big metropolitan areas like Chicago and Baltimore that have urban art programs. Clearwater has had their own outdoor art exhibit for years, though it’s been small in scope — only a scenesarasota.com

1 2

7 6

“Intersections” 12 Pieces 1 Point Defiance by Beth Nybeck of Kansas City, MO First Street & Central Avenue

2 Noise by Robin Morgan of Sarasota, FL Located at 1400 block – First Street 3 Rain by Valeria Yamamoto of Bay Harbor Island, FL Located at First Street & Lemon Avenue

4 Freedom-Sky by Ofra Friedman of Bradenton, FL Located at Selby Five Points Park

5 Fractured Migration by Dennis Kowal of Sarasota, FL Located at Selby Five Points Park 6 Bharata by Claudia Jane Klein of Lake Worth, FL Located at Selby Five Points Park 7 Impulse by Bruce White of Nokomis, FL Located at Main Street & Lemon Avenue

8 Vertigo by Mark Chew of North Port, FL Located at Laurel Street & Orange Avenue

9 Community Figures by James Evans of Sarasota, FL Located at 50 block – Palm Avenue 10 Silver Siren by David Gonya of Sarasota, FL Located at 50 block – Palm Avenue 11 Arches by “Tekla” Teresa Howachyn of Black Mountain, NC Located at Palm Avenue & McAnsh Street 12 Montenegro by Zoran Mojsilov of Minneapolis, MN Located at Bay Front Park scenesarasota.com

February 2011

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Sarasota enjoys a reputation as an artistic and cultural hot spot. Having this urban art exhibit both highlights that fact, and it also allows a great venue to display the work of the many local artists we have thanks to the Ringling College of Art + Design, Art Center Sarasota, and the Ringling Museum, which keep many talented artists living here versus migrating to Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York. 48

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February 2011

few pieces are displayed at a time. Another reason, Hoffman says, “is to give people yet another reason to come downtown. These sculptures will help offer a more robust experience there.” And the last — and perhaps strongest — reason is because Sarasota enjoys a reputation as an artistic and cultural hot spot. Having this urban art exhibit both highlights that fact, and it also allows a great venue to display the work of the many local artists we have thanks to the Ringling College of Art + Design, Art Center Sarasota, and the Ringling Museum, which keep many talented artists living here versus migrating to Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York. “Intersections” features twelve sculptures in five downtown shopping districts, and regional talent accounts for two-thirds of the pieces, though three artists hail from outside of Florida (Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Black Mountain, NC). The final sculpture was installed on December 17th at Selby Five Points Park, which means that full exhibit is now ready to be experienced. To help people navigate all twelve pieces in a single walking tour, the Public Art Committee has worked with the Sarasota County Arts Council and the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau to offer a Walking Tour Map. Like traditional gallery art, outdoor sculptures must appeal to a diverse audience and make a personal connection with them, says Dave Gonya, who created “Silver Siren.” “But they must also withstand all that nature can throw at them,” which, in this part of the Gulf Coast, means that sculptures need to be made with especially sturdy materials. The extra effort and challenges of creating and displaying outdoor art is worth it, says Ofra Friedman, who created “Freedom-Sky.” She explains that “making public art an integral part of the city of Sarasota will contribute to establish Sarasota as a cultural center and enhance the city’s image.” James Evans, who created “Community Figures,” adds: “It inspires conversations that can expand our local dialog within the current language of modern art. It is in getting work out into the pubic, so that it can be both viewed and appreciated by everyone that gives the city of Sarasota more culture and more images to draw on, and creates a more vibrant platform for the arts.” To learn more about the “Intersections” project, visit the “Intersections Public Art Project for Downtown Sarasota” Facebook page or simply head downtown and see it for yourself. The pieces will displayed until next November, so enjoy them while they’re here. Don’t be worried that November 2011 might represent the end of public art in our area, though. As Public Art Staff Liaison Dr. Clifford Smith says, the prospects of future outdoor art exhibits is “great, as success breeds success and our hope is this project will inspire future Public Art projects for the City of Sarasota.” Best of all, while all twelve artists receive $2,500 to display their pieces throughout the year, one piece will be purchased for $20,000 and will become a permanent part of the city’s art collection. If you have a favorite, use the Facebook page to vote for it to stay around and your children’s children might one day be able to enjoy that same sculpture too. Ryan G. Van Cleave / ryangvancleave.com scenesarasota.com

P WA

Gillespie Av

Goodrich Av

Florida Av

St in Ma

2 “Noise” Robin Morgan 1400 Block First Street

3 “Rain” ValeriaYamamoto First Street and Lemon Avenue

4 “Freedom-Sky” Ofra Friedman Selby Five Points Park

5 “Fractured Migration” Dennis Kowal Selby Five Points Park

6 “Bharata” Claudia Jane Klein Selby Five Points Park

Novus St Floral Ln

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First Street and Central Avenue

Lukewood Park

“Point Defiance” Beth Nybeck

Brother Geenen Wy

Rowe Pl Hudson Av

S Orange Av

Palm Av

Mound St

Alderman Alderma StSt

Julia Pl

Devonshire St

Lafayette Ct Columbia Ct

are

Oak St

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Cherry St

Morrill Morril StSt

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ark

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Laurel Park

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tP 250 m

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fron

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Morrill Morril StSt

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Osprey Ct

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Cross St

Golf St Adams St

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Ringling Blvd

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1/8 mi

Special thanks to our community sponsors. Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau Sarasota Arts Council Casto Development Whole Foods

n McA

Sponsored by the City of Sarasota, Florida Mayor Kelly Kirschner Vice Mayor Fredd Atkins Commissioner Suzanne Atwell Commissioner Richard Clapp Commissioner Terry Turner

Hollywood 20

Bamboo Ln

State St

Towles Court

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app l

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Historic Main St

2nd St 1st St

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INTERSECTIONS PUBLIC ART LOCATIONS NOVEMBER 2010-2011 •

scenesarasota.com

Adelia Adela Av Av

Fiv

Historic Main Street Rosemary Towles Court Historic Palm Avenue Historic Burns Square

Fruitville Rd

City Hall

tor

Gulfstream

SHOPPING DISTRICTS

4th St

2nd St

1st St

His

Orange Av

Fruitville Rd

2nd St

Sunset

4th St

6th St 5th St

Kumquat Ct

5th St

Lemon Av

4th St

Rosemary Central Av

5th St

Blvd of the Arts

5th Wy

Cocoanut Av

N Tamiami Tr

El Vernona

Sarasota Vistor Information Center 701 North Tamiami Trail (US 41)

Blvd of the Arts

THE “INTERSECTIONS” MAP

7 “Impulse” Bruce White Main Street and Lemon Avenue

8 “Vertigo” Mark Chew Laurel Street and Orange Avenue

9 “Community Figures” James Evans 50 Block Palm Avenue

10 “Silver Siren” David Gonya 50 Block Palm Avenue

11 “Arches” Telka Palm Avenue and McAnsh Street

12 “Montenegro” Zoran Mojsilov Bayfront Park

February 2011

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TENNIS ICON

JIMMY ARIAS AROUND THE WORLD WITH ROGER & RAFA

Jimmy Arias is the most famous tennis player in Sarasota, and one of the most respected commentators nationwide — yet he is able to roam the area nearly anonymous. By Ray Collins

Editor’s note: Jimmy recently sat down with fellow-Buffalo native Ray Collins who watched Arias grow up since they first played side-by-side at age 8. While Ray Collins rose to #5 on his college team, Jimmy Arias rose to #5 in the world. They’re now friends living in Sarasota, miles from the Buffalo Tennis Center where they both learned to play.

ot only did Jimmy Arias rise to Top Ten in the world back in

Does Nick Bollettieri get enough credit?

1984, he’s also credited with helping revolutionize the fore-

He might, but having said that he probably should be in the Hall of

hand with his full-shoulder rotation that belied his relatively

Fame and he’s not.

small stature. Fellow Buffalo-native Murf Klauber helped recruit Arias from the snowbelt to train under legendary coach Nick Bol-

What did you think of Andre Agassi’s controversial book

letieri at Klauber’s Colony Resort on Longboat Key. Now all these

last year?

years later, the 46-year old Arias is married to a woman he met

I thought it was ridiculous. How can anyone have what tennis gave

at one of his tennis matches in Memphis in 1987, they have two

him — and write a ‘poor me, whoa is me’ book?

teenagers and live a remarkably normal life not far from downtown Sarasota. He’s a regular commentator on ESPN and Tennis Chan-

What was it like to become a tennis commentator?

nel — and a frequent contributor to Tennis Magazine:

It was difficult because it was something completely new. Even though it was about a sport I knew about, I still had to put myself

Why did you settle in Sarasota?

on the line in another realm. I thought it was fairly difficult.

My wife liked it here — and I go wherever Gina tells me. What is your favorite tournament? Would you ever relocate after your kids get out of high school?

The atmosphere of the U.S. Open was — and is — the most in-

Probably not. I like the small town feel of Sarasota.

tense. I also liked playing in Monte Carlo, I played well there and it was a beautiful spot to be.

How would you describe the amateur tennis scene here? I think its fairly competitive. Even the public courts are busy here.

Who do you predict will be the top men players in 2011? Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic.

How often do you still play?

Then I’d say the wildcards for fifth best would be between Juan

I play 3-4 times a week usually at the Bath & Racquet Club. I hit

Martin Del Potro, Robin Soderling, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Mon-

with my son Spencer quite a bit.

fils, and Andy Roddick.

Do you still think about your technique when you hit?

Nadal ahead of Federer?

I’m always searching for new things to make me come back to

Roger is the best player when it’s all flowing. His problem is —

Roger Federer’s level. (Laugh.)

when it gets tight. If someone gets close, he tends to struggle.

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February 2011

scenesarasota.com

February 2011

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Isn’t Federer the best of all time?

Anybody else?

Yes, right now. But his main rival in his era is beating him. So maybe

Alexander Dolgopolov. Look it up! (Dolgopolov, 22, of Kiev, Ukraine.)

he’s not — but it’s still a long way for Nadal to go to catch some of the records, particularly 23 Grand Slam semi-finals in a row. I don’t

What about Bradenton’s Ryan Harrison?

think anyone will pass that record. That’s ridiculous.

I need to see more from him in 2011 before I say ‘rising star.’

Andy Murray at #3?

How about the women?

I keep waiting for Murray to win a slam. He’s got the game to do it. He

I’d say the top players in 2011 will be Caroline Wozniacki, Kim Cli-

just hasn’t broken through yet.

jsters, Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Vera Zronareva.

Has Roddick peaked?

Any rising stars on the women‘s side?

He’s up and down depending what day you get him. He’s a great

I keep waiting for Victoria Azarenka to win some Slams. She was

fighter. You never see him not give 100%, he rarely makes an excuse.

outplaying Serena Williams in the quarters of the Australian a couple

He could sneak into Top 5 in 2011, but I’d be surprised.

years ago when she got sick from the heat.

What’s Federer like in person?

What about Melanie Oudin who often trains at Sarasota’s Bath &

Funny story. Over a decade ago I commentated on the Finals of the

Racquet Club?

Orange Bowl Juniors between Federer and Guillermo Coria. I talked

Melanie’s a little small. It’s a big hitters sport now. She’ll never be able

to him for 5 minutes the day before the match, just to get a feel for

to serve very big. I think its too tough.

him. Ten years later, I was introduced to him when he was #1 and he said, “Yes, you commentated on the Orange Bowl Juniors years ago.” I thought that was interesting from a memory standpoint.

What else do you expect to see in 2011? The interesting story plot for me will be to see if Nadal wins the Australian four years in a row. The last man to do that was Rod Laver in 1969.

How about Nadal?

I know it’s a record he wants. He’s talked about it. Generally when he

Nadal was walking out to hit on the U.S. Open practice courts and

puts his mind to something, I wouldn’t count him out from winning four

so was my son Spencer — who really wasn‘t supposed to even

in a row. That would be quite a feat. Federer wasn’t able to do it.

be out there. He was hitting with my brother. Nadal walked by and retrieved a ball for Spencer, then patted him on the shoulder, gave

Are players more talented today than when you were playing?

him a thumbs up and went out of his way to be nice. I thought that

I think the technique is better. The grips, the stance, things that I

was really cool. There was no reason for him to do that. He was just

wasn’t taught. An open-stance forehand is needed since the ball

being nice to a kid.

is traveling so quickly now. Back then you could hit the ball and

Another funny story about Nadal — I was commentating for ESPN at

hang out for a second. Bjorn Borg was one of the first to switch

the Canadian Open. I had to interview Nadal a couple days in a row

to open stance.

after his match, and before we went on the air he said, (Arias puts on a Spanish accent), “I want to congratulate you, you had a good ca-

Anything else in 2011?

reer.” I started laughing and I said, “Dude, it was nothing compared

I’m expecting to hear more talk about a roof on the U.S. Open sta-

to what you have already at age 19! Don’t worry about it!” He seems

dium court — so we don’t have a final on a Monday for a third year in

like a really nice kid to me.

a row, and I don’t have to stay there an extra day.

It’s a unique time in tennis that both of the top two guys are genuinely nice guys. I don’t know if that’s good for tennis or bad.

Any regrets? I used to play 6-7 hours a day and didn’t work as much on my phy-

Who are the rising stars in 2011?

sique. If I could do it over again, I would have focused more on

Kei Neshkoro (of Japan). I remember after Nadal played him in

weight-training. All those hours on the court, you’re inevitably coast-

Greece two years ago, Nadal said, “The guy is a Top 5 player.” He

ing at some point.

just hired Brad Gilbert as a coach, and Gilbert only works with those who will be top couple in the world. Kei has talent, he just keeps get-

Sarasota is fortunate to have an icon of the tennis world living in our

ting hurt. (Note: Nishikori won the 2010 Sarasota Open and trains at

own backyard. And Jimmy Arias feels just as lucky to have found our

IMG in Bradenton.)

slice of paradise. Call it a love match.

Ray Collins is a former TV newscaster and country club tennis pro. He now owns a Sarasota-based media company. For details, go to www.RayCollinsMedia.com. 52

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February 2011

scenesarasota.com

Ringling College student learns the art of digital ﬁlmmaking.

The New Hollywood: SARASOTA’S BID TO LURE FILMMAKERS

By Steven J. Smith

f recent history is any kind of barometer for the future, the greater

Sanborn, 58, plans to hire about 117 employees over the next

Sarasota area is on the verge of becoming a Mecca for television

several years to help him expand, operate, and maintain his dream.

and movie producers looking to set up shop in Florida — enjoying

As of this writing, he has hired about 20, addressing the company’s

the generous tax incentives offered here as well as a burgeoning

clerical, editing, producing, and writing needs.

talent pool of directors, ﬁlm crews, actors, editors, ﬁlm studios, and post-production facilities.

“And the ripple effect of that is much bigger than people realize,” he said. “The TV series Burn Notice, for example, which is ﬁlmed in

Just ask Ken Sanborn, whose Sanborn Studios was launched last

South Florida, infuses between $17-18 million into Miami’s economy

fall. Sanborn estimated the company’s capital investment in the effort

every season. They come in with a crew of 120 people, but another

over the ﬁrst 18 months would total $30 million — including facility

2,000-3,000 additional jobs come with those every year in the form

and renovations, equipment, hiring, and purchasing rights for the initial

of the need for hotel workers, restaurants, clothing stores, hardware

productions his company has planned. Sanborn’s resume boasts an

stores. It’s signiﬁcant.”

extensive background in aviation, ﬁlmmaking, and aerial photography. scenesarasota.com

The ﬁrst phase of Sanborn Studios will include renovating an February 2011

| scene

existing 30,000 square-foot building. Eventually, the project could encompass 25 acres. “Our ultimate goal is to build a state-of-the-art facility and grow this into a production center for Florida,” Sanborn said. “If you have facilities and you have people, it becomes an attractive turnkey operation.” Sanborn is already in pre-production for Miami 24/7, a 13-week TV series slated to go before the cameras

a viewing area, and some ofﬁces,” Thompson said,

on May 16. “The show is about a TV news helicopter

adding that Sarasota County has underwritten the

reporter, based loosely on a lot of our experiences in

facility’s $1.5 million price tag, chipping in an extra

New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia,” Sanborn

quarter million in seed money to help bring in ﬁlm

said. “It’s a high-impact show featuring newsroom

companies to work with college students.

drama and the sex appeal of aviation.”

Thompson said the college has also developed a

Sanborn added there are two more series in

consulting relationship with Future Films, LLC, which is

development: Cutting-Edge Medicine, which takes

helping by making connections between the school and

viewers on an unscripted adventure as America’s

such Hollywood producers and directors as Paul Schiff

breakthrough medical approaches are examined, and

(Rushmore, My Cousin Vinny), Werner Herzog (Grizzly

You Can Make A Difference, a show that ﬁnds people

Man, Fitzcarraldo), and Ed Carroll (chief operating ofﬁcer

in need and matches them up with businesses that

of Rainbow Entertainment Services, which has produced

can use them.

such series as Mad Men and Breaking Bad).

“I probably wouldn’t have attempted an undertaking

“These people have come in to work with our

as large as this one in any other city in Florida,”

students, helping and teaching them about what the

Sanborn said. “This city is so arts-friendly and so

real world is like,” Thompson said. “We’ll continue

committed. Right here, we’ve got set designers,

working with them, bringing them in for 6-10 weeks,

lighting designers. And you’ve got Ringling College of

and helping them here with post-production work on

Art and Design, New College, and local high schools

their projects through our internship program, where it

ﬁlled with very talented students that we can provide a

would cost less than to do it up in New York.”

mentoring environment for.” Speaking of Ringling College, here’s another asset ﬁlmmakers are looking to utilize: a brand new, 3,000

Paul Schiff, he added, has already agreed to bring the ﬁlm he is currently producing to Ringling for postproduction work.

square-foot post-production facility planned to open on

“Werner Herzog will be coming in March to work

the ﬁrst ﬂoor of their Goldstein Center by August, 2011,

with some of our students over the spring break on

according to Dr. Larry Thompson, college president. “It

some ﬁlm-related projects he’s got going,” Thompson

will hold a number of editing suites, dubbing stations,

said. “And Andy Garcia will soon come here to meet

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February 2011

Clockwise: Ken Sanborn, in his ofﬁce at Sanborn Studios. The Emmy award in the background is one of two he has won for aerial photojournalism. Audience Shot of Digital Filmmaking Studio Lab series. Green screen technology is just one aspect of what Sanborn Studios plans to offer the ﬁlmmaking community in greater Sarasota. scenesarasota.com

with our students. That’s invaluable to them.” Sam Logan, a partner in Future Films and a

The three-way mix of interested director/producers,

native Sarasotan, agreed. “It’s amazing to watch

Sanborn Studios, and the Ringling post-production

somebody like Werner Herzog or Ed Carroll or Paul

facility will be hard to beat. It’s a real different kind

Schiff answer the question, ‘How did you get started

of strategy, and I think it has incredible potential to

and how did you end up where you are?’” Logan

work, It’s a win-win-win for everybody.

said. “That’s one of the greatest joys I get out of

– Dr. Larry Thompson

this, watching a student ﬁnd out that Ed Carroll was

a campus deejay. Or that Paul Schiff got started at

the Ringling post-production facility will be hard to

MTV and now he makes major motion pictures.”

beat. “It’s a real different kind of strategy, and I think

Are there any synergies going on currently between Ringling College and Sanborn Studios? “We’ve spoken a bit to them, telling them we look forward to working with them,” Thompson said.

it has incredible potential to work,” Thompson said. “It’s a win-win-win for everybody. And when these producers and directors ﬁnd out about the incredible talent of our students, they’re just amazed by it.”

“Whenever they have an excess of work, they can

Logan concurred. “I’m excited because when you

come to us for post-production needs. Yes, we’re very

bring these people to this town and they spend some

excited about working with them.”

quality time here and they work and see the talent

Thompson added that the three-way mix of interested director/producers, Sanborn Studios, and

Above: Ringling students digitally shoots a scene for a class project.

pool that’s here, they realize how special Sarasota is,” Logan said.

Student working in the Ringling Design Center.

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941.388.4415 | 431 St. Armands Circle | cafeleurope.net

from an interview Nate Jacobs

West Coast Black Theatre Troupe Founder by Gus Mollasis

His part in life is simple and one role to which he always goes back. Nate Jacobs is perfectly cast as a man with many talents, who cares and nurtures many talented people to be their best and to own every role that they play in their lives. It is something that would make his grandma proud. Today he leads the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe into a new era doing what he has always done best, telling stories to the masses while enjoying every play one day at a time. Recently I sat down with him, and we took a look a look at some scenes from an interview of his life. Where were you born?

dietary department at the local hospital and she built this house

Tampa, Florida.

from the ground up. She was shoulder to shoulder with my mother raising us after my parents split up. I remember her just han-

Describe some of your first experiences in discovering your tal-

dling it – always handling it, always strong, always there. So when

ents from your childhood.

I was a kid, I would look at this woman and be amazed, because

I always loved theater, but I was shy and introverted. People

she just had it together, until she left here at almost 96 years old.

don’t believe that today but I was. I have nine brothers and one

Ceola Webb was my hero. She would say this thing that I remem-

sister and I was the least likely one that you would notice. I was

ber to this day. One day we were arguing over the ownership of

the quiet one in the corner, but I always observed and listened.

something. She said, “If you got your own, you wouldn’t have to

So I got involved in some plays at church. As long as I wasn’t

ask anybody for anything. You always get your own and then you

too out front, I was okay. I didn’t want to sing in front of anybody.

don’t worry about somebody taking or borrowing it. Always get

I would sing in the backyard at my grandma’s house by myself.

your own.” That was a lesson for all us, on how to control your

Sometimes I would hear my family talking and asking, “Who’s

destiny. You control it by providing for yourself.

singing like that?” I wouldn’t say anything. My brothers would coax me into playing a bunch of sports, but that wasn’t my thing.

Describe your first experience going to the theater.

I was a natural storyteller and my brothers would drag me into

I was in the third grade and they took us to see Hansel and Gretel at

telling them a story.

this big theater. All this color, music and excitement filled my senses. I was totally taken by it. As I rode away from that theater, it was so

Did you have any heroes growing up?

powerful to me that it weighed on me for years. I was fascinated at

I really respected my grandmother, a poor girl from Georgia who

what theater had done for me. That was my first key exposure. I

moved to Florida on her own. She always had this job at the

didn’t know what to do with it. I just knew that it captivated me.

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February 2011

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Describe a moment when the light bulb went off and you real-

saw that, and I thought of you. I remember when he saw Dream

ized that theater may be in your future.

Girls, he’d call and I lived the play vicariously through him. He

I was taking a theater class and I was the prop person. Well

was seeing the world. I was at home babysitting my five younger

a kid got fired from the play, so the drama teacher, Mr. Davis,

siblings with my mom. That was my part-time job as well as go-

approached me and asked me if I wanted to be in a play. He

ing to school. I was doing all this and I became tired of taking

gave me a script and told me to take a look at it. I went home

care of all these kids. So as I applied for jobs out of college and

and memorized this part. The next day he was shocked that I

the jobs that they called me back for were for things like a youth

memorized it. He said, “I told you to read the play, not memorize

counselor. I had a moment of self-realization. I knew I had some-

it.” So he asked what did I learn? I spilled out all these lines.

thing that related to kids and young people. I looked at myself

And that day he told me, “You are a natural, you belong in the

and said, “Nate, embrace it, stop fighting it.” And that is how this

theater.” I ended up in the play. It was called Eden. And it was

company started.

about a West Indian family, moving into America and confronting prejudice from everybody. I was nervous, nervous, nervous, nervous, but I held that role down. That was my first real taste

The West Coast Black Theatre Troupe is... A stage of discovery, where a person such as I who has limited

with real theater. I knew I liked it. But I didn’t know what to do

exposure to the arts, can come into our studio and get the devel-

after that experience.

opment, training and opportunity to actually express what they want to do in the performing arts.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to do television. I would watch The Carol Burnett Show.

How important is it for the black community in Sarasota to

I was fascinated by that woman and I was glued to the TV. It was

have this voice in theater?

my dream, but I couldn’t see how that could ever happen to me.

The purpose of black theater is to keep that voice alive — the voices of Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, August Wilson, the

Before establishing the WBTT in Sarasota who were some of

stories, the experiences, the contributions of African-Americans

the people that influenced your direction into theater and to

— and a lot has been told through theater. If the youth don’t get

Sarasota?

exposed to them, those legacies will die. And the purpose of

I was attending Florida A&M University and I was influenced by

black theater is to be the steward of that work, and expose it to

my mentor, Dr. Henry L. Porter, who came to Tallahassee and

generations to come.

taught me about self-confidence and the choir. He came to Sarasota and asked me if I would head up the art department

When people leave your theater what do you hope they take

at school, because I had graduated with a fine arts degree.

home with them?

When I got there I realized these kids would not keep quiet but

Inspiration, joy, insight and knowledge of something that they

I knew how to handle this, so I started developing musicals

didn’t know before they came through that door.

and unique original plays. We began doing plays at Christmas, in the spring and for black history month. They began to take

What does the WBTT mean to you?

on this popularity. This was at West Coast School for Human

It is an essential part of this cultural community, because I know

Development.

for a fact, without a platform that we provide in this community, there are a lot of extremely talented artists that would fall

Who was another big influence in your involvement in theater?

through the cracks.

My brother was the president of the drama club at FAMU and he was getting ready to go to law school at Howard. I found myself

How does the new space on Orange feel to you and the troupe?

in the theater at FAMU. I’d be sitting there in the theater say-

It gives us a sense of ownership and confirmation that we have

ing, “This is kind of cool, but I could never do that, I’m too shy.”

a voice in this richly cultured community. There is a professional-

Something inside of me was calling to theater, but shyness was

ism and stability about you when you have a building. They know

keeping me away from it. As I started to develop, people would

where to find you and it tells people that you are going to be

say, “You’re so funny you should be in the theater.” Eventually

around for awhile.

I found myself in a play. My brother Michael loved theater and would corral me into doing theater at the church plays. We would

What do you enjoy more, acting in a play or directing a play?

put on shows. I always wanted to be in the back. Michael would

They are two different feelings. I enjoy them both, but personally

call to tell me his theater experiences. He’d say I saw this and I

I enjoy performing more.

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February 2011

scenesarasota.com

Describe the feeling you get when you discover, train and mentor new talent? That is the joy of what I do. That is my gift and I know that’s my gift. That is who I am. That is Nate Jacobs. That is my reward

Celebration on the Bay

for doing this. How quick do you know if a performer has that special thing that it takes to become a great performer and star? Almost immediate. I have this sixth-sense. Recently a young man came in and read for me for the Marvin Gaye show. Immediately I saw it. He’s an actor. He doesn’t know it yet, but he is. So now he’s going to be starring in this show. What is your advice to young people who think they have that special something? Encourage their parents to get them involved on some level of the performing arts. And that’s when they will know if they have it. How do you decide if a show has merit and should be put up on your stage? I have a standard that I go by. It has to be quality material and have some significance as far as the fabric of American life or life, period. For example, we do our Motown shows because they capture the vision of Berry Gordy Jr. and a time that sadly will not come in music again. I wanted to put that show on not only because the music is so good, but also because I respect that legacy. I love theater because... of how it affects mankind. People are receptive to it. People will sit in a theater and embrace stuff that they will not in any other venue and walk out of that theater totally transformed. Recently a mom came up to me in tears and thanked me for having a character in a play that dissuaded a young black man

February 11-12, 2011

50th Anniversary Weekend Most events are free!

NEW COLLEGE AT 50 FESTIVAL student performances, panel discussions, history exhibits, miniclasses. FIREWORKS & CONCERT

from wearing his pants low — ala rappers. Her son, after see-

with the Sarasota Orchestra and

ing the play, tucked in his shirt and pulled his pants up.

catered reception. For information,

What do you hope becomes the legacy of WBTT?

call 941.487.4888.

A perpetual door for aspiring artists to walk through to find training, guidance and direction and a platform to develop into that artist they dream to be. When the final curtain closes on you and you have produced your last show, how do you want to be remembered? That I inspired somebody to be better and I helped somebody be the best at what they do.

scenesarasota.com

TRIBUTE DINNER The Ritz-Carlton, Feb 11, music by GetBack! Cast of Beatlemania Reservations, 941.487.4800

50th.ncf.edu February 2011

| scene

CIRCLE OF

CONFUSION By Sue Blue (Photo by www.aerialphs.com)

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February 2011

scenesarasota.com

y boss recently asked me if an apostrophe should be placed in the word St. Armand’s. Or is it properly spelled St. Armands without the apostrophe? Or maybe, St Armands’? It’s understandable that he is confused. He is from Massachusetts. But I am from Sarasota and I’m also confused. No matter, it is flat-

tering that the boss believes I am an authority on anything Sarasotan. Or is it Sarasotian? The real confusion began back in 1893 when a Frenchman, who had been living in Louisiana, came to Sarasota to homestead on a tiny island in Sarasota Bay. There was nothing on this little piece of land that would attract any living being except the creatures thriving in the mangroves. The Frenchman paid $21.71 for three tracts of land where he raised produce, which he sold in a dockside market after rowing across the bay to the mainland. His name was St. Amand. Notice the absence of the letter “r”. A clerk (we’ll blame it on the hired help) may have added it when preparing the homestead papers. From that time on unto this day, that bit of land has been known as St. Armand’s. The name usually appears without the apostrophe for unknown reasons. In 1911, John Ringling and his lovely wife, Mable, came here to vacation. Sarasota caught their fancy and they bought a home near the bayfront in 1912 where they stayed while preparing to build the palatial Ca’d’Zan. John Ringling began to invest in Sarasota’s future. By 1917 he’d purchased the “Ringling Isles” where his Ringling Estates dreams could grow. The St. Armands Key property was the focal point of “Mister John’s” vision. The plans, devised by a landscape architect, placed streets to be lined with residential lots radiating from a shop-

ping-dining circle of smart shops and gourmet restaurants. By 1925, Ringling had begun work on the causeway that would join the mainland of downtown Sarasota to St. Armands Key. The causeway opened one year later when Ringling, in his green Rolls Royce, drove across Sarasota Bay to begin the Ringling Estates venture. It must have been an exciting, circus-like atmosphere as the crowds followed to the bandstand in the Circle where the National Czechoslovakian Band played concerts all afternoon. An estimation of the enthusiasm for Ringling’s development was reflected in the claimed one million dollars of property sales on that first day. scenesarasota.com

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Left: Aerial view of St. Armands in 1926 shortly after opening of the Ringling Estates to the public. (Photo courtesy of The History Center) Right: John Ringling’s St. Armand’s Circle, designed by landscape architect, John J. Watson, still contains the Italian statuary from Rome, Naples and Venice collected by the Ringlings. (Picture circa late 1925 courtesy of The History Center of Sarasota.) The boom time ended very quickly. By 1928, Sarasota was in

symphony hall, yet St. Armands Circle is a great source of enter-

deep financial trouble. Land sales stopped completely. The 1929

tainment. While waiting in the inevitable traffic for pedestrians to

crash followed and the entire nation sank into depression. During

cross the streets, people-watching is a must. Some individuals

the ‘30s and ‘40s St. Armands Circle was just a roundabout way

are startled that you have actually stopped your car to give them

of getting over to Lido Beach. The Italian statuary Ringling had

a chance to scurry across. Others stroll leisurely while staring

placed in this park-like setting peered out accusingly through the

ahead with a superior eyebrow-raised demeanor. Others are so

overgrown mass of tropical foliage.

grateful they wave and smile and almost curtsy. And the attire! During our recent frosty days those dear tourists from the great

“Mister John” died in 1936. His real estate office building stood

frozen tundra appear in their sleeveless shirts and short shorts

vacant, unused and neglected for decades. Rudy Bundy, the or-

while I’m freezing in my heated auto.

chestra leader who had come here to open the Lido Casino, later serving as vice-president/treasurer for Ringling Brothers, Bar-

St. Armands is currently booming. There are more than 130 elegant

num and Bailey Circus, told a story about one middle of the night

shops, galleries, and boutiques. The restaurants and sidewalk cafes

adventure he experienced with his good friend, John Ringling

offer diverse and tasteful dining experiences. When driving or walk-

North. They had an idea for an unusual nightclub and, inspired

ing down the streets leading away from the Circle, the residential

by the moment, they broke into the deserted real estate office

architecture displays a pleasing blend of historic and contemporary

thinking it might be just right for what they had in mind. They

styles. John Ringling never had the opportunity of realizing his dream

decided it was too small for their big idea and fortunately made a

but his vision for St. Armands is very much in evidence today.

clean getaway before any night watchman discovered the breaking and entering. Bundy and North did open that nightclub which

While reviewing a bit of Sarasota history to verify my dates for this

they called the M’ToTo Room in the John Ringling Hotel. Bundy’s

article, the question of St. Armands (without the apostrophe) or

orchestra furnished the music while circus acts (a dancing horse,

St. Armand’s (with the apostrophe) appeared again and again.

trapeze artists, jugglers tossing flames into the candelabra) ap-

One author, considered to be the absolute authority on Sarasota

peared nightly. M’ToTo Room was a smashing success.

history, spelled St. Armand’s in one paragraph and in the following paragraph he spelled the name minus the apostrophe.

Gradually, during the 1950s, St. Armands began to stir. Shops

I must assume that he was also confused. I have decided not

were built and restaurants found a clientele eager to experience

to be confused. I will henceforth base my spelling on the City

fine dining in a casual atmosphere. John Ringling’s historic real

of Sarasota’s street sign which boldly proclaims “St. Armands

estate office building has housed Café L’Europe since 1973. The

Circle” (no apostrophe). It doesn’t really make sense but I figure

Circle boasts no dancing horses, no theatres, no operas, nor a

you can’t fight City Hall.

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February 2011

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��

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February 2011

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BRINGING CLEAR

VISION TO LIFE By William J. Lahners, MD, FACS

LASIK, Cataract and Lens Replacement Surgeon

Life-changing Advanced Lenses

With today’s technological advances in the field of refractive

Cataract surgery patients have many options when it comes

surgery, there are more options than ever for people suffering

to modern cataract surgery. One very important choice for pa-

from poor vision due to cataracts, macular degeneration and

tients is which lens to choose: standard or advanced.

other serious eye conditions. All-laser LASIK, cataract surgery,

Advanced lenses have completely revolutionized cataract and

and the recently FDA-approved implantable miniature telescope

lens replacement surgery because they provide distance vision

(IMT) offer exciting solutions for many of our patients.

and reading vision in both eyes — typically without glasses. There are two types of advanced lenses: the multifocal type such as the

Over 7 million LASIK Procedures Performed

ReSTOR® lens, and the accommodating type, such as the Crys-

LASIK has been the most studied elective surgery ever per-

talens®. Unlike standard lenses, advanced lenses can treat both a

formed. With over 7 million procedures performed in the US to

person’s cataracts and provide near and far vision in both eyes.

date, LASIK has proven itself to be the most successful and most

Based on our experience at Center For Sight, 85 to 95 percent

popular when compared to any other form of elective surgery.

of our patients with advanced lenses will not use glasses for any

The biggest leap forward came when LASIK was taken to an

activity whatsoever. We see some of the happiest patients you

all-laser level, what we call “All-Laser LASIK.” Center For Sight

can imagine. It’s a very gratifying part of what I do.

was the first practice on the west coast of Florida to offer it and the only practice in the Sarasota area that offers it today.

Implantable Miniature Telescope

With “All-Laser LASIK,” LASIK evolved from blade-based into

A revolutionary development in ophthalmology is the Implant-

a blade-free procedure, with no sharp objects or needles. This

able Miniature Telescope (IMT), a device recently approved by

advancement transformed the surgery into a micron-precision

the FDA. This device may help restore vision in patients with

procedure that is safer and more effective than the traditional

severe macular degeneration. The IMT, about the size of a pea,

blade-based surgery. Not only do we see fewer complications

is surgically implanted into the eye and acts like a telephoto lens

and faster recovery, we also see better vision for our patients.

of a camera. Once implanted, the telescope projects enlarged

These claims have been supported by dozens of comparisons

images onto healthy areas of the central retina outside the de-

in the scientific literature.

generated macula, enabling the patient to see. This painless procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. We expect to

Cataract Surgery and Lens Replacement Surgery

start implanting the lens in early 2011.

As we age, our natural lens begins to lose its flexibility, and we develop presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). Later in life,

For more information, please visit CenterForSight.net or call 941-

we start to get clouding in that lens, which is called a cataract.

925-2020. LASIK, Cataract and Lens Replacement Surgeon Dr.

If the cataract interferes with vision, it can be corrected with surgery—removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a new artificial lens or IOL. The cosmetic form of cataract surgery is lens replacement surgery or refractive lens exchange. This is an elective procedure for a patient who doesn’t have cataracts,

William Lahners is Medical Director and Director of Laser Vision Services at Center For Sight. Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida, Dr. Lahners is board certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology and in LASIK by the American Board of Eye Surgery. He has authored multiple textbook chapters on vision

but wants to be rid of their glasses. We can remove their natural

correction and recently was the chief editor of the chapter in the

lens, which is the wrong power for their eye, and exchange it

online interactive ophthalmology textbook.

with a new lens of the right power.

(Data source on LASIK: Washington Post, April 25, 2008)

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February 2011

scenesarasota.com

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT CANCER By M. Claudia Mallarino, MD

Cancer is a very complex disease. No one thing will

better advocate for your health than you.

cause cancer; instead a combination of events will trigger the disease. These events include genetic predispo-

How is cancer treated?

sition, genetic damage form carcinogens and environ-

Cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach.

mental factors. There are genetic cancers but they are a

The team usually includes a surgeon, oncologist and

small percentage of the cancers diagnosed. For example

radiation oncologist. If the tumors can be removed,

breast cancer is genetic in only 5% of the women. What

that it is usually the best choice. Once the tumor is

it is well known is that smoking causes cancer of the

removed many patients need to receive adjuvant che-

lung, head and neck, pancreas and bladder cancer.

motherapy and radiotherapy in order to decrease the risk of recurrence. The reason cancer patients require

What I can do to decrease my risk of cancer?

chemotherapy and or radiation therapy even after the

It is important to live as healthy as possible. Eat a bal-

tumor is completely removed, is because cancer cells

anced diet, exercise and avoid carcinogens like ciga-

can be dislodge and travel in the lymphatic and blood

rettes. If you have a very strong family history of cancer

stream and later on cause metastasis or recurrence of

see your physician for the recommended screening pro-

the cancer. Most patients are cured with this multidis-

grams, for example mammograms and colonoscopies.

ciplinary approach as long as the cancer is diagnosed

Remember cancer is curable when diagnosed early.

in an early stage. It is important to remember that the best chance of cure is at diagnosis. Once the cancer

What are the symptoms of cancer?

comes back it is treatable but not usually curable.

The symptoms usually depend on the organ where the cancer has originated. However, these are symptoms

We at Lakewood Ranch Cancer Center are offering a

that are usually associated with cancer. Any new lump,

multidisciplinary approach of treatment. Patients diag-

changing moles, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleed-

nosed with cancer will be seen the same day by the on-

ing, and persistent and worsening pain in any part of

cologist and the radiation oncologist. This approach of-

the body, persistent cough or blood in the sputum,

fers the patient a state of the art care close to home. The

weight loss and lack of appetite.

center also offers the latest research protocols where patient can have access to the experimental treatments

What I can do if I am diagnosed with cancer?

even before they are available to all the patients.

The most important thing is to get involved in your care. You need to know what type of cancer you have, what

Medical Oncologist M. Claudia Mallarino, MD practices

stage, and you need to ask your doctor what types of

at Florida Cancer Specialist, 6310 Health Park Way Suite

treatment are available to you. Remember there is no

200, Bradenton, FL 34202. 941.907.4737

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February 2011

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CANCER IN COMPANION ANIMALS By Heidi Ward, DEM

Cancer is common in dogs and cats. It accounts for almost

How is cancer treated?

half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Cats get

Each type of neoplasia requires individual care and may

fewer cancers than humans but dogs get cancer at roughly

include one or a combination of treatment therapies such

the same rate. Some frequently asked questions and an-

as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery (freezing),

swers about cancer in dogs and cats have been published

hyperthermia (heating) or immunotherapy. Your pets overall

by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Veteri-

health is important too, and your veterinarian may recom-

nary Cancer Society and are listed below.

mend dietary changes or other things to help your pet better respond to treatment. Once you have a diagnosis, your vet-

What are neoplasia, tumors and cancer?

erinarian will discuss the best treatment option(s) for your pet

Neoplasia is the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or

and the risks and side effects associated with each option.

tissues in the body, and the abnormal growth itself is called

Pain management is also an important part of treatment.

a neoplasm or tumor. It can be benign or malignant. Benign neoplasms do not grow aggressively, do not invade the sur-

Some types of neoplasia can be cured, but other types can

rounding body tissues, and do not spread throughout the

only be managed to decrease spread and prolong your pets

body. Malignant neoplasms, on the other hand, tend to grow

comfort and life as much as possible. How early a neoplasm

rapidly, invade the tissues around them and spread or me-

is detected and the type of neoplasm are often the biggest

tastasie to other parts of the body.

factors determining the success of treatment.

How is it Diagnosed?

Sometimes, euthanasia is considered when a pet has neo-

Neoplasia is often suspected on the basis of the petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medi-

plasia (especially with some cancers). Before you make your

cal history and physical exam. Additional tests, such as ra-

decision for treatment or euthanasia, discuss the options so

diographs (x-rays), blood tests, and ultrasound exams, may

you can make the best choice for your pet and your family.

be necessary to confirm neoplasia. A biopsy, taking a tissue sample from the neoplasm for examination under a micro-

What is the success rate?

scope, is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis and

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plasia, as well as the aggressiveness of therapy. Benign neo-

ditional biopsies of other tissues, such as lymph nodes, may

plasms are usually easier to treat and treatment of any type

be necessary to determine how far a malignant neoplasm

of neoplasia is more likely to be successful if the neoplasms

(cancer) has spread.

are detected early. Although some neoplasms (especially more aggressive cancers) cannot be cured, treatment can

Is neoplasia preventable?

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Unfortunately, the cause of most neoplastic diseases is

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Dr. Heidi Ward practices at Gulf Coast Veterinary Oncol-

tection and treatment are the best ways to manage neo-

ogy and Internal Medicine, 7519 S. Tamiami Trail, Sara-

plasia in pets.

sota, FL, 34231. 941.926.1920

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CURTAINCALL By Steven J. Smith

THE GOLDEN APPLE DINNER THEATRE

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE

Drag Queen Bingo

The 39 Steps

Leave your inhibitions and your delicate sensibilities at the

If you’re a fan of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic films or simply enjoy

door before entering The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre any Fri-

a rousing evening of inventive comedy performed at breakneck

day night for Drag Queen Bingo — a freewheeling, hell-raising,

speed by a phenomenally talented quartet of actors, you mustn’t

couture-conscious evening of gender-bending decadence and

miss this fabulous show, now playing at Florida Studio Theatre’s

rib-tickling fun.

Gompertz Theatre through Feb. 20. The plot, loosely based by Patrick Barlow around Hitchcock’s

And bingo. No, this is not the kind of bingo you’ll find at your local church

1935 film of the same name, discovers Richard Hannay (Michael

hall, thank God. With co-hostesses Beneva Fruitville (Berry Ayers,

Frederic) as a wanted man trying to prove his innocence on a mur-

who also created the show) and Lindsay Carlton (Greyling John-

der charge while thrust into the center of a nefarious Nazi-inspired

son) dictating the rules, you’ll barely realize it’s the same game.

conspiracy to achieve world domination.

But it is, with hilarious surprises, detours, and consequences

As Mr. Frederic’s Hannay ricochets from London to the Scottish countryside, he evades the authorities and unravels the

along the way. I won’t give it all away here, because you really have to see it

plot. Along the way, he encounters Curran Connor and Sheffield

to believe it. Suffice it to say that whenever Beneva draws an “O”

Chastain as a veritable army of plodding policemen, evil agents,

number, you’d better make a big “O” with your arms and quick,

Highlander hoteliers, swamp bogs (yes, I said swamp bogs!), and

or suffer her wrath. Move too slowly in making this “air vagina,”

(respectively) the oddly gifted Mr. Memory, hypnotized to remem-

guys, and she’ll “accidentally” drop a ball, forcing you to come up

ber details of war-making weaponry and the diabolical Professor

on stage and pick it up — after taking off your shirt, of course. If

Jordan, dedicated to enslaving the planet under a Nazi regime.

you win a game of bingo, you’ll enjoy a nice prize. But don’t think

Mr. Frederic smoothly blends all of the most alluring quali-

you’re getting away that easy. Beneva will lead the audience in a

ties of Hitchcock’s leading men: loyalty, patriotism, good looks,

very special curse, just for you!

quick wit, dry humor, and an unfailing dedication to overcome any

It’s all in the spirit of good fun. And in between games, Ayers

obstacle. Messers Connor and Chastain seamlessly morph from

and Johnson prove themselves talented singers and lip-synchers,

character to character, in many cases simultaneously conducting

performing a collection of songs by current and former divas that

conversations with each other — and with themselves individually

are guaranteed to please. Wave a dollar bill in front of them and

— as they create a zany world of Hitchcock’s colorful supporting

they’ll even come over for a special moment with you!

players. Letitia Lange creatively handles all of the ladies’ parts,

Doors open every Friday at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts

from a femme fatale spy to a sex-starved Scottish housewife to an

at 8 p.m. Get there early for a menu of “light bites” consisting of

unwilling and clueless heroine, handcuffed to Hannay. The overall

burgers, salads, quesadillas, cocoanut shrimp, and more. And be

effect is dizzying and stupendous.

sure to save room for the free jello shots that everyone gets when

A respectful nod must also go to director Eric Hissom, whose

a very special number is drawn. Can you guess what that number

sure hand with the material and madcap pacing unerringly steer

might be ...?

us through this clever play, and whose respect for Hitchcock’s

Coming up at The Golden Apple are A Royal Audience With

genre is lovingly expressed throughout. Hitchcock fans will no

Dame Edna, I Do! I Do!, and Avenue Q. Reserve your seats now

doubt spot shrewdly placed tributes to many of his films in visual,

by calling the box office at (941) 366-5454 or visit their Web site at

musical, and spoken references all along the way. Add to that Jo-

www.thegoldenapple.com.

seph P. Oshry’s lush lighting, April Soroko’s flexible sets, and Britt

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February 2011

scenesarasota.com

TICKETS

Sandusky’s wonderful sound design, and you’ve got an evening of theater that simply can’t be beat. Coming soon to FST are Race and Ghost-Writer. For more info on any of these shows or to order tickets, call the box office at (941) 366-9000 or visit them online at www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

THE WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE Ain’t Misbehavin’ The joint was jumpin’ over at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s new digs, on 1646 10th Way just off North Orange, where their recent production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ was a joy to the eyes and ears. Under the lively direction and choreography by Harry Bryce and the phenomenal music direction of LaTerry Butler, this show is a happy-go-lucky tribute to one of the jazz era’s brightest lights and greatest talents — Thomas “Fats” Waller, who put his indelible stamp on a music form that endures to this day. Waller died of pneumonia at the tender age of 39, but wrote enough hit songs for twice as many years, from “Honeysuckle Rose” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” to “Mean To Me,” “The Joint Is Jumpin,’” and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter,” to name a few. The cast was, in a word, terrific. Ariel Blue knocked us out with “Squeeze Me,” Leon Pitts put us in stitches with “Your Feet’s Too Big,” Jnana Cherie seduced us with “Keepin’ Out Of Mischief Now,” Whitney Johnson broke our hearts with “Mean To Me,” and Donald Frison’s devilish charisma bowled us over with “The Viper’s Drag” and

Get your tickets to upcoming performances you won’t want to miss! Marvin Gaye, “The Prince of Soul” The Man and His Music Runs through February 20 / Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe / 941.366.1505 An original musical celebrating the extraordinary life an music of singer/ songwriter Marvin Gaye.

Race Runs through March 19 / Florida Studio Theatre / 941.366.9000 A provocative new legal drama by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner David Mamet.

Avenue Q February 15 - April 10 / Golden Apple Dinner Theatre / 941.366.5454 A new breed of musical this 3 Tony Award winning musical is hilariously performed by a wonderful mix of humans and puppets.

La Bête Runs through February 20 / Asolo Repertory Theatre / 941.381.8000 A great classical actor fights to protect tradition from the new, the outrageous, the vulgar, the truly popular. A riotously hilarious and theatrically brilliant struggle that may have no winners.

12 Angry Men Runs through March 26 / Asolo Repertory Theatre / 941.381.8000 Twelve strangers united only by their civic duty struggle to make the right decision in this contemporary classic. The jury’s electric debate over a young man’s fate will keep you riveted ‘til the final curtain.

Guys & Dolls February 17 – March 6 / Manatee Players / 941.748.5875 Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, this oddball romantic comedy soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters who have become legends in the canon.

Rumors

Blue,” a searing anthem of racial prejudice, and brought

February 17 – 27 / The Players Theatre / 941.365.2494 Four couples go to the townhouse of a deputy New York City mayor and his wife to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary, but the party never begins because the host has shot himself in the head and his wife is missing.

it home with an absolutely smashing encore of “Ain’t

La boheme / Don Giovanni / I Lombardi / The Crucible

Misbehavin.’” A few minor technical glitches failed to

Various dates for all 4 Operas during February and March / Sarasota Opera / 941.366.8450

“The Reefer Song.” The company wowed us at the end with “Black And

curtail this joyride, and once the WBTT gets completely settled in I’m sure we’re going to be enjoying their offerings for years to come. Upcoming WBBT productions include Marvin Gaye, Five Guys Named Moe, and Hi De Hi De Ho! — Cab Calloway. Call the box office for more information and reservations at (941) 366-1505, and visit them online at www.wbttroupe.org. scenesarasota.com

Beauty and the Beast February 1 – 9 / Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall / 941.953.3368 This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers.

The King & I February 15 – March 13 / Venice Theatre / 941.488.1115 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless classic musical transports you to 1862 Siam. February 2011

| scene

SOUTHSIDE VILL AGE SHOPPING

Just minutes from Downtown Sarasota,

SOUTHSIDE VILLAGE is a hip area of Sarasota

that youʼll want to explore. Located on South Osprey Avenue between Hyde Park and Hillview, the Village is a mecca of great food, trendy shops, salons and spas. Enjoy!

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SOUTHSIDE VILL AGE SHOPPING

scene | social

View all photos at scenesarasota.com

Perlman & Pearls Gala

he 7th annual Perlman & Pearls gala, presented by The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast (PMP), was held at Michael’s On

East. More than 350 people attended the gala, including Itzhak and Toby Perlman, 35 PMP students and 15 faculty members. The gala celebrates the culmination of the two-week PMP Winter Residency, which offers unparalleled musical training for young students who play the violin, viola, cello, and bass. A live auction, hosted by Jimmy Dean, featured a violin signed by Mr. Perlman and his students, and a week’s stay in Aspen, Colorado. This festive event was chaired by Liz Barzell, Debbie Haspel, and Fran Lambert, and included a slideshow by Barbara Brizdle and a keynote speech by Toby Perlman. The

Photography by Cliff Roles

magniﬁcent centerpieces were created by Mr. Florist.

Barbara Brizdle & Larry Schoenberg with Marion & Bernard Levine

Fran Lambert, Debbie Haspel & Elizabeth Power

Bill & Adrienne Lindecamp scenesarasota.com

Itzhak & Toby Perlman

Roz Goldberg & Alan Bandler February 2011

| scene

THE PERFECT BLEND OF SPORTS, FOOD & DRINK The Nikias family began the legacy of owning and operating restaurants in New York and wanting a change of lifestyle for themselves and their children, moved to SW Florida in the late 1970’s. It wasn’t long after that move that Harry Nikias opened several restaurants here in Sarasota, including the Dutch Valley (owned and operated for 20 years), Millie’s and the Village Café. The latter 2 are still operated today by George Nikias and Tom Kouvatsos, Harry’s son and nephew. In recent years, Harry developed a vision for an exceptional outdoor patio/bar, one that would be unrivaled in the Sarasota area, and told his son George and nephews Dino Kouvatsos and Tommy about his vision. The boys then took Harry’s ideas, added their love of sports and passions for both cooking and eating, and ran with them to build Sarasota’s premium outdoor sports bar, one that is second to none. This envisioned restaurant and bar is now the Legacy Grille, located at 6606 South Tamiami Trail, just south of the Stickney Point Bridge, and is a must see for not only sports fans, but for everyone. Legacy is more than just a sports bar (over 30 TV’s that are up to 135”), it is a full service restaurant that caters to families of all sizes. A small game room is available to entertain kids of all ages, TV’s that can be seen from every angle let dads watch their favorite games, and widely varied menu choices allow moms to enjoy feeding their whole families without having to cook! Dino, who brought family recipes (collected from running family owned diners in New York and Connecticut for over 30 years) with him to Florida, is in charge of the kitchen. He doesn’t disappoint with popular items including Bruschetta Chicken Salad (grilled chicken breast served over mixed greens and tossed in housemade balsamic dressing with fresh tomato basil salsa, avocado, bleu cheese crumbles and diced red onion), Angry Lobster Pasta (fresh lobster tail and claw meat sautéed with olive oil and garlic, tossed with bow tie pasta and a seasoned tomato cream sauce) and fresh daily specials. He is also sure to please sports fans with juicy burgers, delicious chicken wings and per-

6606 South Tamiami Trail

941-225-7200 Open Daily, 11am-Midnight

sonal pizzas, and has included many kid-friendly affordable menu options as well. The new place in town is a “must” for all locals, snowbirds and tourists. Legacy Grille in Sarasota: 3 cousins, 3 generations, and one location that is certain to please everyone.

COOL PLACES TO GET YOUR GROOVE ON By Susan Cullen

Although the year’s shortest month manages to hold two very big opportunities for a pleasurable night out — the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day — once those much-anticipated (by some) events have passed, that still leaves 26 days begging for a bit of fun. Whether it’s a hankering for kicking back to live music or kicking up your heels with some fancy footwork, ‘tis season and we’ve got plenty of choices. scenesarasota.com

February 2011

| scene

hen nothing will do but some island styling

jazz to a Led Zeppelin cover band. On Thursday nights

and a fruity libation, making your way out to

ladies are treated to no cover charge and a variety of drink

The Beach House or Sandbar restaurants

specials. “We have a Russian DJ who does top 40 dance

on Anna Maria Island will help you get your

music,” according to front-of-house manager Jeff Wilson.

groove on. So will a trip to Siesta Key Village where “the

“It’s more like a European club; very high energy.”

block that rocks” allows for strolling and enjoying tunes from the Beach Club and Siesta Key Oyster Bar to Gilligan’s. But,

He describes the menu as American intercontinental with

much as we love that island vacation vibe and the food to

inﬂuences from Italy, Spain and Cuba. Appetizers range from

match, there is oh-so-much more to adore.

Tostones Rellenos, plantain patties topped with a medley of beef, pork and chicken and spiced with a cilantro-garlic aioli

Tango Steakhouse & Sushi Bar on St. Armands Key is

to a sophisticated fresh tuna tartare garnished with capers,

livening things up with some sexy salsa dancing on Saturday

whole grain mustard and basil vinaigrette. Popular entrees

nights. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. and the Latin Party kicks

include Veal Osso Bucco and a Seafood Trio that combines

off at 10 p.m., leaving just enough time in between for some

grouper, shrimp and scallops. At $14 each, the menu lives

delectable bites. Keep the Latin theme going with some

up to Wilson’s claim of moderate pricing.

house-made empanadas or go for some sushi for which there is just one word: yum. Friday night’s stay lively with

Heading south, Mattison’s Forty-One, with its classy

Scott Curts on the guitar.

steakhouse ambiance, serves up live music seven nights a week, and the dance ﬂoor is always open. Whether you’re a

New to the Sarasota scene is The Loft Ristobar on Fruitville

Sinatra fan or love that rock and roll, you’ll ﬁnd the right tunes

Road, which bills itself as a dance club and elegant dining

for your moves here. For everything from jazz and blues to

establishment. At The Loft, you may see anything from live

Motown and rock and roll, there’s Jennifer Leigh & Her New

www.tangosteakandsushi.com

St. Armands Hottest New Restaurant Open daily 11:30 am - 10 pm

Tango Sports Bar 2nd Floor Live Entertainment • NFL Sunday Ticket

Mention this ad for a complimentary glass of champagne with the purchase of any entree! 326 John Ringling Blvd | St. Armands Circle | 941-554-4916

scene |

February 2011

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941-383-0440

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Digs on Fridays. Sunday through Tuesday, Joe Thayer tinkles the ivories and his smoky vocals both soothe and stir the senses. Saturday focuses on local bands with rockin’ dance music, according to Jennifer Ahearn-Koch, Mattison’s marketing and PR maven. Local faves like Omni and the Venturas are on the schedule as is Eddie and the Edsels. Mustang Sally anyone? Whether you’re cutting the rug or shaking your thang, nourishment is

required.

we’re

talking

steakhouse fare here, you can get a steaming bowl of French onion soup as a starter or head straight for the red meat. Steak Blue tops a rib eye with sharp Gorgonzola, Applewood-smoked bacon and a velvety ruby port reduction. Or you can go with a classic Steak Diane or Steak Au Poivre. Prefer seafood?

ANIFICIO P IL

“We serve stone crab claws and also grouper with a spoonful of caviar that we get from Mote,” Ahearn-Koch said. For a different twist on island style, try the Polynesian-themed Trader Vic’s, which also offers live entertainment on its water-view patio every Friday and Saturday. As the restaurant is along the I-75 corridor, this is not the Gulf we’re talking about, but a pretty setting nevertheless. “Music is supplied

“Get your slice of Italian Life” Bread Baked Fresh 7 Days a Week, 9am – 9pm World Famous Pizza • Deli • Bakery • Italian Specialties • Beer/Wine Serving Sarasota since 1991 Visit Downtown on Main Street & New Location in Gulfgate 941.366.5570 1703 Main Street, Sarasota

scene |

February 2011

941.921.5570 6630 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota

by a range of different bands. For the most part they are classic rock,

boat

music,

island

style

and upbeat,” says Shane Brewer, general manager. Menu items are island inspired. “We

scenesarasota.com

make everything on the menu fresh,” Brewer said. “We have a lot of classic American dishes that have an island twist.” Favorites include Caribbean barbecued chicken wings with a homemade sweet Kona sauce that also moistens a delectably tender Luau Pulled Pork Sandwich, which is

slow-roasted

overnight

and

topped with a fruity vinegar (not mayo) based island slaw. As the

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restaurant’s founder Victor Bergeron

��

is credited with inventing the Mai-

��

Tai, the cocktail menu is robust with some 25 different concoctions available at one of three bars.

�

��

One of my personal favorite things to do — even though it is on Monday nights and I am usually up before the birds — is to head to Captain Curt’s just off the Stickney Bridge on Siesta

��

Key. After a plateful of traditional seafood shack grub — a combo of ﬁsh, shrimp and scallops, broiled or fried, with creamy parsley-boiled red potatoes — I’m ready to listen to The Fab Three, a Beatles tribute band. These three lads clearly enjoy their music as does the crowd of all ages, creating a casual, festive atmosphere where people feel free to get up and dance a bit at their tables or (softly) sing along. What helps take this experience out of the ordinary is that The Fab Three tend to choose the lessclichéd tunes from the Beatle’s extensive

lexicon,

eliciting

“Oh yeah, I remember that one” response. I always go home with a smile on my face, and isn’t that what entertainment is all about?

scenesarasota.com

�� l ��l �� February 2011

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Ports & Sherry Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar From James Shea’s Wine Room In France, Champagne has to be grown in the Champagne region just as Ports and Sherrys are grown in specific regions. Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes that are grown in Jerez, Spain. Ports come from Portugal in the upper Douro Valley. The grape varietal used in Sherry is the Palomino grape and it is produced in many different styles ranging from Fino, the driest, to the most common known as Cream Sherry. Brandy is added to fortify the wine. Dry, sweeter Sherries are blends of a combination of wines such as Muscatel and Pedro Ximenez. Ports are also a fortified wine but done slightly different than Sherry in that Brandy is added to stop the fermentation process. This leaves a residual sugar and intensifies the alcohol content. There also many different styles of Port, but one of our favorites is the Croft, Tawny Port, because it is aged in wooden barrels for approximately three to four years, which gives off a nice nutty flavor. Or why not try Fonseca Bin 27, with has rich ripe fruit and oak flavors. Port is traditionally a dessert wine, and I could not think of a better dessert to enjoy it with than Chef Charlie’s chocolate truffles. From Chef Charlie Flint’s Kitchen

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WHERE RESTAURANTS GO TO SHOP

What’s better than a gift for your valentine than chocolate? I love to mix it up with a big box of chocolate truffles. You can flavor them however your Sweetheart prefers. A bit of citrus, some crunchy toffee or perhaps a decedent bit of liquor. This homemade truffle recipe is quite simple, yet elegant. For about thirty truffles, take one and a half pounds of semisweet chocolate, one and a quarter cups of heavy cream. Finely chop the chocolate and brim the cream to a boil. Place the chocolate in a large mixing bowl and pour the hot cream over the top. Mix well with a whisk and flavor with the accompaniment of your choice (don’t be afraid to taste). Pour into a shallow dish and cool for two to three hours until set well. When it is set, use a melon ball scoop to shape the truffles. Scoop, then roll them in your hands to smooth. After rolling, dust them in shaved white chocolate or cocoa and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

ﬂemingssteakhouse.com/sarasota

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scene |

February 2011

scenesarasota.com

SA R A S O T A GA R DE N C L U B’S 76 T H F L OW E R S H OW

“Let Freedom Ring”

Your One Stop Shop For Everything Golf!

March 26 & 27, 2011

Featuring more than 200 plants

so r

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ton Full r igh B g service t ur in Now fea golf shop with clothes, shoes, accessories, bags & clubs for both men & women.

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in horticultural & ﬂoral design exhibits, all depicting patriotic

duty services of the military – Army, Marines Core, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Floral artists put their talents to work

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COME ABOARD THE MARINA JACK II

to create these designs and compete for a blue ribbon. The Flower Show will be judged by

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RESERVATIONS (941) 365-4232 CALL 941-955-0875 FOR MORE INFORMATION!

www.marinajacks.com

Big Cat Habitat

& Gulf Coast Sanctuary Photos by Cliff Roles

Some cute and furry exotics have joined the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast SanctuAbove: Three-year-old Mia is a liger, which is a cross between a lion and a tiger. She is very smart, has beautiful markings and awesome agility. Mia serves as an ambassador, helping to raise funds for the other animals during the educational demonstrations.

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February 2011

ary, which provides a safe place for exotic and farm animals, wildlife or any animal in need. You can see them, and many more, at the habitatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Animal Extravaganza fundraiser in support of the animals. It is being held every weekend this month with entertaining educational animal encounter shows on Fridays at 6 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Gates open an hour and a half before the show for viewing all the animals, visiting the petting zoo and for camel and pony rides. Food also is available. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children. scenesarasota.com

Clockwise: These big youngsters, two-year-old Nelson and Tigger, show their kittenish side by doing a little tree-hugging. Along with their sister, Baby, Big Cat Habitat took them in from a rescue facility that did not have room for them. Chance is a baby chimpanzee whose owners had no experience handling apes. They asked Pam Rosaire, who has worked with chimpanzees for more than 40 years, to be his surrogate mother, giving him a second “Chance.” Sandy, a 6-month-old female lion cub, came to the Habitat along with her sister, Nioby. The cubs were going to be sold (legally) at an exotic animal auction in another state, but Clayton Rosaire, son of the Habitat’s founder Kay Rosaire, talked the owners into donating the cubs to him.

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February 2011

| scene

scene | locally SHAPING OUR COMMUNITY 2010 A GREAT YEAR FOR LAKEWOOD RANCH

save more than $7,000 a year. And The Salvation Army Sarasota Area

Lakewood Ranch celebrated its top sales year with close to 250

Command will leverage more than $550,000 to help struggling families

new home sales. “It’s clear buyers feel confident in the market and the

in Sarasota County pay their utility bills. These are just a few of the

value here,” said Milt Flinn, President of LWR Communities. “We are

cost savings and revenue boosts expected from $268,755 in grants

estimating 350 new home sales next year, with 50 furnished models

recently awarded by Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice. For

completed by the end of the first quarter and several new neighbor-

a complete listing of grants, please visit www.gulfcoastcf.org.

hoods coming on board in 2011.” Eleven new home sales in 2010 came in over $1 million, with the average sales price of a new home in Lake-

THE PLAYERS THEATRE AND SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTERS

wood Ranch at $452,600. In commercial real estate, Lakewood Ranch

RECEIVE SELBY FOUNDATION GRANTS

leads the market in its low vacancy rate of just 11 percent, compared

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation awarded The Players

to 13 percent in downtown Sarasota and 22 percent in the rest of the

Theatre $38,500 to conduct renovations to the theatre including new

local market. www.lakewoodranch.com

carpeting and lighting system. “This grant will assist us to improve the experience of our patrons while attending performances this season

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DISTRIBUTES $245,000 TO AGENCIES

and into the future,” said Michelle Bianchi Pingel, Managing Director

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County distributed

of The Players Theatre. “It is the generosity of donors like the Selby

$245,000 in Season of Sharing funds to ten human service agencies in

Foundation that keep our community theater alive. We are most

Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee Counties to enable them to continue

appreciative.” www.theplayers.org

assisting families with emergency needs. This will allow social workers

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation awarded Senior

in the three counties to help hundreds more people with one-time rent

Friendship Centers a $47,700 grant for renovations for the Brother

and mortgage payments, utility bills and other critical expenses up to

William Geenen Living Room in Sarasota. Funds will be used for reno-

$1,000 to stabilize their lives and prevent homelessness. The commu-

vating bathrooms in the adult day services and Caregiver Resource

nity has raised approximately $745,000 towards its goal of $1 million;

Center. The Brother William Geenen Living Room recently celebrated

however, The Patterson Foundation matching grant of up to $500,000

its 30th anniversary. It was the first building dedicated solely to adult

for every new and increased donation has not yet been reached. To

day services in the nation when it was built, and the first of three

make a donation, visit www.CFSarasota.org.

buildings that became Senior Friendship Centers campus in Luke Wood Park, thought to be the first senior campus in the country.

NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA RANKED #11 ON KIPLINGER’S LIST

www.friendshipcenters.org

Kiplingers Personal Finance ranked New College of Florida #11 on its annual ranking of the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” for

EASTER SEALS SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RECOGNIZES OUT-

2011. This year marks the eighth consecutive time that New College

STANDING DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS

has placed among the nation’s top 20 public colleges overall on the

Easter Seals Southwest Florida held its annual Donor Recognition

Kiplinger’s list of schools delivering a stellar education at an afford-

Event honoring more than one hundred donors and volunteers. Ginger

able price. The special report and complete rankings are available in

Judge, a longtime Easter Seals Board member and supporter, received

the February 2011 issue of Kiplingers Personal Finance magazine and

the organizations first-ever Crystal Lily Award in honor of more than 35

online at www.kiplinger.com/tools/colleges.

years of service. Others recognized included: Robert Vecchione, architect and principal of Cobrooke Ideas/Architecture/Design who donated

GULF COAST DISTRIBUTES $268,755 IN GRANTS

more than $10,000 in pro bono services; Stuart J. Roth, founder of

Children First will use its $20,435 grant to install solar heating

Center for Faith and Freedom, who gave a $10,000 lead gift for remod-

systems on existing water heaters at two sites. The organization ex-

eling therapy and other service rooms; Drapcynzski Memorial Fund in

pects to save at least $70,000 over the lives of the systems. At the

honor of Frank Drapsynzski for Children’s Therapy; Ed Cauley, Carole

Charlotte County Habitat ReSale Store in Murdock, a $19,944 Gulf

Hopkins and Ken Braley were Volunteers of the Year; and Roger and

Coast grant will pay for energy-efficiency improvements expected to

Mary Rex for their regular contributions. www.easterseals-swfl.org

scene |

February 2011

scenesarasota.com

                                

  

  

  



PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANASOTA, FL PERMIT #88

PLYMOUTH HARBOR –

THE PLACE TO PURSUE PASSIONS

Professional artist Scott Pike used his creative talents in everything from comic book illustration to story boarding TV commercials before he and his wife, Margi decided to move to Plymouth Harbor. It is not just the views or the airy art studio available to all residents, but the entire community that far surpasses other retirement options and keeps them inspired with their decision to call Plymouth Harbor home. When quality of life, smart planning and the freedom to pursue passions and new interests are top priorities, Plymouth Harbor is the wise choice. Call us today for a tour of our award-winning campus, luxury accommodations and amenities.

Sarasota’s First Choice in Continuing Care Retirement Communities

700 John Ringling Blvd • Sarasota, Florida 34236 (941) 365-2600 • www.PlymouthHarbor.org A Not-For-Proﬁt Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) OIR #88039