July 2018

ELITE ESCAPES BEAUTY TIPS + TRENDS

SUMMER REFRESH

STUNNING WEDDINGS

SOCIAL SEASON HIGHLIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL WRAP-UP

scenesarasota.com

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Meet Dr. Burr Bakke and Dr. Jill Morris Click to View Video

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SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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CONTENTS features

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38 SIMPLY SUMMER Chic fashion essentials

43 BEAUTY NOTES Tips & trends from local experts

55 ELITE ESCAPES Two revitalizing getaways

By Jacqueline Miller

ON THE COVER

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SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

Photo of Shelby Johnson on Turtle Beach at Siesta Key by Jordan Kelly-Laviolette.

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Click to View Featured Models

CONTENTS departments

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SOCIAL SCENE

PHILANTHROPY

18 THE LIST

34 GETTING INVOLVED

July Events Calendar PARTY PICS

22 The Exchange Grant Awards 23 Scene-sational Events Season wrap-up SCENE TOGETHER

By Jacqueline Miller 70 Ashleigh Gregoria & Christiaan De Waal 74 Tess Garrett Stephenson & Chad Michael Miller

INSIDER 32 THE FIND Sunny yellow summer finds INHEALTH

91 Building Solutions to Florida’s Pediatric Dental Problem

By Dr. Kameron Hodgens, CEO

97 LAUGHING MATTERS Me and my pal, Stephen

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

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SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

...ON EVERY LEVEL Peter Miller & Martha Harrison

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

ART & CULTURE 86 BEST SEATS Performing Arts Calendar

88 GET INSPIRED Cultural happenings brought to you by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

ON THE TOWN 62 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW The Sarasota Film Festival 2018: The Greatest Show on Film

By Gus Mollasis

92 LITERARY SCENE Ryan reviews three nonfiction books about Florida

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

68 EDUCATION MATTERS South Florida Museum

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE

95 EAT & DRINK Purely Wonderful

By Rick Dakan

scenesarasota.com

BEACH READS 78 HARVESTER

by Courtney Jones

80 HURRICATION

by Carrie Font Granato

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Whatever inspires you, this is the place.

SarasotaBay Club Luxury Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay Come For A Visit and Be Inspired – Call Linda Ware or Dana Moe (941) 552-3284 Online At SarasotaBayClub.com • 1301 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida Click to View Video Tour of Residences

JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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from the executive editor

I

I KNOW JULY IS BEST KNOWN FOR OUR 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION, but did you know July 23 is Gorgeous Grandma Day? Seriously, I’m not kidding. I stumbled upon it while researching some oddball celebratory days that take place each year.

Let’s not confuse this day with National Grandparents Day – it seems that’s celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day (never knew that, either!). No, this is day is for GORGEOUS grandmas. It’s a day when you tell grandma or nana, whether she’s 70, 80 or 90, that she looks awesome. That there’s no better food on the planet than hers, that you love the fact that she has no filter, and that she spoils you and loves you no matter what you do. That’s a gorgeous grandma.

I remember when my gorgeous grandma, who passed at nearly 91 years of age, was in her 80s. It seemed she thought reaching that age gave her the right to say anything to anyone­—to say she had no filter was an understatement. She was awesome; she would tell people exactly what she thought, and she was usually spot on! Sometimes she would embarrass me, but most of the time I silently cheered her on. My grandmother was an amazing cook and a great lady, and I had the good fortune of being named after her. I only hope I can be half as good as she was.

The whole Gorgeous Grandma Day thing got me thinking that we should have a Gorgeous Grandma contest. Submit a photo of your gorgeous grandma to julie@scenesarasota.com and tell us why you think your grandma should win. I’ll assemble a cool panel of judges and the winner will be featured in a later issue of Sarasota Scene. Only grandmas over age 75 will be considered (there are too many great-looking young grandmas today!).

In this Summer Beauty issue, look for tips from area professionals on how to look your best in our “Beauty Notes” feature. We also have lots of sunny products for your shopping pleasure and two elite health resorts where you can recharge your batteries. July also marks the return of our annual “Beach Reads” feature­— exclusive short stories by Florida authors, with incredible illustrations by Sarasota Scene’s talented graphic designer, Darcy Kelly-Laviolette—for your reading pleasure.

It’s also time for our annual social season review. The incredible generosity of the people of Sarasota/Bradenton continued to motivate, encourage and inspire. I hope you enjoy our recap and our picks for the best “Scene-Sational” events of an exciting season. There’s a Sarasota Film Festival wrap-up, two stunning weddings of lovely young couples in “Scene Together,” and, of course, our regular monthly features on philanthropy, education, books, humor and more.

So, grab a cool one, sit on your lounger and enjoy! Don’t forget to email me about your gorgeous grandma!

Want to submit some comments or questions? We’d love to hear from you at julie@scenesarasota.com.

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SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

GLAM-MA (noun): A glamorous woman who is far too youthful, stylish & fabulous to be called Grandma.

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Locally Owned and Operated Since 1957 Vol. 61 No. 7

CEO/President Ronald Milton Publisher/Executive Editor Julie A. Milton Account Executive Linda Krysinski Graphic Designer Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

From special occasions to daily dining, Morton’s Market has got you covered.

Stop in for fresh seasonal produce, prime cuts of meat and seafood, and hot-fromthe-oven baked goods.

Choose from our tempting array of chef-prepared deli and gourmet to-go items, as well as fine wines, exotic cheeses and cut flowers.

Think of us for your catered events, holiday menus and gift baskets too.

Communications Specialist & Editorial Assistant Bobbilynn Hollifield Distribution Dick Jackson Contributing Writers Sue Cullen Bobbilynn Hollifield Jacqueline Miller Gus Mollasis Ryan G. Van Cleave Rick Dakan Cover Photographer Jordan Kelly-Laviolette Social Photographer Nancy Guth Contributing Photographers John Revisky Kelly Kearns

443 John Ringling Blvd. Ste. #F Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | Fax: 941.954.5067 scenesarasota.com

Historic Southside Village 1924 South Osprey Ave. ∙ Sarasota (941) 955-9856 ∙ MortonsMarket.com 14

SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

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

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SMOKY SMOKY MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN RETREAT RETREAT

Winters in Florida and summers in the Winters in Florida and summers in the that mountains of North Carolina - a lifestyle mountains of North Carolina a lifestyle that is hard to beat. Sarasota developer, Sherell is hard to Jr., beat. deto veloper, Sherell Johnson, hasSarasota managed acquire some Johnson, Jr.,beautiful has managed to acquire of the most mountain land insome the most beauti ful mountain land in of the Smokies where this lifestyle is reality to the many Smokies where this is reality to many Sarasotans.

Here helifestyle has created, along with Saraso tans.Nick HereRoknich; he has created, son-in-law, son Tomalong and awith son-in-law, Nick aRoknich; Tom andThe a dedicated staff, unique son community, dedicated staff, a unique community, The Smoky Mountain Retreat. Large homesites Smoky Mountain Retreat.

Large homesites with breathtaking views have masterpiece with breathtaking views have masterpiece log homes tucked back in the trees where log tucked back in the trees where theyhomes are barely seen.

Tight deed restrictions they are barely seen.

Tight deed restrictions protect the integrity and the environment protect the integ rity and the environment of this gated community.

Wild turkeys are of this gated community.

Wild turkeys plentiful and the occasional black bearare has plentiful and the occasional black bear has been spotted.

Over 1,000,000 acres of state been spotted.

Over 1,000,000 acres of state and national forestland is in the immediate and national forestland is in the immedi ate vicinity.

You truly have the feeling of being vicinity.

You truly have the feeling of being “way back in the mountains” when you sit on “way backporch in theofmountains” when you sit on the front a Smoky Mountain Retreat the front porch of a Smoky Mountain Retreat log home. log home.

In reality, just 30 minutes west of Asheville In reality, just 30 minutes of of Asheville and adjacent to the smallwest towns Maggie and adjacent to the small towns of Maggie Valley and Waynesville, you are very close to Valley Waynesville,shopping you are very to dozensand of restaurants, andclose a large dozens of restaurants, shopping and a large variety of interesting things to do. In these variety of inter things to do.

In stepped these mountains youesting do feel like you have mountains you do feel like you haveslower, stepped back in time.

Things change a little back time.

Things a little slower, life is in less hectic and change the friendliness of the life is less hectic and the friendliness of the people seems to reflect simpler times. people seems to reflect simpler times.

Laurel Ridge C.C. Clubhouse Laurel Ridge C.C. Clubhouse

Hole number 12, Laurel Ridge C.C. Hole number 12, Laurel Ridge C.C.

Smoky Mountain Retreat View Smoky Mountain Retreat View

Just five minutes from the Smoky Mountain Just fivegate, minutes the Smoky Mountain Retreat Mr. from Johnson also acquired Retreat gate, Mr. Johnson also acquired ownership of the Laurel Ridge Country Club, ownership of the Laurel Ridge which includes a Robert Cupp Country designedClub, which includes golf a Robert Cupp designed championship course, tennis complex, course, tennis complex, championship golf swimming pool and all the trimmings.

Built swimming and all theclub trimmings.

Built in 1986, thepool small country struggled in 1986, the country club struggled small financially for a number of years, but for more a number years,after but Mr. financially membership than of tripled membership more than tripled after Mr.built Johnson became involved. In 2008, he Johnson became involved.

In 2008, he built a rustic & beautiful new club house which a rustic & beautiful new club house which serves as the location of many local social many localand social serves as the locationtooffine functions in addition dining functions in addition to fine dining and membership events. The club has been membership events. club has been accepted by the localThe communities as a accepted by the local communities as a wonderful asset for the area wonderful asset for the area

For newcomers to the area this is an easy place to get acquainted. It is a an easy place to gettoacquainted.

It is a For newcomers to the this iswith great place to visit andarea socialize old friends and make new ones. great old friends and to make new ones. place to visit and socialize with Smoky Mountain Retreat property owners may obtain a membership in a membership Smoky Retreat property the clubMountain for the foreseeable future owners and willmay find obtain the atmosphere to beinvery the club for the foreseeable future and will find the atmosphere to be very welcoming. welcoming.

In 2012, Mr. Johnson sold the club to an In 2012, Mr. Johnson soldhave the club to an enterprising couple who added new enterprising couple who have added new ideas and energy as well as maintaining the ideas and energy as well as maintaining course and facilities in pristine condition.the course and facilities in pristine condition.

There is an inventory of homesites available in the Smoky Mountain an inventory of homesites availableparties in the Smoky There iswith Retreat breathtaking views. Interested may callMountain Sherell at Retreat with breathtaking views.beInterested parties may call Sherell 828.734.8528.

He can usually found in the office unless he is onatthe 828.734.8528.

He can usually be found in the office unless Laurel Ridge Golf Course, checking things out hole by hole. he is on the Laurel Ridge Golf Course, checking things out hole by hole.

Smoky Mountain Retreat View Smoky Mountain Retreat View

The Smoky Mountain Retreat at Eagles Nest is a 1,000 acre, The Smoky SmokyMountain MountainRetreat RetreatatatEagles EaglesNest Nestis isa a 1,000 acre, The 1,000 acre, The Smoky Mountain Retreat at at Eagles Nest is between a 1,000 acre, award winning, gated community, ideally located The Smoky Mountain Retreat Eagles Nest is a 1,000 acre, award winning, gatedcommunity, community, ideally located award winning, gated ideally located The Smoky Mountain Retreat atat Eagles Nest is between abetween 1,000 acre, The Smoky Mountain Retreat Eagles Nest is a 1,000 acre, award winning, gated community, ideally located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

With outstanding views, award winning, gated community, ideally located between Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

With outstanding views, Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

With outstanding views, award winning, gated community, ideally located between award winning, gated community, ideally located between 22 miles Valley of wideand paved roads, cityWith water, buried utilities plus Maggie Waynesville. outstanding views, Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

With outstanding views, 22 miles of wide paved roads, city water, buried utilities plus 22 miles of wide paved roads, city water, buried utilities plus Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

With outstanding views, Maggie Valley and Waynesville.

With outstanding views, a22well funded homeowners association, thisburied may be the plus miles of of wide paved roads, city water, utilities 22 miles wide paved roads, city water, buried utilities plus aa well funded homeowners association, this may be the funded homeowners association, mayutilities be the plus 22well miles ofof wide paved roads, city water,this buried 22 miles paved city buried utilities plus community andwide lifestyle youroads, have beenwater, searching for. a well funded homeowners association, this may be the aThe well funded homeowners association, this may the acre, community and lifestyle you have been searching for.

Smoky Mountain Retreat atbeen Eagles Nest isbe abe 1,000 community and lifestyle you have searching for. a well funded homeowners association, this may the SMOKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER a well funded homeowners association, this may be the The Smoky Mountain Retreat atbeen Eagles Nest isfor. a for.

1,000 acre,SMOKY community and lifestyle you have searching MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER community and lifestyle you have been searching SMOKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER award winning, gated community, ideally located between community and lifestyle you have been searching for. community and lifestyle you have been searching for.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER SMOKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER award winning, gated community, ideally located between SMOKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER SMOKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER Maggie Valley and Waynesville. With outstanding views, Maggie Valley and Waynesville. With outstanding views, 22 miles of wide paved roads, city water, buried utilities plus 22 miles of wide paved roads, city water, buried utilities plus a well funded homeowners association, this may be the a well funded homeowners association, this may be the community and lifestyle you have been searching for. community and lifestyle you have been searching for.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER SMOKY MOUNTAIN RETREAT WELCOME CENTER

This House with Views This Amazing Amazing HouseHomesites with Breathtaking Breathtakingwith Views Breathtaking Views Prime 2± Acre Prime 2± Acre Homesites with Breathtaking Views is Available for $870,000 Prime 2± Acre Homesites with Breathtaking Views is Available for $870,000 Prime 2± Acre Homesites with Breathtaking Views Prime 2± Acre Homesites with Breathtaking Views Enjoy Cool Mountain Summers at Elevations Around 4000’ Prime 2± Acre Homesites with Breathtaking Views Prime 2± Acre Homesites with Breathtaking Views Enjoy Cool Mountain Summers at Elevations Around 4000’ Enjoy Cool Mountain Summers at Elevations Around 4000’

Enjoy Cool Mountain Summers at Elevations Around 4000’ Enjoy Cool Mountain Summers Elevations Around 4000’ Enjoy EnjoyCool CoolMountain MountainSummers Summersatat atElevations ElevationsAround Around4000’ 4000’

Prime Prime 2± 2± Acre Acre Homesites Homesites with with Breathtaking Breathtaking Views Views Enjoy Enjoy Cool Cool Mountain Mountain Summers Summers at at Elevations Elevations Around Around 4000’ 4000’ E-10 • $$250,000 E-10 • 250,000 E-10 • $$250,000 E-10 $250,000 E-10•• $•250,000 $250,000 E-10 E-10 •250,000

E-4 • $$95,000 E-4 • 95,000 E-4 • $$95,000 E-4 $95,000 E-4•• $•95,000 $95,000 E-4 E-4 •95,000

G-5 • $$120,000 G-5 • 120,000 G-5 • $$120,000 G-5 • $•120,000 $120,000 G-5 $120,000 SMOKY MOUNTAIN R ETREAT R•EALTY G-5 120,000 E-10 • $$250,000 G-5 • 4 Bedroom/41/2 Baths SMOKY MOUNTAIN R ETREAT R EALTY • 250,000 DEVELOPER & SALES TEAM: 4 Bedroom/41/2 Baths G-4E-10 • $$110,000 EVELOPER & SALESR ETREAT TEAM: R EALTY SD MOKY MOUNTAIN G-4 • 110,000 2 Master Suites SMOKY MM OUNTAIN R ETREAT R EALTY S MOKY OUNTAIN R ETREAT R $ 2 G-4 Master Suites DEVELOPER & SRALES TEAM : EALTY • $110,000 SMOKY MM OUNTAIN ETREAT R EALTY S MOKY OUNTAIN R ETREAT R D EVELOPER & S ALES T EAM : EALTY G-4 • 110,000 $ D EVELOPER & S ALES T EAM G-4• $•Rooms 110,000 2G-4 Great D EVELOPER & S ALES T EAM : :: $ 110,000 D EVELOPER & S ALES T EAM G-4 •Rooms 110,000 2 Great $ G-5 • $120,000 G-5 • 120,000 Large Loft

Live Live an an Unparalleled Unparalleled Lifestyle Lifestyle Large Loft Live an Unparalleled Lifestyle in the Mountains Live an Unparalleled Lifestyle in the Mountains Live an Unparalleled Lifestyle 2 Car Garage an Unparalleled Lifestyle Live an Unparalleled Lifestyle 2 Car this Garage TheLive Johnson developer and sales team know in the Mountains The JohnsonE-4 developer and sales team know this Built in •2016 in G-4 95,000 110,000 • the in the Mountains property like theE-4 palms of Mountains their hands. They can help find Built in •this 2016 G-4 95,000 110,000 • the in the Mountains property like the in palms of Mountains their hands. help find The Johnson developer and sales They team can know $ $

$ $

SMOKY MOUNTAIN R ETREAT R EALTY SMOKY MOUNTAIN R ETREAT R EALTY DEVELOPER & SALES TEAM: Tom Johnson Sherell Johnson DEVELOPER & SALES TEAM: Tom Johnson Sherell Johnson 828-423-9239 828-734-8528

828-423-9239 828-734-8528 4160 SF Heating & Cooling tomsj7@gmail.com The Johnson developer and sales team know this the ideal homesite to build your dream home on.

The Johnson developer and sales team know this Tom Johnson sherellwj@aol.com Sherell Johnson 4160 SF Heating & Cooling the ideal homesite toofbuild your dream home on.

The Johnson developer and sales team know this property like the palms their hands.

They can help find tomsj7@gmail.com sherellwj@aol.com The Johnson developer and sales team know this Tom Johnson Sherell Johnson 828-423-9239 828-734-8528 Tom Johnson Sherell Johnson property like the palms of their hands.

They can help find 3 Fireplaces–1 Wood Burning property like the palms of their hands.

They can help find Tom Johnson Sherell Johnson Live an Unparalleled Lifestyle 828-423-9239 828-734-8528 Tom Johnson Sherell Johnson property like the palms ofof their hands.

They can help find 828-423-9239 828-734-8528 the ideal homesite to build your dream home on.

3 Fireplaces–1 Wood Burning property like the palms their hands.

They can help find tomsj7@gmail.com sherellwj@aol.com Live an Unparalleled Lifestyle 828-423-9239 828-734-8528 828-423-9239 828-734-8528 the ideal homesite to build your dream home on.

Check our website SmokyMountainRetreat.com for more info on our property and vacation rentals tomsj7@gmail.com sherellwj@aol.com the idealhomesite homesite buildyour yourdream dream home on. tomsj7@gmail.com sherellwj@aol.com Manyfor Quality Features Check ourideal website SmokyMountainRetreat.com more info on our property and vacation rentals the toto build home on. tomsj7@gmail.com sherellwj@aol.com the ideal homesite toRealty, build your home on. tomsj7@gmail.com sherellwj@aol.com in the Mountains Many Quality Features Smoky Mountain Retreat Inc. • 26dream Gaddis Branch Road., Maggie Valley • 828-926-5300

in the Mountains

Smoky Mountain Retreat Realty, Inc. • 26 Gaddisfor Branch Road., Maggie Valley •and 828-926-5300 Check our website SmokyMountainRetreat.com more info on our property vacation rentals The Johnson developer and sales team know this Check our website SmokyMountainRetreat.com for more info on our property and vacation Check our website SmokyMountainRetreat.com for more info on our property and vacationrentals rentals The Johnson developer and sales team know this Smoky Mountain Retreat Realty, Inc. • 26 Gaddis Branch Road., Maggie Valley • 828-926-5300 Check our website SmokyMountainRetreat.com for more info ononour property and vacation Tom Johnson Sherellrentals Johnson Check our website SmokyMountainRetreat.com for more info our property and vacation rentals Smoky Mountain Retreat Realty, Inc. • 26 Gaddis Branch Road., Maggie Valley • 828-926-5300 property like the palms of their hands.

They can help find Tom Johnson Sherell Johnson SmokyMountain Mountain Retreat Realty, Inc.• 26 • 26Gaddis Gaddis Branch Road., Maggie Valley• 828-926-5300 • 828-926-5300 828-423-9239 828-734-8528 property like the Retreat palms of theirInc. hands. can helpRoad., find Smoky Realty, Branch Maggie Valley Smoky Mountain Retreat Realty, Inc. • 26They Gaddis Branch Road., Maggie Valley • 828-926-5300 828-423-9239 828-734-8528

the ideal homesite to build your dream home on.

tomsj7@gmail.com

sherellwj@aol.com

SCENE TOGETHER THE LIST PARTY PICS

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Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

scenesarasota.com

Grand Prix Fan Fest

july1

Grand Prix Fan Fest & Awards Ceremony

The LIST JULY 2018 EVENTS CALENDAR

Van Wezel | Centennial Park Viewing of the races and award presentations 10:00 a.m. | 5:30 p.m.

Free sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org

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Choral Artists of Sarasota Independence Day “Patriotic Spectacular”

PICK YOUR FAVORITES!

Summer’s in full swing, and while it’s quieted some, our community is far from sleepy.

We’re beating the heat in, on and around the water as well as in the AC. Boating, splashing and fishing are a few of the things we’re enjoying by day, while by night we’re sipping wine and taking in the art scene—a palette of fun in our slice of paradise.

First United Methodist Church Special concert featuring live performances of patriotic songs 4:30 p.m. | $40 choralartistssarasota.org/patriotic-spectacular

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Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular Island Park Fourth of July fireworks; part of the Grand Prix celebration 9:00 p.m. | Free sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org

4

The Westin Sarasota EVOQ Terrace 5:00 p.m. – Barbeque 9:00 p.m. – Fireworks Reservations are required: 941.260.8255 Open to the public westinsarasota.com 18

SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

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MICHELLE CRABTREE Broker Associate, REALTOR® A third-generation local and broker associate since 1982, Michelle is dedicated to serving your needs in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

941.724.4663 michelle.crabtree@premiersir.com crabtreehomes.com

PREMIERSOTHEBYSREALTY.COM

Sarasota Lionfish Derby Each office is independently owned and operated.

4

The Westin Sarasota 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. - Grill station poolside (a la carte menu available) 5:00 p.m. – Barbecue 9:00 p.m. – Fireworks Guests only westinsarasota.com

5

5th Annual Liberty Litter Cleanup Beaches: Siesta, Lido, South Lido, Nokomis, North Jetty, Blind Pass Volunteers clean up after the Fourth of July celebrations 7:00 a.m.

To volunteer call 941.861.5000

It doesn’t need to be NEW to be

AWESOME!

Voted Sarasota’s #1 Consignment Store

6

Lakewood Ranch Music on Main LWR Main St. 6:00 p.m.

Free admission Food and beverage available for purchase

mit to the BARGAINS you’ll FIND!

6–8

5th Annual Sarasota Lionfish Derby Mote Marine Laboratory Harvest invasive lionfish, learn about + eat them Free | Mote.org

AWARDING MORE THAN $8 MILLION LOCALLY IN GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

There’s no limit to the BARGAINS you’ll FIND! Supporting local ARTS related programs & education for more than 50 years.

Volunteer • Donate Consign • Shop 539 S. ORANGE | 941-955-7859 | OPEN MON-FRI 9-4 & SAT 10-4 | www.sarasotawex.com JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Mote Aquarium Shark Days

Disney Magic 2018

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Selby’s Splashin Saturdays Selby Gardens Fun water activities every Saturday in July 10:00 a.m.

Adults: $20 | Children: $10 Members: Free selby.org

7

Italian American Club of Venice 8th Annual Midsummer Festival Cocktail hour (cash bar) followed by dinner.

Members: $34 | Guests: $39 941.468.5013

7

Cocktails and Art Demos The Cottage Art Gallery, Nokomis Happy hour and meet the artist event 3:30 p.m. | $15 thecottageinnokomis.com

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Disney Magic 2018 Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

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Brunch + mimosas, fashion show, canine parade, auctions, + more Hosted by Samantha’s Friends and benefiting Southeastern Guide Dogs 10:30 a.m. $100 | Cast Table $200 Sat. night VIP $300 samanthas-friends.org

11 – 14

The World Series of Comedy McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre Professional comics from the US & Canada perform for a chance to win 7:00 p.m. | $18 – 21 theworldseriesofcomedy.com

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AJC 2018 Summer Lunch & Learn Series Michael’s On East Julie Rayman, AJC’s Director of Political Outreach “The Growing Need for Global Jewish Advocacy” 11:30 a.m. | $28 ajc.org

SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

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Sarasota Opera Guild Summer Salon II Bird Key Yacht Club Lunch with entertainment by masters of music 11:30 a.m. | $40 sarasotaopera.org/sog.aspx

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Third Friday Artwalks

28 – 29

8th Annual Mystic Faire Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 11:00 a.m.

Admission: $7 $10 for both days

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Sarasota Full Inclusion Back to School Bash

Towles Court Meet the artists, shop and dine 5:00 p.m. | Free + free parking towlescourt.com

Westfield Sarasota Square Mall Features Back to School Business Fair and more 12:00 p.m. | Free ibb.co/hDEg8c

25 – 28

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Education & entertainment with real sharks mote.org

Goodwill Manasota Corporate Campus Lunch & a presentation accompanied by a tour and networking 11:30 a.m. | Free experiencegoodwill.org

Mote Aquarium Shark Days

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17th Annual Friday Fest Van Wezel, on the bayfront lawn Feat. Reverend Barry & the Funk 5:00 p.m.

Free; food and beverage available for purchase.

Goodwill Lunch and Learn

S C EN ES A R A S O TA . C O M for the latest social scene party pics.

To submit your event for consideration, please send information to scenemagazine@scenesarasota.com

social SCENE

UPCOMING Events

SOVEREIGN PLASTIC SURGERY TUMMY TUCKS | BREAST LIFT | ARM & THIGH LIFTS | COOLSCULPTING

REQUEST A CONSULTATION! BODY SCULPTING | BREAST AUGMENTATION | LIPOSUCTION

Alissa M. Shulman M.D., F.A.C.S. Friday Fest/Music on Main

JULY 31 – AUGUST 4 Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament Marina Jack Proceeds benefit Harvest House sarasotaslam.com

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

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2017 Sarasota Memorial Hospital Physician of the Year

AUGUST 2 – 30 Art After 5 The Ringling Thursdays Music, art, gallery discussions 5:00 p.m. | $5 - $10 ringling.org

AUGUST 3 Music on Main Lakewood Ranch Main St. Featuring Wild Root; benefiting CAN Community Health 6:00 p.m. | Free (food/drink available for purchase) lakewoodranch.com

AUGUST 17 Friday Fest Van Wezel Bayfront Lawn Featuring Rebel Heart 5:00 p.m. | Free

NEW TO THE AREA AND NOT SURE WHERE TO BUY? Whether you are looking to buy a new home or sell your existing home we can assist you.

There are many real estate companies and Realtors® to choose from, so we would be honored to speak with you regarding your real estate sale or purchase.

DON’T WANT TO BE JUST ANOTHER LISTING? We aim to provide personal service that only a small, locally-owned company can provide.

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941.302.4812 500 S. WASHINGTON BLVD, SUITE 400 SARASOTA,FLORIDA 34236 WWW.SOLUTIONSSARASOTA.COM JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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social SCENE

PARTY pics

Richard Russell & Syble DiGirolamo Joseph McKenna, Elizabeth Lindsay & Linda DiGabriele

THE EXCHANGE GRANT AWARDS The Woman’s Exchange awarded $250,000 to 19 arts and cultural organizations and 22 students pursuing a higher education in the arts. Recipient organizations were chosen based on long-term stability and financial health, the program’s overall appeal and its educational impact on children.

Scholarships were awarded based on grade point average, Bruce Rodgers & the individual’s artistic goals and achievements, and letters Ann Logan of recommendation. Nearly 250 guests attended the event in support of the students and programs.

Jessica Pope Olivia Valek & Karen Koblenz

Elizabeth Power & Jennifer Rominiecki

& Suzanne Raymond

EXPERIENCE - EXPERTISE TOP PERFORMANCE REALTORS® All Put to Work For You.

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1605 Main Street, Suite 101 | 941.951.6660 22

SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

Nicole Mei Realtor® GRI, CLHMS

941.400.0540

NicoleMei@michaelsaunders.com

events scene - sational

GREY MATTERS The passion of local heroes Bob & Diane Roskamp, The Roskamp Institute’s Grey Matters raised money for diseases of the mind.

Everyone’s help is needed.

Education, medical research and the arts were just some of the themes for this past season’s social lineup. Kicking off with Key to the Cure and winding down with the Dick Vitale Gala, this was surely a record-setting year. We danced, sipped, shopped and donated our way through hurricane season and beyond in true Sarasota style and along the way inspired each other to get involved and be even more charitable. Some of these events were so spectacular, they deserved our 2017-2018 “Scene-Sational” Award!

SMHF’S KEY TO THE CURE It’s so much fun. And when you get almost 1,000 people mostly dressed in pink to attend, you must be doing lots right. Best yet, funds raised support Women’s Cancer Care Services at SMH.

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scenesational

BACCHUS ON THE BEACH Who doesn’t love stone crabs? These tasty creatures are just coming into season at this fun annual beach event at the Resort at Longboat Key Club.

There’s also lots of good wine.

SAINT STEPHEN’S GREEN & GOLD GALA The Family Mixer. Spring Fling.

Grandparents Day. Scholarships. These are just a few of the programs at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School supported by this annual gala. Great people. Great teachers. Great school.

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USFSM BRUNCH ON THE BAY It’s the best brunch event of the season plus you get to meet inspirational USF Sarasota-Manatee students who proudly represent their school. Plus, great food!

scenesational

THE HOSPITAL GALA One of the best events of the season, The Hospital Gala’s inaugural event, hosted by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, was a blast.

Be sure to get your tickets early.

HORNE & MOON SCHOLARSHIP SOCIAL John & Amanda Horne and Stewart & Trudy Moon know how to throw a party. Their Paris-themed event, The Moulin Rouge, raised funds for need-based scholarships for local adults to return to school.

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA’S COMPOSING THE FUTURE BRUNCH SO’s season opening brunch event is always a winner with music by Youth Orchestra’s ensembles and a beautiful setting in Selby Gardens by the bay.

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scenesational PINES FOUNDATION WIT AND WISDOM OF AGING LUNCHEON This annual luncheon always features inspirational life stories of locals who make a difference and supports the Pines of Sarasota Rehabilitation & Senior Care Community.

JFED’S WOMEN’S DAY Always a sold-out favorite, this a top speaker luncheon. This year’s luncheon featured Olympic Gold Medalist Aly Raisman, who discussed her new book, Jewish pride, positive body image, and being a role model for young girls. Can’t wait for the next one!

LAMUSICA’S SONATA A DUE Incredible chamber music by the ubertalented Federico Agostini (on violin) and Derek Han (on piano) is just one of the lures of this early December event held at the beautifully holiday-decorated Field Club.

JFCS ANNUAL GALA Always a “tug at the heartstrings” event, you hear life-changing stories from people helped by JFCS. Plus, there’s toe-tapping tunes by the full Sarasota Orchestra. WOW! 26

JULY 2018 2018 SARASOTA SCENE | JULY

scenesational THE OPERA GALA What could be better than celebrating the opening of a Puccini opera? Nothing, really.

This French-themed event paid homage to Manon Lescaut, Sarasota Opera’s winter opener and thrilled the elegant crowd.

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION’S PALM BALL Elegant.

Beautiful. Inspiring. You’ll love this organization, this dazzling evening and all it stands for. Get on board.

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scenesational

GOODWILL MARDI GRAS GALA Everyone loves Mardi Gras. Masks.

Beads. Lots of color and lots of fun.

Goodwill does it well every year in support of its important programs.

CIRCUS ARTS GALA If you’ve never attended the Circus Arts Gala you’re missing out on the most fun event in town. Put on your circus best and get your tickets for next year’s gala!

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CATHOLIC CHARITIES BALL This ball, one of the grandest in town, helps serve over 40,000 people in need. Plus, there’s lots of “giving from the heart” all under the watchful eye of Bishop Dewane. Who wants to let him down?

scenesational SCF’S AVENUES TO THE FUTURE This magical evening showcases the musical and artistic talents of SCF students and supports programs, scholarships and other important needs. SCF is vital to meeting the educational and workforce training needs in our area and therefore our future.

BETHESDA HOUSE MARDI GRAS MADNESS Another terrific MardiGras-themed event, guests donned the traditional masks and feathers while enjoying a Fat Tuesday Wine Pull and lots more in support of Bethesda House, Catholic Charities’ drop-in community center for people living with HIV.

THE BASH: AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE ANEW Beaming students. Fabulous art. An exciting auction. The top 25 students’ works of art are auctioned off at this signature fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Uplifting for sure!

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scenesational

VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION GALA Outstanding. What else can we say except it’s an event you want to get your tickets to as soon as they announce it. Cocktails and dinner by the bay and singing along with Barry Manilow. Not sure who next year’s performer will be, but remember our advice!

CVA HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON One of the hottest lunch tickets every year, the Community Video Archives Hall of Fame Luncheon honors locals making a difference. Well done again Annette Scherman and Chris Pfahler!

CHILDREN FIRST FAIRYTALE BALL Children First’s annual Fairytale Ball is magical, colorful and fun. Wishes come true for children as guests open their hearts and wallets in support of this important Head Start program.

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SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

scenesational

SMHF’S WOMEN & MEDICINE LUNCHEON This educational and transformational luncheon hosted

by Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation features some of the best medical minds in town who discuss health issues relating to women.

PIQUE-NIQUE SUR LA BAIE It’s back! Thanks to Florida Winefest, in partnership with New College Foundation, this long-time favorite with ladies donning fashionable hats returned to resounding applause! Ooh la la!

DICK VITALE GALA The tears flowed. The feet stomped. And yes, again he set records. God Bless Dickie V as he set yet another record raising millions for pediatric cancer research. | SARASOTA SCENE JULY JULY 2018 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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insider

The FIND

HELLO, SUNSHINE! THESE SUNNY PIECES PAY PROPER HOMAGE TO SUMMER.

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1 Canary & white diamonds in 18k white & yellow gold. The Roman & Jules ring doubles as a pendant. $16,492 | sarasotawex.com 2 Water-resistant cooler bag with microfiber EVA lining and gold zipper pull. $43 | tgeorgianos.com 3 Double Angle V-neck by Planet.

Lightweight linen. $230 | dreamweavercollection.com

4 Handwoven Shibori Organic Cotton Silk Scarf crafted by rural artisans in India for the Handloom Project, which supports economic and social empowerment

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$108 | eileenfisher.com

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5 Gypsea Pineapple Pom-Pom Charm 5” faux fur with printed trim $48 | lillypulitzer.com

6 Mar y Sol wide-brim raffia hat with leather trim & cotton interior band $115 | everythingbutwater.com 7 Surf Gypsea Earrings in Lilly’s Lemon.

3.75” long. $48 | lillypulitzer.com 8 Bella Beach Pant in Sunset Jungle. 100% rayon. $136 | shorebrand.com 9 Stars for the Soul Dreams necklace. 16-18” long (adjustable), lobster claw closure, Swarovski crystals. $52 | brighton.com

JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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philanthropy

Getting Involved

. . .ON EVERY LEVEL PETER MILLER & MARTHA HARRISON

BY RYAN G. VAN CLEAVE | PHOTO BY KELLY KEARNS Peter Miller and Martha Harrison arrived here from San Francisco in June 2015 and they both consider it one of the best decisions they ever made. Sarasota is a cultural mecca, they note, but perhaps its greatest asset is its size. Here, people can connect and be part of what’s happening far more easily than in places like San Francisco or New York City, two cities that Peter, a tech guru and entrepreneur, knows well.

“We’ve grown into things slowly,” he says about their relocation to Sarasota. “Some people dive into the deep end quickly.

We’ve waded in more slowly.” Their first real connection in the local philanthropy community came from a meeting with Iain Webb of The Sarasota Ballet. As expected, the former Royal Ballet dancer and current Director of the Ballet wowed them, as did the quality of the company. “We’d heard they had a good reputation, but when we went to see the Ballet, we were blown away. It was magical.” Peter joined a Sarasota Ballet task force, and soon after, he became a member of the Board. To this day, he and Martha remain fervent supporters of all that they do.

But Peter and Martha didn’t stop there—they waded deeper into the pool of possibilities.

They then connected with Ringling College of Art and Design. With 40+ years of appointments in higher education faculty and administration in three different states, Martha yearned to stay part of the world of academia.

And Peter’s love for film—being both a film buff and writer— made the Ringling College partnership a natural one. Why that college versus any of the others in our area, though?

“The people at RCAD are fun, creative, and passionate,” Martha says. “Those are the type of people we want to be around.”

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philanthropy

“Besides all the wonderful things about it (Sarasota) that we all know—the weather, the people, the culture—what it gives people like us is a chance to participate in ways that simply wouldn’t be possible elsewhere.”

–Peter Miller

They first became members of the Film Department’s Founders Circle, a group established to help film students work with professional filmmakers as part of their education. Then Peter and Martha extended their commitment to education by joining the new creative writing major’s Creative Writing Advisory Committee which supports young writers through networking, mentoring, scholarships, and writing opportunities, “We’re very excited about the creative writing program.

It has a huge upside,” Peter says, “because it’s all about story. And without story, we don’t have film, animation, graphic novels, or much else.

Story is vital.”

While The Sarasota Ballet and Ringling College remain two of their main areas of focus, they do have other outlets. One of these is Selby Gardens, where they’re part of the Chairman’s Circle—a group that “supports the activities that are the bedrock of Selby Gardens’ mission,” according to its website. And Martha works with the recently launched Designing Women Boutique (DWB) Groundworks program, where anything donated from high-end handbags to entire estates via that liaison sends 60% of the proceeds to that organization. Martha’s specific liaison area? Ringling College, of course. “We donated a lot of things to the DWB Groundworks Program when we moved,” she adds. “It’s an easy way to give without writing a check.”

Martha’s national reputation in teacher preparation continues to keep her involved in designing and implementing workshops for teachers with a focus on arts integration in Washington, D.C., California, Tennessee, and Florida. She’s on the Board of Trustees of University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s PAInT (Partnership for Integration of the Arts in Teaching) initiative, a statewide center that provides infrastructure for university partnerships that support arts-integrated teaching.

Participation doesn’t stop in this family with Martha and Peter. Their Maltipoo, Bailey, is a registered service dog that goes out to hospitals

and assisted living facilities as a therapy dog on a regular basis.

Bailey’s sweet temperament is a hit every time. “Some people won’t leave their rooms at The Pines unless they know Bailey’s there,” Martha notes.

When asked where the impulse for giving back comes from, Martha immediately mentions her mother, Madge Harrison, who held the highest position in the American Cancer Society available to a non-MD. “Her 1986 fundraiser for ACS raised more money than in any other year,” Martha proudly notes. Plus in Martha’s career at places like the University of Tampa and University of South Florida, she wrote and was awarded grants that netted millions of dollars of support for educational programming. “That type of giving was taught to me early on through demonstration by my parents.”

Peter and Martha aren’t interested in simply offering up financial support when it comes to helping out. Sometimes the best support comes in other ways, such as how Martha bakes for the Ballet. On days when there’s a matinee and evening show, she and others in the Friends of the Sarasota Ballet feed the dancers. Martha says that “they really appreciate it. They come off stage from the matinee performance and there’s a big spread of food ready for them.” Martha handles the baking, while others tackle main dishes, vegetables, and other parts of the buffet.

While there’s no doubt that Peter and Martha have a new but profound connection to Sarasota— “It’s our home, our community,” they repeated throughout the

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philanthropy interview—they have plans to do even more. They intend to launch a new foundation late this year or early 2019. This new endeavor strikes at the core of what they value as philanthropists: education and the arts.

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It’s going to be named after Martha’s only daughter, Jennifer Harrison, who succumbed to lung cancer in 2016 while working in LA as a paralegal for entertainment lawyers. Jennifer always loved writing and wanted to transition from her successful career in law to become a full-time writer, yet she struggled to do so despite support from Peter and Martha. “We saw how difficult it was for her to try to make that transition,” Peter says.

“One of the areas of focus for the foundation will be to identify and support people who are in transition between one career and another.

Especially into a writing career.”

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“It’s our way of honoring Jennifer,” Martha adds. Gulf Coast Community Foundation will help them figure out how best to provide resources to budding writers and creative people like Jennifer who want to make that career shift. “We’re still working on the specific mission,” Peter says. To that end, they’re soliciting advice from Jennifer’s lifelong friends in Boston, SF, and LA, who all knew Jennifer and are equally committed to the success of this new foundation.

“Bottom line? We love Sarasota,” Peter declares. “Besides all the wonderful things about it that we all know—the weather, the people, the culture—what it gives people like us is a chance to participate in ways that simply wouldn’t be possible elsewhere. It’s unique—we’ve never lived in a place that has this kind of quality of life as well as the potential to participate so fully.”

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

on how you can help, visit sarasotaballet.org; ringling.edu; designingwomensrq.org; usfsm.edu; and gulfcoastCF.org.

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From the proprietor to the managers to its outstanding staff, everyone at the legendary Cafe L’Europe is committed to excellence as you partake in an unforgettable culinary adventure.

New Summer Hours: Open for Lunch & Dinner Noon to 8:30 Sun - Wed Noon to 9 Thurs - Sat Closed Mondays beginning June 4 through August 27

ESTABLISHED 1973

431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota | 941.388.4415 | cafeleurope.net CONTINENTAL CUISINE | FINE WINES | CRAFT COCKTAILS | PIANO MUSIC JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE ALFRESCO DINING | PRIVATE DINING | ON- OR OFF-PREMISE CATERING

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S imp ly S um m e r TAKE IT EASY WITH THESE CHIC & COMFY ESSENTIALS | PHOTOS BY JORDAN KELLY-LAVIOLETTE

Ulla Johnson Rattan Rona Tote $390 Swell 17oz Bottle $35

all products from lotus boutique 1451 main street 941.906.7080 lotusssarasota.com

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Mer Sea Assorted Candles $24-$58 Fabrizio Viti For Ancient Greek Sandals, Sylvie Sandal $325 Printed Artworks Silk/Modal Shawl $218

From the Ombre Collection: 18k white gold necklace has 17.42 carats of perfectly graduated shades of blue sapphires and 2.36 carats of beautiful white diamonds. $25,750 18k white gold bracelet cuff has 6.06 carats of color graduated blue sapphires and .73 carats of white diamonds. $9,650 18k white gold dome ring features 12.80 carats of graduating sapphires and 1.13 carats in diamonds. $10,750

Ancient Greek Sandals Apteros Rose Gold Slides $235

Jacquie Aiche 14K Yellow Gold Graduated Diamond Crescent Moon Necklace $4840

| JULY JULY 2018 2018 | SARASOTA SARASOTA SCENE SCENE

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Vintage La Rose Turquoise Chain With Oxidized Silver and Pavé Diamond Clasp $450 Vintage La Rose Crescent Moon and Natural Pearl Bracelet $140 Vintage La Rose Oxidized Silver and Pavé Diamond Hoop Earrings $1120 Pedro Garcia Alice Slide $450 Vintage La Rose Oxidized Silver and Pavé Diamond Lotus Pendant $540

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Top: Casadei Marisa Ribbon Heel $650 Bottom: Casadei Positano Carved Wedge $495 Loeffler Randall Tassell Pouch $195 Failero Sarti Savana Modal Scarf $326 Elizabeth and James Gold Filled with White Topaz Clark Cuff $254 Elizabeth and James Gold Filled with White Topaz Isabelle Flower Necklace $126

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SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

Enjoy a season of plays and musicals !

Full and Pick-6 packages are available.

Single tickets go on sale July 2, 2018.

Free parking always available!

July 2–20 The highlight of Broadway Bootcamp is a fully staged production of

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Tuition: $400* Performance Dates Friday, July 20 | 7:00 p.m.

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BEAUTY

Summertime is the best time to refresh and recharge. Whether it’s your smile, your skin, hair, face or general wellbeing, here are some tips and trends from health and beauty experts to help you do just that!

Photo by John Revisky.

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smile design World Class Dentistry 3951 Swift Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.923.6363 sarasotadentist.com

Jill Morris D.M.D

I n a c t Wh a my t u o b do a l e? i m S y G umm

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ver the years, I’ve been approached by patients who dislike their ‘gummy’ smiles. I suffered from the same problem. They feel the excess tissue display when they smile is unattractive. This happens because during childhood development, the palate

grows narrow and vaulted in shape. This can occur due to mouth breathing from allergies or illness. Habits like pacifiers and thumb sucking also cause gummy smiles. So what are the solutions? Of course surgery is an option, but most of the time tissue and bone needs

to be removed followed by veneers. Most of my patients do not opt for an invasive surgery. I have successfully placed Botox in the muscle that lifts the lip reducing activity of the top lip for 3 months. We repeat this every 3 months. The cost is usually less than $200 to place the Botox. I have personally used this for myself and have been

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happy with the results.

Another option, which can combine nicely with the Botox, is to place soft filler in the lips. This causes a lessening of the movement of the lip and also inhibits the lines around the lips. This is a nice simple combination and is pretty. The lip fillers can last on average 12 to 18 months.

Help! My teeth are getting shorter and shorter.

his is one of the most common conditions I see on a daily basis. Once the protective layer of the enamel is worn away, the soft underlying dentin will wear seven times faster. Stains from food and drinks can soak into the tooth structure and the teeth darken. The face ‘collapses’ as the chin gets closer to the nose because of the loss of tooth support.

This is very aging for the face as the lips shrink and jowls

form. The solution for this is to add back to the teeth, restoring them to their original height with veneers and overlays.

Natural bright shades give the smile a youthful, vital appearance. We call this the ‘dental facelift’.

Patients tell me they wish they had done this for themselves sooner. Now their appearance matches their happy and active lifestyle.

Dr. Jill Morris, founder of World Class Dentistry®, is the only accredited dentist in the Sarasota area with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. She has taught live patient cosmetic courses to hundreds of dentists and has been in practice for 31 years.

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breast implants Sarasota Plastic Surgery 2255 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239 941.203.1303

David L. Mobley M.D., F.A.C.S.

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th e Wh a t a re ic a l d e m t s e w ne nt s i n e m e c n a v ad t i on? a t n e m g u e a st a

ore than 365,000 women will seek breast augmentation surgery in 2018 with groundbreaking improvements in breast implant performance and safety and a reduced chance of complications.

New cohesive gel implants (gummy bear) have surged in popularity since being approved by the FDA. These implants give patients a better, more natural result with a very lifelike feel. They have an excellent safety record and are extremely well made. The many sizes, shapes and even differences in softness allows each patient to choose exactly what fits their needs, from a moderate enlargement

to replace lost volume after pregnancy, to an extremely voluptuous increase in breast size which will completely change how you look in a bathing suit.

Vectra 3D imaging is an amazing new technology that changes everything about deciding on the best implant size for a patient.

Using a state-of-the-art camera system, we can now show a patient the specific changes she would expect from each size and style of implant choice on a 3D image of her body.

It’s like seeing the results in advance. This makes the allimportant decision of “how big do I want my breasts to be?” much easier.

Should I shop for the best price when having a breast augmentation?

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any cut-rate breast augmentations are performed by unqualified doctors who are not even plastic surgeons, often saving the patient only 10 – 15%. When it comes to your health and safety, it’s not worth the risk.

Look for a real plastic surgeon who is highly qualified, has performed hundreds of breast augmentations and who works in a safe, state (AHCA) and federally certified facility. Board certification

by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) is also essential. Remember, breast augmentation takes only about an hour to perform, but you will wear the results for a lifetime. It’s worth paying a small amount more to get the best result possible.

Dr. Mobley has achieved triple board certifications through the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Sarasota County Medical Society.

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injectables Rita Medical Elite 2161 Siesta Drive Sarasota, FL 34239 941.951.2161 ritamedicalelite.com

Rita Altman

P.A., M.P.A.S

re a s a t a h W g n i s u ™ x o can I T or rt o p s y D B ot ox, Xe om in?

T

ox™ is purely a muscle relaxant that will block you from using a particular muscle. Dynamic Wrinkles are caused by repetitive muscle movements that, over time, will create folding that eventually etches in and remain there if not treated. Younger people are developing wrinkles from over use of electronic devices causing excessive squinting and frowning. Another example is pursing your lips too much (smoking, talking, drinking from straws) will lead to lipstick/ smokers

lines. Within 2-10 days of injecting Tox™ into the targeted muscle, it will relax and the skin will flatten out. With continued treatments the muscles will atrophy and keep the skin smooth.

Most common areas are the upper face (frown, forehead, eyes, brows, bunny lines) but treating the lower face is highly effective at calming the dynamic use of lips, chin, jaw, and neckbands.

Tox™ is also used for underarm sweating, migraines & TMJ pain.

Rita Altman, PA, MPAS has been practicing for 32 years and dedicated the last 12 focusing only on non-invasive procedures to maintain the natural youthful appearance on clients even into their 90’s. She is a well-known trainer teaching others in the medical profession the art & finesse of injectables.

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Where can I use Filler?

(Juvederm, Restylane,

Radiesse, etc.)

T

he other type of wrinkle is caused by deflation & descent. As we age our natural production of hyaluronic acid (natural plumper), collagen and elastin greatly declines causing sagging, wrinkles and folds. “My lips are disappearing and my face is falling” is a common complaint. Once you reposition and restore the lost volume, the wrinkles diminish. A natural filler will be injected­— just enough to give you back what you

have lost. In the mid-face it’s more about lifting the cheeks than filling, to avoid a “blown-up” look.

The lower face around the mouth may require both Tox™ & Filler to stop overanimation and gently fill the deficits to restore a natural youthful look. The key is to go slow and do small amounts at a time.

Note: Surgery doesn’t correct all types of wrinkles so after a facelift you still will inevitably need Tox™ & Fillers in certain areas.

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

Sumeet Bhanot M.D., F.A.C.S

re a t g a d r a e I’ve h e d e ep th t u o b a buzz i ft – l e c a f e n pl a

S

it?

Wh a t is

urgeons spend their entire career pursuing a philosophy and perfecting a signature procedure.

My career has been in the pursuit of the perfect facelift. Over fifteen years here in Sarasota, my techniques of facial rejuvenation have evolved.

I have arrived at what I believe is the pinnacle of facial rejuvenation with no regard to fleeting fads. This journey is borne of deep anatomic study of aging and facial structure, experience of results of procedures and a study of longevity of changes of these various techniques. These results have been distilled into my new philosophy and technique for facial rejuvenation which is a very

rare and unique facelift performed by perhaps 1% of all top facial plastic surgeons. This is the deep plane facelift.

Facelifts come in three varieties. The mini-lifts are pulled and stretched and distort the face. The fascia facelifts (SMAS) are better at the neck and jawline but fail in the midface. Some surgeons compensate for this inadequacy with fat injection; results unfortunately distort the facial contour if performed to the extreme, giving the more plumped appearance that is quite common in Hollywood. The deep plane makes no compromises.

It addresses the aging process at the source and repositions the fat pads

reestablishing the natural volume distribution in the face. Creating a face that appears younger; not just stretched or plumped.

A facelift should be unrecognizable as a facelift.

As opposed to making a 70 year old look like she is

trying to look 50, we actually make her look 50 years old. Yes, there are plenty of suboptimal facelifts out there, however, you can stare the best ones in the face and never know they had a facelift. This should be our mission!

Are surgical and non-surgical techniques forks in a road leading to the same place?

T

his is what I call the fallacy of equivalent options. When we try to use non surgical techniques meant for minor tweaks to the extreme we see the apple cheeks, the plump lips, the expressionless

faces that look painfully disproportionate. The foundation of rejuvenation is surgical restoration with non surgical techniques used as adjuvant finishing touches or as a means to postpone the inevitable.

Dr. Sumeet Bhanot is a Yale-trained double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has been named among Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors for the last seven consecutive years. He has been bringing his unique blend of art, beauty and science to patients in the Sarasota area for more than a decade.

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skincare L’Core Salon & Spa 3501 South Tamiami Tr Suite 105 Sarasota, FL 34239 941.225.2298 lcoresalonandspa.com

Amanda May

G

s th e i t a h W ng i s u f o powe r in s e n o t s g em e? r a c n i k s

emstones provide therapeutic value, and so gemstone facials are becoming increasingly popular among people who want a healing treatment that also helps balance their energy levels.

Product formulations with gemstones paired with nanotechnology allows for deeper penetration and longer lasting results. This helps our skin to relax and improve its texture and tone, with a beautiful sensory experience. In fact, using products that contain gemstones can provide you with re-mineralization and energetic benefits. Everything has energy. Gemstones

vibrate at a higher frequency, and when we apply those vibrations to our skin, we will absorb some of that positive

energy. Finally, due to the fact that gemstones provide microcirculation and clarity, they inherently give the skin a special glow.

How can I tighten my skin without having plastic surgery?

F

iberblast sometimes referred to as plasma, is a new revolutionary, highly effective nonsurgical way to achieve skin tightening benefits and avoid the cost and risks of plastic surgery. It reduces loose and sagging skin and tightens the eyelid and neck area. The tools never touches the skin. There is no blood, no cuts and minimal downtime.

The treatment consists of many plasma arc dots spaced closely together, and the procedure takes 30 – 60 minutes. Results

are seen instantly although the best appearance is seen after 3 – 6 weeks. 1 – 3 treatments at 6 weekly intervals are recommended to get results similar to a surgical procedure.

Fiberblast treatments are also used for scar reduction, crows feet, on hands and knees, for skin tag removal, frown lines, forehead wrinkles, stretch marks and anything else you can think to tighten. You should always seek a no charge consultation with a service provider to decide the amount of treatments you’ll need.

Amanda May is the CEO of L’Core Spa, Owner of Amanda May Beauty, Founder of Divine Image Cosmetics, National Trainer for Temptu Airbrush, Lead Makeup Artist for Sports Illustrated Miami Swim Week, previous Manager of Caesars Palace Salon and The Beauty Boss. May has a specialized technique for creating customized microbladed eyebrows.

Her training academy for microblading, permanent makeup and makeup will be offered within the L’Core Spa.

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nail design Sister’s Nail Bar 602 S Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941.260.5645 sistersnails.com

Susan Shao Tina Shao Napoli

r it y u p ct u Is prod in t n a im port rs? e u q c a na il l

I

t is very important!

Nail salons with products that don’t compromise on purity and wellness are the only ones you should consider. Most nail lacquers used in salons today are laden with chemicals that can be absorbed into our bodies. While the health concern relating to this is still unclear, why take a chance when there are several safer choices, as well as outstanding nontoxic nail lacquers in lots of rich, chip-resistant colors? We use several top lines of nail lacquers

including long-lasting, no-chip and 5-chemical free Zoya, and we are now introducing a diverse line of lacquers by celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, which are 7-chemical free.

a special top coat. It causes no harm to the nail bed.

Every use actually improves the health of nails. With everyday wear, the nails

become super-strong, with a durable surface that lasts a full two weeks and there’s no peeling or chipping like regular polish or gel.

What about gel polish? Are there any safe choices?

W

e use Bio Seaweed gel, which is the healthiest gel choice. It will not damage nails while giving you weeks of chip-free high shine nails. Bio Seaweed

gel products do not stain, weaken or dehydrate nails.

They are also odorless, dustless, and safe for all ages, as well as pregnant women.

The concept for Sisters Nail Bar started in early 2015 when Susan wanted to bring a New York-style salon to Sarasota along with her 15+ years of salon experience. For the past 3 years, she and her sister Tina have provided clients with an uplifting experience in a lovely environment while using the highest quality products in the nail industry. In addition to nails, other services include spa pedicures, lash fillers and tinting, body therapy, skin care, massage and hair removal.

There’s also dipping powder to give women beautiful and healthy nails.

We use SNS Dip Powder, a base that is packed with nutrients — vitamins A, E, D, E and B5, plus calcium – that doesn’t need UV light. Instead of applying liquid colors to the nail, an adhesive base is applied and then your nail is dipped into a fine colored powder and then sealed with

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hair loss Apollo of Sarasota 1217 S. East Ave #309 Sarasota, Florida 34239 941.957.0800

Leslie Price-Saervold

What should I look for when finding a non-surgical hair

I do n a c t a h W f or y l l a c i g r u s n onh a ir l oss?

H

air, made up of natural and synthetic fibers, can be integrated into your existing hair using different methods of attaching, depending on your lifestyle.

Using the latest innovative Swiss and French Lace technologies, non-surgical hair replacement should

F

be undetectable and, best of all, affordable. Unlike surgical techniques, it requires no donor area, nor is its success dependent upon the texture and curl pattern of donor hair. The results provide a new-found confidence and are sure to bring back your smile!

or the best and most natural work, you must find someone with many years of experience in integrative hair replacement.

That is imperative to a successful outcome. You also should find someone with a deep passion for helping people achieve the look that will make them feel their best.

Approximately 9 years ago, I was diagnosed with an illness

I

After

SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

that caused me to lose nearly 60% of my hair. Needless to say, this caused me great anguish and I became a client.

I was always compassionate toward my clients, but my own personal experience enabled me to relate even more to what people with hair loss go through. I consider my personal journey a blessing in my career and it has made me successful at my craft.

If you’re suffering from thinning hair, alopecia or undergoing chemo and radiation treatments, what can you do to make your hair look fuller? t all starts with a confidential consultation to ensure the best solution based on your personal circumstances. As with all hair replacement technology, it is important

Before

50

loss specialist?

the results give you a completely natural hairline with no change in coloration or feel between your original hair and the added hair. It must be integrated perfectly at the hands of a trained expert.

Leslie Price-Saervold has 30 years of experience in nonsurgical hair replacement. Her artistic and creative talents and the outstanding natural results she achieves make her much sought after in her field.

eyebrows Beauty By Iveta 2716 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34237 941.400.8235 BeautyByIveta.com

Iveta Mesarosova

What does the procedure entail?

row B s i t Wh a in g? d a l b o r M ic

B

row Microblading also known as Eyebrow Embroidery, or Feathered Brows is a newest talked-about trend. Brow Microblading is a technique designed for drawing thin 3D hair-like strokes about 1mm under the skin’s surface using a specially designed, handheld disposable sterile blade and all-natural pigment. It is considered to be semi-permanent

T

he whole procedure takes about 2 hours. The longest part will be creating that perfect template that is customized for each client based on their face shape, skin tone, hair color, etc. After that, actual Microblading takes place.

This procedure is relatively painless, however you might feel slight discomfort.

Numbing cream is used before the procedure.

Pigment retention depends

on skin type, age, aftercare, sun exposure, use of certain skin products, and other factors. The pigment is semi-permanent and will fade overtime. Additional touch-ups are likely needed within 6 months to 2 years.

It is now possible to have eyebrows you have always wanted in just 2 hours.

To see all of those amazing before and after photos visit Iveta’s website page www.BeautyByIveta.com.

Iveta is a owner/operator of Beauty By Iveta in Sarasota, Fl. She has owned her studio for over 2 years. Iveta is certified Brow Microblading Artist, Licensed Tattoo Artist, Licensed Aesthetician and Professional Makeup Artist.

and it can last anywhere from 11 to 18 months or even longer, depending on different factors affecting the procedure.

This procedure is excellent choice for someone with uneven, thinning, sparse brows, or no brows at all. Most people are a great candidates for Brow Microblading, however a free consultation is offered to ensured of that.

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pilates Premiere Pilates Sarasota 3238 Southgate Circle Sarasota, FL 34239 941.685.8001 PremierePilatesSarasota.com

Susan Landsman

th e e r a t a Wh s of t i ef n e re a l b ?

Pi l a t es

P

ilates offers many benefits that affect both body and mind. Pilates focuses on increasing your muscular strength and flexibility, building endurance and improving body alignment, posture, balance and biomechanics.

Whether doing mat work or equipment-based training, Pilates will teach you to both stabilize and move the whole body concurrently.

This naturally holistic approach results in greater whole body efficiency, and anyone can benefit.

Pilates is a true mindbody exercise and can

positively influence daily life.

There are no age barriers or fitness requirements.

Different from other workouts that focus on high intensity, Pilates calls for thoughtful concentration on synchronization of breath and movement, with special attention paid to proper form and alignment. Your self-awareness squeezes out thoughts of external pressures allowing your mind to be fully centered on the activity at hand, providing the opportunity to take a mental break from stress and distractions.

Susan Landsman is a STOTT PILATES ® certified instructor in Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrels, Total Barre, Zenga and Mat. Susan has been teaching Pilates since 2003 and has trained in New York City, Connecticut, Toronto and Florida.

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What are the main things to look for when choosing an instructor and studio?

Y

our instructor should be certified. The Pilates industry is not regulated in the same way other areas of fitness are, so do research to ensure your instructor is certified through a reputable program. As a STOTT PILATES ® Certified Instructor, I have over 800 hours of training, and continue my education to stay current.

Your Instructor must be an excellent communicator utilizing visual and verbal instruction techniques so your experience will be intimate and interactive. Having the eye of a well-trained

instructor is going to be your key to progressing and staying motivated.

Decide if you want a private or group experience and select a studio accordingly. Choose one that allows you to experience Pilates before committing to a package, and don’t get pushed into buying a package with unreasonable expiration dates.

The equipment should be varied and in excellent condition, and the atmosphere should be inviting, bright and clean offering an encouraging stress-free environment.

healing arts Jessica Lipham

DOM, L.Ac.

ron ic h c n a c How t or y a m m a l inf ac ed r t e b s n c on d i t i o y, th l a e h o ba c k t lly a c i n a g r e ve n o od? g rown fo

W

e must not forget how bio-dynamic and unique we are as individuals and that it is our duty to discover what foods work for our bodies and which ones do not.

It may help to first understand the difference between the food allergy and the food sensitivity. There are two immunological reactions that occur within our bodies in relation to the foods we ingest. The first occurs within the first 12 hours and

is called the immediate allergy, which is governed by immunoglobulin E (IgE).

The second, by a different immunoglobulin, (IgG), occurs anywhere from 12 up to 72 hours.

When you experience a drastic and immediate physical reaction from an allergy to a food it is usually unforgettable, so much so that you will avoid eating that food again. The food sensitivity reaction is less obvious because

Sarasota Healing Arts 1810 S Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, FL 34239 941.487.7311 drjessicalipham.com

its expression will vary per person but can be mainly considered low grade chronic inflammation. Secondly, it is not often I meet anyone who can recall what they have eaten up to 3 days ago.

Clinically, I have seen identifying the specific sensitivity foods and removing them from the diet creates positive long term changes in mood and attitude, sleep, hormone balance, chronic pain,

digestive issues, improved organ function and much more. In my professional opinion, we owe it to ourselves to identify what “otherwise� considered healthy foods might be in the way of us maximizing our health potential.

What foods we choose to put in directly translates into how we feel, as well as how well we function inside and out. Remember you are what you eat!

Dr. Lipham has been practicing family medicine for 13 years and continues to be awe inspired by her patients and the relationships that are formed. She remains humbled by the opportunity to learn from, as well as walk with individuals on a journey toward healthy balanced living.

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

Alissa M. Shulman M.D., F.A.C.S

th e et g o t How a f o t u o t s mo c ons u lt:

C

an anything be “filled out” before appointment (online, etc.)?

• Be sure to bring a full list of ALL medical issues, medications, previous surgeries/procedures.

expect and any limitations (time off work; help available after surgery; where you will recover; your financial constraints).

• Be open to alternative solutions to your desired outcome (we have many options at our fingertips).

• Have a basic idea of the “body part” that concerns you. (Doctors do not • Bring a trusted extra “pair generally scan you from head- of ears” (friend, spouse, to-toe and give an opinion). etc.)—especially helpful if they will be caring for you • The internet is a good after the procedure. source for pictures—also helps us understand “you” a little better (ie: what you consider a “C” cup).

• Be completely honest with what you want; what you

• Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment— make sure you’ve eaten, have a clear head and try not to be nervous.

Dr. Shulman was named Physician of the Year for 2016 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and was the Honorary Chair of Key to the Cure on October 12, 2017 benefiting women’s cancer care programs at Sarasota Memorial.

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How to make the most of your plastic surgery:

M

• You can often fill out paperwork for anesthesia/ surgery center before surgery date—ask.

• Have baby wipes on hand (for easy sponge baths until you can shower); plan on using a recliner to sleep in after surgery.

• If you have any questions about the surgery, it is best to talk to the surgeon well before surgery date—you will be distracted on the day of surgery. Between the anesthesia and medications you will be given for surgery, it is likely that you will forget anything said that morning!

ake sure you are as

healthy as you can be—avoid sick kids, be rested and well hydrated, plan ahead—stock up on your favorite high protein snacks and noncarbonated drinks and line up easy front-button shirts and stretchy bottoms.

•

• Make sure to have all your “work/home” stressful issues addressed well before surgery.

• Make sure you have a clear and well delineated “post op” recovery plan (with a backup plan, too!).

• Only take what is absolutely necessary on surgery day— leave rings, etc. at home.

• With all this in place, you can relax, have your surgery, and look forward to a positive and healthy outcome.

ELITE escapes ELITE escapes

Part O n e

by Jac queline Miller

Re vitalize

JULY JULY 2018 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Are you burned out? Well, you’re not alone. According to local travel guru Lisa Silvestri of Silvestri Travel (silvestritravel.com), more and more of us are booking rejuvenation vacations in an effort to disconnect and tune out, with Baby Boomers needing to unplug the most. Where can you go to get the best wellness experiences? Lisa shares two of her favorites.

THE ZEN OF HAPPY complete body and spiritual experience in an outstanding location, Mii amo in Sedona, Arizona is known as “The Zen of Happy.” The name signifies “journey,” or “to continue one’s path” or “moving forward” in Yuman, a Native American dialect.

Mii amo is located on the grounds of Enchantment Resort, a 70-acre property in Boynton Canyon in the red rock country of Sedona, two hours north of Phoenix at a cooler elevation. The Yavapai-Apache consider Boynton Canyon a sacred place, the site of their creation story. Your room key opens the gate to the Secret Mountain Wilderness in the Coconino National Forest, allowing direct access to the Boynton Canyon Trail.

Highly-trained therapists, signature treatments, delicious “intelligent cuisine,” more than 100 activities and customized packages define this incredible resort.

It has twice been named #1 “World’s Best Spa” by Travel + Leisure and #1 Best Destination Spa by Condé Nast Traveler.

The 24,000-square-foot spa has 16 guest accommodations arranged around interior courtyards.

Natural light and water are recurring themes, and interior and exterior spaces flow into one another, making the building easily adaptable to the seasons.

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On the ground level, amid pools and communal areas, the Crystal Grotto, a sky-lit room that serves as the focal point of the spa experience, is used as a place for meditation and affirming one’s intention for the day. There are eighteen spacious treatment rooms with chapel-like privacy and either windows overlooking the canyon or natural light wells. Five outdoor treatment areas, inspired by Native American “wikiups” (ancient tribal housing structures) offer exceptional views of the canyon.

Mii amo offers five “Journeys” as a way of focusing a guest’s intentions and experience. Each Journey, which is further customized to the guest, incorporates treatments and activities to help create a truly personalized experience. They are: De-Stress Mind, Body & Spirit, Healthy Body in Balance, Soulful Essence, Spiritual Exploration, and Transformational Wisdom.

Specialty treatments include Native American-inspired treatments such as Hozhooji, the Mii amo Blessing and Inner Quest; Spirit of the New Moon and Spirit of the Full Moon; intuitive treatments such as Harmony, Psychic Massage and Aura-Soma Color Reading, among others.

Mii amo Café is a core component of the immersive, restorative Journey experience. Created using fresh, seasonal ingredients, much of which are sustainably sourced from local organic farms and the chef’s own kitchen garden, the cuisine is healthful and nutritious while bursting with unique, imaginative flavors. The Juice Bar features a broad selection of fresh juices and smoothies. Organic and biodynamic wines are available, as well as spirits.

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"

A BodyScience program that examines your stress level starts by collecting a broad range of information about both an individual’s physiology and biochemistry.

"

A CENTER OF WELL-BEING

G

ive us your body for a week and we’ll give you back your mind!

That’s the mantra of BodyHoliday, which bills itself as the first holiday in the world to “combine the intense pleasure of personalized rejuvenation with the opportunity to acquire skills and insights that will enhance the rest of your life.”

BodyHoliday is situated on the Northwest tip of the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. The resort sits directly on Cariblue’s crescent beach and is surrounded by 32 acres of lush tropical gardens. It is a 35-minute drive from the capital Castries and George F. L. Charles airport and 90 minutes from Hewanorra International airport. There are 155 guest rooms, including 29 standard Garden View rooms, 16 Grand Luxury Ocean Front rooms, 7 spacious Junior Suites and the Penthouse Suite.

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The centerpiece of BodyHoliday is the wellness center, a beautiful and comprehensive place of health and well-being. It is here that guests come to receive their pampering body treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate both mind and body. It houses 33 treatment rooms, serviced by 50 massage and beauty specialists.

Guests may select from a range of a la carte body treatments including Thalgo treatments, authentic Ayurvedic treatments, holistic therapies as well as a complete range of treatments at the Specialized Skin Clinic and Beauty Salon.

The wellness programs are plentiful. A BodyScience program that examines your stress level starts by collecting a broad range of information about both an individual’s physiology and biochemistry to recognize imbalances that impact on wellness. It combines the Eastern “preventative approach” to wellness with cutting-edge Western analytical science. Within BodyScience there are several programs all with different benefits: De-stress, Detox, JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Fitness, Digestive Health Program, Healthy Aging, and Weight Management 360°.

The BodyAware program begins with a BodyStat® analysis, which accurately measures body fat. The BodyAware Specialist will suggest the kind of exercise that best suits your needs — specifically, what will work for you not just on holiday but when you return home. The suggestions and goal setting will be made with your route to success in mind.

Age and level of fitness play a big role in the advice given. In this program, fitness and diet should never be separated, so the BodyAware Specialist will suggest a diet and exercise regime with optimum health and energy in mind.

BodyHoliday has several great eateries and bars for entertainment. There are also numerous holistic classes, as well as water and land sport activities available at this incredible rejuvenation resort.

Have we enticed you to book your “unplug” vacation? I am sure Lisa Silvestri of Silvestri Travel in Sarasota is ready, willing and more than able to help you do just that.

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Go to SCENESARASOTA.COM

To Subscribe and Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter SARASOTA SCENE IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT BARNES & NOBLE, DAVIDSON’S DRUGS AND BOOKSTORE1.

443 John Ringling Blvd., Ste. F, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | scenesarasota.com

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on the town

SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW

The Sarasota Film Festival 2018:

THE GREATEST SHOW ON FILM THE GREATEST SHOW ON FILM THE GREATEST SHOW ON FILM

BY GUS MOLLASIS

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on the town

W

HEN THE SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL WRAPS, I always get a twinge of melancholy. The 10-day spring event is a time when the city stops to focus on film. It is a time for film lovers, art lovers, and lovers of this wonderful town to get their best duds on, do a last-second makeup check and get ready for their close-up, while taking in some films, parties and celebrating the magic of cinema.

It is a time I look forward to every year. In many ways it is my trip to Cannes without the time change or long flight. It is a time I await with great anticipation and a time that, sadly, goes by too fast.

I am a film fan. A filmmaker. A film teacher. And someone who spends a lot of time getting lost in the magic of cinema. So, for me, someone who has attended each of the 20 Sarasota Film Festivals as either a reviewer, reporter, filmmaker or fan, when the Sarasota Film Festival ends, I’m a little lost.

It feels a little bit like when the circus leaves town after the big show. I feel like the Little Tramp in that final scene of the classic 1928 film, The Circus, where the circus has left town and Charlie Chaplin is left alone contemplating the good memories and memories yet to be made as he leaves the scene and heads alone down the road.

My film pals, mainly gals named Amy, Becky and Ann, are dear friends who I share much of the ten days with, but for much of the rest of the year, we hardly see each other. I take comfort in knowing that the clock is ticking toward next year’s festival and I will once again get lost in the stories, share laughs with my cine-friends and meet the filmmakers of yesterday and tomorrow.

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on the town As I sit in a surprisingly busy Sarasota restaurant in early June awaiting “The John Ringling of the Sarasota Film Festival,” Mark Famiglio, to arrive for our appointment, my mind went to flashbacks of the recent festival.

I recalled the wonderful conversation series at Florida Studio Theatre with Eric Stoltz, Steve Guttenburg and Virginia Madsen. I attended all three and was impressed not only with their frankness and approachability, but also with their humility. All were very grateful for their chance to make it in the business and all recounted personal stories of their love of film, their big breaks and great roles, as well as the roles that got away.

Virginia Mad

toltz Eric S

sen

I could relate.

A highlight for me was meeting and interviewing the spectacular Virginia Madsen. Her work in Sideways with Paul Giamatti is one of those films I can never turn off when it’s on the tube. It’s one of those films that no matter how many times I’ve seen it (at least 50 times!), I see something new and fresh with each screening. I wanted to convey that to Miss Madsen and tell her how appreciative I was of her authentic work in the film, especially in “the scene.” You know the scene? When she talks about “the life of wine as a living thing.” That scene gets me every time. To thank her, I gave her a Gardenia bud that I handpicked that morning. To be honest the Gardenia had seen better days but being the actor and nice person she appears to be, she accepted the once living thing with grace and gratitude while inhaling its fragrance and shooting me a smile saying, “It’s beautiful. Thank you. I’ll put it in water and it will be just like new.”

New memories. New films. New relationships. That’s what this festival has always been about to me.

I’ve met so many new friends here over the years.

Acquaintances who have become good friends, some who have become collaborators, like my pal Mark Reese, who I met years ago. Today he’s my producing partner on our PBS series Diamonds along the Highway which we’re bringing back for a third season. I met Mark and his bride Patti as they were doing the festival circuit promoting their wonderful documentary film Boys in Winter, which captured the iconic 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers, including Mark’s daddy, Pee Wee Reese, as they went from being the boys of summer to the winter of their lives. This poignant film helped me mourn the loss of my own father.

I’ve seen so many wonderful films over the years that become like friends to me. Films like The End of The Tour, Locke and Mimmo and Paulie. And this festival provided a diverse range of good and great films, several of which will undoubtedly be new friends to me. This festival, I made my way through about 75 films that 64

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Penelope Ann Miller

included documentaries, shorts, narratives and one of the best and most important films I have ever seen anywhere – a film called The Sentence.

The neat thing is I saw it on the last day at a screening at the remodeled Hollywood 11 that I wasn’t even going to attend. Here’s the lesson: Go. Go see film. Because you just never know.

As I made my way to the front row of the sold-out movie theater, three seats away was a wonderful actor, movie star and friend of the Sarasota Film Festivals since the beginning, Penelope Ann Miller. She acted in The Artist, Chaplin, Carlito’s Way, Awakenings, The Freshman and many other good films. Heck, for me she’s Hollywood royalty, having made a film with Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro – the three “Godfathers.”

Did I mention that I have a Godfather problem? I have seen The Godfather at least 150 times, The Godfather: Part II 100 times and The Godfather: Part III at least 25 times.

I mentioned my Godfather problem to Dominic Chianese at SFF some years ago. “Dominic, I have a Godfather problem. I’ve seen The Godfather over 150 times.” Taking my cue, like a scene from a movie, he lifted his champagne glass while pinching my cheek. “Don’t worry kid, it’s the greatest film of all time.” He should know. Who was I to argue with the man who played Johnny Ola in The Godfather: Part II or Uncle Junior in the iconic mob series The Sopranos?

Film memories.

That’s what this festival has always been about to me. Like films, memories too must first be made before you can remember them. And I’ve made plenty of them during the Sarasota Film Festival.

I was hoping to make another one on this last day of SFF 2018.

As I settled into my seat, I had no idea what I was about to experience, make that what we were all about to experience as one collective audience.

on the town

Rudy Valdez, director of The Sentence.

Photo by Rebeca Bolletti.

I was stunned by The Sentence. Moved to anger. Empathy. Sympathy. I’ve never experienced anything like it. The man next to me was exhausted but moved by the authentic, painful and inspiring story. He wasn’t alone.

The guy in the back row. The lady in the middle row. The movie star in the front row.

They all had similar reactions. It isn’t often a film totally takes over an audience. You could almost hear everyone breathing, laughing and crying as one.

This documentary, created by Rudy Valdez, was more than a film. It was community outreach. It was government reform. It was like being in church when you are moved by the spirit. We were all moved by the spirit of this film, reminding us of the power of film.

When done right, films that have something to say, like The Sentence, are truly something to behold. It tells the tragic real-life story of Cindy Shank (the sister of the filmmaker), mother of three, serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison for her tangential involvement with a Michigan drug ring and former boyfriend years earlier. It is a poignant and intimate portrait of Draconian minimum drug sentences and the devastating consequences that they brought upon this family. The Sentence is masterfully captured by Cindy’s brother, Rudy Valdez, and the story covers the loss of time, relationships and the things that matter most caused by an unfair sentence. We watch as a family, over the course of ten years, is pulled apart and finally put back together after the sentence is served.

Promotional Photo: The Sentence.

As the film closed, the audience took a collective sigh, deep breath, dabbed their eyes and got ready for an enlightening question and answer session with the filmmaker.

Between thoughtful questions from moved audience members, I merely made a comment to the filmmaker. “This is exactly what a camera is made for – to capture stories like yours. Congratulations. This is the most moving film I have ever seen at this Festival in my 20 years of coming here.”

I really meant it.

Looking over at Penelope Ann Miller, who was visibly moved to tears, I asked if I could get a brief interview. Dabbing her eyes, she obliged, saying “Yes, but let me get myself together first.” Outside one of the Hollywood 11 theaters, I interviewed the movie star who shined her light on the film and the festival.

“The film was heartbreaking, powerful and shows the need for reform in the justice system. I was a blubbering mess. I couldn’t stop crying through the whole film. And I think that everyone felt the same way.

There was not a dry eye in the audience.

It’s for reasons like this that festivals are important. Films like this show how important the medium is in getting messages out that can motivate and inspire people to make changes.”

“I’ve been coming here since the beginning twenty years ago. It’s amazing to see its growth and all the films, filmmakers that have come through and the impact they have had over the years. It’s a wonderful festival and I was honored when Mark (Famiglio) asked me to come back this year to be a judge.”

Mark Famiglio arrives, and we get a table in the crowded restaurant. We are both more relaxed than during the often-frenetic festival days.

I ask the man, the ring leader of his circus, what his takeaway was from the latest SFF. “I was hoping that when the Festival drew to completion, I’d have a sense of where the independent film industry was moving.

A sense that was maybe driven by the conversations I’d had with filmmakers, producers, directors and actors. And I didn’t really get that. I’m still trying to get that. I’m not really sure if the industry members themselves get it. I think they’re caught up in a little bit of a current. Cross currents. I’m not sure people know the direction that the industry is moving in.

I know that commercially they’re dealing with things like Netflix and Amazon and Lord knows what’s going to be there two and three years from now. But things are definitely changing.”

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on the town On looking back on the 20th Festival, the big man seemed pleased, especially with the various venues used and the many partners who came on board.

“As you know, at other festivals there are often multiple venues to take in films and events. We had a little bit more of that this past year. The Hollywood 11 was great. The new Art Ovation was a great partner. Florida Studio Theatre and the Opera House are fabulous venues and we’ve had some parties and outings in the block there.

We’re grateful for their support. And in upcoming years we’ll be staging some exciting stuff at 322 Coconut, our new headquarters.

We’re looking at a five-block area, where we should rename the street something like Cinephile Way or something similar.”

Our conversation turned to film and the last day of the festival.

I shared with him my experience of seeing the remarkable film, The Sentence, and interviewing Penelope Ann Miller.

He smiled and said, “I love Penelope Ann Miller. Penelope knows that I love her and I tell her. I will stop her in her tracks and hold her face, look her in the eyes and I say, no, Penelope, I love you and I mean it. She has been so supportive, so kind and is such a talent. I remember the first year she came to the festival and here she is coming to the 20th festival. She is not only a deeply talented woman, she is beautiful, funny and smart. I really love her.”

I know what you mean Mark. I feel the same way.

As our lunch winds down, I asked him what mark he wants to make with each festival.

“I don’t know that it builds upon each year and don’t know if that’s relevant. I just know that each year it leaves a footprint. Some years slightly more ephemeral than others. I think with all the rapid pace of building and film-centric things in town, it tends to keep the spotlight off the film festival. But I think it has a serious impact. I think it’s imbedded in the town after twenty years.”

“

There was not a dry eye in the audience. It’s for reasons like this that festivals are important.

”

“I also think that globally our footprint is more prominent. We’ve built on each preceding year to navigate the festival into a more pronounced and important position. People are coming from all over the United States. People who love the arts and film. They are choosing Sarasota and discovering it. And we know that the arts here are benefiting from that, and all the while that’s happening, the state support for the arts is being cut back and we’re very concerned about that.”

He gave heartfelt praise for the crew that came on to work this festival.

“We had a lot of new blood by design. The festival drew so many people that I have so much respect, reverence and affection for— people who rallied when it needed to happen. These are people who could have gotten very cynical when they were asked to go above and beyond. And they simply didn’t. These are people who I truly love and we are so, so, so lucky to have them work with us. These people literally made it happen. The whole crew was amazing. And I’d like to say they exceeded my expectations and I really didn’t have time to have expectations.”

“We just put one foot in front of the other. And that pace becomes quicker and quicker and quicker. And all of sudden you’re running, but you’re really not running. You’re just doing this weird dance at this incredible pace. So, the pace of the people that were working for the festival exceeded my expectations. The way they performed was literally superhuman.”

Kind of like something you see in a great film or in the main ring of a circus.

Our meeting ends and our salutations are delivered sincerely under the beaming summer sun. The sundial and clock start ticking again for me and again I am left with that twinge of melancholy.

And with a question. How many days until the 21st Sarasota Film Festival and the “greatest show on film” returns to town?

I smile as I pull away in hardly any traffic. My mind has wandered back to that place, that wonderful place, the movie theater and the film left me speechless—The Sentence. Just exactly what you’re supposed to do with a camera.

Steve Guttenberg, Victoria Madsen & Mark Famiglio. Photo by Rebeca Bolletti.

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In twenty years, twenty crazy, wonderful, insightful and enlightening years in a sentence: The Sarasota Film Festival does exactly what a film festival should and can do. Counting the days until SFF 2019!

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on the town

Education MATTERS

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM I’ve been a member of the South Florida Museum for nearly two years now and I’ve been visiting it off and on for nearly eight years, so it’s fair to say I know more than the average person about this wonderful venue in downtown Bradenton.

Given that, let me share five nifty things about it: 1. South Florida Museum is the largest natural and cultural history museum on the Gulf Coast.

2. It has a Manatee Rehabilitation Program.

3. The Bishop Planetarium is the region’s premier astronomy education facility, though it’s also a “multimedia theater for films, lectures, live music, and digital art performances.”

4. They participate in a reciprocal program, so my $100 membership allows me to take my family of four to hundreds of other museums in the US for free or a greatly reduced rate.

5. They have all kinds of cool educational programming for community members.

While #1-4 are all interesting and certainly worthy of further investigation, the aspect that I want to focus on this month is #5. This is Education Matters, after all!

To that end, I spoke with Director of Education Tish Sacks to learn a bit more about the education opportunities there.

Tish seems born for this job. She practically grew up in a museum about the same size of South Florida Museum—her mother was a curator there, so Tish went to work with her often and helped man tables at special events. Tish went on to get a degree in zoology and a master’s in teaching, then taught high school for some time, and worked in Seaworld’s education department for eight years before connecting with the South Florida Museum. “It’s great for me,” she says about working here. “I’m interested in all types of science and we do all of that. Environmental. Fossils. Astronomy. Earth science. Marine mammals. It’s all connected. You can’t really understand manatees, for example, unless you understand

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the water cycle. You can’t really understand fossils unless you understand geology and biology.”

One of the programs to get kids as interested in science as Tish is IQuest, a monthly science and art enrichment program for middle school students.

It takes place on the second Saturday of most months from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and only costs $5 (which gets kids pizza and drinks, too). Let’s be clear—my daughters have been involved with this program for years and they love it. They like to tinker and problem solve, and that’s exactly what this program invites.

Each month, the topic and theme changes. July’s topic is Project Upcycle, where kids discover what they can build from what’s being thrown away.

How can you create something useful or functional from trash?

Great question. August’s theme ties in with a new Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition at the museum called “Things

Come Apart,” which is a STEMbased exploration into the inner workings of common, everyday possessions like a record player, Walkman, and iPod. Connecting with that idea of deconstruction, the IQuest plan for that month is to use the leftovers from the previous month—where they’ll be dismantling old radios and other things—and create art projects from those loose bits and pieces.

“What’s really great about IQuest,” Tish explains, “is that we have time to do big projects that wouldn’t fit in a school period. They’re here for four hours, so we might give them a project or challenge that takes 45 minutes to an hour to solve, even when they’re working in teams.

That’s a great way to explore and learn.”

But education isn’t just for kids. Teens and adults can get involved, as well, through a program like Lunch and Learn that happens on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, from 12:15 to 1:00p.m.

“Ultimately, Tish simply wants people to know that the South Florida Museum is a great, close-by opportunity to really immerse yourself in the world of science. This is an easy, interesting way to see how science connects to your everyday world.”

“It’s a quick-hit opportunity to learn from our museum staff,” says Tish. It only costs $3 and you bring your own bag lunch to eat while you listen to a 45-minute presentation from museum staff on an area/aspect of their expertise. The topics range quite widely. Some highlight objects in the collection that aren’t seen every day or aren’t noticed. Some are about current research being done. “It’s a mixed bag,” Tish says, adding that “I recently did one on the senses. We talked about how they actually work and that we don’t really have five—we have far more than that. I think people left with a different perspective on sensory perception.”

right here,” she said, noting that another advantage is that the museum isn’t huge. “It’s really rare to go into a place where you happen to run into the curator and then are able to ask questions right on the spot. That happens here all the time.”

Another program that’s directed exclusively at an adult crowd is the evening Think and Drink. For this program, which takes place in the planetarium at 7:00 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month, outside guest experts—typically from our local community— deliver informal talks on a range of science topics, such as history, engineering, biology, or medicine. It’s a chance to meet and engage with a local scientist while learning about some science that happens right here in our own backyard. All while drinking wine or beer (available at a nominal charge).

These reasons are exactly why I have an annual membership.

Whether I’m going for fossils, manatees, the planetarium, or the programming, it’s all in one place—the South Florida Museum.

Ultimately, Tish simply wants people to know that the South Florida Museum is a great, close-by opportunity to really immerse yourself in the world of science. This is an easy, interesting way to see how science connects to your everyday world. “You can see it all

(Did I mention that the parking is easy and free, too? How often can you say that about a museum?)

F O R M O R E IN F O R MATI O N

about South Florida Museum’s Outreach and Education programming, please visit www.southfloridamuseum.org or call 941.746.4131.

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COUPLES ON THEIR WEDDING DAY

by Jacqueline Miller

MARCH 17, 2018

ASHLEIGH GREGORIA & CHRISTIAAN DE WAAL

GREGORIA + DE WAAL It was kismet when a bright and beautiful American finding her way through the streets of our nation’s capital had a chance encounter with a dashing man with a name worthy of a royal roll call.

The beauty was Ashleigh Morgan Gregoria, daughter of Ric and Gina Gregoria of Sarasota. The man with the regal name was Christiaan Alexander de Waal, son of Philip and Marie-Jose’ de Waal of Den Haag, Netherlands and Versailles, France.

That fateful day, Ashleigh was searching for an address on a Washington D. C. street where she had a business meeting. Noticing Ashleigh, Christiaan asked if she needed assistance. Never could they have known that brief encounter would become their beginning.

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social SCENE Ashleigh, who went to Saint Stephen’s High School and then graduated Florida State University with dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance, works as a financial specialist on federal government contracts and serves as a financial client account lead for a U.S. federal agency.

Christiaan graduated from American University and has a bachelor’s degree in justice and master’s degree in international justice and terrorism. He is an adjunct professor at American University in the School of Public Affairs. Christiaan also works in diplomatic service with the Royal Netherlands Embassy.

Later that same evening, at the Eighteenth Street Lounge (the former home of Teddy Roosevelt), Christiaan and Ashleigh happened to attend the same function. He spotted her from across the room, made his way over and started talking. And they talked—for hours. Christiaan invited Ashleigh for coffee the next day, ice skating and dinner the next day, and on and on until their engagement in May 2017, fifteen months later.

Christiaan’s plan to ask for Ashleigh’s hand started during the 2016 Christmas season. While visiting Florida, he asked her father’s permission and received her parents’ blessing.

He then began planning the Parisian proposal he has always envisioned with some help on the ground from his close friend and best man, who lives in Paris. Christiaan planned a trip for Ashleigh filled with one surprise after another. He saved his biggest and best surprise for last day of their trip. Christiaan proposed on bended knee on a private balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower at sunset. While this may be a girl’s dream proposal, it also had great significance for hard-core romantic Christiaan, a dual citizen of France and the Netherlands with a strong affinity for Paris!

Ashleigh returned to the States and immediately began wedding planning. It was easy for Ashleigh; she had dreamed about her wedding since she was a young girl and already knew what she wanted.

For the church ceremony, it would be none other than Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa, where her parents married 34 years ago. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, served as celebrant. Bishop Dewane also performed the blessing of the wedding meal.

Her reception plans were solidified in her 10-year-old mind when she attended her first Pique Nique Sur la Baie at the Charles Ringling Mansion at New College—the perfect setting for her medieval night’s dream come true. Ashleigh entrusted Phil Mancini of Michael’s On East catering to prepare her mansion wedding feast with wine pairings and foods from American, French and Dutch cultures, creating a truly royal experience.

The reception was an intimate gathering of immediate family and close friends. It started with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the terrace, including the couple’s signature “Mint to Be,” mint juleps, as strolling violinists filled the air with festive music.

White tulips, in honor of the groom’s father, were incorporated in the floral arrangements throughout the venue.

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A formal dinner with wine pairings and French champagne was served in the music room with the accompaniment of classical piano music. Adding to the regal ambiance, a trio of horns and trumpets signaled the meal was complete and the guests were led to the living room for the cutting of the Wedgwood-inspired wedding cake adorned with a gold leaf de Waal family crest. Dancing under the stars and under a grand crystal chandelier suspended in midair took place after dinner on the bay front.

A mass of floral arrangements on columns created an enchanted garden that led to the dance floor from the main house.

Tufted French benches and love seats were interspersed for guests to relax and enjoy after-dinner cordials and dessert while listening to the DeLeon 13-piece band. The vocalists at both the church and reception sang several songs in French in honor of the groom’s mother. Ashleigh and Christiaan’s first dance was to “I Choose You” by Ryann Darling, and her fatherdaughter dance was to “Daddy Dance with Me” by Krystal Keith. The final song of the evening was “It’s a Wonderful World” as a tribute to the bride’s parents.

Guests gathered under the portico for the newlywed’s sparkler sendoff as thy drove off to the Ritz-Carlton in a vintage 1961 white Rolls Royce for their wedding night.

Fresh French lavender sachets, the flower of devotion, were the guest favors. The newlyweds honeymooned in Punta Cana, D.R. at the TRS Turquesa.

Ashleigh and Christiaan now live in McLean, Virginia, where they enjoy cooking exotic dishes together, entertaining family and friends, and taking care of their Husky, Elle. Ashleigh is working on developing her conversational French so she can better communicate with her new in-laws.

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FEBRUARY 17, 2018

TESS GARRETT STEPHENSON & CHAD MICHAEL MILLER

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STEPHENSON & MILLER They’re a symbol of freedom. Strong. Powerful.

Regal. Let’s face it. There’s just something very romantic about horses, and for dark-haired beauty Tess Stephenson, riding horses is who she is and what she loves. So, it should come as no surprise that her first date with her knight in shining armor, Chad, ended up at the barn where she then boarded her horses.

The year was 2013. They were introduced by mutual friends and hit it off immediately. But Tess had to put Chad to an early test. Could he understand her passion and the time she devoted to her horses?

Could he understand her love of riding? You bet he could. After hanging out together on their first date, Tess took Chad to the barn. He liked it. She felt good. They would spend almost every day together after that.

Through their courtship years, the couple shared many memories, both happy and sad, as well as successes and letdowns. But one thing never changed—their unwavering support and love of one another. They were truly best friends. On September 24, 2016, Chad

took Tess to one of her favorite restaurants. After a lovely dinner, they took a walk on Siesta Beach and enjoyed a magnificent sunset. As they were walking back, Chad tenderly looked at Tess and asked her if she was ready to love him for the rest of their lives. He then got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. Of course, she said yes!

Now to find the perfect wedding venue. Just outside of Sarasota in Myakka City, there’s a 240-acre cattle ranch called Diamond C Ranch that would provide the perfect romantic backdrop. The huge barn with chandeliers, a bar, and stunning winding staircase is nestled amongst 100-year-old majestic oak trees­—the perfect rustic elegant setting for a spectacular wedding.

Could this not be more perfect for Tess?

Their February wedding was, according to the couple, “absolutely gorgeous and a dream come true.” Before the ceremony, the couple did a blind prayer. Chad could not see Tess, but she could see him. And while she “bawled like a baby” the entire time, Tess said the prayer helped calm her nerves. She was escorted down the aisle by her parents, Dr. Dee Stephenson JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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and Tom Stephenson, to marry the man of her dreams. The couple wrote their own vows, which Tess said she was so happy they did, because she “can hear Chad repeat them in my head.” The almost 400 guests in attendance enjoyed a night filled with love and laughter.

Tess is a full-time nursing student who will graduate in December and works as a student nurse (SNAP) at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Chad operates equipment at Sarasota-based Bob Miller Masonry. Chad’s parents are Ken Miller and Janice Miller.

Because of her schooling, Tess and Chad put their honeymoon plans on hold. They are planning instead on an extravagant first-year anniversary vacation!

One last thing. If you’re an avid reader of romance novels, you may realize that many of the novel heroines are named Tess and they all ride horses. The story of Tess and Chad is definitely our Sarasota modern romance novel!

Venue: The Venue at the Diamond C Ranch | Photographer: Tanna Carter Photography |Videographer: Trinity Wedding Cinema | Wedding Planner/Flowers/Decorations: Kim Frazer | Assistant to Mother of the Bride: Debbie Garner with Main Street Inn, Highlands, NC | Bridal dress: The Perfect Dress | Food: Green Apple Catering | Cakes/Cupcakes: Thompson’s Cakes | DJ: Danny Vargas | Hair/Makeup: Jessica Payne and company

BEACH eads R W

hat’s better than lying in a lounge chair, toes tucked into the sand, relaxing to the sounds of breaking waves, all while immersing yourself in a great story? This month and next, we’ll feature a couple of exclusive short reads by Florida authors for you to enjoy, all illustrated by Sarasota Scene’s talented designer and illustrator extraordinaire, Darcy Kelly-Laviolette. Enjoy!

JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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Beach reads

HARVESTER

By Courtney Jones Illustration by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

N

78

an lifted a bale of hay with her pitchfork and she heaved it over the fence for the cows. The pain in her chest had only gotten worse since the doctor’s visit, but she wouldn’t let it keep her from working. Nan swept a hand across her forehead, her brown hair sticking to the nape of her neck; she was starting to regret giving her farmhands Fridays and Sundays off.

hopped to the ground, dragging a loose piece of rope that was wrapped around its neck. The man grabbed the rope and led the goat down the road. He froze when he noticed Nan sitting on the porch. After a moment, he smiled. The man and his companion made the long walk to her porch and stopped at the bottom of the three porch steps. Nan could not believe her eyes.

When she finished, the cows approached the gate to graze.

She leaned over her pitchfork, watching them.

Nan clutched at her chest and decided now was the time to take a break. She dropped into the rocking chair on the front porch of her farmhouse with a glass of water. The wind whispered through the blades of wheat, cows mooed, and chickens clucked. It wasn’t too hot, but the heat created waves across the long road.

“Good morning, Nan.” His voice was deep and smooth.

A car appeared on the horizon; moments later, Nan could make out the long gray 1991 Cadillac DeVille. It made its way down the road to her property line and parked by her mailbox. The driver got out. He wore a sleek gray suit and circle-rimmed glasses. Behind him, a black and gray goat

“I have to admit,” she paused, taking a long breath. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

SARASOTA SCENE | JULY 2018

“Not exactly morning.” She crossed her arms.

“Forgive me. I suppose ‘afternoon’ would be more appropriate.” He looked to the sky, then to Nan and grinned.

She looked down and wrung her hands. “Is something the matter?”

“No?”

Beach reads

He smiled. Sweat beaded down Nan’s neck and she wondered how he could stand there in his suit, sweat free. A ripple of pain went through her chest and she placed a hand on it. Her breath quickened as she reached for her glass of water.

The man walked up the three porch steps and knelt, dropping to eye level with Nan, who still sat in her seat. He held the rope out for her. She took it and the goat walked around the front porch, his black hooves clunking against century-old wood. He placed a hand on Nan’s shoulder. The pain in her chest left and a new one appeared. Her face crinkled and silent tears streamed down her face.

“I’m scared.”

“Don’t be.” He patted her back until her breathing calmed. “There. Better?” She swallowed and wiped the tears from her face, nodding.

He rose to his feet. “I’ll be back.”

He went into her house and Nan sat there watching the kid play. He would gently pull on the rope and then trot around in circles, his tail wagging. Charlotte had once had a goat, but he was all white. Her father had given him to her when she was thirteen and Nan had cried.

Father tried to explain to her that she could have any animal she asked for when she was thirteen, but Nan did not like that answer. One night she set the goat free. Charlotte cried for days when father found the goat dead, ripped to shreds by a wolf, he presumed.

“Well, not today at least.” The goat bleated, breaking the tension between the two. It began to munch on the grass. “Cute kid.”

“Yes, he adores these trips.” The two watched the goat as he ate and then settled in the grass. The animal looked up at the two as if telling them to continue. Nan realized the man watched her intently. “Have you talked to Charlotte?”

Charlotte. Nan’s sister. They had not spoken in months, but Nan had written many unsent letters: to explain what was wrong with her, to apologize for the past, to invite Charlotte over, to tell her she loved and missed her. Nan often thought of when Charlotte was nine and her six. Together they would run through the golden fields of wheat then break into the crops of corn. Their mother had often scolded them, but their father would give a gentle smile and say, “It’s fine, dear.” Father was always the kind one.

Things changed when he died.

“Nan?” The man’s eyebrows had risen.

“No. I haven’t.” He shook his head at her. “I wrote a letter for her, though.”

The man came back onto the porch with an envelope in his hand.

“I’ll trade you,” he said, reaching for the rope. Nan gave him the rope and he gave her the envelope. It was already addressed to Charlotte in an elegant script.

“Ready?” he said, leading the kid down the steps. He turned to Nan. Together they walked to the car. The walk was long and neither said anything. When they got to the fence, Nan placed the envelope inside her mailbox and flicked the red flag up. The man held the gray car door open for her.

She took one last look at her property—her farmhouse, her crops, and her livestock. Nan could make out someone on the porch. They were sitting in the rocking chair. Their head drooped over their chest and arms splayed over the sides of the chair. The spilled water formed a small puddle underneath the chair.

She got in the car, shutting the door behind her.

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Beach reads

HURRICATION

By Carrie Font Granato Illustrations by Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

I

need this vacation. I mean, I really need it.” I rub the kink in my neck.

“Me too.” Brian lugs the last of our luggage through the condo’s front door. The tumbling whoosh of the waves greets us as I open the sliding doors.

get here.”

We hurry to disassemble an entire master bedroom in a mad, dazed fire drill. A short time later, we look around our new room. It’s beautiful.

But then I walk into the living room.

He mumbles something about office politics and whatever drama that involves. “I just want to lie in the sand for the week.”

“Well, I want to finish remodeling. The furniture should be here day after tomorrow, between nine and five. They call it a window of convenience. How is that even remotely convenient? Honestly.”

“It’s convenient to them.” Brian stands behind me and rubs the persistent ache between my neck and collarbone.

“Doesn’t matter, Ivy. We’re on beach time now.”

“I know, it’s just, I want everything to be perfect for the housewarming.” We bought this place because it’s only a half hour from home: a weekend beach getaway for relaxing in style. But first we need to get rid of the tacky old décor.

The old furniture swallows the floor space; faded paintings and coastal knickknacks cover every surface at odd angles.

“I swear it multiplied.”

“I guess the beach can wait.” Brian shoves the outdated nightstands out of his way to call Salvation Army.

I admire the bedroom’s fresh look and smooth out the duvet I bought for the new set. “Perfect.”

Brian shakes his head as he comes back from the kitchen.

“They can’t come ’til Monday.”

“That’s not so bad.”

“Next Monday.”

“Nooo.”

Our first day starts off right—we sleep in. At nine o’clock we get an unexpected call. The five-piece bedroom set will not only arrive a day early, like today, it will arrive in fifteen minutes.

I shoot out of bed. “We have to clear the room before they

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“And before you ask, I tried two other charities. They don’t want it.”

I look to the mess in the living room. “Who can blame them?”

While I spruce up the second bedroom, Brian stacks the old

Beach reads furniture along the dining room wall, creating a tribute art installation to eighties furniture fashion. Backing up, he almost trips on a cat. It darts past him. Another cat blinks at his feet.

“You know, like scratching and scraping.”

I sigh. “Why did we get stuck with these things?”

“See anything?”

“My folks will be back in two weeks.”

An hour later Brian pulls his head out of the dresser. “Nothing.”

He pulls out a drawer. And then another. “Yep. It’s the dresser.”

“All this hair. Everywhere.”

He picks up Fat Cat. Socks explores the tower of old dressers. “They’re cats, Ivy. How hard can it be?”

We ignore the noise and go to bed. Brian says, “Tomorrow, no rain. I’m going to lie on the sand.”

“But the party. We need to—”

The next morning, we splash in the gulf, inhale salty air, and praise ourselves for investing in such a peaceful place.

Then the showers come in and wipe out the day.

“Why did you have to do that this week?”

A call from the caterer ruins the rest of it. “He’s not coming.”

“I’m lying on the sand.” He reaches for the lamp, but before he turns out the light, the noisy dresser gets louder.

“It’s a small party. I promise.”

“Who?” Brian asks.

So LOUD. “The caterer. He says there’s a hurricane out in the backwaters of the Atlantic or someplace. The guy is evacuating.”

“What?”

Beavers gnawing giant pines to sawdust, LOUD. No sleep will be had, LOUD. I tell Brian to record the noise on his phone. “Proof.

In case they stop. I want a new, silent dresser.”

“He’s from Ohio.”

“It’s going to give somebody nightmares.”

“Oh.” Brian gets it. Non-natives freak at the mention of a stiff breeze. “Cancel the party.”

“What? No. It’s...I...I’ll run to Publix and whip something up. It’ll be perfect.”

Brian shakes his head and returns to his channel flipping.

On the way to the grocery store, I squash a line of black ants on the dashboard. I get back and I rush to block the front door with armloads of bags when Socks tries to shoot out. Where does he think he’s going from twelve floors up? “Stupid cat has a death wish.” I take off my wet clothes and get ready for bed. Something sounds off. “What’s that noise?”

“Rain on the balcony.”

“No, it’s coming from the dresser.”

“Yeah,” I agree. “Me. We can’t keep this thing in here.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll find the bug. Help me pull the drawers.”

Nine drawers and another hour later, Brian’s head emerges, again. “Okay, let’s move it out.”

Half asleep, I pick up a glass bowl of shells from atop the dresser. “Oh, no!”

Brian turns at my scream.

“The rim snapped.” I stare, numb, at the halfscalped pad of my thumb as shells, glass, and blood rain down into stacked drawers full of clothes. I reach for the blouses.

“It’s water tapping the patio table.”

“No, it’s a scritching noise.”

“Ivy, for God’s sake, leave the tops and take care of your hand.”

“Scritching?”

“But they’re silk!”

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Beach reads Much later, dresser moved, clothes washed, and bandaged thumb throbbing, I fall into bed—the room quiet.

The next morning, I stare at the obstacle course that is my living room. “We have to move this thing back to the bedroom. Our guests might get trapped between the dresser and the front door.”

about our plans. Irma is heading our way, they say. These junior meteorologists don’t realize it’s summer. “There are always hurricanes aimed at Florida,” I tell them. “We’ve learned to duck.”

I blow off the hurricane silliness and focus on the dresser problem—meaning I bug Brian to deal with the salesman.

Meanwhile, I Google bugs and wood.

Brian sighs. “You sacrificed a thumb last time. Can’t we just leave it.”

“Oh my god. Gross.”

“We can’t. The party—”

“Find something?”

“Call it off.”

“It’s furniture beetles. They live and procreate in the wood.”

“It’s hours away!”

“No wonder I couldn’t find them.”

“It’s vacation. I’m going to the beach.”

“That scritching was them boring. Ew.”

“It’s only the Austins, the Melvins, the Beebes, the Carlons, the Norths, the Sprankles, the—” Brian groans.

Brian calls the furniture store. “You have to get this out of here.”

“Just be a love and help with this monster.”

Dresser moved, we tidy up the place, bake a cake, and prepare party food. Through it all Brian steals glances at the beach below.

The tally for the evening: sixteen adults, two cats, five pieces of old furniture—stacked, and one possessed dresser.

Everyone oohs and aahs at the place, but the dresser is the hit of the party. Each and every guest sticks their head inside, trying to solve the mystery.

I read that the larva can live two to five years in the wood.

They can infest other furniture. “Tell him we can’t keep it inside!”

They don’t commit to a pick-up day, so we stick it on the balcony. “If I have to move this thing one more time, I’ll pitch it over the rail,” Brian says. “I’m going for a swim. Coming?”

“God, no. My thumb is cut. Remember? I don’t want one of those brain-eating amoebas or whatever they are, swimming into the wound and up my arm into my head for dinner.”

Brian just shakes his head.

“Moths.”

“No, wood expansion. It’s humid.”

“Bugs, has to be bugs. Listen to the rhythm.”

“Definitely demons.”

Whatever is in it, we haul it back to the living room before bed and I beg the cats, “Earn your keep and slay the demons before morning.”

The dresser is quiet at breakfast. But two large black ants crawl across my plate. It takes three swipes to clear them off my toast.

By lunch every out-of-state friend and family member has called to ask

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We go to our favorite beach restaurant for dinner. It’s not perfect. The waitress can’t stop talking about the hurricane. On the way back to the condo, we stop for gas.

There’s a line, so we wait.

And wait.

I sigh. “We’ve been here long enough to travel to the seventies’ gas crisis and back again.”

Brian, as always, is more patient. “It’s because of the damage Harvey caused in Houston.”

Beach reads “But it’s still so far away.” I’ve overstocked for too many wayward storms in the past to start now. “Ow.” At a pinch, I look down. A troop of tiny red ants bites my arm. Eighteen little swells boil up like an angry constellation in the crease of my elbow.

litter, food, and toys and leave the beach on another sunny day.

We walk along the shore at sunset. When I put on my flip flops, Brian stops me. “Fire ant.” He wipes it away.

This time I stop to think. Maybe the ants know something I don’t.

“It’s going to be okay, Ivy.” Brian rests a hand on my thigh.

Maybe it’s time for a plan.

At our house, Brian drags out the storm shutters. We’ve never used them and are surprised to find that four of the windows were mis-measured. The shutters won’t fit. We’re also surprised how long it takes to hang the ones that do.

The next day is spent with calls to the furniture store, and its delivery center, and its delivery manager. Finally, there is a promise to pick up the dresser before day’s end.

“Yes, thank you,” Brian says. “We might have to evacuate the beach and we can’t leave anything on the balcony.”

“And tell them it isn’t coming back in here!” I yell like a shrew’s wicked wart from the other room. I’m sick of the dresser, the storm (which has pounded Puerto Rico as a cat-5), and the exhausting vacation.

But the day is not over. In addition to the bedroom, I ordered a new entertainment console for the living room that has just arrived. It’s one of those assemble yourself sorts, the kind that takes all day and several expletives to complete.

In the morning the dresser is gone, but Irma with her 150-mph breath is coming. And my ant bites are on fire.

“You should put something on that,” Brian observes.

Duh. I chastise myself for not doing the obvious.

We stop at Publix for supplies—just in case. The water aisle has been vacant since the day of the party and the bread aisle looks equally pillaged, but we manage lots of cereal boxes, cans, and fresh produce. “Is there chocolate?” I ask.

“Think we’ll be any safer at home?” I ask. “We’re only moving ten miles inland.”

Fat Cat meows all the way home.

Checking the latest hurricane update for the hundred and fifty-second time, I’m of a mind to join the cats under the bed.

I wake at 5:30 the next morning feeling trapped. I wake Brian. “I think I’m going to throw up. We have to go, we have to leave now.”

“What?”

“If it hits the gulf, who knows.”

He stares at me through sleepy eyes. He must be assessing which level of deep-end crazy he’s dealing with.

By six a.m. we’re loading the car with the same fire drill precision that worked so well with the condo’s bedroom, but more than half way through I realize there’s no way to pack two people, two cat carriers, a litter box, six bags of hurricane supplies, food, and clothes into my streamlined car. How can we leave home?

Brian holds up a stash.

“Perfect.” We lug it all up to the condo and stage it by the front door.

“They’ve confirmed beach evacuation for tomorrow,” Brian tells me.

We take another look at the beach. The sun couldn’t set prettier. But we’re too tired to make it down to the sand.

Up early, we stack new furniture on top of old, shove towels in the door and window channels, and say a prayer. Still a cat-5, Irma is skimming Cuba with us in her sights.

We load the car with our food stores, the cats, and their

I’m about to go from panicked to nuclear when I notice Brian running around in the dark drizzle. “What are you doing? We have to go. Now!” “Cat got out,” he stage whispers.

There’s no need to ask which cat. Socks is Mr. Houdini, and from the stories, this is not his first great escape.

I run down our street dodging Bufo toads the size of rabbits. No joke. They are even more frighteningly disgusting than I could ever imagine, had I never seen one. But I soldier on, determined not to let my in-laws’ baby get left behind.

I chase a cat half a block before realizing I’m following a doppelgänger.

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Beach reads After fifteen minutes, Brian corners Socks and I grab him by the wet tail.

I look at Brian, cat dangling from my grip. “This is a sign. We’re staying put.”

I wake to the gargantuan snores of someone’s generator and check my phone. The storm, downgraded to a cat-2, jogged east. We’d been lucky.

“It’s fifteen minutes ’til sunrise,” I whisper to a soundasleep Brian.

He smiles, obviously happy to have his wife back.

“Huh?” We unload the supplies, cat litter and all.

“We should go look.”

A calm grips me.

“It’s not even light, Ivy.” We are prepared. Irma is still huge and she’s still aiming for us, but we’re ready.

Irma hits Naples by five p.m. and the first real bands start to blow through, taking our power with them. I try not to scratch my ant bites. The cats are back under the bed and the giant oaks sway over our house like a game of godly pickup sticks waiting to happen.

“We should go look.”

I can’t wait another second. We grab a flashlight and march arm in arm through a knee-high carpet of branches, wiping rain from our eyes, and cautiously peer at the roofline of our house—dark against dawn.

“Looks good,” Brian says.

Crack!

I nod. And hope.

Out front, a neighbor’s Keebler-style oak tree is smashed across the road. Its huge trunk exploded as if bombed.

I know that with another crack one of our mile-high trees will end up in our living room and there will be frogs in my bed, or worse, Bufo toads.

I prepare for a sleepless vigil, but am surprised to find myself feeling safe enough, tucked between Brian and the cats.

There’s a limb across our driveway and what looks like a miniature forest of downed greenery between us and civilization, but we ducked another one. I thank the trees, telling them how much I love them and how proud I am of their sturdy trunks. Then quick texts to friends and family: All is well.

Through the rains and wind, we work all day to clean the yard. We don’t know when we’ll have power, but we have plenty of energy—the glad-to-dodge-a-disaster kind. Even the cold shower can’t douse it.

I smile at Brian in the morning. “I guess you got a few extra days off.”

“Yes, what a vacation.”

He finally hears from the condo manager. “They have power and water.”

“But do we have windows?” I ask.

“Won’t know until we get there.”

After a second day of peanut butter sandwich and Vienna sausage lunch, we are ready to find out. We pack everything up, AGAIN. Most intersections are out, and the town looks rattled. I imagine a direct hit and shiver.

The island looks even worse. Palms are stripped bare and broken aluminum everything is sprinkled around like confetti. Our building itself looks fine, but I notice

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Beach reads curtains flying through a broken window on the top floor and hold my breath.

Back in our unit, we are grateful to find everything intact. Fat Cat is so grateful he pukes in his cat carrier.

We spend the rest of the day organizing the mess we left behind. At night, there’s a rolling blackout. I peek at the beach. “Look at the stars.”

ABOUT THE A uthors HARVESTER COURTNEY JONES

Brian sets up our oversized hammock on the balcony. We’re amazed by the Big Dipper, so low in the sky, its huge ladle poised to scoop the salt water.

I can’t stop talking, energized even through the tired.

Courtney Jones is a student at Ringling College of Art and Design pursuing a BFA in Creating Writing. She believes story is the foundation to every art form. Combing her background in film

I marvel at our luck. And pray for those who aren’t us. Soon the power is on and our stars fade.

and her passion for writing, she aspires to become an author, writing for and directing film. After graduating from Ringling in 2020, she plans to

Brian yawns as we head for bed. “Well, I’m looking forward to getting some rest at work.”

An unexpected call wakes me in the morning. It’s the furniture deliverer.

“Sorry about this, ma’am, but the dresser you’re expecting . . . there’s been a problem.”

obtain her MFA in Creative Writing.

HURRICATION CARRIE FONT GRANATO

“Hurricane damage?”

“See, there’s these squirrels.”

“Squirrels?”

“Yes, ma’am, they snuck in during the storm. Scratched their way into a drawer and, well, they made a nest, ma’am.

We’ll order you a new one. Might take a few days.”

I laugh and scratch my arm. I still have my ant bites. And we still have a wall full of old furniture, and there’s possibly still some dried vomit in the crevices of Fat Cat’s carrier. But I have my sense of humor. I had misplaced it along with my perspective.

I found them both again. It happened during the lows and highs of our stormy vacation.

At a young age, Carrie Font Granato armed herself with her prized box of 64 Crayolas and set out to color the world. A former art director and graphic artist, she now colors with words. She is currently writing novels which often draw upon her Cuban heritage. She is fiction editor and art director of the Florida literary journal, Odet.

S TAY T U N ED N EX T M O N T H

for two more thrilling reads from the creative minds of Grier Ferguson and Neil Plakcy!

“No problem,” I say. “Send me a picture when the babies are born.”

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arts&culture Larry Hamm’s “The Clown” from Theatre Odyssey’s 10-Minute Play Festival

Artist Series Concerts Circus Arts Conservatory

The Ringling’s Toni Dove:Spectropia.

Manatee Performing Arts Center

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

Best SEATS PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR

941.351.8000 / asolorep.org What the Butler Saw July 10 – 29

CHORAL ARTISTS OF SARASOTA 941.387.6046 / choralartistssarasota.org First United Methodist Church Patriotic Spectacular July 4

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY 941.355.9805 / circusarts.org Historic Asolo Theater Summer Circus Spectacular Through July 28

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org Carole’s Kings Through July 15 Murder For Two Through July 29

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Children’s Theatre Reel Music Through August 9 SRQ Improv Festival July 12 – 14 The Music of the Night July 17 – August 19

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com The Little Mermaid July 20 – 21

THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org Mainstage Tops from Flops July 11 – 22 Auditions for Broadway 2018-19 July 28 Players Backstage Theatre Players New Play Festival July 23 – 27

arts&culture

Sarasota Ballet

THE RINGLING MUSEUM

Sarasota Opera

Andrea Chenier

941.358.3180 / ringling.org Historic Asolo Theater Summer Circus Spectacular presented in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota Through July 28

July 15

THE SARASOTA BALLET

King Creole

941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org The FSU Center for Performing Arts International Intensive Showcase 2018 July 27 – 28

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL

SARASOTA OPERA 941.374.2914 / SarasotaOpera.org Student Showcase Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

July 28 HD at the Opera House La gazza ladra

July 1 Tosca

July 8

Swan Lake

July 22 Gala des etoiles

July 29 Classic Movies at the Opera House Gone with the Wind

July 5 July 19

Let Me Be There, starring Michele Pruyn & Patti Highland July 14 – 15 Eric Watters presents I’ll Be Seeing You July 19 – 21 Momma Needs a Drink, starring Alana Opie July 21 – 22 It’s About TIME! starring Diana Vytell July 26 – 27 It’s Yesterday Once More, starring Michele Pruyn July 28 – 29

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE

941.953.3368 / vanwezel.org Friday Fest 2018 Reverend Barry & The Funk July 27

941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org Rockin’ Down Fairytale Lane July 25 – August 11

VENICE THEATRE

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

941.488.1115 / venicestage.com 6th Annual Summer Cabaret Festival Pinkerton Theatre Journey to the Past, starring Sarah Cassidy July 13 – 14

SCENESARASOTA.COM

To submit your performance season, please send information to SCENEMAGAZINE@SCENESARASOTA.COM

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arts&culture

ArtCenter Manatee

Clyde Butcher Gallery

THROUGH JULY 27 ArtCenter Manatee

GET Inspired CULTURAL HAPPENINGS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE ARTS AND CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF SARASOTA COUNTY

Jenny Medved: Indigenous People, Portraits of Heritage & Descent Kellogg Gallery A representational figurative artist & illustrator working in watercolor, Jenny was featured as one of the ten artists in the ‘Ones to Watch’ feature of Watercolor Artist Magazine, December 2015. artcentermanatee.org

JOHN & MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART 5401 Bay Shore Road | ringling.org

THROUGH AUGUST 5 A Kaleidoscope of Color: The Costume Designs of Miles White This exhibition will include original sketches, watercolors, swatchbooks and their production documents. Some drawings will be paired with actual wardrobe pieces and historic photographs.

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10 250 Years of the Circus in Print, Part II Posters celebrating four-legged performers.

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arts&culture

Art Center Sarasota

What do you want to be when you grow up?

North Port Art Center

THROUGH AUGUST 15 Clyde Butcher Gallery

JULY 14 – SEPTEMBER 2 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

America the Beautiful: The Monumental Landscape Showcasing the photos in Clyde’s newest coffee-table book. clydebutcher.com

Salt of the Earth Gallery Exhibit northportartcenter.com

In Dialogue with Nature: Glass in the Gardens Glass blowers from the St. Petersburg Hot Glass Workshop and the Duncan McClellan Gallery partner with Selby Gardens to bring a botanically-themed art glass exhibition to the area.

Museum of Botany & the Arts selby.org

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14 Ringling College Galleries

JULY 14 – SEPTEMBER 2 Art Center Sarasota

Octavio Perez - Illustrations Perez has worked at Hallmark Cards and created concept design and editorial illustrations for the St. Petersburg Times. Patricia Thompson Gallery ringling.edu/galleries

Possibilities Members-only, all-media juried art show.

Galleries 1 – 3 artsarasota.org

THROUGH AUGUST 24 North Port Art Center

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29 Dabbert Gallery Summer Showcase This exhibit features 6 sculptors, 1 printmaker, 16 painters, 1 pastel artist and 1 photographer. dabbertgallery.com

Have an upcoming visual art event?

Send your event details to

Help entrepreneur Angela achieve her dream.

Invest in our community’s professionals one graduate at a time.

Investments can be made in the form of recurring or one-time donations, equipment, supplies, and/or scholarships to help students reach their graduation milestone.

Contact Barbara Bourgoin 941-752-5398 or BourgoB@SCF.edu

COMMUNICATIONS@SARASOTAARTS.ORG

SCF-Foundation.org JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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arts&culture

Meet Artist

LAURIE MAVES Contemporary artist Laurie Maves believes she is here on this planet to create art for her audience. She paints with an intuitive hand and brilliant color palette, allowing the paintings to come about organically – to paint themselves. Her most recent series, abstracts focusing on positive energy, light and a sense of healing are meant to be meditative in nature, reminders of “perfect wholeness in the universe,” depicted in part by the circle form, which recurs in Laurie’s paintings to represent an ancient symbol for life, seen in every culture. She often works motivational words into her imagery, sealing the thoughts into the message of the painting in hopes of inspiring those who view her work with positive energy and peace. www.lauriemavesart.com

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insider

InHEALTH BUILDING SOLUTIONS TO FLORIDA’S PEDIATRIC DENTAL PROBLEM

By Dr. Kameron Hodgens, CEO Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center

Finding the time and the sufficient funds to get dental care can be challenging for anyone. But for many families in our community who are on Medicaid or are Medicaid-eligible, it’s more than a matter of convenience; Sarasota dentists accepting Medicaid patients are few and far between.

The local barriers to early dental care persist, even though we know that it is critical to a child’s overall health. A study cited by the Florida Department of Health states that cavities and tooth decay “remain the most prevalent chronic infectious disease among young children and adolescents.”

And as children become adults, poor oral health is strongly correlated to other systematic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Center has been the only collaborative nonprofit campus in our region. Located between Newtown and the Rosemary District, the five-acre campus is home to over 17 nonprofits offering a wide variety of human services, which is why the campus is touted as a “one-stop shop”.

The pediatric clinic of Sarasota County’s public health services is one of the original tenants of the campus.

In 2013, through a collaborative effort of public and private partnerships, we built a new facility for the pediatric clinic. The Sally & Sam Shapiro Babies and Children’s Medical Center opened its doors in the summer of 2014, continuing to provide high-quality pediatric care to children and families most in need in a brand new state-of-the-art building, extending the footprint of the campus. The original concept included a dental practice, but it was eliminated during construction due to increasing costs. So, in the summer of 2017, leadership of the Center and the Health Department revisited the idea and discussed remodeling the east wing of the building to incorporate a four-chair dental clinic.

Regrettably, Florida ranks lowest of all 50 states in getting Medicaid-enrolled children connected to preventative dental care*. However, Sarasota might be able to alleviate some of the barriers responsible for that unfortunate statistic.

That idea is now a reality, led by gifts from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and donors. The dental clinic was completed by Tandem Construction this summer and will begin seeing patients in early fall. The space is bright and kid-friendly, accommodating any general pediatric dental need. Over 90% of the children who seek primary pediatric care at the Sally & Sam Shapiro Babies and Children’s Medical Center are Medicaid-eligible; having the dental clinic in the same building provides the perfect opportunity to offer both services in the same space to a largely underserved population.

For over 27 years, The Glasser/ Schoenbaum Human Services

Preliminary local data shows that 8,696 Medicaideligible children ages 0-17 live in and around the zip

did you know?

Cavities and tooth decay remain the most prevalent chronic infectious disease among young children and adolescents. codes of the campus. Health Department staff estimate that the new dental clinic would have capacity to serve at least 3,000 of those children annually.

Though there is work to do from the local to the state-wide level, this pediatric dental practice on the Glasser/Schoenbaum campus will be a new key component in our comprehensive approach to providing human services —and some smiles to boot—right here in the Sarasota area.

For more information, visit gs-humanservices.org.

Source: “The State of Children’s Dental Health: Making Coverage Matter” PEW Charitable Trusts (2011)

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arts&culture

LITERARY Scene

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

RYAN REVIEWS THREE NONFICTION BOOKS ABOUT FLORIDA

FLORIDA-MADE: THE 25 MOST IMPORTANT FIGURES WHO SHAPED THE STATE

by George S. Lemieux and Laura E. Mize This book—authored by Florida’s 34th US senator George LeMieux and Ft. Lauderdale freelance journalist and Palm Beach Post reporter Laura Mize— would be interesting enough were it simply offering the stories behind some of the most important figures in Florida history.

But it goes a step further—it boldly attempts to rank them, starting with #1 (Henry Morrison Flagler) to #25 (Chief James Edward Billie). I might disagree with where a few figures fell between #16 and #23, but this is an interesting list, nonetheless.

The obvious choices are here, such as Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the “grande dame” of the Everglades, who nearly single-handedly saved that land via environmental activism and journalism, as well as Walt Disney, whose theme park dreams made Orlando the nation’s most-visited destination and who created an entertainment empire that accounts for more than half of Florida’s annual visitors. But this book also has choices such as #23, George Washington Jenkins, Jr., who started up Publix— Florida’s largest private employer and best-known homegrown company. And there’s #8, Dr. John Gorrie, whose patented ice-making and refrigeration machine was the first major advance in artificial cooling.

This is a well-documented, well-researched book with more information about these important Florida icons than most know. It’s well worth the read, whether you agree with the rankings or not.

Rating:

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SON OF REAL FLORIDA: STORIES FROM MY LIFE

by Jeff Klinkenberg I’m a sucker for Florida stories, so award-winning journalist Jeff Klinkenberg’s new collection of essays is right up my alley. He’s a Florida person through and through, growing up in Miami, exploring the Everglades as a kid, and studying journalism at the University of Florida (where he’s in the UF Journalism College’s Hall of Fame).

With the clarity and accuracy that one would expect of a decades-long writer for the Tampa Bay Times, Klinkenberg’s stories are tender, potent, and memorable. Unlike so many of the gosh-isn’t-Florida-weird tales one finds online, these pieces resonate with mystery, wonder, and love. Some of my faves? Solomon’s Castle, The Photo Laureate of Silver Springs, Billy the Kid Emerson, and the Seven Mile Bridge. But plenty more are well worth savoring.

Klinkenberg also shares stories about the newspaper world.

Here’s a sample from “A Newspaperman in Florida.”

“When I started at the Miami News in 1966, reporters typed their stories with two fingers on cheap paper. If they needed to move paragraphs around, they did so with scissors and glue. They impaled finished stories on metal spikes for a psychopathic editor who forbade talking until sunrise.” While I wouldn’t want to have lived through those times, they sure are interesting—and sometimes fun—to read about.

This is a fine, fine book about the people, places, culture, and cuisine of the Sunshine State.

Rating:

www.jeffklinkenberg.com

arts&culture

PHIL GERNHARD, RECORD MAN

by Bill DeYoung

I confess—despite having a fairly strong background in music, I didn’t know the name Phil Gernhard. But thanks to St. Petersburg author and music journalist Bill DeYoung’s new book, I now realize that Gernhard was a Florida music powerhouse who deserves more notoriety.

While Gernhard was born in Chicago, he was raised in Sarasota which, in that time, was “sleepy and relatively isolated, surrounded on three sides by cattle ranches and citrus groves. The Interstate Highway System didn’t come that far south, so tourists weren’t exactly arriving by the busload.”

Gernhard’s father was prone to “rage-aholic fits,” and when they happened, Gernhard and his sister would run away to the Ringling Museum and hide in the gardens.

Clearly, Sarasota played a big part in Gernhard’s life. But then on February 21, 1956, Gernhard “plunked down fifty cents of his hard-earned money, from working in a downtown café, to see his idol, Elvis Presley, at the Florida Theater.” In 1988, Gernhard told the Herald-Tribune that “that night had a tremendous impact on my life and became a driving force in all these years as a record producer. There’s not a gold record or award on my wall that does not owe at least part of its existence to that night and inspiration of his performance and personality.”

JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI LOUNGE

Soon after hearing Elvis, Gernhard recorded his first millioncopy selling record—“Stay” by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs—at age 19. And his storied career just took off from there. He discovered and produced hits for Lobo, Jim Stafford, and the Bellamy Brothers. He revived the career of Dion DiMucci. He launched the careers of Tim McGraw and Rodney Atkins, and many others. It doesn’t take many pages in this book to realize that in the world of music, Gernhard was and still is a legend.

DeYoung does a powerful job of detailing Gernhard’s troubled life—from his struggles with addiction to four divorces to prostate cancer to him finally taking his own life—while still revealing how this amazing man with a nearmagical sense for spotting hit songs helped make the dreams of others manifest into reality. And for those who’ve been in this area for more than a few years, this book might be a lovely dose of nostalgia too since Florida is often the stage for the best stories.

Rating:

www.BillDeYoung.com

4910 S TAMIAMI TRAIL | 941.552.9465 5459 FRUITVILLE ROAD | 941.342.6200 JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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on the town

Eat &Drink DELICIOUS DISHES AND DRINKS + THE PERFECT PLACES TO PARTAKE

PURELY WONDERFUL

By Rick Dakan BOUTIQUE ORGANIC WINE AT LE CAVE DE SYLVIE 2105 Reynolds St., Sarasota, FL 34231 Hours: Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“Don’t be swayed by the ads. Don’t buy just because it’s very expensive or very cheap,” says Sylvie. “Love is love, authenticity is authenticity, quality is quality. I don’t say it’s wonderful, I say it’s true and I present it.” Sylvie has been a vital part of the Sarasota culinary community for almost forty years. Locals and old timers like me have great memories of her restaurant, Chez Sylvie (1979 to 2010) which served fresh, organic French cuisine. “That’s my life, organic for years,” she says. “Honoring the produce, genuine in all things. These are the wines I served in my restaurant.”

Le Cave de Sylvie is a very modest boutique, tucked away in a row of businesses on Reynolds Street just off US 41, south of Gulf Gate Drive. As you enter, you’ll pass through a beautiful gate made from wine bottles and enter a small patio area. From there you’ll enter the store itself, which offers a small, precisely curated selection of wines and a large area for tasting them. This is the Sylvie experience: you’re here to taste and talk and learn and love wine, not pick a bottle at random and hope for the best.

Sylvie offers only small estate wines from makers who’ve been organic for centuries, often with the same family on the same farm for the entire time.

“In France there are a lot of passionate, honest people who make wine as a passion and won’t compromise on quality,” she explains. “Wine is alive.

The wine is made in the field, from the ground, in partnership with the climate.

These farmers don’t cheat. They make what they make. 150 cases one year if the weather is good, 50 the next if it’s bad. It’s a privilege and honor to be dealing with these wines. I don’t want to convince, I want to give people choices with authenticity, honor, intensity.”

Talking to Sylvie about wine is a delight, and almost as big an attraction as the wines she sells. Every wine has a story,

“

It’s a privilege and honor to be dealing with these wines.

I don’t want to convince, I want to give people choices

“

Wine can be intimidating. Walk into a big-box liquor store or even the wine aisle in your favorite supermarket, and the options befuddle all but the most dedicated wine aficionados.

We go with the pretty label, or the funny name, or the one we’ve had before and thought was fine. We settle. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can go to Sylvie, who offers something else entirely in her boutique wine shop, Le Cave de Sylvie, something wonderful.

with authenticity, honor, intensity.

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on the town

like the wonderfully crisp Domaine Rosier Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine. One of her (and now my) favorites, this dry, crisp bubbly from Limoux is made primarily from the Mausac grape, grown only in Limoux, France and was probably the first sparkling wine ever made, dating back to 1531. This mix of a delicious wine with stories about its fascinating origins exemplifies the Cave de Sylvie experience, an experience I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys wine.

Every month there is a big wine tasting hosted by Sylvie and the importer who brings these great wines into the US, held on a Friday evening.

Every Wednesday, Sylvie hosts a smaller “Aperitif Pic-Nic” from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. where you can try a half-dozen or so wines and enjoy organic cheeses, fruits, and breads.

Go to lacavedesylvie.com for details and dates for each month.

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JESSICA’S ORGANIC FARM 4180 47th St., Sarasota, FL 34235 | (941) 358-3895 Hours: Friday: 2:00 p.m. –­ 7:30 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sadly, we can’t live on wine and cheese alone, even if it is the wonderful organic, small-estate wine Sylvie specializes in. For healthier food that’s just as authentic and high-quality as the wines, Sylvie recommends Jessica’s Organic Farm, located right here in Sarasota, and she is not alone. This five-acre organic farm has been serving healthy, fresh produce just about as long as Sylvie has been serving food and wine.

Bill and Pam Pischer started Jessica’s as a pick-your-own strawberry farm in 1978 and have expanded to offer a wide range of produce. The farm sells fresh eggs and dairy, dried goods, and local fruits and vegetables.

The availability, of course, changes with the seasons, so be sure to check out the Crop Schedule on the farm’s website at jessicasorganicfarm.com to see what’s available.

insider

Laughing MATTERS ME AND MY PAL, STEPHEN

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

W

ell, it’s July in Florida.

Surely there’s a weatherrelated joke in that fact somewhere, but I’m simply too focused elsewhere to unpack the sweaty humor in that blistering, raindrenched reality. (Does it always have to unleash a torrential downpour exactly six minutes after I fire up the lawnmower to tackle the waist-high grass surrounding my house like an endless green moat?)

What, you might be wondering, has me so preoccupied that I’m able to ignore Florida weather jabs and my neighbors’ glares about my recalcitrant yard?

The Big Mac. No, not the two-all-beefpatties-special-saucelettuce-cheese-picklesonions-on-a-sesame-seed-bun (a.k.a.) sandwich of sin from McDonald’s. I’m talking about the self-described Big Mac of Writing: Mr. Stephen Edwin King.

Let me explain. Through a conflux of recent events—me watching the remake of It; me being chased by a terrifically insane dog the size of a houseboat; and me throwing a book manuscript in the trash —I’ve had “King on the Brain.” Honestly, of all the writers I’ve never met, I absolutely and totally and utterly adore him and I think he’s the most beautiful writer in the world, and more importantly, I genuinely believe and have believed for some time now that he and I can be best friends.

Okay, okay—I slipped into a Notting Hill moment there. I’d have preferred to say, “Can you adios those dishes and take out that trash?” but I couldn’t quite work that zinger into my Stephen King dealio here.

David Letterman. And I’m tickled that he was “cute and funny” to one of my writing students who bumped into him during a visit to Jungle Gardens a year or so back.

But perhaps equally important, the connections between King and myself are stunningly powerful. Like a Taurus and Pisces cosmic match. Let me offer the evidence.

1) King owns three radio stations in Maine; I listen to the radio when I’m driving.

2) King once told British writer Neil Gaiman that he wouldn’t change one thing about his life if had to do it all over again... except he’d skip being in an American Express TV advertisement. (Remember that clunker? He stands there looking all monsterly and spooky, then says: “Instead of saying that I wrote Carrie, I ‘carry’ the American Express card. Cringe away!)

Me? I have an American Express card that I wish I’d skipped getting. The monthly bills make ME cringe!

3) King holds the Guinness Book of World Records crown for being the author of the most books adapted into films; I’m currently tied for the fewest books adapted into films (zero!).

4) He’s a huge Red Sox fan. As in super-scary, big-time, actually-eat-hot-dogs-at-the-stadium fandom. Plus he wrote a book about a former Red Sox pitcher—The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. I once threw a baseball through a porch screen door while trying to scare a dog out of peeing on the carpet.

Anyway . . .

5) King was a shockingly poor college student (“It was fried Cheerios and peanut butter for supper,” King once told Letterman); I teach at a college.

I’m genuinely a fan of King and his writing. I’ve seen nearly two dozen of his movies, and I’ve read twice that many of his books. I’ve also enjoyed his chats with Stephen Colbert, Craig Ferguson, and

6) In one of his frequent cameos in his movies, King played a man at an ATM in Maximum Overdrive, a doctor in Thinner, and a pizza delivery dude in Rose Red. JULY 2018 | SARASOTA SCENE

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insider I’ve used an ATM. I’ve been to see a doctor—went to a dermatologist just this month to hack off a pesky mole on my butt! And I’ve had pizza delivered from Domino’s before.

I’m sad to report that despite my Herculean efforts to locate my new best friend and maybe split a Mango Magic with him at Tropical Smoothie Café on Main Street, I haven’t occasioned upon the Big Mac yet.

7) King supposedly wrote the Lost tie-in mystery novel called Bad Twin. He didn’t. I didn’t write Bad Twin, either!

Though it’s surely only a matter of time. As King writes in Cujo: “There is no bad time for good news!”

Do you see what I mean? King and I are like two literary peas in a pod...in a haunted library...in an alternate dimension where venom-spewing Republican catpeople rule the planet.

Which is to say, we’re great pals already.

But I figure that the best thing to do is to inform King of this fact, so I’ve been waiting—lurking, really—in places around Sarasota where I fully expect King to visit.

Places that are positively aching to be the next setting of a future King novel.

Like J.R.’s Old Packinghouse Cafe around 1:00 a.m. on a Tuesday night. Or the middle of the Celery Fields during a booming July thunderstorm. Or Barnes & Nobles on Tamiami Trail in the stationary section.

gRECO

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Want to know if Ronald McDonald actually served as the inspiration for Pennywise from It? Want to learn why Stephen King wrote a musical with John Mellencamp entitled The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County? Want to speculate on why King is terrified of the number 13? Send those requests tout de suite to ryan@scenesarasota.com today! I’ll ask my new best friend and get you the 411 from the Big Mac’s mouth directly.

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