June 2023

LIVING

GOOD LIFE THE

RESORT-STYLE LIVING AT WILD BLUE

modern investing spectacular summer travel

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Siesta Key | A4568691 | $4,500,000 Tammy Mast | 941-256-6543

Anna Maria Island | A4569730 | $3,995,000 James Sauter & Randee Long | 941-999-8901

Sarasota | A4555298 | $3,275,000 Sara Boudarga & Linda Driggs | 941-321-6352

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WILD BLUe At WAteRsIDe resort-style living in lakewood ranch

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PhilliP dickson brings an exciting new investment aPP to sarasota

By Christy Pessemier

59 64 70 48

LUx Life luxury home Products

sUMMeR jet set local notables share summer travel Plans

AccessinG enteRtAinMent at manatee Performing arts center

By Simone Knego

On the COver

Kayaking is just one of the many amenities at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch. Image provided by Stock Development.

from the • p UBL is H e R

ith this our “Good Life” issue, the term certainly conjures different visions for different people. To me, it means enjoying a high quality of life in a beautiful and vibrant community like Sarasota.

Moving here from Montreal offered very different lifestyles and experiences but some similarities as well. One of the most obvious differences is the climate. Sarasota enjoys warm, sunny weather for nine months of the year and three months of very hot summers, which I really don’t mind. My memories of Montreal’s frigid cold winters and very humid summers I did mind!

Montreal is known for its rich culture and history. It has a vibrant arts scene, world-renowned festivals, and a strong multicultural influence. There are many outdoor activities both in winter and summer. These features made Montreal quite enjoyable.

Given our beautiful beaches and natural landscapes including Siesta Key Beach and Myakka River State Park, Sarasota is known more for its outdoor activities. We also have a world-class vibrant arts and cultural scene; and while similarities abound between these two wonderful places, they are also a world apart. I have been blessed indeed to call both cities home giving me a very good life!

As the season ends, I gratefully reflect on the incredible performances and visual arts venues I attended. I believe that Asolo Rep, The Sarasota Ballet, and Sarasota Opera all had their best seasons ever. Well done! In fact, at the time of writing this, I just saw Man of La Mancha at Asolo Rep. Two hours, no intermission. You would be surprised at how consumed you are, and how awe struck you would be by the performances. The two hours just flew by! It runs through June 11, so please try to see it.

I also enjoyed performances by the Sarasota Orchestra, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, Florida Studio Theatre, Circus Arts Conservatory, La Música, and The Hermitage. I danced to great bands at the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Gala and Selby Gardens Orchid Ball. I had the pleasure of attending great events such as Florida Winefest & Auction, Sarasota Film Festival, the interactive dinner for Make-a-Wish and many more. Sarasota is never dull!

Looking back at this season with all its galas and cultural events, it is hard to believe how busy I was. Sometimes I even wondered how I kept up with my schedule. But there’s no place in the world I would rather be! On the days I wasn’t at a gala or cultural event, I was biking the Legacy Trail or taking some outdoor group classes at the Bay Park. There are so many opportunities to stay active and healthy in our town.

H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER

John with Iain Webb at The Sarasota Ballet Dinner of Excellence

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Our prime meats and fresh seafood are perfect for your backyard barbecue. Ask about our custom cuts and pre-marinated ready-tocook items. From ribeye steaks and gourmet burgers to wild salmon and whole chickens, trust Morton’s for your summertime cookouts!

Sarasota is also known for its strong sense of community and civic engagement. Residents are active in local politics, volunteerism, and charitable giving, making it a great place to connect with others and make a positive impact. These last few years, especially when the community shut down during the pandemic, we at Sarasota Scene promoted the need to support our organizations and institutions during such a difficult time. We annually donate around $250,000 of in-kind marketing and financial support to the community, and while that is very significant and meaningful to us, it is a drop in the bucket compared to the generous citizens of this highly philanthropic community.

Yes, life is good indeed in Sarasota!

If you can do it, travel is also an important part of living a good life. Whether you travel to parts of the USA or fly to places far and wide, experiencing other cultures is so important for our own personal growth. Several locals share their summer travel plans with us in this issue, and it’s interesting to see where others are going!

I will visit my grandchildren in August and can’t wait to see them. I hope the early heat wave they are enjoying in Vancouver warms the very cold Pacific Ocean before I get there so I can partake in some water sports.

Also in this issue, please read all about Manatee Performing Arts Center and everything they have to offer. It is such an important cultural institution in our town; in addition to terrific productions during season, they have great summer shows and programs to enjoy.

Lastly, we bring back something old and introduce something new. “Rewind” showcases events from the past and people you may know or remember from years ago. It’s fun nostalgia for sure! “Around Town” is a new monthly Q & A department that’s an interesting “get to know” about a high-profile person in town. We kick off “Around Town” with the dynamic Iain Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet.

More good life awaits! Enjoy!

H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com

l ocally owned and o perated s ince 1957

Vol. 66 No. 6

Publisher/Executive Editor

H John Knowles

Strategic Partnerships

Julie A. Milton

Executive Creative Director

Darcy Kelly–Laviolette

Digital Media & Editorial Content Coordinator

Gina Liga

Distribution

Mike Straffin

Accounting

Sally A. Bailey

Advertising Enquiries

Paul McNamara

Call/Text 917.751.6506 | paul@scenesarasota.com

Sharon Castellano

Call/Text 203.984.7577 | sharon@scenesarasota.com

Community Relations

Alix Redmonde

Contributing Writers

Ryan G. Van Cleave

Christy Pessemier

Simone Knego

Lisa Codianne Fowler

Stu Opperman

Jacqueline Miller

Contributing & Social Photographer

Nancy Guth

Contributing Photographers

Matt Roback

Cliff Roles

Curtis Anderson, Jr.

1834 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | Fax: 941.954.5067 | scenesarasota.com

s u B scri B e at scenesarasota.com/magazine/shop

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

the L ist

1–3 LASER LIGHT NIGHTS

JUNE 2023

EVENTS CALENDAR

Break out the big hair and acid-washed denims— Laser Light Nights are back! Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night through September 2, rock out to some of your favorite artists and enjoy a variety of food and drink options for purchase in the Bishop’s planetarium.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature | bishopscience.org/laser-light-nights

2

MUSIC ON MAIN

Modern Measure Band will fill the air with Latin, country, Motown, pop and rock music. The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids. Proceeds from this event will benefit Selah Freedom.

Lakewood Ranch Main Street | lakewoodranch.com/event/music-main

Dr. Reichbach and his staff have committed to the mission of providing hope to those suffering from pain and mental health illnesses since first opening the Gulf Coast Ketamine Center in 2016. In 2020, the practice began a partnership with Veterans in Pain, a national nonprofit dedicated to solutions for U.S. veterans suffering from physical and emotional chronic pain. Serving as the director of the ketamine division for Veterans in Pain, Dr. Reichbach proudly offers discounted services through Reichbach Center for veterans and their immediate family members.

3

PASO ROBLES WINE TASTING

Enjoy a unique wine tasting by featuring Herman Story Wines & Desparada Wines. Artisan Cheese & lite bites will be served.

Soprano’s Social Club & Wine Bar | www.thewinetobuy.com

7

THE SHORT STORY BOOK CLUB MEETING

In this monthly book club dedicated to reading collections of short stories, June’s pick is Manywhere, Morgan Thomas’s shimmering debut collection featuring lush and uncompromising stories about characters crossing geographical borders and gender binaries.

Bookstore1 | sarasotabooks.com/bookclubs

8–11

U.S. ROWING 2023 YOUTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Come watch the best of the best youths race for championship titles. Nathan Benderson Park | nathanbendersonpark.org

8–24

SARASOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Every June, some of the world’s greatest musicians and teachers gather for three highly intensive weeks in beautiful Sarasota to share their wisdom, inspiration, and joy in music-making with a select group of exceptionally accomplished young musicians.  Sarasota Orchestra/ Sarasota Opera House |

ALL-AMERICAN COOKOUT

TUESDAY, JULY 4 • 5:30 – 9:30 P.M.

ALL-AMERICAN FARE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY GAMES, AND VIEW OF THE FIREWORKS OVER SARASOTA BAY

ALL-INCLUSIVE OPTION AVAILABLE

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9–11

BRADENTON BOAT SHOW

Shop a huge selection of new boats, boating accessories, fishing gear and more. Plus the Captain Joe Fishing School where you can learn from expert anglers.

Bradenton Area Convention Center | bradentonboatshow.com

10–11

21ST ANNUAL ST. ARMANDS CRAFT FESTIVAL

This popular, free, outdoor event takes place inside St. Armands Circle Park.  For two days, guests will enjoy works from over 175 artisans and craft persons participating in this fun event. St. Armands Circle | starmandscircleassoc.com

14

THE POETRY BOOK CLUB MEETING

This monthly book club is for those who like to read and discuss poetry. It celebrates the integral role

of poets and poetry in life and literature. June’s selection is In the Hour of War: Poems from Ukraine edited by Carolyn Forché and Ilya Kaminsky.

Bookstore1 | sarasotabooks.com/bookclubs

Check

Big

23

7TH ANNUAL BOB RIZI MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC

This iconic golf tournament benefits Suncoast Charities for Children and fills up fast. Limited to 36 foursomes, tickets include breakfast, tee sign, player goodie bag, post-tournament lunch and a great day on the links. The Meadows Golf & Country Club | meadowscc.org

30

SUNCOAST SUMMERFEST

Formerly known as the Offshore Racing Festival. Your ticket includes a full open bar, food, casino-style gaming, music, and more.

Starting point: Marina Jack | suncoastsummerfest.org

20

THE BANNED BOOK CLUB MEETING

The Banned Book Club Meeting

In this monthly book club dedicated to reading and protecting the most important and threatened books for our generation, June’s pick Go tell It on the Mountain, James Baldwin’s “brutal, objective and compassionate” (San Francisco Chronicle) novel.

Bookstore1 | sarasotabooks.com/bookclubs

Through

KIDS

The

14–15

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALES

EVENT

Come see Santa Claus, Christmas themed retail windows, ride the trolley and get some great deals and discounts at the boutiques in historic downtown Venice.

VISIT SCENESARASOTA.COM

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

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INNOVATIVE IDEAS EMPOWERED GROWTH™

Samuel L. Cione of Integrity Wealth Management, Inc. in Sarasota has qualified for Top of the Table, a coveted milestone achievement for its membership in Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). Cione’s membership equips him with tools and resources to better serve the local community.

Top of the Table is an internationally recognized mark of excellence reserved for the most successful in the financial industry. This places Cione among the top professionals in the intensely competitive global life insurance and financial services industries.

As a Fiduciary, Cione attributes a great deal of his success in retirement planning to his “family first” attitude. He strives to treat each client as a member of his own extended family. “We are selective about the clientele we create relationships with and offer each family an extraordinary level of personalized planning, service and support. We invest deeply with our clients and our community so we may better understand how to best serve their needs.”

“Top of the Table is comprised of the best and brightest professionals our industry has to offer,” said Regina Bedoya, CLU, ChFC, MDRT President. “MDRT hopes to continue to foster a culture of excellence and encourage members to grow both personally and professionally.”

Since 1927, MDRT has been committed to providing its members with a unique mix of networking and resources to help them gain new and unique insights to better serve clients’ individual needs. Working with an MDRT member connects clients not only to a highly credible and leading financial advisor, but also an unmatched global network spanning 72 nations and territories around the world.

For more information, contact Samuel L. Cione at 941.955.2700 or info@iwmfl.com.

About MDRT

Founded in 1927, MDRT, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of more than 70,000 of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 72 nations and territories. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct, and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit www.mdrt.org and follow on Twitter @MDRtweet.

Benjamin Franklin wrote: “wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.” At Integrity Wealth Management (IWM),wewanttohelp protect and grow the wealth you’ve worked hard to achieve so you can do just that. IWM specializes in assisting with long-term, low-risk investments, wealth preservation, reducing tax burdens and other personalized strategies. We’re committed to upholding the values of integrity, honesty, competency and stewardship and putting you on the right path to live the life you so richly deserve.

Private Wealth Management For Select Individuals.

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it’s about experiencing the richness of life.

Private

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Samuel L. Cione

CONSERVATION FOUNDATION NATURE LECTURE WITH JASON VUIC

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast recently hosted Jason Vuic as their 2023 Nature Lecturer. Vuic, an award-winning author and historian, wrote The Swamp Peddlers, a tale of misguided land development in Florida during the grow-at-any-cost 1950s and ‘60s. In this lecture by the same name, he dove into the history of the “installment land sales industry,” which seemingly appeared out of nowhere to sell billions of dollars of Florida residential property, sight unseen, to retiring Northerners. The lecture emphasized the importance of balance in development and underscored the importance of Conservation Foundation’s vital work.

Jason Vuic, Guest Speaker

Vera Pressley, Bill Johnson, Eileen Scudder Zimmermann, & Mollie Cardomone

Anita Holec, Marion Younge, & Isabel Becker

Christine Johnson

DICK VITALE GALA

ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster and Lakewood Ranch resident Dick Vitale has been a champion for children with cancer for years raising almost $80 million since 2005 for the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. This year’s Ritz-Carlton sold-out gala was no exception. It honored sport celebrities Buster Posey, David Robinson, John and Patrick McEnroe, Dereck Whittenburg and Rick Barnes, and raised $12.4 million. The incredible work and dedication of Dickie V and his “All Courageous Team” has made a major impact on game-changing research for pediatric cancer and on saving lives. Thank you, Dickie V—it’s awesome, baby!

Pat Robinson & John

Derek Whittenburg & Enzo Grande

Philip & Leigh Anne Goldstein with Corey Robinson

Dick Vitale & Julie Lipton

JOSHPROVIDES INTERACTIVE DINNER

This always fun interactive dinner featured Phil Mancini and Chef Jamil Pineda leading guests in the table side cooking of their four-course meal. Board Chair Ed Scharf welcomed everyone and shared the impact of their donations in awarding 275 grants for seizure alert devices last year. Co-founder and Dinner Chair Sandi Chapnick highlighted the programs and services including the Epilepsy Support Group, which offers a community connection to combat social isolation. Ray Collins served as the auctioneer and CEO Andria Bilan rallied and inspired the guests to donate during the Mission Moment. Funds raised support the children and families who turn to JoshProvides for “Help & Hope.”

Sal Diaz Verson & Anne Weintraub

Ray Collins & Erin Hurter

Chef Jamil Pineda & Phil Mancini

Andria Bilan, Ed Scharf, & Sandi Chapnick

Stacy & Bill Quaid

PAWS ON THE RED CARPET

Art Ovation Hotel was the scene for this exciting red carpet event filled with glamorous, award-show touches—gold statues, Hollywood stars, champagne, and even a Joan Rivers impersonator. On hand were the hot PAW-parazzi, complete with tuxedo t-shirts and instant cameras. The event raised a record-breaking $314,000 in lifesaving funds for HSCCS’s mission, the most of any Paws event to date. A round-of-a-paws for three-time Best in Show sponsor Bayside Pet Resort, and five-time co-chairs Tammy Karp and Donna Koffman, and everyone who helped make this event a show-stopping success.

Linda Axelrod as Joan Rivers

Luca

Anna Gonce

Allison Werner, Renee Phinney & Emily Walsh

Tammy Karp & Donna Koffman

4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

941.260.8905

www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

SARASOTA ART MUSEUM EN PLEIN AIR WINE DINNER

Sarasota Art Museum’s first annual En Plein Air Wine Dinner was a big success. Guests enjoyed a French themed, 5-course dinner curated by Bistro Executive Chef Kaytlin Dangaran. Each exquisite course was paired with French wines selected by Thomas Morgan, owner of Seagrape Wine Company. A Sterling Caviar gift set and two bottles of wine from the private Stanford Wine Collection was auctioned. The event was sponsored by PNC Private Bank, with supporting sponsors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Sarasota Scene.

Debbie Bresloff & Sam Scott Keith Monda & Veronica Brady

Louis & Skip Swan, Peggy Allen & Steve Dixon

Sarah Markovitz

SMHF GOLF TOURNAMENT

A record-number 248 golfers teed off at the 21st Annual Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Golf Tournament, which raised over $128,000. To date, the tournament has raised over $1.2 million for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Physicians Endowment, which provides continuing education opportunities for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System staff. Played at Laurel Oak Country Club, more than 75 volunteers were on hand to help make the event a success.

Cathy Tomplinson & Michael Caffrey

Sandi Ward, Judy Wuethrich, Dr. Jack Rodman, Linda Baum & Sue Ellen Kaeb

THE SARASOTA BALLET GALA ROYALE

The Sarasota Ballet hosted its Gala Royale celebrating the leadership of Executive Director Joseph Volpe. The event began at the Opera House with an exclusive performance by The Sarasota Ballet company featuring world premieres and a tribute presentation. Guests then moved on to Circus Arts Conservatory for a spectacular and elegant evening of dinner and dancing. The sold-out event was The Sarasota Ballet’s most successful gala to date, and raised over $1.1 million for its mission.

David & Isabelle Becker

Iain Webb Marjorie Floyd & Audrey Robbins

Jean & Joseph Volpe

Barbara Gerdeman

Elizabeth Goodwill

the fin D

By Gina Liga

Indulge in s O me O f life’s finer things.

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1. REMAIN IN THE ZEN SPA PACKAGE

Relax in luxury as you experience the ultimate day of pampering - Ritz-Carlton style. The Remain in the Zen package includes a 50-minute signature massage, a 50-minute custom facial and access to the spa amenities like the Healing Waters whirlpool, dry sauna and steam room. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota SPA

Pricing Mon-Thu: $310, Fri-Sat: $350 | ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/sarasota

2. DIAMOND RING

This 18-karat yellow-gold ring perfectly showcases a 5.5 carat cushion-cut diamond displayed in a beautiful gift box. The diamonds on the matching band ring sparkle at every angle.

Gold & Diamond Source, Clearwater Price upon request | goldanddiamond.com

3. COZUMEL ELIZA REVERSIBLE KIMONO

This kimono is designed from lustrous silk and boasts an open front, a reversible side, wide long sleeves, and a medley of richly colored floral patterns complete with red flowers along the edges.

Foxy Lady $782 | foxyladysarasota.com

4. CALYPSO 30

The newest in the Chris Craft fleet, this boat is perfect for a day of sporting or an evening cruise around Sarasota Bay. Clever seating for 12 folds down, or up for more room to move freely about on deck. Also features a convenient kitchen with refrigerator, sink and grill, making entertaining your guests a breeze.

Chris Craft

Starting at $400,130 | chriscraft.com

5. PROENZA SCHOULER BAR BAG

The Bar Bag is crafted in supple lambskin leather with two rounded gold-tone metal handles. Can be folded and used as a clutch. $1,890 | Lotus Boutique lotussarasota.com

6. BRACELET BY LU PIN

Bracelet in Carbon Fiber, 22k and Munsteiner Gem by Lu Pin.

Optional Art 2 Fine Jewelry | Call for Pricing optionalart2.com

creating a Haven+Home

By Simone Knego | Photo by Nancy Guth

Pat and Lynne Barnett harbor a passion for charitable pursuits and are unwavering in their commitment to improving the well-being of society. Over the course of the previous eleven years, they have been apportioning their time between Northeastern New York and Sarasota, allocating fifty percent of their time to each location.

Lynne, a former school nurse, and Pat, a former contractor, are both enjoying their retirement. Their shared history dates to adolescence, as they started dating at thirteen and eventually tied the knot at the age of twenty. The Barnetts are blessed with three children, all of whom are employed in the medical profession.

Pat and Lynne’s connection with The Haven began when Lynne went to a volunteer day at their church and signed her and her husband to volunteer with The Miracle League. This non-profit organization provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to play organized baseball in an inclusive and supportive environment. Since that day, 11 years ago, they have been volunteering with The Miracle League. When the baseball season ended, Pat and Lynne missed the kids who attended The Miracle League, so they reached out to Brad Jones, President and CEO of The Haven, and asked

if they could start volunteering at the school. They took a tour of The Haven and have been volunteering there since that day, almost a decade ago.

Founded in 1954, The Haven has provided exceptional education and care for children with disabilities. The Haven is dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities unlock their full potential through personalized education and therapeutic interventions. Initially known as the Sunshine Day School, The Haven had a humble beginning with a mere four students and was situated in an airplane hangar at the Sarasota airport.

In 1964, the school founders were able to purchase the 32 acres on which the school now stands by selling 20,000 pounds of fruitcake in a fundraiser for the school. Today, The Haven serves more than 700 people daily and is comprised of the Selby Preschool, Haven Academy, the residential program, and Haven Industries, its adult work program. Its programs and services for adults and children with disabilities enhance their quality of life by encouraging independence, championing inclusion, and advocating for their individual rights.

• Pat and Lynne Barnett & The Haven •

Pat and Lynne are on campus every Tuesday and Thursday from fall to spring. Pat helps with campus maintenance and landscaping. Lynne works in the inclusive preschool helping in all classrooms and working with children with and without disabilities. When asked about the preschool, Lynne stated, “It is gratifying to see the regular education children interact with the special needs children. It warms your heart to see inclusion done right.” The Haven feels like a second home to them, and they have developed a fantastic camaraderie with the kids and adults on the campus.

Pat is also a board member, a member of the finance committee and the building grounds committee, and just completed a three-year term as president of Friends of The Haven, a separate nonprofit focused on supporting The Haven. In addition to volunteering at The Haven, they also volunteer each summer at Double H, a Paul Newman sleepaway camp in New York for medically fragile kids.

One of The Haven’s most popular programs is its residential program, which currently serves 49 full-time residents in six group homes on campus. Some residents have lived there for most of their adult life. The Haven is in the process of constructing two additional group homes. One of these homes will be designed explicitly for geriatric individuals with increasing medical needs. Their observations indicate that individuals with disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome who develop Alzheimer’s disease, tend to experience an accelerated and pronounced deterioration.

According to Pat, “Previously, the campus lacked appropriate facilities to cater to the needs of these individuals, resulting in their relocation to other places. But sending residents with Alzheimer’s who have been at The Haven for 35 years or more to other institutions isn’t really the best option as they experience disorientation being in unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, we are building a new geriatric home, which will accommodate nine clients and is already fully booked.”

The other most recently built group home was completed a couple of years ago, and some rooms are designed to accommodate individuals in wheelchairs. The rooms are equipped with a track system that enables clients to transfer themselves from their wheelchairs to the bed and move around the room using a harness and remote control. This track can also carry them to the shower, toilet, and other facilities. Pat praised the group home,

saying,” It is truly remarkable because it offers its residents a degree of independence.”

“The Haven is similar to a small college campus”, shared Lynne. “I brought my granddaughter to The Haven to spend some time with the students, and she remarked how it felt like Double H, the summer camp that we volunteer at in New York, a place where kids feel at home.” Unlike other facilities, The Haven’s numerous group homes foster a sense of connectedness among the residents, who can freely visit each other and enjoy communal activities.

During the Easter holidays, Pat and Lynne hosted a Haven resident at their residence, who happened to be the child of one of their friends, to partake in the festivities. The school was closed on Good Friday, so Lynne thought that there probably wasn’t much going on that day.

When Lynne asked her what they did on Good Friday since The Haven was closed, she shared how they had a pool party, went to the beach in the afternoon, had a barbecue, and had an Easter egg hunt in the evening.

Lynne continued, “They’re always engaged in different activities, including going to Disney on Ice, playing ball, participating in The Miracle League, and a special needs bowling group. The Haven offers so much for its residents and students.”

Pat and Lynne are incredibly passionate about the work on this campus. When asked why they are so committed to The Haven, Lynne shared, with tears in her eyes, “The work we do here definitely makes us feel like we are making a difference in someone else’s life.”

They believe they get so much more out of their time at The Haven than they give.

Hallie Young, Director of Development at The Haven, shared, “We are so lucky to have the Barnetts as part of our Haven family. From being part of our board of directors to working in the heat making our landscaping beautiful, to working directly with our preschool kiddos, there’s nothing the two of them can’t or don’t do for us.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION about The Haven, its programs, and its volunteer opportunities, please visit thehavensrq.org.

Iainaround town

weBB

Since taking the helm of The Sarasota Ballet in 2007, you have achieved many goals and received numerous accolades. Which achievement and accolade are most meaningful to you?

It’s honestly hard to choose a single achievement or accolade that has been the most meaningful because there have been so many incredible highlights over the years that to single one out feels almost unfair. I know that’s a bit of a cop out answer and so if I have to come up with something a little more specific, I would choose the amazing touring opportunities we’ve had to perform at some of the most prestigious dance venues in America. Whether it was performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, or at the Joyce Theater and City Center in New York, the impact that has had on the profile of the Company has been uncountable. Also, to be able to give our dancers the opportunity to perform on these renowned stages has been a gift to myself, Margaret (Assistant Director & Repetiteur Barbieri), and Joe (Executive Director Volpe).

Which production in the past 10 years has meant the most to you?

Again, this is another hard question! I’m going to try and answer this from my gut and say Sir Frederick Ashton’s Apparitions. We revived it back in March of 2019 and it was a real labor of love for all of us. The ballet is a hugely important part of Ashton’s choreographic lexicon, and it was virtually lost by the time we came to revive it. Not only did we spend two years working with numerous people and organizations like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, but we also basically rebuilt the all the sets and costumes using the original Cecil Beaton designs and thus have ensured that this ballet will survive for generations of dancers, audiences, and ballet historians.

In the Ballet world, which production by The Sarasota Ballet do you consider the most prestigious?

Without a doubt it would have to be George Balanchine’s full length abstract masterpiece Jewels. It is considered a badge of honor in the ballet world to be given permission to perform this work, and by doing so, a Company puts itself amongst many of the great ballet companies of the world. In fact, in 2016 when we first performed it, the other Companies who included it in their repertoire that same season were New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, The Royal Ballet, the Mariinsky Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet. Those are undoubtedly the top ballet companies in the world, and we were included amongst them in those allowed to perform Mr. Balanchine’s Jewels It was a huge honor.

What has been your favorite choreographer collaboration to date?

I’m going to say Sir David Bintley’s world premiere of A Comedy of Errors. We’ve had the opportunity to work with many prestigious choreographers over the years, which has given the Company a great profile and has been a remarkable experience for the dancers. I’ve chosen Sir David’s A Comedy of Errors, because 1) it was and still is the biggest ballet we’ve commissioned with new choreography, new designs and a fully commissioned score and 2) because doing this project shortly after coming through the pandemic, it felt therapeutic for us all to work on such an incredible ballet filled with joy, wit, and humor.

The Sarasota Ballet is also known as a national touring company. How has the Company been received?

As I mentioned before, we’ve been incredibly privileged to have been invited to perform in many of the nation’s

most prestigious dance venues and we’ve also been fortunate to have received critical acclaim over the years in many respected publications. A significant reason behind both those elements has been our dedication to the ballets of Sir Frederick Ashton, which has given the Company a very special and unique identity. This has all meant that when we’ve toured, we’ve truly been embraced by audiences across the United States.

The latest news from The Sarasota Ballet announced your first international tour to London at the invitation of The Royal Ballet. Given yours and your wife’s history (Margaret Barbieri) with The Royal Ballet, tell us about this honor and its meaning to you and to Margaret. It’s an amazing opportunity for our dancers to perform at The Royal Opera House in London and a great honor to have been invited by Kevin O’Hare, the Director of The Royal Ballet, to join in this celebration of the great British Choreographer, Sir Frederick Ashton. The Royal Ballet was our home for many years—Margaret’s 25 years (22 years of which she was principal dancer) and mine for 18 years. We have many incredible memories especially working closely with Dame Ninette de Valois and of course Sir Fred himself. We are excited that now our dancers and our Sarasota family will make their own memories on our first international tour.

During the pandemic, you brought The Sarasota Ballet to not only Sarasotans, but to audiences from 30 countries around the globe. What did having this international stage mean for the Company? I honestly believe that the digital performances that we produced and were seen by thousands of households

across 30 countries on every continent (except the Antarctic!) played an important role in our invitation to London next summer. We had people who had heard about us and read reviews, but never had the chance to see The Sarasota Ballet perform and now they clearly wanted to see the Company live and in person.

How are the educational and outreach programs at The Sarasota Ballet progressing?

Our Education and Community Engagement programs have really expanded at such an exponential rate over the past four years. Christopher Hird, our Education Director, has realty taken The Sarasota Ballet School and the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory to the next level. With the School, we have over 100 students enrolled, not including our Adult Program, and with the Conservatory we’re attracting remarkably talented students from across the United States who have moved to Sarasota to study with us. Our Community Engagement platform, named Dance For All, impacts thousands of members of our community through a variety of programs including Dance – The Next Generation which brings dance into the lives of students in communities that have struggled to have access to the arts, and Joyful Movement Through Parkinson’s which helps people who suffer with the disease to engage their bodies in ways they might not normally be able to do so. We’re incredibly proud of Dance For All, and with Doricha Sales leading the program, I can’t wait to see what we can do next.

“It’s an amazIng opportunIty for our dancers to perform at the royal opera house In london . . . we are eXcIted that now our dancers and our sarasota famIly wIll maKe theIr own memorIes on our fIrst InternatIonal tour.”

Please tell us your short- and longterm plans for The Sarasota Ballet for the next 10 years.

I can’t be giving away trade secrets! How do you expect me to stay employed if I let everyone know the secret plans we have laid out!

Which 2023/2024 production are you most excited about?

I think I’m the most excited about the three new works entering the Company’s repertoire for the first time. We have an exciting world premiere by Gemma Bond which opens the first program. Then continuing our relationship with Jessica Lang, the Company will premiere her ballet Lyric Pieces which she created for Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Additionally, I have been wanting to work with the incredibly talented Edwaard Liang for many years and finally this will come to fruition with his ballet The Art of War which we will perform this coming season.

On a personal note, where can you be seen around town when you are not at The Sarasota Ballet?

If you see me around town, you’re probably either seeing me at the UTC Selva or the Downtown Selva! It’s been my home away from home since I arrived in 2007! And then if you see me there, I’m probably either having the paella or the New York strip steak and a White Cosmo or two!

Do you have summer travel plans?

I am a bit of a Disney freak, but that’s a story for another time, so I’m sure I’ll be making a couple of trips to Disney World!

WILD BLUE

RESORT-STYLE LIVING IN LAKEWOOD RANCH

WATERSIDE at

Are you ready for the ultimate luxury coastal living experience? Look no further than Wild Blue at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch by Stock Development. The natural choice for luxury living, this luxurious community is the perfect pick for those who crave coastal vibes, social activities, and an active lifestyle—all wrapped up in one beautiful package.

Wildly Successful Launch

The launch of this new waterfront community has been a tremendous success. Wild Blue at Waterside has dazzled homeowners with its spectacular location in Lakewood Ranch, incredible lifestyle amenities, and luxury single-family homes from 2,300 to over 4,000 square feet, built by some of the area’s finest luxury homebuilders.

Located in the picturesque Waterside community, just south of University Parkway, Wild Blue at Waterside will be surrounded by untouched spaces ideally designed for an active lifestyle. The design marries indulgence and simplicity, cultivating a unique and incomparable neighborhood that residents will surely enjoy for generations to come. With the convenience of being near the area’s vibrant social scene, Wild Blue will be a natural choice for those who enjoy relaxed lakeside living with a splash of social opportunities and upscale lifestyle amenities.

With the first phase of luxury homes released, and the second phase coming soon, Wild Blue at Waterside is set to exceed the standard of impeccable quality Stock Development is known for, utilizing the developer’s extensive experience in luxury residential living and community planning.

Natural Surroundings

A lively, healthy ambiance will surround residents of Wild Blue at Waterside. Embracing the natural connection between preserves, lakes, and trails with those that enjoy and appreciate the beauty, Wild Blue at Waterside will truly be a paradise for simple, natural luxury.

The neighborhood will deliver an exclusive lakefront lifestyle. From the untouched landscapes surrounding homes to the preserves, trail systems, and bountiful lakes, Wild Blue at Waterside will embody naturally elegant living. There will be many ways to enjoy the outdoor amenities in Wild Blue, from walks through the preserves, kayaking on one of the many lakes, or relaxing poolside at the Clubhouse.

MARQUEE EN VILLE

Residents will enjoy lakeside views from every angle. The alluring feeling of a coastal paradise will follow them on their daily journeys. A truly relaxing and lush lifestyle awaits, and residents will never tire of the endless potential for adventure.

Socialize Luxuriously

Located within Waterside, Wild Blue is designed to marry the lively community area with shops and restaurants with natural living. The Waterside community offers an alluring social scene attracting even the most discerning homebuyers from around the region.

Wild Blue at Waterside by Stock Development offers an array of active lifestyle amenities, including a sports complex filled with activities and athletic areas for residents to enjoy. Midway Sports Complex will span 13 acres for residents to explore, play, and connect. Offering racquet sports, the complex includes six tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, and a sports pro shop with gathering space. There is also a variety of fitness equipment for bodyweight strength workouts, with a pull-up bar, ab station, and more. Residents can play basketball on the assigned court or enjoy the outdoor activity center. Many other amenities are available, including two dog parks, playgrounds with climbing structures, and a kayak launch.

“From the untouched landscapes surrounding homes to the preserves, trail systems, and bountiful lakes, Wild Blue at Waterside will embody naturally elegant living.”

Within Wild Blue, the community’s exclusive Clubhouse will overlook the village’s largest lake, Lake Merganser. The expansive 200-acre lake will be the hub for waterside activities and is the perfect backdrop for the resort-style Clubhouse. Only accessible to Wild Blue residents and guests, the Clubhouse will provide limitless opportunities for activities, relaxation, and fun. With approximately 25,000 total square feet, the Clubhouse will be designed for luxury lakeside living, with indoor and outdoor dining, two pools, movie theater, golf simulator, fitness center and a lifestyle director to organize social events. The luxurious pool area will include a yoga lawn and a premier putting course. This 9-hole, par 33 miniaturized golf experience is designed to play like a real course, with premium grade synthetic turf that offers an authentic playing surface. The fun-filled layout features faux sand traps, dogleg fairways, hazards, rough and undulating contours, with a scenic landscape of lush foliage, mature palms and picturesque lake views.

Lakeside Living

Situated in a verdant waterfront setting, Wild Blue seamlessly blends quality design and construction to create a naturally beautiful community that will take

your breath away. Wild Blue at Waterside will feature 500 single-family homes on a variety of estate-size homesites, offering a choice of exquisitely designed residences by some of the area’s most notable builders, including Stock’s custom homebuilding division. These luxury estates will be located lakefront or preserve-front on exquisite homesites throughout the property.

Stock Luxury Homes will offer four series of single-family homes, ranging in size from 2,400 to over 4,000 square feet, featuring its most popular floor plans: the Azure Series (64’ homesites), the Indigo Series (78’ homesites), the Cobalt Series (90’ homesites) and the Lapis Series (100’ homesites). Stock Custom Homes will offer its Sapphire Series, featuring a collection of grand estates from 4,500 to over 4,800 square feet on 143’ homesites.

“These luxury estates will be located lakefront or preservefront on exquisite homesites throughout the property.”

In addition to their homebuilding divisions, Stock Development selected Anchor Builders, AR Homes by Arthur Rutenberg Homes, John Cannon Homes, and Lee Wetherington Homes as additional premier builders for the community. All of these preferred builders will develop estates that highlight nature and waterfront views, with floor plans that include expanded outdoor living spaces to enjoy the best of the Florida lifestyle.

Residents will consider their homes in Wild Blue at Waterside a sanctuary for their families. Stock and select builders only offer the finest materials and designs in the region. Regardless of the builder and designer selected, residents will be guaranteed a naturally luxurious experience every day in Wild Blue at Waterside.

Naturally Curious?

Naturally curious about Wild Blue at Waterside? The village is a natural choice, especially for those who are drawn to luxury and sanctuary living. Quality and thoughtful design will be crafted throughout the community, blending seamlessly with Sarasota’s lively aesthetic.

Crafted with high-end amenities, outdoor recreation, and natural beauty, Wild Blue at Waterside provides a naturally perfect lifestyle. For those hoping to move to the area, or who live in Lakewood Ranch and want to upgrade, Wild Blue at Waterside represents an extraordinary opportunity to live the nation’s No. 1-selling, multi-generational master-planned community.

Stock Development is ready to welcome you to its newest coastal oasis. Now open, the Wild Blue at Waterside sales center is located at 8307 Lake Club Boulevard and is fully equipped with an abundance of resources and technology that allows residents to see first-hand the designs and plans for this luxury neighborhood.

For more information, visit the sales center, call 941.313.3852, or visit WildBluelwr.com.

making

Photo by Curtis Anderson, Jr.

Phillip Dickson brings an exciting new investment app to Sarasota

By Christy Pessemier

Phillip Dickson has always been fascinated with finance. A financial advisor and wealth manager since the early age of 19, he transitioned over to the fin-tech world in 2016. At that time, he was closely watching trends and changes in the industry, and learning quickly from his successes and failures. Using the skills and knowledge he gained, Dickson decided to bring a unique tool to the local and nationwide investing world—an app. But this app would be completely different from other investment apps out there.

“Everything is going toward apps these days,” Dickson said. “We order food and shop through apps—with finances, it’s the same thing. Young people won’t go to a website to invest their money, but they’ll go to an app.”

Today, Dickson is the CEO and Founder of Monorail, an investment and wealth management company with 20 employees, the majority of whom are software developers. The rest of Monorail includes a Chief Investment Officer, Chief Customer Support Officer, Success Officer, and other C-Suite positions.

And big names are taking notice. Dickson’s work has caught the attention of the man Entrepreneur Magazine calls “One of the top entrepreneurs of our time,” Shark Tank “Shark,” Kevin Harrington.

“I connected with him through a referral,” Dickson said. “Someone knew him and that person called Harrington and said ‘you need to see what they are doing.’”

After Dickson was introduced and had an initial phone call with Harrington, the former Shark became an advisor on Dickson’s previous project, and then continued on as an advisor when the project morphed into Monorail.

Harrington’s involvement has had a major impact on Dickson, adding a massive boost to Monorail’s reach and influence. Having access to such a giant in the business world isn’t a small thing.

“He’s an awesome dude,” Dickson said. “I have lunch with him pretty frequently.”

A lot of work has gone into the development of the Monorail app, and there’s a good amount of excitement behind its unveiling to the public. To come up with the name and branding, Dickson and his team hired a nationally award-winning branding agency, Want Branding. Want specializes in brand research, strategy, naming, and identity for companies. They’ve worked with names like Uber, Google, Apple, Gillette, Mercedes, and Sirius XM, among others.

“We had about 10 names we liked, but we weren’t able to get most of them trademarked,” he said. “It’s not easy coming up with a name that isn’t already taken.”

Looking at the remaining options available, the Monorail name stood out to Dickson. He liked the symbolism of a monorail; the way it resembles power, freedom, and quick, decisive action. Everything Want did for them looked good on paper, so they hired them to do the logo too.

From there, it’s been a matter of differentiating themselves and showing who they are and the many benefits they can provide to their audience. Monorail isn’t like other investment apps, and Dickson intended it to be that way.

“We’re a company that’s focused on American values,” Dickson said. “We want people to know we’re patriotic,

and our stock trading features focus on investing in companies that share those same principles.”

Monorail’s target audience is millennials and baby boomers, but the app will also likely appeal to other age groups. Using the app offers flexibility, ease of use, and includes a free trial of their subscription plan. Users can easily access their portfolio and trade stocks, check retirement accounts, and build their investment portfolio by purchasing ETFs and stocks of their choice.

As Monorail grows, so will the options available on the app. Dickson is eager to incorporate crypto, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and blockchain into their offerings. One of their main areas of focus right now is digital currencies; the way money moves within the app.

When it comes to new tools in financial technology, Dickson doesn’t shy away. That’s what attracted him to the fin-tech field in the first place.

“When I was working as a financial advisor, I watched as financial technology began to change and robo-advisors came onto the market,” he said. “That was interesting to me and I knew it was the direction I wanted to go in.”

Being on top of constant change in the industry is always a priority.

“These areas of interest aren’t going away, and as a company we want to make sure we’re incorporating them into our offerings.”

Dickson is excited about appealing to a younger audience when it comes to investing. He enjoys the thrill of the entire experience.

“It’s more fast-paced working with an app,” he says. “You’re dealing with a younger customer, so your branding can be young and fun, and that also includes the activities we like to sponsor. There’s more energy to it, and there’s so much more opportunity to grow.”

As an entrepreneur, that’s right up his alley.

“Going down the entrepreneurial road and creating a nationwide brand, there’s so much excitement,” he added. “On top of that, being an entrepreneur provides you with that freedom to make your own schedule and see so many of your ideas come to fruition.”

When it comes to competition with other investment apps, Dickson isn’t concerned. He wants Monorail to be known as America’s investment app, and he believes they will be a breath of fresh air for many people who want to invest in companies that are in support of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; all American ideals.

So how do investors know if companies hold the same values they do?

“It’s individual,” Dickson says. “People choose if they want to invest in a specific company. It’s up to them to come to the table and know what they have and the direction they want to go in.”

Dickson enjoys knowing Monorail is adding to the many tech-focused companies that have emerged in the Tampa Bay region in recent years. Born and raised in Sarasota, he’s watched his hometown welcome increasing numbers of tech companies, bringing in a wealth of jobs and many new residents from out-of-state.

The explosion of innovation in the Sarasota-Bradenton and Gulf Coast region is making waves nationwide and across the state. SmartAsset recently named neighboring Manatee County in the top ten of all 67 Florida counties for business establishment, new building permits, and GDP growth.

Though Dickson had an early start as a financial advisor, he says he never intended to go into the financial world. His mom, who had a successful financial business of her own for 35 years, inspired him to go in that direction. Dickson has never regretted his decision and credits his mom’s entrepreneurial spirit with influencing him.

No matter what he’s doing from day to day, it’s never boring.

“There are a lot of movies about Wall Street, both good and bad, but I’m attracted to it because it’s exciting,” he said. “Starting this company and working with Kevin Harrington, it’s changed my life in so many aspects and I love what I do.”

Despite loving what he does, Dickson says he’s often working long hours. Though it’s challenging, he makes time for sleep, balance, and family.

He also has a clear plan for how he runs his company. The directors and C-Suite employees at Monorail are extremely self-reliant, and that’s the way Dickson meant for the company to work. Not a fan of micromanaging, he hired capable self-starters, and likes that they make their own decisions. So far, it’s worked out well.

Despite his strong work ethic mindset, Dickson likes knowing he’s built a healthy company culture with Monorail. He’s excited about the future of the app and the company.

“I think of myself as a fun person, and I like to work in regular fun activities for our team,” he says. “Working hard is in my DNA, but so is having fun. So we do a lot of that too.”

To learn more about the app and its many features and benefits, go to Monorail.com.

“We’re a company that’s focused on American values. We want people to know we’re patriotic, and our stock trading features focus on investing in companies that share those same principles.”

Lux Living

You’re at a good place in life. You’ve earned the right to own some of the best luxury home products, and we’ve got some great local stores where you can find the latest and greatest!.

Fabulous Interior by Clive Daniel Home Design Services

There is nothing better than a luxurious bath experience to start your day off right and end your day in serenity. It helps set your mood, and its calming and relaxing effect just may improve your health and wellbeing.

We wanted to know what was new and exciting in the bath product world and there is no better person to tell you all about it than John Smithman, or better place in town to see the latest offerings than Smithman’s 6,000 sq. ft. showroom called The Plumbing Place on Fruitville Road. He is the man.

The Plumbing Place carries an array of bath and kitchen products as well as premium hardware for doors and cabinets. One of the most luxurious is BainUltra’s latest bath collection. More than 70% of all the bathtubs are crafted by hand. Their designs are true works of art and are made with optimal ergonomics.

Featured here is the Opus bathtub made with Finestone®, a solid surface material that is a premium blend of minerals

and pure liquid acrylic that is non-porous and hygienic. And what a fitting name! An opus is (according to the company website) “an artistic work, a composition born of inspiration, deep reflection, and the desire to see the artist’s inventive genius rise.”  There is no doubt this bathtub can be the artistic centerpiece of any luxury bathroom.

In addition to making tubs that are works of art, the acrylic used by BainUltra makes it easy to add built-in therapies. These enhancements are what BainUltra calls a new “Art of Living” focused on relaxation, health, and wellbeing. These therapies include hydro-thermal massage, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, thermotherapy, light therapy, and sound therapy.

If you want to reinvent your bath experience, we suggest you visit The Plumbing Place showroom on Fruitville Road to see many luxury brands of bath products that will make you feel quite serene!

exclusive designs

With more than 150 luxury brands including their own proprietary line of high-end, American-made furniture, the father son duo of Clive and Daniel Lubner showcase many exclusive and unique lux furnishings in their 65,000 sq. ft. Sarasota showroom—Clive Daniel Home—their third Florida location. (The other two are in Naples and Boca Raton and another coming soon to Fort Myers.)

With many different designer galleries in-store, one of their newest Sarasota showroom galleries features furnishings by Adriana Hoyos—an iconic global brand known for its glamorous and inspired designs.

With manufacturing facilities throughout Latin America, this design house combines the work of highly skilled artisans with high-technology to craft a product portfolio that includes made-to-last case goods and the finest detailed upholstery. The pieces are contemporary in style, yet they fit beautifully into any existing design aesthetic due to their timeless appeal.

At Clive Daniel Home, you will be enveloped in many of the most beautiful furniture designs anywhere in a variety of styles. Need help? Clive Daniel Home has a heavily awarded team of in-house designers who can turn your home into something quite special. Utilizing the most advanced design technology to visualize your home in advance, you get to imagine it all before you purchase.

Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional, transitional, or casual, Clive Daniel Home will bring the “good life” to the spaces you love.

american exceptionalism

This 4th of July is a great time to take pride in Americanmade! If you want kitchen appliances that have a great reputation for efficiency, reliability, and effectiveness that are made in the good old USA, then look no further than the trio of a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf cooktop or oven, and a Cove dishwasher for an exceptional kitchen.

These three top-line appliance brands are all part of Sub-Zero Group, Inc., a Wisconsin-based company founded in 1945 with production plants in Wisconsin and Arizona. Want to see what makes them so special? Then be sure to stop in and see Scott Mullet at Mullet’s Appliances, a local family-owned appliance store

founded in 1974. Mullet’s carries an array of product brands including these three brands, so you can experience the features of each product and how they work and fit your needs.

The Sub-Zero refrigerator is built to last and is known for how well it preserves food, its cleaner air from an air purification system, and how it seals in the cold. The Wolf cooktop and oven bring professional temperature controls and is like having a commercial appliance at home. The culmination of decades of research, testing and technology, the Cove dishwasher is not only super quiet, but it also gives you sparkling clean dishes from an array of jets. Be sure to stop by Mullet’s and test these American-made beauties!

When it comes to using rugs as an art centerpiece to anchor a room, we are fortunate indeed to have an amazing rug superstore in our town where you can find “the one.” Its Rugs as Art on South Tamiami Trail. The Murse Family has created one of the nation’s most prestigious and award-winning rug superstores and we get to reap the benefits.

Ever try to purchase an area rug online? The colors are never what you expect, and the quality is a surprise when it arrives. Worse yet. Ever try to send one back? You must re-pack it and spend the money to ship it.

At Rugs as Art, you get to touch, feel, and imagine the carpet in your room. No surprises. They make it so easy. It is undoubtedly a fabulous luxury shopping experience with rugs of all types and price points.

One of the store’s lux rug lines is by Stark Studio Rugs. The colors and patterns are gorgeous and museum worthy. Most Stark Studio rugs are hand woven and made with the Tibetan technique in which the yarn is knotted around the vertical warp threads and a metal rod. The higher the knot count, the finer the rug. There are few items you can purchase for your home which are created with more care and handwork. There is no better way of making a rug. Check out this lux line of rugs and make a true statement in your home!

Summer JET SET

So what is everyone doing for summer vacation? Staying close to home? Traveling far and wide? Near or far, let’s see where they are!

Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reis of the Circus Arts Conservatory plan to take a cruise with family to see the amazing terrains of Alaska.

And what’s a summer without a circus? In July, they hope to visit Montreal, Quebec and enjoy the annual Montréal Complètement Cirque Festival, an 11-day extravaganza with digital productions and indoor and outdoor shows.

alaska

“My husband and I plan to drive west to Colorado where we will stay with his brother and family who live in Boulder. I’m excited to see them and our son who just finished his second year at CU Boulder studying chemical engineering and has a summer internship in Boulder. We will be there for three weeks while my husband acclimatizes before cycling in the Mt. Evans Hill Climb, a 26-mile bike race to the top at 14,130 ft.! While he is training, I’ll be hiking my favorite trails in the fabulous Rocky Mountains!”

boulder, CO Paris

Artist Debbie Dannheisser kicked off her summer travel with a fabulous trip to Paris.

“We stayed in Paris for five glorious nights. We had dinner at the Eiffel Tower and went to the Burgundy Region and stopped at a few villages. One village was where my sister has an artist retreat every year. There were fields and fields of rapeseed, which is what they use to make canola oil and petroleum. It was absolutely stunning—the brightest yellow you can imagine. We stayed in an Airbnb in a tiny village called Saint-Romain. It was on a hill overlooking the rapeseed fields and vineyards. The weather was crisp and sunny. It was an artist’s dream come true! I was so inspired when I returned home, I painted almost daily!”

Christine Johnson, President of Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, shares her mountainous summer plans.

botswana

Nate Jacobs of Westcoast Black Theatre

Troupe is planning a vacation to New York City with his daughter, Naärai. Naärai is an accomplished singer who recently performed on an Elton John and Stevie Wonder song, and currently resides in Los Angeles. Because of the distance, Nate finds this quality time with his daughter incredibly important. Both of them being performing artists, they plan to see a few shows on Broadway, including MJ The Musical, as well as visiting one of WBTT’s donors who has a house on Long Island.

This August, Michael and Terri Klauber will lead a group of Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club members on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana and the Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa.

“Mashatu is located within a private 76,000-acre wildlife reserve, and it is host to some of the finest wildlife viewing on the continent,” says Michael Klauber. “Our second stop to Londolozi Game Reserve in Sabi Sands, South Africa holds a very special place in our hearts, and we’re anxious to return to this amazing land of incredible safari adventures, enormously diverse people, and exceptional food and wine experiences.”

The Klauber’s deep connection with this magical country began in 2005 on their first trip to Cape Town and the Cape Winelands in South Africa with their travel partner Ryan Hilton of Admiral Travel International. They will be returning to Africa again in 2025!

Graci McGillicuddy, co-founder and board chair of All Star Children’s Foundation, has traveled the world for many years. This year, she and husband Dennis will jet around the country to spend time with family and their newly graduated grandchildren!

One grandchild graduated from University of Florida (Suma Cum Laude) and another graduated from University of Georgia (Magna Cum Laude). They will also visit Washington DC to see their first grandchild graduate from George Washington Law School.

“3 Graduations…3 Weekends…3 States!” Who could ask for a better reason to travel?

washington, DC

“I always wanted to experience New York City since I’ve never really been there for more than a quick one-day trade show.” Caryn and her mom took in all the must-sees in NYC, including the Bronx Zoo and NY Aquarium. She met up with three of her best friends in the city to spend three days seeing the sites, eating great food, and enjoying being a tourist.

“It was a blast! Some of the highlights included Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Harbor Lights Cruise at sunset, and Serendipity, plus just walking around and feeling all the energy of the city. I highly recommend it if it’s on your bucket list. I can now check it off mine!”

Caryn Hodge of Mattison’s Grille took to a trip up to the “Big Apple” as an early birthday to herself.

Richmond, VA

Phillip Tavill, CEO of Children First, has several things on his summer docket.

Summer travel for Tavill includes a whirlwind of short trips, combining seeing family and friends with vacation time. He tells us, “All fall under the category of pleasure!”

It began with a trip to Phoenix, Arizona where Tavill recently received the Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award from the National Head Start Association at their annual conference.

Next, he will head back out west to visit family in Leadville, CO, the highest incorporated town in the United States, with beautiful views of several “fourteeners”— mountains whose summits are over 14,000 feet.

After that, he will make his first visit to visit family in Richmond, VA and looks forward to taking in some of its historical sights.

His summer plans end with a long weekend in NYC to soak in the arts and cultural institutions and enjoy the many delicacies.

SRQ

still feel a world away.

“When the pandemic hit in 2020, my family and I tried out a ‘staycation’ by renting a beachfront condo on Longboat Key in July. We loved it so much that we’ve done it every July since! What could be better than enjoying the spectacular beach, swimming in the Gulf, seeing gorgeous sunsets, and enjoying wonderful restaurants like Dry Dock Waterfront Grill? I can’t wait for this July!”

Jennifer Rominiecki, President & CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, is headed for a close-tohome destination that can

accessing entertainment at

the manatee performing arts center

by simone knego

The Manatee Performing Arts Center is an important cultural hub for the Bradenton/Sarasota region, offering a wide range of artistic and cultural experiences to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

The center is the home of Manatee Players, a community theater troupe that will be celebrating their 75th anniversary in October. The Manatee Players program was started by a small group of women from the Bradenton Woman’s Club who sought an opportunity to raise funds for their organization through a program activity. This led them to organize a show that was presented at the Bradenton Women’s Club.

This event, which happened during Christmas season in 1947, received tremendous support from the community, with many people participating in the production and others coming to watch live theater. Due to this overwhelming response, the event developed into its own 501(c)(3) in 1948 and the organization moved into its first facility in 1953. The Manatee Performing Arts Center opened in March 2013, and the Manatee Players now operates under the legal name of the Florida Cultural Group, Inc.

Over the years, the organization has continued to evolve, providing greater access to live entertainment, culturally-based events, and performance-based education.

According to Janene M. Amick, CEO of the Florida Cultural Group, “As a fully operational performing arts center, we produce and present our own productions and contract traveling artists. Additionally, we have several educational programs that showcase the talent of young and older artists. We have concerts featuring local artists, studios presenting their recitals, and even movies. With something happening most weekends, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy at least once a year.”

During the pandemic, they had to cancel many mainstage productions. However, their organization is resilient, thanks to their board of directors, senior team, and dedicated volunteers who were determined to help support our community’s mental well-being despite the challenges. After just two and a half months of working from home, they began brainstorming ways to provide entertainment while adhering to state guidelines. The performing arts center decided to hold free outdoor concerts and movies in partnership with Realize Bradenton and Bradenton Kiwanis, ensuring everyone wore masks and maintained social distancing and meeting its mission of being a safe place to gather. Additionally, the organization held four full-length mainstage productions (with actors donning shields) and two concerts that were offered live on stage and simulcast outside on a large screen and on Vimeo for people to enjoy in the comfort of their homes. Though it took almost a year to

return to a traditional setup, they prioritized supporting artists and showing them that they are essential in the community.

“We firmly believe that live entertainment has a profound impact on one’s emotional well-being and wanted to bring it back as soon as possible,” says Amick. This year, individual tickets for the Manatee Players season go on sale on July 5. Manatee Performing Arts Center will be, once again, pushing itself regarding the number of opportunities to come and enjoy live entertainment. They’re bouncing back to right where they were pre-COVID. They are going to have six mainstage musicals, small drama productions, concerts, and movies. They will also have seven different youth education projects, two DraMature (senior troupe) productions, and at least thirty venue rentals.

During the summer months of June and July, the Manatee Performing Arts Center offers traditional theatrical programs to kids and teens. At least 40 students participate daily in learning theater skills that directly correlate with life skills necessary for personal growth and academic success. They conduct two-week intensive theatrical production camps, where students learn to work collaboratively as a team,

project their voice, use a microphone, and work behind the scenes. On the last Friday of the camp, students showcase their newfound skills in a ticketed performance, which is often their first time performing in front of an audience.

In August, Something Rotten! will run at the performing arts center. “It’s an entertaining show with a multi-generational cast that will tickle your funny bone and immerse you in another time period,” says Amick.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center is committed to giving back to the community. They have organized a program called “For Kids By Kids,” offering free access to dress rehearsals on a first-come first-serve basis for kids in our community from organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Palmetto Community Center, YMCA, 59th Street Park, and others. This program provides an opportunity for kids to see other kids their age and gain inspiration to take classes or participate in future productions. Amick shared, “It is a joy to see this program evolve, and we never know who in the audience may be inspired to try theater themselves after seeing someone who looks like them perform.”

Penguin Players, welcomes people aged 23 years and above with disabilities, including cognitive, learning, motor, hearing and visual impairments, genetic disorders, and neurological conditions. The program operates on a peer mentor system where each artist is paired with a peer who does not have a disability, aged 23 years and above. The peer mentors work alongside their partners throughout the rehearsal process and on stage, with responsibilities such as memorizing their partner’s lines, songs, and blocking. During the production, the mentors are costumed to match or complement their partners and participate in group production numbers. They are trained to remain in the background and provide direct assistance to their partners only as needed. Participants must be willing to commit to two rehearsals a week for 15 weeks. For younger artists aged 8-22, the Penguin Project is available. The motto of this program is “Our Penguins may not be able to fly but that doesn’t keep their spirits from soaring.”

The center also focuses on partnerships with community organizations. Its Action through Acting is a series of communityfocused, theatrical productions selected to increase awareness of socially relevant issues. The theme of each production highlights a crucial issue affecting our community and can be

“It is a joy to see this program evolve, and we never know who in the audience may be inspired to try theater themselves after seeing someone who looks like them perform.”

—Janene Amick

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an impetus for meaningful conversations. Action through Acting serves as a platform to give voice to Affiliate Partners, their mission, community programs, and the individuals they serve. There is no cost for Affiliate Partners, as this is another way the Manatee Performing Arts Center serves the greater community.

“We invite you to invest in our bounce-back endeavor as we strive to return to pre-COVID levels of events,” says Amick. “To achieve this, we require support from individuals through both box office ticket sales and donations as we physically construct all our sets. Due to the recent surge in construction costs, the impact of a financial investment would be significant in facilitating our financial recovery. Your contribution can go a long way in ensuring our financial stability.”

There are various volunteer opportunities available at the performing arts center. They welcome individuals interested in sewing, box office reception, ushering, carpentry, painting, social media, and other programs. Additionally, they offer an excellent opportunity for students to learn the art of reviewing productions. They will receive free access to shows and training on how to write reviews that can be published in different papers. This is especially important as there are fewer and fewer opportunities in the journalism field for high school students to gain this experience. They believe in keeping this art alive and encourage interested individuals to get involved.

To learn more about the Manatee Performing Arts Center, please visit www.manateeperformingartscenter.com

l I fe - chang I ng I m Pact for cr I t I cally -I ll ch I ldren

reams

c ome t rue on the s uncoast

by s tu oPP erman

More than six years after the encounter, the experience still resonates, the memories linger, and the impact is still regularly felt.

“We think and talk about it all the time,” said Tonia Bichler, mother of Silas, a young man who had his wish to meet Pope Francis granted by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida in 2017. “There are photos throughout our house and Silas loves to tell everyone he meets about his wish.”

Born with cerebral palsy and now 24-years-old, Silas’ life has been consumed with doctor visits, treatments, and health-related limitations. The family annually travels to Philadelphia and St. Louis, not to visit the Liberty Bell or Gateway Arch, but because there are medical specialists to see in those cities. “Of course, spending time with the pope was the highlight, but it was also

nice to take a trip, forget about the medical stuff, and see our kids enjoying themselves,” said Bichler, who traveled to Rome and Vatican City with her husband, Markus, and sons Silas and Josiah.

Pope Francis spent a relatively long period of time with the Bichlers, looking through a photo album that documented Silas’ journey, sharing words of wisdom with the young man, and giving each of them a rosary they cherish to this day.

The family recently attended and shared their story at “Cooking for Wishes,” an annual Make-A-Wish fundraiser that helps underwrite the cost of life-changing wishes for critically-ill children on the Suncoast. The event, held at the Circus Arts Conservatory in Sarasota, featured a four-course, interactive dinner where guests at each table

“ c ooking for w ishes” h el P s m ake d

prepared their own meal under the direction of Executive Chef Jamil Piñeda and Phil Mancini from Michael’s on East. The evening also included wine selections by Michael Klauber, live, and silent auctions.

More than 400 supporters attended, raising $650,000, enough to grant wish experiences for more than 80 children and families. “The satisfaction of knowing we’re changing so many lives is the best part of a philanthropic effort like this one,” said Terri Klauber, who co-chaired Cooking for Wishes along with Renee Phinney. “Local children deserve hope, strength, and joy, and that’s what we’re all focused on delivering in the special way that Make-A-Wish does.”

While Tonia and Silas wowed the crowd with stories about meeting the leader of the Catholic church, it was another group of Sarasota residents, the Alvis family, that got the exciting news that their child’s

“Local children deserve hope, strength, and joy, and that’s what we’re all focused on delivering in the special way that Make-A-Wish does.”

—terri klauber, “cooking for wishes” co-chair

dream would soon come true. Seven-year-old Jocelyn, who has been battling leukemia, learned that her wish to see snow would be granted from the proceeds of the cooking event. The family recently returned from a dream vacation in Olympic Valley, California (site of the 1960 Winter Olympics) where they enjoyed snowtubing, skiing, and sightseeing in the winter wonderland.

Jocelyn was diagnosed in April, 2022, immediately putting the family in constant crisis mode. While she is still receiving oral chemotherapy, the family feels the worst of the disease is behind them and the trip was a celebration of moving forward without cancer. “Make-AWish spared no expense making sure we had a once-ina-lifetime experience,” said Torian Alvis, Jocelyn’s father. “It was our first time away since before the diagnosis and it certainly meant a lot to our family. We had a blast.”

Jocelyn fulfilled a promise she made at Cooking for Wishes, wasting no time hitting her brother with a snowball. In one area where the family was, the snow was 16-feet deep.

“The wishes we grant aren’t just nice things we do for people whose lives have been turned upside-down by a medical crisis, they’re necessary to the health and well-being of not only the child but the entire family unit,” said Norman Wedderburn, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. “It’s a time for them to reset around a positive experience and get back to being who and what they were before the child got sick. Doctors have told us, and medical research confirms, we’re a big part of the healing process.”

With that in mind, Make-A-Wish’s regional office in Sarasota, led by Taylor Marini, is always on the lookout for children who might qualify for the nonprofit’s services. Anyone with some knowledge of an individual’s medical condition can refer a child and while that’s most often done by medical professionals, teachers, friends, or even a child’s own family can start the process. Once a doctor certifies their patient has a condition or illness that

makes them eligible, the child will receive a wish. “We’re a religious family and when Silas first mentioned that he wished to meet Pope Francis, we thought it might be too big and might not be able to be done,” said Bichler.

“It took a long time to hear back from the Vatican, but we were able to tell our kids on Christmas morning that it was going to happen, and more than a few happy tears were shed.”

The wishes of Silas and Jocelyn are two of the nearly 14,000 Make-A-Wish Southern Florida (www.wish.org/ sfla) has granted since 1983 for children who have critical illnesses. Wish kids most often ‘wish to be’ (something), ‘wish to meet’ (someone), ‘wish to go’ (somewhere), ‘wish to have’ (something), or ‘wish to give’ (something) and the nonprofit organization makes this happen for the child and his/her entire family at no cost or obligation.

Those wishes cost an average of $8,000 and that’s why events like Cooking for Wishes are critical to underwriting

the expense. Make-A-Wish receives no government or United Way funding, raising 100% of its annual budget through special events, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and individual contributions.

The Southern Florida chapter expects to grant more than 600 wishes this fiscal year, approximately one every 14 hours. “We’re always looking for the next child and family we can impact and are thankful ‘cooking’ provides us the means to do that on the Suncoast,” said Marini.

Terri Klauber and her volunteer committee are already looking to top this year’s record-setting effort. The 2024 event is scheduled for February 22 and will feature a “Wizard of Oz” theme, with the Circus Arts Conservatory once again the venue.

To learn more about the event or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.cookingforwishes.com.

e DU c Ation matters

STUDENTS BLOSSOM AT MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

By Simone Knego

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is known as The Living Museum®. The institution trademarked that phrase to describe its innovative approach to building experiences and events around a dynamic schedule of rotating art exhibitions presented in its botanical garden setting. But with rich and diverse learning opportunities for all ages, Selby Gardens also could be called a “living-learning laboratory.”

From summer camps and school field trips to classes and workshops for grown-ups to specialty tours you just can’t experience anywhere else, Selby Gardens keeps learning at the root of its mission.

SUMMER CAMPS AND SCHOOL GROUPS

During June, Selby Gardens’ Camp Lookout provides four fantastic weeks of adventure, science, and fun. This year, the camp is being held for two weeks at its Downtown Sarasota campus and two weeks at its Historic Spanish Point campus. Up to 30 campers will participate in each weekly session.

Aimed at incoming first through fifth graders, the camp offers a perfect opportunity to engage with nature and science playfully and interactively. Each week, campers delve into a different theme, ranging from the world of field botany to wilderness survival. Through hands-on activities and exploration, young

nature lovers will gain knowledge and skills that will stay with them forever.

While summer is camp season, Selby Gardens is also hub of learning activity during the school year. Thousands of students visit its two campuses each year for guided field trips or teacher-led self-guided tours, exploring the natural beauty and diverse flora of the gardens while learning about the vital role of plants in the ecosystem. Whether they’re wading into the waters of Sarasota Bay or exploring the forests of Historic Spanish Point, students learn essential concepts in biology, ecology, and history, all while having fun. Anastasia Sallen, Director of Environmental Education, believes that fostering an appreciation for plants is crucial for future generations. She emphasizes that “you can teach any subject in a garden!”

For school groups that can’t make the trip to either campus, Selby Gardens also provides an array of free resources that teachers can use in the classroom. Topics range from the ecological importance of mangroves and estuaries to

native plants of Florida to 5,000 years of human history at the Historic Spanish Point site.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS FOR ALL

Experiential learning at Selby Gardens isn’t limited to the school-age set. Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and learn new skills through a variety of hands-on classes, workshops, and activities at both campuses. For budding artists, classes include introductory painting, drawing, and photography, all catering to beginners seeking to learn new skills. Beyond these foundational courses, the gardens offer art and horticulture classes that are themed to current art exhibitions, like the stunning Tiffany show running through June 25 or the Orchid Show opening in early October at the Downtown Sarasota campus.

Plant care classes are available for those seeking to hone their green thumb, including the ever-popular course in home orchid care. The gardens even host fun food and beverage classes that feature a botanical education component. These range from tropical tea tastings to the over-21 “Noshing in Nature” series, which explores the plants behind some favorite drinks and food. Past events have featured cocktails and small bites infused with Florida oranges and the smoky pairing of barbecue and bourbon.

SPECIALTY TOURS

At each of its campuses, Selby Gardens also offers special group tours to deepen visitors’ understanding of the rich environment surrounding them. Ross Johnston, manager of visitor engagement, explains, “Our group tour programs provide an immersive experience. Depending on your particular interest, we can highlight our art exhibitions, our world-class botanical research, or fascinating regional history at either of our campuses. We can even put together a ‘behind-the-scenes’ exploration to see things rarely on view to the public.”

The Downtown Sarasota campus is a must-visit for nature lovers and anyone looking to learn more about botany and horticulture. For those interested in learning more about the history of Selby Gardens and hitting some of the big horticultural highlights, there are volunteer docent-led “walk and talk” tours. For a more exclusive and personalized experience, paid private tours are available, covering everything from orchids in the greenhouses to art exhibitions on campus. Both children and adults will enjoy the “Savage Science” carnivorous plant tour, which includes a hands-on “feeding” demo and even a Venus flytrap to take home!

Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus is a treasure trove of history and nature, with plenty to offer visitors looking for an informative experience. Free “walk and talk” tours are generally available twice daily, though the schedule can vary in summer. Volunteer guides provide fascinating insights into the site’s history and natural features. At the pioneer-era Guptill House overlooking Little Sarasota Bay, docents stationed on the wide front porch share detailed information about the historic home and its former residents. Private group-tour options are available here too. Topics include regional history, native flora and fauna, and archaeology on the site.

One of the most unique experiences at the Historic Spanish Point campus is a 45-minute boat tour offered on Magic, a replica of the boat that the homesteading Webb family used to shuttle guests to and from its bayfront resort in the late 1800s. Check the Selby Gardens website for the current schedule of trips.

For even more time on the water, visitors can enjoy the “Set Sail with Selby Gardens” tour, which includes access to both Selby Gardens properties. This campus-to-campus boat tour takes guests on a 75-minute trip each way, covering 10 miles through the bays that connect the two waterfront sites. Live narration provides insight into

the area’s environment, wildlife, and history. Visitors also get time to explore each campus on their own, providing them with a comprehensive look at all that Selby Gardens has to offer. Sailings are planned for every other week through the summer.

Selby Gardens also uses the summer months to give back to the community by taking several local youth groups on the “Set Sail” tour for free. These donated trips are possible thanks to the generosity of their tour partner, Paradise Boat Tours. Capt. Sherman Baldwin from Paradise Boat Tours shared, “We are a locally owned family business, and it’s heartwarming to give back to the community that has been so good to us. To be able to share this stunning environment with people who rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to experience Sarasota from the water is an honor.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

about the events and educational opportunities at Selby Gardens, visit selby.org.

B est se A ts

JUNE

asolo rep

941.351.8000/asolorep.org

Man of La Mancha

Through Jun 11

circus arts conservatory

941.556.5349/circusarts.org

Summer Circus Spectacular

Jun 9 - Aug 12

florida studio theatre

941.366.9000/

floridastudiotheatre.org

Shear Madness

Thru Jun 18

Black Pearl Sings!

Jun 28 - July 30

key chorale

941.921.4845/keychorale.org

A Sea Symphony

Through Jun 30

lemon bay playhouse

941.475.6756/lemonbayplayhouse. com

Now & Then

Jun 7 - 25

manatee performing arts center

941.749.1111/ manateeperformingartscenter.com

Disney’s The Lion King Jr. Show

Jun 16

Disney’s Frozen Jr. Show

Jun 30

mccurdy’s comedy theatre

941.925.3869/mccurdyscomedy. com

Tom Simmons

Jun 1-4

Les McCurdy and Guests

Jun 7-8

Keith Alberstadt

Jun 9-10

Les Vixens Burlesque

Jun 11

Derek Richards

Jun 14-18

Music Monday Evening with Nate Jacobs

Jun 19

Frankie Paul

Jun 21-24

Drag Queen Bingo Extravaganza

Jun 25

Open Bar Comedy

Jun 27

Humor Institute Class Performance

Jun 28

the players center for performing arts

941.365.2494/theplayers.org

8 Track: The Sounds of the 70’s

Jun 8-18

2023 | PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR

sarasota orchestra

941.953.4253/ sarasotaorchestra.org

Romance and the City

Jun 8

Scenes and Seasons

Jun 9

Pastorale

Jun 10

Rising Stars

Jun 11

Gold Standard

Jun 15

Appalachian Spring

Jun 16

sarasota performing arts center

941.953.3368/vanwezel.org

Nikki Glaser: The Good Girl Tour

Jun 9

Friday Fest: Kettle of Fish

Jun 16

urbanite theatre

941.321.1397/ urbanitetheatre.com

That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven

Jun 9 - Jul 9

VISIT SCENESARASOTA.COM

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

Nicci Kobritz, President

VISUAL ARTS CALENDAR

530

BURNS

941.951.0620 / 530burnsgallery.com

Glaze

Thru June 16

art avenue

440.227.4592 / artavenueflorida.com

International Art:

Dali, Picasso, Turovsky

Current

Local Artists: Vicki Chelf, Richard Moravits, Elin Li

Current

art center sarasota

941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org

Identity: Exploring the Human Condition

June 1 - August 5

art uptown

941.306.3278 / artuptown.com

Small Works Show

Thru June 30

chasen galleries

941.206.5787 / chasengalleries.com

New Works

June 1–31

creative liberties

941.799.6634 / creativeliberties.net

#artfail: stories from the artistic journey exhibition

June 8-29

Featured Artists

June 8-29

Travis Ray’s Dapper Bowtique

Pop Up Show

creaturo gallery

941.953.6163/ creaturogallery.com

New/Featured

Current

marie selby botanical gardens

941.366.5731 / selby.org

Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature

Through Jun. 25

ringling museum

941.359.5700 / ringling.org

As long as there is sun, as long as there is light

Thru Jan 7, 2024

Reclaiming Home:

Contemporary Seminole Art

Thru September 4

Art Deco Lacquer and Textiles from Japan

Thru October 22

From the Chambers:

Honoring John Sims

Thru August 6

Lorna Bieber:

Natural World

Thru October 15

Guercino’s Friar with a Gold Earring: Far Bonaventura Bisi, Painter and Art Dealer

Thru Jan 21, 2024

500 Years of Italian Drawings from the Princeton University Art Museum

Thru Jan 21, 2024

State of the Arts

The Ringling

Chasen Galleries

Art Center Sarasota—Li Volk, Shane

Sarasota Art Museum

sarasota art museum sarasotaartmuseum.org

A Beautiful Mess: Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard

Through June 25

Sara Berman’s Closet

Thru September 17

Inside Out

Through June 25

The New Black Vanguard Photography between Art + Fashion

Through September 17

Stephanie J. Woods: my papa used to play checkers

Through September 17

studio on 5th

941.330.8091 / susancronkart.com

Susan Cronk Original Art: Pure, Figurative & Still Life

Current

the southern atelier

941.753.7755 / southernatelier.org

See Website for Classes & Studios

stakenborg/greenberg

fine art

941.487.8001 / stakenborgfineart.com

“Go Figure” Figurative Art Current

Newly Acquired Monotypes by Mid-Twentieth Century German Expressionist, Otto Neumann Current

state of the arts gallery

941.955.2787 / sarasotafineart.com

Art Center Sarasota

The Ringling

Sarasota Art Museum

530 Burns

re W in D

SCENES

FROM THE PAST

Sweetest Events

We take a walk down memory lane with scenes from our June 2013 “Showstoppers”—a 2012/2013 social season wrap-up. Photographer Cliff Roles was everywhere and we have the pics to prove it. To view the complete feature, visit scenesarasota.com.

Allison Silver Schwartz, Susan Jones, and Sally Schule strike a pose at the 2012 Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Key to the Cure event.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Key to the Cure

This perennial social season kick-off event benefiting women’s cancer programs at SMH was marked by a sea of pink and the support of many queens of chic. There were also lots of sweet treats and sweeter guests. Pictured: Allison Silver Schwartz, Susan Jones & Sally Schule.

to Sell-Out

Sexiest Event

Chocolate

Held on a Sunday were kept on end. How decadent!

Every year, this fabulous event held at the Ritz-Carlton takes place mid-December and is sold out over 6 months in advance. It’s little wonder why. JFCS benefits services vital to our community and guests are treated to the sounds of Sarasota Orchestra. Pictured: 2012 event chairs Margie Barancik & Clare Segall.

Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Benefiting United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) From Bond girls to Lamborghinis, it was an event on steroids.

Event chairs Margie Barancik and Clare Segall at the 2012 JFCS Gala

Best Costume Events

Ringling College’s An Evening at the Avant-Garde: A Novel Idea

Pat and Larry Thompson dress as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson at Ringling College’s Avant-Garde 2013, themed “A Novel Idea”.

Well if RCAD doesn’t come up with a novel idea, who would? Larry and Pat Thompson (pictured) as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson led the fun as guests dressed as their favorite literary characters. 64 SCENE | June 2013

Best Ringling

Avant-Garde: Well if RCAD idea, who (pictured) led the fun literary characters.

UCP’s

2012/2013 season fashionistas! Many of whom are still glitzing and glamming at the galas.

Fashion

Best “You Could Have Heard a Pin Drop” Moment

CPC’s Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala

Graci McGillicuddy’s passionate plea to help fight child abuse. Pictured: Doug Staley, Scott Anderson & Graci McGillicuddy.

Best Elegant Tent Event

New College Inaugural Ball

Doug Staley, Scott Anderson & Graci

Circus Sarasota Gala

McGillicuddy at the 2012 CPC Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala.

But of course! Our circus royalty, Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reis did not disappoint! FUN! FUN! FUN!

Cliff Roles

Can Dance benefiting GSHSC Executive Director Cowboy doing flips and as any contestant on

Chill Lounge – Valentine Night with Chill Lounge founder Rainer Scheer delivered enjoy. That’s the stuff from which babies are

The Earliest Gala to Sell-Out

JFCS Gala

Best Hat Event

Best Beach Event

Children First’s Flip Flops & Fashion Luncheon

Janis Fawn, Georgann Nugent, Barbara Bingham, Kelly Romanoff, Noni Lavelle, Kelly Dowd & Beth Luberecki at Children

Best Casual Tent Event

JFCS Celebrity Chefs Gala

Great food, music, more than 700 people who all know one another, people donating as fast as their fingers could hit the Pay Pal phone –nobody does it better than Jewish Family & Children’s Services!

Mad Hatter Tea Party benefiting the American Red Cross

First’s Flip Flops & Fashion Luncheon

Every year, this fabulous event held at the Ritz-Carlton takes place mid-December and is sold out over 6 months in advance. It’s little wonder why. JFCS benefits services vital to our community and guests are treated to the sounds of Sarasota Orchestra. Pictured: 2012 event chairs Margie Barancik & Clare Segall.

This fun event benefiting one of our most beloved and vital organizations is definitely the place to get your feet wet on the social scene. Pictured: Janis Fawn, Georgann Nugent, Barbara Bingham, Kelly Romanoff, Noni Lavelle, Kelly Dowd & Beth Luberecki.

The cream of Sarasota society wearing their best hats – how Palm

Starting with cocktails in the Charles Ringling Mansion then into the elegant tent with fabulous décor, everyone was smiling from

Janelle Beruff, Pauline Joerger, Cornelia Matson, Margaret Wise & Ariane Dart at Conservation Foundation’s 2013 Palm Ball

Best Dressed Events

Conservation Foundation’s Palm Ball

Themed “All Aboard for Conservation, the 5 event chairs in beautiful blue & silver gowns while guests sparkled by

Janelle Beruff, Pauline Joerger, Cornelia Matson, Margaret Wise

June 2013 | SCENE 71

scenesarasota.com

Sydney Goldstein

Margaret Wise

Wendy Feinstein

Kelly Gettel

Beth Silverstein Beth Cannata

Diana Buchanan Aimee Cogan

68 SCENE | June 2013

su PP lements and su P erf OO ds : h Ow O ften and h Ow mu C h ?

By Jill Morris, DMD

Since Covid hit the scene, people tell me they are trying to build their immune system by taking supplements and juicing vegetables. So, one month I decided to go on a liver cleanse. Each morning I would blend garlic, ginger, and grapefruit for my breakfast drink. I loved it so much, I continued to drink it after the six-week cleanse was complete. A few months later I had a series of Botox® injections to soften my wrinkles and noticed that every injection point bruised. That had never happened before.

I recently worked with a healthy 40 something year old man who needed extensive dental work. He did not take any medications. His blood was bright red, and he bled so extensively that I had a difficult time finishing the procedure. Upon questioning him, he said that he took superfood supplements every day which included garlic, turmeric, curcumin, fish oils, ginger, and vitamin A. I asked him to stop his supplements for his follow-up procedure a month later to place his final restorations. His bleeding was minimal and easily managed. I have noticed an increase of bleeding gums in my patients no matter the age who are not on pharmaceutical blood thinners.

Many patients are juicing vegetables daily. In Sally Norton’s book, “Toxic Superfoods”, she discusses how oxalate overload from plants such as spinach, almonds, and sweet potatoes can cause chronic health conditions. Oxalates are toxins released by plants that cause damage in the body. Excess oxalates are deposited in the teeth, bones, marrow, thyroid, and breast tissues, to name a few, and can interrupt proper cell functioning. Excess oxalate is deposited in the joints and are associated with arthritis pain, gout, and tendonitis. High oxalate deposits are also associated with Parkinson’s disease and MS because of nerve cell demyelination.

As a dentist, I know that the gums are an important barrier to keep bacteria from entering the bloodstream. Bacteria ulcerate the inside lining of the gums and pass through

the barrier into the bloodstream. These bacteria have been found in the clogged arteries of the heart and there has also been a correlation between gum disease and cancer. I have begun to question the effect that these blood thinning supplements have on bleeding gums, especially since 80% of the population has some form of gum disease.

I personally take supplements because I believe our foods have been depleted of important nutrients due to the poor soil quality. I work inside and don’t enjoy the sun and nature which also provide resources for our nutritional needs. But what is the proper supplement dosage and combination outside of the whole food? Should we be taking them long term? When we juice or take a pill, we may be bypassing critical processes necessary that balance and work synergistically together. I am not an expert, but I do have questions and hope to see research in this area of nutrition.

Excess oxalates are deposited in the teeth, bones, marrow, thyroid, and breast tissues, to name a few, and can interrupt proper cell functioning.