March2014

SCENE SARASOTA | MANATEE

M AGA ZIN E

Do You Know Your

Financial DNA?

Wealth & Retirement The Fascinating Steve Wilberding Steven Lee’s Money Plan Evolucia’s Progress Capital Ideas

Rick Helbing

SUNCOAST ADVISORY GROUP

MARCH 2014 $3.95 U.S.

spacious

floorplans

Based on the popular Murano plan, which swept every category in this year’s Parade of Homes, The Verona has new features to appeal to this market segment and to blend the living areas together with larger open spaces. The Verona will feature disappearing corners and large sliding glass doors to bring the outdoor spaces in, and enhance the Florida lifestyle and year round entertaining. The single story Verona model will be 3,600 square feet with three bedrooms and four bathrooms, plus a den, bonus room, and a Florida basement. The expansive open floorplan will also include a large outdoor dining and living area with a tropical island pool.

CGC018525

named

TM

by the national homebuilders association & builder magazine

construction

superior

Featured at The Concession the verona

reputation

stellar

visit the concession real estate sales office for your private tour of the verona by lee wetherington homes

7700 Lindrick Lane | Sarasota, FL 34202 | (941) 388-0501 Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm | Sunday Noon - 5pm | Tuesday by Appointment

INSPIRED PERFORMANCE THE WAY OF

2014 Q50

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THE BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!!

COAST INFINITI

#1 IN AMERICA FOR SALES & SERVICE SATISFACTION! 2124 Bee Ridge Road • Sarasota, FL 34239

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E V E R Y T H I N G ’S INCLUDED HOMES

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E V E R Y T H I N G ’S INCLUDED HOMES

LAKEWOOD RANCH

Manor & Estate Homes from the $300s-$600s+ Up to 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths with 2,244-3,800+ sq. ft.

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Everything’ s Included.

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Nexia home automation package • upgraded wood cabinets • window coverings • glass front doors granite countertops • stainless steel appliances • diagonal floor tile • crown molding rounded corners • tray ceilings (per plan) • marble windowsills • paver driveway and lanai

13112 Bridgeport Crossing, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 • Open Mon.-Sat. 9am - 6pm, Sun. 10am - 6pm Stated square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Prices subject to change. Copyright © 2014 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo and Everything’s Included Home are registered service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. CGC 1507191. 2/14

INTRODUCING AN EXCEPTIONAL NOT-FOR-PROFIT CARE FACILITY...

Whether you need Skilled Nursing care or you need to “Bounce Back” after a major illness or trauma, the unique, not-for-profit facility that is Hawthorne Village of Sarasota has high quality healthcare and a full range of rehabilitative therapies.

MEDICAL CARE & SUPERVISION

SPECIALIZED REHABILITIATION SERVICES

• With its 120-bed Skilled Nursing facility, the amenities and services are exceptional • Personal Physician • 24-Hour Nurses • Highly-Trained Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists • Registered Dietician and Nutritional Management • Social Services • Full-Time Activities Director

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CALL FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR 5381 Desoto Road | Sarasota, FL 34235 | 941.355.6111 | www.hawthornevillageofsarasota.com License # SNF130471051

EOE

Wealth & Retirement March 2014

Volume 57 No. 3

82

64

64 WHAT DRIVES YOUR FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING? Financial advisor Rick Helbing of Suncoast Advisory Group

By Sue Cullen

70 THE MAGIC BEHIND THE LIGHT How One Company is Bringing a Technology "Evolucion" to Sarasota

70

By Jacqueline Miller

74 A CAPITAL IDEA

By Sue Cullen

79 CHARTING A COURSE FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE The Money Plan by Steven J. Lee

By Jake Harvigsen

82 CAFÉ L'EUROPE The Best of the Old and New

By Steven J. Smith

COVER

Cover photo of Rick Helbing of Suncoast Advisory Group by Herb Booth/Booth Studios. Cover concept by SCENE Magazine.

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scenesarasota.com

Stuart J. Roth Founder and President

Salt & Light Productions is the award winning non-profit organization dedicated to providing multi-media program services to charities across the nation.

Salt & Light Radio WITH

Stuart J. Roth

Saturdays at Noon

WSRQ

1220 AM/106.9 FM

Salt & Light Radio with Stuart J. Roth shares compelling testimonies from people in our community who inspire us to greatness and action.

We strive to address many of the social, economic and spiritual issues confronting families and individuals in life’s most challenging situations. Our radio program reflects the same commitment to public service that has been exemplified by our video program services at Salt & Light Productions.

Our mission is to serve others and be a source of inspiration and encouragement to those less fortunate.

We remain cognizant that “to whom much is given, much is required.”

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

www.saltandlightproductions.org

DEPARTMENTS

56

SOCIALS 26 Sarasota Opera Gala 44 Van Wezel Foundation Gala 58 SCBB's Red Hot! Event 120 Circus Arts Conservatory Gala

28 EVENTS CALENDAR 41 PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR 46 CULTURE MATTERS Cultural events presented by The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

52 GALLERY SCENE Upcoming Art Exhibitions

56 YARA’S WAY Recipes, Travel and Lifestyle Tips

56

By Yara Shoemaker

86 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW Steve Wilberding

By Gus Mollasis

GIVING 94 STEMsmart: Bringing Learning to Life

By Jake Hartvigsen

96 Sheri Greenhaus: Honoring Those Who Serve

By Jake Hartvigsen

98 Titus Herman: A Vision for the Future

By Jake Hartvigsen

86

EDUCATION MATTERS 101 The Mother's Circle Outreach Program at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

104 BEHIND THE SCENE Sarasota’s Society Maven Gives the Latest Scoop

By Debbi Benedict

HEALTH MATTERS 112 Oh! My Aching Legs!

By Dr. Martin Aldrich, M.D., F.A.C.C.

114 There Is Magic In Your Smile

118 LITERARY SCENE

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

By Dr. Christine Koval, DMD

122 SCENE LOCALLY

116 FMS And Your Workout – Exclusive Insight From a Fitness Insider

News Shaping Our Community

By Tiffany Liashek

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FROM THE EDITOR

brilliant location sparkling views lustrous amenities...

T

he impending retirement of the post World War II baby boom population has resulted in a major need for assistance in

managing resources, both to supplement the cost of living and extend retirement assets as long as possible. This need has created an explosion of expertise, tools and innovative products by banks and wealth management firms. With lots of advice out there, finding the right mix and best people to guide you can be a challenge. When you consider

that we are also living longer than ever before, having enough to live on in our golden years is daunting for many of us.

Whatever your situation is, perhaps you will find something inspiring in this issue or learn ways to help navigate you toward a more secure retirement. It is my duty to advise you that we are not endorsing anyone or any business in this issue and that you should consult an attorney and/or a qualified financial advisor prior to any business opportunity or entering into an investment that is mentioned in this issue. We are also not rendering legal or financial advice by featuring any of the articles contained in this issue.

With that out of the way, let’s start with our cover story. Financial advisor Rick Helbing of Suncoast Advisory Group uses Behavior DNA to understand his clients, citing that even the best financial planning can get derailed by our natural behavior. By understanding his client’s behavior DNA, Helbing believes he can better craft a plan that suits their needs and stay the course. Sounds interesting to say the least.

Casey Key resident Steven Lee, a venture capital pioneer, reveals his plan for financial success in his book, The Money Plan. Despite a career associated with risk, Lee believes in a few adherent principles of money management and wealth accumulation. SCENE contributing writer Jake Hartvigsen sat down with this financial wiz and gives us the scoop.

Do you want to be wowed? Then read Gus Mollasis’ “Scenes from an Interview” about Steve Wilberding. From his service in the 101st Airborne Division in South Vietnam during which he was awarded medals for valor, to a thirty year international investment banking career, to managing the Saudi Arabian government’s $150 billion of reserves, his story sounds like fiction, but it is oh so real.

Sarasotan Chris Cogan, along with veteran financiers Russell Vernon and Ross Barnett, have launched an initiative called Seven Holdings to bring much-needed venture capital to our area. The company just launched its first fund with $13 million in committed capital and a target of $50 to $70 million.

Fueled by high marks for the U.S. Department of Energy and a new patent, be sure to read about Sarasota-based Evolucia, whose LED light fixtures radiate over the Ringling Bridge and other prominent structures and facilities.

So no matter how you roll the dice, from all of us at SCENE, we hope your golden years are fruitful and most of all, that they are filled with much love, happiness and good health.

And don’t forget to read our giving profiles in this issue. Giving is not only an important part of a well-rounded retirement plan; it’s good for the soul.

Prices & features subject to change without notice. Offer void where prohibited by law. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

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The Best Heart Care Pumped Up Sarasota Memorial’s cardiac care is exemplary; world-class, in fact. From robotic cardiac surgery in the iSuites to TAVR in the Hybrid OR, our cardiac specialists, in affiliation with Columbia University, provide the area’s best heart care.

Now in our new Courtyard Tower, two state-of-the-art cardiac floors feature private, healing rooms equipped with advanced technology for all types of heart patients and their care teams. How do you improve upon the best care?

We do it with an enhanced patient experience that promotes faster recoveries.

If there’s a level up from best, we think this is it.

smh.com/heart

Hans Weigand:

Neue Vienna Art March 7 - 16, 2014

LOCALLY OWNED, OPERATED & PRINTED FOR MORE THAN 57 YEARS CEO/Publisher

Ronald Milton

Executive Editor

Julie A. Milton

Business Development

Salena Wilhoit

Account Executive Tammy Whalen Art Director Editorial Assistant Special Issue Director Distribution Contributing Writers

Michelle Cross Cheryl Galbraith Debbi Benedict Dick Jackson Debbi Benedict Sue Cullen Jake Hartvigsen

Direct from Vienna, Austria, the large-scale, mixed-media paintings of Hans Weigand bring a wild, other-worldly beauty to Sarasota. For four decades, Hans’ alter-ego, the Silver Surfer, a symbol of the trickster, has delighted Europeans with art that blends pop and neo-expressionism with wry humor. Don’t miss it.

Gus Mollasis Yara Shoemaker Steven J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave Photographers Herb Booth Jake Hartvigsen Cliff Roles Address

Sponsored by

Sarasota, FL 34241

Produced by:

Phone

Vienna & Naples

7269 Bee Ridge Road,

941-365-1119

Fax 941-954-5067 Website www.scenesarasota.com SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year by RJM Ventures, LLC. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufficient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, art work and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged.

Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $19.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

1314 10th St. Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.icehouseon10th.com facebook.com/icehouseon10th

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Special Publications: Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County's Arts & Culture Guide, Doctors On The Scene, The Giving Book, Leading the Scene, Men On The Scene & Women On The Scene. scenesarasota.com

941.366.8100 • icardmerrill.com Manatee, Sarasota & Charlotte Counties

Discover What Makes Sarasota Bay Club So Different!

Sarasota Bay Club offers outstanding services and amenities that are personalized to fit your lifestyle.

From complimentary valet parking to fine dining on chef prepared meals, the freedom to design the ideal retirement lifestyle is all yours.

Sarasota Bay Club ownership is carefree, with all maintenance included, and complete health care & rehabilitation services conveniently located on-site.

z

“We love the atmosphere and the talented staff at Sarasota Bay Club, which has drawn out a lot of talent in me. I am able to express myself more than ever before. We have been happy since the day we moved in!”

Frank Levine Sarasota Bay Club Resident

Full-Service Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay Discover The Sarasota Bay Club Difference For Yourself Today!

Please Call To Attend Our Next Luncheon Event or Schedule A Personal Tour – Linda Ware or Dana Moe (941) 552-3284 Visit Us On The Web At www.SarasotaBayClub.com (941) 366-7667 • 1301 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34236

Family

is Life.

Enjoy it to the Fullest.

Laurel Oak

T H E PR E M I E R FA M I LY C O U N T RY C LU B

Member-owned since 1999, at Laurel Oak you will find very warm, welcoming, and friendly members. With abundant natural beauty teeming with wildlife, the Club’s many amenities include 36 holes of championship golf, 12 Har Tru tennis courts, a junior Olympic-size pool and a 45,000 sq ft clubhouse.

Whether you play golf or tennis, or like to socialize, dine and party with friends in a warm and inviting environment, we have a membership plan for your lifestyle. In addition to our retired members, there are many young families at Laurel Oak, giving the Club a very energetic, highly participatory membership with many family-oriented events throughout the year.

We invite you for a Club tour anytime or take advantage of our try-us-out membership, designed to allow you to experience Laurel Oak Country Club, with virtually all the privileges of a full member, before making the commitment to full membership.

Call today for your personal tour. Enjoy family and life to the fullest at Laurel Oak.

Try-Us-Out this Season!

90 day Trial Memberships

Golf & Tennis $2,500 Tennis $800 Social $500

941-378-3399 2700 Gary Player Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34240 www.laureloak.com A Private Club

Plus Tax

Inviting. Inspired. Incomparable.

SOCIAL

Sarasota Opera Gala

Sarasota Opera recently held its annual Opera Gala at Hyatt Regency Sarasota chaired by Carol Brualdi. This year’s theme “A Masked Ball” was inspired by the Fall production of Die Fledermaus. Most guests arrived in elegant and creative masks. The evening included a four-course gourmet dinner, silent auction, live music from the 42nd Street Big Band, and a live performance by Sarasota Opera’s Principal Artists Marco Nistico, Chrystal Williams and Marcello Cormio.

Photos by

Cliff Roles

Per-Erik & Sandra Lindqvist, Elissa Soyka & Bud Borax

Les & Carol Brualdi

Richard & Cynthia Russell

Gerald & Beathe Elden

Cheryl MacLauchlan & Wendy Feinstein

t n u a l F our

e l k r Spa Y

MK Designs, Unique, Stunning and One of a Kind • MK Designs and The Golden Image Jewelry Store 30 South Palm Ave., Downtown Sarasota | 941.364.8439 | www.mymkdesigns.com

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CALENDAR

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

Photo of Richard Herzog’s “It’s all about electricity” by Cliff Roles. 2013/2014 Season of Sculpture.

8th Annual Sarasota SPRINGFEST March 1 Palmer Ranch, Clark Road and Sawyer Loop 7:30 am. Event starts off with 5K fun walk/run and a 12K road race, continues with great food, business expo, farmers market, and music by the Venturas. sarasotaspringfest.com

2nd Annual “The Mane Event” March 1 InStride Therapy under covered arena 6:00 pm. Start the evening off with cocktails & hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner and a live and silent auction. Upscale Western Attire. Tickets: $125 | 941.412.9333 | instridetherapy.org

Asolo Rep’s Annual Gala 2014: The Rainbow Room March 1 The Ritz-Carlton 6:00 pm. Start the evening off with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner, live music and dancing. Tickets: $300 | 941.351.9010 x4712 | asolorep.org

Celebration of Imagination Vintage Vegas: Casino Night March 1 Michael’s On East 7:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of fun, food, gambling and prizes. Benefits TBS Schools. Tickets: $100 | 941.552.2770 | tbssfamily.org

Mixon Fruit Farm’s Orange Blossom Festival March 1 – 2 Mixon Fruit Farms 9:00 am. Featuring performances by the Wallenda’s and local schools.

Enjoy food, rides, crafters, and a 200 foot zipline. Free admission | 941.748.5829| mixon.com

United Cerebral Palsy of Sarasota-Manatee’s Chocolate Sundae March 2 Michael’s on East 1:00 pm. More than 20 restaurants and vendors presenting unlimited samplings of chocolate creations. Tickets: $10-$30 | 941.251.4956 | ucpsarasota.org

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Community Video Archives

Hall of Fame Video Premiere Luncheon 11:30am Tuesday, April 22, 2014 | Michael’s On East Ballroom

2014 Honorees

GERRI AARON

Ubiquitous philanthropist who also generously gives her time and wisdom to numerous and varied organizations.

ALEXANDRA QUARLES

A strong leader in the philanthropic community, Alex has helped raise more than $250 million for several not-for-profits, including Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. as its President, CEO and Trustee.

SAM SHAPIRO

Caring, nurturing philanthropist inspired by the needs of babies, children and the love of art and community.

DANIEL KENNEDY

Founder and CEO of the Sarasota Military Academy, acclaimed for providing the highest quality education incorporating leadership, patriotism and honor.

Induction into the Community Video Archives “Hall of Fame” with a professionally produced video biography of the honoree...which will live forever... is the most prestigious honor our community has to offer.

This event has been sold out since its inception. Reservations are available now. $80 per person. Purchase a table of 10 for $800 and order a “Friends & Fans of...” sign cheering for your favorite Hall of Famer at no extra charge.

Reservations: 941.365.7052 / videoarchives@comcast.net Community Video Archives is a 501 [c] 3 non-profit corporation

Thanks To Our Sponsors

Annette Scherman

CVA Founder/President

Chris Pfahler

Event Chair & Emcee

South Florida Museum’s “Couture in the Courtyard” March 3 South Florida Museum 10:00 am. Fashion show presented by Saks. Lunch by Michael’s on East. Benefits South Florida Museum. Tickets: $100 | 941.746.4131 x17 | southfloridamuseum.org

Archie Griffin 2014 Celebrity Golf Classic

Golf ChallenGe 12:30 p.m. food & Wine TasTinG 6:00 p.m.

March 3 & 4 Concession Golf Club. Golf and mingle with twotime Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin and a star-studded field of his celebrity friends. Benefits The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. Golf, Dinner and Pairings Party. Sponsorships available. Tickets: Individual Player - $1500; Pairing Party tickets $175 | 941.907.0018 | concessioncharities.org

Featuring chefs from 25+ premier local restaurants, select wines, silent auction, golf challenge & live music.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice Bethesda House Mardi Gras Madness

Tuesday, March 18, 2014 The Resort at longboat Key Club, islandside

March 4 Sarasota Yacht Club 6:00 pm. Silent auction, dinner and dancing. Tickets: $125 | 941.355.4680 x311 | catholiccharitiesdov.org

Goodwill Manasota’s Countdown to Mardi Gras March 4 Michael’s on East 6:00 pm. Enjoy a fun filled night of spectacular entertainment, authentic New Orleans food, beads galore and more! Tickets: $125 | 941.355.2721 x104 | experiencegoodwill.org

Madcap Musical & Musings March 4 Friendship Center in Sarasota 6:30 pm. Enjoy cocktails and dinner, followed by an evening of music well seasoned with wit, whimsy and surprises, all to benefit The Friendship Centers.

Tickets: $150 | 941.556.3205 | friendshipcenters.org

Junior League of Sarasota’s 12th Annual Legacy Luncheon March 5 Michael’s On East 11:00 am. Featuring Julie & David Eisenhower. Tickets: $95-$1500 | 941.953.5600 | jlsarasota.org

SO’s Visiting Artists Dinner IV March 6 PNC Bank 6:00 pm. Featuring guest pianist JeanPhilippe Collard and guest conductor Mei-Ann Che. Tickets: $150 | 941.487.2737 | sarasotaorchestra.org

Hans Weigand: Neu Vienna Art

For tickets or to become a sponsor visit www.JFCS-Cares.org or contact Stacy Quaid at 941.366.2224 ext. 142 or squaid@jfcs-cares.org CelebrityChefsSarasota MEDIA SPONSOR

VENUE SPONSOR

March 7 – 16 Ice House. Presented by Alfstad& Productions.

Opening night gala begins on March 7 at 6:00 pm. Daily exhibition starts on March 8 at 12:00 pm. with Free admission. Gala Tickets: $25 | 941.366.6400 | icehouseon10th.com

Realize Bradenton’s 4th Annual ArtSlam March 8 Downtown Bradenton 12:00 pm. Features dozens of artists, musicians and performers, site-specific art installations, and interactive art experiences. Realizebradenton.com

6th Annual Toast to Venice March 8 Maxine Barrit Park 2:00 pm. Enjoy wine, beer, food tasting, a silent auction and live music. Tickets: $40 | 941.223.6366 | toasttovenice.com

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April 9, 2014 - 6:00 pm Michaels On East $175 per person Alisa W. Pettingell Chairperson Reservations: btb2014.eventbrite.com or 941.365.1277 Ext.103

SponSorS: Sherry and Doug Chapman Clear Channel Gulf Coast Community Foundation Debbie and Larry Haspel The Arthur S. Karp Family Foundation Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy Observer Media Group Publix Super Markets Charities Skip and Gail Sack Saks Fifth Avenue SCENE Magazine Shinn & Company, LLC Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP SNN6 Karen and Michael Valentino EvEnt partnEr State of the Arts Gallery

Ear Research Foundation’s 11th Annual Hear & Now Gala March 8 Van Wezel 6:00 pm. Sarasota Orchestra presents Scheherazade Exotic Stories. Cocktails & dinner. Tickets: $250 | 941.365.0367 | earsinus.com

TM

The Venice Symphony’s 40th Anniversary Gala March 8 Plantation Golf & Country Club 6:00 pm. Enjoy a variety of ensemble performances along with hors d’ouerves, cocktails, and dinner. Tickets: $100 | 941.488.1010 | venicesymphony.org

6th Annual Sertoma Sarasota Celebrity Roast

Purim Masquerade Ball March 8 Ritz-Carlton 6:30 pm. Enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing. Black tie optional. Benefits The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Tickets: $250 | 941.552.6308 | jfedsrq.org

7th Annual Chillounge Night at Westfield Southgate March 8 Lot at Westfield Southgate 7:00 pm. Experience the ultimate outdoor lounge party. Benefits Girls Inc. of Sarasota.

Tickets: $25 | 888.695.0888 | chilloungenight.com

Girl Scouts 3rd Annual Leadership Luncheon March 12 Polo Grill 11:30 am. Presented by Blair Bloomston, Vice President, game on Nation, focusing on how to empower girls and young women in our community to remain confident against bullies. Tickets: $75 | 941.921.5358 x324 | gsgcf.org

Sarasota Orchestra Association’s “A Paris Flea Market” March 13 – 15 1605 Main Street, Sarasota. An upscale sale supporting the Sarasota Orchestra. Preview sale starts March 13 at 4:00 pm. Tickets: $5. Public sale starts at March 14 at 10:00 with Free Admission. 941.487.2730 | soassociation.org

CLassiCaL

mystery tour Music By:

The

March 8 Hyatt Regency 6:30 pm. Roasting Tom Knight with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department. Featuring a full slate of celebrity roasters. Limited seating. Tickets: $125 | 941.366.3791 x102 | sarasotaroast.com

bEatlEs Performing With Our:

livE

orchesTra

Hear Favorites: ElEanor rigby

All You Need is Love y e s T e r d ay

april 11 & 12 8:00 pm Van Wezel TickeTs from $32

941-953-3434

www.SarasotaOrchestra.org

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s 48th Annual Dinner Celebration March 13 USF Sarasota-Manatee 6:00 pm. Celebrate CEO Barbara Zdravecky’s 20 years of leadership with cocktails, dinner & silent auction. Tickets: $175 | 941.365.3913 x1124 | myplannedparenthood.org

2014 Renaissance Luncheon March 14 Ritz-Carlton 10:30 am. Enjoy lunch, drawing prizes, silent auctions, vendor shopping & more! Benefits The Women’s Resource Center. Tickets: $125 | 941.366.1700 | TheWomensResourceCenter.org

Sarasota Garden Club’s Gardens In Paradise March 15 at 10:00 am. Visit 5 private coastal gardens tended by passionate gardeners. Tickets: $25 - $35 | 941.955.0875 | sarasotagardenclub.org scenesarasota.com

5

th

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

AnniversAry 1949 - 2014

March 2014

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Cat Depot’s Caturday Night Fever March 15 Hyatt Regency 6:30 pm. Enjoy a fabulous buffet, open bar, live and silent auctions, 50/50 chance drawing and outstanding entertainment! Tickets: $150 | 941.366.2404 | catdepot.org

and Gerri Aaron. This coveted award is given annually to individuals whose contributions have helped to uplift the shared life of our community. Sponsorships Available | 941.365.4955 | ajc.org

The Out-of-Door Academy’s Banyan Bash

JFCS’s 10th Annual Celebrity Chefs Food & Wine Tasting

March 15 Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch 6:30 pm. Featuring a live band, food tastings from around the world and an online and live auction. Tickets: $175/$75 alumni | oda.edu

March 18 The Longboat Key Club & Resort. Golf Challenge shot gun start at 12:30 pm. Then at 6:00 pm local chefs prepare signature dishes, paired with hand-selected wines. Benefits Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Sarasota-Manatee. Tickets: $350 for Golf - $100 Tasting | 941.366.2224 x142 | jfcs-cares.org

JHCF’s Eight Over 80 March 16 Michael’s On East 10:30 am. Honoring eight seniors of our local community. Benefits the Kobernick House.

941.377.0781 x124 | kobernickanchin.org

Sister Cities Association of Sarasota’s One World Gala March 16 Michael’s On East 6:30 pm. Cocktails followed by dinner. Honoring Linda Rosenbluth and Embracing Our Differences. Featuring renowned pianist Giulia Vazzoler. Tickets: $150 | 941.378.0085 | SarasotaSisterCities.org

2014 Gasparilla International Film Festival March 19-23. Opening night at Tampa Theatre. Thursday night at Cinebistro. Films at Centro Ybor Murico Friday, Saturday and Sunday. gasparillafilm.com | 813.260.4433

Glitz at the Ritz-Carlton

5th Annual Jewish Film Festival

March 20 Ritz-Carlton 11:15 am. This year’s Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Honorees are Alice Rau and Joyce Tate. Proceeds from this event benefit The Salvation Army of Sarasota.

Tickets: $75 | 941.364.8845 x221

March 16 - 21 Various Locations and Times. Benefits The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Tickets: $10| 941.552.6301 | jfedsrq.org

Salute to the Stars Awards Luncheon

AJC Human Relations Award Dinner March 17 Michael’s On East 6:00 pm. Honoring David Harris

March 21 Sarasota Yacht Club 11:30 am. Enjoy a gourmet lunch with a live performance. Honoring Sarasota Opera Artists. Tickets: $65 | 941.366.8450 x402 | sarasotaopera.org

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION, INC. PRESENTS

OZ+YOU

ONE DAY ONLY • MARCH 28, 2014 MEHMET OZ, MD Host, The Dr. Oz Show Women’s Health: Prevention of Cardiac Disease with Proper Nutrition Benefitting the Department of Cardiology at Sarasota Memorial Hospital 2:15 pm Friday, March 28, 2014 The Hyatt Regency Sarasota Ballroom General admission tickets: $100 Reserved seating tickets: $250 Please respond by March 14, 2014 RSVP online at SMHFOZ.com Sponsorships include an exclusive luncheon with Dr. Oz. Please call 214-765-0064 (CST) for more information.

Body & Mind SponSorS

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Presents the Second Annual Sunday, March 16, 2014, 10:30 a.m.

Michael’s on East 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota Celebrating our seniors’ leadership, philanthropy and commitment to enhancing our community and our world.

Funds raised help support life-enriching programs and services for seniors living in Kobernick House, Anchin Pavilion and Benderson Family Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Our 2014 Eight Over 80 Honorees are: Herman Frankel Ed Kalin Lee Peterson Sally & Sam Shapiro ~~~ Special Thanks ~~~ PREMIER CORPORATE SPONSOR:

COMMUNITY SPONSOR:

Florence Katz Alisa & Ernest Kretzmer Sally Yanowitz Jeanne & Bob Zabelle*

PREMIER SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS:

Debbie & Larry Haspel

BB&T

KBR Foundation

Barbara & Robert Schwartz

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

Sharon & Herman Frankel

Gerri Aaron

Alisa & Ernest Kretzmer

Patricia & Robert Baer

Betty Schoenbaum

Sheila & Jerry Birnbaum

Jeanne & Bob Zabelle*

Carol Camiener Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP

CORPORATE GOLD SPONSORS:

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

Stephen & Lila Huse

The Benderson Family

Libbie & Albert Kaplan*

Gerard Daniel

Jill & Scott Levine

Ed Kalin

Judy & Jerry Levinson Susan Milman - The Milman-Kover

GOLD SPONSORS:

MEDIA SPONSOR:

Family Charitable Foundation

Isabel Anchin Becker

Betty & Ed Rosenthal

Margot & Warren Coville

Lorraine & Elliot Schubiner

Sally Yanowitz

Sally & Sam Shapiro

Judy Zuckerberg & George Kole

*In Loving Memory

For sponsorship information, call Iris Starr, 941-377-0781, ext. 124 or email: istarr@kobernickanchin.org www.kobernickanchin.org Event Co-Chairs: Margot & Warren Coville and Irving Bashevkin

5th Annual Ponies for Pups March 22 Sarasota Polo Club 11:00 am. Polo match, silent auction and more. Benefits Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Tickets: $10 - $45 | 941.302.0933 | honoranimalrescue.org

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s Interfaith Passover Seder March 27 Michael’s On East 6:00 pm. Benefits The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Leaders: Rabbi Howard Simon & Pastor Joey Mimbs. Tickets: $36 | 941.343.2109 | jfedsrq.org

BPW 8th Annual H’Attitude Luncheon March 22 Sarasota Hyatt Regency 11:00 am. Honoring 2014 Women of the Year, Susie Copeland and Attorney Shelli Freeland-Eddie. 941.870.2580 | bpwsarasota.org

SMHF’s Oz & You

An Evening at the Avant-Garde: The Swinging Sixties - Ringling College of Art and Design

March 28 The Hyatt Regency 2:15 pm. Dr. Mehmet Oz presentation featuring Women’s Health: Prevention of Cardiac Disease with Proper Nutrition. Benefits Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation for the SMH Department of Cardiology. Tickets: $100 | 214.765.0064 | smhfoz.com

March 22 Ringling College Campus 6:30 pm. Annual Fundraiser with a sixties theme. Tickets: $250 - $350 | 941.359.7589 | ringling.edu

Lakewood Ranch’s Winterfest Music Festival

Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Black Tie Havana Nights Gala March 22 Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club 6:30 pm.

The evening will consist of strolling musicians, cigar rolling viewing, raffles, gourmet dinner, full open bar and dancing to Double Vision. Tickets: $175 | 941.556.5442| lwrfund.org

6th Annual Sarasota Challenge March 22 – 23 Hyatt Regency. This two-day event includes ProAm competitions, instructional seminars, performances by one of today’s top U.S. professional couples and the return of the ever-popular “So You Think Professionals Can Dance” contest.

Tickets: $30 - $175 | sarasotachallenge.com

March 29 Lakewood Ranch’s Premier Sports Campus 8:00 am.

Festival will feature top-shelf national and local musical acts of all different types. Tickets: $25 advanced $40 at the door | lwrwinterfest.com

Dart Foundation’s “The Firefly Gala” March 29 Concession Golf Club 6:00 pm. Private performance

by The Go Go’s, followed by dinner and dancing to a great DJ. Benefits Forty Carrots Family Center. Tickets: $250-$500 | 941.365.7716 | fireflygala.org

Southeastern Guide Dogs 2nd Annual Sarasota Walk-A-Thon March 29 Payne Park 8:30 am. Bring your dog and enjoy some

ALL-NEW 2014 SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Order Tickets Today for Premium Seating “Superb!

Every performance was stunning.”

— WNYC

April 22-23 Two Shows Van Wezel Hall, Sarasota

Online: Shenyun.com/sarasota Phone: 888.974.3698 | 941.953.3368

5,000 Years of Myths & Legends Come Alive on Stage “This is the finest thing, the finest event I’ve ever been to in my life ... I was in tears, because of the human spirit, the dignity, the power, the love, coming out of those people was astounding ... This is the profound, quintessential end of entertainment, there is nothing beyond this, nothing.”

— Jim Crill, former Bob Hope producer

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Reviving 5,000 years of civilization

S

hen Yun is traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be experienced. It captures the spirit of ancient China, recalling the grandeur of a culture long lost. The show moves quickly from one story, region, and dynasty to the next. Dozens of dancers in dazzling costumes move in seamless, flowing patterns. China’s ethnic and folk dance styles fill the stage with color and energy. Down in the valley, ladies of the Yi ethnic group dance in rainbow skirts by the river. In the heavens, celestial fairies trail silken sleeves through the clouds. Gorgeous backdrops extend the stage, transporting the audience to distant lands and eras. An orchestra, combining Western and Chinese instruments like no other, accompanies with stirring scores.

After Shen Yun performing arts shows on APR 22-23, Shen Yun’s symphony orchestra will return to Sarasota for one concert

October 27 Van Wezel Hall

Presented by Florida Falun Dafa Association scenesarasota.com

Life reinvented

Make Esplanade your new tomorrow.

Esplanade offers an array of beautifully appointed homes with California Tuscan architecture in gated, maintenancefree communities. However you’ve envisioned indulging your dreams, participating actively or relaxing extravagantly, Esplanade offers a range of resort-quality amenities in Florida’s most desirable West Coast locations.

B Y S I E S TA K E Y

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB AT LAKEWOOD RANCH

BY SIESTA KEY

AT ARTISAN LAKES

Located in the highly sought after Lakewood Ranch area, this community now features an 18-hole championship golf course.

All of the resort-style amenities expected at an Esplanade community, and located only two miles from the world famous beaches of Siesta Key.

Resort-style living surrounded by the natural beauty of open spaces, with winding streets, mature trees and small lakes that offer premium views.

EsplanadeatLakewoodRanch.com

EsplanadebySiestaKey.com

EsplanadeatArtisanLakes.com

For more information, please visit TaylorMorrison.com or call us at 866.495.6006 Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options. Community Association and other fees may be required. Prices, promotions, incentives, features, options, amenities, floor plans, elevations, designs, materials and dimensions are subject to change without notice. Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Community improvements and recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans which are subject to change and which are under no obligation to be completed. Floor plans and elevations are artist’s conception and are not intended to show specific detailing. Floor plans are the property of Taylor Morrison, Inc. and its affiliates and are protected by U.S. copyright laws. For further information, please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate and review our Terms of Use. This is not an offering in any state where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. © January 2014 Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc., All rights reserved. FL GC#CBC1257822

AN INSPIRED LIVING EXPERIENCE FROM

F L O RID A W INE F E S T & AU C T I O N

APRIL 10-13, 2014 P

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W

I T H

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$7.8 million has been awarded to 77 charities serving disadvantaged children in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

THURSDAY,

APRIL 10

WINE AND WINEMAKER DINNERS

IN AND AROUND SARASOTA

6:30 PM

THURSDAY,

APRIL 10

“POP” GOES WINEFEST, SARASOTA POPS ORCHESTRA ROCKS WINEFEST UNDER THE ELEGANT WINEFEST TENT ON SARASOTA BAY

6:30 PM

FRIDAY,

APRIL 11

BAYFRONT SHOWCASE LUNCH-TASTING

SATURDAY,

APRIL 12

ON SARASOTA BAY 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

GRAND TASTING, BRUNCH & CHARITY AUCTION

FRIDAY,

UNDER THE ELEGANT WINEFEST TENT ON SARASOTA BAY

APRIL 11

“BANQUET ON THE BLOCK”, FESTIVE STREET PARTY, DOWNTOWN SARASOTA, 5 CHEFS - 5 COURSES

BRUNCH: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM AUCTION: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

6:30 PM

SUNDAY,

APRIL 13

“WINE ON THE WATER”, ALFRESCO WINE TASTING UNDER THE WINEFEST TENT ON SARASOTA BAY 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit floridawinefest.org

(941) 952-1109 / (800) 216-6199 This ad sponsored by:

food, games, entertainment, and shopping.

Open to public. guidedogswalkathon.org

MHCC’s 16th Annual Beacon of Light Dinner March 29 Venice Yacht Club 6:00 pm.

Benefits the programs of Beacon House.

Tickets: $100 | 941.468.4328 | mhcci-public.sharepoint.com

Coexistence Inc.’s Embracing Our Differences March 31 – June 1 Island Park, Downtown Sarasota & Bradenton Riverwalk.

International outdoor art exhibit intended to demonstrate in a positive way that diversity enriches our lives. Free and open to the public. 941.928.0567 | embracingourdifferences.org

Upcoming Events From Victims to Victories Silver Lining Gala April 4 Michael’s On East 6:00 pm. Honoring 15 select Sarasota cancer survivors.

Enjoy dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.

Tickets: $125 | 941.266.9205 | smhf.org

David W. Shoemaker, M.D.

Technology

Beautiful.

Can Be

Sailor Circus Anniversary Celebration April 4 Sailor Circus Arena 6:00 pm. Celebrate Sailor Circus’s rich and exciting history with an interactive soiree. This enchanting evening includes lively entertainment, cocktails and appetizers. Tickets: $75 | 941.355.9335 | circusarts.org

Asolo’s Starry Night Dinner: Hero April 7 The home of Larry and Debbie Haspel 6:30 pm. Tickets: $250 | 941.351.9010 x407 | asolorep.org

There’s an unparalleled beauty to the miracle of vision restoration.

At Center For Sight, you have access to the most advanced Laser Cataract Surgery procedures available, performed with the experienced touch of one of the nation’s leading surgeons.

Discover the power of technology, designed solely to restore the beautiful gift of sight.

Call 941.488.2020 to schedule your FREE cataract screening.

Fore The Love of Habitat April 14 Laurel Oak Country Club 8:30 am. Includes golf, lunch, dinner, open bar, and live and silent auctions. Benefits Habitat for Humanity Sarasota.

941.487.5518 | habitatsrq.org

SaraSota | Manatee | Charlotte CountieS

Your Clear Choice

BEST

David W. Shoemaker, M.D. Founder, Director of Cataract & Lens Replacement Surgery

IN NATION

Named “Best In Nation” by U.S. News & World Report

U.S.News & WORLD REPORT

Community Video Archives Hall of Fame Premiere Luncheon April 22 Michael’s On East 11:00 am. Honorees: Gerri Aaron, Dan Kennedy, Alexandra Quarles and Sam Shapiro. Tickets: $80 | 941.365.7052 | communitysarasota.net scenesarasota.com

tm

Internationally recognized for delivering unsurpassed results for more than 28 years.

CenterForSight.net • 941.488.2020 THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE PAYMENT, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

March 2014

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FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE “Sizzles with life” -Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“Perfect blend” -Venice Gondolier

Featuring songs: “Anything Goes,” “I Love Paris,” “It’s De-Lovely,”and “I Get A Kick Out Of You”

“Musicianship of the highest order” -Total Theater.com

Ben Mackel and Sarah Hund. Photo by Brian Braun.

Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director

Stephen Hope and Ruthie Stephens. Photo by Brian Braun.

366-9000

�oridastudiotheatre.org

Sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

SAILOR CIRCUS PRESENTS ITS 65TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

Strength. Courage. Dedication.

H

It’s all part of the

H

LEGACY Thurs, March 27 – Sat, April 5 Tickets on sale NOW!

FREE BAG OF POPCORN! When you bring in a canned food item to benefit All Faith’s Food Bank Veteran’s Program.

Adults $16 • Children $12

Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St.

CIRCUSARTS.ORG 941.355.9805

Proud partner of:

US Coast Guard member and Legacy of Valor veteran, Anibal Martinez with Sailor Circus students

The Circus Arts Conservatory is a 501(c)3 non-profit performing arts educational organization

PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

guest choreographers: Kira Blazek (New York, NY); Alyson Dolan (Austin, TX); Terrance Henderson (Columbia, SC), and Tennille Lambert (Los Angeles, CA).

The Grapes of Wrath

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE

941.351.8000 / asolorep.org

March 12 – April 19 The story of a nation through the eyes of the Joad family, driven from the dust bowl of Oklahoma toward the promised land of California in search of a new home, jobs and dignity.

Philadelphia, Here I Come!

941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com

A Touch of Danger March 12 – April 6 Novelist Max Telligan has unwittingly become embroiled in an international terrorist group.

Through April 12 This play paints a touching and humorous portrait of a young man on the verge of a new beginning.

MANATEE PLAYERS

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Beehive

941.748.5875 / manateeplayers.com

Determined to win the heart of the beautiful Rosina with charm and wit, rather than money, Count Almaviva enlists the help of Figaro, the Barber of Seville, to steal her away from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo.

The Flying Dutchman Through March 23 Ancient lore comes to life in the tale of a cursed sea captain forced to wander the world, ultimately finding redemption in the selfless gift of a woman’s love.

Jérusalem Through March 8 - 22 An epic tale of warriors, family rivalry, and jealousy evolves into a story of forgiveness.

Through April 13 A laugh-out-loud comedy featuring middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia, their movie-star sister Masha and her boy-toy, Spike.

Through March 16 A musical celebration of the girl groups and female singers of the 1960s such as The Supremes, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin and more.

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

CIRCUS SARASOTA

Man of La Mancha

March 7 -9 Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of melodies representing rural Chinese culture, then plunge into an exciting rendezvous with Ravel’s Piano Concerto.

941.355.9805 / circussarasota.org

Sailor Circus 65th Anniversary Show March 27 – April 5 Sailor Circus Arena. Circus Sarasota commemorates the landmark anniversary of The Greatest “Little” Show on Earth in partnership with the Legacy of Valor project saluting veterans.

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org

Thurgood Through March 8 A powerful play based on the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Daddy Long Legs Through April 5 Set in New England in the early 1900s, this new musical follows a courageous young orphan who dreams of a better life.

March 20 – April 6 This is a play-within-a-play, based on Cervantes’ “Don Quixote.”

THE PLAYERS THEATRE 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels March 20 - 30 Based on the popular 1988 film, this hilarious battle of cons will keep audiences guessing to the very end!

Graziano, Ashton & DeMille Through March 3 Featuring Ricardo Graziano’s World Premiere, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Monotones I & II, and Agnes DeMille’s Rodeo.

SARASOTA OPERA Il Trovatore

941.359.0099 x101 / fuziondance.org Jane B. Cook Theater/FSU

“Dance Couture: Art Meets Dance” March 13 - 15 Features imaginative works by four prominent scenesarasota.com

March 13 -14 This is a two-night Mozart chamber festival.

First night begins with Mozart’s String Quartet No. 16 then his Piano Quintet K. 452. Second night continues with Mozart’s String Quintet in G Minor features two violas.

March 16 Join SO for a special celebration as they feature six festival alumni at various stages of their meteoric careers.

941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org

941.366.8450 / sarasotaopera.org

FUZIÓN DANCE ARTISTS

Chamber – Mozart Madness

Shooting Stars 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert

Through April 20 A celebration of the American Storytellers.

Through June 7 Conjuring up images of elegant women dancing with tuxedo-clad men, this Cole Porter musical revue takes you back to the 1930s.

Master Works – Exotic Stories

SARASOTA BALLET

Poems, Prayers, and Promises

A Cole Porter Revue: Too Darn Hot

941.953.3434 / sarasotaorchestra.org

Through March 22 A troubador’s quest for love, a soldier’s lust, and a mother’s undying thirst for vengeance is the story of this dramatic opera by Verdi.

The Barber of Seville Through March 21

Great Escapes – Come Fly with Me March 19 -22 & 30 Enjoy themed music including Superman, Up Where We Belong, Fly Me to the Moon and movie music from Apollo 13 and Harry Potter, along with Ride of the Valkyries, Free as a Bird and Come Fly with Me.

Pops – Satchmo, Fats & The Duke March 28 -29 The Orchestra showcases the greatest hits of Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington with famed trumpeter and vocalist Byron Stripling.

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL 941.955.7676 / vanwezel.org

Alton Brown LIVE - Edible Inevitable Tour March 2 March 2014

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Chicago: The Musical

The Moody Blues

Underneath the Lintel

March 4 – 5

March 24

Jerry Seinfeld

Patti LuPone

March 7

March 25

March 13 – 30 A puzzling mystery begins when a Dutch librarian discovers a surprise in the overnight return slot – a travel guidebook that is 113 years overdue!

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Where the Action Is Tour

March 10

March 26

Peking Acrobats

Indigo Girls with Symphony Orchestra

March 12

March 27

Aaron Neville

The Midtown Men

March 13

March 30

Academy of St Martin in the Fields

Mark Russell

March 14

March 31

Joan Rivers

VENICE THEATRE

March 15

A Night at the Opera

Rave On (A Tribute to Buddy Holly)

941.488.1115 / venicestage.com

March 16

Oklahoma

Bill Cosby

Through March 16 This high-spirited musical set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre still being followed today.

March 16

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast March 17 – 18

March 16 - 17 An electrifying, high-energy, rock n’ roll extravaganza featuring America’s premier Buddy Holly interpreters.

VENICE SYMPHONY

941.488.1010 / thevenicesymphony.org

“With Strings Attached”– Ann Hobson-Pilot, Harp Solo Orchestra selections include Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from “Rodeo” and Schuman’s Symphony No. 1.

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE 941.366.1505 / wbttroupe.org

Let’s Hang On! (A Frankie Valli Tribute)

Irish Tenors March 19

Vince Gill with special guest Amy Grant March 21

Johnny Clegg w/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo

March 9 – 10 Dance and sing along to some of the most memorable songs of the ‘60s: “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Walk like a Man”, and more.

Harry & Lena Through March 23 Nate Jacobs honors the debonair “King of Calypso” Harry Belafonte and the incomparable singer/ actress Lena Horne in an original musical revue.

March 23

“A

thrilling

theatrical

achievement” – New York Post

Winner 1990 Tony Award Best Play

MAR 14-APR 19 based on the novel

by John Steinbeck adapted by Frank Galati Directed by Michael Donald Edwards Frank Galati’s groundbreaking adaptation of Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel won the Tony Award for Best Play and has become a national treasure. Composer/Music Director Tim Grimm, an award-winning American folk musician, infuses live music into this story of a nation through the eyes of the Joad family, driven from the dust bowl of Oklahoma toward the promised land of California in search of a new home, jobs and dignity. Part naturalistic epic, part road trip and part inspirational gospel, The Grapes of Wrath is a soaring affirmation of the goodness, strength and perseverance of the human spirit.

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FOR TICKETS CALL 941-351-8000 OR 800-361-8388 OR VISIT ASOLOREP.ORG scenesarasota.com

SOCIAL

Van Wezel Foundation Gala The 13th Annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala featuring Jay Leno was the Foundation’s most successful and largest attended Gala to date. It was a tremendous coup to get Jay Leno the day after his final performance on the Tonight Show and his performance reflected his personality and his gifted sense of comedy. The gala patrons enjoyed delicious food by Michael’s On East and the event was masterfully planned by Mary Kenealy Events and a talented Gala committee led by co-chairs Lucille Smith, Kathy Martella and Brenda Maraman.

Michael Calamaras & Kelly Martella

Photos by Cliff Roles

David Sales & Pauline Joerger

Monica Slater van Buskirk, Gabrielle Slater & Julia Mays

Ed Sarbey, Veronica Brady & Mark Famiglio

Sandy & Vern Buchanan

Announcing

The Founders Society A program for those who dare to dream about making a difference.

Our new Founders Society offers you

Inspiration Where

Takes Center Stage

giving opportunities that will bring hundreds of school children through our doors to be inspired by live performances and will support needed improvements in the Performing Arts Hall.

Plenty of inspiring perks for you too!

Join the Founders Society today.

™

For information about the terrific benefits of Founders Society membership, call Michele Strauss or Elsie Merrill at (941) 366-5578.

WWW.VWFOUNDATION.ORG

Van Wezel Foundation Inc. meets all the requirements specified by the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act. A copy of the official registration #CH3676 and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling 1-800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

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enhance Your Favorite Spaces

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Visit our new showroom or call us today for a FREE in-home estimate at 941.953.3240.

When Quality Comes First.™

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ARTS & CULTURE PRESENTED BY:

1 1) Sarasota Wildlife Art Festival and Wildlife Symposium March 1-2, 2014 This juried fine art exhibition, presented by Save Our Seabirds, showcases 60 amazing wildlife artists, plus an educational environmental symposium. Tickets: $5. Children 12 and under free. Includes free admission to Save Our Seabirds Wild Bird Learning Center and a $5 discount on admission to Mote Marine Aquarium on the days of the show. www. saveourseabirds.org

2

Why it Matters: The artistic, educational Sarasota Wildlife Art Festival and Wildlife Symposium is a joint venture of the Rotary Club of Sarasota, Save Our Seabirds, Mote Marine Aquarium, and Ringling College of Art + Design. All proceeds go right back into the local community, helping to fund the various humanitarian grants made by the Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation and also supporting the efforts of Save Our Seabirds to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured birds.

2) YouthArts Fest March 22, 2014 YouthArts Fest is a fun, free event for families that celebrates the extraordinary artistic tal-

3

ent being developed by the arts education programs in our local public schools. Over 500 students will showcase their talents in various performances throughout the day. Selby Library will display an extensive student art exhibit. Hands-on craft areas and kid-friendly food and drink vendors will be spread throughout the festival. Local organizations will be exhibiting to offer information on the summer and after-school programs, workshops and scholarship opportunities they offer to students.

Why It Matters: One of the top priorities of the Arts and Cultural Alliance is to build support for arts education programs in local schools. The Alliance hopes this showcase of the amazing artistic talents in local schools will inspire the community to ensure the arts remain an essential part of a complete education for students. www.sarasotaarts.org

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3) Sarasota Folk Festival March 22-23, 2014 Music all day, on three different stages with headlining artists Harvey Reid & Joyce Anderson, Bing Futch, Patchouli and Bardic Rose, and more than 30 additional talented Showcase performers. During the festival, there is a jam tent for aspiring musicians of all ages, and a workshop tent for those seeking up-close and personal tips and instructions from their favorite artists. The 11th Annual Festival will return to its home at the beautiful Oscar Scherer State Park. www.sarasotafolkfestival.org Why it Matters: The Sarasota Folk Festival strives to keep the tradition of folk music

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The Best Orthopedic Care More Agile As an established regional referral center for Orthopedics, Sarasota Memorial and its experienced surgeons specialize in the most advanced joint repair and replacement procedures.

Now the best Orthopedic care is located on the top floor of our new Courtyard Tower. Private rooms are spacious, healing and high-tech. A new physical therapy gym promotes post-surgery recovery and patients have our highly trained care team as their partners every step of the way. The best orthopedic care is now more agile than ever – and so are our patients.

smh.com/ortho

Sarasota’s only rental senior community offering a full continuum of care • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Secure Memory Care • Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

To learn more or take a tour, call Esther: 941-225-8369. kobernickanchin.org | 1951 North Honore Avenue | Sarasota, FL 34235 Sponsored by Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council, Inc., Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson operates on a non-discriminatory basis for admissions, services and employment.

Assisted Living Facility # 8951 • Skilled Nursing Facility # 130471046

Pirouette® window shadings with Powerrise® Technology Silhouette® draperies with Ultraglide® Technology

AMERICAN-MADE CUSTOM DRAPES, SHUTTERS, SHADES, SOLAR SHADES & BLINDS

®

Palm Beach Lantana® shutters

DOMENICK’S BLINDS & DECOR

Parts & Repairs | Free Estimates | Free Installation (on orders over $300)

4540 Clark Road, Sarasota | 941-922-2345 | www.DomenicksBlinds.com

Lois & Domenick Falconetti

alive in the Sarasota area by offering programs that feature a diverse mix of genres, all under the “Folk” umbrella.

The festival provides a rich, fun-filled cultural experience in an environment that is accessible to all. The festival delights all the senses, not just musically, but with folklife exhibits, quality vendors selling clothing, art & crafts and plenty of delicious food! It’s more than a festival... it’s a celebration!

4) Jazz Juvenocracy All Star Reunion Concert March 22, 2014 Jazz Juvenocracy, the originals and the die hards, reunite for one night only.

Members of this sextet, with an average age of less than 20, have gained serious street-cred playing alongside Roy Hargrove, Joe Lovano, and Dick Hyman. This concert will feature some of the most intriguing polyrhythmic

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compositions of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, complete with the aggressive driving rhythm section, and the virtuosic improvisation that reinvented jazz as an artist's genre. www. jazzjuvenocracy.com Why it Matters: These local young musicians have grown up on jazz together, developing chops well beyond their years. With the avid support of their community, they have earned international acclaim. Recent reviews of

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scenesarasota.com

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Iwan Mohamed

&

Jonathan Schneider

An enduringly successful company,

Talk with Iwan Mohamed and Jonathan

BB&T has been in existence since 1872

Schneider for just a few minutes and you’ll

and is one of the largest financial services

quickly realize they are as passionate about living in this community as they are

holding companies in the U.S. with $181.1 billion in assets and market capitalization of $23.8 billion as of September of

about making BB&T (Branch Banking

2013, according to its website. Based

and Trust) your hometown bank.

in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company is one of the Fortune 500 — operating approximately 1,824 financial centers in 12 states and Washington, D.C., and offering a full range of consumer and

commercial

banking,

securities

brokerage, asset management, mortgage and insurance products and services.

“I really enjoy living in Sarasota,” said Mohamed, 46, who assumed his role of market president of BB&T’s Sarasota branch

after

spending

the

previous

25 years working in finance in Fort Lauderdale. “I enjoy the refreshing aspect of people appreciating each other’s company and taking the time to know each other better. My vision — and my goal in Sarasota is a reflection of this vision — is to create the best financial institution possible, to be the best of the best. And I use that as a guiding light for what I do in Sarasota County.”

A graduate of Florida International University in Miami, Mohamed has been with BB&T for six years. He’s married and lives in Palmer Ranch with his wife, a 14-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter, both of whom attend school in Sarasota County.

Mohamed said he is dedicated to fully

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“We want to listen to what’s going on in your life and guide you, based on experience and the huge breadth of services and solutions that we can bring as a top ten financial institution in the country.” representing BB&T throughout the greater

are small businesses to mid-market

on how we can best help them. We need

Sarasota community. “I have a commercial

companies that have annual revenues

to help our clients realize their dreams

team that reports to me here,” he said. “So

ranging anywhere from $2 million to

— to attain their personal aspirations,

I have two relationship managers, as well

$60 million, but Mohamed said talking

achieve a specific goal in their life or to

as support staff that also report to me.

about numbers is a boring exercise. He

accomplish a milestone. That’s the perfect

Our responsibility is to raise the profile of

preferred to underscore BB&T’s aim to

client experience – providing reliable,

BB&T in this market and gain market share

be Sarasota’s hometown bank.

responsive, and empathetic answers to

by growing our existing client base as well as earning business from new clients.”

“Any bank can offer loans and

their needs. Everything we do, from the

deposits,” he said. “What sets us apart

folks at the executive level all the way

BB&T

is the fact that I and my team live here

down to our tellers, lives and breathes this

market president for Manatee County,

locally. We manage our relationships

ethic. It’s what makes us client-centric.”

attended

before

with our clients locally. Our decision-

That’s what one would expect from

graduating from the banking school at

making process is for the most part local.

an institution that is 142 years old with

Louisiana State University. “I was born

We take pride in being involved in the

a lasting reputation of wisely investing its

on a naval base in Norfolk, Virginia,” he

community locally with our clients and

clients’ assets, consistently ranking among

said. “My father was a naval officer for

take part in events here. We’re invested

the elite banks in the country, Schneider

23 years. We moved every two years, but

in this community and we give back as

added. “BB&T has built a legacy and it’s

I grew up in the northern Virginia area.”

much as our clients do, with respect to

up to us to continue that — to grow and

charities and not-for-profits that they’re

foster the relationships we have with our

involved in locally.”

employees and with our clients,” he said.

Schneider,

the

Liberty

34-year-old University

Now in his seventh year with the company, Schneider brings a wealth of life experience to his job. Prior to

Schneider added what sets BB&T apart

“We are solid, and our clients and

being recruited into BB&T’s leadership

from other banking institutions is its unique

prospects deserve the ability, strength

development program, he worked as

culture. “We’ve got 30,000 employees

and service that we can bring to them,”

a senior manager in the health and

practicing a culture that is driven by a very

Mohamed added. “Everyone has something

fitness industry and even once played

strong belief in our company’s core values,

they want to achieve by a certain time.

professional baseball in the Pittsburgh

which place relationships above products

We’re here to help you get your business

Pirates organization. He lives in Bradenton

and services,” he said.

to the next level. We’re here to help you

with his wife and three daughters ages six, four, and one.

Schneider said, “My role with BB&T is to lead the bank’s efforts in helping our

Mohamed stressed that for he and

sell your business, if you choose, or we’re

Schneider, their mission is to provide

here to help you buy a business. We want

what the company calls “the perfect

to listen to what is going on in your life

client experience.”

and guide you, based on experience and

clients achieve economic success and

“What that means is to be useful

the huge breadth of services and solutions

financial security; provide a place where

consultants to our clients,” he said. “We’re

that we can bring as a top ten financial

our employees can grow and be fulfilled in

not going to tell a client they need a loan

institution in the country.”

their work; and help make our community

or that we need to sell them a particular

Sounds like two market presidents

a better place to live and work.”

product or service of the day. We want to

committed to making BB&T our home-

listen to their story and consult with them

town bank.

Clients of the Sarasota branch

CONNECT: Iwan Mohamed, SARASOTA MARKET PRESIDENT (941.225.4336) | Jonathan Schneider, MANATEE MARKET PRESIDENT (941.739.7028) scenesarasota.com

March 2014

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ARTS & CULTURE

GALLERY SCENE Presented by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County R. Luke DuBois – Now The Ringling Museum of Art presents the first solo museum exhibition for R. Luke DuBois—a New York-based “new media” artist, who through his simultaneous work as a composer, computer programmer, filmmaker, and installation artist, defies traditional categorization.

R. Luke DuBois – Now will showcase dozens of works, including films, works on paper, installations, video and sound objects, ranging from the late 1990s through today. It will also include a new commission created during DuBois’ 2013-2014 residency at the Ringling. DuBois’ commission is inspired by the historical links between the Ringling legacy and the circus, a powerful and often overlooked example of collective performance art.

“Luke is the embodiment of the genre-defying artist that we at the Ringling want to collaborate with and introduce to our audiences,” said Curator Matthew McLendon. “His work represents the kind of ‘blurring of the lines’ happening across contemporary art today and the type of practice that the Ringling is exploring through ‘Art of Our Time.’ We are thrilled to be the first museum to present Luke’s work in a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary exhibition and to introduce our visitors to this pioneering artist.”

The Ringling Museum of Art | Through May 4, 2014 | www.theringling.org

Revelations On The World As It Is Artists Adriane Colburn and Christina Seely each travel throughout the world and record their findings on the changing global environment through installations, digital films and photographs.

Ms. Colburn’s recent work consists of large-scale installations (comprised of layers of hand cut paper, digital prints and projected light) that investigate the complex relationships between human infrastructure, earth systems, technology and the natural world. Ms. Seely’s work finds its home in the conversation between the photographic image and the complexities of our contemporary relationship with the natural world.

Visit the exhibit, and get inspired! The public is invited to submit images via Instagram of their own artwork inspired by the exhibition and presentations. The images will be juried and presented electronically in Selby Gallery for one evening, Tues., April 1, 5:00-7:00 pm.

Adriane Colburn and Christina Seely | Selby Gallery - Ringling College of Art and Design | Through April 5, 2014 | 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota | www.ringling.edu/selbygallery

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Paradise in Season: New Works by Beverly A. Smith, Vladislav Yeliseyev and Joseph Palmerio The exhibit includes abstract and impressionistic landscapes in oil and watercolor. Beverly A. Smith has been a teacher, coach, mother, exercise physiologist but now devotes most of her time to creating art. “My expressionistic work is intuitive,” says Smith. “As I add more paint, movement, shape and texture to the work, it develops itself and becomes a painting.” Classically trained, Vladislav Yeliseyev combines an artist’s eye with an architect’s obsession. After graduating in fine art from Moscow School of Arts, Yeliseyev earned a master’s degree in architecture from the Moscow Institute of Architecture in 1983. “My every work is a manifest of light existence. Understanding the nuances of light is a matter of life and death in landscape painting,” says Yeliseyev. Joseph Palmerio is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia Pa. His work is part of numerous private collections throughout the country, including the Coville collection in Sarasota, the Grant collection in Reston Va., and the Havard collection in Philadelphia.

Celery Barn in Towles Court | March 14 - April 30 | 266 South Links Avenue, Sarasota

Deborah Brestel: A Walk in the Woods Art Uptown presents a solo exhibition by Deborah Brestel called “A Walk in the Woods,” featuring her acrylic paintings of trees. Along with Brestel's pieces, the new work of more than 25 accomplished artist members of Art Uptown will be on display at the reception and throughout March. “Growing up in Maine, I spent most of my time playing in the forest,” Brestel said, adding that several times she even skipped school to be in the setting she enjoyed so much. “I loved to read, and I would take a few library books, to sit all day reading in a favorite place, surrounded by trees.”

Art Uptown | Through March 28, 2014 | Artist Reception: March 7, 6 to 9pm 1367 Main Street www.artuptown.com

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Beauties

Blushing

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LIFESTYLE

“Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.”

— Benjamin Franklin

Spotlight

Yara’s Way

By Yara Shoemaker

Dangerous Delicacies Fine foods are a pleasure, but you may not be so pleased to know what some of them are doing to your body. Avoid over-indulging on these treats to keep your cholesterol in check, so you can enjoy them in moderation over a long, healthy life!

• Hollandaise Sauce & Caesar Dressing – the egg yolks in these creamy sauces are the culprits that raise cholesterol. Each yolk has a lofty cholesterol level of 210 mg (70% of your daily value, or DV)!

• Caviar – we all love it, but with 94 mg per tablespoon (31% DV), the black pearls seem to lose their luster.

• Fois Gras – since the liver manufactures cholesterol in the body, it’s no wonder fois gras weighs in at 255 mg per 100 gram serving (85% DV).

• Shrimp & Lobster – shrimp cocktail and lobster thermidor are fine dining staples, but partaking in these classics sets you back 195 mg for a 100 gram serving (65% DV).

• Oysters – whether they’re served raw, baked, or Rockefeller, these shellfish contain a hefty 105 mg cholesterol per 100 gram serving (35% DV).

Yara’s Table Spring Shrimp Salad Serves 4 This spring, let’s eat lighter and better with the seasonal flavors of asparagus and watercress!

• 1 teaspoon grated lime rind

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

• 2 cups chopped asparagus

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 7 cups roughly chopped romaine lettuce

• Pinch black pepper

• 1 cup watercress, stems trimmed

Add the first 8 ingredients to a small bowl and gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons of the olive oil. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook 2 minutes. Add dressing; cook 1 minute. Stir in asparagus. Place romaine and watercress in a large bowl; toss with shrimp mixture. Serve with your favorite dill dip. Although this is just a salad, remember that shrimp is high in cholesterol (see Spotlight above), so hit the gym today!

Kitchen Talk

Say “sayonara” to salmonella by checking your eggs for freshness. Look for the longest possible expiration dates and, to avoid losing freshness in transport, try to buy local when possible, like the farm fresh eggs at Jessica’s Farm in Sarasota. To make sure the contents of your carton are still nutritiously new, try this ancient trick my family has used for generations: fill a deep bowl with room temperature water and place each egg in separately.

Those that sink to the bottom are still good; those that float are bad and should be discarded.

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Natural Allure

Coats of polish, years of dishwashing, chips and nicks galore…we put our nails through a lot. Give them some love with this natural mixture that strengthens, nourishes and protects against brittleness and breakage.

Strengthening Nail Soak • Two organic eggs (for protein)

• ¼ cup whole organic milk (for calcium)

• ½ cup of good quality olive oil (moisturizes)

• 1 tablespoon orange juice (for folic acid)

• Several drops of lemon juice (to brighten yellowed nails) • Contents of one fish oil capsule (for omega-3) Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and soak unpolished nails for 15 minutes, then wash well with mild soap. Do this 2-3 times per week to see results in about a month. Soon your nails will be back to fabulous!

No Men Allowed Top Toxins in Your Skincare Have you ever stared at the label on a jar of moisturizer? Unless you’re a chemist, you can’t expect to know all of that jargon. A better plan of action is to know what chemicals to avoid. This way, if you see one of the following terms listed on a label, you can put down that $100 cream and walk (no, run!) away.

Parabens: these preservatives are added to skincare products for longevity. Just as you shouldn’t eat processed foods with a long shelf life, you shouldn’t use products that have a ton of parabens. Look for the words: Methylparaben, Propylparaben, IIsoparaben, and Butylparaben.

Petrochemicals: here comes a big list of words that you can’t pronounce (it’s okay, nobody can!). Ready?

Don’t use products that contain: Behentrimonium Chloride, Guar Hydrosypropyltrimonium Chloride, Linoleamidepropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate. That’s a lot of words to know! But, it’s also important to know them. Petrochemicals may be linked to certain types of cancer due to prolonged usage.

Isopropyl Alcohol: this isn’t a bad ingredient when it comes to cleaning wounds, but isopropyl alcohol has no place near your face. It will dry out your skin, causing it to look older – keep it away from your body too!

On the Move Saint Barthélemy Grab a group of your favorite friends and let loose, because what happens in St. Barts stays in St. Barts… Fly into nearby St. Maarten (the closest major airport) and take a propeller plane to the unforgettable beachside landing strip on St. Barts. The island culture is decidedly French, although most people speak English, and you’ll want to pack your finest “resort chic” clothing, because the beaches are packed with designer cover-ups and teeny bejeweled bikinis. Stay in a luxurious 2 or 3-bedroom villa at the breathtaking Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France for a hilltop view of the beaches and town, or at Le Sereno Hotel for quiet privacy. Be sure to lunch in both hotels’ restaurants, because they are not to be missed! If you’re looking for downtown action, try Eden Roc for a meal among the rich and famous. And for daytime revelry, Nikki Beach will have you dancing on the tables in no time – just remember to order something to eat, between chatting up models and enjoying the nearly constant entertainment. At night, Le Ti Restaurant is the place to party! Get dolled up for this place and go late (after 10:00pm) to lose your cares in the nonstop celebration, music and dancing.

For more amazing recipes look inside my new cookbook, Health On Your Plate, now available on Amazon!

FemRouge.com is a complete online lifestyle guide with unique approaches to healthy cooking, natural beauty, personal style, luxury travel and more.

Yara Shoemaker is passionate about sharing her experience and advice to improve the lives of others and help everyone be beautiful from the inside out.

Find more great tips and recipes at www.FemRouge.com scenesarasota.com

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SOCIAL

SCBB’s Red Hot! Event The Third Annual Red Hot! event, to celebrate Suncoast Blood Bank’s (SCBB) 65th year of service, was recently held at Michael’s on East.

The room buzzed with energy as more than two hundred guests played casino games and took snapshots with Vegas showgirls! “Our mission is not simple, and it’s not inexpensive. Every single unit will be tested, processed, stored and transfused with the assurance that it meets the highest standards of safety. Lives depend on it,” SCBB Board President Mary Ann Legler told the group of supporters. The event raised $70,000 to benefit the programs and services provided

by SCBB and was sponsored by Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute.

Photos by Cliff Roles

Chris & Paula Gray

Scott Bush & Mary Ann Legler

Chelsea & A.J. Stickley

Robert Kohnen & Sheri Weinstein

Heather Zangara & Kelly Marsh

CHAMBER MUSIC

FESTIVAL

april 2 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 16

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listeners worldwide* but you can be there!

cellist Antonio Meneses

CONCERT DATES AT THE SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE

33 million

photo by Marco Borggreve

artistic director Bruno Giuranna associate artistic director Derek Han Federico Agostini, violin presenting the world premiere Julie Albers, cello Rebecca Albers, viola of the 2012 Greenfield Prize Dmitri Atapine, cello commission by Scott Faulkner, double bass Vijay Iyer José Franch-Ballester, clarinet Jennifer Frautschi, violin Bruno Giuranna, viola Derek Han, piano Antonio Meneses, cello a collaboration with The Cynthia Phelps, viola Hermitage Artist Retreat Massimo Quarta, violin Laura Zarina, violin

Vijay Iyer

photo by Jimmy Katz

www.LaMusicaFestival.org

2014

LA MUSICA INTERNATIONAL

*via podcast on Classical Music Discoveries

Special Guest Artists:

Vijay Iyer, composer Cory Smythe, piano Imani Winds, woodwind quintet scenesarasota.com

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Before You Write Your Will…

Christopher Cogan, CCIM®, Richard T. Williams, III, CFA®, Aimee Cogan, CFP®, CIMA® & Scott Rockwell

Writing a Will is not as simple as it sounds. For most people, it requires important decisions on how to divide assets, who to select as an executor and beneficiaries, what to do about amounts owed by you and debts owed to you and how to adequately provide for children, among other considerations.

P

reparing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take in managing your finances, yet for many people, it is something they would rather not face. However, if you die intestate (without a Will), state law will apply and determine how your assets are to be distributed. What’s more, if you are a single parent of minor children, the same

court will decide with whom your children will live.

On the other hand, if you take the time to prepare a Will, you will be the one who determines how your property is distributed, who will be the guardian of your minor children and who will manage your estate when you are gone.

Drafting a Will Ideally, your Will should be drawn up by a lawyer, and you (and your heirs, if possible) should be familiar with its general form and contents. Although it is your legal right to do so, it is never a good idea to draft your own Will. You may not be aware of the statutory requirements that exist in your particular state, and some states may have different standards for witnessing a Will or require specific language that must be included in order for the Will to be valid.

When meeting with a lawyer to draft your Will, make sure to bring the proper information, as outlined below: • List of assets. Include your real estate, bank and investment accounts; retirement accounts; and other valuable personal property. Do you have any belongings that hold sentimental value beyond their economic worth? Decide for each item whether you would like to leave it directly to one of your heirs or have it sold to increase the cash value of your estate.

• List of debts. Include your credit cards, mortgages, home equity loans, car loans, student loans, personal debts and outstanding medical or other bills. Do you have enough cash in your accounts to cover these debts? If not, which assets would you like your executor to liquidate first to pay your creditors? Then list any debts owed to you by others. Do you want these debts to be extinguished at your death, or do you want your executor to collect them to add to the value of your estate?

• List of potential beneficiaries. Include in your thoughts not only your immediate family, but also friends, relatives and institutions or organizations that have contributed positively to your life or that you would like to support. Determine which beneficiaries you would like to inherit special items, such as a treasured family heirloom, and which ones you would like to inherit all or a portion of your cash assets.

• Executor considerations. An executor is the person with administrative responsibility to settle your estate’s affairs. Essentially, the executor’s job is to protect your property until all debts have been settled and to ensure that what remains is transferred to the appropriate beneficiaries. The law does not require an executor to be a legal or financial expert. Therefore, a family member who is savvy with fiscal matters, or a trusted friend or business person could serve in this capacity. Whomever you select, make sure the person is willing and able to do the job. Discuss the position with the person you’ve chosen before you make your Will.

• Special circumstances that your executor may need to address. This could include arrangements for a child who has reached the age of majority but has special needs. Also, if you have minor children, an important provision is the selection of a guardian who would raise them in the event of your death and the death of your spouse. Also, consider any arrangements you would like to make for the care of livestock or pets, or the continuation of a business enterprise.

Finally, be sure to name an alternative executor and guardian in case your first choice is unable to serve at the time of your death.

The Post-Will Process Once your Will is completed, your original Will should be stored in a secure place and make sure that its location is known to family members and/or close friends. Make a point of reviewing your Will every few years with your attorney — or more often if family circumstances or federal and/or state tax laws change — and revise if necessary to ensure that its contents conform to current laws and that it ref lects your current status and desires.

Other Planning Considerations In addition to a Will, you should consider having the following documents be a part of your basic estate plan: • Trusts. Trusts are legal instruments that allow you to transfer ownership of property to a trustee (either a person or financial institution) who manages it for the beneficiaries named by the trust. There are many types of trusts that serve multiple purposes, including living trusts, life insurance trusts, trusts for minors, qualified personal residence trusts and charitable trusts. In general, trusts can help to manage assets, protect assets and avoid probate, but perhaps the biggest benefit of trusts is that they allow beneficiaries to enjoy property ownership while minimizing their tax exposure. Keep in mind that trusts are legal documents — an attorney can help explain the complexities of specific trust arrangements.

• Alternate Decision Makers. Another necessary part of any estate plan is executing a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy and a living will. These documents authorize individuals, whom you select, to make financial, legal and medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

These are some of the basic estate planning tools that all individuals should consider. Contact me to discuss any of these tools in more detail or for help getting started with your own estate plan.

Plan Right. The Bellwether Group at Morgan Stanley can be reached at 941.363.8515 If you’d like to learn more, please contact Aimee Cogan.

Article by Wealth Management Systems, Inc. and provided courtesy of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor.

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

The author(s) are not employees of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by Morgan Stanley with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentioned.

Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor(s) engaged Scene Magazine to feature this article.

Aimee Cogan may only transact business in states where she is registered or excluded or exempted from registration http://brokercheck.finra.org/Search/Search.aspx. Transacting business, follow-up and individualized responses involving either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made to persons in states where Aimee Cogan is not registered or excluded or exempt from registration. © 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 649864 [05/13]

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WHAT DRIVES YOUR

Financial Decision-Making?

Financial advisor Rick Helbing uses Behavior DNA to understand his clients, who are mostly doctors, dentists and family business owners

By Sue Cullen | Photos by Herb Booth Thirty years in wealth and business management have

experience, most people start below the planning horizon with

taught Rick Helbing of Suncoast Advisory Group that even the

strategies, tactics and tools, rather than starting above the hori-

most brilliantly conceived and executed financial planning can

zon with a client’s vision, mission, values and goals. As import-

be derailed by natural behavioral reflexes in times of stress.

ant as the numbers are, we get to know you through an exten-

Navigating the economic ups and downs with his clients,

sive discovery process before we get to know your numbers.”

Helbing has learned that a key factor in managing their finan-

Demonstrating his belief in his tagline, “Understanding

cial and lifestyle goals is to truly get to know them and what

People Before the Numbers,” Helbing uses four DNA Behavior

drives their financial decision-making.

profiles to understand, and better serve, his clients’ needs. “My

He begins by delving into each client’s Behavior DNA to

goal is to understand clients’ behavioral styles, what drives

understand how he can craft personalized plans that help them

their decisions, and how to communicate with them on their

stay the course in pursuit of their goals. He also provides cli-

terms so we can build trust and a deeper relationship more

ents with sophisticated tools to track their progress toward im-

quickly,” Helbing says. “This insight can help clients consis-

plementing that plan daily with state-of-the-art technology that

tently follow a pattern of informed decision-making regarding

puts their entire financial picture at their fingertips.

their financial future. It helps with making decisions in all areas

“I want to create a ‘wow’ experience for my clients. To

of their lives, and clients love it.”

do that I need to get inside their hearts, minds and souls to

The Communications DNA profile lets Helbing know an in-

find out what they want from life, which is why the Behavior

dividual client’s preferred communication style. For instance, it

DNA profiles are so important,” Helbing says. “I’m not trying

tells him whether the person wants to delve into the details or

to be a psychologist; I just want clients to understand their

have a big-picture view with a focus on actions and outcomes.

own natural behaviors in order to make the best decisions for themselves and their futures.”

The Quality Life Performance profile looks at those things that influence a satisfying life, such as life purpose, career,

Unlike other advisors, Helbing also offers an array of busi-

health and community relationships. Helbing considers this a

ness services to serve his clients, who typically are physicians,

crucial dimension. “When I mentioned to a client that his career

dentists and family business owners. His approach has proven

satisfaction seemed extremely low, he confided in me he was

effective, earning Helbing recognition as one of the nation’s

totally unhappy with the future of the business. We discussed

150 Best Financial Advisors for Doctors by Medical Economics

revising the business plan to assist in changing several process-

magazine every year since 2009.*

es that would enhance efficiency and employee retention. The

“With new clients, I start with explaining our Planning Horizon philosophy,” says Helbing, who is a Chartered Financial Consultant and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. “In my ®

Quality of Life profile is extremely important. Everything in life is about balance. It provides for eye-opening discussions.”

Two of the DNA Behavior tools are specifically directed to

*Award based on credentials, educational background, experience, size of the firm, minimum portfolio requirements and noteworthy professional achievements. See www.medicaleconomics.com scenesarasota.com

March 2014

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“My goal is to understand clients’ behavioral styles, what drives their decisions, and how to communicate with them on their terms so we can build trust and a deeper relationship more quickly. This insight can help clients consistently follow a pattern of informed decision-making regarding their financial future.”

finances. Financial DNA addresses inherent life and financial motivations and Financial Personality assesses propensity for risk and financial behavior. Having this information provides additional insight into what clients truly want and their actual risk tolerance versus their propensity to take risks, which are two different things according to researchers. More than one-fifth of the population has a greater inclination to take risks than their ability to live with the consequences that result, Helbing says. “An example may be someone who says they want to go skydiving. That is their propensity for risk,” he says, “but will they actually jump out of the plane? That is their true risk tolerance.”

This critical difference was starkly demonstrated during the financial crisis of 2008 when some investors sharply pulled back from the market, reverting to cash.

Many of those same investors who sold when the market was low have been slow getting back in, so they have not benefitted as much from the upside of the cycle, Helbing says. “The Financial DNA profiles allow us to have a discussion regarding the why of their decision-making behavior, which could possibly avert an unfortunate situation like this,” he says, “and it also allows me to design portfolios that seek to keep them out of harm’s way.”

Likewise, for clients with the inclination toward impulsive, risk-taking behavior, Helbing says understanding their Financial DNA helps them avoid rushing into decisions. “Just because they like skiing in Colorado, they’re not going to jump into buying a condo there without allowing me run the numbers and explore with them what actual benefit they will get by owning one.”

Using the four profiles, individuals fall into one of 10 behavior styles, each with a distinctive relationship to money. For instance, Influencers and Strategists have similarities, as both are goal-oriented and likely to take some risks with their money.

However, Influencers tend to be more flamboyant, spending money to raise their profiles and connect to people for fun and lifetime experiences. On the other hand, Strategists tend to be savers who may be so con-

Rick Helbing & Caroline Liljencrantz, Client Services Assistant and Administrative Coordinator

cerned about ensuring their financial future that they live more modestly than necessary.

Conducting DNA Behavior profiles for couples has resulted in more than a few “aha moments,” Helbing says. “We view spouses’ core life drivers on the same page via a matrix that summarizes their struggles and strengths,” he says. “If they are having issues, it will show up right there. It gives them the understanding and the basis for discussions that move beyond those issues.”

The profiles were developed by Hugh Massie, a behavior strategist who founded DNA Behavior International, and they have been validated through independent researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology. “It is a common sense way of getting to know and getting down deep with your clients

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to understand them and help them with an enhanced quality of life by successfully integrating finances into a balanced lifestyle,” Helbing says. “It’s so beneficial, I don’t know why every business owner and every financial advisor doesn’t do this.” In the

Discover Your

process, clients get to know Helbing better as well since he shares his own DNA behavior profiles with them.

Once he has an understanding of his client, Helbing focuses on crafting a financial plan encompassing business management strategies, tax planning, wealth accumulation and estate planning. “We actually do write a plan, not just promise to write one, and we want it to be something that does more than gather dust on a bookshelf,” he says. “That’s why we provide clients Suncoast Virtual Planner, which gives them a highly-secure family financial website that monitors and updates their current financial condition.”

Your Financial DNA is at the core of life and financial decision-making. It drives how you uniquely respond to life and financial events. Research and experience show that the best means of cre-

Clients can track cash flow and spending, retrieve tax information, and access an

ating lasting wealth is to under-

article library, as well as review assets, liabilities and the performance of any equities,

stand yourself, and then tailor a

bonds or other products with Suncoast Advisory Group and other entities through

financial strategy suited to your

which clients hold investments. Other professionals, such as attorneys and accoun-

complete financial personality.

tants, also may be given access to update or add information if clients approve.

Copies of key documents such as drivers’ licenses and passports also may be stored

Are you more likely to be:

there, which has proven very helpful. “One client misplaced some personal documents

1) Action-oriented, peopleoriented, stability-oriented or task-oriented?

while traveling and was able to download the necessary information from the encrypted vault,” Helbing says. “He felt very relieved to have a copy of his documents at his fingertips.” Helbing adds that families can have confidence in the security of the system, which has multiple security features and is not a transactional financial website.

In addition to personal financial planning, Helbing also uses his past business experience working in marketing for Pabst Brewery and Mobil Chemical to help his clients’ businesses thrive. Helbing uses that business and marketing expertise for strategic planning, business valuation, transferring businesses to the next generation or new owners, choosing a business entity, developing operational and financial indicators/ measures, shareholder and employment contracts, compensation strategy, and new partner buy-in and buy-out.

“I actually will help clients outline goals and objectives for the business and write business plans for pursuing them,” he says. Helbing says he learned early on the importance of goal-setting when he had a rough start in college. “I found that the key to getting what you want in life is to have goals, and those need to be written down and broken out into sub-goals and objectives,” he adds. “Once those are achieved, then you set new goals that will continue to get you where you want to go

2) Skeptical or trusting?

3) Results-driven, emotional, relationship-driven or steady?

4) Take charge, outgoing, patient or a planner?

Learn if your behavioral profile is a Strategist, Initiator, Influencer, Engager, Community Builder, Relationship Builder, Facilitator, Adapter, Stylish Thinker or Reflective Thinker...and what that means to you.

in business and in life.”

Whether helping with business or personal planning, Helbing says the key ingre-

To begin your assessment, start

dient boils down to communication, which is why he keeps a relatively small clien-

with Communication DNA. Log

tele. “I want to be in continuous contact with my clients, starting with meetings four

onto suncoastadvisorygroup.com,

times a year to review plans and progress,” he says. “We’re also in constant touch

click on the Communication DNA

by email and phone. My clients have all my numbers. I answer my own phone, and

icon and complete the profile. You

clients like that. I’m available to them 24/7, even when I’m on vacation.”

will receive an email with the results.

Helbing also reaches out through videos and postings on his blog, offering informed commentary on the economy and personal finance, as well as a wide range of business advice. He also reaches out to clients through an Advisor Impact Survey every two years to ensure he understands what clients think of the work he does for them and that he is delivering what they want.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Suncoast Advisory Group, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. scenesarasota.com

suncoastadvisorygroup.com 941-375-7320 March 2014

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Y M C A F O U N D AT I O N O F S A R A S O TA GOING FOR THE GOLD

Join our voyage of the senses through exotic India for a sublime evening of color and spice.

SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014 Frank G. Berlin, SR. Branch • 1075 South Euclid Avenue, Sarasota • Co-Chairs Merrill Bonder & Pat Martin Indian-American inspired Cuisine by Michael’s on East • Brief Live Auction Late Night Dancing to the Sights and Sounds of Bollywood • Theme Attire or Black Tie For Patron & Program Advertising Opportunities visit www.thesarasotay.org or call 941.951.1336 x. 6 Facebook.com/thesarasotay

Matthew

OTTO

CFP®, Senior VP, Private Financial Advisor

Now a successful private financial advisor with SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., Matt’s career began back almost two decades ago with A.G Edwards. Today he focuses on comprehensive asset management for high net worth investors.

“We define wealth management vis-à-vis a unique formula: Investment Consulting + Advanced Planning + Relationship Management,” Matt said. “Of the 450,000 people that call themselves wealth managers, only about four percent apply the advanced planning component — which is the component that adds tremendous value and that we take a great deal of pride in offering.”

Matt added advanced planning could be further sub-divided to include tax mitigation, cash flow planning, wealth transfer, philanthropy, and asset protection.

With regard to relationship management, The Otto Group incorporates a professional network firmly in place consisting of tax, legal, and insurance professionals that effectively collaborate optimal planning for the clients benefit.

SunTrust Investment Services, Inc. 1777 Main St., 7th Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941.951.3052 matthew.otto@suntrust.com suntrust.com Investment and Insurance Products: •Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured• Are not Bank Guaranteed •May Lose Value Securities, insurance (including annuities) and other investment products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser and brokerdealer affiliate of SunTrust Banks, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency.

“What sets us apart from others in our profession is we actually do case studies with our professional network,” Matt said. “We’ll ask them where is there something missing in our client’s financial profile?”

As the U.S. emerges from the effects of the recent economic downturn, Matt said the country is still in the midst of deleveraging, which occurs after a debt supercycle.

“The government has helped the system through quantitative easing and financial repression,” he said. “That means purchasing our own debt and artificially holding interest rates low. So you get this sort of cattle prodder that encourages people to take risk. Perhaps more risk than they should. Part of our job is to reverse engineer cash flow needs and financial goals to arrive at an optimal risk reward investment policy.”

Matt believes that earning a client’s trust is the greatest compliment he can receive in his work. “Risk is what is left over when you think you’ve thought of everything. We want to keep thinking and adapt to the ever-changing landscape. We want to add value and continue to earn that trust.”

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE

How One Company is Bringing a Technology “Evolucion” to Sarasota

By Jacqueline Miller

Evolucia’s in-house testing facility

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Evolucia CEO and Chairman of the Board

in Sarasota – and all you have to do to find it is to look

Mel Interiano

up at the lights.

Tucked away just off the University Parkway exit from I-75 in the Lakewood Ranch office park is the headquarters of a company called Evolucia, and after years of practicing their conjuring skills, they have whipped up a spell called LED, and the light it shines may well change the way light is brought to the world.

Of course, we all know what LED is, because it’s in our TVs and light bulbs, right? Well, Evolucia’s LED light fixtures radiate over the Ringling Bridge, but there is a greater difference in the glow over the passing cars than a cool acronym and a brighter light.

Based on the science that came before it, LED is as good as magic. The acronym LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which is nothing more than a semiconductor that emits light when an electric current is pushed through it.

The magical part is that it requires far less energy than incandescent bulbs and the good ones last for more than a decade. For your home, not having to replace a light bulb for 10 years is a matter of convenience and results in moderate savings. But for large buildings, restaurants, stadiums, cities with thousands of street lights and other large campuses, the massive savings on energy and maintenance represent a fundamental change in the way they bring light to people – not unlike the difference

W

between a candle and a bonfire. indsor McKay wasn’t a magician, but 100 years

That’s the space Evolucia plays in, and after a rough haul

ago, his colleagues thought he was. McKay, the

over the last two years, the company is now fueled by multiple

cartoonist who drew the newspaper strip Little

high marks from the U.S. Department of Energy and a new

Nemo in Dreamland, was on his way to dinner

patent (to add to its list) that is arguably a game changer for

with his colleagues when their car had a flat right outside the

them and the industry.

New York Museum of Natural History. Upon seeing the giant

Central to Evolucia’s product line is its patented Aimed

dinosaur skeleton on display in the main hall, he bet his dinner

Optics™ LED technology. Aimed Optics products have earned

companions a meal that he could make that fossil walk again.

awards from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and The

Even in 1914, a free dinner was currency enough to secure

Independent Engineering Society for performance and efficiency.

the wager. Six months and 10,000 drawings later, McKay

Recently, Aimed Optics technology earned the best marks for

presented his friends with Gertie the Dinosaur, the first hand-

energy efficiency from the DOE’s exhaustive 18-month-long

drawn animated film. His friends thought McKay’s work was

Kansas City Gateway test. Most importantly, Aimed Optics was

magical, and a good enough trick to earn him dinner. Today,

recently awarded a full patent by the U.S. government, completing

you might want to ask Disney CEO Bob Iger how much that

Evolucia’s case for its technology. The DOE tests and awards have

trick – the development of animation technology – should

demonstrated the concept’s energy efficiency as among the best

have been worth.

in the industry, and the patent makes it clear that Evolucia owns

Over the last century, other magicians of even greater powers have staked their claims to history – Edison, Bell, Cray, Cerf, Jobs – and with each passing generation, we have become blind to their magic, even when it’s right before our eyes.

But there is magic taking place again, and it’s right here scenesarasota.com

that tech outright. But that’s not the ball game, yet, according to company CEO and Chairman of the Board Mel Interiano.

“We’re not going to make predictions or start telling people we are going to take over the world,” Interiano said. “Instead, we’re going to focus on maximizing our assets and using what we have March 2014

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“ Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

– Arthur C. Clarke

to make our case to the marketplace. Technology has become

combined managerial experience in technology and lighting.

so prevalent and complex, that the people behind it sound more

If our tech is the engine that drives the company, our people

like snake oil salesman than scientists, making claims that are

are the fuel that propels it.”

difficult to argue either way. It’s become a game of who can shout

One key team member is Dr. Asiri Jayawardena, who

the loudest, but our team’s strategy moving forward is to put our

is in charge of Evolucia’s research and development lab.

solutions in the field and let them do the talking for us.”

Jayawardena is only the fourth candidate worldwide to earn

In February, the company officially opened its new 61,000

a Ph.D. in lighting from the renowned Rensselaer Polytechnic

square-foot world headquarters in Lakewood Ranch, revealing

Institute. Besides “Dr. J” as he is called, the lab’s main stars

in an Open House for investors and community leaders a lean

are a gigantic goniophotometer housed in a cavernous, light-

manufacturing facility, in-house research and development,

damping matte black space to measure light distribution and

testing labs, warehouse and shipping facility. But the company

efficacy, and an Integrating Sphere that determines the total

isn’t done yet. On Earth Day, April 22 of this year, the company

output of visible light.

plans to show off a more comprehensive facility with classrooms

Rounding out Interiano’s team are Scott Nickerson with 35 years

for training and a concept showroom to highlight the company’s

in the electronics industry, who directs global manufacturing and

award-winning technology. The space was made possible

quality control; Paul Montesino, who joined Evolucia to handle

in part by Fred Starling of the Starling Group, owner of the

business development, product development and marketing

Lakewood Ranch office park. Starling is not only the company’s

following 17 years with Phillips Lighting and Osram Sylvania;

landlord, but also an investor. As a result of that relationship, he

and Richard Racey who brings 25 years of lighting industry sales

granted a lease with very favorable terms for the first 18 months

experience, most recently with Hubbell Lighting.

to help give the company a competitive advantage.

But patents, awards and a new facility aren’t the only assets Evolucia enjoys.

“A company is not a building or a logo or a brand – at

“I look around the office and I think that these guys could be working anywhere, but they’re working here because they see the value of what we have assembled, and they are committed to fulfilling its promise,” Interiano said.

its essence, it is a group of people gathered together for a

Interiano joined Evolucia after years of experience with Osram

singular purpose,” Interiano said. “Working under our roof is

Sylvania and earning a green belt in Six Sigma tools for continuous

a team of professionals who represent some of the best our

process improvement in manufacturing. Those experiences

industry has to offer, from operations to engineering to testing

enabled him to help design the rectangular space in the new

and sales. Our senior team represents more than a century of

headquarters facility that is optimal for lean manufacturing.

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VP of Sales Rick Racey, CEO and Chairman of the Board Mel Interiano & Dr. Asiri Jayawardena review a new technology in development by Evolucia.

But his tenure at Evolucia has not been without its share of

toward the end of that journey, the market has caught up, as well.

difficulties, and Interiano is not shy about recognizing what he

Prices for large implementations are now at the right level for cities

calls the elephant in the room.

and companies to make the investment necessary to transition to

“When I got here two years ago, it became apparent that we would have to literally reinvent the company from the ground up in order to get back on a competitive footing,” he said. “The company

LED lighting, because they won’t wait as long to see a return on that investment as they would have two years ago.”

Independent

studies

back

Interiano’s

reasoning,

too.

at the time was offering products that were almost obsolete, cost way

McKinsey & Company estimates LED market penetration will see

too much to make because we were using contract manufacturing

a 20 percent compound annual growth rate, bringing its market

and our delivery times from purchase order to installation were

share to 64 percent of the $115 billion global market in 2020.

lagging in the 12-16 week timeframe. It was a mess.”

“At the U.S. Conference of Mayors in January, it was clear a top

In the last two years, the company has implemented new

priority for cities is to find ways to save energy, and they identified

product designs, cut most of its product lines cost in half while

LED street and building lighting as low hanging fruit,” he said.

increasing margins and reducing delivery time to 4 to 6 weeks.

“About 30 percent of our cities are making the LED transition a top

“I had a head full of steam when I came on board and thought

priority over the next two years, and 82 percent of mayors believe

we could turn things around faster than we did,” he said. “Has it

that LED lighting holds the most promise for reducing municipal

taken longer than we wanted? Yes. Did the delays make us and our

energy costs. And I have to say I like the timing of them figuring

investors a little anxious? Absolutely. But as we have finally gotten

that out at the same time we can offer what they want.”

EVOLUCIA INC. IS LOCATED AT 7040 PROFESSIONAL PARKWAY EAST, SARASOTA, FL 34240. 941.751.6800 MARKET GROUP: OTCQB STOCK TICKER SYMBOL: iLED scenesarasota.com

March 2014

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A CAPITAL Idea

By Sue Cullen

Chris Cogan’s entrepreneurial expertise is widely recognized

Like most venture capital firms, Seven Holdings will manage

across Florida, and now he is launching an initiative to bring

venture capital funds, having launched its first fund with $13 mil-

much-needed venture capital here. Cogan has teamed with veteran

lion in committed capital and a target of $50 to $70 million. That

financiers Russell Vernon and Ross Barrett, and their new firm is

fund is focused on Health and Life Science opportunities across

getting started by helping one of Sarasota’s most prized institutions.

Florida and the Southeast but Seven has plans to launch other

The three men formed Sarasota-based Seven Holdings when

funds as well, he said.

Cogan joined their firm, BVM Capital, in 2013. The vision behind

“In addition to managing our venture capital funds, Seven

the new partnership was to emulate the business model of suc-

Holdings has its own capital to invest,” Cogan says. “The firm can

cessful firms such as Carlyle and Warburg Pincus where Vernon

make majority investments in promising companies where man-

previously served as head of investment operations, Cogan said.

agement feels their domain and operational expertise can shorten

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the growth curve and produce superior returns.” The first such project involves a venture with Mote Marine Laboratories.

vision can now be fully realized,” Vernon said.

Vernon has partnered in successful ventures with Louisiana

Seven Holdings is making a majority investment in Mote Envi-

State University and the Pennington Biomedical Research Institute,

ronmental Services, Inc. (MESI), which includes the sturgeon fish

and has been the lead investor in many notable companies, Cogan

and caviar business developed by Mote a decade ago at the Mote

said. Vernon is a West Point graduate with a degree in engineering

Aquaculture Park on Fruitville Road. “What we are providing to

and holds an M.S.S. from the United States Army War College and

Mote is professional venture capital which brings much more to

an M.B.A. from Columbia University School of Business. During his

the table than just money,” Cogan says. Seven’s investors and ad-

career, he has held executive positions with large investment firms,

visors include an impressive list of successful business leaders and

including Warburg Pincus, and Commerce Capital Markets.

investment professionals responsible for major global corporations across a wide range of industry sectors, he added.

Cogan started his first business at age 18, and sold it six years later to a public utility. That was just the beginning. Over the

Under the agreement with Mote, Seven Holdings will further

years, he built more than half a dozen companies before starting

commercialize and market MESI’s farm raised Sturgeon filets and

his own boutique private equity firm in 2001, which delivered

the caviar whose reputation has grown with specialty food retailers

excellent returns to investors. Cogan is a graduate of Rollins Col-

and restaurateurs, Cogan said. Mote’s Center for Aquaculture Re-

lege Crummer Graduate School of Business and has raised more

search & Development will remain an active partner and will con-

than $100 million in private equity from sources that included

tinue to build on the groundbreaking advancements it has made in

Credit Suisse, General Electric, Marriott and Safeguard Scientif-

developing safe and environmentally sustainable aquaculture prac-

ics. For some time, his goal has been to launch a venture capital

tices. These leading edge practices are designed to conserve water

fund, but he has been waiting for the right timing. “A couple of

and take pressure off of overfished species. Cogan said Seven Hold-

years ago, I met Russ Vernon, who is a seasoned venture capi-

ings is exploring ways to refine and standardize these best practices

tal professional with a strong background in investing,” he said.

across the global farm-raised fish industry.

“Russ and I have a lot of commonalities. We compared notes

“Our intent is to take that business out of the lab/research in-

about what we wanted to do and decided to form a new venture

stitution environment and make it more commercially viable and

capital entity based in Sarasota, which is how Seven Holdings

competitive. Together with Mote, we’re evaluating opportunities

came about.”

to expand the Mote brand across other species of fish and further

The venture with Mote is an opportunity for the firm to show-

capitalize on their best practices and advancements in sustainable

case its marketing prowess with a premium product like the cav-

aquaculture,” Cogan said.

iar and Sturgeon filets, and to commercialize MESI’s existing and

“Instead of using Mote’s financial resources, it now can have

emerging environmentally-sound aquaculture systems, which

real income from this,” according to Vernon. “On a much smaller

have reduced the industry-average amount of new water used

scale, this could be to Mote what Gatorade is to the University

daily from 40 percent to just 15 percent, Cogan said. It also is

of Florida.” Gatorade was developed by University of Florida re-

finding ways to use wastewater and solid fish waste from the

searchers in the 1960s, and the university has earned royalties

operation to grow vegetables and wetlands plants for habitat res-

for many years from the sports drink, which now is owned and

toration projects.

marketed by PepsiCo.

“The aquaculture park is 200 acres, and right now only about

To date, most of the sales of Mote caviar has been through

ten of those are being used. We have the ability to expand size-

the volunteer efforts of board members, and this grass roots-type

wise and across fish species as well as into other areas of sustain-

effort coupled with the caviar’s exceptional taste and silkiness has

able food development” Cogan said. “Our efforts will grow sales,

built its reputation as a very premium product. It earned rave re-

commercialize new discoveries, and develop a steady revenue

views during a Celebrity Chefs Tour dinner at Darwin’s on Fourth

stream from which Mote can benefit. We see tremendous poten-

in December, Cogan said. The caviar also is on the menu of the

tial here with Mote, and there are many other life science and

fabled Napa Valley Restaurant, The French Laundry, the Ritz

research institutions, universities, hospitals, and promising com-

Carlton, and many local restaurants offering fine dining. It also is

panies creating exciting new technologies and science that we can

sold at retail in Whole Foods, Williams-Sonoma, Morton’s Mar-

bring into the mainstream.”

ket, Balducci’s, and Costco. “When we apply sound commercial practices and marketing expertise and resources, Mote’s original

scenesarasota.com

For more information on SEVEN Funds call 941.366.7770, or visit sevenfunds.com

March 2014

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AJC W EST COAST FLORI DA

2014 Spring Award Dinner HUM A N R EL AT I O N S AWA R D

David Harris AJC Executive Director, Edward and Sandra Meyer Office of the Executive Director L EG ACY OF L EA D E R S H I P AWA R D

Gerri Aaron AJC Regional Vice President D INNER CHAIRS : Larry & Debbie Haspel

Matt & Lisa Walsh

HONORARY D IN N E R CH A I R: Bea Friedman

MO NDAY , MA R CH 17: 6: 0 0 PM Michael’s On East, Sarasota, Florida SPONSORSHIP IN FORM A T I ON Brian Lipton: liptonb@ajc.org

or 941.365.4955

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ONE PURPOSE. For more than 23 years, the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center has been a place for low-income and at-risk individuals, families and children to find help when they need it most. Each dollar received serves a wide array of human service agencies who in turn help improve the lives of approximately 10,000 underserved community members per month.

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1750 17TH STREET, SARASOTA FL 34234 941.365.4545 • www.gs-humanservices.org Jay Berman, Executive Director jberman@gs-humanservices.org

Charting a Course FOR YOUR

Financial Future The Money Plan by Steven J. Lee Story & Photo by Jake Hartvigsen

I

f you’re like me, you undoubtedly recall that time back in

went on to become a pioneer in the field of venture capital and start-

6th or 7th grade when your math teacher gave a lesson on

ed a fund which was responsible for, among other things, launch-

the magic of compounding interest — the fact that money

ing many Scandinavian companies in the U.S. marketplace. He

grows faster when future interest is earned on the amount of

also co-founded a public company called PolyMedica Corporation,

principal plus previous interest rather than on the principal amount

a biomedical company that with Lee at its helm as Chairman and

alone. As Albert Einstein once said, “Compound interest is the eighth

CEO and with actor Wilford Brimley as its spokesperson became the

wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. And he who

world’s largest mail order supplier of items for senior diabetic pa-

doesn’t, pays it. “

tients. The company, with more than 600,000 customers, was sold

While the compound interest concept was important at the time,

in 2007 to healthcare giant Medco Health Solutions for $1.5 billion.

at least if you wanted to pass your math test, the notion may have

Yet, despite what on the surface appears to be a lifetime asso-

become a little quaint-seeming as we entered adulthood. After all,

ciated with risk, the real secret to his success, Lee claims, lies in

modern technology has made it passé for most people to even bal-

having adhered to a few basic principles of money management and

ance their checkbooks, while countless get-rich-quick books and

wealth accumulation. It is those principles and a step-by-step plan

online trading programs like Charles Schwab and E-trade promise

for achieving financial independence that Lee lays out in The Money

that we all can become millionaires just by investing in real estate or

Plan which he wrote to teach his adult children money management.

playing the stock market.

“The Money Plan is all about plotting out where you want to be

Yet, if you’re also like me, you’ve seen the consequences of such

at points in the future,” Lee says, “and most people won’t get there

speculation in the form of upside-down mortgages, as well as fluc-

by playing the volatility of the stock market. Sure, there will always

tuating portfolios and 401-K plans that lead us one moment into

be the guy who makes millions of dollars because he got lucky with

euphoria and the next wondering whether we will ever be able to

a toss of the coin, but you need to ignore that kind of stuff. The

afford retirement.

important thing is to look for the safe, consistent and secure return.

So where is the answer that can help put us back on a sound

Compound your winnings.”

financial footing? According to entrepreneur and financial consultant

As you may have guessed from the above, Lee is not a big believ-

Steven J. Lee, author of The Money Plan, the answer may lie in re-

er in reliance on the stock market, at least when it comes to building

turning to those core principles we learned so long ago about com-

the foundation for a successful, long-term wealth strategy. While he

pound interest, the value of saving and having a clear understanding

admits that he owns stocks and ETFs, and that they can be part of a

of our current and future goals.

healthy overall portfolio if managed correctly, he prefers to heavily

Lee, who these days resides in a home on Casey Key, knows a

weight toward income investments (e.g., municipal bonds, corpo-

thing or two about accumulating wealth. Despite humble beginnings

rate bonds, dividend stocks, rental income), which he says offer a

in Tuckahoe, New York, (picture the row houses on Maude) with a

steadier cash flow and equivalent rate of return without the same

father who drove a coal truck, Lee worked his way through 11 years

level of volatility.

of college and graduated cum laude from Lehigh University, earned

Returning to steady portfolio growth, he uses the theoretical ex-

a MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

ample of two investors, each of whom has a $100 nest egg to invest,

and a JD from Fordham Law School.

to demonstrate his point. Investor A puts $100 into the stock market

After starting his career in corporate finance on Wall Street, he scenesarasota.com

and sees his investment grow by 20 percent in year one. The folMarch 2014

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lowing year, however, the market loses 20 percent. Not only has the investor failed to break even, he has actually lost 4percent, plus the rate of inflation (year one: $100 + 20 percent = $120, year two: $120 – 20 percent = $96). Investor B, on the other hand, invests her $100 in bonds that pay income and grow at a modest but steady rate of 8 percent per year (including coupon income plus appreciation if interest rates drop). At the end of year two, Investor B now has $116.64, or a return of nearly 17 percent over the same two-year period, where Investor A lost ground.

The example illustrates three of the core principles of The Money Plan. The first is to take a safe and secure approach to managing your money. The second is to consistently increase your nest egg and your available cash flow, and the third is to adopt a careful and educated approach to investing.

“Many people neglect cash flow, and that’s why they get into trouble,” says Lee. “But if you have a habit to save, then your cash flow is going to constantly increase outside of your salary. That’s your security, and you need to protect it at all costs.”

In order to accomplish such cash flow, Lee recommends putting aside between 20 percent – 50 percent of your annual income so that it can be placed back into secure investments. “It can be done,” Lee says. “My family did it. Just pretend your salary is lower than it is and budget to the lesser amount.

Invest the rest. If those numbers are too high

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for you, then at least save 10 percent.”

In addition to these core principles, Lee has what he calls the Fifteen Commandments of Making Money, which include everything from warnings about avoiding high interest credit card debt and the undue influence of the media to maintaining a proper perspective on the role and influence of money in your life. Among the nuggets he shares are items like, “Thou shalt not worship thy investment advisor, for if she were so smart she would be retired by now.” And “At life’s end, thy money shall not accompany thou onward.”

Still, when you get beyond the pithy maxims and commandments, what lies at the heart of The Money Plan is just that, a plan. And central to it are two budgets. The Ham and Egg Budget contains all of the expenses you have on a current basis in the upcoming year. The Whipped Cream and Cherry Budget features those things you want to accomplish in the future, whether they be affording to send your kids to college or buying that dream house on the Gulf of Mexico. Bringing the two together is your Net Worth Statement, an annual report card on how you’re doing.

“If at the end of the year, you’re doing

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worse than you were at the beginning, then there are things you need to adjust,” says Lee. “You have to be consistent to reap the benefits of the miracle of compounding.”

While younger investors will undoubtedly reap the greatest benefits from Lee’s The Money Plan, he says the principles that underlie it are as applicable to those who have just graduated from college as they are to those approaching retirement.

“The mathematics behind The Money Plan apply regardless of what age you start at,” Lee says. “Will compounding interest help someone who starts saving and investing at age 62 and wants to retire at 65?

Probably not. But even in your 40s or early 50s, it’s never too late to start a savings, investment, budget plan which compounds your money, and stops you from taking unnecessary risks.”

For more information on Steven Lee’s The Money Plan, visit www.themoneyplanbook.com or write to P.O. Box 1077, Osprey, FL, 34229. scenesarasota.com

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Café L’Europe THE BEST OF THE OLD AND NEW

By Steven J. Smith

Ask Betsie Coolidge what she likes best about Café L’Europe, the St. Armand’s Circle restaurant she owns, and her answer falls somewhere between its remarkable history and its promising future.

“The front portion of the restaurant was formerly John Ringling’s real estate office when he was developing St. Armands Circle,” Betsie said. “In fact, the original bridge from Sarasota to St. Armands Key was built with the help of elephants from his circus who carried much of the wood that went into its construction.”

The building underwent several incarnations after Ringling’s day and was an Italian restaurant called Columbi’s when Titus Letschert and his partner Norbert Goldner took it over in 1973. A native of Holland, Titus opened Café L’Europe following successful ventures as assistant general manager at Bill Paley’s Ground Floor Restaurant and co-manager of the Sign of the Dove restaurant and Yellow Finger discotheque, all in New York City. Titus married Betsie in 1995.

“I met Titus at my bridal shower, which was held here at the restaurant,” she remembered. “That marriage didn’t work out, but Titus and I started dating in 1978 and eventually married in ’95. I became involved in the business during the ‘90s. I learned the restaurant business through osmosis. With my business background, I started out as a bookkeeper then got into the advertising side of things.”

Although the two later separated, they remained amicable until Titus lost his battle with cancer in 2011. Betsie enjoyed working at Café L’Europe and found her niche in gala events held at the restaurant, primarily on New Year’s Eve, which would feature imaginative creations such as frozen Stoli bottles pouring chilled vodka over sorbet, and tureens topped with en croute – delicious, puffy dough that is baked over the soup. Touches such as these have become signatures of Café L’ Europe’s culinary expertise and Betsie strives to keep coming up with them — along with periodic makeovers to the premises and its brand. scenesarasota.com

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“We changed our logo last year back to the original logo,” she

“That’s a great addition and I think it will grow a new genera-

said. “And we’ve given the place an extensive facelift. I had

tion of customers for us.”

an interior decorator come in and they put in a giant antique mirror as you walk in the front lobby. They also imposed on it a full-length picture of John Ringling. I had a picture of Titus

If all of that isn’t enough, Café L’Europe has also enhanced its peerless catering operation.

riding an elephant, which we placed on another mirror. We’ve

“I brought Mara Routh in, who has worked for us in the past,”

got a lot more flowers, plants, and mirrors — and ironworks in

Betsie said. “She takes care of all of our banquets in house,

front of the mirrors, which gives the place another dimension.”

and off-premises catering, which we are bringing back again.

She added a fireplace to the main dining room as well, and clocks from all over the world adorn the walls in the bar area, which has now been informally dubbed “The International Lounge.” The place is also beautifully lit, giving it a warmth and ambiance that further enhance the dining experience.

“We’ve also started late night activities on the weekends,” Betsie said. “We have music four nights a week. Wednesdays and Thursdays we have a pianist and flautist duo playing background music from 6:30-9:30 p.m. They give the place a supper club kind of feel.”

We did a Downton Abbey dinner recently, featuring two long tables that really looked like the Crawley mansion. You felt as if you were actually going into the Crawleys’ living room. Mara brought in all of her old silver, so the place settings were done beautifully. And the decorator brought in magnificent candelabras. We also hired a piano player, a bagpipe player, and an opera singer, and you really felt you were back in that period.”

She added the type of catering Café L’Europe strives to offer is what she called “boutique catering,” which a very custom-designed, specific kind of affair — individualized to the customer’s own tastes and desires.

On Fridays and Saturdays the restaurant features the 431 Café, aimed at the younger crowd, when the restaurant stays open until 1 a.m.

“Music combos come in and we have dancing,” Betsie said.

“We want our diners and catering customers not only feeling they’ve had a great meal with us,” Betsie said. “We want them to feel as if they’ve entered another world.”

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Scenes from an Interview:

Steve Wilberding

by Gus Mollasis

He’s good with money. In fact, he’s very good with money. And because he is, people, heck entire countries have trusted him to manage their money. Wealth, creating it and managing it, is in his roots.

He comes from one of the oldest families in New York, boasting an ancestor who helped create the actual wall that gave Wall Street its iconic name. And while many may say the streets of America are paved with gold, Steve Wildberding knows better, because he’s always had to develop a golden plan not only for his money, but for others. A man who has traveled the world as extensively as he has, sees the world with a different set of eyes. Thrust into service during the Vietnam War with a nudge by his father, he made the best of it by volunteering for everything he could, while proudly serving his country. His dedication earned him the respect of his men and a drawer full of decorations and medals for his honor and valor that are more valuable to him than gold. Recently, I sat down with Steve Wilberding on a sunny Sunday morning in his Casey Key home amidst the waves crashing the shore as we took a look at some of the scenes from an interview of his life.

Where were you born?

Please share the interesting circumstances about your

Mount Kisco, New York about 35 miles north of New York

service during the Vietnam War for which you received 13

City in Westchester County. The town was named after an

awards and decorations including several for valor.

Indian chief from that area.

That’s a good story. I was studying political science and history at Yale. The summer of my sophomore year I was in

What was your childhood like?

Europe where I met some people who seemed to be able

I was the second of four children and the only boy in the

to change the thinking of committed Communists. That was

family. We were well to do but everybody was not so well to

important because the Communist world was expanding

do in those days. There were still ration cards and things like

and I wanted to know how we could deal with it. I de-

that. My mother, my sister and I walked together to bring my

cided to take a year away from my studies to look into it.

sister to a one room school house two miles over the hill in

I worked with an organization called Moral Re-Armament

the morning and then go get her in the afternoon. Here I was

(MRA), which would later become Up With People. I actu-

a four-year-old toddling along.

ally worked for them for five years with no salary whatsoever. My father felt that the mindbenders had me, that I was in

Tell me about your parents.

a cult. I didn’t feel that way, but he did. He was worried that

They both had a great influence on me. My father was a country

I was following a career that would not lead to prosperity

gentleman. He worked and was not wealthy. He and my mother

with a job that provided no salary. His thinking was simple.

were given four acres of land by her father as a wedding present.

How are you going to survive? He began to press the local

They built their home there and she lived her life within fifty

draft board to draft me and I felt what I was doing was more

yards of that one spot. She was not highly educated, but went

important, so I pressed the local draft board not to draft me.

to art school and was a highly active person in her community.

This culminated in a few years with the both of us meeting

My father was a very intelligent lawyer. We had a comfortable

with General Hershey, who was then the head of Selective

upbringing, but growing up there was never much travel.

Services in Washington. And my father won. I got drafted.

I thought okay, I know where I’m going, so I decided to go

What did you want to be when you grew up?

first class. I volunteered for everything and I got it. Airborne;

I really didn’t know. It wasn’t a cowboy or anything like that.

Ranger; Pathfinder; Officer School, and so forth, I wound

I kind of thought it would be nice to save the world, but it’s

up over in Vietnam during the peak period, the Tet Offen-

hard to figure out how to do that.

sive. I was there in 1968 for all of that. When I came back

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in 1969, I ended up training Rangers in the mountains of West Georgia for a year and a half before I got out.

Are you a better person for having served in Vietnam?

Certainly for having the discipline the military instilled in me, absolutely. I wish that every young person in this country,

Tell me about your college days and your wanting to return

male and female, had a least one year of national service. It

to Yale after your time in the war.

could be volunteer service to America or it could be work

I attended Yale for two years. Things were winding down in

at the library, but it’s better to get young people out of their

the Army and I knew I had to get out and by then I knew that

environment so they can mix with other classes in terms of

the financial world was the best for me. I wrote to Yale, but

their educational ability, while learning about the country. It

they were still in the anti-war posture and weren’t that enthu-

would help them all by being disciplined in doing something

siastic about me coming back. I went to the CIA, hoping that

that’s giving to other people.

they would send me to some college, thinking that I could be useful, but they only wanted to know what my Ph.D. was in.

When did you first become aware of the importance of money and wealth?

What was the greatest thing you learned from spending time

When I worked for five years for no salary. Probably the low

with Up With People?

point of my life was at Christmas time when I was in Sweden.

It was a great education in terms of absorbing other cultures.

Friends of my parents lived there and I would have dinner

But as I look back at that time now, they were nice, warm,

with the father of that family. He told me that he had a com-

fuzzy-minded people who thought that we’re all the same.

pany pouch that was sent back to the states every week, and

What a crock. We’re not all the same. We have a lot of differ-

that if I wanted, I could send some Christmas presents back to

ent genetic, cultural, and social influences that change people

my family. I thanked him profusely, but I couldn’t tell him that

very significantly. You better read the tea leaves and know

I didn’t have any money. I was 19 years old and had not a cent

what you’re dealing with.

in my pocket. What are you going to do? (Laughs)

You served as an Army Pathfinder for the 101st Airborne Di-

You had a 30-year career at Merrill Lynch as an international

vision in Vietnam. What were those days like?

investment banker. What is the one principle you live by in

He picks a book on his end table called Pathfinder: First In,

making all your decisions regarding banking?

Last Out: A Memoir of Vietnam. I found this book in the Dal-

Basic ethics. Right. Wrong. Sometimes it takes time to know

las, Fort Worth Airport. I thought, “How could that be? The

which is which. You have to lay it on the line with a client and

only Vietnam account…” so I looked in the back of the book

tell them how it is. It’s their decision, not yours.

and there is General Westmoreland’s name mentioned once and then I see my name mentioned a hundred times. The au-

Your career has taken you around the world. You’ve lived in

thor, Richard R. Burns, wrote an account of his experiences.

Japan, England, Russia and India to name a few. What’s the

He was one of my twelve soldiers during our missions and his

one significant characteristic that stands out in your busi-

book accurately describes how it was.

ness dealings in each of those countries?

The Japanese are murder to compete against. They’re so tough,

What was the greatest thing that you learned from your time

so nationalist, so xenophobic, so you have to learn how to take

in service?

advantage of every little thing. There is tremendous egotism

It’s actually fairly narrow. There is a tremendous peace in be-

about the Japanese male even though they’re a little bit like

ing wholly committed to a mission.

the American Indians, with regard to their weakness for alcohol. We’d go down to the bar with them to have a rusty water

Should we have gotten involved in Vietnam and how would

(scotch and water). After just two, they’re singing like a canary

you write the chapter in the history books for future

and you’re pretty much able to remember everything. I have a

generations?

lot of respect for the Japanese, but you learn to use any edge

88

Yes. Basically there needs to be a lot of perspective to write

you can. With the Russians, it’s also alcohol-related. When you

that chapter - it’s too much for a short article. In the global

go to a meeting at 8 o’clock in the morning in Russia, you take

perspective of things, the U.S. got mission drift. We forgot

two pats of butter from the restaurant from the night before

what we were all about. Basically we were in South Vietnam

and slide them down your throat to line your esophagus, so

to halt the steady advance of world Communism. In terms

that the vodka you’re going to have to drink goes down with-

of war on the ground, we won it. We kicked their butt every

out being absorbed into the blood and you can still think. It is

time. We lost the will to keep doing it after the Tet Offensive

regarded as unfriendly not to drink, so even at eight o’clock in

in 1968. It set their mission back five years, but for the most

the morning, the vodka is flowing. Regarding England, I have a

part it was very erroneously reported.

great respect for English education. They have the right mixture

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of difficulty, training, discipline and so forth. The headmaster of

oil business, because oil is oil, there was nothing that any

the Ruckleigh School, which is like Eton where proper young

foreign firm would give a second thought to investing in. It

English gentlemen go, was once asked his philosophy of edu-

was all so completely corrupt. Any investment there would

cation. He responded, “I don’t much mind what the boys study

have to be made very cautiously over a long period of time.

as long as it’s difficult and they don’t like it.” I’ve found that if you want the finest trained mind in the world, hire a Brit. If

Is the American Free Enterprise System still the best way to

you want to get something done, get an American. As far as

create wealth and opportunity for most people?

India, it’s a timeless nation. There are many diverse streams.

It’s far better than anybody else, but we’ve gotten off track a

The worst moments of my life in India were Monday morning

little bit. I’m very discouraged with the political process. But it is

staff meetings after I’d spent the weekend in London getting

clear that more investment is needed in the economy. It is clear

away for what we called a mental health break. You had to

that the income disparity that we have now is not healthy and

get out of there or you would go nuts. While English is the

the one most obvious fix is to raise tax funds. Call it progressive,

official language, not very many people speak it well and they

go back to Teddy Roosevelt, truly one of the greatest presidents

all speak it with a different accent. The accent would always

we have ever had. Somehow the gears have to shift and we have

be on the wrong syllable. So you show up at a staff meeting

to think through these problems again and stop this litany of no

and you’re still fuzzy because you got into the airport at one

taxes and Marie Antoinette thinking of “let them eat cake.”

in the morning. There you are trying to stay awake and listen to all these people. There are 53 different recognized national

What is your advice to the college graduate and the young

languages and with different dialects as well. Everyone has a

family starting out in terms of wealth management?

different accent and cadence in the way they talk. Trying to lis-

Make a habit of saving. Use very simple instruments until you

ten to all of them gave me an immediate headache every time.

build a reserve that allows you six months of not having a job.

Standardization of any form would be helpful. I moved there

Depending on your job security and what sort of situation you are

in 1994. Merrill Lynch was the first international firm to get a

in, build up your cash reserve or safety reserve and then start on

license in the domestic stock market.

the capital markets. Start with very simple S&P 500 index funds.

You have been entrusted with managing $150 billion of re-

In terms of a pie chart, divvy up in percentages what a bal-

serves for Saudi Arabia that entails a little bit more than

anced portfolio should look like? For example: 10% savings,

placing those funds in a savings account. Tell me about that

20% stocks, 10% bonds, real estate.

massive responsibility and the pressure you felt managing

You need a cash reserve and even though it’s not going to

that sum of money.

earn any money, a safety reserve first for your basic needs. If

There was a tendency of the Saudis to get resentful and

you are in an industry where you have job mobility, that’s one

question your abilities. You had to have an intellectual

thing, otherwise you want to buy a house as soon as possible.

grounding and the will to stand on your position. You had

If you are a medical technician, you can get a job anywhere

to be able to explain why you were doing it. There were

in Sarasota. Then it’s safe to buy a house. The sooner that you

times when they tried to beat you up about it. They would

can afford to buy safely, the better off you are. Today, as a

question everything.”Why this? Why that? Why did you miss

younger person, you want to be at least 60% in equities with

that?” You had to be able to defend and support your posi-

probably at least 40% of them in the United States.

tion. You had to be able to say, “We think going forward it is this and if you got a better argument then let’s hear it.” It’s

You come from an old New York family that that you can

really simple and the same principles apply whether you’re

trace back to when the actual wall on Wall Street was being

managing a million dollar account for someone or a 150

built. Tell me about that.

billion dollar account for the Saudis. It’s the same deal. You

In the early days of New York, the Indians came into New

look at the customer and what the customer needs. Does

Amsterdam and kept stealing the chickens, so they decided

he need to fund a two billion dollar a month deficit? Okay.

to put up a wall. My ancestor was the one chosen to lay

What’s next? They’re the client. You figure out their needs

out the wall. He was a political guy so he just used stakes

and you figure how to maximize their return according to

to mark the ground. He wouldn’t have touched a brick him-

the risk parameters with which they are most comfortable.

self for God’s sake, but he put the stakes in the ground.

As flags on top of the stakes, he used the very voluminous

What was your greatest challenge when you worked in Russia?

underwear of a very fat political rival, which he tore into

I was in Russia after the Berlin Wall fell with Merrill Lynch,

strips. That, according to Washington Irving, is where the

and our firm, as well as all the other major investment houses,

term “knickerbockers” come from. You hock somebody’s

were there seeking investment opportunities. Except for the

knickers, so that becomes knickerbockers.

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Investing in America is…

That’s hard, because I can only think now in terms of passive

person of high energy. My first mother-in-law, Ann Spaulding, is 97 and still lives here.

investment.

What is your favorite way to relax in Sarasota?

Bernie Madoff...

I find tennis and golf very relaxing. I have the “Labrador

There are very few people willing to say the emperor has

Gene,” meaning I don’t like exercise unless I’m chasing a ball.

no clothes. Somebody should have seen that. Somebody did

I’m also a very active bird watcher.

and ducked.

Tell me about some of the foundations with which you are involved.

Do you ever play the lottery?

I have been involved with Sarasota Memorial Healthcare

No. (Laughing) There are hundreds of other games where you

Foundation and Jewish Family and Children’s Services. These

have somewhat decent odds, not that one.

people are doing a great job.

If I had the power, my tax policy would consist of…

How proud are you of your wife’s work as president of the

A progressive tax as opposed to a regressive tax. A lottery is

Gulf Coast Community Foundation in Sarasota? (His wife is

a regressive tax. It taxes the poor people. A progressive tax,

GCCF President/CEO Teri Hansen)

taxes the rich people.

She is an incredible and inspirational leader who has the ability to amass and analyze data and then bring together the

Sarasota real estate is…

Looking good.

most knowledgeable people with the money people who care to get something done. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. Just getting things done. I was on her board when

The stock market…

my first wife died. After a while, we started dating. I told the

We had a 30% year this last year. I think we’re going to be

board chair we were dating and when we decided to take it

a plus 8% this year. It’s not time to go home. My philosophy

further, I went off the board.

is it’s never time to go home. You should always be in, but weighing more this and more that.

What advice on life and money management do you hope your children and grandchildren take from you?

The best way to protect your money…

Stay informed.

You never want to give advice until it’s asked for, particularly to family. Look at Warren Buffet’s philosophy - value, high quality, dividend-paying companies. Once you form the ini-

The best way to grow your money…

tial foundation of your needs, then you can start investing in

Basically have safe assets and risk assets and use your risk

S&P 500’s. Then you can build a core portfolio of high divi-

assets to look for the growth.

dend payers. Because guess what? Two years from now that dividend is going to be higher.

I worry about the American economy because…

There is an overwhelmingly amount of superficiality these

Are you a religious man?

days with the very glib posturing of the internet businesses

I think nothing is wasted. Does it make sense for us to come

in particular.

to the end and you have to step off the bridge and there’s nothing else? I don’t think so. I’m a tenth generation Episco-

I have confidence in the American economy because…

We are less superficial than other people.

palian. Religious? I do not knowingly proselytize because I don’t want a narrow perspective or a perception on the other person’s part of a narrow perspective to get in the way of a

How did you find your way to Sarasota?

After years of living in all these different countries for three

meaningful conversation. There are so many ways in your attitude that you can convey religious principles.

to five years, we had always come here, particularly when we were in England to get some sunshine. We knew three

How do you want to be remembered?

different generations here and it became easy knowing

I don’t think I will be much remembered. As time goes on,

people. That plus spending five years in the desert and five

I’ve become much more sort of Buddhist in my orientation,

years in Bombay made Sarasota an attractive choice for us. I

just sort of fading away.

came here with Stevie, my first wife, who passed away from cancer. She fought hard and we even got in an interesting trip to Iran. She wanted to see the whole world. She was a

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GIVING

Bringing Learning to Life How STEMsmart is Transforming Education in Local Middle Schools Story & Photo by Jake Hartvigsen The moment you step into one of the Sarasota County School Dis-

business leaders and innovators into the classroom so students can

trict’s new STEMsmart TechActive classrooms for middle school sci-

see what’s possible.”

ence and math students, you know this is not your traditional learning experience. The room is literally buzzing with energy as students

Among the companies whose attention the initiative has grabbed

gather in groups of three to four and huddle around 23-inch, touch

is none other than Texas Instruments. Officials from the technolo-

screen computer monitors to analyze and discuss data they have col-

gy giant visited the middle schools last May and were so impressed

lected for today’s assignment.

that they agreed to provide 450 TI-NspireTM software licenses for use by students, as well as ongoing consultation on how to develop

Circulating around the room, their teacher moves from table to table an-

high-tech lesson plans for the TI-NspireTM handheld mini-computers

swering questions, providing advice and challenging each group to seek

and the TI wireless classroom network in the TechActive science and

solutions and applications they might not otherwise have considered.

math classrooms. Texas Instruments is also sharing Sarasota Coun-

You can literally feel the excitement as these students’ young minds en-

ty’s middle school success with state and district education partners

gage in active, real-world exercises designed to foster their collaborative

across the U.S.

and critical thinking skills.

“Today’s middle school students are digital natives. Technology is a Welcome to twenty-first century learning. More importantly, wel-

part of their daily lives,” says Dettmann. “We are seeking to help

come to a program that is placing Sarasota county middle schools at

them develop the skills needed for a more complex, technologically

the forefront nationally when it comes to science and math education

advanced and competitive world through the integration of technol-

while preparing students for the jobs and careers of tomorrow.

ogy within science and math content and daily collaborative learning activities that require critical and creative thinking. Through these

“STEMsmart TechActive classrooms are transforming teaching and

efforts, we are realizing gains in student interest in math and science,

learning in science and math,” says Dr. Page Dettmann, executive

as well as in performance.“

director of middle schools for Sarasota County. “These classrooms integrate sophisticated, interactive technology and hands-on learn-

Indeed, technology is everywhere in these classrooms of tomorrow.

ing in a laboratory environment. Here, students discover, analyze,

From custom-designed tables with legs moved away from the edg-

and produce information together, much like working scientists and

es in order to promote movement and collaboration to digital mi-

mathematicians.

croscopes and high-tech measuring and data collection devices that capture data and upload it directly to touchscreen computer monitors

Started in 2010 with an initial commitment of $2.5 million, Gulf Coast

for student analysis, Sarasota’s STEMsmart TechActive classrooms re-

Community Foundation launched its STEMsmart initiative to boost

semble something you might expect to find at MIT or Google rather

achievement and opportunities in science and math. Gulf Coast and

than at the middle school level. Even the chairs were selected with

the school district made investing in these high-tech classrooms a key

a purpose in mind — with wheels so that students could more easily

tactic in the effort. There are now 75 STEMsmart TechActive class-

interact with each other and exchange ideas.

rooms located in middle schools throughout the county with plans to convert the remaining classrooms to this new model in the next two

As for the students themselves, they couldn’t be happier. “This is so much

years. Thanks to an anonymous donor challenge, every dollar donat-

different and more exciting than the way we used to study science,” one

ed to this effort will be matched.

of them told me. “It has really helped me understand ideas and concepts that I didn’t get when I just read about them in our textbook.”

“Gulf Coast developed and seeded STEMsmart to transform the way teachers teach and students learn science and math. We want to

To learn more about STEMsmart TechActive classrooms and how

ensure our students are prepared and empowered to be the busi-

you can make a difference in preparing Sarasota County’s students of

ness leaders and employees that our economy demands.” says Mark

tomorrow, contact Gulf Coast Community Foundation at (941) 486-

Pritchett of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “STEMsmart brings

4600 or visit their website at www.gulfocoastcf.org.

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GIVING

Honoring Those Who Serve Sheri Greenhaus Story & Photo by Jake Hartvigsen Sheri Greenhaus understands what it means to deliver top-notch

According to school officials, the idea for the Veterans Legacy

service. Since 1995, she and her company, Cyber M@rketing

Endowment was born out of discussions that began last Septem-

Services, have pioneered a variety of Internet-based resources

ber between USF Sarasota-Manatee and The Patterson Foun-

for the contact center industry and have helped thousands of

dation, as part of the Legacy of Valor campaign. Through that

businesses, ranging in size from small start-ups to huge multina-

campaign, USF Sarasota-Manatee raised more than $38,000 last

tionals, improve their customer service and management skills.

fall for Veterans scholarships, thanks to matching funds from The Patterson Foundation. Greenhaus’ generous gift ensures that the

So, this past December, when leaders from University of South

program will continue to benefit USF Sarasota-Manatee stu-

Florida Sarasota-Manatee asked Greenhaus if she would be will-

dents who are veterans for generations to come.

ing to help create a new endowed scholarship program for veterans, the answer was easy.

While Greenhaus may be new to the area, she is not a newcomer when it comes to philanthropy. In addition to USF Sara-

“At my company, everything we do is about service,” says Sheri,

sota-Manatee’s Veterans Legacy Endowment, she is also a sup-

who relocated Cyber M@rketing Services from New Jersey to

porter of Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, the Leukemia &

Lakewood Ranch in August of 2013 in order to take advantage

Lymphoma Society, and Ronald McDonald House. A recurring

of Florida’s more favorable business climate. “Yet, who better

theme in her support for all is a belief in the importance of help-

represents service than veterans? These are people who put

ing others during critical times of need.

their lives on the line every day. Their dedication and service provides people in this country the freedom to start and grow

“I have always believed in supporting my community,” Sheri

a business. I also believe that education is essential for success.

says. “But I think it is especially important to help when people

So when I learned that I could help veterans, and at that same

are facing hard times. I don’t want to see anybody miss out on

time support education through this scholarship program at USF

their chance to go to college or to not be able to have treatment

Sarasota-Manatee, it seemed like a natural fit to me.”

because they find themselves short of funds for essentials such as food or utilities.”

Greenhaus’ donation helped establish USF Sarasota-Manatee’s new Veterans Legacy Endowment, which provides merit-based

Officials from USF Sarasota-Manatee say they can’t overstate

scholarships to both full and part-time students who are U.S.

their appreciation to Greenhaus for stepping forward and sup-

military veterans. To qualify, the students must be eligible to

porting local veterans. They hope others will follow her lead

receive VA benefits and experiencing either a gap in federal

and lend their support as well.

funding or a short-term financial emergency. They must also maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average. The program is

To learn more about giving to USF Sarasota-Manatee and the

open to both undergraduate and graduate students, regardless

Veterans Legacy Endowment, please call Dennis Stover, region-

of their field of study.

al vice chancellor for advancement at (941) 359-4582.

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GIVING

A Vision for the Future Titus Herman Story & Photo by Jake Hartvigsen When Southeastern Guide Dogs was founded 31 years ago, the

only one in the southeast. Over the years, we have placed more

entire operation was run out of a small, two-bedroom house on

than 2,800 extraordinary guide dogs into service throughout the

the outskirts of Palmetto, Florida. Current CEO Titus Herman’s

48 contiguous states. As our guide dog teams grow and mature,

office, which sits near the back of the non-profit agency’s ad-

they stay in close touch with our school, which provides ongo-

ministration building, is located in the former kitchen of that old

ing follow-up services and support.”

ranch house, although you would be hard-pressed to recognize that if he didn’t point out the waist-high electrical outlets.

Not all of Southeastern Guide Dogs expansion has been bricks and mortar. Under Herman’s leadership, the agency has ex-

The same could be said for Southeastern Guide Dogs in general.

panded and enriched its programming as well. In addition to

In recent years, the agency has grown from its humble origins

its traditional work with visually-impaired adults, the agency

into one of the nation’s elite providers of guide dogs for visually

now offers service dogs to veterans and companion dogs to

impaired individuals, as well as service dogs for veterans and

visually-impaired children, enabling them to lead richer and

therapy dogs for military hospitals.

fuller lives. It also provides therapy dogs to military hospitals like the Walter Reed National Medical Center and Andrews

Over the past five years alone, Southeastern Guide Dogs has

Air Force Base.

doubled its number of paid employees, tripled its core volunteer base, expanded its Freedom Walk – an outdoor “classroom”

All programs are made possible through the generosity of private

where students and dogs practice working together – and added

donors. “One hundred percent of our funding comes from pri-

a new, state-of-the-art veterinary center and genetics laboratory

vate donations,” Herman states. “In total, we have about 20,000

to its beautifully manicured 35-acre campus. A new canine as-

wonderful individuals and organizations that help make our

sessment center is scheduled to open this spring. And that is just

work possible. Our services, which are provided free of charge,

on the main campus.

restore our students’ independence and dignity. Providing that lifetime of independence is priceless.”

The agency has also opened new outreach centers in downtown Sarasota and St. Petersburg, each of which attracts more

Southeastern Guide Dogs has earned Charity Navigator’s high-

than 10,000 visitors per year, and has plans for additional sites

est, four-star rating for three years in a row. The rating means the

in Naples, Sun City Center, and The Villages. All are part of a

organization “exceeds industry standards and outperforms most

strategic plan designed to place Southeastern Guide Dogs at the

charities in its Cause.”

forefront nationwide when it comes to meeting the needs of the visually impaired.

Southeastern Guide Dogs welcomes visitors at all locations.

To arrange time to Hug a Puppy or simply to learn more

“We are currently one of only 10 internationally-accredited

about their services, visit www.guidedogs.org or call (941)

guide dog schools in the United States,” says Herman, “and the

729-5665.

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EDUCATION

Education Matters

The Mother's Circle Outreach Program at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

While the Education Matters column often focuses on what’s happening in our local schools, what’s becoming clear is that some of the most important education taking place in our community is happening outside of traditional classrooms. One group that’s making a true difference in this manner is The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee whose mission is “Saving Jewish lives and enhancing Jewish life in Sarasota-Manatee, Israel, and around the world.” Hearing that, one might think that if you’re not Jewish, what they do isn’t for you. Not so! One of the ways they advance this mission is by “strengthening ties between the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community and the broader society in which it exists.” To be clear, the broader society means everyone, and from talking to Flora Oynick, the Federation’s Engagement Director, they truly mean everyone, no matter their age, gender, socioeconomic status, or religious beliefs.

One of the Federation’s most interesting outreach programs is The Mother’s Circle, which provides free educational resources and programs for non-Jewish women who are raising Jewish children or have Jewish people in their lives. While Jews make up only 2.2% of the U.S. population, it’s estimated that 5.3 million adults and 1.3 million children are being raised in a partly Jewish manner. “It’s a non-threatening environment where people can ask any question and participate in an honest dialogue,” explains Oynick.

And after each meeting (Oynick also calls them “celebrations”), people can get additional information through web resources. This program has proven so popular that even some men have attended to learn about Jewish culture, rituals, heritage, and beliefs! And as Oynick has stressed, anyone is welcome to come and learn.

This organization — formerly called the Sarasota Jewish Community Council — has been around since 1959. In 1980, its name was changed to what it is today but it didn’t change its goal of preserving scenesarasota.com

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Jewish heritage, providing help for those in need, and protecting the people of Israel and countries around the world. The Mother’s Circle is just one natural extension of those goals.

Three years ago, the Federation became an affiliate of The Mother’s Circle national program and ran its first sixteen-week program. Since it’s clear that such a long commitment doesn’t suit everyone’s busy lives, they’ve gone to offering three-day and one-day programs that focus on a single, specific topic. “The world has changed,” says Oynick, and the Federation is open to meeting the needs of hectic lives.

In January, they sponsored an information session that taught three common Shabbat practices — making challah (Jewish braided bread eaten on Sabbath and holidays), lighting Shabbat candles, and reciting Shabbat prayers. The goal was to help families feel more comfortable celebrating Shabbat in their homes. “There’s more flexibility in how families can celebrate holidays than most might think,” Oynick says. “Judaism allows for families to create their own rituals.” In February, they had “Purim, Pastry, Pairing, and Bingo,” where, between Bingo games, the attendees learned about the basic rituals and customs of Purim while enjoying a variety of wines and Homentaschen (Jewish triangle cookies filled with jam).

The next one-day event for The Mother’s Circle? It’s the “Seder Survival Guide,” and it’ll be on April 4th from 9:30-11:30 in the morning. Through hands-on activities and stimulating discussion, participants will explore the how-tos and purpose behind the various Passover rituals. They’ll also examine some of the elements of the Passover Seder as well as get the truth about the do's and don’ts of Passover food.

Every participant will also discover ways to answer their children’s spiritual questions and discuss some of the intricacies of participating in — or even hosting — their own Jewish holiday celebration.

Interfaith relationships — with a spouse, loved one, or child — can prove difficult. And that’s one of the real benefits of The Mother’s Circle. These courses provide a comfortable space for people to learn about Jewish holidays and rituals, discover how to enrich their families’ Jewish experience, and deepen their connection to the religion of their loved ones. Most importantly, these free programs are open to anyone who has an interest in attending.

According to Oynick, a lot of people have the misconception that all the Jewish celebrations are complicated, but that’s not the case. And with the friends and communities made through events like the Federation has, it’s easier than ever to share information and help each other out. “It easy for someone to feel isolated before they start finding groups, classes and social events,” Oynick adds. “Once someone comes to one of our events, they realize there aren’t that many barriers after all.”

If you’d like to support the Jewish Federation’s efforts through a financial gift, they promise that your gift to the Federation will “help to keep children safe locally, in Israel and around the world; feed the hungry in Ethiopia, Argentina, Poland and the former Soviet Union; provide Jewish summer camp experiences here and abroad; offer after-school and continuing education programs for teens and adults; and so much more.” But there’s more you can do beyond just sending money. Volunteers are always welcome.

Just contact them or stop by to say you’d like to be a part of the important work they do.

Kim Mullins, the Federation’s Director of Operations, stresses the importance of non-Jews to consider attending Federation events, saying, “The better understanding people have of different religions, the more tolerant we’ll all be.” And the people of the world can always use a little more education and a little more tolerance.

For more information on The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, please visit www.jfedsrq.org For more information on The Mother’s Circle, please visit themotherscircle.org

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MARCH

16-21, 2014

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SOCIAL

Behind the Scene

Society Maven Debbi Benedict Gives the Latest Scoop I have been told that some folks, who will go unnamed, chair events and sit on boards to embellish their future obituaries. The same goes with Field Club and Junior League memberships. If you do enough or donate enough, when it is time to go to socialite heaven, you may even be lucky enough to have the Herald-Tribune do an actual, not paid for, article about you and your fabulously philanthropic and enthralling life. There could be worse reasons, Poodle!

I adore this event! Of course, it may be because I created it and chaired it for the first five years, but never mind that, it continues to be fabulous in its 12th year. What is this not-to-be-missed event? Why, it’s the Junior League Sustainers’ Legacy Luncheon at Michael’s On East, featuring guest speakers Julie and David Eisenhower and chaired by Susan Powers. I think the Eisenhowers will be divine!

I am sure you know that Julie Eisenhower is actually Julie Nixon Eisenhower, the daughter of former President Richard Nixon. She played with David, the grandson of Dwight and Mamie, at the Eisenhower White House when she was a mere child.

They were married just after her father was elected as president, but just a few weeks before he took office. Top sponsors are Coffrin Jewelers, who always donate a marvelous piece of jewelry to the raffle, ASO, Beverly Fisher, Susan Clark Gilmore, and Cornelia Matson.

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Another looked-forward-to luncheon with an interesting speaker is the Women’s Resource Center’s Renaissance Luncheon held at the Ritz Carlton, and chaired by Kathy Coffey. The honorary chair is Dr. Willa Bernhard. This year’s speaker is that little fireball sex therapist, Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

The 85 year-old is still going strong and will soon be releasing her next book, The Goddess in You. She truly does have a remarkable life story. Her parents were killed in the Holocaust and she was raised in a Swedish orphanage. She lived in several countries and wound up in New York City, where she still lives. I will let her tell you the rest of the story, along with all the sexy little tidbits we are dying to hear about. I am officially blushing now. No silent auction this year, but there will be a live auction of a special Amish quilt. Sponsors include Renee Hamad, Alison Gardner, Betty Schoenbaum, Kim Wheeler, Marilyn Spencer, and Gulf Coast Community Foundation, among others.

If you like dressing up and role playing, and no, this doesn’t belong in the above paragraph with Dr. Ruth, you will love Ringling College of Art and Design’s An Evening at the Avant-Garde, chaired by Dr. Sarah and Dan Hoffe, on the Ringling campus. It is a fun, fun costume party and this year’s theme is The Swinging Sixties. The invitation is alive with the bright psychedelic colors of the decade, looking somewhat like a graphic from Laugh-In! Oh my, I am referring to a lot of things in this column that my younger (under 50) readers will wonder what in the world I am talking about! The honored guest will be none other than Richard Dreyfuss, who starred in one of the best movies about the 60s, American Graffiti. A perfect choice! On the other end of the spectrum, I guess they could have gone with someone like Jon Voight from Midnight Cowboy or Peter Fonda from Easy Rider. I can see Ringling College President, Dr. Larry Thompson, with a bandana tied around his head, roaring up to the Ulla Searing Student Center on his Harley now! Or maybe even better, as a Ken doll with his darling wife, Pat, as Barbie! Sponsors for the evening are SunTrust and Willis A. Smith Construction.

Moving away from their annual cooking demo luncheon, Historic Spanish Point is changing things up a bit. This year’s luncheon, Seaside Serenity at Michael’s On East and chaired

by Pauline Joerger and Ann Moore, will feature the designs of Sigrid Olsen, from her nature-inspired tabletops to the informal modeling of her casual clothing line. As an added bonus, Sigrid is also sharing her personal story about how she came to Sarasota. She is donating 20% of the proceeds from her sales that day to Spanish Point. In addition to all

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of that, there will be a live auction with trips to nearby and

This year the Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award, presented

exotic locales. Top sponsors are Center for Sight and Barbara

by Betty Schoenbaum, will be going to two good friends and

Stainbrook, followed by Gulf Coast Community Foundation,

long-time board members, Alice Rau and Joyce Tate. I know

Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Merrill Lynch,

both of these delightful and philanthropic women and the

Margarete van Antwerpen, and Cornelia Matson.

award is very well-deserved. The impact that they have made

The ballroom at Michael’s On East is always filled with the

on the Salvation Army and the community is large indeed.

swells of Sarasota at the AJC Spring Award Dinner chaired by

Alice and Joyce have created miracles for many families in

Larry and Debbie Haspel and Matt and Lisa Walsh, with Bea

Sarasota. This event will also be an opportunity to introduce

Friedman as honorary chair. This year the Human Relations

new Salvation Army Area Commander, Major Ethan Frizzell.

Award will be given to the AJC National Executive Director,

Top sponsors are Karen Fessel and Betty Schoenbaum,

David Harris, and the Legacy of Leadership Award goes to AJC

followed by Mercedes Benz of Sarasota, SunTrust, and Gulf

Regional Vice-president and local philanthropist, Gerri Aaron.

Coast Community Foundation.

Sponsors for the evening are lengthy, but include Anne Virag,

One of the best silent auctions in town is at the Friendship

Ilene Friedman and Greg Gregory, Randy and Lori Benderson,

Centers’ Madcap Evening – Musicale & Musings, chaired

Sue and Dorothy Jacobson, Sen. Bob and Pat Johnson, Dennis

by Debbie Frank. Every year they have tables heaped with

and Graci McGillicuddy, and SCENE Magazine, among many,

enchanting offerings. There will also be a live auction with

many others.

a “bucket list of dream vacations.” Chef Paul Mattison is

Following in her late mother’s well-heeled and esteemed

catering the event held at the Center. Lots of things going on

footsteps, Michelle Crabtree is co-chairing the Salvation

that evening including performances by the Sarasota Opera,

Army’s Glitz at the Ritz luncheon with Wendy Rose.

the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, and Jairo Hernandez

Michelle’s mom, Paulette Blair founded the luncheon and was

and his Tierra Nueva South American Band, along with the

very involved in the Salvation Army for many, many years.

musings of poet/author, Richard Cook – whew! Sponsors

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and

Children’s

Services’ Celebrity Chefs Food & Wine Tasting, & Golf Challenge at the Resort at Longboat Key Club is co-chaired

by Lauren and Steven Fineman, Shaun Benderson, Lisa Deutsch, and Robert Weil. Lots and lots of participating restaurants including Café Baci, Café L’

5911 N. Honore Ave, Ste. 222

Family

Europe,

Darwin’s,

Jack

Dusty,

Mattison’s, Michael’s On East, Morton’s Gourmet Market, Libby’s, and on, and on, and on. The golf challenge is in the

Just south of University Pkwy.

• Complimentary initial consultation including x-rays and exam.

941.355.3808

• Equipped with the latest digital technology and state-of-the-art sterilization.

afternoon, followed by the tastings in

DrBakerOrthodontics.com • Most insurance accepted and flexible payment plans including interest free financing.

the evening with live music and a silent auction. Sponsors include Benderson Development, Bright House Networks, Shumaker, Loop, & Kendrick, The Otto Group – SunTrust Private Wealth, SCENE Magazine, and many more.

No, you don’t have to go to New

Italy

&

Orleans to have a perfect Mardi Gras celebration. No, Cheri (I definitely hear this as Dennis Quaid would say it to

ent pres y l d prou

Ellen Barkin in The Big Easy. I really just want to swoon right now), you only need to travel to Goodwill Manasota’s Argentina

Countdown to Mardi Gras at Michael’s On East chaired by Steve and Barbara Baseman. Lots of beads will be thrown around and you don’t even have to Germany

June 16-21

ances m r o f r tres e pe ce liv unity thea ! n e i r Expe 17 comm the globe from m around fro Presenting sponsor:

LEARN MORE & REGISTER NOW! VeniceStage.com/ international 941-488-1115

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do anything unseemly to get them.

Co-chairs Penny DiGregorio and Kim Davis are planning scads of authentic New Orleans dishes and dancing.

Sponsors are RSS – Rapid Security

Togo

Solutions, CS&L CPAs, and ReMax Alliance Group.

Don’t you wish that places like New York City’s legendary Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center still existed?

Well, they will for one night in Sarasota at Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Annual scenesarasota.com

Gala – A Night at the Rainbow Room, held at the Ritz Carlton and chaired

by Chris Cogan, Carol Phillips, Nikki Sedacca, and Nikki Taylor. Once again, the gala will feature big band singer, Michael Andrew & The Atomic Big Band. Michael was once the featured headliner at the real Rainbow Room.

This will be the perfect opportunity to pull out your diamonds and mink stoles and fully embrace your inner Lana Turner or Rita Hayworth. I wonder if they will have a revolving dance floor, like the original? Well, maybe not.

We don’t want anyone to fall off and break a hip. Sponsors are Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Stanley Kane, Carolyn Keystone and Jim Meekison, and US Trust – Bank of America Private Wealth Management.

As president and CEO, Barbara Zdravecky has been the driving force of this region’s Planned Parenthood organization for 20 years. At this year’s Annual Dinner, chaired by Clare and



Rich Segall and held under the tent at USF Sarasota-Manatee, she will be honored and celebrated. Special guest is Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Will anything change, besides the location, at the 2014 event? No, there will still be a huge silent auction and most importantly, the condom grab bag will be back! Who doesn’t love a condom grab bag? Among the sponsors are Gerri Aaron, Peggy and Ken Abt, Sally Yanowitz, Felice Schulaner and Dennis Rees, Charles and Judy Cahn, and several more.

Isn’t this the most darling theme ever?

Cat Depot’s Caturday Night Fever at the Hyatt Regency, chaired by Deborah Vaughn, will have glittering disco balls



       

 

and a lighted dance floor. I would just



love to see someone with a cat mask



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109

on, dressed in a white suit, a la John

Michelle Crabtree

Realtor, Broker Associate, CLHMS, CRS, CIPS, GRI, PMN, ABR, TRC, RSPS, AHWD, SFR, GREEN

Travolta! Adorable purring kitties will

2014 Five Star Real Estate

home. Maria Wirries will perform and

Agents “Best In Client

DJ Tommy DiSarro will spin the tunes

Satisfaction” – 7 Years

to keep you “Staying Alive” on the

Women’s Council of Realtors

dance floor. There will also be dancers

2013 “Entrepreneur of the

from Dynasty Dance Club to help those

Year” & 2009 “Business

who might not have lived through the

Woman of the Year”

disco years. My husband and I were so

2013 & 2007 SAR

inspired during that era that we actually

“Meritorious Service Award”

took disco lessons, though I am not

2010 Florida Realtor Honor Society – 6 Years

Cell: 941.724.HOME (4663) Office: 941.907.9595 Email: Sales@CrabtreeHomes.com www.CrabtreeHomes.com A third generation local & Broker Sales Associate since 1982; dedicated to your needs. Serving Sarasota, Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch.

be there to tempt you into taking them

sure how much of The Bump or The Hustle we could do now! The evening is presented by Warren Loranger.

2010 Director, Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) – 3 year term 2008 WCR Sarasota

Saks Fifth Avenue’s willowy models in Tory Burch’s latest will be strutting down the runway past the Hernando De

Soto

statue

at

South

Florida

Chapter President

Museum’s Couture in the Courtyard

2005 WCR Sarasota

luncheon and fashion show, chaired by

“Realtor of the Year”

Jeanie Kirkpatrick. Whimsical parasols will be strung across the courtyard, shielding delicate skin from the noon day sun, though hats and sunscreen are encouraged. Michael’s On East is the caterer. Raffle packages include a Southern comfort trip featuring a stay at the Collier Inn on Useppa Island

Dakkak

and dinner on Boca Grande, and a two night stay at the Longboat Key Club

Insurance

with dinner at Pattigeorge’s. Hancock Bank

is

the

Presenting

Sponsor,

followed by Mosaic, Morrish Stewart

We Protect What’s Important To You Because You’re What’s Important To Us!

Orthodontics, NDC Construction, The Mall at University Town Center, and Jeanie and Sandy Kirkpatrick.

Lots of revisiting the past during this

Full-Service Agency: • Auto • Life

George & Mary Dakkak

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March 2014

• Home • Retirement

month’s events. Kind of like your life flashing before your eyes just before they write your obituary!

Until next time….TaTa!

941-921-6630 | www.dakkakinsurance.com

Debbi Benedict is SCENE’s society maven

“Protecting you is our family business.”

941-483-4460 or debbibenedict@verizon.net

and Special Issues Director. Contact Debbi at

scenesarasota.com

Reserve your Puppy Hugging spot at GuideDogs.org 4210 77th Street E, Palmetto, FL 34221

HEALTH MATTERS

Oh, My Aching Legs!

By Dr. Martin Aldrich, M.D., F.A.C.C Sore and painful legs can significantly decrease quality of life. Many people complain of sore, aching, heavy, weak, swollen legs or complain of nighttime leg cramps. Additionally there are claudication symptoms or leg aches with walking that resolve with rest. These symptoms can be benign or could be caused by vascular disease. There are two different types of vascular disease: peripheral arterial disease and peripheral venous disease.

Let’s discuss peripheral arterial disease and its implications on life. The signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) include having shiny skin or poor hair growth on the legs or toes, decreased ankle or foot pulses, skin discoloration or sometimes leg wounds that heal poorly such as ulcers.

Dr. Martin Aldrich practices at

Aldrich Cardiovascular Institute, 7978 Cooper Creek Blvd., Suite 105, Sarasota, FL. 34201 941.359.8900 | ACIHeart.com

The symptoms of PAD include leg pain with walking, painful legs at night, nighttime leg cramps, weak or heavy legs, and unfortunately sometimes no symptoms at all. Approximately 50% of all patients with underlying peripheral arterial disease do not have symptoms.

PAD effects approximately 3% of people between ages of 50-59, 5% of patients 60-69, and 15% of patients over the age of 70. Risk factors for PAD include history or current cigarette smoking, Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and kidney failure. PAD is extremely under-diagnosed in the United States even with our current health care system.

This brings the question of whom should be evaluated for PAD – anyone complaining of leg pain, anyone who smokes over the age of 50 years old, anyone over 50 years old with diabetes and everyone over 65 years old. The evaluation is simple and typically involves using blood pressure cuffs to see pressure in the leg arteries and sometimes using ultrasound for initial evaluation, both of which are painless, office-based procedures.

If PAD is diagnosed, it is extremely treatable. The main issue to be treated is the overall risk factor of the patient, such as controlling the blood pressure, controlling the cholesterol, stopping smoking, increasing exercise, and adding certain medications. In rare situations patients with very significant decreased blood flow in their vessels can be treated with minimally invasive procedures designed to improve blood flow to the legs such as an angioplasty or stent.

Our goal in treating patients with peripheral arterial disease is to improve lifestyle allowing for an active lifestyle not hindered by leg pain. Additionally, the diagnosis of PAD is a window to the heart and brain vessels. With early recognition of a vascular process with the addition of medication and lifestyle adjustments, we can decrease risk of strokes, heart attacks and death as well as possible amputations.

Only 50% of patients who undergo an amputation have ever had a vascular evaluation to determine if blood flow can be restored. Very sadly, the mean survival following a major amputation is only 6.5 years. Diabetic patients are at a higher risk for amputations which is often due to delayed diagnosis as the nerves of the feet are affected causing numbness. Diabetic patients do not feel when there is any decreased blood flow and often present with an ulcer or tissue death. It is imperative that diabetic patients undergo vascular testing yearly as this allows for early diagnosis in non-symptomatic patients. These guidelines have been recommended by the American Diabetic Association. The minimum evaluation would be an ABI which is testing the blood flow with a blood pressure cuff on the legs, or to consider other forms of non-invasive testing.

Early diagnosis of PAD can save lives and has been shown to decrease risk of stroke, heart attack as well as death. We highly encourage you to be evaluated if you have these risks and discuss this with your primary care physician, podiatrist or your cardiovascular specialist.

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scenesarasota.com

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HEALTH MATTERS

There Is Magic In Your Smile

By Dr. Christine Koval, DMD

Did you know that every time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain? Smiling activates neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress. The release of serotonins and endorphins not only relaxes your body but can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Serotonin release brought on by a smile can act as a mood lifter without a prescription from your doctor!

Dr. Christine Koval, DMD practices

Sadly, there are those people that actually hold back a smile for the simple

at Koval & Koval Dental Associates

reason that their lackluster smile or unattractive teeth keep them from enjoying this

2477 Stickney Point Road, Suite 216-A, Sarasota, FL 34231 drkoval@askdrdkoval.com AskDrKoval.com

natural phenomenon.

We have entered into an era where the materials in dentistry rival replacements that are as close to natural teeth as ever before. Procedures and new technology allow diagnosis and treatment to be more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Especially when the comprehensive treatment allows one to happily admire their smile in the mirror afterwards.

The art of aesthetic dentistry can be defined as combining beauty in form along with ideal function. The smile actually is considered by many to be a reflection of a happy, comfortable and successful life. The truth is the teeth are more than just a part of our masticatory system for digesting food. The mouth is intimately linked to our well-being, our pleasure and sensations with food and communication, both verbally and non-verbally.

There are a multitude of sophisticated technologies and materials that allow recreation of dentistry to be more predictable, more comfortable, efficient and natural looking. Procedures that required multiple trips we can now perform in only one or two visits.

With the advent of lasers, we find the need for profound anesthesia and post treatment pain is diminished and often eliminated. Gummy smiles can be modified and evened out to be more harmonious with that lip line. Early detection of decay can be found with lasers to treat prior to extensive cavities that are more painful and costly to treat. Low level lasers are used to decrease pain and inflammation in the TMJ while corrections to the bite are accomplished to solve the joint problem. It is a very exciting and wonderful world in dentistry when treatment is well thought out and treated comprehensively.

Digital x-rays now reduce patient’s exposure to radiation by over 80%. Digital x-rays allow us to enhance, enlarge or contrast the image to improve our ability to detect disease. They are viewed instantaneously with surpassed quality of traditional methods.

A study published in the Journal of Neuropsychologia, reported that seeing an attractive smiling face, activates a region in your brain that processes sensory rewards.

This process actually allows you to feel rewarded when a person smiles at you. Often this coaxes the brain to return the favor, thus releasing feel-good chemicals increasing healthier, happier lives.

The world is really a better place when you smile!

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LEE WETHERINGTON BACK IN THE SADDLE! Florida Orthopedic Specialists provides expertise in a broad range of orthopedic treatments and dedication to the best patient experience. With a state-of-the-art facility featuring the latest in technology and a highly skilled team, you can expect unparalleled patient care.

OUR PATIENT

Lee Wetherington

During a recent flight to Europe, my elbow had an unfortunate collision with a beverage cart, resulting in a large bone chip. By the time I arrived at my destination, fluid had accumulated and the pain was significant. Upon my return home, with an elbow three times its normal size, I was immediately seen by Dr. Sforzo, surgery was completed, and thankfully, I quickly resumed my normal activities. Dr. Sforzo is an outstanding surgeon with a very caring bedside manner – one of the many reasons I recommend Florida Orthopedic Specialists and Sports Medicine. - Lee Wetherington

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HEALTH MATTERS

FMS And Your Workout – Exclusive Insight From a Fitness Insider

By Tiffany Liashek With fitness, it’s all about having the competitive advantage – getting more from your workouts than you ever thought possible to face your battles.

Your competition can be your clash with sports opponents, your fight with weight loss or specific injuries and ongoing ailments, or even your push to be better than you were yesterday. You sweat, grind and work to become a stronger, faster and healthier adversary. But are you training correctly and efficiently to achieve the goals you’re after?

Your body is unique. Your fitness program should be as well. Generalized exercises may not

Tiffany Liashek is the owner of Studio South Fitness.

711 S Osprey Ave #1, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.4584 studiosoutfitness.com

do enough to address your distinct weaknesses and asymmetries. By continuing with these universal routines, you deprive yourself of a complete workout for all-around strength and health. That means you’re not going to reach your full potential.

Introduce FMS To Your Workout The first step in developing the most effective fitness program for you is learning about your own body and the way it moves. This is the very foundation of a Functional Movement Screen (FMS).

Named among the most popular fitness advancements for 2014 by USA Today, FMS uses a streamlined seven-step process to examine and analyze your basic movement actions. These are the common daily movements and motions that your body should be able to manage without difficulty: squatting, pushing up, standing, walking, etc. Over time, the effects of poor patterns can lead to constant aches and pains and later injuries to make the simplest movements a challenge. If your exercise routine doesn’t take your body’s dysfunctional patterns into consideration, the extra stress and pressure on these areas will greatly increase the potential for injury.

FMS has gained significantly popularity among trainers, chiropractors and physical therapists for good reason. It has a simple scoring system, gives a reliable foundation of abilities, and provides a consistent measure of progress. In fact, every new fitness plan should begin with a Functional Movement Screen. With all this detailed, observable information about your specific patterns, your trainer can provide you with the competitive advantage of progressive, productive workouts with less chance of injury, better posture and breathing, and more core strength. In essence, you can maximize your fitness experience for the best results possible.

The Right Step for Any Fitness Goal FMS brings a wealth of benefits for virtually any physical health application. It can also determine the ideal movement and strengthening techniques for those with arthritis, joint issues, and limited mobility or flexibility. Basically, FMS simplifies the concept of movement and its impact on your body, which can help everyone involved in your personalized fitness program – you, your trainer, and even your physicians.

From sports performance training and pre-habilitation needs, to weight loss programs, exercise regimens, and much more, the beneficial reach of FMS is limitless. What’s more, certified FMS trainers have worked with top professional sports organizations. For instance, the Seattle Seahawks – this year’s Super Bowl champion – have implemented FMS as an integral part of their offseason training.

While you may not seek the level of training to prepare for a Super Bowl matchup, through FMS you can safely and successfully explore the entire spectrum of athletic and training options.

Steve A., a client of ours at Studio South who visits regularly for Pilates, has seen remarkable results that stemmed from his experience with FMS. “The Functional Movement Screen pointed out my mobility and stability restrictions. By knowing those, I was given a series of corrective exercises to do a few times a week. I could not believe my improvement in balance and flexibility. I lost 18lbs and 5% body fat in 8 weeks, and improved the drive in my golf game.”

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cene

LITERARY S

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Wrapped in the Flag: A Personal History of America’s Radical Right by Claire Conner (Beacon Press, hardcover, 252 pages, $25.95).

Extremism might have broken Claire Conner’s family, but she didn’t want it to break this country, and that’s why she wrote Wrapped in the Flag, a moving personal history of the John Birch Society. For those who don’t know this group, it was established in 1958 to champion many of the issues today’s ultra-conservatives support, such as working against gay rights, abortion rights, gun control, labor unions, environmental protections, immigrant rights, and social/welfare programs.

Dunedin, Florida author Conner knows this world well because she lived in it. At age thirteen, she officially joined the society. But she also brought home school textbooks to have them scrutinized (her mother found “traces of Communist influence” in the Catholic school curriculum). She corrected teachers if they taught “socialist” facts in the classroom. She wrote letters against “socialized medicine” after school. And she had to be on hand to help out when notable society members visited, such as founder Robert Welch, Holocaust denier Revilo Oliver, and white supremacist Thomas Stockheimer.

This book shares information from the society’s records and documents, plus it uses Conner’s parents’ files and personal writings, historical archives and contemporary accounts, as well as her own firsthand knowledge to share a story that is a powerful insider’s account of the dangers of right-wing extremism. The writing is clear, the story is intriguing, and the relevance is obvious. It only takes a few pages before one starts to realize that the John Birch Society has been a force in American politics for decades, from discrediting the Cold War credentials of JFK to the grassroots movement toward a Clinton impeachment.

If you’re interested in memoirs that reveal how someone overcame immense challenges, this is your book. If you’re interested in politics, this is your book. If you’re interested in American history, this is your book. If you’re interested in plain good writing, this is your book.

I don’t say it often because it’s so rarely true, but here’s the fact: this book is hard to put down.

For more information on Claire Conner or Wrapped in the Flag, please visit www.claireconner.com

Best Defense by Randy Rawls (Midnight Ink, softcover, 360 pages, $13.99).

Rawls’ new novel is the sequel to Hot Rocks, and private eye Beth Bowman is at it again. This time, it’s her new client, society wife Sabrina Hammonds, who’s kicked the bucket, along with her maid. The suspect? Bowman herself, if the local police have anything to say about it. But Bowman thinks the real killer is the man Hammonds paid Bowman to spy on — Hammonds’ cheating attorney husband who might have decided it’d be cheaper for her to die than to be sucked dry through a nasty divorce. But when the desperate widower’s five-year-old daughter, Ashley, is kidnapped, it’s up to Bowman and her gang to rescue the missing girl and find the truth.

If you like stories that get into the grittier part of life, this book might be up your alley.

Bowman deals with a lot of low-lifes (what do you expect from an attorney like Hammond who’s represented every dirtbag in South Florida?) and shady characters. She even enlists the help of homeless people to solve the mystery.

Though Rawls was a career U.S. Army officer, he also had a long-standing love of books since he was a child thanks to a wonderful librarian who introduced him to the right books.

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It’s unusual for a man — much less someone with a masculine

such as “Fat,” “A Serious Talk,” “A Small, Good Thing,”

background like Rawls has — to write from a woman’s perspec-

and “Feathers.” Perhaps the best of the bunch is “Cathe-

tive, but again and again, he gets small things right. She’s sassy,

dral,” which recounts the story of a man whose wife once

bright, confident and opinionated. In short, she’s a character

worked for a blind man. Now that the blind man’s own

that’s easy to care about and worth following. If you haven’t

wife has recently died, he’s come to visit, and the jealous

given Rawls’ books a chance, this might be a good one to start with. It’s full of lighthearted action and a few serious laughs.

For more information on Randy Rawls or Best Defense, please visit www.randyrawls.com

narrator isn’t happy about it at all. But throughout the dinner and evening, a magical transformation takes place that culminates in an ending that sticks with you long after the last page is turned.

Classics Revisited Now

that

short

And that’s what’s so special about Carver. He writes in a spare, Hemingway-esque frugality of language, yet he

sto-

manages to communicate volumes in these short tales.

ry writer Alice Munro has

Again and again, his subjects are commonplace people

won the Noble Prize for

who struggle to find their way in a challenging world.

literature, short stories are cool again. But here’s the truth: they’ve been cool for a long time. Just take a look at Raymond Carver’s Where I’m Calling From: Stories (Vintage Contem-

Sure, there’s misery and sadness here, but there’s also unexpected moments of kindness and joy that comes from small moments.

Prior to Alice Munro’s sudden fame, Carver held the mantel as the most prominent contemporary fiction writer to be primarily known for short stories. His writing is de-

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Circus Arts Conservatory Gala The 2014 Circus Arts Conservatory Gala was recently held under the dazzling Big Top in Sarasota. More than 350 guests attended the annual event that featured fine cuisine, a costume contest, live entertainment and special performances by Sailor Circus Students and the astounding Alexis Brothers from Cirque du Soleil. Proceeds will be used to equip Sailor Circus Academy and the Education & Humor Therapy Programs. Photos by Cliff Roles

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NEWS SHAPING

OUR COMMUNITY 2014 STARTS OFF STRONG AT THE CONCESSION

Sales at The Concession, an exclusive, gated golf course community located between Sarasota and Manatee counties, have kicked off quickly this year with 15 home sites under contract. The swift sales pace follows a strong year in 2013, with 32 lot closings. At this year’s Parade of Homes, The Concession will feature two new models – the brand new Verona

by Lee Wetherington Homes and the award winning Amalfi, by Arthur Rutenberg Homes. Several other new models will open this year, creating a new “model row” in The Concession featuring additional top regional builders including: John Neal Homes, Anchor Builders, John Cannon Homes, and Holliday Builders. theconcession.com

JOINT COMMISSION AWARDS SMH ADVANCED CERTIFICATION IN HEART FAILURE & STROKE Sarasota Memorial earned re-certification for its congestive heart failure program and for stroke care. To be certified, the hospital programs underwent a rigorous, on-site evaluation by The Joint Commission late last year. The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, evaluates clinical programs across the continuum of care. SMH’s program is the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida. smh.com

SARASOTA OPERA TO HOST “HOMAGE TO VERDI” EXHIBIT FROM ROME OPERA HOUSE Sarasota Opera will host an exhibition from the Rome Opera House entitled “Homage to Giuseppe Verdi; Celebrating the Bicentennial of his Birth” March 8 - March 25, 2014. The exhibition, underwritten by Piero and Rachele Rivolta, tells the story of the most famous performances of Verdi’s operas, and of the great performers, singers, set designers, and costume designers who have kept the legend of Giuseppe Verdi alive. sarasotaopera.org

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK RECEIVES $25,000 FROM SEASON OF SHARING FUND All Faiths Food Bank received a grant of $25,000 from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to be used for purchasing meat and protein items for local families in need. The gift is from the Season of Sharing Fund, an annual philanthropic fund created by the Herald-Tribune Media Group and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, supported by private, corporate, and foundation donors. Since its inception in 2000, the Season of Sharing campaign has raised more than $10 million to help individuals and families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties to avert homelessness. allfaithsfoodbank.org | cfsarasota.org

NEW COLLEGE MOVES UP TO NATION’S NO. 2 “BEST VALUE” IN PRINCETON REVIEW New College of Florida has been ranked the No. 2 “Best Value Public College in America” for 2014 by The Princeton Review, one of America’s bestknown education services companies, and as reported by USA Today. New College moved up one place in the rankings, from the No. 3 position last year. New College is one of only three other U.S. public colleges have made Princeton Review’s top ten for all six years. princetonreview.com | ncf.edu

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HERON EAST RECEIVES 2013 EXCELLENCE AWARD Over one hundred residents and guests attended the Heron East Assisted Living Senior Advisor 2013 Excellence Award presentation and party. Heron East was recognized as one of the top Assisted Living communities in 2013 from SeniorAdvisor.com, the online ratings and reviews site for senior living communities nationwide. The SeniorAdvisor.

Accepting the Award, Barry Landreth-Heron East Executive Director and Lorraine Vachon, com Excellence Award recognizes Heron East Sales and Marketing senior living communities who receive consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families, and visitors. The award is an exclusive designation and is awarded to less than one percent of senior living communities nationwide.

BGCMC RECEIVES GRANT Sixty teen members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County (BGCMC) will benefit from a $20,100 grant awarded by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens. The funds will support BGCMC’s Career Camp programming at Southeast High School and Harllee Middle School.

Career Camp gives teens an understanding of the skills required to enter the workforce and inspires them to graduate high school and reach their full potential. Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County is one of more than 300 teen-serving organizations nationwide to receive a portion of $3 million granted by the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens this year. tacobellforteens.org | bgcmanatee.org

SMHF GRANTS $3.3 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc.’s (SMHF) board of trustees approved grants totaling $3,373,959, bringing the total of grants made in the first quarter of the fiscal year to more than $3.6 million.

Since 1976, the Foundation has made grants totaling $54 million and has raised $76 million. Grants include: $2,232,840 for renovations and upgrades for the seven pods with a total of 62 beds in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); $445,117 for an ultrasound endoscope used primarily by gastroenterologists and pulmonologists in the endoscopy suite; $350,000 for five zero-gravity radiation protection shields for the catheterization labs and operating room. smhf.org

COLLABORATION HELPS VETERANS ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP Goodwill Manasota and Habitat for Humanity South Sarasota County have joined forces to provide housing for veterans and their families.

The collaboration is helping veterans throughout south Sarasota County, in areas including Osprey, Laurel, Nokomis, Venice, North Port, and Englewood. Goodwill Manasota and Habitat for Humanity hope to reach a wider range of veterans looking for help, advising them of all of the services available at both agencies, which in many cases complement each other. habitatsouthsarasota.org | experiencegoodwill.org scenesarasota.com

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