Nov2013

SCENE SARASOTA | MANATEE

M AGA ZINE

USF Sarasota-Manatee Goes International

Holiday Issue

16GIFTS that are Sure to Please

Events

to Get You in the Spirit Performances

to Shortlist

+ Party Tips & Recipes

NOV 2013 $3.95 U.S.

P LY M O U T H H A R B O R

THE PLACE TO PURSUE LIFE’S PASSIONS Originally from Florida’s East Coast, Lyn and Joe Deglman found the upkeep on their house in Longboat Key kept them from the many activities they enjoyed. They decided to trade lawn care and home maintenance for the freedom of condo living at Plymouth Harbor. Their new home, built to their specifications, even includes a custom doorway to accommodate an ornate rounded door and a faux fireplace and mantel that they brought with them from three previous homes.

Both continue to work, as well as volunteer, while enjoying the friendships they have cultivated in the vibrant community at Plymouth Harbor. An expert

in clock care and repair, Joe keeps regular office hours at his clock shop in Sarasota, while Lyn, a retired school psychologist, works part-time at a CPA firm. Keeping their hand in daily business and engagement with the community is their passion. Plymouth Harbor is their home and they delight in the lifestyle they have discovered in this lively community.

When quality of life, smart planning and the freedom to pursue passions and new interests are top priorities, Plymouth Harbor is the wise choice.

Call us today for a tour of our award-winning campus, luxury accommodations and amenities.

Sarasota’s First Choice in Continuing Care Retirement Communities

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

INSPIRED PERFORMANCE THE WAY OF

Introducing the 2014 Q50 & QX60

Q50

Two touchscreens. Twice the personalization.

The revolutionary Infiniti InTouch dual-screen system allows you to connect, control and customize your digital life seamlessly from inside the Q50, without missing a beat.

Infiniti InTouch Apps, email, navigation, smartphone syncing, even Facebook, Pandora速 and more are all in reach by touch or voice command.

QX60 Whether engaging the power of the V6 or Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, the QX60’s refined driving characteristics are meticulously crafted to achieve maximum output while enhancing your feel for the road.

Behind the seductive curves of the QX60 lives Infiniti’s signature sense of exhilaration.

Why Choose Coast Infiniti?

• Coast Infiniti is ranked #1 in Customer Sales & Service Satisfaction • VIP Service Card with Every New or Certified Infiniti • Free 4 Year Personal Assistant with Every New or Certified Infiniti • Complimentary New Infiniti Loaner Vehicles.....Even for Oil Changes • Local Ownership, Community Involvement and Support for Many Local Organizations & Charities

COAST INFINITI 2124 Bee Ridge Road • Sarasota, FL 34239 941.924.1211 • coastinfiniti.com

AT

LAKEWOOD RANCH

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

• Through the innovative “Bounce Back” program, you can Rehab, Recover, Return Home® • Interdisciplinary Team of Experienced Professionals • State-of-the-Art Therapy Equipment • Evidence-based care & Individualized Treatment • Physical, Occupational & Speech Rehabilitative Therapies • Case Management to Maximize Benefits • AJ’s Fitness Center at Hawthorne Village helps you focus on Flexibility, Strength Training, Balance & Endurance

NOW ACCEPTING MEDICARE AND PRIVATE PAY PATIENTS

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

EOE

Holiday Issue November 2013 Volume 56 No. 11

42

56

42 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Special Gifts for under the Tree

66

56 AN INTERNATIONAL FLAIR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA SARASOTA-MANATEE

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

66 [HOLIDAY] AFFAIRS TO REMEMBER Local Caterers Share Stories, Tips & Recipes

94 HOLIDAY EVENT CALENDAR Things to do this holiday season

COVER Joan Nixon photographed in the Clyde G. Nixon Courtyard at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. Photo by Herb Booth/ Booth Studios.

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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

DEPARTMENTS

46

24 EVENTS CALENDAR 32 PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR SOCIALS 34 SCLO’s Share the Light Luncheon

46 YARA’S WAY Recipes, Travel and Lifestyle Tips

By Yara Shoemaker

50 CULTURE MATTERS Must Attend Events from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

54

54 GALLERY SCENE Exhibitions at Local Art Galleries

GIVING 60 Keith & Linda Monda: Making Waves

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

64 Sophia LaRusso & Wendel Kent: A Special Place in Their Hearts

By Steven J. Smith

74 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW Actress & Educator Kate Alexander

By Gus Mollasis

81 EDUCATION MATTERS Is Deeper Education in the Arts Worthwhile?

AMIkids: A New Hope Both articles are written by a Writing Studio for Media Arts Freshman Class at Ringling College of Art & Design

85 BEHIND THE SCENE Society Maven Debbi Benedict Gives the Latest Scoop

By Debbi Benedict

90 STORIES OF JOY The People and Passion behind Community Philanthropy

By Joy Weston

92 LITERARY SCENE

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

97 SCENE LOCALLY News Shaping Our Community

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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

FROM THE EDITOR

“ BLESSED IS THE

SEASON WHICH ENGAGES THE WHOLE WORLD IN A CONSPIRACY OF LOVE.

”

– Hamilton Wright Mabie

(American essayist, editor, critic, and lecturer; 1846-1916)

N

o matter what religion you practice, we are entering the time of year in which many of the happiest holidays shine a light on our hectic and stressful lives. It is a time, as American essayist Mabie said at the turn of the

20th century, in which the whole world engages in a conspiracy of love. Mmmm…. people being more caring, nice and loving to one another. What a concept!

Well, let’s think about how nice it would be if we carried that bit of extra love into the new year and in fact, all through 2014. Would that be so difficult? These are complex and anxious times we live in and we all have a tendency to get wrapped up in our own world and forget to care about the world of another. But call me Pollyanna. I would like to charge my readers with being conscious of slowing down just a tad; asking people how they are and meaning it; asking if you can do something to make their life a little better. And if you feel yourself starting to fall back into the rat race trap, take a deep breath, be aware of it, and start the niceness all over again. OK, my lecture ends!

In this our holiday issue, SCENE gathered lots of great info to get you into the spirit. We have so many holiday events and concerts to choose from. What a great gift a special holiday performance would make for someone! Look through our holiday calendars and circle your choices and make it happen. We’ve also sourced some holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for all budgets, mostly from local stores, which you know we so wholeheartedly ask you to support rather than pushing buttons on your keyboard.

There’s also a feature story on the educational expansion of USF SarasotaManatee. If you didn’t realize that Sarasota, thought of as being a retirement community, is one of the best kept secrets as an amazing college town, wake up.

There are great things happening in our college town and many of them are growing on the campus of USFSM. So, let’s get in the spirit and start finding the good; forget about things we can’t control; give people the benefit of the doubt; be nice and caring…there I go again!

Happy Holidays!

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LOCALLY OWNED, OPERATED & PRINTED FOR MORE THAN 56 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 Gus Mollasis Yara Shoemaker Steven J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave Joy Weston

Photographers Herb Booth Cliff Roles Address Phone

7269 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34241 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.

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.

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In celebration of National Philanthropy Day on November 12, 2013, we would like to recognize and thank you, our donors, for your generous support of $75 million since 1976.

Your philanthropy has allowed us to grant more than $50 million to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System as well as for other healthcare needs in our community.

1515 S. OS P REY AV ENU E | S U I TE B - 4 | S A R A S O TA , FL 3 4 2 3 9 941. 91 7 . 1 2 8 6 | Sm h F.O R g

Thank you t o m o r r o w ’ s

m e d i c a l

c a r e ,

t o d a y.

SARASOTA mEmORIAL hEALThcARE FOUNdATION, INc. IS AN INdEPENdENT 501(c)(3) NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORgANIzATION REgISTEREd wIThIN ThE STATE OF FLORIdA.

INTEGRITY. SKILL. A Legacy

of

P roviding Excellent Legal R epresentation

For 37 years, the law firm of Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, P.A., has provided the highest

for

37 Years

years with the additions of attorneys J. Allison Archbold, Brendan A. McQuaid, and Michelle Lajoie Hermey.

quality legal services to its diverse clientele. The firm was

Each of the firm’s attorneys is certified by The Florida

founded in 1976 by Sarasota native James O. (Jay) Fergeson,

Bar as a specialist in his or her areas of expertise. The Florida

Jr., and initially focused on the areas of federal and state

Bar’s certification process is rigorous, requiring years of legal

taxation, wills, trusts, and estates. Trusts and estates attorney

experience, peer review, and passage of a comprehensive

J. Ronald Skipper joined Jay in 1978, followed soon thereafter

written examination. Only six percent of all attorneys in

by civil trial attorney Andrew Shaw.

the State of Florida have obtained board certification,

The transition to a full service firm was completed in 1984,

and a firm of 10 lawyers, all of whom are board certified,

when trial attorney David J. Baron and real estate attorneys

is extremely rare. All attorneys in the firm’s tax and estate

Stephen B. Keyser and E. Ralph Tirabassi merged their practices

planning practice group also have advanced law degrees in

into the firm. Over the years, the firm has expanded with the

tax or estate planning, and members of the firm are routinely

addition of trial attorneys Douglas Bald and David Maglich

recognized for their legal expertise and accomplishments by

and tax attorney Matthew Mayper. Trusts and estates attorney

publications such as Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super

Richard R. Gans joined the firm in 1994 and currently serves

Lawyers, Florida Legal Elite, and Chambers USA: America’s

as its President. The firm’s growth has continued in recent

Leading Lawyers for Business. The firm’s most experienced

LONGEVITY.

attorneys hold the highest professional rating attainable by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the most widely accepted lawyer rating service.

Left to Right: Michelle Lajoie Hermey, E. Ralph Tirabassi, Matthew B. Mayper, Richard R. Gans, J. Ronald Skipper, James O. Fergeson, Jr., J. Allison Archbold, Douglas R. Bald, Brendan A. McQuaid & David S. Maglich

Foundation of Sarasota County to support charitable causes.

The attorneys at Fergeson, Skipper, Shaw, Keyser, Baron & Tirabassi, P.A., are committed to the growth of the firm

Attorneys in the firm regularly contribute their time and

as they maintain strong, lasting relationships with existing

expertise to legal education by publishing articles, giving

clients and forge relationships with new clients based on

speeches and lectures, leading seminars, and serving on boards

confidence, ability and trust. The firm’s vision for the future

and committees of various legal organizations, including The

is guided by its founding philosophy: to provide expert legal

Florida Bar and the Sarasota County Bar Association. The firm’s

representation with an unwavering dedication to clients.

attorneys have a long history of involvement and leadership in numerous civic, cultural and philanthropic organizations, including the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Tidewell Hospice, and the Woman’s Exchange. As an expression of the firm’s ongoing commitment to the Sarasota community, it established a donor advised fund at the Community

1515 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 957-1900 | FergesonSkipper.com

Chef Selected, Farm to Table Ingredients.

Herbs grown onsite.

5104 Ocean Blvd. | Siesta Key | 941-349-1423 | cafegabbiano.com Open Daily 5pm-10pm. Tasting Menus available Sunday to Thursday.

Upcoming Events: Happy Hour 5:00pm - 6:30pm Daily

Complimentary Wine Tasting 6:30pm First Friday of Every Month.

Argentina Wine Dinner November 14th

Turkey Day at Cafe Gabbiano November 28th, 2013

Let us do the cooking this Thanksgiving!

Celebrate New Years with Cafe Gabbiano December 31st, 2013

Enjoy a complimentary Prosecco Toast on NYE. Host your Holiday Parties with Cafe Gabbiano! Onsite or Offsite.

for tapping into 160 years of experience.

We know the importance of a strong relationship.

It’s why, for generations, we’ve helped our clients take advantage of life’s opportunities. And why today, we’re one of the largest wealth managers in the country.* From wealth and retirement planning to investment management to business succession, discover how our expertise can help you achieve your financial goals. Call Scott Collins, Managing Director, at 941-363-5060 or visit pnc.com/wealthsolutions WEALTH PLANNING

|

TRUST AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

|

PRIVATE BANKING

|

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

*Barron’s, September 16, 2013, based on AUM as of June 30, 2013.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) uses the names PNC Wealth Management ®, PNC Institutional Investments® and Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth® to provide investment and wealth management, fi duciary services, FDIC-insured banking products and services and lending of funds through its subsidiary, PNC Bank, National Association, which is a Member FDIC, and uses the names PNC Wealth Management ® and Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth® to provide certain fi duciary and agency services through its subsidiary, PNC Delaware Trust Company. PNC does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice.

“PNC Wealth Management,” “PNC Institutional Investments” and “Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth” are registered trademarks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. ©2013 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

CALENDAR

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

Children First’s Flip Flops & Fashion November 1 Sharky’s on the Pier 11:30 am. Luncheon and fashion show benefitting Children First.

Tickets: $80 | 941.953.5507 x124 | childrenfirst.net

Night of Hope Gala November 1 The Ritz-Carlton 6:00 pm. Benefits Center for Building Hope with dinner, entertainment, and prizes. 941.921.5539 | centerforbuildinghope.org

The Players Theatre “A Night to Remember” November 1 Michaels on East 6:00 pm. Honoring the Players Pioneers (1990-present). Enjoy cocktail & hors d’oeuvre reception, Gala dinner with wine, entertainment by Gems, and a live and silent auction. Tickets: $150 | 941.365.2494 | theplayers.org

Sarasota Film Society Cine-World Film Festival November 1 – 10 Burns Court Cinemas. 941.955.3456 | filmsociety.org

5th Annual Fall Family Festival at Bay Preserve November 2 Bay Preserve at Osprey 11:00 am. Benefits Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.

Free family fun with hands-on activities including access to Historic Spanish Point. 941.918.2100 | conservationfoundation.com

5th Annual Honor Animal Rescue Golf Classic November 2 Heritage Oaks and Country Club 12:00 pm. Golf tournament benefiting Honor Animal Rescue. Tickets: $125 | 941.747.4900 | honoranimalrescue.org

Ferrari’s on St. Armands Circle November 2 St. Armands Circle 12:00 pm. View more than 75 Ferrari’s competing for the coveted

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Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Dec. 17 • 8pm

Bernadette Peters Dec. 15 • 7pm

Hungarian State Folk Ensemble Dec. 13 • 8pm

New York Tenors Christmas Dec. 12 • 8pm Michael McDonald Dec. 10 • 8pm

Celebrate the Season!

TickeTs! 941. 953. 3368 or vanwezel. org Under The Streetlamp Dec. 11 • 8pm Danú Christmas in Ireland Dec. 16 • 8 pm

Nebraska Theatre Caravan Presents A Christmas Carol Dec. 22 • 7pm

Cheap Trick Dec. 5 • 8 pm Buy Tickets Visit the Box Office at 777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • or Call 941-953-3368 • or Online at vanwezel.org Box Office Mon-Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 10am-4pm • Open later & Sunday on Show Dates Group Sales 941.955.7676 x2225 Mattison’s Bayside at the Van Wezel - dine before the show 941-921-3400 Performers, prices, dates and times are subject to change without notice.

“Best of Show” award. Sponsored by Ferrari Owners Club of Florida. Open to the public. 727.525.1901 | focfloridaregion.com

Snooty’s Gala

Keeping the Dream Alive...

Join us

November 19, 2013 7:30 PM Michael’s On East for a Dessert Reception & Special Performance by the Sarasota Opera

Exclusively for the Jewish Housing Council Foundation Co-Chairs Carol Camiener

Sally Yanowitz

Thank you to our sponsors Premier Sponsor

November 2 South Florida Museum 6:00 pm. Black tie gala featuring complimentary valet parking, an open bar, dinner, live music, and a silent auction. Tickets: $200 | 941.746.4131 x17 | southfloridamuseum.org

Children First’s Rockin’ Lobster November 2 Sharky’s on the Pier 6:30 pm. Enjoy Lobster Boil and Beach Party. Tickets: $125 | 941. 953.5507 x124 | childrenfirst.net

27th Annual Taste of Manatee November 2 – 3 Bradenton Riverwalk at Rossi Park. Two days of tasting local restaurant cuisine, live entertainment from area bands, arts and crafts, children’s stage and other family activities. TasteofManatee.com

Sarasota Women’s Expo November 2 – 3 Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 10:00 am. A women’s lifestyle event featuring the latest in fashion, food, fitness, cosmetics, family, home, health, and so much more. Tickets: $7 | sarasotawomensexpo.com

All Faiths Food Bank Bowls of Hope November 3 Philippi Estate Park 11:00 am. Select a handmade bowl and sample three soups from 40 local restaurants. Tickets: $25 | 941.379.6333 | allfaithsfoodbank.org

6th Annual Fisk & Friends Celebrity Golf Tournament Presenting Sponsors Debbie & Larry Haspel

KBR Foundation

Platinum Sponsors Benderson Family Foundation

Gerard Daniel

Gold Sponsors Isabel Anchin Becker Margot & Warren Coville Sally Yanowitz George Kole & Judy Zuckerberg

Media Sponsor SCENE Magazine

Silver Sponsors

November 3 – 4 The Founders Golf Club. Enjoy a special tournament kick-off party, then a day of golfing, food, friends and celebrities. Benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. Tickets: $125 | 617.951.3799 x336 | fiskandfriends.org

Asolo Rep’s Starry Night Dinner: Show Boat November 4 The home of Stanley Kane 6:30 pm. Highlights the production of Show Boat. Tickets: $250 | 941.351.9010 x407 asolorep.org

Sarasota Orchestra Visiting Artists Dinner I November 6 The Field Club 6:00 pm. Featuring SO’s Music Director Anu Tali. Special performance by Pianist, Lukáš Vondrácek. Tickets: $150 | 941.487.2743 | sarasotaorchestra.org

BB&T • Betty Schoenbaum • Barbara & Robert Schwartz

Bronze Sponsors Patricia & Robert Baer Sheila & Jerry Birnbaum Carol Camiener Janice & Steven Greenfield Habif, Arogeti and Wynne, LLP Stephen & Lila Huse

Libbie & Albert Kaplan Judy and Jerry Levinson Susan Milman Ed & Betty Rosenthal Elliot & Lorraine Schubiner Merrill & Sheila Wynne

For more information or sponsorship opportunities call Iris Starr, Special Events Coordinator (941) 377-0781 ext 124 or istarr@kobernickanchin.org.

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Junior League’s Legacy of Valor Luncheon November 7 Dolphin Aviation 11:00 am. Celebrate and honor area veterans for their military service and raise awareness of the yearlong Legacy of Valor campaign. Featuring guest speaker Keni Thomas. Tickets: $40 | jlsarasota.org | jrleaguemanatee.org

ARC’s Dog’s Night Out: Paws on Palm November 7 The Francis 5:30 pm. Featuring a red carpet pawparazzi, bow wow bar with yappy hours, shopping and dining, scenesarasota.com

glam portraits and gift prizes for the dogs. Tickets: $65 per person; $25 for pets | 941.957.1955, x8 | animalrescuecoalition.org

health & wellness, organic products, healthy food, sustainable products and services, and holistic pet care. Benefits Girls Inc. FREE to the public. vibrancesrq.com

New College Foundation’s 35th Annual Old-Fashioned New England Clambake

VCC’s The Greatest Volunteer Fair on Earth

November 7 College Hall Bayfront 6:00pm. Casual dining. Featuring Maine lobsters, New England clam chowder, barbecued chicken, ribs and corn on the cob. Beer, wine, and full cash bar. Benefits New College programs & students. Tickets: $150 | 941.487.4800 | ncf.edu

November 9 Sailor Circus Arena 10:00 am. Enjoy performances

by Sailor Circus students. Volunteer Community Connections has invited over 200 service organizations to participate in this event.

Open to the public | 941.953.5965 | connectingvolunteers.com

Callaghan Tire Charity ProAm Golf Tournament

12th Annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest

November 7 – 9 Hosted by The Concession Golf & CC and The Ritz-Carlton Members Club. Golf with pro-legends at this 3-day Chairty ProAM. Event includes pairings party, golf, lunch, dinners, and awards party. Benefits “Golfers Against Cancer.”

941.751.1577 | callaghantirecharityproam.com

November 9 Sarasota Polo Grounds 1:00 pm. Benefits local charities in Sarasota & Manatee counties. Various wines and food.

Tickets: $60 | 941.870.0002 | suncoastfoodandwinefest.com

“Bacchus on the Beach” Celebration of Food & Wine November 8 – 9 The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Highlight includes Vintner dinners, festival demonsrations and beachside stone crab and wine tasting. Benefits the Child Protection Center. Events are open to the public. 941.387.1675. longboatkeyclub.com/specials-packages

25th Annual St. Armands Art Festival November 9 – 10 St. Armands Circle 10:00 am. Over 175 artists and craftsman display their original artwork. Pottery, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture. FREE. starmandscircleassoc.com

Brunch at USF Sarasota-Manatee November 10 USF Sarasota-Manatee campus 11:30 am. Benefiting USF Sarasota-Manatee. Tickets: $100 | 941.359.4737 usfsm.edu/brunch

VIBRANCE! Natural Living Festival

Equality Florida’s 2013 Suncoast Gala

November 9 Main Street, Downtown Sarasota 9:00 am. This event will feature categories of exhibitors including green living,

November 10 The Francis 6:00 pm. Featuring guest speakers, full bar and award ceremony. Tickets: $100 | eqfl.org/suncoastgala

celebrate.

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

Palm Beach Lantana® shutters

Lois & Domenick Falconetti

Welcome guests with beautiful window fashions by scenesarasota.com

Domenick’s

Blinds & Decor 4540 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233

941-922-2345

www.domenicksblinds.com ®

November 2013

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Eyelids

Children’s Guardian Fund 15th Annual Fall Luncheon

by the

Expert ✦

✦

✦

✦

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Tearduct Surgery Orbital Surgery Eye and Skin Rejuvenation

Are you seeing less?

Is your blind spot enlarged?

Are you looking tired or angry?

Dr. Brannan’s training and experience outcomes. results in

quality

Ophthalmology Board Certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, 2 year Fellowship and Certification ••• Davidson College Wake Forest University Cincinnati School of Medicine

November 13 Michaels on East 11:30 am. Guest speaker Senator Nancy Detert, a long-time legislative leader on children’s issues. Tickets $75 | 941.504.9515 | childrensguardianfund.org

AJC’s 2013 Civic Achievement Award Dinner November 13 Michaels on East 6:00 pm. Event honors Teri A Hansen, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Benefits American Jewish Committee, West Coast Florida Chapter. Tickets $200 | 941.365.4955 | ajc.org

Sarasota Chalk Festival November 13 – 18 Featuring music, drama and dance, as well as phenomenal chalk art. Legacy of Valor will be the theme.

Open to the public. chalkfestival.org

Forty Carrots’ Wine, Women and Shoes November 14 – 16 Various times and locations. A three-day event including a luncheon and wine tasting featuring 12 women in the wine industry, shoe and fashion retailers and intimate wine dinners. Tickets: $50-$275 | 941.365.7716 | fortycarrots.com

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota’s Haute for the Holidays November 15 Hyatt Sarasota 11:30 am. Featuring a fashion show and luncheon to benefit Habitat Sarasota. Tickets: $59 | 941.487.5518 | sarasotahabitat.com

Sarasota Opera’s Die Fledermaus Dinner November 15 Sarasota Opera House 5:00 pm. Dinner catered

by Café L’Europe, followed by the performance of Die Fledermaus. Tickets: $95 | 941.366.8450f x402 | sarasotaopera.org

Siesta Key Crystal Classic November 15 – 18 Siesta Key Beach 9:00 am. Master Sand Sculpting Competition. Tickets: $5 | crystalsand.org

Historical Society of Sarasota County’s Pirates and Pioneers Day

Paul Brannan, M.D., ASOPRS

November 16 Pioneer Park 10:00 am. Artists, craftsmen, local authors and other vendors will fill the Thieves Market with a wide array of items, including numerous children’s activities.Admission is a donation of canned goods for the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Campaign.

Pirate or Pioneer costumes encouraged. 941.364.9076 | HSOSC.com

Richard’s Foodporium’s 1st Annual Expo

5880 Rand Blvd. Ste 201, Sarasota, FL 34238

941-925-3627

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November 16 Robart’s Sports Arena 10:00 am. Family friendly expo with over 60 booths filled with national vendors, like-minded local businesses, and non-profit organizations. Non-perishable food donations for All Faith’s Food Bank are encouraged.

Open to the public.

The Artful Lobster November 16 Hermitage Artist Retreat 11:00 am. New England lobster feast prepared by Michael’s on East. Benefits the Hermitage Artist Retreat. Tickets: $150 | 941.475.2098 | hermitageartistretreat.org scenesarasota.com

Historic Spanish Point’s Havana Nights & White Lights November 16 Historic Spanish Point 5:00 pm. Enjoy live music, dancing, food and drinks. Tickets: $150 | 941.966.5214 historicspanishpoint.org

ner and a few Broadway inspired performances. Proceeds will fund the construction of a new Children’s Health Center. Tickets: $250 | 941.365.4545 | gs-humanservices.org

RCAD 13th Annual Golf Tournament Boys & Girls Club’s “Dream Makers Ball” November 16 Hyatt Sarasota 6:00 pm. Celebrate the Roaring Twenties. Featuring casino gaming, top shelf champagne and cocktails, great entertainment and excellent food. Tickets: $350 | 941.366.3911 | dreammakersball.com

Sarasota Orchestra’s 65th Anniversary Jazz Brunch “Jewel”bilee November 17 Michael’s on East 11:00 am. Celebrate 65 years of incredible music as Sarasota Orchestra Principal Bass, John Miller, and his Jazz Ensemble dazzle you with memorable jazz and popular music. Tickets: $150 | 941.487.2737 | sarasotaorchestra.org

November 18 Laurel Oak Country Club. Benefits student scholarships. Enjoy 18 holes of golf along with luncheon and awards banquet. Tickets: $400 | 941.359.7589 | ringling.edu/golftournament

JFCS 9th Annual Grace Rosen Magill Lecture November 18 Michael’s on East 9:00 am. Featuring Rabbi Marc Gellman. Includes breakfast buffet and lecture. Tickets: $36 | Patron: $136 | 941.366.2224 | jfcs-cares.org

Planned Parenthood’s High Tide at High Noon November 18 Sarasota Yacht Club 12:00 pm. Enjoy luncheon and a high-energy fashion show. Tickets: $65 | 941.365.3913 x1045 | plannedparenthood.org/ppswcf

16th Annual Great Teddy Bear Run November 17 11:30 am. Parade starts at The Shoppes at University Center and ends at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota. There will be raffles, a 50/50 drawing, bike rodeo, silent auction & live music.

Benefits KIDS by the SEA. 941.951.6108 | greatteddybearrun.com

Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services “The Art of Caring for Children”

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel November 18 Beatrice Friedman Theater 8:00 pm. Featuring popular piano classics by some of the world’s best loved composers. Benefits The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

Tickets: $36 | 941.552.6301 | jfedsrq.org

Center’s

November 17 The Ritz-Carlton 6:00 pm. Enjoy cocktails, din-

YMCA Foundation’s Art & Soul III November 19 Bird Key Yacht Club 5:30 pm. Benefits the efforts

Jewish Family and Children's Service is pleased to present the 9th annual GraCe roSen MaGill leCture GAiL KLEin & SuSAn MALLiTz, Co-CHAiRS Religion in the Media The God Squad How we are the same and why we are different Featuring rabbi MarC GellMan Monday, november 18, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast Buffet & Lecture Michael’s on East, 1212 East Avenue, Sarasota The God Squad, a television program and syndicated column featured Rabbi Marc Gellman, senior rabbi of Temple Beth Torah in Melville, NY and Monsignor Tom Hartman discussing issues related to religion and spirituality. Rabbi Gellman continues to write a weekly column, “The Spiritual State,” for Newsweek Magazine and also writes a nationally syndicated religious advice column that appears locally in Newsday.

Event includes presentation to JFCS Award Recipients The Rabbi Sanford E. & Leah Saperstein Hope & Healing Award presented to Charlotte P. Graver The Sidney J. Berkowitz Building Community Award presented to Clare & riCh SeGall eveNT SPoNSoRS

Ticket: $36 • Patron Ticket: $136 Patron ticket includes signed book & preferred seating Reservations are required by Friday, November 8th Please contact Stacy Quaid at 941-366-2224 ext. 142 squaid@jfcs-cares.org

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Media SPoNSoR

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FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE MAINSTAGE 4 shows for as little as $45!

Daddy Long Legs

Monty Python’s Spamalot Book by Eric Idle, Score by Eric Idle and John Du Prez

Adapted from the book by Jean Webster. Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon.Book by John Caird.

A TONY AWARD WINNER, lovingly ‘ripped off’from the classic lm, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The story of a young girl’s journey to overcome the past and discover the secret of happiness.

“Best new musical” - The New York Times

“Magniicent” - Newsday

Thurgood

Two Point Oh

By George Stevens, Jr.

Thurgood Marshall tells his journey to his position as the Supreme Court Justice.

By Jeffrey Jackson

A new play that questions the limits of technology and the reality of existence.

“Playful sense of humor” - The New York Times

“Insightful” - Rogue Critic

CABARET

3 shows for as little as $35!

The Prima Donnettes

Too Darn Hot

Female singing groups of the 50s and 60s make their break into pop music, bringing them to the forefront of the American stage.

The biting wit of Cole Porter’s music takes you back to the 1930’s, an era of elegant women and tuxedo clad men.

Developed by Richard Hopkins and Jim Prosser

“It was a time... to be happy” - Martha Reeves

Developed by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins and Jim Prosser

“Sizzles with life” - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Poems, Prayers and Promises Developed by Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins

Celebrate the revolution of music, and the great American storytellers. Led by artists such as John Denver, Paul Simon, Harry Chapin and Simon & Garfunkel.

“Music is forever” - Paul Simon

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

366-9000 Subscribe Online @ @oridastudiotheatre.org

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of the YMCA Foundation’s Community Coalition for Children.

Upcoming Events:

Enjoy an evening of food, wine, and exceptional artistic com- Annual Sarasota Craft Show pany. Tickets: $45 | 941.951.1336 x6 | ArtandSoul3.eventbrite

December 6 - 8 Robarts Arena. Juried show featuring works in clay, wood, glass, fiber, mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, photography,

BGCMC’s Little Wishes Big Dreams

and painting by over 125 of the nation’s top craft and fine artists.

November 23 Manatee Performing Arts Center 6:30 pm. Black Tickets: $5 - $12 | 941.365.0818| sarasotacraftshow.com Tie affair, honoring the 2013 Magnetic Men of Manatee County, featuring Carl Weeks. Benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mana- 2013 Bradenton Blues Festival tee County. Tickets: $150 | 941.761.2582 | bgcmanatee.org

December 7 Riverwalk overlooking the Manatee River 11:00 am.

Featuring a team of top blues artists. Enjoy food, drinks, art, vendors,

Maria Wirries Cabaret

and live music. Tickets: $10 - $40 | BradentonBluesFestival.org

November 23 Glenridge Performing Arts Center 8:00 pm.

Featuring singing sensation Maria Wirries performing with the Sonata a Due Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band. Tickets: $22.50 | 941.552.5325 December 9 Charles Ringling House, New College Campus 6:00 gpactix.com

pm. Enjoy recital with Federico Agostini, violin and Derek Han, piano, followed by dinner catered by Michaels on East. Tickets:

22nd Annual Ponies under the Palms

$150 | 941.371.6798

November 24 Main Street, Lakewood Ranch 8:00 am. Take a stroll back in time, or enjoy the present, viewing some of the Celebrating the American Spirit Gala most pristine Mustangs and Shelby’s in the state. Open to the December 15 Ritz Carlton. Featuring a performance by Sarasota Orpublic. 941.704.4474 | mustangclubofwestcentralflorida.org

chestra. RSVP required, call for details. 941.366.2224 | jfcs-cares.org

Cabinetry

Countertops

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PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

and successes, of people everywhere.

941.351.8000 / asolorep.org

THE PLAYERS THEATRE

Show Boat November 12 – December 29 This lyric masterpiece follows the lives, loves and losses of theater folk on the Mississippi while illuminating the racial and social changes that were shaping the country.

941.365.2494 / theplayers.org

The School for Lies Through November 17 It’s 1966 and in the glittering salons of Paris, a surly misanthrope falls in love with the very fashionable Celimene, causing chaos and catastrophe in everyone’s lives.

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org Monty Python’s Spamalot November 13 – January 11 Lovingly ripped off from the classic film “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” this outrageous parody tells the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE 941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com The Good Doctor Through November 10 In this comedy, a feisty old woman storms a bank, a father takes his son to a house to learn the mysteries of sex, a crafty seducer goes to work on a wedded woman, and a man offers to drown himself for three rubles.

KARDENNI - Magic, Mind, and Marvel November 16 German born Kardenni has developed a unique style of magic inspired by art, music, and philosophy.

MANATEE PLAYERS 941.748.5875 / manateeplayers.com Young Frankenstein Through November 10 From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation The Producers comes this monster new musical comedy.

Our Town Through November 17 Explores the lives of people living in a small, quintessentially American town reflecting the hopes and dreams, the failures

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Side Effects May Include…

November 7 - 8 Starring Andrew J. Pond in a funny and moving one-man show about the early onset of Parkinson ’s disease.

The Price is Right Live! Stage Show November 17 America November 21 Clint Black November 22 John Denver RMH Concert November 23

A Calyp-Soul Christmas November 16 Enjoy an exciting new take on some favorite Christmas classics, which is sure to bring you holiday warmth and cheer and put you in the “island” holiday spirit!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze November 24

SARASOTA BALLET

Country Mega Ticket!

December 1

941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org

Dave Koz and Friends November 29 Defending the Caveman November 30

Yanni December 1

VENICE THEATRE 941.488.1115 / venicestage.com Balanchine & Ashton (Sarasota Opera House) November 22 - 23 Featuring Sir Frederick Ashton’s Illuminations & George Balanchine’s Serenade & Who Cares?

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 941.953.3434 / sarasotaorchestra.org Masterworks - Dawning of a New Season November 8 - 10 Anu Tali’s first concert as the Orchestra’s music director. Program includes Eller’s Dawn; Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody and Dvorák’s Symphony No. 7.

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL 941.955.7676 / vanwezel.org Rodney Atkins November 1 Meet the Artists Reception November 6 Perlman Music Program November 6 Celtic Thunder: Mythology November 15 Tango Fire November 16

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

November 1 – 24 Celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind contemporary relationships.

Hairspray November 12 – December 8 A family-friendly treat piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

VENICE SYMPHONY 941.488.1010 / thevenicesymphony.org “REEL CLASSICS” – Pops Concert November 15 - 16 Featuring scores by American composer John Williams, who wrote the music for Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler’s List, and Superman.

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE 941.366.1505 / wbttroupe.org Purlie November 13 - December 15 In this fun-loving musical, a dynamic traveling preacher, Purlie Victorious Judson, returns to his small Georgia town to shake things up and change lives. scenesarasota.com

www.lamusicafestival.org

Sonata a Due December 9, 2013

cocktails 6pm|recital 7pm|dinner 8pm sponsored by

2014 LA MUSICA

INTERNATIONAL

CHAMBER MUSIC

FESTIVAL

Derek Han, piano, and Federico Agostini, violin,

present an intimate recital with cocktails & dinner at the Charles Ringling Mansion at New College to launch the 2014 season of La Musica. order tickets online at www.lamusicafestival.org or by phone by calling Janet Hunter 941.371.6798

Fall Into Beauty

Unique Exotic 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

SOCIAL

SCLO’s ‘Share the Light’ Luncheon This year’s ‘Share The Light’ Luncheon at Michael’s On East honored “Community Champions” Linda DesMarais and Dr. Henry Porter, and celebrated Second Chance-Last Opportunity’s 18 years of effective work in the community. The message of hope and redemption was received with both tears and laughter by the generous audience and bolstered by emcees Scott Anderson from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and E-MAN from Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. It was unanimous: everyone deserves a second chance and SCLO is a remarkable organization making that happen.

Graci McGillicuddy & Scott Anderson

Photos by Cliff Roles

Linda DesMarais & Henry Porter

Jim Kennedy, Susie Bowie, Janet Hunter & Sally Faron

Rick De Furia & Cindy Christo Brown

Kim Cornetet & Sandra Washington

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN’S

13TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013

LIMITED FIELD–RESERVE TODAY! To sponsor or play in this extraordinary event, go to: www.ringling.edu/golftournament For more information, contact Sarah Walcutt-Febish, Associate Director for Special Events, at swfebish@ringling.edu or 941.359.7589 Artwork: Jacob Neagle ’10, Illustration

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WE’RE BACK ON THE COURT AND BACK ON THE COURSE. 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 PATIENTS - FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Mike Wilton, Bud Polley and Arnie Vance

“As avid golfers and tennis enthusiasts, our rotator cuff injuries left us in pain, and unable to enjoy our sport.

In researching for the most qualified surgeons, we found that the Florida Orthopedic Specialists not only had the highest level of training and experience, but they were also highly recommended by friends and associates who had excellent results. We, too, had outstanding outcomes and are back on the court and course...pain free and better than ever.” Mike Wilton, Bud Polley and Arnie Vance

CONSULTANTS FOR • PREMIER SPORTS CAMPUS AT LAKEWOOD RANCH • THE OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY • SARASOTA ORCHESTRA • IMG ACADEMIES CHRISTOPHER R. SFORZO, M.D. CHRISTOPHER L. DILLINGHAM, M.D. BOARD-CERTIFIED. FELLOWSHIP-TRAINED. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS.

941.378.5100 • fossm.com 5831 Bee Ridge Road • Suite 200 Sarasota, FL 34233

WHERE GREAT MEMORIES, INNOVATIVE CUISINE AND IMPECCABLE SERVICE COME NEATLY WRAPPED.

So good, you’ll look for reasons to celebrate.

941.388.4415 | 431 St. Armands Circle | cafeleurope.net

Celebrate our 40th Anniversary with the Passport Series – a Culinary Tour of Europe!

AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage

Experienced, Easy & Reliable Thirty four years ago, Jack Wallace was amazed at how hard it was to find a moving company that could guarantee quality moving at reasonable rates. “I had been in the moving business in New Jersey,” he said. “When I came down here I saw a lot of moving companies were misrepresenting themselves. They were giving hourly rates and purposely under estimating the hours to get the job and then the customer was stuck.”

Jack believed a flat rate quote was a lot more honest and the customer knows before the move what they are paying and it worked. “Now we are probably the biggest mover in the Sarasota.”

Jack added his company focuses on high end moving but will also move one or two pieces because they expect to get four to five future moves from every job, which is why their motto is “creating customers for life.”

“Before the furniture leaves the residence, we inspect it. If there is any pre existing damage, we let the customer know about it and then we wrap it completely and it stays wrapped until it gets to the new destination.”

Jack added his secret to succeeding in today’s difficult economy is establishing a good word of mouth reputation. “And word of mouth and repeat business accounts for 45% of our clientele. When you do a great job people remember you.”

So do members of his industry. AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage is consistently recognized as a leader in the Sarasota and greater gulf coast region. “Last year we won the Angie’s List super service award, which is only given to the top 5% of all service companies.” Jack said. “And we were voted best local moving and Storage Company in Sarasota in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 by the American Small Business Commerce Association.”

For more information on AAA Flat Rate Moving & Storage, visit them online at www.aaamovingsarasota.com or call 941-922-4466.

“Your men who came to

pack my belongings were so very polite and very neat. I will always recommend your company especially for packers. Thank you for the good service I received.”

– Ms. L.E.

“This team was incredible.

Very professional, fast, hard workers. Manny, Willy & Jon are the best - very pleased with these guys. Please keep them on staff - they represent your company very well.”

– Mr. C.F.

“I have never experienced

a more professional and caring company as AAA Moving. 30% less cost than their competitors and Jack Wallace gets it done right.”

– Ron Milton, Publisher

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. scenesarasota.com

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Swee p

Clean

Fashions available at Dream Weaver 364 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota 941.388.1974

Hand painted one of a kind silk kimono jacket over black 4 ply silk dress by Catherine Bacon. Similar incarnations are available in other sizes that will take you anywhere this Holiday Season!

Make your dramatic entrance in this hand painted, hand torn silk cape by Catherine Bacon.

From practical to unique, from luxe to fun, the Scenesters searched for gift ideas to help take the stress out of your holiday shopping.

So take a deep breath, browse through our picks, and hopefully you’ll breathe a sigh of relief.

Head Trip Indulge with these opulent leather-wrapped headphones bolstered with bling. A soft-touch fabric cord delivers authentic, natural sound from a premium 40mm driver. Fits most devices and is available in silver, gold & rose gold (shown). Taylor Headphones by Frends. $199. Available at Best Buy & Nordstroms.com.

Comfort Food Morton’s Famous Steak Basket is loaded with everything to make a perfect dinner! Top choice steaks, wine, Portobello mushrooms, asparagus, potatoes, and Caesar salad ingredients. Upgrade the basket to include USDA Primes steaks, or modified to include fresh salmon or tuna. Strip Steaks for 2: $95; for 4: $190 | Filet Mignon for 2: $105; for 4: $210. Morton’s Gourmet Market & Catering.

1924 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota. 941.955.9856 | mortonsmarket.com

Candy Unjunked Stuff holiday stockings with a healthier candy choice – UnReal.

Made with nothing artificial, grass-fed dairy, no GMOs and more good stuff. Available at Target and online at getunreal.com

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Chic Finds Surprise her with the newest styles in handbags, shoes and jewelry at a fraction of retail.

Michael Kors, Tory Burch, David Yurman, & Louis Vuitton - just to name a few – are all at a local Sarasota gem – Laura Jean’s Consignments, 3830 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota 941.922.5535 | LauraJeansConsignments.com

Santa’s Sweet Tooth Give Santa a sweet alternative to cookies with custom gourmet cupcakes, cheesecakes, a “Jingle Box” filled with scrumptious minis, gift cards and even gift tags – all available at the sweetest new place in town. Gigi’s Cupcakes, 8435 Cooper Creek Blvd, Bradenton (off University Pkwy.) 941.355.4380

Charge From the ultra compact and tough PowerMonkey Explorer to the waterproof and rugged PowerMonkey Extreme, charge your portable smartphone and tablets anywhere using “power without boundaries.” Starting from $99. Environeers, 5373 Fruitville Rd.,Sarasota. 941-371-6208

Stacked Glamour Stack these gorgeous, flexible cuffs (also sold separatelu) in the same color of gold or in multi color.

Made in 18 karat white, yellow and pink gold with diamonds. $1500 to $2450. Coffrin Jewelers, 1829 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota.

941.366.6871 | coffrinjewelers.com

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Treasured Times There are not many things more impressive than a beautifully illustrated book, especially when it’s from a locally-owned bookstore.

Bookstore1Sarasota, 1359 Main Street, Downtown Sarasota.

941.365.7900 | bookstore1sarasota.com

Educate & Inspire Join other arts enthusiasts and gain yearly access to Ringling Museum of Art’s diverse offerings.

From general, to distinguished, to circle membership levels, this is a gift that keeps giving.

Smart Navigating

Memberships start at $75. 941.359.5700 | Ringling.org

Find any Body of Water – Anywhere. Serving trays, clocks, wall art, or even coffee tables all cut out of one piece of wood.

Serving tray: $199. Nautical North Charts & Maps, 3 S. Blvd. of the Presidents, Sarasota. 941.388.3334 | nnchart.com

Yummy Dark Chocolate Grey Sea Salt Almond Bark.

Hand-crafted by their own chocolatiers, this bark is created using Callebaut dark 52% cacao chocolate, whole roasted almonds and a sprinkle of grey sea salt.

The Chocolate Bark Company, 2114 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota.

941.925.1111 | chocolatebarkcompany.com

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Stuff it Everything old is new again as Mexican Train Dominoes is choo chooing down the comeback trail. It’s the hottest game to give as a hostess gift or stocking stuffer.

Who doesn’t like to invite the gang over for some chips and salsa, margaritas and fun!

Get yours at Barnes & Noble, 4010 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941.923.9907.

A Giving Gift When you buy at the Woman’s Exchange, your purchase helps provide scholarships and grants to local arts organizations. We can’t promise these will still be there since unique items go in and out daily, so be sure to make more than one stop at the Woman’s Exchange, 539 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota. 941.955.7859. 1918 Sterling Silver Pitcher, Ellmore Silver Co. — $1,000, Sterling Silver Candle Sticks — $594.99, Vintage English Flower Bowl (Sterling Silver) — $231.99, 3 piece Sterling Silver salt and pepper set — $19.49

Stun Her She’ll sparkle this season with this exquisitely divine Diamond Necklace. Handcrafted in 14k white gold and boasting 2 carats of Natural White and Colored Diamonds, this unique piece is quite simply stunning. $5800. MK Designs and The Golden Image Jewelry Store, 30 S Palm Ave., Sarasota. 941-364-8439 | mymkdesigns.com

Whip it up Is your loved one culinary challenged? You do all the eating and drinking while Chef Raymond Arpke entertains with demonstration-style cooking classes at Euphemia Haye. $60 per class (3 hour class). Euphemia Haye Restaurant, 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key. 941.383.3633 | euphemiahaye.com

Clutching Dreams Bo Art’s Studio brings an industrial metal mesh material, with added gold leaf, to a luxurious one of a kind item of beauty! $425 Dream Weaver, 364 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. 941.388.1974

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LIFESTYLE

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.’

— Melody Beattie

Spotlight

Yara’s Way

By Yara Shoemaker

Five mistakes you make before breakfast!

You may have gotten up on the right side of the bed, but you’re about to commit chemical crimes before your day has even started! Check our list of common toiletry terrors and rid your morning routine of these harmful chemicals.

1. Shampoo – Most popular shampoos contain sulfates, which are chemicals associated with carcinogens. Always look in the ingredients of your hair care products for sulfates and keep a cool head with organic sulfate-free products from Aubrey, or any of the many organic brands available online.

2. Deodorant – Major brands are starting to catch on to the reality that aluminum in deodorant gets absorbed into the body and increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Now you can often find your favorite stick in an aluminum-free version, or go natural with Tom’s of Maine, which is sourced entirely from plants.

3. Toothpaste – Does your toothpaste promise Hollywood-white teeth, minty breath and cavity protection? How about birth control? You may not know it, but the active ingredient Triclosan found in many dental care products from toothpaste to mouthwash, is a suspected culprit in hormone and fertility issues. Once again, Tom’s of Maine takes the lead in natural dental care products that don’t disrupt your body’s hormones.

4. Hairspray/Hair Gel – Have you ever sprayed, gelled or styled your hair sleek for an event and found that every hair stuck in place for hours?

That’s because most styling products are packed with polymers (plastics) that coat the hair just like glue – which is exactly where polymers are found! Skip the toxins and add some nutritious quinoa protein to nourish your hair with the organic hair styling products from Aubrey.

5. Sunscreen – Beware the oxybenzone! While you might think you’re protecting against skin cancer, over half of sunscreens on the market contain this hormone disrupting, skin cell-damaging chemical. Look for active mineral ingredients zinc or titanium, which are harmless when absorbed through the skin and block all the sun’s fury. It can come in liquid or powder formula – try ColoreScience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush in SPF 50.

Yara’s Table Pear Crostada It’s the time of year to indulge, so let’s keep it light with seasonal pears and toasted almonds. This buttery tart is the perfect sweet thing to whip up for last-minute guests or a lazy Sunday afternoon with family!

• 1 prepared whole wheat pie dough* • 2 large organic pears, peeled and sliced in eighths • 2 tablespoons granulated natural sugar cane • 1 tablespoon unsalted organic butter, cut into small cubes • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 pinch ground nutmeg • 2 tablespoons crushed almonds • 1 organic egg white, beaten lightly with a splash of water Roll out dough into a 10-inch circle on a floured surface. Place onto a sheet pan covered with natural parchment paper. Arrange pears in a pile in the center and sprinkle with half the sugar, and all the spices. Add butter on top. Fold the sides of the dough over toward the center. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with almonds and remaining sugar. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes until the edges brown and the sugar has caramelized. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. *see a healthy “from scratch” pie dough recipe at www.HerAllure.com

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Kitchen Talk Cinnamon You might think this warm spice that makes your baked goods irresistible is all about health – after all, it is a natural anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol and helps with digestion. Nobody imagines a cinnamon stick under x-ray, but the truth is that if you don’t buy organic, it was probably irradiated before it ended up on a supermarket shelf. Also make sure the jar is labeled “Ceylon” to be certain you’re getting the bark of the real cinnamon tree and not a cheaper imitation spice called “Cassia,” which comes from a different tree and is slightly bitter.

Natural Allure

Now that we’ve made a delicious crostada with cinnamon and learned how it benefits our health, let’s bring the holiday glow to our faces! Cinnamon has anti-bacterial properties, making this mask especially effective on oily or acne-prone skin, and it can even shrink enlarged pores.

Cleansing Cinnamon Mask • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg • 1 teaspoon raw organic honey Mix honey, cinnamon and nutmeg together and let sit 15 minutes before applying. Gently spread mixture over face and let rest for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water, patting face gently. For best results, repeat once weekly and rinse with a fresh chamomile infusion.

No Men Allowed Tight Pants Syndrome We curvaceous ladies know how hard it is to keep our love handles squeezed and tummies tucked, but the reward of a smoother figure often comes at a price. The crushing truth: there are risks to go along with the assistance shapewear gives us. Many doctors, including Consumer Reports medical advisor Dr. Orly Avitzur, are advising against prolonged periods of use, citing evidence of serious side effects like abdominal pain, gastrointestinal issues, incontinence, hyperventilation and poor circulation leading to numbness from compressed nerves. Tight-fitting clothing like skinny jeans and bandage dresses can wreck havoc on your body, too. The constant pressure on the stomach can also force acid to rise, causing heartburn and possibly ulcers.

What to do? Limit your exposure. A silky smooth gown will still require some help from Spanx and friends, but try to get them off as soon as possible after the event. And if you can go out in your natural shape more often, then do! Be proud of your body, eat clean, work hard to stay fit and you’ll find fewer reasons to don a bodysuit every time you go out on the town.

On the Move The Bahamas Take a break from your winter routine in the same elite resort where James Bond stayed and played in the film Casino Royale! Welcome to the luxurious sanctuary of One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas, where you can be as social or as secluded as you like! The 80-degree weather is perfect for sunbathing on the best private beach in the islands, savoring a sunset dinner seaside, or swimming in your own private infinity pool (if you were lucky enough to book one of the few 3-4 bedroom villas). Its central location next to The Atlantis makes it impossible to run out of dining options. Have drinks poolside at Cain for some fabulous people watching and then head to Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill for dinner with a lovely view of Paradise Beach. The next day, head into town to try a local spin on paella with conch and stone crab at the casually charming Poop Deck restaurant on Bay Street.

Question of the Month What’s the difference between a young carrot and a baby carrot?

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

HerAllure.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.HerAllure.com/YarasWay scenesarasota.com

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TOGETHER WE OFFER COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS • Residential and Commercial Real Estate Closings • Foreclosure Defense and Short Sale Negotiations/Closings

“Let my more than 20 years of experience in real estate litigation, foreclosure litigation and real estate transactions work for you. As a real estate expert, I can help you defend your foreclosure and negotiate a short sale approval with your lender.”

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Solutions Realty 259 South Links Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34236 941.302.4812 www.solutionssarasota.com mike@solutionssarasota.com

ARTS & CULTURE PRESENTED BY:

1 1) Show Boat November 12 – December 29 Show Boat tells the tale of a troupe of performers aboard Captain Andy Hawks’ riverboat, the Cotton Blossom, spanning from 1887 to 1927. The Cotton Blossom tours different towns along the Mississippi River. Throughout the musical’s approximate 40-year plot, the characters are challenged by heartbreak, economic hardships, as well as the immense racial challenges that defined the late-19th and early-20th centuries in America.

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Why it Matters: Show Boat encompasses all that is extraordinary, complex and dynamic about the American family and is the perfect introduction to Asolo Rep’s 2013-2014 season and the second year of the American Character Project. Since its Broadway premiere in 1927 revolutionized the form of the American musical, the show’s themes, characters, and music have resonated with audiences from all walks of life. It’s the first modern American musical, and Asolo Rep is delighted to continue its dazzling voyage. www.asolorep.com

2) Monty Python’s Spamalot November 13 – January 11, 2014 Lovingly ripped off of the cult classic film, Monty Python and The Holy Grail, the outrageous

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musical Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a quest for the Holy Grail. The Knights encounter flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchman and much more. The Broadway smash hit won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Why it Matters: Spamalot will open Florida Studio Theatre’s 2013-14 season in the newly renovated Gompertz Theatre. As a professional theatre that produces contemporary works in intimate spaces, Spamalot and its cast of 16 is one of the most massive musicals in Florida Studio Theatre’s history. It has just about everything lovers of lighthearted musicals hope for: a fun and tuneful score, a hilarious and well-crafted book, a larger-than-life plot, puns, pop culture references and even passionate love duets. www.floridastudiotheatre.org

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3) Sarasota Chalk Festival November 13-18 The 2013 Sarasota Chalk Festival will celebrate the theme Legacy of Valor. During the sixdays of festivities, the rich cultural traditions of street painters and 500 performing artists will honor veterans, inspire patriotism, and embrace freedom. Known as a museum-in-motion, participating artists will chalk oversized masterpieces on the pavement covering more than six blocks. The festival attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually. The Children’s Chalk Block for the young and ‘young at heart’ inspires over 5,000 to create their own impromptu mini-masterpieces.

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Monday

december 9, 2013 11:00 am @ Michael’s On East Campbell Brown shares her heart warming and often hilarious story of finding love in Iraq, converting to Judaism and winning over her mother-in-law.

Tickets start at $65.

Onsale Nov. 1: www.TheJewishFederation.org A minimum gift of $36 to the 2013 development efforts of The Jewish Federation is requested.

Featuring Broadcaster & Award-Winning Journalist

Campbell Brown SponSored In part By SPEAKER SPONSOR HELEn GLasER EVENT CHAIR Lynn CaRvEL

Her story will inspire you, and make you both laugh and cry!

Questions? Contact Ilene Fox at 941.343.2111or ifox@jfedsrq.org

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Gigi’s Cupcakes are perfect for parties, events, weddings, business meetings or simply treating yourself!

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Artwork by Janet Mishner

Women’s Day 2013

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Why it Matters: The Sarasota Chalk Festival became the first internation-

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in order to manifest the ‘awe-inspiring’ event this festival has come to represent. www.chalkfestival.org

4) Siesta Key Crystal Classic

P LA C E

P L AC E DESIGNER BATH & KITCHEN SHOWROOm

November 15 – 18

5678 Fruitville Road (just West of I-75)

Ten teams of master sand sculptors from

Sarasota, FL 34232

the United States and abroad will be

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competing for 1st place on the #1 beach

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on Nov. 15-18, for the 4th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic, presented by Margar-

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itaville Apparel. The Crystal Classic has become a favorite of many of the professional sand sculptors who have competed here. Citing the beauty and cleanliness of the pristine white sand, sculptors have remarked that their sculptures look almost as if they are "carved in marble."

Why it Matters: In only 24 sculpting hours, (spanning the four day event),

P LA C E

P L AC E

Welcomes you to the ’60s!

Nov. 12 - Dec. 8

the master sculptors create sand masterpieces, some over ten feet tall, and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery. The Crystal Classic connects the arts and the beach in ways never before seen in Sarasota. This collaborative community event is a way to visibly support the cultural arts and our beautiful Siesta Beach. Profits from the event benefit Mote Marine Laboratory's sea turtle research and conservation programs.

941.378.5678 5678 Fruitville Road • Sarasota, FL

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www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com Visit SarasotaArts.org for additional events, artist profiles and information about Sarasota’s exciting season of arts and culture.

scenesarasota.com

Plus, don’t miss I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE!

In the Cabaret Nov. 1 -24. TICKETS: 941.488.1115 ● VeniceStage.com November 2013

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ARTS & CULTURE

GALLERY SCENE Presented by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

“Reimagining the Sarasota Chalk Festival Artists” While the world-renowned Sarasota Chalk Festival takes over the streets of Downtown Sarasota, you can experience the work of these artists in a whole new way. Alfstad& Productions will unveil its first show 'Reimagining the Sarasota Chalk Festival Artists' at its new exhibition space The Ice House. This 10-day curated exhibition will showcase the works of artists from the world’s most important contemporary chalk festival, where artists use the pavement as their canvas, and chalk as their medium. Take the work of these fascinating artists from the sidewalks to the gallery walls, where you can see, experience, and purchase their fine artwork in Sarasota’s newest indoor, 8,900 squarefoot, multi-purpose art exhibition space. "These artists are often seen only as street artists when, in fact, their studio works are shown in leading museums and sold throughout the world," says Denise Kowal, Artistic Director of the Sarasota Chalk Festival. "We believe the show will help Sarasota art lovers view and ‘re-imagine’ the work of these multi-talented artists."

The Ice House | November 14 - 24 | 1314 10th Street, Sarasota www.alfstadand.com | www.chalkfestival.org

“Forging Connections” Forging Connections is an inter-institutional project between Ringling College of Art and Design and State College of Florida featuring joint-exhibitions

by Theo Wujcik and Kirk Ke Wang. Both Wujcik and Wang live in Tampa and have studios in close proximity to one another where they often meet to discuss their newest artistic explorations and their mutual interest in “Pop” culture, particularly, the cross-fertilization between eastern and western cultures. Afterwards, they pursue widely divergent approaches in their artmaking processes. Prolific and unpredictable painter Wujcik created an entirely new body of work specifically for this special solo show at Selby Gallery.

Selby Gallery at Ringling College of Art + Design | Wujcik through December 11; Ke Wang through January 15 | 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota www.ringling.edu/selbygallery

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Women Contemporary Artists Juried Fall Exhibition This exhibit will showcase the work of the Women Contemporary Artists (WCA) whose membership includes painters, sculptors, printmakers, collage artists, fabric artists and more. WCA is a group of more than one hundred women artists committed to the goal of encouraging each other and promoting each other’s work.

Their mission is to provide visibility, encouragement and inspiration to women artists. WCA’s many activities include juried member exhibitions, programs, critique and an annual artists’ retreat.

Venice Art Center | November 8 – December 13 Opening Reception: November 8, 5-7PM | 390 Nokomis Avenue South, Venice

“Leaning Forward/ Looking Back” Leaning Forward/Looking Back is an exhibit highlighting paintings, mixed media collages and found object assemblages from 1970 to the present.

State of the Arts has become the destination to acquire and appreciate work

by Sarasota’s legacy artists. The collection includes several works by Syd Solomon who was a friendly member of the New York School of Artists when he was migrating from his home in Sarasota to the Hamptons during the 1950s to 1980s. The most current work includes a collection of paintings, which are figure studies of the Sarasota Ballet by Tim scenesarasota.com

Jaeger. A portion of proceeds will be donated by the Gallery to the Sarasota Ballet. This exhibit is a display of synergy of the visual arts created in Sarasota for over six decades.

State of the Arts Gallery | Through January 10 1525 State Street, Sarasota

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International Flair

An

AT THE

University of

South Florida

SARASOTA-MANATEE

By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Photo by Herb Booth

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The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee is a hometown institution that is increasing its global reach and opportunities, both in academic program offerings and scholarships. Students might not recognize the name of Clyde G. Nixon, who is honored with a plaque in the campus courtyard, but they certainly prosper from his inf luence as an international business leader.

The Clyde G. Nixon International Business Endowment, created by business colleagues, friends and family of the late Sun Hydraulics executive, provides a legacy of travel scholarships for study abroad.

“Clyde seemed comfortable anywhere in the world,” says his

ing raise $7.5 million for the university’s new campus.

wife, Joan Nixon. “We lived six years in England and still have

Clyde’s legacy endures through gifts to the Clyde G. Nixon Inter-

friends throughout the world to this day.” Indeed, Clyde’s gifts for

national Business Endowment. Each year, the endowment supports

loyalty, shared knowledge and international relationships were

expenses for three financially challenged business students to trav-

evident in the number of employees and friends who traveled

el beyond the borders of the United States for a summer session,

from Europe and Asia to attend his funeral in 2007, after his un-

learning about cultural aspects of trade, business, and international

timely death due to cancer.

training. Students who receive these Nixon scholarships visit local

Clyde came to Sarasota in 1988 when he joined Sun Hydrau-

businesses abroad and make connections with international trade

lics, serving as its president and chief executive officer from No-

companies to improve their personal business skills. They live in

vember 1988 until May 2000, at which time he was named Chair-

dorms with other foreign exchange students and ultimately receive

man of the Board. Through his wealth of international business

six credit hours toward their USFSM degree program.

experience, he viewed everything from a global perspective and

“I love the idea of these kids going abroad,” says Joan, whose

valued the impact that an educated community has on the work-

contributions add to the fund’s impact. “Giving them an interna-

place and society. To that end, Clyde forged a long-term relation-

tional perspective at this point in their lives has infinite value.” She

ship with USFSM and was instrumental in developing the North

quotes a favorite passage from Mark Twain’s Innocents Abroad that

Tamiami Trail campus and expanded educational offerings in his

a close friend and colleague of Clyde’s recently emailed her: “Trav-

role as the “go-to business leader” in town. Before long, the inspi-

el is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness and many

rational businessman was lecturing in business classes and facili-

of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome,

tating university partnerships with Sun Hydraulics and other com-

charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetat-

panies. He eventually served as a member of the USFSM Campus

ing in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

Board and Chairman of the Community Leadership Council, helpscenesarasota.com

Sarah Sherman, a USFSM student who received funding to November 2013

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study finance in Greece, wrote in her scholarship application that

recipes, preparing and serving tastings, the students will interact

due to financial hardships: “I was not able to participate in any

with the public to highlight these unique vegetables and their

senior trips in high school. And it seemed that my goal to go

nutritional value on Pine Avenue on November 15.

abroad would be impossible.” Thanks to the Clyde G. Nixon International Business Endowment, that goal was realized.

Cihan Cobanoglu, USFSM’s McKibbon Distinguished Chair & Dean of the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership,

Brayan Felipe, a recent Nixon scholarship recipient, wrote to

strongly believes in the value of internationalism. Under his di-

Joan from Université Laval in Quebec, where he was learning

rection, USFSM will add Germany, Turkey, France and China to

about NAFTA from US, Canadian, and Mexican teachers. “Thank

its ongoing roster of countries supplying foreign students. “The

you for bridging the financial gap for me and making this trip a

hospitality industry is a global field,” he says. “These students will

reality,” he said. “I will bring back lasting memories and new

help create a global classroom and the kind of cosmopolitan at-

friends from England, the US, and Canada.” Brayan also sent Joan

mosphere our graduates will one day encounter in the hospitality

a pressed maple leaf that she keeps in an envelope alongside all

industry. Our graduates might work in Taiwan, Switzerland, or Ar-

the letters other Nixon scholarship recipients have shared. Each

gentina — or never leave Sarasota. Either way, they’ll encounter

story is a meaningful one.

guests and clients from around the world. This program will give

“The Nixon scholarship meant a once-in-a-lifetime opportu-

all our students a taste of what that’s like.”

nity for me,” says Devin Archer, who plans to obtain a master’s

In 2012, for the first time in history, the number of internation-

degree in accounting at USF Tampa after she graduates from

al tourists who visit another country surpassed one billion. With

USFSM in Spring 2014. “I have come back from this trip [to Latin

so many developing countries experiencing economic advance-

America] a different person with a great appreciation for what I

ment, this number is expected to increase. Also, the structure of

have learned and experienced . . . it is important for any student

hospitality companies is now more global. In a hospitality orga-

to broaden their horizons and experience other cultures, as this

nization, it’s increasingly common to have associate members

kind of international exposure isn’t something you can learn from

from all around the world. In addition, hospitality organizations

a classroom or a book. No matter which major a student chooses,

are becoming more sustainable. Taken together, these are merely

real-world experience is essential in gaining a competitive edge

some of the reasons for USFSM to have a robust global engage-

as well as a sense of personal fulfillment.” Clyde would agree.

ment project up and running.

In other ways, USFSM continues to foster the global education-

Dean Cobanoglu also points out that just by having foreign

al outlook embraced by the Nixons. The first cohort of internation-

students living and studying on the USFSM campus, broadening

al students in the College of Hospitality and Technology Leader-

cultural exchanges benefits the entire community. “The interna-

ship arrived in Sarasota this past July and are now participating in

tional programs are part of a global engagement initiative which

a 10-month international student certificate program. These nine

aims to create opportunities for the global exchange of people

students are from the prestigious National Kaohsiung University of

and ideas that promote intercultural competence and appreci-

Hospitality and Tourism in Taiwan; they’re each 20 years old and

ation,” he explains. “Previously, our campus had less than one

are among the top students in their class. Here, they spent a month

percent representation of international students—this is much

in an orientation program before taking courses at USFSM in event

less than the national average.” The university also hired its first

management, restaurant management, hospitality, and finance

expert international student coordinator, Amela Malkic, to aid

and accounting management for the hospitality industry. Some of

foreign students with visa procurement and paperwork, and the

the local businesses that have partnered with USFSM to give the

difference was felt immediately.

students meaningful experiences include Sarasota Yacht Club and The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

USFSM’s international focus is also evident in a special event being held November 13-15 in the Selby Auditorium. The univer-

Yao-Ting Hsu — who goes by “Sharon” — says she signed up

sity, Sister Cities Association of Sarasota and the Greater Sarasota

for the program because it’s important for her to broaden her hori-

Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host a three-day interna-

zons in this expanding global, multicultural industry. The food and

tional conference titled “Sustainability Through Renewable Ener-

beverage management major believes that “an added plus is that I

gy & Aquaculture.” Presentations will be given by seven Florida

will be able to strengthen my English language skills.”

universities/colleges, three regional businesses, Mote Marine Lab-

The Taiwanese students are also working with Chef Burak

oratory, the Florida Department of Energy, the U.S. Department

Mil, an award-winning chef and visiting professor from Turkey,

of Agriculture, and the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric

to create a selection of recipes that will feature each of the spe-

Agency. There will also be presentations from representatives of

cial drought-tolerant vegetables growing in the Pine Avenue Mer-

the University of the Yucatan of Merida, Mexico; Jimei University

chant Gardens on Anna Maria Island. In addition to developing

of Xiamen, China; and the Israeli Institute of Technology.

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Fiorella Misenti traveled to South America to learn about accounting and business on her Clyde G. Nixon scholarship this past summer.

USFSM prides itself on offering students travel and study abroad scholarships, exposure to international students, colleagues and teachers, and hands-on projects in the company of USFSM faculty doing research in foreign lands. These opportunities allow students to take advantage of a rich variety of experiences and shared knowledge in our rapidly-changing world. That’s something Clyde and Joan Nixon would both appreciate.

And something else that Clyde would appreciate is letting one of USFSM’s strongest supporters — his beloved wife Joan — have the final word. After talking about Clyde’s humor, leadership, and gift for bringing out the best in others, Joan smiles and paraphrases a line from a favorite book — E.M. Forster’s Howard’s End. “In the end,” she says, as she looks at a photo on the wall of an always-smiling Clyde, “it’s all about relationships.”

Clearly USFSM has learned that lesson well.

For more information about USF Sarasota-Manatee, the Clyde G. Nixon International Business Endowment, other scholarship and giving opportunities, or the College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership, please

Above: Nine students from Taiwan are participating in a global cuisine project with the merchant gardens on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria Island through their international student certificate program with USFSM’s College of Hospitality & Technology Leadership.

visit www.usfsm.edu scenesarasota.com

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GIVING

Making Waves Keith & Linda Monda

By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Photo by Cliff Roles

“Keith is failing at retirement,” says Linda Monda. Her husband, a native of Canton, Ohio, admits he spends more time now on philanthropic interests than he did working in senior level financial positions for J. Crew, Pfizer Inc., Timberland, and most recently Coach, Inc. where he served as COO and President. “Both Linda and I have been incredibly blessed, and we feel we have an obligation to make a difference,” Keith says.

The Mondas’ biggest passion for making a difference, though, centers on hunger in general, and child hunger in specific. “1 in 5 children in the US are food insecure,” Keith says, meaning that 20% of kids aren’t sure where their next meal will come from, or if it will come at all.

And you can’t have those statistics nationally without some aspect of it reflected locally. The numbers agree — over 50% of our elementary school kids are on free or reduced-price lunch.

One way that they’ve made a difference is with the Kids SWIM (Safe Water Instruction Matters) Fund. They were concerned when they saw a newspaper article about the imminent closure of a Sarasota thrift store that had been funding free swimming lessons for area schools. With the store going under, the program would, too. “This is the state of Florida,” Keith thought. “We have water everywhere.” The first step was working with Gulf Coast Community Foundation to develop the new Kids SWIM program and set up the fund.

Because it’s critically important for fresh fruits and vegetables to be available throughout Florida, the Mondas funded a position where the single goal was to establish relationships with growers, farmers, and processors and get them to donate fresh fruit and vegetables or sell them to the local feeding systems at a marginal cost. “The first year, we were able to get 11.2 million incremental pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables that wouldn’t have been in our food system,” Keith reports.

The program offered a free week of swimming lessons and water safety instruction to more than 300 second graders from Sarasota and Venice in the first year of operation. Partnering with various YMCA branches, Girls Inc., and Boys & Girls Club, Kids SWIM paid for transportation and aquatics instruction for schools to participate in these lessons. Keith’s goal is to see the program expand to serve 1,000 students this year because the need for that level of service is there.

Locally, the Mondas have been active with All Faiths Food Bank and Gulf Coast’s Feeding Hungry Families Initiative. They recognize that a key way to help fight hunger is to educate the community about the scope of the hunger problem in America, believing that once people know the facts, they’ll choose to act. Fortunately for the kids in our community, the Mondas have taken the first plunge.

He’s quick to point out that Kids SWIM isn’t just about swimming education. It’s about overcoming fear and developing confidence. It’s about self-esteem. It’s about leveling the playing field — something he believes is crucial for young people and those in need.

To learn more about Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Kids SWIM Fund or combating hunger in our community, please visit www.gulfcoastcf.org or call 941.486.4600.

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Helping our our Veterans Veterans with into civilian life life andand go from Helping withtheir theirtransition transition into civilian go from

DEPLOYMENT TO DEPLOYMENT TOEMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT Goodwill’s American Veterans and their Families Initiative provides job training, placement and

Goodwill’s American Veterans and their Families Initiative provides job training, placement and employment services to thousands of American veterans as well as their spouses and families. employment services to thousands of American veterans as well as their spouses and families.

Please consider making a donation today.

Please consider making a donation today.

www.experiencegoodwill.org

www.experiencegoodwill.org ®

Luncheon & Fashion Show

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2013 • 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SARASOTA INC

Please Join Us

HYATT REGENCY • SARASOTA Fashions by CHICO’S Make Up & hair by CUTTING LOOSE

Haute Holidays for the

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota Inc.

LiMited seating • rsVp today caLL: (941) 487-5518 www.habitatsrq.org

Save The Date November 17, 2013 - 6PM

The Human Services and Arts Communities come together for one special night to perform a select few Broadway inspired performances you will not want to miss!

For tickets or more information: Call us at (941) 365-4545 or email

Phillip King - pking@gs-humanservices.org Doris Pomeranz - dpomeranz@gs-humanservices.org

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GIVING

A Special Place in Their Hearts Sophia LaRusso & Wendel Kent

By Steven J. Smith | Photo by Daniel Perales

Wendel Kent and Sophia LaRusso both have their own special connection to the Pines of Sarasota Foundation, which ensures the Pines of Sarasota — a high quality nursing home and assisted living facility that also houses an Alzheimer’s unit — continues to provide peerless services for seniors and their families, regardless of their economic environment or financial capacity.

Sophia’s connection to the Pines has been twofold: first, as a board member of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which made grants to the institution; second, her mother Grace spent five years there before her passing.

“I was very committed to the mission and also to the care they gave to my mom,” Sophia said. “And I’m still on their marketing committee.” Sophia added she likes the Pines because it is a non-profit organization, which has a worthy mission. “Personal dignity and care is primary,” she said. “There wasn’t a day I visited my mom that she wasn’t well cared for. She was being encouraged and loved. Because of the Pines, I could sleep at night.”

In return, Sophia has generously given back to the Pines through monetary donations, her expertise as a marketing person, and her visibility. “I’m very active in the arts and culture scene, so I pass along my contacts to them,” she said. “I network a lot. So when there is some way that the arts can be beneficial to the Pines, I will be that scenesarasota.com

contact person. Anything they ask I will give, because they gave to me — and there’s nothing they can’t ask me for.”

Wendel Kent and his late wife, Evelyn, have also made a significant impact in the future of the Pines of Sarasota Foundation — so much so, in fact, that the lobby of the Pines of Sarasota executive office building was recently dedicated to them in acknowledgment of their major support and generosity. Wendel’s donation will be used for both necessary facility improvements such as hurricane hardening and roofs, as well as for helping needy residents who have outlived their financial resources.

“For 65 years, the Pines has helped those who have paid their own way and those who have run out of money,” Wendel said. “Once someone has been accepted to live there, they’ll never send that person away. They take care of people less fortunate than I’ve been. I’m glad to have had an opportunity to give back.”

Wendel added the Pines Foundation is looking to start a new project — to develop a 7 to 8 acre parcel of land on the south side of its campus for the purpose of expanding its operation to accommodate more residents and their needs. “It’s not all figured out yet, but it will take money,” he said. “We hope even more can be raised to secure the Pines’ future. It’s a place that means a lot to so many people.”

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Crispy Dumplings by Jeremy Hammon-Charters

Cake Pops by Mattison's

{HOLIDAY}

Affairs to Remember We asked a few of our most prominent caterers to share the details of a memorable holiday soirée and managed to snare some party hosting tips along with some special holiday recipes. Enjoy!

PAUL MATTISON

One of the most memorable holiday events I’ve catered

were dressed, especially the hats. All of the women wore the

was a very special tea party fundraising event with a French

most decorative and detailed hats to match tea party theme.

twist held at the home of a prominent Sarasotan. The decor for

They were ornate, detailed and just amazing. Several of the el-

the event was a mix of tables with gold Chiavari Chairs and high

egantly dressed guests wore outfits that accentuated the theme.

tops with Champagne as a base color and brightly colored ac-

It added so much to the air of the event. There were themed

cents such as green, pink, and gold. Mattison's staff wore flash

touches everywhere including circus performers mingling

in ties to add to the atmosphere and the food displays were

about, games like the ring toss, and there was even a lovely

decorated with themed items from a children’s story.

holiday shopping area. All gift purchases benefited the charity.

Everyone was instantly awed by how beautifully the guests

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A Punch and Iced Tea Station was artfully arranged on the scenesarasota.com

Sweet & Sour Shrimp by Jeremy Hammon-Charters

beautiful terrace overlooking the water. Tea was served in the

made blini and topped with crème fraiche – absolutely deli-

main room and library and because no detail was overlooked,

cious. The caviar is locally sourced from our own local trea-

we offered specialty accents like Decorated Sugar Cubes, Swiz-

sure, Mote Marine. To accommodate the traditional tea party

zle Stix, Honey Spoons and more. Of course it was December

theme, we offered a variety of classic tea Sandwiches including

so warm cider was a beverage choice as well, along with wine,

tuna salad with capers, chicken salad, cucumber and cream

Champagne, and a variety of specialty beers.

cheese, cucumber and smoked salmon, and watercress and

Adding to the themes French twist, we crafted a beautiful

cream cheese. For the sweet and savory palate, a Scone Station

French Cheese display consisting of Brie en Croüte and Goat

was set up offering bite sized scones with clotted cream and

Cheese with Lavender Honey accompanied by our house-made

fresh whipping cream topped with strawberry preserves.

Baguette. We also prepared the classic savory pastry, Gougères

The star of the food show was the amazing Tea Party Cake,

with grated Gruyère cheese. Continuing with the French flair,

which was absolutely beautiful and completely edible. It was

we served Potato Leek Soup Shooters with Truffle Foam, which

carrot cake covered in fondant with gum paste flowers and but-

are perfect for an event of this type because they are so easy

terflies, along with a tea pot on the top made from rice crispy

to pass around, are beautiful and absolutely delicious. Chick-

treats molded into shape, covered in fondant, and trimmed

en Liver Mousse on crostini with marinated figs was also a

with edible gold leaf paint. Stunning.

bit hit along with Caramelized Shallot and Bleu Cheese Tarts.

A dessert station was set up to allow guest to sample a va-

The Beet and Goat Cheese skewers made a stunning display

riety of delicious treats such as French Macaroons (chocolate,

with their holiday colors and were a special light, refreshing

strawberry, pistachio, and vanilla), Cake Pops (chocolate and

and vegetarian treat. Mini-quiche filled with spinach and feta

vanilla), Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares, Pecan Tarts, Chocolate

cheese and Ratatouille Stuffed Mushrooms were also French-

Peppermint Torte, Cranberry Ginger Mini Cupcakes, Apple Cran-

themed/vegetarian choices and since these are served warm,

berry Tart, Big Red & White Lollypops, and Baby Gelato & Sher-

it made for a more complete experience. Respecting a classic

bet Cones. Mattison's also created a special Gingerbread House

French tradition, a delicious Country pâté was specially created

just for the event and decorated it to match the Tea Party theme.

for the event and I added my twist by adding a hint of for the

A men's fundraising room was set as well with "dude food"

event and made respecting the classic French tradition but with

like White Castle Burgers, Jumbo Gulf Shrimp Cocktail with

my touch of adding a hint of truffle oil.

wasabi cocktail sauce; Chef's carving station with Roast Turkey

The most popular menu item was the caviar on housescenesarasota.com

and Beef Tenderloin, and a mini hot dog station.

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Chef Paul’s Tip:

Recipe

Chef Paul’s Fennel-Herb Crusted Pork Loin Roast Serves 4

The

secret to hosting a great party is making

sure you are working with a professional, well established company for the party essentials like catering and entertainment.

K nowing

you

are in capable hands will allow you to actually have fun, not only in the planning of the party, but also at the party itself so you have the opportunity to mix and mingle with your guests.

Being a great host should be fun and if you are confident you are working with professionals that should allow you to do your job, which is to have a great time too! M aking the event really special can be achieved through special menus including specialty drinks or themes.

These

little touches from the host

and hostess personalize the event and allow you to add your flair and touch to the event.

• • • • • • • • •

3½ to 4 pound pork loin roast 4 Tbsp olive oil 1 finely diced fennel bulb 1 Tbsp minced shallots 1 tsp minced garlic ½ tsp finely chopped rosemary ½ tsp finely chopped thyme ½ tsp orange zest Salt and pepper to taste

Rub roast with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season to taste on all sides. Roast pork at 375ºF until meat has reached 140ºF. Heat the remaining olive oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the fennel and shallots. Sauté 3 to 4 minutes until soft.

Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.

Remove from heat, transfer to a mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients, creating a crust. Carefully remove the roast from the oven and spread the crust over the top of the roast. Return to the oven and cook until the middle is 155ºF or desired temperature. Let roast rest before slicing.

Jeremy H ammond-Charters We catered a Chinese New Year Party for John and Marjo Biddinger at their Laurel Oak home earlier this year. In the Chinese calendar, 2013 is the year of the Snake. John is a big wine collector. We served six wines with dinner – 3 whites and 3 reds. Twelve guests ate a nine-course dinner. I know the Chinese celebration well as my grandparents lived in Hong Kong when I was growing up and our family would make frequent trips to the Island. The menu included: Yeu Sheung Salad, Five Spice Roast Duck with Hoisin and Pancakes, Egg Drop Soup, Crispy Pork and Lobster Jaioza (Dumplings), Sweet and Sour Shrimp, Szechuan Noodles, Ginger Broccoli Chicken, Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and Soy, Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Ginger Sauce.

Marjo did a wonderful job of decorating the tables with reds and gold. Mandarin Oranges were also used for decoration since they are a sign of abundance and good fortune. The red follows a tradition that a red envelope with money in it is given as a gift.

At this dinner, a small gift was given by the hosts as a substitute to money. It is believed that the money in the red packet will suppress evil; keep everyone healthy and long living.

Dumplings and fish are a must in some form on the New Years dinner menu as they are a sign of prosperity and wealth.

We hand-made the dumplings with a mixture of pork ginger scallions and lobster. The whole fish we served was striped bass – a fish that is commonly found at Chinese markets.

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Café L’Europe Catering Catering by Café L’Europe’s director of catering, Mara Routh, shared some hot holiday tips. First, decide to throw a party, and then…

Chef Jeremy’s Tip: The key to catering an event like this with so many courses is making sure that you have all the equipment setup and ready

hire the caterer! Once you accomplish this, all

to go before you start. There are so many different heat medi-

you have to do is relax and let the professionals

ums. We used 2 different sized steamers, a fryer, oven and woks.

do all the work, and you get to enjoy your party.

If you’re known for your holiday cooking and prefer to do it yourself, do yourself a favor and do as much preparation in advance as you can, at least several days prior to the party. A tired host will never be the ‘”A” hostess with the most-est’!

We are lucky we live in Sarasota, home to several “Chef” owned bakeries. Save yourself some time and energy and have them do all

Recipe

Chef Jeremy’s Ginger Broccoli Chicken

Serves 2

the work. Remember, you’re not the only one throwing a party, so it’s best to order what you would like to serve well in advance. That way you never have to scramble to decide alternatives when the bakery tells you they’re out of what you want.

Remember, décor extends beyond the room in which you are hosting your party. Your food presentations should be as eye-catching

what cocktails will be a hit, remember that the

Sauce • 3 oz Oyster Sauce (No MSG) • 5 oz Water • 2 tbs Sugar Syrup • 1 tbs Rice Vinegar • ½ tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds

best thing you can do is be true to yourself and go

• 1 tsp Sesame Oil

as your decorations; something as simple as all white platters really accentuate the food.

Once you decided what type of party to host, how to decorate, what foods to serve, and

with your own personal style. You and your guests will have a fun and it will be an enjoyable party.

Phil M ancini

The holiday season has always been big in

my family, so naturally I love catering holiday parties. The energy and the spirit of the season are so uplifting. Personally, I truly cherished my own holiday party at our home. We’d have 350 people for the annual affair and it was a great opportunity for friends, clients, employees and, of course, family to come together - it was always a blast. We haven’t had the holiday party at our home for a few years now, so

Protein • 10oz Sliced Organic Chicken Breast (2" x ¼") mixed with 1 tbs egg

• Dredging Flour, 50/50 Corn Starch and Flour Vegetables • 3 oz Broccoli, 1" florets • 1 ½ oz Shitake Mushrooms, Halved • 1 ½ oz Onions, 1" dice • 2 tsp minced Ginger • 1 tsp minced Garlic • 1 tsp sliced Scallion

Mix the Sauce 5 minutes prior to using. Dredge the marinated Chicken in the flour mixture and shake off the excess using a sieve. Deep fry the Chicken at 350 for 45 seconds until cooked through and place on kitchen towel. Heat a large wok and add 2 Tbs of canola oil (Wait till smoking hot). Add the ginger garlic and sauté for 2-3 seconds then add the vegetables. Wok on high for 45 seconds and add the Chicken. Wok for a further 15 seconds. Add the sauce and simmer until the sauce is thickened and reduced by half. Serve over white or brown rice and garnish with scallions.

this upcoming season I’m excited to continue producing holiday functions in our Ballroom.

Of course, I treasure the opportunity to attend any of our children-focused events with my nieces, and our calendars are already marked for Christmas in Candy Land benefitting scenesarasota.com

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Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida on Sunday, December 8. The event was inspired by a community

Recipe

holiday celebration I attended as a child in Rhode Island. If you haven’t been to this event, think of the Michael’s On East Ballroom transformed into the likes of “Willy

Café L’Europe's Spiced Caramel Apple Martini Looking for a star of the night, that one dish or drink that will keep your guests talking until next year’s event? We recommend hand-crafted cocktails, which is a current trend the hospitality industry. One stand-out specialty cocktail offered along with a couple of good wines, Champagne, and craft beers, is a great way to go this holiday season. This recipe is one that will get the festivities started, and help keep the holiday spirit throughout your celebration!

• 1 oz Stoli Salted Karamel Vodka • 2 oz Domain Canton Ginger Liqueur • 1 ½ oz Apple Cider • Dash of fresh Lemon Juice Put in a shaker with ice. Shake, strain and pour into a Martini Glass. Garnish with a slice of Apple.

Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Chef Phil’s Tip: One my “secrets?” K eep it simple, but go big in style and flavor. We always aim for the wow factor. Imagine a child’s idea of a true “land of candy” — that’s what we strive for with this event. Imagine massive mounds of chocolate, plus all the sugarplums,

gingerbread

cook-

ies, lollipops and pastries you could only dream of. colors trees

and

huge

provide

an

Vibrant

decorated impressive

backdrop, so although many of the candies and sweet treats are simple in nature, the entire package is extraordinary.

Recipe 70

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Phil Mancini's Dark Chocolate Toasted Coconut Clusters The key to this sweet treat is to simply use the finest chocolate you can find. We feature dark chocolate typically at Michael’s On East, but white chocolate or milk chocolate would be additional options. Heat the chocolate in a double boiler over medium heat.

Melt slowly until it is completely smooth. Spread a layer of sweet coconut flakes on a cookie sheet pan. Bake coconut flakes at 350 degrees for approximately 5 minutes, until golden brown. Finally, mix in cashews or other nuts of your choosing with the toasted coconut and melted chocolate and mix gently. Using a spoon, portion a spoonful of the mixture onto a cookie sheet pan creating individual servings. Sprinkle with a coarse sea salt, allow to cool and refrigerate until served.

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scenesarasota.com

Scenes from an Interview:

Actress & Educator

Kate Alexander

by Gus Mollasis

To Kate Alexander, theater is life and life is theater. She looks for it everyday and finds it everywhere. No matter where she walks, albeit on a street in Downtown Detroit, or on a road that leads to Ithaca, her rich Grecian roots are evident in her manner and demeanor. She has a Zorba-like zest for life especially when it comes to illuminating the stage at Florida Studio Theatre, or transferring her knowledge of her craft to future generations of students who pass through its doors every year. Passionate, insightful and spiritual, Kate possesses all the tools that make her a great actress and a great advocate for the arts. In all the parts that she has played in her life, she stresses that seeking the truth is the key to being not only a great actress but a good person on life’s stage. Recently I sat down with Kate Alexander, the Associate Director of Florida Studio Theatre, and we took a look at some of the scenes from an interview of her life.

Where were you born?

Detroit, Michigan.

What was your childhood like?

It was a wonderful childhood. I had Greek grandparents. My parents are first generation, but my grandmother, the matriarch, never learned English. She was sent here to America and never left Greece in her mind and spirit. The great fortune for me was that I got to grow up in two worlds. I would go to my grandmother’s house that was adorned with Greek icons. If there was a thunderstorm, she would light all the candles and close all the windows. She would bless the windows and the thunderstorm and we would sit there in this dark room all enveloped and wait for the thunder. In doing so it gave me this primitive, deep, spiritual, physical understanding of the gods, the thunder, and what was the majesty of the universe. So I would go from this primitive exotic world to the American world. It took a while for me to mesh these two worlds, but eventually I did mesh them.

When did you first get the theater bug?

When I was a young girl, I was very shy. In the Detroit school system there were 45 kids in a class. I was in the first grade and the teacher wanted to assess how well we were reading aloud, so we all read one line in the “Dick and Jane” book. I counted all the kids to figure out what my line would be. It was “Run Spot Run!” with an exclamation. A dawning awareness came over me on how it should be read. So when my time came, I stood up and screamed, “RUN SPOT RUN!” RUN!” My teacher came over to my desk and said, “Sit down.” She took her fingers and rapped them on my temples and said, “No one reads with expression,” which she repeated a couple of times. She made me read “Run Spot Run” expressionless, with my head down. Now fast forward three years later. I don’t say a word to anyone. I have this beatnik scenesarasota.com

teacher, Miss Markowitz, who is an actress. My dad takes me down to the Fisher Theatre, kind of like our Van Wezel, to see her in a play. At the end of the play, I saw her backstage.

While my dad and she are talking, this is the more metaphysical moment, one of the stagehands started turning the lights off. All of a sudden, just the blue ghost light was left on stage.

Everyone was leaving, the doors were being closed, and I was just waiting for them to finish talking. As this man was putting the ghost light down center. I kind of wandered to that ghost light and peered at all the seats in the theater and a giant thought told me this is what I am going to do. To this day the blue light still inspires me. Every time I go backstage and the blue lights are there, this child-like feeling comes over me and it’s the most primitive inspiration.

Did you study theater in school?

I loved literature, but it wasn’t until almost my last year in college at Wayne State University in Downtown Detroit that I thought about going into theater. I was in the Speech department and I finally auditioned for the Theater department.

My teachers were encouraging me and wondered why I had not auditioned before. I had told them that I didn’t know how to get there. That I didn’t know how to do it and my audition happened by accident. They told not to worry, that I will learn. Well, I found out that I didn’t learn. There was no real technique they taught. It was luck and innate gifts that you have. So I was really searching. Just before graduation, I happened to be reading a book by Sonia Moore, from the American Centre for Stanislavski Theatre Arts. She came over with Stanislavski to America from Russia. In her book, I opened the first page and it said, “Acting is truth.” And all of sudden, for a moment, time sort of stopped.

The words just jumped off the page. They were the words I November 2013

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needed to hear. I didn’t need to hear, “You need to talk louder.”

That’s all I needed to hear – “Acting is truth.” So I called Sonia Moore and immediately flew to New York to interview with her because I knew that I wanted to study with this woman. After I graduated, I moved to New York and studied with her for a year and a half. She was harsh, she was old. We couldn’t talk for six months. As an exercise you had to open a door, and if it wasn’t conveyed from the tip of your fingers, up your arm, into your eyes and with emotion, she would sit in her lawn chair because her legs were bad, and she would say, “Go back. Terrible.” After six months we got a short speech on the Chekhov approach to drama. It stripped away all the artifice. It took you to the essence of language and emotion. She had a deep respect for understanding the vulnerability and boundaries of the actor using this technique.

And that technique became so life altering to me. She is my greatest mentor. I founded a school at Florida Studio Theatre that is based on this method, which we still use today.

How did you find your way to Sarasota?

Well that’s another happy accident. I remember being in the lower Village in New York and looking over my balcony at the city.

My boyfriend at the time was Lester Bangs, a kind of famous writer. So I’m living the life of the artist, the hippy world in New York (laughing). I remember looking out and thinking that I didn’t want the city and all the images to own me of what it means to be an artist. I had left Sonia’s. I worked as a waitress and I was auditioning. One day I auditioned for Richard Hopkins. That started an amazing partnership that has lasted our whole lives.

I worked with Richard in Washington, DC. Then we came to Sarasota for one season. I was going to be the leading actress in this little theater and I thought that’s great and wondered what’s going to happen. And who really cares? Because you’re young, if people don’t like it, it’s okay. You could do whatever you want.

But all of a sudden something magical happened in Sarasota.

One door led to another door, led to another door. It became a life that was not prescribed. That was a surprise to me. It wasn’t like I envisioned being in Sarasota and doing this. It was just that these doors kept opening.

Both you and Richard Hopkins, the Artistic Director at Florida Studio Theatre, have known and worked with each other for many years. Describe what that relationship means to you.

It’s a relationship that doesn’t have labels. I think that’s the best way to say it. It’s gone through many morphs. Both of us have always had an eye on that word truth. Both of us have had a deep respect for each other as artists from the very beginning. I think we really have a short cut and understanding with each other of what that means. We have common goals and are supportive of the vision of Florida Studio Theatre.

Tell me about the first days at Florida Studio Theatre.

I don’t think I wanted to teach when I first started. I was classically trained and many of my actor friends looked down if you were going to teach children. You couldn’t tell your actor friends that you were going to work with children. But I was going to hire my best friend, Ruthie Chaddick, the first woman clown from Ringling. I would sort of be the brains and not get my hands dirty. It turned out that she couldn’t do it the first year and I was left on day one with eight children in this kind of haunted house, which was the Florida Studio Theatre. It was an old ramshackle house. We didn’t have a penny. We couldn’t

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turn on the air conditioning or we would not have paychecks.

Air conditioning got turned on between 1 and 3pm. I’m in this dark theater with cobwebs. We had to clean the theater ourselves. I skateboarded to work because I didn’t have a car. So the first day with these eight kids ages 8-17, I was total Sonia Moore. I would say, “You have to tell the truth. If you come up on this stage, you cannot lie. You cannot be a king or a queen on this stage if you don’t tell the truth.” I remember their little eyes in this dark theater, looking up at me with the lights blinking. We did not have good lighting. I would say, “Do you hear me? If you want to come up here, you better show who you are.” I put a blank chair on the stage, just like my teacher Sonia Moore did, and I said, “A bad actor pretends. A good actor brings an emotion forward from their life. You lost your teddy bear, your girlfriend. Whatever happened and don’t tell me.” So slowly they raised their hands and one of them, a seven-year old, walked up on stage and actually lied down by the chair and grabbed its legs, curled up in an embryo position and had the most honest tears. All of a sudden I looked at the children and I could see a Degas painting or a Renoir painting and realized they loved this. They didn’t want to be stuck in a Hallmark card or on a Saturday afternoon game-show screaming, “Are you happy?” They loved showing their emotions. They were like little paintings. My passion grew teaching them when I saw what they could do. It opened my eyes of how a school could blossom. I knew that I wanted to reject everything that had been taught before. If I was going to work with children, they were going to be amazing. I think that’s the success of the program. What the children are getting is an emotional anchor into poetry, literature, and life.

You’ve worn many hats over the years from acting to directing.

What gives you the most joy?

I think acting gives me the most joy. I feel the most free when I am out there on the stage.

Finish these sentences….

An actor must always….

Be authentic.

A director is important because…

They pull all the streams together.

When giving life to the playwright’s words, what do you owe the writer?

Homage to exactly how they wrote it.

We must always treat the theater audience…

Respectfully.

What is your biggest challenge when you are acting on stage?

(Long Pause) There are so many. Bringing out every facet, leaving no stone unturned of that interior world.

What has been your biggest challenge when directing other actors?

In acting, you are in control of yourself. In directing, you’re not in control of anything. There are so many elements from the set, to the lighting, to the different actors and their processes that you have to bring together and sometimes they don’t come together.

I usually have a little headache and I know by the size of it, how the show is doing. scenesarasota.com

You’ve played a lot of larger than life roles from Golda Meir to Maria Callas. What is the special challenge when playing someone so well known?

On portraying someone famous, everyone has a preconceived notion of that person. Your job is not to do a television version with exact make-up and the sound of their voice, it is to do a theatrical interpretation that may be more true to the person than an impression. In Golda, that’s more of a one person show and it’s also called the Green Beret of acting. That’s hard because you are alone out there. You are out in the jungle, in the unknown, and you don’t know if you are going to make it back. I remember in Golda hurdles so mentally etched in my mind that I knew that I was reaching certain gates to sustain energy, output and pace.

Of all the plays that you have directed, which one or two are you most proud of?

“The Exonerated” was one of my favorites. It’s just the one I loved because it had a social message and it so pure, clean and straight forward. I think that play came together.

Of your work as an actress on stage, when you are an old lady many years from now, which role would you tell your acting students about?

“Golda’s Balcony” and “Master Class” are two very heavy demanding roles that I am very proud I had a chance to play.

You have played in Edward Albee’s, “The Goat.” What are your thoughts on that iconic playwright?

I love doing his shows. I have met him at Florida Studio Theatre. He is masterful at naming our 20th century behaviors. With “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” we were living in the days of Rock Hudson and Doris Day, and he captured the underpinnings of American culture, which to me is his genius.

How do you know when a play is or isn’t working?

You are always testing the play’s pulse. I work very closely with Richard (Hopkins). We are back and forth in terms of where the play is. We call each other in to take a look.

He comes in on every show and he asks me to come in on his shows as well. It’s just that other eye that you need, because sometimes you don’t see the forest through the trees. But in the end your gut knows if it is working or not.

We are trying to find this play together in all its facets and that can be like digging in the mud. I can tell by the size of my headache. (Laughing) Regarding telling a story for the sake of pure entertainment or shining a light on a social issue, which one gets your blood flowing?

There is no doubt that my blood gets flowing on a social issue piece. But put me on a lighter piece and I’ll bring out its depth.

I got into the theater because of its ancient qualities of making people feel good and as a cathartic experience.

Your involvement in education at FST is as diverse as your work on stage. What is the goal of your “Write a Play” program?

The program was co-developed by Richard and me. But I have to say that Richard was instrumental in recognizing that there was a narrow band of thinking with regard to playwriting. It was coming out of colleges and universities and scenesarasota.com

with one point of view of the world. We asked the question, “Why wasn’t everybody writing?” Think when “Oleanna” came out and it talked about political correctness. That was not a political play. It sought a human truth. Our charge is to open up playwriting to children and I was charged with how we were going to do that. We want to scratch the board of anything that’s been done. So we went to the schools around here to see what they were doing and nobody wanted it.

Playwriting was kind of stuck, and the people writing plays and the universities were stuck. There was nothing vital going on. So that year I developed a program to inspire kids to write plays. It was not going to happen in a slick glossy brochure. We had to go out and do it. We went out into the trenches – the schools. I had taken a course with the creator of “The Theatre of the Invisible” which took people and their issues and brought them to light. I took that form and had the kids act out their ideas. I would ask them to give me a character and the kids would say, “I’m a sad tree.” I would say, “Why is the tree sad?” And they would say, “Because they are cutting me down.” The actors had to approach it like Shakespeare. The children had to work out what was going to happen. Sometimes they worked out positive endings and sometimes negative endings. Then they started writing about things that weren’t even people, like two pieces of dust in a household afraid of the cleaning lady sucking them up. Wild stories came out of this program. You had a story of a one armed girl looking for another girl with one arm. There was one story called, “I Dreamed I Married a Chicken.” We had to get out of their way. As Alice Miller once said, “A child has come from a world we once deeply knew, but we long since have forgotten.” So finding that forgotten world and allowing them total freedom led to these brilliant and wild stories. I will never forget when we were in one of the poorest schools in Birmingham, Alabama. Bare light bulbs and it almost looked like a prison with guards. The curriculum coordinator called me up and said, “Are you going to come in here and be a do-gooder and tell us to write about drugs or guns or drinking? Because I have really good children and they need hope and they need dreams.” It was seminal that we were not going to become issue driven and we were not going to tell the children what to write. It was up to them.

We went in there and created spaces for them to dream. That year they wrote about a wounded hawk that they nursed and let go to freedom. If that’s not a metaphor for a child of poverty, I don’t know what is. The kids come from all over. Last year I was in Israel and the director of education there said, “You gave our children dreams.” And to me that’s what it’s all about.

You have pioneered an acting training method that is the foundation for the FST School that teaches over 600 children yearly. What is the major lesson you have learned in creating this program?

Authenticity and Truth. Art is about those forums where we learn who we are. Edward Albee, who has come and spoken for nine years to the winners, has said that we are teaching people what it is like being alive. We go into the classrooms and the actors are stars. Children don’t need to see movie stars, they need to see people in their midst like shamans who tell us to think, breathe, feel, live, and use your imagination.

And that’s not done on a TV program.

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When you kick back and relax, describe your perfect day in Sarasota?

(Laughing) No agenda. I get myself off the grid. No technology.

The day unfolds before me and what becomes my pleasure becomes my day.

How much theater do you see in a year?

I’d like to see more. I like to see it everywhere I can. I like to see it in a parade. I love our parades, The Memorial Day Parade.

That’s great theater.

Do you have a mantra that you live by?

(Pausing) “I seem to wish to have some importance in the play of time. If not, then sad was my mother’s pain, my breath, my bones, my web of nerves, my wondering brain, to be shaped and quickened with such anticipation only to feed the swamp of space. What is deep, as love is deep, I’ll have deeply. What is good, as love is good, I’ll have well.

Then if time and space have any purpose, I shall belong to it. If not, if all is a pretty fiction to distract the cherubim and seraphim who so continually do cry, the least I can do is to fill the curled shell of the world with human deep-sea sound, and hold it to the ear of God, until he has appetite to taste our salt sorrow on his lips. And so you see it might be better to die. Though, on the other hand, I admit it mightbe immensely foolish.” That’s from Christopher Fry’s, The Lady’s Not For Burning.

Tell me about a theater experience that you will never forget for as long as you live?

The Memorial Day Parade because it is silent. There’s a silence Downtown. There are no words. You may hear some symbols followed by the roar of the World War I veteran of which there is just one. Then you see all these people line the streets so quietly because they lost somebody. You see the Vets with sunglasses. You see the last World War II Vets walking. And then you hear people shouting, “Thank you for our country.” “My brother was with you.” “God Bless.”

Then you see the black flag of the “Missing in Action.” That to me is where we come together to bring symbols that are richer than lives, symbols and form which is theater and we become larger by its action. Everyone there can not help but be moved.

What is the secret to the success that FST has built over the years?

It’s an intention for authenticity and a desire to bring theater to as many people as possible. It’s egalitarian and a public form. It’s affordable and the talent – some of the most talented people in the country perform on our stage. It’s where the street meets the elite. Our intention is to create the best theater and make sure it’s affordable.

FST continues to grow in reputation, size and scope. Where do you hope the theater is in ten years or twenty years?

I hope it is a public theater where the poor and rich come together for classes and plays. Right now we are the third largest subscription audience in the country and we are going on 170,000 people this year. It’s a total community effort.

If not a life in theater, what would you like to have done?

There’s nothing else. Maybe a poet, I love words.

Are you a spiritual person?

Regarding spirituality, I personally, don’t try to say “I am spiritual.” I always feel funny about that because we are always in the process of becoming. I think other people recognize things in you. But I can say that my Orthodox upbringing is present and what is also present is an expanded reach and understanding based on the very special moments I have had in my life — moments that led me to know that there is something greater — a presence. “There are more things on Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than you ever dreamed of.” And that is a grace.

What is the greatest thing you learned from your parents?

I think to love.

Tell me about a time that you spent with your parents that you will always remember?

Well, I have this tradition of reading aloud and sharing the beautiful Greek poem Ithaca with my mother. We share our history, our culture and the Greek ethos – a celebration of life.

(She recites the poem from memory.)

“Pray that the road is long. That the summer mornings are many, when, with such pleasure, with such joy you will enter ports seen for the first time; stop at Phoenician markets, and purchase fine merchandise, mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony, and sensual perfumes of all kinds, as many sensual perfumes as you can; visit many Egyptian cities, to learn and learn from scholars.Always keep Ithaca in your mind. To arrive there is your ultimate goal. But do not hurry the voyage at all. It is better to let it last for many years; and to anchor at the island when you are old, rich with all you have gained on the way, not expecting Ithaca will offer you riches. Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage. Without her you would have never set out on the road. She has nothing more to give you. And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what Ithaca mean.” (Constantine P. Cavafy (1911) When the final curtain sets on your life, how do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered in the hearts of the people that I have touched. I don’t need anything more than that.

DIAMONDS ALONG THE HIGHWAY Catch Gus Mollasis every second Thursday of the month on Florida’s number one PBS station WEDU and discover Florida’s Diamonds. Proudly Presented by Scene Magazine & Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

November 14th 8:30pm – Unconditional Surrender A sailor, a nurse, a kiss & a statue that stirs the passions of Sarasota!

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WHAT’S HIS POTENTIAL? This year hundreds of children in Sarasota County will fail to receive the early childhood education, healthcare and nutrition they need because of federal budget cuts to Head Start programs like Children First.

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EDUCATION

While Ryan Van Cleave typically writes Scene's Education Matters monthly feature, he elected to make this month’s article be both about exciting education-related topics in our community and be an educational opportunity on its own. To that end, two of his freshmen Writing Studio for Media Arts classes at Ringling College of Art + Design were tasked with finding ideas and pitching the best of them to SCENE’s editor, then each class researched, wrote, and revised their respective pieces. The following is the culmination of their efforts.

Education Matters

Is Deeper Education in the Arts Worthwhile?

By Jaclyn Arseneau, Beth David, Kelly Denski, Monica Kidson, Jared Lewin, Mannah Hemingway, Jacob Mann, Malcolm Moran, Christopher Phelps, Beat Reichenbach, Tina Rojas, Henrik Vinopal, Catalina Winitzky, See Young Won & Alan Yang

Being creative is hard, and pursuing a creative career is even harder. It’s full of risks, or at least that’s the popular perception. Seldom do parents urge their children to pursue illustration, film, or music as anything more than a hobby.

Parents want doctors, lawyers, and scientists – they want to see their kids strive for careers with clear financial security. We all grew up with coloring books, but how many of us grow up to color books?

The prospect of pursuing a career in art makes many people uneasy, but a greater knowledge in the field could open many opportunities. Robyn Dombrowski, head of Creative Heads Inc., a Sarasota graphic design company, is a notable example. Dombrowski’s family and guidance counselor warned her about the “perils” of a creative career. “So, off to secretarial school I went,” Dombrowski explains. “After 10 years as an administrative assistant, I couldn't deny the creative bug any longer. Graphic design was a perfect fit for me since I had a solid business background. Back to college I went to pursue my degree in graphic design, and I've been happily working in the creative field since 2000.”

With over 60 up-and-running art galleries and other art businesses in Sarasota, it is no stretch to say that art education has a significant part to play in the city’s economy, which is something that Sarasota and Manatee County clearly understand. Nationally, only 83 percent of schools offer classes in the visual arts. In Manatee county, it’s 100 percent. Sarasota’s Public Education Board spends $13 million every year on arts education. Arts organizations spent over $180 million in Sarasota County, three times the national average, according to a report conducted by Washington, D.C.-based Americans for the Arts. Without this type of effort and support, the arts in Manatee and Sarasota Counties wouldn’t be as robust as it is today.

Education in the arts is vital to the academic studies of every student because it promotes critical thinking and problem solving in creative ways. It often plays into other parts of life, even up to a global level. "The arts and the humanities do not just reflect America,” explained Barack Obama during his presidential campaign. “They shape America. And as long as I am President, I look forward to making sure they are a priority for this country."

Steven Strenk, an Illustration professor at Ringling College of Art and Design and teacher at Booker High School’s scenesarasota.com

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Visual Performance Arts Magnet Program, has taken President Obama’s words to heart. He believes that art teaches people how to approach life through creativity. Strenk emphasizes the problem-solving aspects of creating artwork and claims that everybody benefits from this kind of exposure to the creative process. “Art education is crucial for all students,” he says, whether they intend to pursue a creative career or not.

Despite the clear importance of art education, its funding has been facing a decline for several years. School budgets are tight, and most state education requirements are geared toward standardized testing in math and science. The general public has the impression that art, while pleasant, is not essential. Jessica Nagy, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Ringling College of Art and Design, warns, “Until advocators for arts in education receive political support, financial funding will be cut in our public school systems.”

Donna Paupenhausen, a visual arts teacher and an officer of the Association of Florida Teaching Artists (an affiliate of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County), agrees that the financial situation could use some adjusting. “There is much funding and support available. But I know there is not enough. There are still children in our schools who are not exposed to drama and dance and visual arts on a regular basis.” This lack of artistic exposure is quite problematic. Young people are not being given the proper outlets and are therefore struggling both socially and academically. In addition to students, other members of the community would benefit from integration of art into their lives: there are senior citizens who are not being offered the right kind of mental and physical stimulation that a program in the arts could provide.

Creativity is the essence of our community. Without consistently supporting the arts, we risk cultural stagnation.

Our youths need art education to prepare them for the future, regardless of whether or not they intend to pursue creative careers. Art teaches students to think in creative ways, solve problems visually, and develop strong social skills.

Keeping the arts active in our community is one step in keeping the arts active on a worldwide scale.

AMIkids: A New Hope

By Zoee Lynn Crockett, Kara Lin, Alise Lim, Rebecca Lowy, Samantha McIntosh, Larsson McSwain, Joseph Mancini, Lorena Lozano Mansilla, Ryan Martin, Hae Jin Park, Stephen Parks, Aurora Rosenberger, Robin Thompson, Barbara Tran & Beth Vaughan

All across America, destitute teens struggle to lead steady, healthy lives. In communities where youth are prone to trouble, it becomes difficult for students to focus. By pushing disadvantaged teens to succeed academically and socially, AMIkids is reshaping the lives of troubled youths for the better.

In 1969, Judge Frank A. Orlando wrote an article for The Miami Herald to make a statement. The lack of effort to reform the delinquent teenagers passing through his courtroom frustrated him. He refused to lock kids away and sought to get them the help they deserved. Bob Rosof, a friend of Orlando’s, read the article and offered to fund an experiment that would find an alternative instead of incarcerating juvenile offenders. The youth needed to be led toward new opportunities and brighter futures through an alternative educational method. This teaching needed to be infused with care and structure that they would never get in a home environment. The hopeful plan quickly evolved into a life-changing program called AMIkids.

The first AMIkids officially opened in Fort Lauderdale with the support of Florida Senator Louis de la Parte. Since then, the program has expanded to over 40 locations throughout the United States. AMIkids say over 78% of students enrolled within the last few years have successfully graduated and became responsible citizens. To date, AMIkids has transformed the lives of over 110,000 students nationwide. The organization works from evidence-based studies that have proven to increase the success rate of troubled youths in local communities. As a result of its programs

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and steadfast work provided by the dedicated staff, enrollees are given the skills to increase their average scores by nearly two grades. Sherri Ulleg, the Director of Communications at AMIkids Pasco stated, “What makes the AMIkids program successful is a combination of education, behavioral and treatment services [the AMIkids Personal Growth Model] delivered by qualified, caring staff in an environment where kids can prosper through individual attention.” The AMIkids Personal Growth Model has proven to be an effective way of treatment. A study from 2010 shows that the average length of the program in Florida is 180 days. Of the 2,007 students admitted statewide, 1,524 students completed the program successfully. According to statistics, three out of four graduates stick strongly to the values they have learned throughout the course of the program.

Brenton Percell, an AMIkids Baton Rouge graduate, says, "The foundation, the care, the nurturing, the time they took to look after me after I was done with the program all gave me the chance to show all the different avenues in life. None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t gone to AMIKids." Percell represents the desired outcome that the organization wishes for all their attendees. After completing an intensive eight months in the program, he finished high school with a new outlook on life. He went on to attend graduate college and currently has a flourishing career as a process engineer.

One of the other success stories from AMIkids is Michael Long, a student at New College, who attributes his own bright future to the program. "I was there [at AMIkids] for committing crimes and hurting other people,” he admits. “They helped create a mirror of sorts that let me see into myself and identify the things I needed to change.” After finishing the four-month course, Long went on to graduating as President of the student body, head of the sailing team, and all with honors from high school.

Over the years, the program’s aim to help kids with nowhere else to go has remained unchanged. They work diligently with volunteers and sponsors to expand the program and continue helping communities across the nation. As Judge WM. E. Gladstone said: “In my court and in courts around the country, all have felt just blessed when AMIkids programs come to their communities.”

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SOCIAL

Behind the Scene

Society Maven Debbi Benedict Gives the Latest Scoop Something that is rarely discussed regarding the swanky black tie galas we all attend is

scenesarasota.com

frequent occurrence in Sarasota. Ah, yes, the perils of the party.

something I like to call “The Perils of the Party.” We

Eating big, big, juicy Michael’s On East

mention the glam gowns, soaring centerpieces,

lobsters on the beach – what could be better?

and the funds raised, but rarely about those

Well, let’s see, you could also view some of the

naughty, naughty guests. Oh my, Poodle, there

last historic buildings on the Sarasota County

most certainly is a little unwanted hanky-panky

beachfront which have been turned into artist

going on under those long, flowing table linens.

studios, listen to spectacularly innovative music

Many of these events thrive on companies buying

from the music group, Rabbit Rabbit, composed

tables and bringing guests. Oftentimes, several

of husband and wife duo, Matthias Bossi and

key members of the company attend without

Carla Kihlstedt, or sip a Lobster Smash signature

their spouses so they can give their full attention

cocktail at the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s Artful

to their guests. What they don’t anticipate is the

Lobster chaired by Kelly Gettel and Anne

guest wanting a little more! One financial advisor

Weintraub. Always one of the best casual

told me about a certain gala he invited clients to

outdoor events of the season, this year’s soiree

where during the dessert, the wife casually put

is not to be missed. Scott Anderson is once

her hand on his leg and allowed it to gradually

again the auctioneer with items ranging from

creep, creep, creep a little further up with each,

vacation stays in Key West, Siesta Key, and the

ahem, bite. And the husband was sitting right

Sarasota Ritz Carlton to 26 weeks of Friday night

next to her! What could he do? Nothing, except

lobster pot dinner for two from Michael’s On

to keep talking to her husband about his golf

East. The paddle raise this year will benefit The

game, while the angelic wife sweetly smiled with

Palm House refurbishment, the Hermitage’s new

a devilish gleam in her eye. I am told this is a

building annex just south of its current location.

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Sponsors include Florida Shores Bank, Gulf

MORTGAGE RATES ARE LOW. WHAT ABOUT YOUR PAYMENT?

Coast Community Foundation, Alexandra Jupin and John Bean, Steve and Dale Adler, Larry and Carol Bold, and many others.

What

darling

décor

will

design

chair, Anne Folsom Smith, come up with this year at Sarasota Orchestra’s Season

Scott Kolbe

Opener Brunch — Diamond and Sapphire

NMLS ID: 450543

Jewel’bilee Celebration, celebrating the

Penny Hill

orchestra’s 65th anniversary? Last year’s

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highly embellished lampshade centerpieces were huge hits, each taking on a personality

Melissa Rickey

of its own. With this year’s theme, I am sure

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it will be something quite sparkly! Chairs for this always sold out event are Helen Glaser

Contact the Penny Hill Group at

and Terrie Linford. Michael’s On East goes

pennyhillgroup@everbank.com or call 941.228.6100

all out making various delectable brunch stations all over the ballroom, atrium, and restaurant for this glittering affair. The best thing is the fab entertainment by orchestra principal bass, John Miller, and his jazz ensemble. This year he will be accompanied

13ERM0350. NMLS ID: 399805 © 2013 EverBank. All rights reserved.

by two amazing vocalists – Ally Couch and Maria Wirries. It’s such a Sarasota way to spend a delightful afternoon! Title sponsor is Bea Friedman with Diamond supporters, Robert Baird & Co., BMO Private Bank, and

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Direct Mail Hospitality

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The sultry sounds of the Spanish guitar of Historic Spanish Point’s Havana Nights

Fundraising Real Estate

Self-publishing Authors

and White Lights. You may be enticed into breaking out into a salsa or a merengue, or maybe joining a conga line around the White Cottage from the music of Big Night

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Graphic Design

Out! Who knows what could happen!

Chairs Joanne Bloom and Judy Rossmoore

Tourism Business to Business

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Member Recruitment and Retention

Michael’s On East (Hmm…I don’t think I

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AFP – Association of Fundraising Professionals PODi – Print on Demand Initiative

beans. Well, I don’t know how exotic rice and beans are, but you know what I mean, Poodle. Be sure to don your Caribbean whites to be totally in the mood while you are at the rum bar or the cigar rolling

Mail-it DIRECT MAIL SERVICES

SerbinPrinting.com The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce PAF – Printing Association of Florida

Veale have planned a Cuban pig roast by have ever been to one of those) with lots

Higher Education

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Manufacturing

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XEROX – Premier Partner

demo. Live auction items include a villa on Lake Como and a house in the Hamptons.

Sponsors include Mary Evelyn Guyton and Picazio/McHargue Group – Merrill Lynch. scenesarasota.com

A few changes are being made at one of Planned Parenthood’s signature events. High Tea is now High Tide at High Noon at the Sarasota Yacht Club and the whole sailing motif is in all its glory! I think commodore caps and blue blazers will be de rigueur for the afternoon. Cornelia Matson is the event

Michelle Crabtree

chair with co-chairs Judi Gallagher, Anita

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Holec, Pauline Joerger, Allison Scanlan, and

Society – 6 Years

Emily Walsh. I know, I know, it takes a village for these things. Happily, they have done

2010 Director, Sarasota

away with the big, long cafeteria-like tables

Association of Realtors (SAR) – 3 year term

and now will have a more relaxed, resort feel with different food stations for noshing. I am

2009 Women’s Council of

told there will be mini beach bags holding

Realtors (WCR) Sarasota

luscious desserts – yum! Marsha Panuce will once again be producing the lively fashion show featuring Main Street Traders, Dream Weaver, Martin Freeman, and Little Bo-Tique.

Barbara Zdravecky, president and CEO, will

“Business Woman of the Year”

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be honored for her 20 years of dedicated service to the organization. Sponsors include H. Gladstone and Betty Pritchard McKeon Foundation,

Community

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2008 WCR Sarasota Chapter President 2007 SAR “Meritorious Service Award” 2005 WCR Sarasota “Realtor of the Year”

Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and SCENE Magazine.

American Jewish Committee’s (AJC)



Civic Achievement Award Dinner will honor longtime Gulf Coast Community Foundation President and CEO, Teri Hansen, for her efforts to uplift the shared life of our community for the greater good. A highlight of the evening is Regional Director, Brian Lipton’s update on the global advocacy of AJC. I always learn so much! The evening’s



chairs are Chuck and Margie Barancik, David and Edie Chaifetz, and Ben and Stacy Hanan. SCENE is the magazine sponsor.

Expect the glamour and flashing lights of a Broadway red carpet entrance at the Glasser Schoenbaum Human Service Center’s The Art

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of Caring for Children gala. Alex Miller is the chair and Ron Giarrusso is co-chair, so you know that the décor is going to be glitter-tastic!

Glasser Schoenbaum Executive Director, Phil King, is known for his collaborations and he excels for this evening, with performances from the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, Circus Sarasota, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and The Players. All scenesarasota.com

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of this magic is going to happen at the Ritz Carlton. Lead sponsor is Betty Schoenbaum, followed by the Herald Tribune, Alice Berkowitz, and Tandem Construction.

University of South Florida Sarasota Manatee’s Brunch is probably the largest attended event in the area, with the guest list topping 1,000 attendees, eager to see and be scene while listening to the beat of steel drums. Area restaurants – including Mattison’s, Michael’s On East, Soma Diner, Marina Jack, Broken Egg, First Watch, and Fleming’s – circle the massive tent, enticing you to try their tasty treats. Co-chairs for the 20th anniversary are Charles Baumann and Amy Drake. Fun fact – Charles was the first chair of the event back in 1994. Sponsors include Bright House Network, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Pittsburgh Associates (Bradenton Pirates), Gulf Coast Eagle Distributing, Friends of Lifelong Learning Academy, and SCENE Magazine.

If you want to see everyone in town, don’t miss AFP’s (Association of Fundraising Professionals) National Philanthropy Day at Michael’s On East. Walking in you will see almost everybody who is anybody in town as they honor area philanthropists and volunteers. Space won’t allow me to list all 18 nominees, but a few you might know are Jack

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Urfer, Charlie Huisking, Dennis and Graci

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McGillicuddy, Larry and Nola Hietbrink, Al and Jean Weidner Goldstein, and on and on. It really is a terrific, heartwarming day.

Sponsors include The Patterson Foundation, Bob Carter Companies, and Community by others including Betty Schoenbaum, The Plymouth Harbor Foundation, and State College of Florida Foundation.

It certainly doesn’t hurt to have a handsome former Army Ranger as the guest speaker for a charity luncheon! Sgt. Keni Thomas, a spokesperson for the Wounded

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Warrior program, will discuss his book, Get it On! What it Means to Lead the Way at the Legacy of Valor Celebration Luncheon sponsored by the Junior Leagues of Sarasota and Manatee County for the Patterson Foundation’s Legacy of Valor campaign.

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The patriotic day will start at Dolphin Aviation with Sarasota Military Academy’s drumline and color guard. Michael’s On East will cater and guests will be offered the opportunity to fill boxes for the military. What a terrific way to celebrate the upcoming Veteran’s Day! Last year for South Florida Museum’s Snooty Gala they highlighted the museum’s history and this year the theme of Bright Night, Brilliant Future speaks to what lies ahead for Bradenton’s cultural jewel. Chair Susan Wilcox and vice-chair Barbara Jennings have planned a magnificent evening for the premier social event in Manatee County. It is a very hands-on committee who actually arranges the centerpieces, helps with the décor – bright jewel tones – and works on the auction. I am told there will be special lighting in the courtyard by Extravaganza! Events.

The Manatee High School orchestra will welcome guests and Michael’s On East will provide the catering. Double Vision will get everyone on the dance floor with their pulsating music.

A special auction item will be a four night trip to Napa Valley with winery trips arranged by Michael Klauber. The presenting sponsor is Wells Fargo, followed by Medallion Homes, and then Bank of America, CS&L, Mauldin Jenkins, and the law office of David Wilcox.

There are several lobster bakes in town nowadays, but the granddaddy of them all is New College Foundation’s Clambake, now in its 35th year and chaired this year by Gloria Moss and daughter, Marian. It is also the most laid back event with most people in jeans for the casual weeknight outing on the College Hall bay front. Long lunch tables with plastic tablecloths set the mood of a real New England clambake. New this year is the contemporary folk music provided by Passerine, New College professor David Brain’s group. Underwriters include Cumberland Advisors, Northern Trust, Sabal Trust, Keith and Linda Monda, and Felice Schulaner and Dennis Rees.

ARC’s (Animal Rescue Coalition) Dog’s Night Out – Paws on Palm – will be cute, cute, cute! They are moving the event from Saks to Palm Avenue this year, allowing for much more space and negating the challenge of animals not being fancy store-trained, if you know what I mean. Though I must say, Saks was always very lovely about that situation. Believe me, I know from experience when my little Westie, Bailey, got a tad too excited one year! The invitation was just darling, as it was written from a dog’s point of view, encouraging dogs to BYOH (bring your own human) and as far as attire goes, just a collar will do. I hope that certain people don’t misunderstand that directive! I mean for goodness sake, this isn’t Fantasy Fest in Key West!

The red carpet starts the evening at The Francis and goes all the way down to Church of the Redeemer. There will be an opportunity for you and your pet to get a glam portrait done and to visit the Bow Wow Bar for Yappy Hour! Shelley Sarbey and Karin Gustafson are co-chairing.

One of the most visible events in Sarasota is Season of Sculpture, which takes place along our glorious bay front downtown. It has brought us works of noteworthy and highly controversial art including the ever popular Unconditional Surrender. Be one of the first to see what, ahem, interesting works of art they are bringing us this year at the Opening Reception at the site, with light bites and champagne provided by The Francis. Dottie Baer Garner and Flora Major are the co-chairs. Almost all the selected artists will be at the opening. Did you know that that LOTUS by internationally acclaimed artist Jae-Hyo Lee, just arrived in Sarasota from its recent five month exhibit in New York City’s Union Square Park and that artist Robert Chambers will be constructing his sculpture right on the bay front site? That will be fun to watch. I hope drivers don’t get too distracted! Sponsors include Warren and Margot Coville, Tom and Ann Charters, Carol Camiener, Charlie Huisking, and Ringling College of Art and Design.

The next time you are at a charity dinner and casually passing tables, take a quick peek and see if you notice any perils of the party. But if you spy a peril, honor the black-tie code of silence – what goes on under the table, stays under the table!

Until next time….TaTa! Debbi Benedict is SCENE’s society maven and Special Issues Director. Contact Debbi at 941483-4460 or debbibenedict@verizon.net. scenesarasota.com

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By Joy Weston

T H E P E O P L E & PA S S I O N B E H I N D C O M M U N I T Y P H I L A N T H R O P Y

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist The Alchemist, written by Brazilian born international best-selling author Paulo Coelho, is one of my most favorite books. This allegorical novel follows a young shepherd named Santiago in his journey to Egypt after having a recurring dream of finding treasure. Along the way he meets an old wise king that introduces him to the idea of a Personal Legend — something you have always wanted to accomplish. “When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it,” is the core theme that is woven throughout this simple but profound story. The idea that alchemy in its purest sense is something we all have the ability to perform, is a belief I practice on a daily bases. Now even though I know that it takes quite a bit of poetic license to refer to Sarasota’s giving community as the receiver of a dream, I have seen it in too many examples to be denied. Let's start with the dreams realized by Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota.

HHS has made great strides and is doing some very impressive things for our community these days. To begin with they are breaking ground on the 200th house they’ve built with the agency servicing all the mortgages (which not all Habitats do). This home will be for a female Iraq/Afghanistan war veteran and her teenage daughter. As part of a larger effort, HHS has partnered with the Legacy of Valor campaign, which is underwritten by the Patterson Foundation in Sarasota. They are part of a campaign to rally the community to honor veterans, inspire patriotism and embrace freedom. HHS launched its Veteran Build campaign in collaboration with several Habitat affiliates in the region with the Habitat Veterans Repair Project that focuses on outside renovations to benefit veterans throughout the area during 2013 and has enough funds to build two homes for deserving veterans. Pretty great don’t you think? But there is more.

On November 15th, Haute for The Holidays will set the stage for something that is near and dear to Executive Director Renee Snyder’s heart – getting women more involved with Habitat. “A myth exists that there are few opportunities available for women to volunteer at Habitat and we want everyone to know that is inaccurate and women are not only welcomed but needed. The Women Who Build Project allows a group of women to build a house from the ground up and attracts the power of women to our mission.”

Michelle Crabtree, a third generation Sarasotian and local Realtor with Michael Saunders, told me she is very excited to chair this event for Habitat Sarasota. “Since I have been involved with various Habitat projects, I know first-hand how important this work is to the community. There is great pride and confidence in being a home-owner and Habitat fulfills that need for so many that could never have a home.

Seeing the Realtor’s organizations SAR and WCR donate a portion of their fundraisers to Habitat, and recently being a part of a group of non-skilled workers helping with renovation which I loved, really hooked me! Now SAR is working on literally raising a wall and building a house, which is an amazing experience and the homeowners are so appreciative. My mission is to inspire other Realtors to become Women Who Build — anyone interested?”

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Things come and go and rarely do we stop to reflect on the difference they’ve made.

So with that in mind I reached out to my friend Betty Schoenbaum for her thoughts on our friend Phil King’s retirement as Executive Director from the wonderfully innovative organization that carries her name: The Glasser-Shoenbaum Human Service Center.

“The Glasser-Schoenbaum Human Services Center was established in 1990. The facility services 120,000 visits per year, serving people from birth to 100 years old.

The Center has serviced people who have had no place to go to get help, and the services of lawyers, counselors, and social workers are free to people who cannot afford to pay. We call the Center the Mall of Human Services. There was a need by the County Health Department for more space and services, and we are building a Children's Medical Clinic, which was a vision of Phillip King, Executive Director of the Center. Phil has brought to the attention of the general public the wonderful services that we offer at this entirely nonprofit facility. We charge a very minimal rent, which helps the organizations to spend more on providing services to the needy. Under Phil's excellent leadership, the Center has gained recognition all over the community, and we are grateful for his leadership.”

“No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it.” Is another favorite quote from The Alchemist that speaks of the ordinary things we do that we don’t even realize may impact another’s life that “only the wise can see.” Recently I was told a story by Amy Grewal, a lovely mom developing her philanthropic spirit, who was inspired to get involved by a simple gesture done by a friend. I thought it might inspire others as well.

“I personally got involved with the Child Protection Center — established to keep children safe from abuse and free to thrive with all kinds of supportive services — when a good friend of mine, Kate Kirby, did something that most of us wouldn’t think

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of doing. She was out for a walk and had been thinking, ‘My focus now is on children (since she has 2 small children now) and even though I love my job and family and they provide me so much, I really want to do something to give back to the community. CPC is right here in my backyard and making a difference for so many children that many forget. It’s such a well-run organization that uses their money wisely. I think I will go in and ask if they need any help and maybe my friends will want to as well!”

Now, it’s been three years and this team of mothers have gotten emotionally vested and decided to make one of CPC's events, the Awareness Open House, a free event to welcome everyone to learn more about the amazing work being done for children at CPC. For this event, “The Taste of SoMa” was born and now so many of the downtown restaurants and businesses have sponsored and given with such open hearts. The event has taken a life of its own and we are so pleased that it will reach and educate so many more people about the wonderful and challenging things that Child Protection Center does every day in our own backyard. “

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By definition an alchemist is a practitioner who has the ability to turn base metals into gold or to create an elixir which would turn mere mortals into ageless wonders. But Sarasota’s incredibly giving community has birthed yet another form of alchemy, one that is needed more than gold or youth — the ability to turn challenges and problems

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into life-changing opportunities for healthier and more prosperous lives. That’s the kind of alchemist so many of us want to be, and as my fellow writer Pablo once said, “It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

Joy Weston is an International Best-Selling Author, Inspiring Speaker, Communications Coach, and a devotee of making a difference. Contact Joy@JoyWeston.com.

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259 South Links Avenue Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.solutionssarasota.com Michael B. Edwards, Broker Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certified by National Association of Realtors November 2013

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LITERARY S

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

The Final Gift: Creating a Record of Vital End-of-Life Information by Joel Larus (Bardolf & Company, paperback, 124 pages, $18.95)

This book came about when, as Joel Larus tells it, “three recently-minted widows have talked to me in tears about the death of their husbands and the crisis that followed.” One of these stories — about his college friend, George — is shared in the introduction to the book. In all three cases, not having all of the necessary information accessible created a crisis. In a time where a family has lost a loved one, who needs another crisis on top of that?

The Final Gift serves as a reminder of all the decisions that one should make and make known to family members. Who should be notified of your death? What are your funeral wishes? Where is all of your financial information? What health care directives do you have? What is your last will and testament?

The Final Gift includes fill-in-the-blank sections for all of these — and many more — questions. Larus recommends that the filled-out The Final Gift book and all related documents, decrees, and miscellaneous papers should be kept in an organizer folder then be stored in a secure, fire-proof, accessible location. Don’t forget to share the location with a trusted friend or family member so it can be easily retrieved when needed.

Larus, professor emeritus of New York University, has lived in Sarasota since 1995, when he founded and served as the first executive director of Pierian Spring Academy, a continuing education program for seniors. The Final Gift comes right out of two of his passions — education and end-of-life planning.

Sure, it’s uncomfortable and unpleasant to think so much about death, Larus realizes. But a book like this can help you organize that information and ultimately save your loved ones from a lot of stress and emotional pain. It can eliminate uncertainty and confusion in the post-death period. What better gift can you give than that?

The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity by Scott D. Haltzman M.D. (Johns Hopkins University Press, paperback, 312 pages, $19.95)

It’s a truth that’s hard to hear, but 40% of marriages are affected by affairs every single year, explains Dr. Scott D. Haltzman, the country’s foremost expert on infidelity and marriage. Dr. Haltzman, a staff psychiatrist at The David Lawrence Center in Naples, Florida, has shared his insights on relationship issues with 20/20, Nightline, The New York Times, and Time. He’s also written the bestselling books The Secrets of Happily Married Men and The Secrets of Happily Married Women. This book, though, focuses primarily on that subject no one is eager to speak about: infidelity.

One of the most common misconceptions about infidelity? That it only happens in unhappy marriages or couples. “This is based on the fallacy that the average affair is based on somebody seeking another relationship, when, in fact, most affairs tend to happen almost by accident,” says Dr. Haltzman, “when people establish close relationships with other attractive people that slide into affairs.”

Here are just a few tips on how to reduce the changes of your relationship being impacted by an affair:

• Never do anything that you’d keep secret from your partner.

• Minimize drug or alcohol use.

• Keep your private life private.

• If you’re feeling dissatisfied, work with your partner to get back on track versus seek happiness elsewhere.

This readable book has lots of clear advice that anyone can easily implement into their own relationships. What else would you expect from a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association?

For more information on Dr. Haltzman or The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity, please visit, www.drscott.com

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Classics Revisited

Let’s B Safe: A Safer World, One Child at a Time

by Brenda Zofrea (Booksurge, paperback, 28 pages, $10.99)

For nearly two decades, Brenda Zofrea had a successful corporate career. But then “I decided to change careers and tackle the issue of children’s personal safety after teaching the rules to my own son and then seeing that they worked in helping to keep him safe,” she explains. She thought this important message should be shared far and wide. And that’s where Zofrea’s picture book Let’s B Safe comes into play — it’s a safety lesson for children and a bedtime story all rolled into one. Along with Be Safe Bees stuffed animals and finger puppets, Zofrea gives away many of these books through community partnerships, teacher in-service sessions, and corporate “lunch & learn” seminars to help others learn how to help protect our most valuable resource: children.

Too many parents think their kids are immune to these kind of issues. “We live in a good neighborhood...” they say, or “I only leave my children with family members.” But this is a dangerous and misguided misconception, says Zofrea. Indeed, the National Council on Child Abuse & Family Violence reports that the majority of all sexual molestation is committed by someone that the child knows, such as a family member, baby sitter, neighbor, or authority figure.

To help parents and grandparents keep kids safe, Zofrea encourages them to do two things. (a) Teach kids as young as age three that they should NEVER keep secrets with adults. (2) Teach kids to tell adults immediately when there’s any type of problem.

If you want an easy way to start important conversations about safety with the kids in your life, consider using Let’s B Safe to help get you going. The story is lively enough to merit re-reading, as needed.

For more information on Brenda Zofrea or Let’s B Safe, please visit www.letsbsafe.com scenesarasota.com

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4TH ANNUAL TURKEY TROT A Thanksgiving morning run over the Ringling Bridge and post race party at The Hyatt Regency. Benefits ALSO Youth. November 28 – 8:00 am | 941.953.1234 VENICE HOLIDAY PARADE Pre-Parade entertainment at 5:00 pm. Parade begins at Park Blvd. at 7:00 pm. November 30 | veniceholidayparade.com SIESTA KEY’S ANNUAL LIGHTING & HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Appearance by Santa, face painting, entertainment by Clifford the Big Red Dog and Sunshine the Clown. November 30 - 6:00 pm | siestakeyvillage.org

35TH ANNUAL ST. ARMANDS HOLIDAY NIGHT OF LIGHTS The Circle “lights up” with thousands of white lights and lighted silhouette decorations. Santa also makes an appearance! December 6 - 6:00 pm | starmandscircleassoc.com 40TH ANNUAL SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE The Singing Christmas Tree features a multi-story tree, adorned with choir members. First Sarasota Downtown Baptist Church.

December 6 – 15 | Tickets: $15 | 888.684.5272 | firstsarasota.org VENICE CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS “Christmas boat” parade along the Intercoastal Waterway in Venice from the North Jetty south to the Circus Bridge. December 7 – 6:00 pm | venicechristmasboatparade.com

SANTA JAWS AT MOTE MARINE Take pictures with Gilly the Shark, dressed as Santa Jaws. November 30 – December 21, 12:00 pm | Free with paid Aquarium admission | mote.org/santajaws

18TH ANNUAL SARASOTA HOLIDAY PARADE Starts at the Hollywood 20 and continues to Gulfstream Avenue.

December 7 – 7:00 pm.

3RD ANNUAL JINGLE PAWS JUBILEE Animal adoptions, photos with Santa, costume contest and more. Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd. December 1 - 12:00 pm | Admission: Unopened can or dry food, toys or treats for cats and dogs. | jinglepawsjubilee.com

“A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” CELEBRATION Santa Claus flies into G.T. Bray Park by helicopter. Featuring 10 tons of snow, face painting, bounce houses, an 18’ inflatable slide, trampoline power jump, and hayrides. December 7 – 4:00 pm | mymanatee.org

A TASTE OF CHANUKAH Featuring the world famous Wallenda Family, a giant 3-ton snow slide, live music, stilt walker, face painting, trampoline, skate board show, jousting and an international llama show.

Sarasota Fairgrounds. December 1 - 12:00 pm | Free admission and parking

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE RANCH Watch the lighting of the tree, work on crafts in Santa’s workshop, ice skate on an acrylic ice rink, and welcome Santa’s arrival. Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. December 13 – 6:00 pm | Free Admission | lakewoodranch.com

HOLIDAY SPLENDOR AT THE RINGLING Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots. December 5 - 5:00 pm | Free admission with one unwrapped toy per guest | ringling.org

17TH ANNUAL JINGLE BELL RUN Fun run & walk and optional holiday themed costumes. Food, drinks and live band. Bradenton on 12th St. West. Benefits the Arthritis Foundation. December 13 – 7:00 pm | Tickets: $15 $40 | 941.708.3901 | arthritis.org

NORTH PORT’S HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING School performances, cookies, hot chocolate and more. Unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item donation encouraged.

North Port City Hall. December 5 – 6:00 pm | 941.429.7275 | cityofnorthport.com

5TH ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE FESTIVAL Over 150 Gingerbread Houses created by school kids, youth groups, local businesses and organizations. Benefits the CYD. Westfield Sarasota Square Mall. December 13 – 15 | Admission: $1 | 941.922.5126 | cydonline.org

VENICE’S DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS WALK Live entertainment, food and drinks, holiday décor & Santa. December 6 - 5:00 pm | venicegov.com

SNOW FEST SARASOTA Tubing, giant snow slides, bounce houses, caroling, ice skating, Christmas trees and “Santa’s Extravaganza.” Sarasota County

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Fairgrounds. December 14 -23 | snowfestsarasota.com 37TH ANNUAL SANDY CLAWS BEACH RUN A one mile fun run starts at 8:00 am and a 5K run starts at 8:20 am. Pre-register at parksonline.scgov.net by Nov. 28. Siesta Key Beach Pavilion. December 14 | Entry Fee: $18 - $30 | 941.861.5000.

14TH ANNUAL DITCHFIELD FAMILY SINGERS CHRISTMAS SHOW

SHOP SAVE

A favorite Christmas tradition at the Sarasota Opera House. December 14 - 2:30 pm & 7:00 pm | Tickets: $20 - $40 | 941.923.2013 | ditchfieldfamilysingers.com 27TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS ON SARASOTA BAY Boaters string lights and decorate their power and sailboats with holiday themes amazing spectators young and old. December 14 – 6:00 pm | sarasotachristmasboatparade.com NORTH PORT’S POINSETTIA PARADE & FESTIVAL The parade will travel south on North Port Blvd. from Appomattox Dr. to Greenwood Ave., followed by the festival at Dallas White Park. December 14 – 6:00 pm | 941.429.7275 | cityofnorthport.com 16TH ANNUAL BRADENTON YACHT CLUB’S HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE around 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. December 14 | bradentonyachtclub.com

OLUNTEER DONATE • V

5TH ANNUAL DOWNTOWN SARASOTA HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFT SHOW

furniture • clothing • home décor

Featuring artists and craftsmen at Five Points Park at Main & Pineapple Street. Decem-

bedding • artwork

Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on the Manatee River, passing the downtown Bradenton area

ber 14 – 15, 10 a.m.

26TH ANNUAL HOLMES BEACH WINTERFEST Across from Holmes City Hall, at Holmes Beach. Featuring art, live music, face painting and more. December 14 – 15, 10:00 am | Free admission and parking.

ANNUAL ATOMIC HOLIDAY BAZAAR Crafts and holiday gifts from independent crafters. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. December 14 - 10:00 a.m. & December 15 - 10:30 a.m. | Adults $5, 12 and under are free | atomicholidaybazaar.com

appliances • doors • windows lighting • cabinets

Funds from the ReStore support affordable housing for families!

For store donation pick up:

(941) 363-0777

SELBY LIGHTS IN BLOOM – A TROPICAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Stroll through magical gardens decked with brilliant light displays, including the new Children’s Rainforest Garden. Live holiday music, Santa, and games for the entire family.

December 20 – 23 & 26 – 30, 6:00 pm | 941.366.5731 | selby.org PINEAPPLE DROP NEW YEAR’S EVE STREET PARTY Family friendly carnival during the day with rides for adults and kids. Live entertainment and street vendors into the night with the Pineapple drop at midnight to ring in 2014.

Downtown Sarasota. December 31 | Free admission.

DOWNTOWN BRADENTON’S NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION Live music, street vendors and more. Street closes at 2 p.m. Old Main Street, Bradenton.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore 2095 17th Street 4408 Bee Ridge Road www.habitatsrq.org Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9am - 5pm Closed Sunday

December 31 - 2:30 pm. | Free admission. scenesarasota.com

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LOCALLY

NEWS SHAPING

OUR COMMUNITY $1.8MM GIFT ENABLES JFCS TO EXPAND COMMUNITY REACH

tools, training and tutoring in safe, supportive environments during

Jewish Family & Children’s Service will soon be expanding its

the Education Foundation’s Texcellence Program will launch

reach into the community thanks to the generosity of The Louis

its newest Digital Learning Lab in partnership with Alta Vista

& Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust. The Flanzer Philanthropic

Elementary School. The lab will be used by more than 115 students

Trust gifted JFCS $1,814,740 to purchase a building at 1753

who attend Alta Vista’s A+ Adventure Club after-school program.

Ringling Boulevard and renovate the 7,643 square foot interior.

texcellence.org | comcast.com/community | edfoundation.net

the 2013-2014 school year. With the Comcast Foundation funds,

JFCS will offer counseling, education, social services, as well as community outreach programs at this new facility which will be named the Gloria & Louis Flanzer Campus of JFCS. “Over the years we have established a relationship with JFCS and have found this organization to have capable leadership and sound finances. Since the Ringling Boulevard building will be owned by JFCS outright, I am confident that the new building will provide valuable services to Sarasota on a non-denominational basis for many generations to come and I am proud that the building will bear our name,” said Mrs. Flanzer. www.jfcs-cares.org

SARASOTA AUDUBON ANNOUNCES VISITOR & NATURE CENTER CAMPAIGN AT THE CELERY FIELDS WITH $50,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE The Sarasota Audubon Society is kicking off the public launch of the “Gift of Nature Campaign for a Visitor & Nature Center at the Celery

USF SARASOTA-MANATEE RECEIVES GIFT FROM JB MCKIBBON FOUNDATION USF Sarasota-Manatee announced the receipt of a transformational gift from Tampa businessman John McKibbon III’s JB McKibbon Foundation. As part of the USF System’s ongoing USF: Unstoppable Campaign, this donation enables USF Sarasota-Manatee’s College of Hospitality and Technology Leadership (CHTL) to establish the M3 Center for Hospitality Technology and Innovation at USF Sarasota-Manatee, and to elevate the current McKibbon Hotel Management Endowed Professorship to The McKibbon Hotel Management Endowed Chair. 941.359.4726 | usfsm.edu

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HELPS FUND FESTIVAL Gulf Coast Community Foundation is supporting Venice Theatre’s

Fields” with a $50,000 Matching Challenge. The proposed Visitor

second quadrennial international community theatre festival

and Nature Center will be a LEED certified building, designed

(AACTWorldFest2014) with a $50,000 grant and the foundation

by nationally recognized, sustainable design firm Carlson Studio

will be the signature sponsor of the event. Venice Theatre is hosting

Architecture. It will provide indoor and outdoor classroom activities

AACTWorldFest from June 16 – June 21, 2014 in Venice, FL. Troupes

for hands-on, interactive environmental education for children and

from 15 countries around the globe will present more than 30

adults. It will also provide space for visiting scientists and a gallery

performances. Venice Theatre projects more than $1 million in tourism

area for wildlife artists and photographers. sarasotaaudubon.org

impact from the festival with visitors from 40 states and 25 countries

COMCAST FOUNDATION AWARDS EDUCATION FOUNDATION $20,000 FOR DIGITAL LITERACY

expected to attend. www.venicestage.com | www.GulfCoastCF.org

EDC NAMES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND BOARD CHAIR

With a $20,000 grant from the Comcast Foundation, the Education

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

Foundation of Sarasota County will accelerate a new digital literacy

has installed three new members to its Board of Directors. Their

initiative to reach young people at agencies across the county. As a

terms began Oct. 1. The newest members of the EDC Board

result, hundreds of students will gain access to high-quality digital

are: Patrick Dorsey, Publisher of Herald Tribune Media Group;

scenesarasota.com

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8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Suite 240 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Jorge E. Alvarez, MD, FACOG Jennifer R. McCullen, MD, FACOG Edgardo J. Aponte, MD, FACOG M. Joanne Bevers, CNM Jill S. Miller, ARNP

Teri Hansen, President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation; and Victor Young, President and co-owner of Lamborghini Sarasota, BMW of Sarasota and co-owner of MINI of Wesley Chapel.

EDC’s incoming Chairman of the Board is Rod Hershberger, President and CEO of PGT Industries, Inc. He replaces Benjamin Hanan, of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. 941.309.1200 x106 | edcsarasotacounty.com.

SMH OPENS URGENT CARE & HEALTH CENTER IN VENICE Sarasota Memorial Health Care System opened its fourth urgent care center

Caring for women throughout their lives • Gynecology • Obstetrics ~ Pregnancy • Menopause & Hormone Replacement • Hospital Surgery

Call: (941) 907-3008

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• On-Site 3D & 4D Ultrasounds • Urogynecology ~ Incontinence • In-Office Procedures: Essure Permanent Birth Control & Endometrial Ablation and more.

Visit: www.obgynwc.com

– and first in Venice at 997 N. US 41 Bypass – this month. Centrally located on the Venice Bypass, the urgent care center is open seven days a week, 8 am-8 pm and staffed by Sarasota Memorial’s board certified emergency, family and internal medicine physicians. smh.com

scenesarasota.com

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