November2016

Joy

Jewels

to

Sarasota Ballet Presents George Balanchine’s

JEWELS

MAGNIFICENT

GEMS

HOLIDAY GIFTS & EVENTS

A TIDAL WAVE OF TRANSFORMATION

USF SARASOTA-MANATEE

A CELEBRATION OF FAMILY NOVEMBER 2016 $3.95 U.S.

TABLESEIDE GROUP'S [NOT SO] SECRET FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

A S P E CTAC U L A R V I E W

of Friendship

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Our view on whole person wellness emphasizes a multi-dimensional approach of maintaining broad interests and a healthy lifestyle for an active mind and body.

With the proximity to downtown Sarasota, you can just as easily enjoy a night out on the town as you can stay in and entertain friends. You will love the

beautiful setting that looks like a first-class resort, but feels just like home. Enjoy a rich myriad of activities surrounded by spectacular views of Sarasota Bay. Start your day with a workout in the fitness center, a soothing Tai Chi class, or a dip in the pool. Maybe you prefer the creative outlet of our woodworking shop or art studio. Join in on a game of bocce or a sit in on an educational lecture.

There is so much to choose from, the possibilities are endless. And it is not just a possibility, but everyday life here at Plymouth Harbor.

Come see for yourself – and get a new perspective on retirement living. Call us today for a tour of our award-winning campus, luxury accommodations and amenities.

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CONTENTS

FEATURES

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65 43

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

From stocking stuffers to adventure trips, here’s our 2016 picks

60

HOLIDAY SPLENDOR

By Sue Cullen

Sarasota Ballet presents a holiday treat – George Balanchine’s Jewels

A TIDAL WAVE OF TRANSFORMATION

USFSM continues it quiet transformation that's soon to become a tidal wave

65

By Sue Cullen

72 80

CELEBRATION OF FAMILY

By Sue Cullen

The Seidensticker Family’s Tableseide Group creates a warm family feeling for employees and guests alike

PIÈCE DE RÉSISTANCE

Magnificent jewelry modeled by Sarasota Ballet dancers

Photographer John Revisky

88

GIVE THE GIFT OF ELVIS

FST launches its season with “Million Dollar Quartet”

By Steven J. Smith

110

HOLIDAY EVENTS

From music to dance, to lights and Santa, we have some holiday events for everyone

COVER

Photograph of Sarasota Ballet dancers Danielle Brown (left), Ellen Overstreet (middle), Victoria Hulland (right) and Kate Honea (bottom) by John Revisky.

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November 2016

Inspired by you. Created by us.

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CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

56

40 20

EVENTS CALENDAR

31

GET INSPIRED

91

Rolling with Life’s Punches: Arnie Ross

By Gus Mollasis

Cultural Happenings brought to you by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

40

101 EDUCATION

DESIGN

Asolo Rep brings The Tragedy of Hamlet to schools and community venues

True Reflection: The best electric mirrors

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

By Jacqueline Miller

54

105 THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN

GIVING

Our busy bee gives the scoop on holiday celebrations

The generosity of Elizabeth Moore helps conserve an important piece of land

By Suzette Jones

116

By Steven J. Smith

56

PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR Get your tickets to the best shows in town

Anne Folsom Smith’s passion for a bold, bright and beautiful future for Sarasota Orchestra

119

LITERARY SCENE Mystery, history and dating dominate this month’s book reviews by Ryan Van Cleave

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

58

SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW

Quality education and teaching, and opportunity for all make Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School a priority for Brock and Julie Leach

By Steven J. Smith

121

HEALTH Dr. David Sax tells us the latest on Psoriasis treatment

122 REWIND A look back through Scene’s archives

NOVEMBER 2016

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November 2016

VOLUME 59 NO. 11

If you are looking for an inspired lifestyle...

...we are playing your tune.

SarasotaBay Club

Luxury Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay Come For A Visit and Be Inspired – Call Linda Ware or Dana Moe (941) 552-3284 (941) 366-7667 • SarasotaBayClub.com • 1301 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida

Wise Fool New Mexico, SeeSaw, photos courtesy of the artist

Institute for Psychogeographic Adventure, photo by Plate3Photography

Motionhouse, Captive, photo by Katja Ogrin

SEESAW by Wise Fool

FEB 17 & 18, 7:30 & 9:00 PM, Museum of Art Courtyard Acrobatic theater artists in the air and on stilts inhabit an ever-changing environment of kinetic sculpture—drawing in, disarming, and instilling audiences with wonder and compassion as they open the door for new ideas in movement and performance.

Create your own experience—one ticket covers the entire night!

With an array of activities throughout the evening, a cash bar, and food available for purchase, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

TICKETS: Courtyard Admission: $20 / $18 for Members (free to roam, no guaranteed seating)

Stage-side Seating: $30 / $27 for Members

EXPERIMENT #42.000

NEW STAGES: NEW SINCERITY With the Historic Asolo Theater under renovation, we move into “alternative venues” with these extraordinary works of art that promise to transform your traditional role as a spectator into that of an active participant. Plan now to join us for three provocative and engaging performance events.

Supported in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

by the Institute for Psychogeographic Adventure MAR 16, during Art After 5, MAR 18 & 19, throughout the day By yourself—or in the company of a friend—you will be led through a series of performance encounters ranging from the intimate to the spectacular—each an elaborate experiment that will uncover the psychogeographic qualities of The Ringling galleries and gardens.

TICKETS: On sale February 14, 2017, limited availability.

CAPTIVE by Motionhouse

APR 7 & 8, 2:00 & 7:00 PM, Bolger Campiello near Ca’ d’Zan Inspired by Rilke’s The Panther, four dancers in a large cage blend dance and aerial work in a provocative consideration of how a human, like an animal, can be plucked from normal life and plunged into captivity.

TICKETS: 2:00 PM, Free with Museum Admission

7:00 PM, $15 (This sunset performance includes seating, activities, and cash bar.)

INFORMATION + TICKETS

ringling.org or 941.360.7399

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

“This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!”

- D.M. DELLINGER

Michelle Crabtree Broker Associate, REALTOR® CLHMS, CRS, CIPS, GRI, ABR, GREEN

I

met Sarasota Ballet dancers Danielle Brown, Kate Honea, Ellen Overstreet, and Victoria Hulland in late August on the main stage at the FSU Center

for Performing Arts. They arrived at our photo shoot for the magnificent jewelry spread and cover of this issue with an ebullience and collaborative energy for the

A third generation local and Broker Sales Associate since 1982, Michelle is dedicated to serving your needs in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

creative process enabling photographer John Revisky to capture what he needed swiftly, efficiently, and perfectly.

As soon as they walked on stage, it was immediately evident that their artistic and athletic talent, genuine spirit, and deep-rooted passion for their craft created

• 2016 Five-Star Real Estate Agent “Best in Client Satisfaction” – 9 years

a quiet strength and deep intelligence in each that powered them into perfect

• 2016 Florida Realtor Honor Society – 9 years

As the holiday season kicks into gear this month, I hope you will buy your tickets

• Women’s Council of Realtors 2013 “Entrepreneur of the Year” & 2009 “Business Woman of the Year”

Jewels, a masterpiece to live music by George Balanchine. Ms. Brown dances

• 2013 & 2007 SAR “Meritorious Service Award”

expressions, positions and variations for every photo, every time.

early to watch their beauty and talent in action as they dance to the iconic ballet, “Diamonds”, Ms. Honea and Ms. Overstreet dance “Emeralds”, and Ms. Hulland dances “Rubies”. There are three performances of this ballet on December 16 and 17 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Also in our holiday issue is our annual gift guide, which will hopefully make it a bit

• 2010 Director, Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) - 3 year term

easier for you to buy something different for every personality on your shopping

• 2008 WCR Sarasota Chapter President

that gives you the most joy.

list. And as we always recommend, giving to those in need is always the best holiday gift you can give, and will undoubtedly be the gift that keeps on giving and

• 2005 WCR Sarasota “REALTOR® of the Year”

We have so much for which to be thankful. For me, I am most thankful for my

c 941.724.4663

blessed with throughout my life; for working monthly on a publication I love; and,

michelle.crabtree@sothebysrealty.com

www.crabtreehomes.com Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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wonderful husband, family and friends; for the many opportunities I have been for all of you, the many loyal readers of SCENE, who have helped make SCENE Magazine the longest running magazine in our community by far! Thank you!

julie@scenesarasota.com

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LOCALLY OWNED, OPERATED & PRINTED SINCE 1957 CEO/President

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Publisher/Executive Editor

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Art Director

Michelle Cross

Editorial & Sales Assistant Distribution Contributing Writers

Bobbilynn Hollifield Dick Jackson Sue Cullen Suzette Jones Jacqueline Miller Gus Mollasis

Rugs As Art ...And More!

Steven J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave Photographers

6650 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.921.1900 rugsasart.com

Nancy Guth John Revisky

Address

443 John Ringling Blvd. Ste. #F Sarasota, FL 34236

Phone Fax Website

941-365-1119 941-954-5067 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.

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November 2016

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November Calendar

For a complete listing of community events please visit scenesarasota.com Photo by John Revisky

Children First’s Flip Flops & Fashion November 3 Sharky’s on the Pier 11:30 a.m. Ninth annual luncheon and fashion show benefiting Children First. Tickets $95 | 941.953.5507 ext. 152 | childrenfirst.net

Child Protection Center’s 5th Annual Pillar of Hope Open House November 3 Child Advocacy Center 5:00 p.m. Annual tasting and awareness event featuring music, food and beverages from the kitchens and bars of Sarasota’s best restaurants. Tickets: $10 | 941.365.1277 ext. 120 | cpcsarasota.org

New College Foundation’s 38th Annual Clambake November 3 New College Bayfront 6:00 p.m. Slip on a pair of topsiders or wedges and crack into a savory lobster at an old-fashioned New England Clambake. Tickets $195 | 941.487.4800 | ncf.edu

Women’s Resource Center Fall Legacy Luncheon November 4 Plantation Golf & Country Club 11:30 a.m. A Catalyst for Change with speaker Veronica Brady of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Tickets $50 | 941.485.9724 | lmickelberg@thewomensresourcecenter.org

2016 Cine-World Film Festival November 4-13 Burns Court Cinemas. Contact box office for times and tickets.

941.955.3456 | filmsociety.org

JFCS 16th Annual Lessons for Life November 5 Laurel Oak Country Club 4:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit JFCS’ Children’s Cancer Programs. Tickets: $75 | 941-366-2224, ext. 142 | jfcs-cares.org

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InspireSarasota! Festival November 5 Five Points Park 9:30 a.m. Festival features performances by youth and cultural groups on four stages, booths with information from organizations on their upcoming seasons, an art exhibit via Selby Library and activities for all ages.

Free to attend. inspiresarasota.net

2016 Annual Snooty’s Gala

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November 5 South Florida Museum 6:00 p.m. Dinner, dancing and a silent auction benefiting the South Florida Museum and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bishop Planetarium.

Tickets: $200 | 941.746.4131 ext. 117 | southfloridamuseum.org

Children First's Rockin’ Lobster November 5 Sharky’s on the Pier 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico, a delicious Maine lobster dinner, rockin’ music and sand under your feet. Tickets $125 | 941.953.3877 ext. 124 | childrenfirst.net

Sarasota Opera Fall Opera Showcase November 6 Sarasota Opera House 1:30 p.m. Featuring the Opera’s Fall season artists, performing some of opera’s favorite arias and ensembles with piano accompaniment. Tickets: $10 $40 | sarasotaopera.org

3rd Annual Lilly Pulitzer Luncheon & Fashion Show

Setup your appointment today!

(941) 309-7000

November 7 Sarasota Yacht Club 11:00 a.m. Lunch and an opportunity preview the newest Lilly fashions. Benefits Junior League of Sarasota. Tickets: $125 | jlsarasota.org/lillypulitzer-luncheon

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast Fall Family Festival November 7 Bay Preserve at Osprey 11:00 a.m. Benefits Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Free family fun with hands-on activities. Free event | 941.918.2100 | conservationfoundation.com

Friends of the Sarasota Ballet Showcase Luncheon November 7 Bird Key Yacht Club 11:30 a.m. Featuring speakers Director Iain Webb and Christopher Hird, the newly appointed Director of Education and Principal of the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory. Tickets: $35 | 941.923.0298 | friends@sarasotaballet.org

Asolo Rep's Starry Night Dinner: Guys and Dolls November 7 The Home of Stanley Kane 6:30 p.m. Highlights the production of Guys and Dolls and honoring Bob Bartner.

Tickets: $250 | 941.351.9010 ext. 4702 | asolorep.org

WBTT’s Emerald City Ball

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November 10 Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 6:00 p.m. Enjoy an evening with cocktails, dinner, dancing and a show.

Honoring Harold Millman and Carolyn Michel. Tickets: $200 | 941.366.1505 ext. 106| westcoastblacktheatre.org

S A R A S O TA P R E M I E R E O F FEATURING STEVE MARTIN & MARTIN SHORT

Friday, February 10, 2017 | 5PM RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! For tickets and sponsorship opportunities call 941-366-5578 or visit vwfoundation.org Cocktails by the Bay | Dinner Reception Live Performance by Steve Martin & Martin Short | After-Party GALA PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION’S MISSION

LAND ROVER SARASOTA EVENTS OF DISTINCTION

Joan Lieberman

l

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Gerald & Sondra Biller

Bahaj & Newkirk Families

you are invited to join us for the annual

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7:30 P.M. Monday, noveMber 14, 2016

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Michael’s on east 1212 east avenue south, sarasota

Enjoy an ExclusivE musical pErformancE by thE WEstcoast black thEatrE troupE, a spEcial EnactmEnt, “DilEmma,” by playWriGht marvin albErt, anD a fabulous DEssErt buffEt.

Proceeds suPPort the Jewish housing council Foundation’s Benevolent care Program, Which hElps sEniors, Who qualify, stay in thEir homEs at kobErnick-anchin-bEnDErson WhEn thEir rEsourcEs arE DEplEtED. DEbbiE haspEl anD annE GarlinGton, co-chairs tickEts $125 Each sponsorships availablE

for ticKets or sPonsorshiPs, Please contact scott anderson, vice President of PhilanthroPy at 941.357.1609 or sanderson@KobernicKanchin.orG

— Premier sPonsors — isabEl anchin bEckEr DEbbiE & larry haspEl ErnEst krEtzmEr susan & ranDy mallitz

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— silver sPonsors — pat & bob baEr shEila & mErrill WynnE

anonymous irma blumEnthal kay DElanEy & murray brinG sharon & hErman frankEl GEralD lEvinson ElizabEth & DaviD mallitz

lois & marty marcus barbara & sanforD orkin alicE rau sanDy WEiss mary lou & ED Winnick juDy zuckErbErG & GEorGE kolE

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media Partners

6th Annual Bacchus on the Beach November 11 The Resort at Longboat Key Club 5:30 p.m.

Bacchus on the Beach Stone Crab Celebration & Winemaker Auction. Benefits Mote Marine Laboratory. Tickets: $150 | 855.464.0454 | longboatkeyclub.com/bacchus-on-the-beach/

7th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival November 11 – 15 Siesta Key Beach. Enjoy live music, food and drink, shopping and family fun as master sculptors construct unbelievably detailed sand sculptures in this five-day festival. Tickets: $8 | siestakeycrystalclassic.com

SarasotaMOD Weekend November 11 – 13 Ringling College of Art + Design The third annual midcentury architecture festival celebrating architect Victor Lundy’s Legacy with trolley tours, house tours, panel presentation, film documentary screening, Lundy art exhibition, cocktail parties and dinner parties. Tickets: $75 | sarasotamod.com

The Artful Lobster

Symphony On the Sand

Suncoast Food & Wine Fest

November 11 – 13 Coquina Beach Gulfside Park, Anna Maria Island 4:30 p.m. A musical and gourmet event featuring the award-winning Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra.

Tickets: $20 - $100 and free open seating on the beach.

941.795.2370 | SymphonyOnTheSand.com

November 12 Lakewood Ranch Polo Grounds 1:00 p.m. Sarasota’s annual food & wine fest featuring samplings from dozens of Suncoast Restaurants. Wines, craft beers, live entertainment, a silent auction and a grand prize drawing. Tickets $80 | lakewoodranch-rotary.com | suncoastfoodandwinefest.com

2016 Chalk Festival in Venice

24th Annual Hot Dogs & Cool Cats Laugh Your Paws Off Gala

November 11 – 14 Venice Airport Fairgrounds & West Miami Ave. A community-based cultural event featuring hundreds of pavement artists, live music and food. chalkfestival.org

November 12 Hermitage Artist Retreat 11:00 a.m. Feast on a gourmet lobster buffet along with complimentary drinks, tours of the Hermitage, music and a live auction. Proceeds benefit The Hermitage. Tickets $175 | 941.475.2098 | hermitageartistretreat.org

November 12 The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 6:00 p.m. Champagne reception, dinner, open bar, a live auction and entertainment headlined by Larry Miller. Benefits the Humane Society of Sarasota County. Tickets: $250 - $300 | hssc.org/hotdogscoolcats/

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From its inviting old world charm and sophistication to its timeless, artistic cuisine, let the legendary Cafe L’Europe take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Caymus Vineyards Wine Dinner – November 16 Featuring the Limited Production Cabernet Caymus Special Selection | Fabulous 5-Course Dinner $150 per person | Limited Space Available | Reserve Now

ESTABLISHED 1973 REBORN AUGUST 2016 Open for Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week | 431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota | 941.388.4415 | cafeleurope.net

CONTINENTAL CUISINE | FINE WINES | CRAFT COCKTAILS | PIANO MUSIC AL FRESCO DINING | PRIVATE DINING | ON- OR OFF-PREMISE CATERING

Sarasota Orchestra’s Side-By-Side Brunch

Kobernick Anchin Benderson’s Keeping the Dream Alive

November 13 Selby Gardens Great Room 10:30 a.m. Food, music and performances by the Youth Orchestra students and Sarasota Orchestra musicians. Benefiting the Sarasota Youth Orchestra program. Tickets: $175 | sarasotaorchestra.org | 941.487.2740

November 14 Michael’s on East 7:30 p.m. Featuring a musical performance by the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, and a delectable dessert buffet. Tickets: $125 | 941.203.6237 | kobernickanchin.org

Pines Wit & Wisdom of Aging Luncheon All Faiths Food Bank Bowls of Hope November 13 Philippi Estate Park 11:00 a.m. Select a handmade bowl and enjoy soup prepared and served by area restaurants. Benefits All Faiths Food Bank. Tickets: $35 | 941.379.6333 | allfaithsfoodbank.org

November 16 Michael’s On East 11:30 a.m. Featuring conversations about the joys and challenges of aging. Panelists include Linda Carson, Carolyn Michel, and Dr. Bernard Watson. Benefits Pines of Sarasota. Tickets: $100 | 941.955.6293 | pinesfoundation.org

Planned Parenthood’s High Tide at High Noon

Forty Carrots’ Wine, Women and Shoes

November 14 Sarasota Yacht Club 12:00 p.m. Enjoy luncheon and a fashion show. Tickets: $85 | 941.365.3913 ext. 1167 | ppaction.org

November 17 – 19 Various times and locations. A three-day event including a luncheon, wine tasting, shoe and fashion retailers and intimate wine dinners. 941.365.7716 | fortycarrots.com/wws/events

RCAD 16th Annual Golf Tournament November 14 Laurel Oak Golf & Country Club. Event includes 18 holes of golf, prize eligibility, golf shirt, luncheon, awards banquet, and more. Proceeds benefit scholarship funds to Ringling students. Tickets: $400 players; $100 banquet only.

941.309.4728 | ringling.edu/golftournament

Historic Spanish Point’s Party at the Point: We’re Misbehavin’!

November 18 Historic Spanish Point 6:30 p.m. Jazz-themed VIP dinner and bay-front bash on the grounds of beautiful Historic Spanish Point. Benefits Historic Spanish Point. Tickets $200 | 941.966.5214 ext. 2500 | historicspanishpoint.org

Saint Stephen’s Grand Gala – Green & Gold November 12 Manatee Performing Arts Center 6:30 p.m. Signature fundraising event for the Saint Stephen’s Parents’ Association. Participate in chance drawings, live and silent auctions and dancing. Tickets: $100 | 941.746.2121 | saintstephens.org

A Night in Old Havana November 19 Venetian Golf and River Club 6:00 p.m. Dinner and dancing; benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

Tickets $95 | 941.488.4009 | bjaramillo@bbbssun.org

November 2016

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Boys & Girls Club Sarasota Champions for Children Gala November 19 Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club 6:00 p.m.

“Once in a Blue Moon” Dinner and dancing by the moonlight.

Honoring the Weiller family. Benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. Tickets $350 | 941.366.3911 | bgcsarasota.com

25th Annual Ponies Under the Palms November 20 Lakewood Ranch Main Street 8:00 a.m. Mustang and Ford enthusiasts from throughout the region will be competing for awards. Proceeds support Take Stock in Children and Southeastern Guide Dogs. $25 to register a car | 920.944.8137 | hemmings.com

Circus Arts Conservatory Annual Charity Golf Tournament November 24 Laurel Oak Golf & Country Club 9:00 a.m. Play as a single or purchase a foursome package and help support the Circus Arts Conservatory. Tickets: Single player: $200 | Foursome: $700 | circusarts.org

with its 2016 Civic Achievement Award. Cocktail reception followed by dinner. Tickets $250 | 941.365.4955 | ajc.org

Upcoming Scene Magazine-Sponsored Events: Friends of The Sarasota Ballet’s Jewels Gala December 5 Sarasota Yacht Club 6:00 p.m. Holiday dinner & dance with live music and an auction. Tickets: $125-$300 | 941.923.0298 | friends@sarasotaballet.org

La Musica Sonata a Due December 6 The Field Club 6:00 p.m. An elegant 31st season opening with cocktails, recital and dinner. Tickets: $150 guests; $250 patrons | 941.371.6798 | lamusicafestival.org

Jewish Federation’s Women’s Day December 7 Michael’s On East 12 noon. Featuring special guest Paula Abdul. Tickets $75 | 941.343.2115| jfedsrq.org

6th Annual Tosh Saves the World Charity Show

JFCS Gala

November 26 Van Wezel 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. With Special Guests Todd Glass, Greg Hahn, & Eddie Gossling. Proceeds from each of the performances will be given to charity.

Tickets: $80 | 941.953.3368 | vanwezel.org

December 11 The Ritz-Carlton 5:00 p.m. This standout gala celebrates the programs and support groups of JFCS and features the Sarasota Orchestra. Tickets: $500 | 941.366.2224 ext. 142 | jfcs-cares.org

Asolo Rep’s Director’s Take Luncheon AJC 2016 Civic Achievement Award Dinner November 29 Michael’s On East 6:00 p.m. AJC West Coast Florida will honor Emily Walsh, Publisher Observer Media Group,

December 12 Asolo Repertory Theatre 10:30 a.m. Lunch and conversation with Asolo Rep’s directors, exploring the theme of the season.

Tickets: $75 | 941.351.9010 ext. 470 | SpecialEvents@asolo.org

EXPECT MORE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES.

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Assisted Living | Memory Support | Short-Term Stays 28

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November 2016

Expect More from Your Law Firm.

At Icard Merrill, we aren’t content with the status quo. For more than 60 years, we have been giving each client our undivided attention and the full benefit of our legal skills and experience. Our attorneys are experienced in a wide range of fields, including business, real estate, land use, family law, estate planning, construction and commercial litigation. We listen when you talk, and make achieving your goals our primary concern. Expect more. Discover Icard Merrill.

941.366.8100 • icardmerrill.com S ara so ta, M ana te e , C ha rlotte & Le e C ountie s

LARGER DIRECTOR’S TAKE LUNCHEON Monday, December 12, 2016 at 10:30AM Asolo Repertory Theatre 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

TICKETS: $75/person SpecialEvents@asolo.org 941-351-9010 ext. 4702 www.asolorep.org/directorstakelunch

Join us for lunch and a stimulating conversation with Asolo Rep’s directors, exploring the theme of the 2016/17 season, Larger Than Life LEAD SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

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Visit Our 6000ft² Showroom 5678 Fruitville Road, Sarasota 941.378.5678 | theplumbingplace.com

GET INSPIRED

C

Cultural Happenings brought to you by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

ome one. Come all! If you’ve recently been to any Sailor Circus performances, we guarantee you’ve noticed Emma Clarke, daughter of Jennifer Mitchell, the Managing Director of The Circus Arts Conservatory. Emma is currently a sixth-grade student in the Booker Middle School Visual Performing Arts program and her enthusiasm, smile

and passion for circus arts are truly infectious!

Among her accolades, Emma was the recipient of the 2016 Sailor Circus Style & Smile Award,

the distinguished award given to one student annually for their outstanding qualities in performance.

She was also the youngest student to attend the 2015 American Youth Circus Festival in which she trained alongside students from around the country in Portland, Maine. Emma has been training in the Sailor Circus for two years and has spent four years in the Circus Summer Camp program. She has trained in more than ten circus disciplines and her specialty acts include Spanish Web, Cloudswing, Acrobatic Adgaio, Hammock, Silks, and Swinging Cradle. Emma’s motto is: “I may be small, but so is a stick of dynamite!”

We asked this energetic, fun-filled star how and why the arts in Sarasota influence and inspire her.

“Living in Sarasota, where I have been able to see the arts come alive through ballet, opera and theater anytime I want, has really encouraged me to become part of the arts. The experiences I have had have helped to instill values of expression and creativity into my personality. I happen to have the privilege of inside access, because of my mom’s job, into one of my most favorite arts organizations, the circus. Each year for as long as I can remember, November 2016

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with anticipation like a child waiting for Christmas morning, I would get excited for the big top to go up. That doesn’t just happen anywhere. It is in my hometown that the legacy of circus arts has brought incredible influences of arts to many generations.”

Inspiring Events:

THE ARTS AND CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF SARASOTA COUNTY PRESENTS INSPIRESARASOTA! FESTIVAL

Sarasota's most exclusive fitness club

The Arts and Cultural Alliance’s InspireSarasota! Festival will be held at Five Points Park on November 5th featuring dance, theater, literary arts,

Experience the new standard of luxury fitness designed to give you more.

music and visual art, four stages, cultural groups and performances, an art exhibit via Selby Library, and exciting booths and activities for all ages! Booths will include

Spa-inspired environment

arts and culture organizations promoting

State-of-the-art equipment

their upcoming seasons. It's a not-to-be-

Region's most qualified and educated training staff

our community’s arts and culture!

November 5 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30

Unrivaled menu of training classes Nation's first fully Functional Movement Screen certified facility On-site massage therapist and physical therapist On-site classical Pilates studio

missed, huge and exciting celebration of

MM30224

p.m.

|

Five Points Park, Downtown

Sarasota | InspireSarasota.net | info@ sarasotaarts.org | 941.365.5118 ext. 304

CANDICE SHY HOOPER, BOOK CHAT Hooper

Get Ready for the Holidays Now With Our Pre-Season Personal Training Offer!

3 60-minute Private Sessions - Only $99*

Purchase by 12/05/16 to get this special price! *Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. New members only. New members only. Limit 1 per person. Offer valid with participating trainers only.

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November 2016

discuss Lincoln’s

will

her

book

Generals’

Wives: Four Women Who Influenced the Civil War for Better and for Worse. These are accounts of the American Civil War that have been neglected: the extraordinary and influential lives of Jessie Frémont, Nelly McClellan, Ellen Sherman, and Julia Grant, the wives

STABIL Concrete Pavers has become a trusted name in the Sarasota/Manatee area for the all your paving needs. Our showroom features many products in a variety of shapes and colors for your selection along with samples for you to bring home. We carry both thin and thick pavers as well as 4 sizes of coping giving STABIL the ability to handle any job from new construction to a remodel of your current pool deck. Our well trained staff will work with you from start to finish ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Showroom: 7080 28th St. Court East Sarasota, Florida 34243/ Off Whitfield Ave 941.739.7823 StabilConcretePavers.com

le b a F l a c i A Mu s

Based on a Story and Characters of

DAMON RUNYON Book by

w o f Br o a d

ay

Music and Lyrics by

FRANK LOESSER

JO SWERLING & ABE BURROWS

Choreographed and Directed by

JOSH RHODES

NOVEMBER 18 – JANUARY 1 previews november 15 - 17

941.351.8000 | ASOLOREP.ORG SHOW SPONSORS: MAJOR SEASON SPONSORS:

of Abraham Lincoln's top generals.

November

13

at

Bookstore1Sarasota

2 |

p.m.

Need Something to Wear?

Ooohhhh, That’s A Bomber!

|

1359 Main

Street, Sarasota | sarasotabooks.com | 941.365.7900

PETER MEINKE, FLORIDA POET LAUREATE Peter

Meinke

will read from his books Lucky Bones: Poems, The Elf Poem (children's

book

illustrated by Jeanne Clark Meinke), and his new book of short stories, The Expert Witness.

November

16

at

Bookstore1Sarasota

6 |

p.m.

|

1359 Main

Street, Sarasota | sarasotabooks.com | Introducing the BEADED bomber jacket from Needle & Thread

941.365.7900

JIM PROSER, BOOK CHAT Proser

will

1439 Main Street Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-373-6333 | ruesrq.com

talk

View our latest styles on FB & Instagram

about his book Mr. Copacabana:

An

American History by Night, the outrageous life story of Monte Proser, creator and operator of the famous Copacabana nightclub in New York City.

November

20

at

Bookstore1Sarasota

2 |

p.m.

|

1359 Main

Street, Sarasota | sarasotabooks.com | 941.365.7900

ALFSTAD& CONTEMPORARY PRESENTS ANNE PATTERSON: AIRIDESCENCE

Watercolor

paintings,

ribbon

installation and wire sculpture wall installation will grace the Alfstad& Contemporary

art

space

as

Anne

Patterson exhibits work that transports viewers into a multi-sensory realm that

374 St Armands Circle 941.388.1964 - www.ohmygauze.com November 2016

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35

artist surgeon.”

“I was an before I was a

– Dr. Alissa Shulman

deepens our relationship to the beauty around us. Free to the public. Opening Reception

includes

hors

d’oeurves,

pastries and fine wine.

Opening

Reception:

November

10 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. | Exhibit runs from November 11 – December 9, Tues. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 1419 5th Street, Sarasota | alfstadand.com | 941.366.6400

BODY SCULPTING • BREAST AUGMENTATION LIPOSUCTION • TUMMY TUCKS • BREAST LIFT ARM & THIGH LIFTS • ARM & THIGH LIFD

RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN PRESENTS KATHRYN HUNTER

Sovereign Plastic Surgery Alissa M. Shulman M.D., F.A.C.S. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 941.366.LIPO (5476) • www.SovereignPS.com 1950 Arlington Street, Suite 112 • Sarasota, FL 34239

In

collaboration

with

Ringling’s

Letterpress and Book Arts Center, Basch Gallery will feature an original wall installation and printed materials by Kathryn Hunter, a printmaker and fine artist who runs Blackbird Letterpress in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Opening Reception: November 3 at 5 p.m. | Artist Talk: November 3 at 6 p.m. – Academic Center Auditorium |

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November 2016

and Barbara Basch Gallery | Ground floor of Academic Center Building, Ringling College Campus | 2363 Old

Residential Services:

36

Exhibit runs November 3 – 19 | Richard

Bradenton Rd., Sarasota | ringling.edu/ campus-galleries

George Balanchine’s

APOLLO

Sir Frederick Ashton’s

SINFONIETTA Antony Tudor’s

GALA PERFORMANCE

Live music by the Sarasota Orchestra

Balanchine Ashton & Tudor 18 - 20 November 2016 | Sarasota Opera House

Photography Frank Atura

The Sarasota Ballet Box Office: 941.359.0099 | www.SarasotaBallet.org

INSPIRE • ENTERTAIN • IMPACT

ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com 502 Third Ave W, Bradenton, FL Box Office: (941) 748-5875

ISLAND GALLERY WEST PRESENTS JANE KEELING’S OILS EXHIBIT, SURF’S UP

Dedicated to Providing Exceptional, Cost Effective, Family-Focused Care

All Heart Senior Care strives to provide exceptional care to every client by providing a nurturing and caring support system in the place that they call home.

Services:

Companion Services 24 Hour Care Meal Preparation

Jane paints on location in Florida, depicting

the

universally

positive

emotions evoked by the beach. As a

Transport Services Bathing Service LPNs / RNs / CNAs / HHAs

Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care Mobility Assistance Medication Management

Call today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your specific needs.

2801 Fruitville Road, Suite 290 Sarasota, FL 34237 License # 299994201 941-954-6565 allheartseniorcare.com Registration # 230910

Contemporary

Impressionist,

Jane's

main painting focus is color, light and interesting brushwork. This is a monthlong free exhibit.

Opening Reception: November 11 from 5 – 8 p.m. (Part of the 10th Annual Anna Maria Island artsHOP event)

|

5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach | Gallery hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Mon. - Sat. | Trolley Stop 15 on Anna Maria Island | islandgallerywest.com | 941.778.6648

More than a printer…

Personalization

Financial Services

Healthcare

Multi-Channel

Direct Mail Hospitality

Business Development

Fundraising Real Estate

Book Publishing

LONGBOAT KEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS DRAWING RE-IMAGINED

Self-publishing Authors

Graphic Design

Tourism Business to Business

Appeals

Member Recruitment and Retention

Manufacturing

The exhibition will feature work by Trade Show Marketing

Higher Education

Nonprofit Copywriting

artists Will Corr and Jack King. Drawing Collateral Printing

Make SERBIN your print marketing partner!

1500 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192

Mail-it DIRECT MAIL SERVICES

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

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November 2016

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

is defined as the art, activity or practice of creating images usually consisting of lines. In the 21st century, the materials used to create lines have become ambiguous, but the permanent expressive gesture remains. Both artists, through their paintings, drawings, sculptures and

FPRA – Florida Public Relations Assoc.

XEROX – Premier Partner

reliefs are creating art where line, gesture, shade and pattern form their creative

expression and point of view.

All

exhibition

events

are

free.

Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by emailing or calling. | Opening Reception: November 18 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Exhibit runs from November 18 – January 19, 2017 | Longboat Key Center for the Arts | 6860 Longboat Drive S., Longboat Key

|

lbkca@

ringling.edu | 941.383.2345

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT PRESENTS HOLLY DAYS & MANGROVE LIGHTS November

TRENDS AND FASHIONS THAT WOMEN LOVE!

25

from 5 – 9 p.m. (ticket sales end at

Featuring New Styles From...

8 p.m.) | Music by

KOM AROV

Dean

Miller

6 – 8 p.m.

N. applies:

|

Tamiami

Osprey Admission

from

|

337 Trail,

General

$12/Adult,

$10/

Adults age 65+, $5/children 12 &

Siesta Key – 941.349.6644 St. Armands – 941.388.5239

under, children under 5 are admitted for free. |

|

historicspanishpoint.org

info@historicspanishpoint.org

|

941.966.5214.

Dedicated to a Lifetime of Women’s Health Care

DABBERT GALLERY PRESENTS A VOTE FOR ART EXHIBIT

Jennifer R. McCullen, MD, FACOG Jorge E. Alvarez, MD, FACOG Edgardo J. Aponte, MD, FACOG M. Joanne Bevers, CNM Jill S. Miller, ARNP Therese E. Goode, PA-C

Make art the winner of inspiration for our entire community. Cast your ballot for artistic beauty and elect to have a vision of creative freedom. Opening reception is free and open to the public and includes refreshments.

Opening

reception

with

Artists:

November 4 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

|

Exhibit runs through November 28.

|

Gallery Hours: Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 76 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota | dabbertgallery.com | 941.955.1315.

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8340 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Suite 240 º Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 Se Habla Español & Portuguese

November 2016

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DESIGN

TRUE REFLECTION

By Jacqueline Miller

Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all? Why it’s the woman who is looking at herself through an electric mirror, of course!

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November 2016

Y

ou’re at The Breakers in Palm Beach for the weekend and just want to pamper yourself, enjoy a night out, and feel relaxed and beautiful. Looking at yourself in the lighted bathroom mirror you think wow, I look great. I wish I had this lighting at home. Well, wish no more.

Electric mirrors, such as the one in the bathroom at The Breakers, are no longer just found in posh hotels, but they are also popping up in homes for the pleasure of discriminating amenity seekers. Want to catch up on the news while getting ready? Your electric mirror can come with a TV inside that becomes invisible when you turn it off. How much more time do you have to get ready? Don’t guess. Integrate a digital clock into your mirror. So where can you go locally to see this very cool, must-have home luxury?

John Smithman, owner of The Plumbing Place, Sarasota’s premier kitchen and bath showroom (5678 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 941.378.5678), is the man who carries a broad range of electric mirrors and I am sure he and his staff would be happy to show you the many style options, both custom and standard.

Handcrafted in the USA, these mirrors with LED lighting feature touch controls, dimming, and natural-looking lighting, are beautiful and practical, and come with or without the disappearing TV option. Lighting options ranging from subtle mood lighting to bright, useful task lighting.

With an electric mirror, it’s easy to make your reflection one you’ll love looking at – the real reflection of you. And there’s no time like the present to make it all about you.

tiCkets on sale noveMber 1

20

years

g

le

brati

n

Ce

2016/17 CirCuS exCitement No time to cook this Thanksgiving?

Trust the chefs and bakers at Morton’s to prepare your holiday meal. Choose from a tempting array of holiday side dishes, party platters and dessert favorites or order a fully cooked fresh turkey. Fully prepared combo meals for up to 12 people are available when ordered in advance. Turn to Morton’s for your fine wines and floral centerpieces too.

Receive a FREE $10 gift card for every 100 worth of gift cards purchased. $

Offer good Dec. 1st - 31st.

Thanksgiving order deadline: Saturday, November 19 at 5 p.m.

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

Sailor CirCuS preSentS HigH flying HolidayS Mon DeC 26 – thu DeC 29, 2016 Experience the wonder of the holidays! Come celebrate with the whole family at this annual production featuring students ages 8-18. Grab a cup of cheer — it’s the best time of the year!

CirCuS SaraSota Winter performanCe Fri Feb 10 – sun Mar 5, 2017 Legendary Nik Wallenda will headline a show that features an impressive array of international circus artists. Last year’s shows sold out, so be sure to reserve your tickets early!

Circusarts.org | 941.355.9805 The Circus Arts Conservatory is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts educational organization.

2016 Holiday

GIFT GUIDE

November 2016

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GIFT GUIDE Need an extra special bottle of wine? The wine selection at Butcher’s Block is stocked with more than 1500 wines including a large selection of single vineyard wine. Ask for help in choosing a winning bottle sure to please the toughest wine connoisseur.

Butcher’s Block | 3242 17th St. 941.955.2822 | butchersblocksarasota.com

This sensational diamond eternity ring is sure to impress for any celebration or commemoration. Perfectly matched white diamonds are individually set in hand-crafted 18k white gold. $20,980 Diamond Vault | 3979 S. Tamiami Trail 941.DIAMOND | DiamondVaultJewelers.com

Lizzie Fortunato’s “Safari” clutch in leather with hand-embroidered raffia flowers and a detachable strap – the perfect gift for the person in your life. $395.

Rue | 1439 Main St. | 941.373.6333 | ruesrq.com

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November 2016

Fox-fur collar suedette cape with deep fringe hem – a nod to the seventies for your favorite fashionista. Available in black or taupe. $210.

Foxy Lady St. Armands | 481 John Ringling Blvd. | 941.388.5239 Foxy Lady Siesta Key | 209 Beach Rd. | 941.349.6644 | foxyladysarasota.com

Awaken your walls, atrium, stairway, fireplace and more with these unique adjustable “climbers” made of volcanic rock and resin by Florida artist Ancizar Marin. Available in male or female in many shapes and colors, these quirky pieces make great gifts. $195 each. [blank] slate gallery 538 S. Pineapple Ave. 941.312.5700 blankslategallery.com

Designed in collaboration with Joanna Gaines of Magnolia Home, beautiful colors meet bold patterns in the striking Brushstroke Collection. From $79.00 Rugs As Art | 6650 S. Tamiami Trail | 941.921.1900 | rugsasart.com

November 2016

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GIFT GUIDE The iconic Woman’s Exchange sells everything from clothing to high-end and unique household items and furniture.

L to R: Hand Painted Vintage Nippon Vase $129.99; Paisley Pillow $9.49; Monkey Lamp with Bead Fringe $98.99; Aladin France Inkwell $36.95; Yellow Opalescent Glass Bowl with Stand $49.99; Phalaenopsis Orchid $26.00; Demilune Mahogany Inlay Console Table $540.45, originally $1,595.00 Woman’s Exchange | 539 S. Orange Ave. 941.955.7859 | sarasotawex.com

Classic, yet trendy, Wayfarer wooden sunglasses by Sherwood are the perfect gift for any guy or gal in your life. $189 nordstrom.com

Easy to wear all day long or for evening events, these 18k gold and leather bracelets are available with or without diamonds. $19,000 (white diamonds); $13,000 (champagne diamonds).

Tilden Ross Jewelers | 410 St. Armands Circle 941.388.3338 | tildenrossjewelers.com

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November 2016

How about brightening a smile up to six shades for the holidays? Just two hours and a holiday savings are sure to thrill the giver and the receiver! $250 special (50% off) Complete Dentistry | 2225 Stickney Point, Sarasota 941.925.2225 | completedentistry.org

Comfort and fashion intertwine seamlessly in this unique and chic outfit. Crimson Vanna blouse OS $49.95 | Graphite Honey pant size 1-3 $69.95 Oh My Gauze! | 374 St. Armands Circle 941.388.1964 | ohmygauze.com

She’ll love the class and sophistication of this Tissa Fontaneda purse, handcrafted by skilled European artisans using the finest velvety-soft nappa bubble lambskin. $1,695 DreamWeaver | 364 St. Armands Circle 941.388.1974 | dreamweavercollection.com

November 2016

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GIFT GUIDE Laced with Swarovski crystal-chevron stripes and lined in red with a commemorative label and Deco Crystal Point, this delicate evening bag from Whiting & Davis Heritage Collection, is a celebration of the company’s 140th anniversary. $415 Clever Rose Boutique | 533 S. Pineapple Ave. | 941.321.4628 | cleverrose.com

This one-of-a-kind Natural Silver Topaz, at a whopping 118.34 carats, adorns a 14k hammered white gold chain with silver Akoya Keshi Pearls. Its clasp is handmade in 14k white gold; finished with a 3-point diamond. Pendant: $2300; Chain: $1200 MK Designs | 30 S Palm Ave. 941.364.8439 | mymkdesigns.com

A clutch is the perfect fashion accessory for the sophisticate who loves unique designs. The colors and patterns in the Deondra Jeree Tropical Lux Collection are the ideal gift. $125 Scout & Molly’s Boutiqu 1413 1st St. | 941.955.2170 sarasota.scoutandmollys.com

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November 2016

Entrepreneur and health advocate Nicci Kobritz has developed her own progressive model for in-home care. Since memory loss and physical limitations necessitate in-home care, she has added a specialized neurology practice, Center for Brain Health, to her private duty home care business, Youthful Aging Home Health.

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The Center for Brain Health with Youthful Aging Home Health…

• Offers support for greater independence and provides the continuum of services for family members concerned about guidance, support, and inheriting Alzheimer’s.

• Provides a team of cognitive neurologists, nutritionists, physical therapists, neuropsychologists, and cognitive therapists specialized in improving brain health and memory performance.

• Provides home care services customized to individual needs.

Youthful Aging Home Health is not limited to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. We are a full service private duty agency.

Sarasota’s ONLY 5x Black Diamond Award Provider

941.953.2210 | EstetikaSkin.com

2068 Hawthorne Street, Suite 101 | Sarasota THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.

Center for Brain Health accepts Medicare and other private insurances.

Center for Brain Health 941.556.9900 | thecbh.com

Youthful Aging Home Health

941.925.9532 | youthfulaging.net 5602 Marquesas Circle, Ste 105, Sarasota 34233

ADVENTURE GIFTS Does he or she have too much “stuff” already? Think adventure. Here are some not-to-be-forgotten gifts that may just make you the hit of the holidays!

1 Indoor Sky Diving

Billed as thrilling and amazing, iFly lets you experience the feeling of freefalling. There’s no parachute or jumping – just you floating on a smooth cushion of air. There’s iFly Orlando and one coming to Tampa soon.

2

iflyworld.com | 844.650.7433

2 Mig-29 Edge of Space Flight in Russia

Travel at supersonic speed and see breathtaking views of the brightest sun, dark endless space, and the magnificent scene of the curving Earth.

After descending from the stratosphere, feel 3 to 9 G overloads as the pilot performs aerobatic maneuvers. 16,500 €

3

flymigsokol.com | +7 916 706-39-36

3 Sea Cave Kayak Tour in San Diego

Experience Southern California’s surf culture, dozens of species of marine animals such as Sea Lions, Leopard Sharks, Pelicans, Comorants, and the caves! lajollaseacavekayaks.com | 858.454.01111

4

4 Brewery Tours in Brooklyn

A behind the scenes walking tour on how beer is made, and exploring the pre-prohibition era breweries that still stand today, while enjoying plenty of craft beer and some classic NYC pizza along the way. urbanoyster.com | 347.618.TOUR

5 The Dream Car Tour

5

A unique driving adventure of three plus hours that puts you behind the wheel of six different exotic sports cars for an adrenaline-filled drive on fun roads. Every 15 miles, the group pulls over and everyone switches cars. While there are several all over the country, the closest dream car tour to Sarasota is in Miami. gothamdreamcars.com

6 Air Combat School in Los Angeles

Be a fighter pilot for a day! Experience air-to-air combat where everything seems real except the bullets. A tracking system verifies an “air-to-kill” and on-board cameras record your entire experience. aircombat.com | 800.522.7590

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At Goodwill, There’s Something for Everyone!

Gift List: Mom: Sweater from Goodwill Boutique Dad: Computer from the Tech Connection at Goodwill Boss: Book from Goodwill’s Bookstore Dog: New bed from Goodwill Girlfriend: Jewelry Aunt: Purse Brother: Backpack Teacher: Vase Postman: Gloves Niece: Dress

experiencegoodwill.org

‘Tis the season to start making your holiday party plans and loading up on stocking stuffers. Café Gabbiano is the perfect venue for all your holiday functions from large company cocktail parties, to family festivities, to an extra special New Year’s Eve date night. Our special event menu offerings, available on our website, can be tailored to accommodate any event setting and budget. Café Gabbiano also caters events held offsite with full service options. Café Gabbiano is open Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Holiday hours and menus will vary. Call or go online to make your reservations now.

Café Gabbiano gift cards and bottled wine selection, at discounted To Go prices, make great holiday gifts. Stop in or order online from our website.

There’s no need to wait for the holidays to stop in at Café Gabbiano and enjoy our house wine selection with a $10 tasting flight or featured Wines By the Glass for vintages usually only offered by the bottle. Our chef’s choice entrée and dessert specials offer something fresh and new every night! Accompanying our seasonal specials are your old favorites including Allen Brothers steaks, 14 oz veal chops, and locally caught grouper. Café Gabbiano is a family favorite with a value priced Bambino menu for your mini beach goers.

Visit our website to learn more or to book your reservation www.cafegabbiano.com or call 941-349–1423.

A New Year, A New You, a New Café Gabbiano Culinary Venture – the Café Gabbiano culinary team joins Evolution Food Co. to bring macronutrient balanced, prepared meal programs to the people of Sarasota. Evolution Food Co.’s nutrition specialists set meal parameters and our creative culinary professionals craft a delicious menu that delivers on nutrition and flavor using only best in quality ingredients. To learn more about the macro philosophy and meal programs offered by Evolution Food Co, visit www.evolutionfoodco.com or call 941-315-8386.

5104 Ocean Blvd. | Siesta Key | 941-349-1423 | cafegabbiano.com OPEN DAILY 5PM-10PM

Giving Moore

By Steven J. Smith Photo by Nancy Guth

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Thanks to the generosity of conservationist Elizabeth Moore and her allies, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), the 1,143-acre Carlton Triangle Ranch has been turned into a conservation easement and wildlife refuge.

“After six generations of ownership, the Carlton family

years ago, for what she called “a lifestyle change.”

decided a few years ago to sell their ranch. Though tempt-

“We enrolled the kids in IMG tennis and Saint Ste-

ed by developers, they chose to work with Conservation

phens Episcopal School, which proved to be both a warm,

Foundation of the Gulf Coast to find a buyer who would

welcoming, nurturing environment that also provided a

agree to a conservation easement,” Moore said. “I had

rigorous academic curriculum for our kids.” Because of

been considering one more real estate purchase, and once

that experience, the Moore family decided to invest in the

I saw the ranch and envisioned the possibilities, I knew I

success of the school. Their family's significant financial

had to be the buyer, especially when I learned about the

support helped build the impressive Moore Athletic Com-

Forever Florida fund.”

plex and its brand new Marine Science Center.

It took a combined $5.55 million to buy the ranch: $3

Moore said she has always had a passion for conserva-

million from Moore, $2 million from the SWFWMD allo-

tion, beginning with memberships and support for Trust-

cation from the Forever Florida Fund, and $550,000 from

ees of Reservations and Essex County Greenbelt in Mas-

Conservation Foundation. Moore, now the owner of the

sachusetts. Some years ago the family purchased House

tract, said the transition from cattle ranch to wildlife ref-

Island, which was threatened by development, and then

uge would come in stages.

turned it over to the Audubon Society.

“Back in the 1930’s, in order to use that land for agri-

Alarmed by the rapid development east of I-75 over

cultural purposes, the Department of Agriculture allowed

the last nine years, Moore went with her friend and fellow

berms to be built to keep the flood water back and create

Saint Stephens board member and conservationist Mickey

pasture for cattle. With far fewer cattle, soon we will put

Davis to see Triangle Ranch. “Seeing this large tract of

in culverts to let the water flow again.”

pristine land with all the birds and dense forests, I knew

Bringing back the water is essential to protecting the

I could not stand back and let it cave in to another town-

Myakka wetlands, the Myakka River’s water quality, as well

house development and urban sprawl.” Moore added that

as the biodiversity and flood protection to the entire region.

the land purchase with the desirable conservation ease-

“Let the water flow and slowly percolate through the

ment would be her small effort to get ahead of the devel-

ground. Pure and clean water for all,” Moore said. “It will

opment she sees coming to a state whose population is

promote wetlands, which are habitat to many bird spe-

just over 20 million.

cies, as well as encourage forest growth for the Florida

“You have to think about the future, and I am grateful

panther, foxes, deer, skunks, raccoons, river otters, etc.

to the Carltons for allowing me to be the next steward of

Often humans forget that we must share this world with

this beautiful land for the benefit of nature and wildlife,”

other creatures.”

she said.

Moore added that she will invite fellow birders, star

“We have to act now and have common sense, vi-

gazers and naturalists to visit the ranch. “There is a lot to

sion-based planning in our communities. Florida’s popu-

experience out there. There is even an old cracker house,

lation is predicted to rise to over 30 million people over

probably built in the 1920s where Mr. Carlton was born!”

the next 50 years, maybe sooner. Triangle Ranch is part of

she ventured enthusiastically. Eventually, she plans to

the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh on the Myakka River - a huge

build a few small cottages using pecky cypress, which re-

watershed, which filters rainwater and cleans it as it slowly

call an Old Florida- style, but will employ modern systems

sinks into the soil and down river to the Charlotte Harbor.

such as solar power. “Maybe I will go into the eco-tourism

We need this land to be protected.”

business!” she humorously offered.

Originally from Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, Moore and her family moved to Bradenton nine

If you would like to learn more about helping to conserve land, contact Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast at 941.918.2100 (conservationfoundation.com)

November 2016

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ANNE FOLSOM SMITH'S PASSION

FOR MAKING THE FUTURE OF SARASOTA ORCHESTRA BOLD, BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL

ITTING THE Perfect NOTE

By Ryan G Van Cleave | Photo by John Revisky

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As we sat in her exquisite home overlooking the bay on a stunning October morning, Anne Folsom Smith— owner of Anne Folsom Smith Interior Designs and Chair of the Sarasota Orchestra’s Board of Directors—explains that while she loves music, she’s “a passionate musician who doesn’t play well.” She grew up in a musical family where her mom was teaching her scales and fingerings on the piano at age five. “I have music in my soul because the school system, too, helped give it to me,” Smith says. “In first grade, we learned to sing. In second grade, we learned to sing in parts.

In third, we were all part of a fullblown choir.” The sense of purpose, of harmony and of beauty that music brings is exactly what she wishes us all to have. And the city and county school system simply aren’t able to provide the rich musical education for our young people that Smith enjoyed.

Even though we talk about her favorite oak tree in her backyard (“Samson” is its name) and she chats about the deal she made with her architect husband to allow cats in the house (they all have the name of Virginian US Presidents or their First Wives), she always turns the discussion right back to the Sarasota Orchestra, which is clearly one of her great passions.

The Sarasota Orchestra—now in its 68th year of operation—is the longest continuous performing orchestra in our state, I quickly learn.

This 80-musician ensemble performs well more than 100 classical, pops, chamber, education and community engagement concerts each season. A lot of the group’s current popularity and success is due to Paul Wolfe, who began his 35-year tenure as artistic director and conductor in the 1960s. Along the way, he established a core chamber and four resident

“The reason that I am so involved with the orchestra and the continuation of music for our community is because if we lose the harmony, the rhythm, the soul of where it all comes from, we all lose.” chamber ensembles, expanded the Youth Orchestra Program, and created the Sarasota Music Festival. “Paul’s efforts are a big part of the history here,” says Smith. “He did a lot to keep music alive, as did former music directors Alexander Bloch and Leif Bjaland. As Chair, it’s my responsibility to not forget that. And I don’t know a better way to do that other than to keep young people playing.”

Indeed, we spoke at length about the joys young people experience through learning music, including the efforts of my daughter Valerie, age 12, who recently decided she’d like to give trumpet a try. So this past June, she dusted off one of my old trumpets (which hasn’t been played since my marching band days in the early 1990s!) and participated in the Sarasota Orchestra’s Summer Music Camp. “I really liked learning music theory by playing games, and it was fun performing in a group,” she says.

And before she hurries off to practice trumpet on her own again, she adds, “I can’t wait to go back next year!”

Smith points out that the success of the Youth Orchestra—comprising seven different orchestras that practice and perform over a 30-week season that runs concurrent with the academic school year—has created a problem. “We’ve got 350 students

now, and no way to grow. As is, everyone has given up their offices just to come up with more space. It’s a serious problem for us as purveyors of music for this community.”

While this facilities issue is one for the Board of Directors to tackle, there are other ways for people to make a difference. For example, every great performance needs a great audience, so simply attending an event or two of your choice is always a hit. Plus, there’s often a need for more volunteer ushers for concerts in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. And Smith adds that it doesn’t cost much to help support a young musician participate in the Youth Orchestra.

It’s clear that music is a lifelong enterprise in Smith’s family. Just ask her mother, who just celebrated her 100th birthday this summer. More than 50 nephews, grandkids and great-grandkids traveled to Knoxville to offer their best wishes, and come Sunday morning, they went to Riverdale Baptist Church where she still serves as the pianist. Yes, the choir director helps her up the steps to the piano bench, but once there, her hundred-year-old fingers know the joy of music each week and also help share that joy with others. That’s exactly what Smith wants to do with the Sarasota Orchestra.

Smith admits, “The reason that I am so involved with the orchestra and the continuation of music for our community is because if we lose the harmony, the rhythm, the soul of where it all comes from, we all lose.” But with her unyielding energy and a great Board behind her, the future of the Sarasota Orchestra will be bold, beautiful and bright.

For more information on the Sarasota Orchestra, please visit sarasotaorchestra.org or call 941.953.4252.

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A Legacy of Education

By Steven J. Smith | Photo by Nancy Guth

B

rock and Julie Leach know the difference between making a

he said. “I had a mentor who was a minister and encouraged me to

living and making a life, as clearly illustrated in their generous

try different things. I took that advice, always believing I’d do social

philanthropy efforts with Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School.

justice or nonprofit work someday. I had fun in the corporate world

“I got involved in the parent’s association then got on their

and 24 years later I decided to go back to what I set out to do in the

board, first as treasurer then as president for a while,” Julie said.

beginning. It’s a lot easier to do later in life, as it turned out. Now I

“Now I’m president of the endowment board. We manage the en-

can afford to be a minister, helping people who are trying to set up

dowment and make sure it’s there forever. We also try to grow the

forms of spiritual community that are not conventional church per

endowment and right now we’re starting a campaign to increase it

se, but meet people’s needs to be in a spiritual community.”

in time for the school’s 50th anniversary in 2020.”

A longtime member of Saint Stephen’s board, Julie was also

The Leaches practice what they preach, recently contributing

named executive director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in

$500,000 of their own to the endowment’s current balance of $5.5

2015, and is now dedicated to guiding that company through contin-

million — which also includes a legacy gift from the late Dr. Betty

ued growth, artistic enhancements and a planned capital campaign.

O’Dell, who was one of the school’s founders, and $1 million from patrons Dick and Shirley Ann Turner.

“I learned a lot on the board at Saint Stephen’s,” she said. “About seven years ago when WBTT was reorganizing, then-CEO Christine

Julie maintained the endowment is earmarked for funding facul-

Jennings was recruiting new members with nonprofit experience and

ty positions, helping maintain the facilities and benefiting students

I was one of the people she asked. Christine retired and I got the job.”

whose families can’t afford tuition at the school.

Julie added that the couple found Saint Stephen’s shortly after mov-

“That’s something Brock and I are committed to, opportunity for

ing to the Sarasota area in 1999. “We were looking for a good school

young people,” she said. “So most of the things we’re involved with

environment for our kids,” she said. “What we’ve always loved about

relate to that. We’re so proud of the school. We’ve seen it grow so

Saint Stephen’s is it’s small enough that the kids can be very well-round-

much over the years, both in mission and quality of education and

ed and take time to explore what they’re interested in. It’s also got a

facilities. It’s a wonderful jewel in our community.”

great academic record, so it was a really good fit for our family.”

“I had a mentor who was a minister and encouraged me to try different things. I took that advice, always believing I’d do social justice or nonprofit work someday.

I had fun in the corporate world and 24 years later I decided to go back to what I set out to do in the beginning. It’s a lot easier to do later in life, as it turned out.”

– Brock Leach The couple hails from Michigan and met at the University of Chi-

Brock added Saint Stephen’s offers students the opportunity to un-

cago’s business school. Brock joined PepsiCo right out of college in

lock their hidden talents. “They did that terrifically for our kids,” he

1982, the year he and Julie got married. They have two children, a

said. “They inspired our daughter’s love of science and now she’s the

daughter, 29, and a son, 26. She’s a high school science teacher in

head of the science department of the high school where she teaches.”

Providence, R.I. and he’s an intern minister in Bedford, Mass.

Brock was named president and CEO of Frito-Lay North America back in 1996. Three years later, he would do the same job at sister

“Also, a teacher encouraged our son to apply for an advanced placement history class a year early,” Julie added. “He did that and it really inspired him a lot.”

company Tropicana Products after it was purchased by PepsiCo. “That’s

“Now he’s a history maven,” Brock laughed. “The subject has real-

how we initially got down here,” he said. “We now live on Siesta Key.”

ly caught fire with him. But it was a teacher knowing him well enough

But Brock found a higher calling and opted to leave the corporate world to become a chaplain. Today he works in social justice as a minister with the Unitarian Universalist Association.

“It’s something I always wanted to do since I was a teenager,”

to say he ought to apply early for it that made a difference with him.”

To learn more about Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, visit saintstephens.org, or contact Jim McDaniel, Director of Development, at 941.746.2121.

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By Sue Cullen

The Sarasota Ballet is serving up a rare and delicious treat this holiday season with George Balanchine’s Jewels, a three-act abstract ballet that is a pure celebration of three discrete styles of dance set to musical compositions of very different flavors.

Permission to perform Jewels represents a coup for the ballet since it historically has been the purview of large national companies like the New York City Ballet and London’s Royal Ballet, which are also performing Jewels this season.

Locally, the Sarasota Orchestra will provide live music by Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky for three performances of Jewels December 16 and 17 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (941.359.0099/ sarasotaballet.org). “It’s an honor to be given permission to perform the full Jewels by the Balanchine Trust. I’m pinching myself and saying, is our ballet really doing a ballet of this caliber?” says Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb. “We have an enormous amount of people in Sarasota who live in bigger cities and are used to seeing bigger companies. This is an opportunity to see a fresh, young company doing this piece, and we hope they will be proud of their company.”

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“[Jewels] is the perfect ballet. The ballet will have a different feel for everyone.

You see Emeralds, and you think it is your favorite. Then Rubies is performed, and that’s really good. Then you see Diamonds and you want to cry. Jewels has something for both adults and children. It is a delicious meal that has everything, and I think it is a brilliant idea to offer it at the holidays.”

– Sandra Jennings Jewels itself is a visual delight inspired by the jewelry of Claude Arpels with a backdrop of voluptuous music. Opulent “jewel” encrusted costumes in green, red, and wintry white represent the colors of gems in each of the three acts, Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds. While it is an abstract ballet that does not tell a story per se, it does elucidate the arc of Balanchine’s career. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, he trained in ballet at St. Petersburg’s rigorous Imperial Theater School and began performing at the famed Mariinsky Theater. During a tour of Western Europe, Balanchine was invited to join the renowned Paris-based Ballets Russes and was named its principal choreographer. In 1933, he came to the United States and founded the School of American Ballet.

“Jewels is three ballets in one. Emeralds exudes French perfume. It is romantic, visually beautiful, and the music is inspirational,” says Sarasota Ballet’s Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri.

“Rubies is very jazzy, and the influence is American, based on Balanchine’s time in the United States. The jewel in the crown is Diamonds. It is incredibly elegant and radiates the Russian imperial style. The dancers are so excited to be learning and performing it. Diamonds has the most beautiful pas de deux, and every dancer wants to perform it.”

Getting permission to perform Jewels from the Balanchine Trust is not easy, but The Sarasota Ballet already has a number of Balanchine’s works in its repertoire, including Rubies and Emeralds and has performed Diamonds with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Balanchine was known for his admiration of his ballerinas, whom he called his muses, and he created Diamonds for Farrell, Emeralds for the late French ballerina Violette Verdy, and Rubies for Patricia McBride.

“The trustees have a lot of standards, and they feel The Sarasota Ballet does an excellent job. It really is a big deal to get permission to perform Jewels,” says Sandra Jennings, a well-know repetiteur with The George Balanchine Trust, who Balanchine asked to join the New York City Ballet and with whom she worked for nine years until his death. Jennings also taught at the Chautauqua Institute, where she began staging Balanchine ballets, and worked as a coach and ballet-mistress for the Pennsylvania Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. She has known Webb and Barbieri for years and has staged many Balanchine works with The Sarasota Ballet, including Rubies and Emeralds.

Most recently, she was in Sarasota for two weeks this summer to stage Diamonds.

“In the 20th Century, the great full-length ballet was Sleeping Beauty. In the 21st Century, Jewels is the pinnacle. It is the perfect ballet,” Jennings says. “The ballet will have a different feel for everyone. You see Emeralds, and you think it is your favorite. Then Rubies is performed, and that’s really good. Then you see Diamonds and you want to cry. Jewels has something for both adults and children. It is a delicious meal that has everything, and I think it is a brilliant idea to offer it at the holidays.”

One of the challenges of Jewels is the sheer number of dancers on stage. The polonaise (processional) in Diamonds has 16 couples plus the pas de deux couple, a grand finale to a full-length ballet.

“When I requested Rubies, I wanted to be a little bit cheeky and said one day I would like to do Jewels. The trustees said, ‘let’s do one step at a time’,” Webb says. “I really did want to do Jewels as a real treat. I figure there are a lot of ladies in the audience, and it is a good chance for the guys to bring their loved ones, because Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

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AT RING IN THE HOLIDAYS THE VAN WEZEL!

Nov 29

Nov 27

Nov 25 Dec 7 & 8

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS’ CHRISTMAS TOUR - Dec 10

❅

❆

GARRISON KEILLOR Dec 13

Dec 21 Dec 12

❅

Dec 30

Dec 27 & 28 Jan 3

941.953.3368 ❆ vanwezel.org Box Office: M-F 10a-6p, Sat 10a-4p, Open Later & Sun on Show Days Prices, dates & times subject to change without notice.

SPONSORS: Wilde Lexus of Sarasota, ABC7, Michael’s on East, Van Wezel Foundation, 107.9 WSRZ, Herald-Tribune Media Group, Bradenton Herald, Boar’s Head, Bright House Networks, WUSF Public Media

Italy

A Finer Taste of

A

By Steven J. Smith | Photo by John Revisky

ndrea Bozzolo’s passion is the

visiting our area the year before. Following

Lamb ($40), char-grilled and served with a

food of his native Italy, so it’s

a successful stint at another restaurant, he

mushroom demi glaze. “My customers go

no surprise that his restaurant,

opened Andrea’s The Art of Food and Wine at

crazy for those dishes,” he said.

Andrea’s The Art of Food and Wine, is such

2085 Siesta Drive with front man and certified

a hit with his customers.

sommelier Marco Sforza and hasn’t looked back.

Born in a little town called Pallanza in

Piedmont, Italy, Bozzolo, 45, learned food is an important part of life there. “You sit down to lunch on Sunday for three or four hours,” he laughed. “My grandfather was a really great chef and we cooked together from when I was very little.”

After finishing school, Bozzolo traveled

Bozzolo’s advice for those considering a

career as a restaurateur was succinct.

“Here we make our own pastas and breads and change the menu every three months to take advantage of the freshest ingredients of all seasons. I love to experiment with new dishes and look for the best combinations. I’ll wake up at 4 a.m. with an idea and by 5 a.m. I’m in the kitchen creating something new.”

the world as an executive chef on the

The best of those experiments have

“Don’t do it,” he laughed. “You get married

Princess Cruises line. Word spread fast

made their way onto Bozzolo’s menu — an

to the job. The kitchen is my wife. You must

about his expertise in the kitchen and his

appetizer called Fontina Cheese Onion

be 100 percent committed to it to succeed.”

specialty — Italian cuisine. “I worked with

($9), a fondue served in a baked onion shell

great chefs from the north and south of Italy

that comes with truffle essence. Crowd-

when I was with Princess Cruises,” he said.

pleasing entrees include the Boneless Short

“I learned a lot from them.”

Ribs ($34), glazed with fresh orange and

Bozzolo moved to Sarasota in 2003 after

ginger sauce, and the Boneless Rack of

Andrea’s The Art of Food and Wine is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for lunch. Dinner is served daily from 5 p.m. until late. For more information, call 941951-9200 or visit andreasrestaurantsrq.com.

a

n

Tr

W a l v a e d i T nsformatio o

f

A

There’s a quiet transformation happening at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. With key foundational pieces in place, this picturesque campus on the shores of Sarasota Bay already offers robust academic programs in elementary education, business and hospitality. Now, with a new emphasis on STEM curricula – science, technology, engineering and math – and the rollout in August of its College of Science & Mathematics, that quiet transformation is apt to become a tidal wave.

By Sue Cullen

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At the crux of this ambitious makeover is a strategic plan that advances a set of transformative initiatives from building projects and new academic programs to the launch of an NCAA Division I women’s rowing team under the auspices of USF Athletics. “We have so much here,” said Dr. Sandra Stone, USFSM’s Regional Chancellor and the driving force behind many of the changes. “There’s nearly something for every student, if they want to stay local.”

That couldn’t be truer, particularly as the campus looks toward its newly evolved mission. USFSM has long focused on the region’s transfer students, and in many ways it remains committed to that loyal slice of its enrollment, but with the admission of freshman and sophomore students in 2013, the campus has expanded into the role of a traditional four-year institution.

Now, with an emphasis on quality, affordability and community engagement, a formula that has served USFSM well, the question isn’t whether the campus is poised to expand, but when, how fast and how that ensuing growth will be managed, Stone said.

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Over the next few years, at least, that growth will occur incrementally, until its expansion plans become more fully defined. A new STEM building, likely the next addition to the campus, has been added to the state funding list and Stone is hoping the Legislature approves funding this year for design work. Preliminary conceptual designs and renderings are being completed to aid with private fundraising – a prerequisite to receiving state funds – and additional funds are being sought for student programming and new faculty.

To aid its growth plans, USFSM is turning to two new deans. Dr. Paul Kirchman, (left, top) Dean of the College of Science & Mathematics, and Dr. Pat Moreo, (left, bottom) Dean of the College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership, joined the campus this summer and both have ambitious plans for their respective programs.

Since joining USFSM in July, Kirchman has focused on the near term–getting classes scheduled and filled for the year–while also casting an eye toward the future. With fall classes at capacity, the new dean has lately been turning his attention toward hiring additional faculty and working to secure a home

for his fledgling college, an aim that hopefully will build off the success of USFSM’s biology program. Launched in fall 2014, the campus’ biology program achieved its five-year goal for student enrollment by its third year.

This year, 100 students are enrolled in the College of Science & Mathematics, which is at capacity, and in order to achieve its five-year goal of 200 to 300 incoming students per year, funding for the new building and additional faculty is imperative, Kirchman “We hope to build with said. Those plans, which room for growth because are still being finalized, the interest in coming call for construction of a 75,000-square-foot building here is just incredible. to house the laboratories, staff What we need now is to and faculty offices, a 120seat stadium-style classroom come up with funding and space for the Information Technology department from to prime the pump to the College of Business. obtain state funding,” Labs that are currently held at Mote Marine Laboratory, which enjoys a teaching partnership with USFSM, will remain there so that students can continue to collaborate with Mote’s world-class scientists. However, those labs are filled to capacity and as USFSM looks to expand, it makes the most sense to do so at its existing campus. “We hope to build with room for growth because the interest in coming here is just incredible. What we need now is to come up with funding to prime the pump to obtain state funding,” Kirchman said.

“The state wants us to show a local commitment to the project, and we are definitely working on

that. If someone wants a naming opportunity for a new building, this is it.”

Academic expansion plans, many of which are tied to the new building, are also underway.

They include adding master’s degrees in speech and language sciences, counseling psychology and genetic counseling. A new math minor in statistics is planned as well, along with a collaborative effort with the School of Education to allow students to earn teaching accreditations to address the shortage of science teachers. A new Bridge to Engineering program, which launched this fall, is allowing students to enroll in preengineering classes while completing their first two years of study at USFSM. If at end of two years they maintain the required GPA, those students can then enter USF’s mechanical engineering program in Tampa to finish their studies. Additional bridge programs with other engineering disciplines are planned as well.

Kirchman comes to USFSM with plenty of experience in getting new programs off the ground. He was a founding faculty member at Florida Atlantic University’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter. In addition to serving as science and mathematics chair at Wilkes, he

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spent 17 years in the classroom as a biology professor. He plans to continue teaching at USFSM as well. Kirchman earned his Ph.D. in molecular biology at Emory University. He’s a native of St. Petersburg and earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Eckerd College.

Although he assumes leadership of an existing program, Moreo is eyeing similar opportunities for growth and envisions a future that includes a new hospitality building and hundreds of new students. As Dean of the College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership, Moreo believes the hospitality program can evolve into a boutique program that draws students nationally as well as regionally, especially given the area’s many and varied lifestyle attractions in addition to year-round sunshine. “After a lot of research, we’ve concluded that our sweet spot is about 500 students. We’re at 210 now,” he said.

Moreo comes to USFSM from the University of Nevada in hospitality-centric Las Vegas, and he sees significant advantages to a boutique-style program. “It is a chance to attend a good program and to work part time,” he says. “Our tourist season coincides with much of the school year, and that creates opportunities.” Those opportunities have arisen because of close relationships with the area’s well-regarded hospitality industry.

Moreo intends to develop those relationships further. “It is incumbent for us to do that on several fronts. One is to provide educated talent to meet workforce needs,” he said. “We also want to provide research in tourism and operations along with training they may not be prepared to do in-house.”

Hospitality students currently gain hands-on learning at two off-campus sites. The Resort at

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Longboat Key Club works with USFSM as its official “teaching hotel,” where students can watch and participate in resort operations behind the scenes in everything from valet duties and front desk operations to hotel leadership. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the college’s Culinary Innovation Lab (CIL) on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch serves as a testing lab for food and beverage service where students are able to practice the art of culinary preparation, presentation and food safety.

Moreo, sensing a public-facing opportunity for students to display their skills, took the additional step of opening a twice-monthly restaurant at the CIL called the Bulls Bistro.

“In this restaurant experience, under faculty supervision, students manage the whole process,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for them to apply what they’ve learned in their courses.” Starting in the fall semester, the five dining experiences are held on Thursday nights featuring a pairing of specialty hors d’oeuvres with craft beer or wine. So far, the public is embracing the events. The first Bulls Bistro was so successful that a rush on tickets occurred, causing several subsequent events to sell out weeks in advance. Organizers have since expanded the number of tickets and now are considering holding the dinners every Thursday during the spring semester.

Stone appears to like what she sees in Moreo’s efforts. “Hospitality is a signature program for us,” she said. “It serves our area so well because of the huge hospitality and tourism industry here. Dr. Moreo wants to grow that program and is looking at the facilities and

faculty needed to do that.”

Food and hospitality has figured into Moreo’s life since an early age. His uncle was a cook in While USFSM’s two newest the Merchant Marine and his maternal grandparents owned a restaurant and deans look toward future deli where they also sold groceries.

He received his bachelor’s degree growth, the campus’ in business administration and Ph.D. two other deans remain in higher education administration from UNLV after earning a master’s focused on expanding in hotel management from Cornell and enriching existing University. He started as a teaching academic programs. At the assistant at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and went on to teach College of Business – which at Penn State and New Mexico State has earned accreditation University. At UNLV, he taught and as associate dean and chair.

by AACSB International, served Moreo values his Italian-American a prestigious distinction heritage and aims to outline its culinary history and traditional earned by less than 5 recipes in a cookbook that he hopes percent of the world’s will inspire future generations to connect with their roots. business programs – the While USFSM’s two newest focus is squarely on deans look toward future growth, helping students prepare the campus’ two other deans remain focused on expanding and enriching for higher paying jobs. existing academic programs. At the College of Business – which has earned accreditation by AACSB International, a prestigious distinction earned by less than 5

percent of the world’s business programs – the focus is squarely on helping students prepare for higher paying jobs.

A minor in risk management was instituted last year to provide students a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation upon completion, giving them a leg up as they seek careers in the insurance industry. Dr. James Curran, Dean of the College of Business, said the college is also exploring how to integrate information technology – one of USFSM’s fastest growing disciplines – into its existing MBA program, as well as pursuing other academic initiatives, including adding a master’s degree in information technology (IT). “One of the things about accounting, finance, IT and insurance is that these are solid career opportunities in betterpaying fields,” Curran said.

The college regularly solicits input from local business leaders about employment trends and academic programs that can supplement the local workforce. In turn, many of these same CEOs have entered the classroom to answer students’ questions about jobs, work expectations and the rigors of launching a business.

Research is another strong emphasis – an area in which Curran has participated extensively himself. Research-active faculty members have been published more than 450 times, and others have cited their research November 2016

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nearly 13,800 times. “For a relatively small faculty, that is remarkable,” he said. “These are people producing meaningful research in the field and at the same time are dedicated to working with their students and have a personal interest in these students and their success.”

Research figures prominently at the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences as well, and under the leadership of its dean, Dr. Jane Rose, the college has pushed past its campus boundaries to bring its expertise into the community. Within the college, students can major in elementary education, criminology, applied science in management and leadership, English, history, interdisciplinary social sciences, and professional and technical communication.

“What we are trying to do by a number of strategies is deepen the quality of our learning by giving students the opportunity to engage in learning beyond the classroom,” Rose said.

To that end, students regularly engage in internships at local schools and faculty from the School of Education consult frequently with Sarasota and Manatee educators. Additionally, instructors from the criminology program consult often with local governments, police and

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public defenders. Perhaps the biggest outreach coup occurred this summer when the Center for Partnerships for Arts-Integrated Teaching (PAInT) became the state’s official resource for arts-integrated instruction. Even in traditional degrees, such as English, students can intern in prospective job fields, which include journalism and law. “We plan to do that with our history degree as well,” Rose said. “Obviously, history majors go on to jobs, and we are trying to help students connect their world of study to what their lives will be after graduation.”

With all that’s going on, USFSM has stepped up its communication outreach to raise community awareness. In collaboration with METV this year, the campus is planning six televised programs that focus on what’s new, from faculty research and student projects to community activities and more.

“We would like to make people more aware of the amazing things our wonderful faculty and dedicated students are doing here,” Stone said. “The average GPA of our incoming freshman class is 3.9. We are getting more and stronger students academically, and we are actively looking for key partners with which our faculty, staff and students can be engaged to make a meaningful impact in specific areas.

We have a lot of expertise to share.”

Photo: MAry Lundeberg

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Celebration

of Family

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Whether You’re an Employee or a Guest,

the Tableseide Restaurant Group Creates a

Warm and Inviting Family Feeling For All

By Sue Cullen | Opening photo by John Revisky

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For a lot of us, what we seek during the holidays does not necessarily come in pretty wrappings.

Rather, it is the gift of knowing that wherever we go for our celebration, those who care about us will welcome us gladly and feel that no holiday would be complete without us. That family feeling is what makes the holidays so special.

The ability to create that comfortable familial warmth – along with really great food, which the holidays also are all about – is a key underpinning to the success the Seidenstickers have achieved locally with their family-run Tableseide restaurant group (941.487.7300/ tableseide.com). Starting in 2008 with one restaurant, Libby’s in Southside Village, Tableseide now employs more than 300 people locally in five restaurants, an events company and venue, and a consulting business. Those include Libby’s, Louies Modern, and the new Oak & Stone on Cooper Creek Boulevard, which has the region’s largest RFID technology wall of self-serve craft beers.

They also now manage Muse and the Banyan Café at The Ringling.

Their events business includes Modern Events and The Francis in downtown Sarasota.

Steve Seidensticker and his children, Joe, Patrick and Lisa, and their partner Jeff Greco remain very hands-on in the day-to-day business.

One key secret to their success is the ability to create that feeling of family belonging not just in their restaurants, but also among their employees. Some Tableseide employees have offered a glimpse into life at Tableseide and into their own lives and holiday traditions. For many of them, Christmas is the big holiday, since the restaurant is closed that day, while Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days in the hospitality industry, so just about everyone is working.

Molly Moore is Manager of Louies Modern, the Seidenstickers’ downtown Sarasota food-centric take on fine dining with an urban vibe. Moore’s relationship with the Seidensticker family goes back to the early days when she started as a server at Libby’s in 2008, working her way up to bartender. Eventually she decided to get her master’s degree in hospitality management from the University of South Florida and then went to work for a local resort.

“I just came back about 10 months ago. I had recently updated my resume for a job search when I ran into Steve on the beach, and he found the perfect spot for me at Louies Modern,” she says.

“We’re kind of like a second family to each other. Steve is like an uncle to me. Back in the early days, I wasn’t exactly mature yet

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and was still making mistakes. He could have replaced me, but didn’t. Its like the unconditional love and understanding of a family member, and they do not so easily let someone go. I’m thankful they gave me all those chances because it allowed me to grow.”

This time of year Moore reminds herself that although the holidays are a time of connecting with a loving spirit, she also has the opportunity to do that all year in every circumstance, not just at church. Christmas Day she spends with her parents, decorating their condo, making silly cookies and listening to old John Denver tunes and the Muppets.

Ryan Hill, who is the Event Director for Modern Events and The Francis, started at Libby’s on the same day Moore did. Hill was still finding himself career-wise, and while at Libby’s began helping with events, which led him to consider going to college to study meeting and event planning. “The business at Libby’s was the most familial work environment I was ever in. We were close and still are,” he says. “Steve has gone above and beyond to help me in my personal life.

He’s been my mentor, and Lisa is with my family all the time and I’m always with hers.”

Hill passes that familial feeling along to clients through his genuine enjoyment of being part of the special events in their lives and making their day as beautiful as he can.

When he was considering entering college to pursue event management as a profession, Steve told him he was opening The Francis downtown and encouraged Hill to stay for a real world education. “They gave me the reins to express my passion for throwing events,” Hill says. “Having a secondary family where I get to express my creativity and passion in an environment that’s like family means I can’t imagine working somewhere else.”

Hill’s focus on food and family was shaped growing up in Ohio where holidays were spent with a large extended family on an aunt and uncle’s rural property, complete with “One key secret log cabin, and at his grandmother’s house. “My grandmother was the original farm to table. She to their success grew everything,” he says. Spending time with her is the ability to and his aunts in the kitchen fueled his delight in create that feeling giving clients a great culinary experience.

of family belonging not just in their restaurants, but also among their employees.”

Large family gatherings have also been an important part of the holidays for Claudia Chuqizuta, who is the Controller for Tableseide.

Chuqizuta is originally from Peru and many members of her father’s family live in the area.

In their holiday tradition, Christmas celebrations begin at midnight on Christmas Eve. “There are about 30 people when we get together. Everyone is in charge of bringing a dish, and we wait until midnight,” she says. “Then, we celebrate like it’s a party with tons of gifts. It can take us until 4 a.m. to open presents.”

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Chuqizuta came to Tableseide three years ago after having completed her bachelor’s degree in accounting and working for a larger hotel chain as food and beverage manager and in accounting. “Where I worked before was more of a corporate structure. It was a good company, but here it is very family-oriented. They care a lot about their employees, and you can have a good time as long as you are being responsible,” she says. “I’m very thankful for this job. They are always caring and asking about what is going on with you. It’s very personal.” Although Chuqizuta’s responsibilities are in the office, she does get out to the restaurants frequently and has a favorite dish, Libby’s Four Cheese and Pear Tortelloni with white truffle cream.

As Executive Chef for Louies Modern, Jose Rojas is responsible for the many dishes that people like Chuqizuta and others have come to love. Rojas has been working in restaurants since he was 14 years old and began working at Libby’s in 2009. He joined Louies Modern where he worked his way up from “Their approach to us line cook to sous chef, and now is responsible for everything from ordering products to ensuring the is not just as our bosses, line is properly set up for service.

they really care about

A restaurant kitchen is known for being a highyou. You can see everypressure environment because there is so much one come to work happy going on, but at Tableseide, it’s different. “I feel pressure about work because of my work ethic. and leave happy. The Their approach to us is not just as our bosses, they really care about you. They know me well and so people I started with at know if I’m having a bad day and will ask if there Louies Modern four years is something they can do to help. Not just with me, but everyone,” Rojas says. “You can see everyone ago are still with me.” come to work happy and leave happy. The people I started with at Louies Modern four years ago are still with me.”

In one instance, Rojas said he was helping a friend who was working to feed the homeless. “When Steve found out about it, he helped me. That says a lot about all the family,” he says. “They also push me to get past my fears because they believe in me, and that feels good.” That familial feeling is even more important to him as much of his own family is in Mexico City, where he grew up. His sister and her children are in this area, however, and he relishes time he can spend with them. Rojas devotes his time on Christmas to cooking.

Like Chuqizuta, their tradition is to start the holiday feast at midnight.

“Thanksgiving is also very important to me. Everyone eats earlier that day, so I can usually spend the rest of the night at my sister’s house,” he says. “There is so much to thank God for.”

Continuing to grow beyond Sarasota is very much the plan for the Seidenstickers, as is expanding its consulting business for hotels, clubs and other hospitality businesses, including a new Westin hotel planned for the Vue Sarasota Bay building and a Hyatt concept in Fort Lauderdale, according to Joe Seidensticker. “Sarasota is very important to us, and we’d like to grow with Sarasota as the hub. I do think we can keep that family feeling as we grow,” he says. “The people who are with us have been involved in what we’ve accomplished and appreciate our standards. They are behind our culture of putting that great experience number one, and that doesn’t change.”

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OUR MANY SEIDES

RESTAURANT GROUP

Tableseide Restaurant Group is family-owned and operated with over thirty years of restaurant experience and a passion for the world of culinary arts. Tableseide concepts offer highquality, unique dining and catering experiences focused on reďŹ ned, yet approachable, cuisine and atmosphere with influences from culinary regions across the globe.

Š2016 Tableseide Restaurant Group.

All Rights Reserved. All names and their logos are trademarks of the Tableseide Restaurant Group.

tableseide.com

/tableseide

/tableseide

With JFCS, You Are Not Alone JFCS of the Suncoast’s Cancer Support & Wellness Program IS CARING.

M

y name is Peggy Dessaint, and I am a cancer survivor. Thirty years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. Two years ago I lost my younger sister to cancer. My husband had melanoma and each of my three brothers have

had prostate cancer.

Cancer affects the entire family, not just the cancer patient. JFCS understands this, and they ensure that individuals and families are not alone when facing cancer. They offer more than 75 monthly classes, programs and support groups to caregivers & family members, individuals presently undergoing treatment and survivors.

The JFCS Cancer Support and Wellness Program is located at the JFCS South Tuttle Campus (located on the grounds of Temple Beth Sholom). JFCS has created a special caring and healing center for these therapeutic programs, services and support groups.

• The Mind Body Center is a room where men and women can practice Tai Chi and Qigong as well as participate in yoga and cancer recovery exercise.

• The Support Room provides a caring atmosphere for individuals attending the various groups to meet. There is also a dedicated privacy area for fittings of ‘Knitted Knockers’, a program designed to provide lightweight prosthetics at no charge to women who have undergone partial/full mastectomies.

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“Cancer affects the entire family, not just the cancer patient.

JFCS understands this, and they ensure that individuals and families are not alone when facing cancer. They offer more

than 75 monthly classes, programs and support groups to caregivers & family members, individuals presently

”

undergoing treatment and survivors.

• The Expressive Arts Room offers a venue for creative expression including writing, quilting and therapeutic art endeavors.

Because of my surgery the muscles in my left chest and shoulder became increasingly tighter and weaker due to years of neglect and favoring my right side. The exercise classes give me the type of gentle balanced stretching and range of motion that I need. The Qigong and yoga provide hours of peace, reducing my stress and anxiety surrounding cancer and all of life’s struggles. The techniques I have learned have been invaluable, and are now a part of my daily life.

JFCS provides all these services to adults on a non-denominational basis by a caring and compassionate staff, many of whom are survivors themselves.

Cancer’s intrusion into my life has been continual and unexpected. At JFCS, I am in a network with such kind people who have had cancer, or who help family members with cancer. We share stories about how cancer changed our lives, both mentally and physically. Because of the support and enduring friendships I have gained at JFCS, I have been able to cope with all of the challenges that I have endured because of cancer.

I am now a volunteer for JFCS’ Cancer Support and Wellness Program. I wanted to share my story, and the many blessings I have received at JFCS, in hopes that it can help others.

For more information about programs & to learn how you can support JFCS’ mission to HELP ALL PEOPLE – please call 941.366.2224 or visis jfcs-cares.org. The Cancer Support & Wellness Programs are offered at Temple Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, on the west side of Building 1. Programs also offered at additional locations in North Sarasota, Bradenton and Port Charlotte (Spanish).

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pièc

PIÈCE DE

de résistance

RÉSISTANCE The dancing of Danielle Brown (Diamonds), Kate Honea and Ellen Overstreet (Emeralds), and Victoria Hulland (Rubies) in The Sarasota Ballet premiere of George Balanchine’s Jewels is sure to be as lustrous as the magnificent jewels adorning their graceful hands and flawless décolletage. Be enthralled at the beauty of their performance at this masterful work to live music on December 16 at 17 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

PHOTOGRAPHER:

John Revisky

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Emerald and Diamond Earrings in White Gold, $7,930 Emerald and Diamond Ring in White Gold, $25,200 Emerald and Diamond Necklace in White Gold, $5,260 Available At

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Steven Strenk is an artist of many mediums ranging from painting to sculpture and draws his inspiration Limited Edition Contemporary Diamond Ring set in White Gold, $11,491 from his coastal environment. Along with a sense of playfulness, his finished work is the product of Emerald and Diamond Ring set in White Gold, $40,590 exploring various creative processes to reach a final arrangement. Steven is also an educator at Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts program and Available At Ringling College of ArtJewelers and Design. sstrenk.wordpress.com Tilden Ross 410 Saint Armands Circle, Sarasota 941.388.3338 tildenrossjewelers.com

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Radiant Cut Ruby and Diamond Earrings in White Gold, $2,675 Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring in White Gold, $11,880 Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond Pendant in White Gold, $3,980 Triple-Row Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in White Gold, $9,960 Available At

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Diamond Tassle-Style Earrings set in White Gold, $27,875 Platinum Cushion Cut Diamond Ring, $112,590 Rose Gold Necklace with Emeralds and White and Black Diamonds, $41,125 Emerald and Diamond Ring set in Yellow Gold, $16,488 Available At

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November 2016

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Give the Gift of

By Steven J. Smith Photo of Million Dollar Quartet at Theatre Raleigh

by Curtis Brown Photography.

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Florida Studio Theatre opens its season with a must-see, award-winning musical that captures a seminal moment in rock and roll history.

Richard Hopkins, Florida Studio Theatre’s producing artistic director, believes FST’s season-opening show “Million Dollar Quartet” will strike the perfect chord with Sarasota area audiences.

“It’s such a piece of American mythology that needs to be brought to light,” Hopkins said during a recent break in rehearsals.

“Many people know about these music legends, but few know about the event that inspired this show.”

That event was an impromptu jam session that actually took place on Dec. 4, 1956 which brought together early rock and roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins at Sun Records in Memphis.

“They were all signed by Sun Records and just happened to jam that one night,” Hopkins said. “It’s just an incredible assembling of talent and the whole notion of putting them all together on stage at one time makes you wonder what that jam session might have been like. So this show is a mythic recreation of that jam session and along the way we get to hear some of the best music of that time.”

That music features such hits as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,”

“Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Hound Dog,” to name a few.

Joe Boover portrays Elvis Presley in this production and said FST found him via the Internet.

“I sent them some videos of myself singing,” he said. “I’m actually coming off another job where I perform as Elvis, so this is pretty cool.”

Boover added initially he didn’t know where to begin in finding a way to play such an icon of rock music.

“I kind of went through a freak out moment,” he laughed. “My brain said, so I’ve got to be the king of rock and roll? But I just took a deep breath and decided to treat him as a normal person.

I’ve prepared for the role by finding out who Elvis was as a human being and do research on what kind of person he was, rather than the icon he turned out to be. Sure, I’ve had to practice in front of a mirror for hours to get his movements, which are pretty iconic. But I’ve discovered I’ve got some parallels to him in my own life —particularly in our devotion to our parents and families — which are helpful anchors to have.”

Hopkins said the show provides the audience with a real context of the birth of rock and roll — where the sound came from and the innocence and guilelessness of its creators.

“We see a real contrast between them at their start and where several of them ended,” he said. “Those were interesting careers and today we tend to think of them — especially Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis — toward the end, when they had deteriorated somewhat, instead of looking at them in the beginning

when they were forging the rock and roll movement. We see them at the very outset of their explosion onto the music scene. It’s before they were hardened by the business. It’s when they were young and just starting out.”

Hopkins added the show captures these legendary musicians at the cusp of their brilliance.

“It’s the essence of a mythic American story,” he said, “and what better way to kick off this season for FST, which is Sarasota’s contemporary theater.”

Hopkins believes audiences will take two things away from this production: a lot of joy in hearing the effervescence of the music, which was so new at that time, and a sense of humanity in the people who created it.

“They loved the music and they were all innately American in the best sense,” he said. “They were also innately southern, which is something we frequently overlook. Our audience will love this, because this is the music they grew up with. Also our younger audience members today have such a broad palette and love of music that includes this genre. We’re living in a great age now where, with the younger generation, all sorts of music are on the table.”

“Million Dollar Quartet” will run from Nov. 9 to Jan. 1 at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre.

FST is located at 1241 N. Palm Ave. in Sarasota. Tickets are priced at $30 and up. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 941.366.9000 or visit floridastudiotheatre.org.

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Rolling with Life’s Punches Gus Mollasis Interviews Entertainer Arnie Ross

How does a man named Armand

relationship with his father. But you won’t

Rosenblum become Arnie Ross? The

ever hear him complain. He’d rather

answer? It wasn’t easy. He took one fight,

tell you a joke instead. He’s grateful

one piano key and one joke at a time,

for what he has and where he’s been on

and managed to punch, play and joke his

the very entertaining road that’s been

way through any and all situations life

his life. So, when this man from Philly

threw at him, standing up and smiling

named Armand, discovered Sarasota’s

throughout. As an entertainer, he’s a

St. Armands, he knew he’d finally found

utility man. He plays some brilliant

a home. Now in his 70s, he shares his

piano, tells some jokes and sings some

wonderful life with his wife Jill and

songs. As a human being, he’s just as

their loving cats, and still makes time to

diverse. A fighter? Absolutely. He’s

perform his unique act around the state.

answered every bell. A survivor? For sure.

He’s also writing a book titled “King of

His comedy has helped ease the pain. A

the Faux Pas,” and hosting a new radio

role model? Hell yeah! He’s rolled with

show during which he shares his wisdom

all of life’s punches. This man has lived

as ‘Coach Ross” – coaching folks to make

one heck of a colorful, hectic, eclectic

the best out of the bright side of their

and big life. The evidence? Joe Frazier

lives – every single day of it! As I sat

taught him how to throw a good left

down with him, I couldn’t wait to get in

hook, Liberace tickled the ivories with

the ring with Arnie Ross, knowing he

him as they performed duets, and Lenny

wouldn’t pull any punches and only lead

Bruce shared punchlines with him in

with his heart, as he shared some stories,

late-night diners. Quite a life for a man

jokes and some very musical scenes from

who left home at 16 because of a strained

an interview of his life.

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Where were you born?

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Please paint me a picture of your childhood.

Well it wasn’t what probably anybody would have wanted. My parents should not have been parents. You can’t really be angry with people who were picked for a job they couldn’t handle. They had a great desire for a little girl for my older brother, who was 10 years older than me, so he could be a big brother for her. But I came along for the ride as a twin to my sister and they never got over it.

How did you deal with that?

Instead of becoming a nut and letting this fester and bother me, I took out my resentment as a teenager, by taking up boxing at the local Police Athletic League (PAL). At the same time, I showed talent for playing the piano.

You got to know one of Philadelphia’s favorite sons. Tell me how that happened.

That came much later when I was on WPVI, Channel 6 in Philadelphia. Joe Frazier was on same show with his group, Joe Frazier and the Knockouts. They were terrible! (Laughs) It was so bad. I was smiling at Joe and he was smiling at me while he was performing, and then I walked over

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to him, and with a lot of courage said, “You know Joe, in the ring you have such rhythm. You move so beautifully. Dance beautifully. But you know what pal? In here you ain’t got no rhythm.” Joe laughed like hell. We proceeded to play around, do some shadow boxing and he said to me, “You move pretty good yourself.” When I told him that I boxed at PAL, he told me, “Don’t go there. There’s a great gym on Broad Street.” So I went to Broad Street and he gave me some pointers. “You know how I win all these fights?” I said, “No.” Joe said, “You ever watch my left hook?” I said I sure do. And he said, “Well, here’s how you throw it.” He showed me the whole secret of how you can beat a guy who’s twice your weight, just by the transference of power moving your hips the right way and with the right follow through. Turn your hips, get low and follow through and you can drop anybody. You know what?

He was right about his left hook.

Why did you end up having to leave home at such a young age to make a living?

I was as a teenager, around 18 years old, when I started doing all this to support myself, because I left home at 16. When I was child, we had a summer home in Atlantic City, and every summer my parents would pack up the old Dodge

and head for the shore for the summer.

My father was a lawyer for the city and he would come down on weekends. I was seven years old and they had the car all packed up with everything. My sister, my brother, and a lot of pots and pans. My father said, “Armand go up to front door (which is five steps up to our row house in West Philly) and make sure the door is locked.” And I went up to lock the door and they left. They left me there. I didn’t see my father until the following night.

He had to come back to go to his job on Monday. It rained that night, but we had an old peach tree that I climbed and slept under. When I got up from my nap, it was now Sunday morning and nobody was around in the neighborhood. It was so close to the end of World War II and with the talk of the atomic bomb, I thought to myself, “Did something happen?” “Was it the end of the world? Did someone drop a bomb?” All the houses, all the cars, the street was empty. The truth was, that it was summer and all the neighbors got away for the summer.

How devastating was this incident to you as a child?

Look. It was good and it was bad.

What happened was that it set up the resentment. When it set up the resentment, even as a kid, I analyzed that this resentment is not going to do me good at all. Why did I go to PAL to box in the first place? Because the fights were on Wednesday and Friday nights in the early years of TV. I remember on Wednesday night my mother was out playing canasta, and my father was in the dining room working. While he was sitting there and while I was watching the fights, my eyes kept turning toward the dining room and my rotten father, who had physically pushed me around pretty good. I said to myself, “Don’t do it.” Because I had the temptation, the following day I went to the Police Athletic League. There was another incident that spurred me on. It was summer and my mother would pull up all the winter rugs, clean them and hang them on the back line in our backyard. I would take out my aggression by punching the hell out of those rugs. Our next door neighbor was the eye doctor for the famous fighter Gil Turner. I didn’t know that they were

standing in the backyard. The doctor yelled, “Armand, come over here! Boy can you punch.” And Gil Turner said, “That boy is a natural.” From there on, I knew what was going to be. I knew that it was time to leave home and I had a combination of how to make a living.

Who taught you how to play the piano?

My parents took my twin sister and me to a neighbor’s house when we were five. They had a piano and I sat down and I played it. Not well. But they discovered that I was born with absolute pitch, which means that if I hear something, I can play it in any key.

How did you break into show business?

My mother played canasta with a woman whose husband was a booking agent. One day he needed a favor. “I’m going to lose an account that I have.

There’s a wonderful night club and my piano player is sick, can Armand come and play?” She said, “What are you crazy?

He’s barely 16.” “It’s a wonderful supper club,” he pleaded. It wasn’t a supper club.

Finally I conned her into letting me go and play. I got on a trolley car and found the place. It was called “Irv’s Hideaway.”

The sign said, “16 Girls!” It was a strip joint. I was a kid and I played the piano.

What did I know? I was playing at this strip joint and I was boxing, making a living that was quite substantial. While I worked there, some people in town told me I was too good to play there, so they moved me to another one of their nightclubs where Lenny Bruce was the headliner at that time. I was in the piano bar upstairs with various unsavory types, but for a kid at that age, it was fun. They had given me toothbrush with a piece of fur on the end. I won’t go into any more detail than that, but I did a bit with that and that’s where I started to develop comedy into my act. Lenny Bruce would come up between shows and kibitz with me and we would go out after work. He was so brilliant sitting on that stool in the main room. I would sit on the steps and listen to both of his shows and be amazed at what an incredible mind he had. It’s so sad how he wasted it.

So you used your street smarts and talent to turn lemons into lemonade in your life as you boxed and played the piano?

At this age, I’m taking professional fights and I’m hoping, because I go on at 11 o’clock at the club, that I can drop the guy early and get to work on time.

(Laughs) I would show up with a mouse over my eye and a cut over the other eye.

And when you take the tape off your hands from boxing, your hands swell. So when I would sit down and play it was terrible. I sang and was so funny that nobody noticed it. Let’s face it, the crowd was all, how should we say it, Mafia.

Where does your comedy come from?

Comedy comes from pain. It’s as simple as that. Comedy, being able to laugh, it’s a big reason as to what I am today, and that is a survivor. A survivor.

What is the hardest part about opening for a headliner?

Understanding them. When I opened for Steve (Lawrence) and Eydie (Gorme), I couldn’t believe what they could do and how talented they were, but what I realized was that they were a team.

That’s what made them special. They were warm and the kind of couple that you wished were your brother and sister.

Regarding playing with headliners, I had it made because if it was a comic, I went on as a singer or a piano player. If the

headliner was a singer or piano player, I went on as a comic. That’s why Merv Griffin loved what I could do. You know what I was? I was a utility infielder. I could play any position.

Name the first thing that comes to your mind when I mention the following entertainers and places.

Merv Griffin…

Fabulous. One of the most talented, generous, honest and direct men that I ever met. I worked for him for a long time at Resorts International Casino in Atlantic City and in Beverly Hills. The best. He was my friend and mentor. I have a pair November 2016

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of gold cufflinks with Merv’s crest on it that he gave me.

Frank Sinatra Jr… What amazed me is that he captured his father’s phrasing, if not his voice. But I felt he was so frightened by wanting to be accepted in his own right and on his own merit. How could he not when his name was Frank Sinatra?

Tom Jones…

Dynamite. What amazed me with him, and I just saw him recently, he that he sings as well today as he did then. What surprised me is one afternoon I heard him rehearsing and somebody was joking with him and he sang opera! He had that kind of delivery and power. One of the most incredible talents I’ve ever seen.

comedy, but it is not my main forte. But if called on, I can do three hours. I’m a utility man. The Friars Club is extremely cliqueoriented. You go there and you are a novice. Thank God Alan King made me feel comfortable my first day there. I thought, “Boy I’m in the Friars Club. This will help my career. Incredible.” It did nothing. It’s not like the old days when Eddie Cantor ushered in Eddie Fisher, and onto a wonderful career. It’s now me for me and dog eat dog.

What was the best and worst part of opening your own club called Fingers in Philadelphia?

I was doing a show at Resorts International and in the middle of the show I heard “Where did they get you from? You can’t play and you can’t sing.” It didn’t bother me. I like hecklers. But I had lights in my eyes. During the show, the manager handed me a note that said, “Red Buttons is in the audience. He’s the one who heckled you.” So I covered my eyes, looked into the audience, and said, “Hey Red, you got some great lines. Too bad they’re all in your face.” I walked down and talked with him and he asked me to open for him on Broadway for his show, “Buttons on Broadway.” It would be Red Buttons who eventually proposed me for induction into the New York Friars Club.

The best part of it was saying, “This is my place. Give that table a drink on me.” Honest to God. I worked so hard.

You go through all that aggravation for that one moment. (Laughs) The hard part is the rest of it. After a night of hosting, hollering at the chef, trying to get the food out, and sitting behind the piano, the chef cut his finger. No problem.

Nothing to it. I had printed recipe cards up. Wrong. That didn’t mean you could cook. I took off my tuxedo jacket and walked into the kitchen where I had something stirring on the pot. I started to cry. I sat on top of the beer box behind the bar after everyone had left at 3 a.m. and said to myself, “What have I done?

All of this money, time and one rotten partner. I need to get out of this and I did.”

What does the Friars Club mean to you?

Tell me about your work in TV.

I don’t consider myself a comedian.

First of all, I am a fine pianist, impressionist, and singer who also does

I was on air talent at WMAL in Washington and also in Philadelphia. I created a show called Mr. Music and the

Red Buttons…

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Rascals, a kid’s show that played in the afternoon and I was Mr. Music. It was the most fun I had other than my nighttime radio show. I loved and preferred live TV over taped shows, because it gave me a similar sensation to doing my live act.

Tell me about your love for radio.

I prefer radio because my imagination works better there. I had a show in Philadelphia that went on the air at 11 at night and ran until 3:30 in the morning.

You can’t imagine the people who called in. I called myself, “The Night Badger.”

Someone would call in and say, “Mr. Badger, I just saw a UFO.” And I would say, “I just saw it too.” (Laughs) My listeners were diner waitresses, cooks, nurses, construction workers, and bartenders.

Night owls. The calls that came in were so inspiring and it was absolutely nuts.

Was that the most alive you felt in the business?

No, the most alive I felt was working in a stadium to so many people. You get up there and you can’t see them, but you have the courage to act like they’re in front of you, like a night club.

You also had a career in advertising and wrote commercials and jingles.

As a teenager I was writing jingles and a little bit of advertising. A neighbor took notice of what I could do and asked me to help with an account called Michael Felder’s Sausage. I gave him a jingle, “You

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don’t have to be hot to be a sausage.” And it went like this. “Michael Felder’s swelters over hot smoky embers, just to bring a sausage that is succulent and tender, now remember kids or elders, reach for Michael Felder’s.” It got to the point where kids wore buttons at school that said, “You don’t have to be hot to be a sausage.” That eventually led me to becoming Vice President of advertising for two companies.

What was your most challenging job or gig?

It had to be Rubes Cocktail Lounge in Allentown. It paid peanuts but I wanted the gig. So I went to Rubes and asked the bartender where the piano was and he said, “Look up.” And I said, “Where’s the piano?” He said, “Look up!” I did and that’s when I saw the winding staircase that led 12 or 15 feet up to a piano. Now I have acrophobia and I looked up at this platform and there wasn’t even room for a stool. I would have to stand up there while everybody in the place looked up at me. I looked up and finally he said to me, “You want the gig or not?” “Alright,” I said, as I started to climb the stairs. This was the time when Jerry Lewis was big and pounded the keyboards. So I was up there pounding the piano, and there was no fallboard which meant that the strings are breaking and hitting my leg and it hurt like hell. Anyway I’m pounding away and screaming like hell and the piano was rocking back and forth. And finally it rocked right off the platform and fell to the ground! It took out the back bar, the icebox, and most of the front bar. People were running for their lives. Stools were flying. Finally the Italian owner who was

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in the back came out and looked up at me and said in his thick Italian accent, “Hey what did they send-a me from-a Philadelphia? A King-a-Kong-a.”

What was your favorite performance?

That had to be when Liberace invited me to join him on stage. I toured with him for a one summer for a couple of weeks. I was 23 and playing at the brand new Latin Casino on the Jersey side of Philadelphia. Liberace was the third act ever to play there after Paul Anka and Phyllis Diller. He was incredible. The greatest act I had ever seen. Here I was playing the lounge and one night, I get a note from his manager, stating that Liberace wanted to see me after the show.

I knocked on his door and his larger than life soft voice echoed back, “Come on in. The door’s open.” I walked in and got the shock of my life. There was Liberace reclining on a chase lounge, wearing a Beethoven sweatshirt and on his lap were two of the most beautiful chorus girls I had ever seen. I was shocked, you know with what I had heard. So I said, “Mr. Liberace, what’s this?” He said, “The best of both worlds.” (Laughs) Then he said, “I heard you playing. You’re a marvelous pianist. They’re going to put another piano on stage tomorrow night.” I asked, “What do you want me to do?” He shot back, “I already know about you. I listened, you have absolute pitch. When I do something, just play something that works with it and we’ll see how it works out.” Well it worked out beautifully. He asked me to go on tour with him. We were in the middle of this

show and he says in his incomparable Liberace voice, “Ladies and gentleman, I’m going to play Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and my little friend over there is going to play anything he wants to compliment Beethoven.” He knew I could do it. I knew the key that he was in and I played the theme from Love Story and it fit beautifully because it’s in a minor key. It worked beautifully. Now years later, I do that duet by myself and I tell the story and the audience that I’m a schizophrenic. (Laughs)

Do you consider yourself more a writer than an entertainer?

These days I enjoy writing as much as entertaining and I write mainly from midnight until dawn. I always did. When I wrote Live and Let Love, my musical that played at the Golden Apple in Sarasota, I wrote at that same time. I have talent as a writer and entertainer, but I am the world’s worst dancer. One night I’m up trying to time one of the dance numbers, so I’m dancing and writing the number, and I hear my wife’s voice, “Hey Fred Astaire, go to sleep.”

Finish the followings sentences: When I play the piano I… Write.

For a joke to be funny it…

Has to be honest.

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A good story is one that…

Embodies the truth and holds your interest.

Writing is…

The honest art of expression.

The one thing I will always promise my audience is…

The best show that I can give them no matter if there are two people or two thousand in the house.

Making someone laugh is…

A thrill.

The hardest part about show biz is….

Worrying about the next show.

The most gratifying part of show biz is…

Applause.

What is your advice to people who want to make a life in show business?

Become as good as you can be in everything. Acting. Dancing. Singing.

Don’t say I’m an actor who also dances.

Get good in all of them so that you don’t have to prioritize.

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When did you first discover Sarasota?

I was freezing in Philadelphia, when an agent called and asked me if I would like to go to Sarasota. I said the (race) track is closed, why would I want to go there? He said, “No you idiot, not Saratoga, Sarasota.”

I said, “What? I never heard of it?” He told me it is on the Gulf of Mexico. I asked, “How long is the gig?” He told me a week.

I told him I would go. It was September 1966 and I drove down in my 1962 Cadillac Coupe Deville. I turned on to the causeway and went over the second bridge when I saw the sign “Welcome to St. Armands.”

I parked my car at the gas station, which is where Foxy lady is today, and called my sister in Philadelphia. “Barbara sell my furniture. I’ve come home.” The gig was one week. I stayed and played two years at the Elbow Room, which was then across from the Columbia Restaurant.

Do you find it to be true that Sarasota is a great town because of its array of talented and giving people?

Absolutely. Years ago, I came back

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to town wanting to get off the road for a while. I took a job playing at the old Colony Beach Resort on Longboat Key and worked for a true Sarasota legend, Murf Klauber. He’d walk past the piano and say things like, “Don’t worry, tomorrow we’ll get this thing tuned.”

So many great people have opened their arms and hearts to me in this town like Jeffrey Kin, artistic director at The Players, and award-winning theatrical director Bob Trisolini, who directed a musical comedy I wrote that opened at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, which was owned by the wonderful Bob Turoff.

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Tell about your upcoming new radio show “Coach Ross” and your keys to being a life coach.

Being able to laugh at yourself, that’s the key to how I life coach. The ability to laugh at yourself and understand that you’re not putting yourself down, but you’re understanding the humor in life and all situations. Self-deprecating.

Everything has an element of humor in it. If you can look at what you did and laugh, it’s healthy. That’s what I will do on radio with Coach Ross. It’s in the works now and I plan on opening the show with six bars of Peggie Lee’s “Is that all there is?” My theme focuses on how people exaggerate their problems. And I will say, “Is that all there is?” It will be a call in talk show and I’ll also be offering private coaching, as well as sharing some of my own faux pas from my book with my listeners.

The secret to a good marriage is….

Honesty. Don’t fight. Reason. Work it out.

Many years from now, how do you want to be remembered? Through music, a joke or a song?

I want to be remembered as the guy that tried to make everybody happy.

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EDUCATION

Cast of THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET, Asolo Rep's Presentation of an FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training Touring Production. Photo by Cliff Roles.

Asolo Repertory Theatre’s The Tragedy of Hamlet Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

– The Tragedy of Hamlet (Act I, Scene IV)

By Ryan G. Van Cleave While Asolo Repertory Theatre has a host of outreach and education programs, perhaps the most exciting is the fall tour that brings exciting 45-minute modern adaptations of classic literature to schools and community venues throughout the Sunshine State. And for this year’s tour — which started September 27 and ends November 22 — it’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, an all-new adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic. It’s the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death, after all, so there’s no better time to explore one of his literary and theatrical masterpieces.

The tour’s company features the entire third-year class of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Before each performance, company members load up a van with minimal set pieces, props, and costumes, as well as a sound system, then the 11-person cast heads to a school or community venue and brings in all of the equipment, sets it up, does warm ups and a quick fight call to ensure stage combat goes well, gets into costume and is ready to

perform. All of this happens within 90 minutes of arrival.

And just as often as not, they pack it all up and repeat the process at another school or venue the same day.

“As of right now,” reports Education & Outreach Director Kathryn Moroney, “there are 62 performances on the calendar in about 42 different places. So it’s a pretty busy nine weeks!” She points out that it requires quite a bit of flexibility to go into an unfamiliar location — which could be a cafeteria, multi-purpose room, or a theater space — and be ready to do a show.

When asked why they went with Shakespeare for the touring project versus, say, Arthur Miller, Noel Coward, or Lillian Hellman, Moroney explains that Shakespeare hits a sweet spot. The performers — who just finished the second year curriculum that focuses on Shakespeare and a rigorous London theater summer training session — are eager to share some of what they’ve learned. And while schools have different needs throughout different years of November 2016

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Fabulous Faces by Janet Mishner

! s r a e y 0 1 g Celebratin

F E AT U R I N G

PAU L A A B D U L Moderated by Hayley Wielgus, ABC 7

Tickets starting at $80* (includes lunch) *In addition, $100 minimum gift to Federation’s 2016 development efforts required

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Co-chairs: Barbara Ackerman and Sepi Ackerman

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the curriculum, Shakespeare is often on the docket. “We can bring something beyond what the teachers do,” says Moroney.

“We can take the classic works of literature and bring them to life for young audiences. Yes, Shakespeare is writing about themes like truth and loyalty, but those aren’t just vague ideas when performed by actors. At our shows, audiences can witness how poetry transforms into behavior.” Audiences quickly understand that what they’re watching is real, or at least deeply echoes the behaviors and challenges of real people. The truth and relevance speak across the ages to students of today.

What if the students haven’t yet read Hamlet? No problem.

While some schools adjust their class readings to match what the tour brings them, others aren’t able to do so. Some students won’t be reading Shakespeare until spring, so the tour becomes a springboard that sparks their curiosity and helps them explore its possibilities even before opening the text. A performance can also serve as a comparison with another Shakespeare work that they read. Or it can simply be an introduction to Shakespeare in general, a literary giant whose work they will read at some point in their school careers.

Part of the fun and educational value is the informal Q&A period with the cast after the performance. Moroney says, “There’s a bit of time immediately afterwards for the cast to introduce themselves and answer questions from the audience.

Kids are often more vocal than adults, so these discussions can be quite memorable.” The cast hears honest reactions to the work — and many feel challenged and inspired by the students.

Audiences also share written reflections after the performance.

It’s interesting how readily students make connections and draw comparisons between stories of today and Shakespeare’s stories. This is exactly how people in love behave, they often point out, or this is what jealousy is like in middle school. Their writing demonstrates that watching a play is not a passive experience, but that the audience can make a personal connection with these texts centuries after it was written.

Last year, the fall tour reached over 14,000 students and adults, and the calendar this year seems comparable, reports Moroney. The Tragedy of Hamlet is especially important because it has such a prominent place in the curriculum, so the demand has been high from day one. “The truth is that our calendar is so full that we don’t have as many performance days as we’d like,” says Moroney. “We’re nearly at capacity now.” This makes sense since their fall tour program — now in its 7th year — has been particularly successful and well-received.

“It’s my fourth season here,” explains Moroney, “and this program existed before I arrived. Yet it was one of the things I was most excited about in terms of Asolo Rep’s offerings. It’s really a great match between a serious need that schools have and what we have to share.”

For more information on Asolo Repertory Theatre’s education programs in general or The Tragedy of Hamlet tour in specific, please visit asolorep.org/education or call (941) 3519010 ext. 3307.

Our Place or Yours, There’s Nothing Like an Event Catered by the Legendary Cafe L’Europe

Sarasota’s iconic Café L’Europe restaurant on St. Armands Circle has built an unparalleled reputation for its elegant and delicious European-inspired cuisine, award-winning wines, and professional service.

In one of our beautifully decorated private dining rooms or at the off-site place of your choice, let our catering staff create magic at your special event giving you and your guests an unforgettable five-star experience.

ESTABLISHED 1973 R EBORN AUGUST 2016

941.388.4415, Ext 4 | cafeleurope.net WEDDINGS | SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS | BUSINESS DINNERS/LUNCHEONS | HOLIDAY PARTIES | CATERING ALL EVENT SIZES & BUDGETS

Thank you FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF KEY TO THE CURE. We hope to see you next year! To learn more about how you can stay involved or sponsor next year’s event please visit us at SMHF.org

Thanks to Our Esteemed Partner Saks Fifth Avenue and Thanks to FASHIONISTA SPONSOR Amicus Foundation, Inc. BMO Financial Group MASTER KEY Ashley D. Kozel Burn Centers Of Florida Inc. Florida Cancer Specialists-Sarasota Janice Kelly Memorial Foundation Saks Fifth Avenue-Sarasota Sarasota Ford

Buzz

The

Around Town

D

on’t you just love this time of year with its cooler weather, the holidays and of course lots and lots of parties? As soon as you pack up the costumes and spooky decorations, it’s time to get into planning the menu and guest list for Thanksgiving. Of course, celebrations on the day of a holiday are expected, but what about the impromptu dinner party? Perhaps cocktails to welcome back friends from up North?

Or the much-needed-for-survival play dates that give parents a chance to catch up on adult conversation? And we can’t forget the many galas and luncheons planned by the nonprofits we hold so dear.

DINNER PARTIES One of my favorite reasons for a dinner party is a successful hunting or fishing trip. I attended one such party at the home of Elizabeth and Gary Butler who showed us how to cook quail.

They had recently moved to their beautiful Hudson Bayou home and were new to the area. The other invited couple was Marcy and Michael Klein. With only three couples, the dinner party was small enough to observe and learn from the chef, yet big enough to enable good conversation and the opportunity to create new friends.

I don’t know about you, but I love unplanned dinner parties.

You know, when a friend just drops by and it leads to drinks, and then it leads to calling other friends, and then it leads to seeing what’s in the cabinets, and all of that leads to a very fun evening.

Some people excel at this type of impromptu gathering. My friend, designer Gary Pike of Point West Designs, shines in this department. He would always have the most beautiful dishes or perfectly unmatched items and unique ingredients in his pantry to whip up something special with no effort at all. The best times are when all hands are on deck talking and drinking and getting to know each other on a whole different level.

Brunch can also be a great type of dinner party. The restful nature of a Sunday perfectly lends itself to taking first place in the day of the week brunch choice. Falling at the end of the weekend, it gives a little bit more flexibility and an opportunity

By Suzette Jones

to celebrate even when there’s no celebration. I recently had a brunch to celebrate my husband’s birthday, which was chosen just so Southern belle Laurie Jenkins could make her famous shrimp and grits for the Midwesterner who said he didn’t know if he liked them. It turned into everyone bringing a dish and friends who are more like family stopping by. Good thing, because as usual, I wasn’t ready when everyone started to arrive. Thankfully this type of guest list made it okay. I answered the door with toothbrush still in mouth and pointed to what needed to be done.

My friend Liz took over and greeted guests and put them all to work as they arrived. Hopefully you all plan “getting dressed” into your pre-party agenda. Apparently, I’m still learning.

BUZZ TIP: Global event designers weighed in on the top trends and predictions for dinner parties. Celebrating is a trend (who knew?). Mix and mingle soirees with cozy seating and food stations; loose and airy garden-style floral arrangements; retro menus that include Manhattans, Baked Alaska, cheese balls and Beef Bourguignon; edible garden produced meals; long tables, and vintage candlesticks with low, organic florals and greenery.

COCKTAILS ANYONE? OK, so many of us don’t want to go the route of a full dinner party, but we still want to get together with friends and celebrate.

How about a cocktail party? Sometimes it’s drinks at a friend’s house. A few years ago, Richard and Michael Scire, or “The Twins’” as many call them, posted on social media that they had just unpacked and assembled the new bar they had ordered for their Watergate living room. The news popped up on my phone just as I was driving past their building, so I called up and asked if they were taking visitors. It is my pleasure to say I was the first friend to toast a martini at Twinspiration (as they named their bar) overlooking our beautiful Ringling Bridge.

Sometimes we just don’t have time to host a party in our home, so it’s off to one of the many establishments you can find in our beautiful city. Maybe it’s one of our new downtown hot November 2016

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Denise Mei & Nicole Mei BROKER ASSOCIATE

REALTOR

spots like Ryan Boeve and Arthur Lopes’ Lila on Main Street or around the corner at Boca. If you’re looking for atmosphere downtown, Beulah, State Street Eatery and Jack Dusty are three top choices. Or maybe it’s the old world charm and newly refreshed décor at Café L’Europe, now owned by Ron Milton, husband of Scene Magazine publisher Julie Milton.

Some people stand out as experts in the art of the public cocktail party. Anne Weintraub is tops when it comes to knowing the benefits of happy hour. I love when I catch her after work conversing with old friends and meeting new ones. By just being herself, these end-of-day get-togethers double as a networking opportunity for her and her law firm. The times I’ve run into her gave me a glimpse into her approach to life and her profession.

When I need it, she is whom I call.

941.685.3198 | 941.400.0540 DeniseMei@michaelsaunders.com | NicoleMei@michaelsaunders.com

Beautiful 4 bedroom home in the highly sought after gated community of The Landings. This updated home is situated on a large corner lot and features a pool with patio area perfect for entertaining, 2 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, wood floors throughout, an office and a fabulous layout.

1625 Landings Blvd. | $897,000

Once in a while, I’ll get a text that reads: Mod Squad Mandatory Meeting – Micky White, Jeff Maultsby and me – aka the Mod Squad. The mandatory meeting is of course an excuse for getting together over drinks. And you know where that cocktail party can usually be found? In one of our great lounges that offer half-price champagne like Selva on Tuesday night.

When we do have time for a private cocktail party, themed events can really set the stage. A number of years ago I sold my home on St. Armands Circle and wanted to have a last hurrah. I hosted a ‘House Cooling’ party and gave the challenge to friends to bring a drink of choice from somewhere in the world that they would move if they could. I provided the ice buckets. It was a night I will always fondly remember. Such fun with amazingly creative friends. The variety of cocktails was astounding!

Themed cocktail parties are especially festive around the holidays when they can be combined in an evening with the many commitments on the calendar. Need inspiration? Follow the blog by local trendsetters, Kim and Robert Livengood: The Cocktail Couple. They do, in fact, LIVE GOOD! Pardon the pun.

You’ll agree when you read their witty and informative blog. It’s all about cocktails! thecocktailcouple.com BUZZ TIP: Writer Jenny Berg provided nine creative fall cocktail ideas for fall in BIZBASH, David Adler’s alwayschic event trade magazine. A few of my favorites include the ‘Great Pumpkin Cocktail’ which tastes like a bourbon infused, liquid pumpkin pie; “Bee’s Knees”, served in a honey-bear glass combines gin, Cointreau, honey and more; “Cabin Fever” is a spicy, smoky, whiskey sour that features Crown Royal, port, ginger and spices. Top with a mini pinecone for a very holiday cocktail. Drink details can be found at https://goo.gl/xh7snQ

THE THREE MARTINI PLAYDATE Amazon sums up Christie Mellor’s book, “The Three Martini

Also in The Landings, this 5 bedroom estate home has 4,394 square feet of living space, a large and lovely master suite, updated baths, a large and updated kitchen, 3 car garage, pool and spa.

5197 Flicker Field Circle | $1,089,000 106

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Playdate: A Practical Guide To Happy Parenting” this way: “Parents were here first! How did the kids suddenly take control? Sure, the world has changed from the days when children were supposed to be seen and not heard, but things have gotten a little out of hand. What about some quality time for the grownups? Hilarious, personal, refreshing, and actually quite useful advice delightfully rights the balance between parent and child. In dozens of short, wickedly funny chapters, she skewers today’s parental absurdities

and reminds us how to make child-rearing a kick. With recipes, helpful hints, and illustrations, this high-spirited book is the only book parents will really need and enjoy.”

If you are a parent (or know one), I challenge you to go find this book and read it. You’ll thank me. If you are lucky enough to have (or had) friends with children of the same age, you’ll thank them too. I don’t know one parent who doesn’t benefit from a regular play-date. The kids entertain themselves while the adults can converse about important and unimportant things. There are few things that are required for a quality play date party: 1. A safe and fun location with boundaries. 2.

An area where the adults can see (or hear) the kids that is far enough away to provide a bit of privacy for grown up talk. 3.

Food, drink and beverages nearby.

BUZZ TIP: Besides your own home, here are some great locations in our area that make great play-date party destination.

• Marina Jack/Bayfront Park and Fountain: You’ve got a great playground, a water-park and O’Leary’s food, drink and music right downtown.

• Payne Park Circus Playground: Here’s another downtown playground, but this one has the skate park for teens and Cafe in the Park for yummy food. Plus, there’s a track for walks, lots of grass for sports and gentle hills to roll down.

• The beach: Picnics, sunsets, and free fun.

• Benderson Park, Mote Marine and the Ringling Museum all have their own fabulous setups perfect for children and parents of all ages.

GALAS, SHOWS AND LUNCHEONS, OH MY! International event planning industry predictions for gala and party trends include interactive moments like cocktail garnish customization and vertical dim sum bars, mingling parties over formal seated dinners, big-impression decor, less structured florals and voluptuous glamour. Our town is consistently on top of the trends thanks to the talented visionaries leading our organizations.

There are the stunning dinner experiences created by ubertalented Laura Stuart Wood for the Asolo Rep, Roger Capote’s Orchid Ball creations, and Sarasota Orchestra’s stunning reimagining of the Sarasota Auditorium for their Renee Fleming Dinner Gala. Then the many experience-rich luncheons like USFSM’s Brunch on the Bay, Pique Nique Sur la Baie at New College, Selby’s Secret Garden, Forks and Corks Grand Tasting and the Hermitage’s new MUSE luncheon series.

TAKE-AWAYS So what can you learn from these parties and the talented people who create them? Consider for your next fete: • SETTING – Consider something unexpected. How about outside? Fire pit? Citrus Grove? Barn? Grassy knoll? Front porch?

• THEME – These can be over the top or as simple as a color palette.

• CENTERPIECE – Rather than traditional flower November 2016

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arrangements, try combining two unrelated items, say apples as votive candleholders. A small scoop in the top makes room for the flame. Big benefit, they can be recycled into pie after the party! Better yet, hand out wood sticks and let your guests make

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

The 31st Year: The Search Continues

Sonata a Due Reception

Dinner

Recital

December 6, 2016

An elegant evening to open La Musica’s 31st season. Recital features Daniel Avshalomov, viola, and Derek Han, piano.

For more info and reservations: Sally Faron 941-346-2601 The Field Club Sponsored by

Concert Series April 3, 6, 9, 12, 2017

The finest musicians of Europe and the Americas presenting both familiar and unusual chamber music.

Sarasota Opera House

Musical Chefs April 7, 2017

A lively interactive dinner event featuring La Musica artists leading the crowd in cooking demonstrations to create the evening’s meal.

Michael’s Wine Cellar

LaMusicaFestival.org 941-366-8450 ext. 7 108

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their own caramel apple dessert or take-home party favor.

• COCKTAIL – A fun, seasonal drink gets everyone in the festive spirit. Try one of the recipes from the cocktail blog I mentioned earlier.

• APPETIZER – Think different yet simple. One of my favorites is the Vertical Pear Salad. This has become my go-to salad, even when not having a party. Get recipe here https:// goo.gl/6z4k9j • ENTREE – Make it easy so you can enjoy your guests.

Conversations never stall around a grill topped with good meat and veggies. One-pan dishes can be assembled in advance and popped in the oven to be ready when it’s time to eat. Foods bars let guests “make their own”. Think fajitas, tacos, crepes, pastas, and baked potatoes. Pull out your sous chef skills to chop and prep before guests arrive.

• DESSERT – A show-stopping visual like a Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake will top off any party. The fact that it’s full of applesauce is a healthy benefit that (hopefully) balances out the indulgence. You can find the recipe here https://goo.gl/oV4Ux4 • FAVOR – Think inexpensive but useful. The cheer from your party will live on every time your guests use your takehome gift.

Are you ready? It’s party time in the city. Enjoy!

BUZZ PICKS FOR NOVEMBER My November event picks include the first Starry Night Dinner benefiting Asolo Repertory Theatre. It’s on November 7. This event celebrates the season kick-off and its opening production – Guys and Dolls. Interested? Call 941.351.9010, ext. 4702.

Next, there’s the Emerald City Ball benefiting West Coast Black Theatre Troupe on November 10. This year’s gala offers lots of material to work with! Who wouldn’t jump at a chance to visit OZ with these talented performers? Call 941.366.1505, ext.106.

Wine, Women and Shoes Luncheon & Winemaker Dinners benefiting Forty Carrots Family Center is always one of my favorites. It will be held at the Ritz-Carlton November 18 and 19. With great fashion and lots of girlfriend fun, it’s no surprise that this daytime event generates millions of dollars. Call 941.365.7716.

Then there’s the Turkey Trot benefiting ALSO Youth on November 24 where you can join the creative youth from ALSO in the Hyatt Regency parking lot at 7:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day for a fun run and fundraiser. Call 941.951.2576.

Fill me in on any BUZZ you hear on the street. Join the UndercoverBuzz public group on Facebook and post your discoveries. facebook.com/groups/undercoverbuzz or email me at: SJ@BzCos.com Along with this column, you can catch the buzz on abc7’s Suncoast View during my monthly segment “Undercover Buzz.”

BROWN

Choose the right school and put your kid on a roll from the start.

a florid e

tulan

duke l

cornel

Saint Stephen’s is an independent, college-preparatory school providing a world-class education for students in grades Pre-K3 to12. Schedule a tour today.

315 41st St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 | (941) 746-2121 | www.saintstephens.org | Welcoming all faiths

AJC WEST COAST FLORIDA 2016 CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DINNER HONORING

EMILY WALSH

Publisher, Observer Media Group

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016

6:00 PM Cocktails • 6:45 PM Dinner Michael’s On East, Sarasota Florida DINNER CHAIRS

Jo & Stan Rutstein Gail & Skip Sack SPONSORSHIP AND TICKET INFORMATION

Brian Lipton, AJC Regional Director: 941.365.4955 or liptonb@ajc.org

| AJC.ORG

HOLID The holidays are just around the corner, with preparations for annual traditions and new celebrations. Ready to start planning? We’ve compiled a list of holiday festivities including parades, lights, Santa, tree lightings, gingerbread houses, caroling and more.

KI DS Sahib Shrine’s FEZtival of Trees Displays and raffles for dozens of Christmas trees donated and decorated by local organizations and businesses. Includes musical entertainment, Santa Claus photo opportunities, a kid’s workshop, fishpond, and craft fair.

November 25 – 27 Sahib Shriners 9:00 am. Tickets: $2; children under 12 Free | sahibshrine.org

Parks & Natural Resources Department’s “A Night Before Christmas” Santa Claus will fly into G.T. Bray Park by helicopter. Featuring 15 tons of snow, face painting, bounce houses, an 18’ inflatable slide, trampoline power jump, hayrides, cookie crafts and visits with Santa.

December 3 G.T. Bray Park 4:00 pm. Tickets: $5 | mymanatee.org

Snow Fest Sarasota Daily snowfall with giant snow slides, pony rides, pictures with Santa, snowman building, a giant snow globe, live shows, candy cane hula-hoopers, jelly bean jugglers, kid’s amusement area, DJ Grinch, vendors and much more.

December 16 - 18 Payne Park 12:00 pm. Tickets: $7 | snowfestsarasota. com

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RU N S & WALK S 7th Annual Thanksgiving Morning Turkey Trot 5K Organized by ALSO Youth. Begins at the Hyatt and crosses the Ringling Bridge. Includes food, music, raffle prizes and beer.

November 24 Hyatt Regency 8:00 a.m. Registration: $30 - $35 | alsoyouth.org/2016-turkey-trot

Venice’s Downtown Christmas Walk Live entertainment, food and drinks, holiday décor and Santa.

December 1 Historic Downtown Venice 5:00 pm. venicegov.com

5th Annual Jingle 5k Run/Walk Holiday music along the course and live music at the finish plus huge post-race party.

December 22 Lakewood Ranch Main Street 4:00 pm. Registration: $11-$35 | active.com/lakewood-ranch-fl/running/distance-runningraces/jingle-5k-2016

AY

EVENTS S TR EE T F E S TIVA L S

“Main Street Live” Thanksgiving Eve Party

Holidays Around the Ranch

The event features food vendors and arts and crafts.

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.

November 23 Historic Old Main Street in Bradenton 5:00 p.m.

941.932.9423 | cityofbradenton.com

Venice Holiday Parade

December 9 Main Street at lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet

Lakewood

Ranch

6:00

pm.

Enjoy live music, food, and lighting of holiday decorations.

Anna Maria Island Privateers Christmas Parade

November 26. Pre-Parade Entertainment starts at 5:00 pm. Parade begins at Park Blvd. at 7:00 pm. veniceholidayparade.com

The parade will go the entire length of the island to Coquina Beach, where Santa will board the Privateers’ Flagship “Skullywag” for all the kids to sit on Santa’s Lap. Hotdogs, chips and soda will also be provided for all the kids.

Annual Light Up the Village Parade and Open House Appearance by Santa and his elves, face painting, gift bags for the first 250 children, holiday open house, live entertainment, decorated shops, live Christmas tree, and free trolley rides.

November 26 Siesta Key Village 6:00 pm. 941.349.7718 | siestakeyvillage.org

Christmas Season Celebrated at Lakewood Ranch Ride down Main Street in a horse drawn carriage while you enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas. You will find Carolers, festive lighting displays, and Santa strolling the streets.

December 10 Bay Front Park 10:00 am. Free to attend | 941.900.4141 | amiprivateers.memberlodge.org

North Port Poinsettia Parade This year’s theme is “Candy Canes and Carols.” Goes from Greenwood and North Port Blvd. to Appomattox Blvd.

December 12 North Port Blvd. 5:00 pm. 941.429.7275 | cityofnorthport.com

2nd Annual Christmas on Main

December 1, 8, 15, 16 Main Street at Lakewood Ranch 6:30 pm. lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet | 941.907.9243

Food, games, rides, music, elves and Santa – plus the promise of snow on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street. Sponsored by Grace Community Church.

A Village Christmas Artwalk

December 23 Main Street Lakewood Ranch 6:00 pm. 941.907.9243 | lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet/

Enjoy the Christmas lights and the galleries decorated for the holidays along with live entertainment, Santa Claus, hot chocolate, treats and holiday shopping.

December 2 – 3 Village of the Arts, Bradenton 6:00 pm. & 11:00 am. villageofthearts.com

The 21st Annual Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade

Christmas at Five Points Park Christmas Eve service with music, lights and The Christmas Story.

December 24 Five Points Park 6:30 pm. theshorechurch.com

Annual Pinecraft Christmas Parade

Starts at the Regal Hollywood Stadium 20.

An annual tradition since 1999, the parade brings over 1,000 spectators to the Amish/Mennonite neighborhood.

December 3 7:00 pm. sarasotadowntown.com

December 25 Pinecraft (Bahia Vista/Beneva). pinecraft-sarasota.blogspot.com November 2016

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SH OWS Dickens at the Crosley Guests will immerse themselves in the historic glamour of the estate as they move from room to room to experience a festive, family evening of theater, traditional carols and tales.

George Balanchine’s Jewels Performed by the Sarasota Ballet The Sarasota Ballet presents the Company premiere of George Balanchine’s Jewels, a masterful full-length work to live music.

December 16 – 17 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 - $110 | 941.359.0099 | sarasotaballet.org

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

December 12-23 Powel Crosley Estate 2:00 pm. and 7:30 pm. Tickets: $15 - $25 | 941.722.3244 | bradentongulfislands.com/crosley-theater

Holiday performance for families with magical toys, falling snow, growing Christmas trees, and astounding ballet moves.

A Christmas Carol

December 29 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm.

Tickets: $35 - $200 | 941.955.7676 | vanwezel.org

This celebrated Charles Dickens’ fable of redemption comes to life on a magical set with traditional Christmas carols woven into the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge.

December 21 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 8:00 pm. Tickets: $36 – $56 | 941.955.7676 | vanwezel.org

Sailor Circus Holiday Spectacular America’s longest running youth circus presents an enchanting holiday experience for all ages.

December 26 – 29 Sailor Circus Arena 7:00 pm. Tickets: $15 - $20 | 941.355.9805 | circusarts.org

MU SEU M F U N Holiday Splendor at The Ringling Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holiday season and support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots serving Sarasota and Manatee counties.

December 1 The Ringling 5:00 pm. Free with one unwrapped gift per guest or without toy, tickets $5 - $10 | 941.359.5700 | ringling.org

Holiday Nights at Ca’ d’Zan Dressed for the holidays, the Ca’ d’Zan features festive fireplace mantels, balconies, doors and a 10-foot-tall tree in the Grand Court.

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 The Ringling Ca’ d’Zan 5:00 pm. Tickets: $5-$10 (free with museum admission) | 941.358.3180 | ringling.org

CH A N U K A H 6th Annual A Taste of Chanukah Festival Featuring the Moshav Band, kosher food from area restaurants, and a kids corner with inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides and much more.

December 26 Sarasota Fairgrounds 4:00 pm. Tickets: $3 | 941.925.0770 | atasteofchanukah.com

ARTS & CR A F TS Annual Atomic Holiday Bazaar Crafts and holiday gifts from independent crafters.

December 10 - 13 12:00 pm. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Tickets: $5 | atomicholidaybazaar.com

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MU SI C First Sarasota’s Annual Singing Christmas Tree The Singing Christmas Tree features a multi-story tree adorned with choir members.

December 4, 7, 9, 10, 11 First Sarasota Downtown Baptist Church.

941.365.2846 | firstsarasota.org

The Pops Orchestra “Sleigh Ride” The Concert Get in the holiday spirit with an enchanting evening of holiday classics that are sure to enliven your yuletide cheer.

December 7-10. Tickets: $38 | 941.752.5252 | thepopsorchestra.org

Forever Christmas with the Ditchfields A favorite Christmas tradition at the Sarasota Opera House.

December 9 & 10 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm. Tickets: $15 - $45 | 941.923.2013 | ditchfieldfamilysingers.com

Too Hot to Handel Gospel version of Handel’s Messiah, in collaboration with the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

December 11 Sarasota Opera House 4:00 pm. Tickets: $30 | 941.387.6046 | gloriamusicae.org

Beach Boys ‘Christmas’ The Beach Boys return to the Van Wezel stage during the holiday season this year, bringing their bold, imaginative style and performing their greatest hits and Christmas favorites.

December 12 Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 7:30 pm. Tickets: $56 | 941.953.3368 | vanwezel.org

Music of the Season and The 25th Annual Christmas Concert and Community Carol Sing The First Church Singers present an evening of festive music, orchestra and organ.

December 18 First United Methodist Church 7:00 pm. Free (donations accepted)

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LIGH TS Historic Spanish Point’s Holly Days and Mangrove Lights Seasonal festival with decorated homestead buildings and lighted gardens in a beautiful 30-acre setting.

November 25 – December 30 Historic Spanish Point 9:00 am.

Tickets: free for members, $12 adult, $2 senior, $5 kids, under 5 free historicspanishpoint.org

38th 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 2 St. Armands Circle 5:30 pm. starmandscircleassoc.com

The City of North Port Tree Lighting & Poinsettia Festival The evening will kick off with the annual tree lighting followed by a festival full of entertainment, a kid’s area, food and merchandise vendors, gingerbread house display and visits with Jolly St. Nick.

December 2 City Hall Campus 6:00 pm.

941.429.7275 | cityofnorthport.com

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 3 6:00 pm. 941. 809.8100 | venicechristmasboatparade.com

Sarasota Jungle Gardens “Holiday Lights Spectacular”

Enjoy thousands of lights decorating the pathways and surroundings, visit Santa, take a stroll down “Candy Cane Lane,” and live entertainment.

December 9-10, 16-17, 21-14, 26-30 Sarasota Jungle Gardens 6:00 pm. Tickets: $6 - $11 | 941.355.1112 | sarasotajunglegardens.com

Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

An annual tradition since 1986, the parade begins at City Island, but spectators line up along the bay from Centennial Park to Bayfront Park each year.

December 10 Sarasota Bay 6:00 pm. sarasotachristmasboatparade.com

13th Annual Selby Gardens Lights in Bloom

Stroll through the magical gardens and explore life-size gardenthemed holiday lights, along with favorites such as the Radiant Rainforest. Live holiday music, Santa, and games for the entire family.

December 16-31 Selby Gardens 6:00 pm. Tickets: $7.50 - $25 | 941.366.5731 | selby.org

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N E W YE AR S E VE

2016 Annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Bay

Midnight fireworks. Contact Marina Jack for reservations.

December 31 Sarasota Bayfront. 941.365.4232 | suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org

Downtown Bradenton’s “Main Street Live” New Year’s Eve Celebration Live music, food, beverages and arts and crafts.

December 31 Old Main Street, Bradenton 2:00 pm.

Free admission. cityofbradenton.com

Starlight and Fire Family New Year’s Eve Party Family fun with snow falling on the white cottage, bonfires, marshmallows over the fire, hot chocolate, crafts for kids, snow and more. Celebrate and dance to live music by Sean Phillips.

December 31 White Cottage at Historic Spanish Point 6:00 pm. Tickets: $4 - $10 | 941.966.5214

LIST YOUR PROPERTY WITH ME AND YOUR FORECLOSURE DEFENSE IS FREE!* At Solutions Realty, we work in conjunction with a Board Certified Real Estate Attorney to defend your foreclosure and negotiate your short sale approval.

Our Company has a proven track record of success in listing and selling underwater property. We have helped many homeowners solve their real estate problems through a short sale. Call today to see if we can help you too. *Call today to learn more about our programs

(941) 302-4812 500 S. Washington Blvd, Ste. 400 Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.solutionssarasota.com Michael B. Edwards, Broker Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certified by National Association of Realtors November 2016

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PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR The Wiz

Mark Twain Performs “Mark Twain Turns 70, Words and Songs“

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

legendary music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.

MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

941.351.8000 / asolorep.org

Book of Days

Cabaret – Gypsies, Tramps, & Thieves

Assassins

November 1 – 20 Set in a small town dominated by a cheese plant, a fundamentalist church, and a community theater.

When the owner of the cheese plant dies mysteriously in a hunting accident, Ruth, his bookkeeper, suspects murder. Cast as Joan of Arc in a local production of George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan, Ruth takes on the attributes of her fictional character and launches into a one-woman campaign to see justice done.

Through January 29 Celebrating the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals.

Cabaret – Piano Men

Independent Jones

Children’s Stage – The Velveteen Rabbit

Children of a Lesser God

LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE 941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com

Hypnosis November 15 – January 1 The plot involves the unlikeliest of romantic pairings: a high-rolling gambler and a save-your-soul missionary, a showgirl dreaming of the straight-andnarrow and a crap game manager who is anything but. At FSU/Asolo Conservatory.

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org

Main Stage – Million Dollar Quartet November 9 – January 1 Go inside the recording studio of the most famed jam session in recording history to hear the story of

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Through November 13 Combining Sondheims’s signature blend of intelligently stunning lyrics and beautiful music with a panoramic story of our nation’s culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it.

November 30 – March 31 A tribute to virtuosity and the elegance of the “piano man”, featuring works by Billy Joel, Elton John, and Barry Manilow.

November 19 & 26 The timeless tale of a toy bunny who longs to become real.

Guys and Dolls

941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com

November 25 A concert series that will feature local and regional bands from the Tampa Bay area.

Through November 6 A romance between James Leeds, an instructor at a New England school for the deaf, and a young deaf woman, Sarah Norman.

THE PLAYERS THEATRE 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org

Through November 6 The Great Gordo is an alcoholic stage hypnotist who in the twilight of his career randomly chooses Alan Briggs, a mild-mannered cop, as his next “victim.”

Briggs plays along, the audience laughs, and everything seems to be going along fine. But someone out there has other ideas... the mind games begin and we sense there can only be one winner.

Young Frankenstein

Mark Twain Performs “Mark Twain Turns 70, Words and Songs“

Collecting Recollections

November 19 Performance by Rod Rawlings who entertains the audience as guests at Mark Twain’s New York City home during 1905 celebrating Twain’s 70th birthday.

November 2 - 20 Mel Brooks’ 1974 film is brought to the stage as a parody that pokes fun at the original Mary Shelley novels and films about a monster and his creator.

THE RINGLING 941.359.5700 / ringling.org

November 15 & 29 The American circus has often reached out to the rich traditions of the global circus community. Hear the stories of these performers and entrepreneurs who brought their talent and skills to America, enriching this already phenomenally popular entertainment.

SARASOTA BALLET

VENICE THEATRE

941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org

941.488.1115 / venicestage.com

Balanchine, Ashton & Tudor

Get Out of Dodge

November 18 - 20 Featuring George Balanchine’s Apollo, Ashton’s Sinfonietta, and Tudor’s Gala Performance.

November 3 – 20 A comic drama about a woman whose past in Idaho upends her comfortable life in suburban New York.

This season’s AACT New Play Festival Winner.

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA 941.953.3434 / sarasotaorchestra.org

Masterworks 1 – The Rite Music November 4 – 6 Featuring Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, Beethoven’s Overture to Egmont, and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor.

Poignant Piano November 17 Opening with a violin and piano sonata, this program features a viola and cello duet and Richard Strauss’ Piano Quartet.

SARASOTA OPERA 941.366.8450 / sarasotaopera.org

Don Pasquale

The Secret World of Og November 12 Sarasota Youth Opera performs this operatic adaptation of the well-known children’s book.

VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL 941.955.7676 | vanwezel.org

Mannheim Steamroller Decades Rewind November 19

Dave Koz Christmas Tour 2016 November 25

Tosh Saves the World November 26

Melissa Etheridge’s Holiday Trio November 27

Jim Brickman Comfort and Joy November 29

URBANITE THEATRE 941.321.1397 / urbanitetheatre.com

My Barking Dog November 11 – December 18 Two reclusive apartment dwellers’ lives take a turn for the bizarre when a hungry coyote begins to visit their fire escape in a discovery of what happens when wildlife insists on challenging our urban, human boundaries.

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November 2016

The Alter Eagles November 13 - 14 Tribute to The Eagles including all their greatest hits.

Gershwin with a Twist November 20 Featuring Brian Gurl, this innovative production honors the music of George and Ira Gershwin.

VENICE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Arabian Nights November 4 - 6 Performed by the Venice High School Drama Dept.

Venice Concert Band: A Salute to Veterans November 7 The Venice Concert Band will perform a set of American patriotic music.

Nelson Illusions: “Dreams of the Impossible” November 12 Illusion show featuring the largest touring show in the United States.

Sugar Bowl Show of Shows: Atlantic City Boys November 13 A performance of classic rock-n-roll hits of the 1960s.

November 18

SCENE

November 8 – December 4 This smash Elton John musical captured 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical, telling the story of a boy from a coal mining family who has a dream his father doesn’t understand.

941.480.3191 / veniceperformingartscenter.com

November 2, 7, 10 & 13 Don Pasquale wants to marry a young woman and produce an heir, but losing his inheritance would prevent Ernesto and his beloved Norina from being happy together. That’s when the clever Dr. Malatesta helps with a plan that will save the day, bringing two young lovers and Don Pasquale all together into one happy family.

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Billy Elliot

Venice Symphony: BernsteinTchaikovsky-Brahms Overture to Candide, a romantic violin concerto played by the world renowned Joseph Swensen.

“The Flight Fantastic” – A Documentary Film by Tom Moore November 20 The Flight Fantastic presents the world of flying trapeze through one of its most famous families, the Flying Gaonas.

WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE 941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org

The Wiz Through November 19 A creative Motown take on Frank L. Baum’s classic, The Wizard of Oz.

Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity November 30 – December 23 A celebration of the nativity story with gospel, blues, spiritual, and Christmas music.

Literary Scene

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Casting Bones Sometimes a book just grabs you and refuses to let go. That’s what happened with Don Bruns’ latest, Casting Bones, which is the launch of a brandnew “voodoo mystery series” featuring New Orleans homicide detective Quentin Archer. Like most series-worthy protagonists, he’s got a dark past — he relocated from Detroit after the hit-and-run death of his wife. The circumstances of this “accident” are in question since Archer was fighting police corruption at the time while being a member of the Detroit PD. His first New Orleans case — the body of a Juvenile Justice Judge is found floating in the Mississippi — seems open and shut. But nothing in New Orleans is ever what it seems. Archer’s investigation soon plunges him into the dark underbelly of this rich, decadent city, complete with pickpockets, bartenders with seedy underworld connections, and even a swamp dweller.

It’s only when Archer meets a stunning young voodoo practitioner that he’s able to make real progress in the case. After visiting her dementia-stricken mother in a memory care center, Solange Cordray starts reading the mind of another patient and learns a secret about the identity of who killed the judge.

And she learns about other deaths to come, too.

This book zips along nicely in a way that makes you wish USA Today bestselling writer Bruns would write faster. It’s fun, exciting, and twisty, plus it’s got just the right soupçon of the supernatural for flavoring.

If you like mysteries, police procedurals, or the Big Easy, this book will be like a beignet for breakfast in Jackson Square. Highly recommended.

Rating: For more information about Casting Bones (Severn House, hardcover, 256 pages, $29.99) or the author, please visit donbrunsbooks.com

November 2016

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Like a River from its Course Florida author Kelli Stuart’s new novel offers a powerful take on the often-overlooked suffering of the Ukraine as it was invaded by Hitler’s army in WWII. This historical saga can be hard to read at times because of her well-depicted horrors of war and the sheer depth of suffering that Hitler’s blitzkrieg caused, though the four main characters are compelling and the writing is memorable.

What’s to be commended is Stuart’s commitment to historical authenticity in this novel — again and again, it rings true. And more people should know about the killing ditch of Babi Yar (a ravine in the capital city of Kiev), where 34,000 Jewish men, women, and children were lined up and shot over a two-day period in September 1941. (Historical note — it’s estimated that 100,000 to 150,000 were killed at Babi Yar during the years of the German occupation.)

At first glance, this book might seem along the lines of other WWII stories, but it’s listed as Fiction/Christian/Historical. The reasons why become clear as it delves into the ideas of faith, hope, and duty.

Considering the current upheaval in the world — and more specifically in the former Soviet Union — this book is relevant and resonant. Highly recommended.

Rating: For more information about Like a River from its Course (Kregel Publications, softcover, 352 pages, $14.99) or the author, please visit kellistuart.com

Men Chase, Women Choose: The Neuroscience of Meeting, Dating, Losing Your Mind, and Finding True Love If you’re still not scoring big on the dating scene or you simply want to understand how to discover and sustain love, this new book by Davie, Florida author Dawn Maslar, MS, might be just what you need. In Men Chase, Women Choose, Maslar — known to some as “the love biologist” — reveals the most recent neurological, physiological, and biochemical studies on the science of love. It’s not just a data blast, however. She also incorporates stories and uses examples based on participants of her seminars and classes.

Ultimately it’s readable and relatable.

“When you understand the science of love,” Maslar explains, “it will help you easily and effortlessly find nourishing and passionate, long-lasting love.” Indeed, this book is about helping you make educated choices to give you the best shot of winning in the game of love. “Easily” and “effortlessly” might be up for debate, but the pursuit itself? That’s worthy of serious effort for sure.

Rating: For more information about Men Chase, Women Choose: The Neuroscience of Meeting, Dating, Losing Your Mind, and Finding True Love (HCI, softcover, 236 pages, $15.95) or the author, please visit DawnMaslar.com

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HEALTH

Psoriasis Treatments

By David S. Sax, M.D.

Affecting an estimated 7.5 million people in the United States, psoriasis is one of the more common disease states that dermatologists treat. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects both the skin and joints, which can be accompanied by both significant emotional and psychological implications. The cutaneous disease commonly affects the scalp and extensor surfaces of extremities such as the elbows and knees, however, all body surface areas may be affected. Patients may also experience joint disease, which can be severely debilitating, as the arthritis is progressive and destructive. Given the complexity of this disease, it is essential that the dermatologist looks at all components and addresses the whole needs of the patient thereby ensuring not only their physical well-being, but enhancing their overall quality of life as well.

David S. Sax, M.D. Physician/Owner University Park Dermatology and Medical Spa 8451 Shade Ave., Suite 205,

Traditional treatment may consist of topical medications such as creams and lotions. Corticosteroid creams can be effective, but may have long term consequences such as skin atrophy or thinning. Other topical medications, such as Vitamin D creams and Vitamin A creams known as retinoids, may also help break down persistent thick plaques. For larger body surface areas, sprays and foams are available which can make the application more convenient.

Sarasota, FL 34243 941.202.6647 upderm.com

Ultraviolet light is another treatment modality, and can be obtained naturally or in specially designed UV photo booths. A newer light therapy that is available is the Excimer laser, which is a concentrated UVB source. Treatments are painless, and can be performed quickly in the office over a course of sessions to gradually improve the skin disease. Treatments can be customized for the patient and include topical or systemic medications for the best clinical outcome.

For the more severe disease, systemic medications are available. Older medications, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, although effective, are associated with side effects, including liver and kidney issues. Over the past decade, there has been a better understanding of the underlying inflammatory pathways that directly cause psoriasis. There are now several biological treatments which target these specific inflammatory pathways of psoriasis. These medications are more effective for both the cutaneous and arthritic components and are also associated with significantly fewer side effects. Enbrel was one of the first available, and is delivered to a patient through an easy subcutaneous injection. Following the success of this medication, Humira and Stelara, also subcutaneous injections, soon became available. Each of these have had dramatic success for both the skin and joint disease, which correlates to overall improvement in the quality of life.

For patients who have an aversion to needles, there is a new oral medication called Otezla.

This medication blocks a different inflammatory pathway, but still has moderate success with psoriatic skin disease and arthritis. The newest biological injectables on the market are termed IL-17 blockers, which target a new inflammatory pathway. They initially have been reported to have high clearance rates of psoriasis and can be useful for patients who have failed treatment with earlier biologic medications.

Over the past decade, there has been significant advancement in the treatment of psoriatic disease. When I was a resident 20 years ago, the severe psoriatic patients were often hospitalized.

With the continual development and advancement of biologic psoriatic medications, this inpatient regimen will hopefully be a thing of the past. I have seen the results of the new treatments firsthand, as my mother suffers from severe psoriatic arthritis. When her psoriatic arthritis was severe, daily activities like walking were a challenge. Although she had been treated with other systemic medications in the past, the side effects forced her to look at new options. After recently beginning the newer biologic injections, she is now nearly pain-free and able to travel and enjoy activities of daily living that many of us take for granted.

November 2016

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REWIND A LOOK BACK THROUGH SCENE’S ARCHIVES

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1970

ONE OF THE WINTER HOMES (BUILT IN THE 1920S) OF STANLEY AND SARA CARROLL BROWN FIELD OF THE MARSHALL FIELD RETAILS STORES IN CHICAGO BECAME THE FIELD CLUB IN 1957. THIS CLUB REMAINS ONE OF SARASOTA’S MOST DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE CLUBS AND ITS HOLLY BALL ALWAYS BRINGS OUT SARASOTA NOTABLES.

November 2016

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Live Richly. You’ve Earned It. �

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