ObserverSARASOTA

Attorney helps one family buy presents this season. PAGE 3A

NEWSSECRET SANTA

Classifieds .............................15ACops Corner .........................14ACrossword ............................14AOpinion ...................................6AReal Estate ..........................14A

INDEX

Vol. 7, No. 6Two sectionswww.YourObserver.com

PEOPLE, PICS & PLACES

SLICE OF THE CITY

Furry friends display canine Christmas cheer at event.

Puppy love

NEIGHBORHOOD 9A

SEE SLICE / PAGE 12A

INSIDE | PAGE 1BPainter Pamela Sumner shares her ancient Chinese secrets.

DIVERSIONS:PEACE SIGNS

By Robin Roy | City Editor

Just one step into the soon-to-open Palm Avenue parking garage, it’s appar-ent this is not a typical parking garage.

The light flows throughout each of the six parking levels. Support columns are set back against the wall, instead of in front of the parking spaces, which gives the garage a feeling of vastness.

The $12.5 million garage could open as early as Dec. 22. With 735 spaces, the city hopes it will draw drivers off the street to free up more parking for tour-ists and shoppers directly in front of Sarasota’s stores and restaurants.

Several design features are intended to attract people to the parking garage.

Sarasota architectural firm Jonathan Parks Architect developed a modern-art

exterior that appears to be sails. That will cover the second to sixth parking levels on the front and a portion of the sides of the building.

The sails are made from perforated aluminum. Each sail consists of up to 30 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets to create the

GARAGE SETS SAIL

The Sarasota Observer got an exclusive tour a week before the scheduled opening of the Palm Avenue parking garage, which will soon feature a modern, sail-like

appearance on the outside and roomy parking levels inside.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Team leaders Mike Beaumier, vice president of Suffolk Construction, and Jonathan Parks, senior principal of Jonathan Parks Archi-tect, on sixth level of the Palm Avenue parking garage. With views of the water to the west and north, the top floor may be the most attractive place to park.

PARK PLACE

The metal trusses that will secure the exterior’s sails are currently being attached to the garage.

Architect Jonathan Parks calls the main entry with staircase and elevator “the lobby.” The curving shapes and winding staircase base was designed to be consistent with the curvy sails that will be placed on the building’s exterior.

SEE GARAGE / PAGE 2A

+ Phillippi Shores lifts spirits with gifts

’Tis the season for giving, and that’s just what Phillippi Shores Elementary school is doing. Along with the help of parents, staff and community members, school guidance counselor Aimee Barnes and I.B. coordi-nator Cynthia McGrail rounded up a roomful of gifts to make the holidays extra special for 79 needy children.

Loren Mayo

Aimee Barnes and Cynthia McGrail

+ Selby guests pine for decorations

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Great Room by the Bay was transformed into a holiday won-derland for the Marie Selby Gardens Associates’ Wine, Dine and Pine event Nov. 30. Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres while they bid on a selection of 30 trees, wreaths and centerpieces.

Debbie Comer Maria Amodio

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010

NEWS THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 20102A www.YourObserver.com

137 Big Pass Ln Siesta Key$2,499,000 #A3926123 941-966-8000Lorraine Neal 941-350-0997

5040 Commonwealth Dr Siesta Key$1,395,000 #A3929143 941-951-6660Kim & Michael Ogilvie 941-376-1717

453 E Macewen Dr Osprey$995,000 #A3912698 941-349-3444Betty Mullinnix & Steve Abbe 941-928-3441

2627 Pleasant Pl Sarasota$929,000 #A3931672 941-951-6660Tammy Lynn Garner 941-374-4161

14041 Bellagio Way # 213 Osprey$699,000 #A3919303 941-966-8000Annette & Albert Ayers 941-223-2343

414 E Macewen Dr Osprey$650,000 #A3934311 941-966-8000Barbara Hackett 941-320-8852

8710 Midnight Pass Rd # 203B Siesta Key$550,000 #A3920453 941-966-8000Lenore Treiman 941-356-9642

1881 Canary Palm Way North Port$550,000 #D5779863 941-473-7750Virginia Hamilton 941-662-0255

1350 Main St # 1303 Sarasota$459,000 #A3929349 941-966-8000Nicole Hammons-Dovgopolyi, PA 941-356-5849

1575 Creek Nine Dr North Port$445,000 #N5771304 941-485-5421Theresa Brown 941-350-5005

770 Longboat Ct Longboat Key$399,000 #A387120 941-966-8000Drew Russell 941-993-3739

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555 Park Estates Sq Venice$239,900 #N5771144 941-485-5421Martha Pike 941-716-4392

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By Robin Roy | City Editor

As it seeks support for its new greenspace policy, the city is talking with its advisory boards, but what it’s receiving is qualified support.

The city wants a major shift in its greenspace policy. The master plan currently states the city should “reduce the use of shrubs and bushes to a bare minimum.”

That language was crafted with the help of urban planner Andres Duhany, who believed too many trees and plantings did not make for a walkable city.

The new policy is a 180-de-gree turn and says that greens-pace is preferred to hardscape, such as brick pavers.

City planners visited both the Planning Board and the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board last week to ask their blessing to put the new policy in the city’s master plan.

A split Planning Board voted 3-2 to endorse that plan, with the two members dissent-ing because no details were provided on paying for the policy’s implementation and

no guarantees were given on maintaining trees, shrubs and plants once they’re installed.

CRAAB members went a step further, giving their sup-port on the condition that the city include in the master plan a requirement that plantings have to be maintained.

“If we’re going to have greenspace, the city has to maintain it,” said CRAAB member Ron McCullough. “Five Points Park was a disas-ter. (The greenspace outside of) C’est La Vie (restaurant) looks awful. I’m sure it looked nice at one time, but it wasn’t maintained.”

In January, the city will form a work group of interested citizens to determine an of-ficial greenspace mitigation policy. For example, if a busi-ness owner wanted to remove a plant bed in front of his store and replace it with pavers, he may have to offset that loss of greenspace by creating anoth-er plant bed somewhere else or donate some money to a city fund that creates greenspace.

The City Commission is ex-pected to vote in February on placing the greenspace policy in the master plan.

not easy being greenBoard demands greenspace guaranteeAn advisory board cautioned City Hall not to demand more plant beds for downtown without assurance those greenspaces will be maintained.

sails that are between 50 and 70 feet tall.The sails are attached to the building with large

metal brackets, which are being installed this week. The exterior should be completed within the next two weeks.

Jonathan Parks, who created the sail design, also wanted some of the interior to continue the same theme.

The area called the lobby, which is the entrance to the main stairs and elevator, is made up of large curves and semi-circular shapes. Even the staircase has its own unique design, resembling a grand staircase and curving around as it rises.

“It’s almost like a cruise ship,” said Parks.Retail space makes up most of the ground

floor. Eight separate storefronts have been in-stalled, but placing walls to divide the spaces will be up to the buyer.

The city is trying to sell the 11,000 square feet of retail. Parks said he’s aware of nine different potential buyers.

Sidewalks as wide as 17 feet made of concrete and brick lead up to the storefronts, which have differing door and window patterns and sizes, much like the Citrus Square de-velopment on North Orange Av-enue. Citrus Square was also a Jonathan Parks Architect project.

The entrance to the garage was intended to prevent backups — parking is prohibited on the ramp.

The interior’s designer, Chris Gallagher, referenced the prob-lem in the garage next to Holly-wood 20. Parking is allowed on the ramps, and Gallagher said it ties up traffic when drivers pull out of their spaces.

While the design of the garage was being dis-cussed last year, many residents were drawing comparisons to the Whole Foods garage — most-ly asking that it not have an identical layout.

Difficult to navigate because of the concrete columns at the entrance to parking spots and narrow spaces, which at 8 1/2 feet wide just meet

city code minimums, many residents asked that the Palm Avenue garage offer more room for drivers.

Gallagher was able to deliver.Spaces in the Palm Avenue garage are a mini-

mum of 9 feet wide. And the support columns are against the walls, so drivers aren’t at risk of clipping them as they back out of their spots.

A few minor touch-ups are scheduled to take place in the next two weeks, including instal-lation of the staircase handrails, painting, parking space striping, landscape planting and driveway paving.

Mike Beaumier, vice president of Suffolk Construction, the ga-rage’s builder, said he’s pleased with the project.

“We promised a lot, and our team delivered,” he said. “The end product is ex-actly what the city asked for.”

The parking garage is just the latest in a series of downtown improvements, including the Five Points roundabout, Selby Five Points Park make-over and the sprucing up of the Main Street Palm Avenue intersection.

GARAGE / FROM PAGE 1A

Robin Roy

Trees were placed into the sidewalk in front of the eight separate store entryways. The storefronts have varying layouts of door and window frames to create less of a uniform appearance.

6 — parking levels4 — electric-car charging stations56 — photovoltaic energy panels735 — parking spaces11,000 — square feet of retail space253,00 — total square feet

BY THE NUMBERS

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 NEWS www.YourObserver.com 3A

By Robin Roy | City Editor

A one-time dire forecast for a tax fund used to redevelop downtown and New-town has turned around, thanks to a rosier economic prediction from the state.

Two years ago, the city was forecasting tax-increment financing, or TIF funds, to be $4.4 million in the hole this fiscal year and as much as $19 million in the red by the time the TIF ended in 2016.

The city predicts the fund will break even, as it is supposed to, when it expires.

The TIF is created by freezing the tax rate in a designated area. When property valuations or tax rates rise, the increase in tax revenue is put into a fund to pay for re-development projects in the city.

Because TIF money comes from prop-erty taxes, just like the city’s revenue, the funds took a big hit in recent years with the dramatic decline in property values.

But now the state is predicting a recovery in housing prices. This year, the city is ex-pecting to collect $7.6 million in property taxes. After another decline next year to $6.6 million, the city forecasts a slow rise in revenues each year to 2016, when it be-lieves property taxes could bring $9.4 mil-lion to the city.

Also helping this year’s TIF budget was the elimination of a $4 million contribu-tion to the parking facility the city shares with the county at the justice center on Ringling Boulevard. Using that garage became unnecessary for the city, once the

turnaround story

Rebound could balance city fundOnce predicted to be millions in the hole, Sarasota’s tax-increment financing could break even if a state economic forecast becomes reality.

2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-1016Revenue $7,655,666 $6,625,343 $7,255,901 $8,008,564 $8,871,710 $9,447,675Debt service $2,910,719 $2,748,612 $3,395,146 $3,538,420 $3,690,425 $2,875,524Pineapple Square public parking $1,039,108 $1,001,950 $964,792 $927,633 $890,475 $1,669,475Newtown redevelopment $441,616 $288,778 $393,149 $290,513 $663,049 $473,308Downtown redevelopment $441,616 $288,777 $393,149 $290,513 $663,048 $473,308Strategic parking facilities $220,000 $220,000 $220,000 $220,000 $220,000 $220,000Downtown transportation $87,978 $90,617 $93,336 $96,136 $99,020 $101,991Enhanced maintenance $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000Planning initiatives $90,000 $90,000 $90,000 $90,000 $90,000 $90,000Administrative charges $7,648 $7,954 $8,272 $8,603 $8,947 $17,006Interfund transfers $2,531,746 $2,531,746 $2,531,746 $2,531,746 $2,531,746 $2,531,746Total expenditures $7,785,431 $7,283,434 $8,104,590 $8,008,564 $8,871,710 $8,467,358Revnue over expenditures ($129,765) ($658,091) ($848,689) 0 0 $980,317Beginning balance $1,636,545 $1,506,780 $848,689 0 0 0Ending balance $1,506,780 $848,689 0 0 0 $980,317

TIF PROJECTION

parking garage in the new police station opened in late spring.

A parking garage on State Street, which the city is obligated to build within the next four years, will be funded through TIF funds. About $6.5 million was to be set aside for a Pineapple Square parking ga-rage on State Street, but last week the city

approved a new development agreement with Pineapple Square.

That agreement gives control of the State Street parking lot back to the city and re-quires the city to build a garage with at least 300 spaces within four years.

The price would be determined during the bidding process, but the Palm Avenue

garage is being built for about $17,000 per space. At that rate and size, the total cost of a State Street garage would be about $5 million.

But the city had a study done to show that a four-level garage on State Street could contain 690 spaces. That could cost $11.7 million.

SECRET SANTA

THE Christmas SPIRITBy Loren Mayo | Community Editor

As two parents in Georgia contemplated a way to break the news to their 9-year-old son that they couldn’t afford Christmas presents this year, a Sarasota res-ident was already making calls to obtain the boy’s Christmas wish list.

Dan Dannheisser, a person-al injury attorney in Sarasota, had been reading an Associated Press article about the govern-ment terminating unemploy-ment benefits around the coun-try, even though nearly 2 billion people had lost their jobs.

“In the article, it talked about a family in Georgia — a hardwork-ing guy named Wayne Pittman — who had been on unemploy-ment from his job as a carpen-ter for some time because of the economy,” Dannheisser said. “It sort of diverted me from the an-alytical thing. I thought, ‘I can’t fix the problems in Washington, but I can fix the fact that this lit-tle boy gets Christmas presents.’”

After contacting four AP writ-ers, Dannheisser obtained the Pittmans’ phone number. He ex-plained that he wanted to fulfill the Christmas list of their son, Joshua, but only on one con-dition — that they would tell Joshua that either Santa had de-livered the presents or his mom and dad had bought them.

As Dannheisser and his wife, Debbie, began purchasing and collecting gifts for Joshua, the presents piled up. There were LEGO Star Wars and “Star Wars” movies, Jenga and other

games, a football, trading cards and a LeBron James jersey. Dannheisser will also be sending a photo of his own family to the Pittmans.

“I talked to both Wayne and his wife, and they were both a little choked up and touched,” Dannheisser said. “I think it’s one thing when you’re deal-ing with obstacles, but another when it gets on your kids. I think this took some weight off their

shoulders, because the financial problems wouldn’t reach out and touch their child.”

It isn’t uncommon for Dannheisser to involve him-self in random acts of kindness. Just this past Thanksgiving, the YMCA board member donated 20 turkeys for the YMCA Youth Shelter kids to take to homeless families.

“It was just the right thing to do,” Dannheisser said.

how to donateIn the spirit of the holiday season, many local busi-

nesses and organizations are serving as drop off loca-tions for the Marine Toys for Tots as well as places for angel trees that contain wish lists of local children.

TOYS FOR TOTS DROP OFF LOCATIONS:• City of Sarasota City Hall, 1565 First St.• Insignia Bank, 5850 Fruitville Road• K-Mart, 501 N. Beneva Road• Publix locations• Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, 2071 Ringling Blvd., Suite 1• Senior Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Geenan Way• Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, 5118 Ocean Blvd.• Toys “R” Us, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail• Wachovia Bank, 1819 Main St. and 5701 Bee RidgeDonate online at www.sarasota-fl.toysfortots.org

ANGEL TREE LOCATIONS INCLUDE:• Applebee’s, 5550 Fruitville Road• IHOP, 4000 S. Tamiami Trail• John Carl Spa & Salon, 1345 Second St.• Landmark Banks; four Sarasota locations• Publix, 3428 Clark Road• RBC Bank, 5440 Clark RoadFor more information, call 364-8845, Ext. 221.

Loren Mayo

Debbie and Dan Dannheisser fulfilled the Christmas wish list of a boy whom they had never met.

NEWS THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 20104A www.YourObserver.com

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INBRIEF

2016 — The expiration date for the city’s tax-increment financing, which pays for redevelopment downtown and in Newtown. Page 3A

+ Commissioner Robinson to officially take office

The newest Sarasota County commissioner will be sworn into office during a ceremony at 9 a.m. Dec. 17, at the Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringing Blvd.

Gov. Charlie Crist appointed Christine Robinson last month to replace District 3 Commissioner Shannon Staub, who retired Dec. 15 after 14 years in office.

Robinson will serve out the two remaining years on Staub’s term. The new commissioner would then be able to run for that seat again if she wishes, but says it’s too soon now to make that decision.

+ Farmers Market moves to Thursday for one week

For one week only, the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market will be held on a weekday.

Because Christmas falls on a Saturday this year, the Farmers Market will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23.

Just like on a Saturday, Lemon Avenue will be closed from First Street to Pineapple Avenue, so all parked cars will need to be removed from that section of the street.

A small part of State Street will also be closed on either side of Lemon Avenue.

Lemon Avenue will re-open at 2:30 p.m.

+ Sarasota real-estate sales climb 10% in November

With 534 transactions, Sarasota real-estate sales climbed 10% in November. The previous month saw 487 home and condo sales.

Last month’s sales, however, were 7% lower than November 2009.

The median sales price for a home last month was $160,100, which was $12,600

higher than October’s median price.At $159,000, the median sales price of

condos in November was less than $2,000 higher than the previous month.

The Sarasota Association of Realtors believes a slight upward trend in sales and prices over the past five months indicates a sign of recovery.

“There certainly appears to be a solid foundation for consistent, stable sales and prices as we enter the new year,” said 2010 SAR President Erick Shumway.

+ Gold Coast Eagle kicks off Tow to Go for the holidays

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing will begin its 12th year of its Tow to Go program.

Now through New Year’s Day, anyone of drinking age can take advantage of the pro-gram, which provides a free tow service and ride home for people.

Tow to Go is aimed at keeping drunk driv-ers off Sarasota and Manatee county streets.

Anyone seeking a free ride and tow can call 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357).

+ Parking-ticket office prepares to move

Those who need to pay their parking tickets will need to take note of the parking office’s new location.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, the office will be located in the Sarasota Police Department headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane.

To prepare for the move, the current office in City Hall will be closed Friday, Dec. 17.

+ ClarificationWestfield Southgate Shopping Mall paid

for the two elephants to be transported to Sarasota for the Holiday Parade.

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 www.YourObserver.com 5ANEIGHBORHOOD

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Boats deck their hulls for paradeWHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

By Rachel S. O’Hara Staff Photographer

The 24th annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights lit up the waters Saturday, Dec. 11, from City Island all the way to Sarasota Bayfront Park. Though the official boat parade began at 6 p.m., people were enjoying some holiday festivities long be-fore the start time.

New this year was a small din-ghy parade that took place at Bayfront Park and entertained the crowd while they waited for the larger boats to arrive. One dinghy even included an inflat-able Santa in a sleigh with a shark fin eerily following behind.

Marty and Jody Kyle wait for the boat parade to begin. Nicole, Anne and Todd Weidler enjoy some festive family bonding.

Addison Hartley

A rowboat makes its way around Bayfront Park.

One dinghy was turned into a sleigh adorned with colorful lights and included an inflatable Santa and a shark fin following close behind.

Jaelyn and Will Landers pose together at Bayfront Park prior to the start of the parade.

6A www.YourObserver.comTHE SARASOTA OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010

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our viewThe plunder of business subsidies

ObserverSARASOTA

OPINION

Gov.-elect Rick Scott knew when he entered the state’s political arena and certainly knows now that turning around Florida’s economy is likely to be the toughest challenge he will have faced in his professional life.

The objective is simple on paper: Create an environment that gives entrepreneurs and existing businesses — here and elsewhere — incentives that are more persuasive and convincing to invest in Florida than elsewhere. Scott has teams of economists and Florida business people examining this. And we could fill several pages of this newspaper with steps that must be taken to make that happen.

One of the steps we would not recommend is the one every economic development specialist and scores of county and city commissioners and state legislators pull out of their briefcase: giving companies tax breaks and subsidies tied to moving here and creating jobs.

That is and for the past 25 years has been the standard operating procedure in the field of economic development. Everybody does it.

But it’s wrong.Lately, Sarasota County has become

much more aggressive in this arena than it has been in the past. To be sure, the county’s 12% unemployment rate has a way of getting politicians’ attention — that maybe they should think more about creating an environment for attracting commerce than focusing on how to make their empty public buses more “green.”

To this end, Sarasota County recently

joined the subsidy/incentive practice by earmarking $10 million of taxpayer money to companies expanding or moving here to create jobs. Some of the beneficiaries:

• PGT Industries, the Venice window and door manufacturer. It is expected to receive about $600,000 in subsidies and $16 million in tax abatements on equipment when it moves most of its North Carolina operations here.

• Sanborn Studios, a new TV production venture of Sarasota’s Ken Sanborn, is expected to receive about $650,000.

• Tervis Tumbler, one of this region’s big success stories, is expected to receive about $450,000.

• Texas-based Swimwear Boutique will receive $50,000 for moving its administrative and online operations here.

These are among nearly 20 companies benefiting from the Sarasota County Commission and state of Florida’s generosity. All in the name of economic development and creating jobs.

But there is no justification for any of these subsidies. One of the best illustrations of this unjust largesse came to light earlier this month when Ryan Jasper, chief executive officer of Sarasota-based Swim World Inc., told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: “Our tax dollars are moving in our competitor.”

Swim World, by the way, has built its business to 11 stores and 65 employees — without one dime of tax subsidies.

All of the economic development professionals will tell you if Sarasota County is to be competitive for business

expansion and relocations, it will have to play in the incentive game because everyone else does.

No it doesn’t. One of the reasons states and counties

feel compelled to give tax breaks is because their tax laws and regulations are barriers to begin with. If lawmakers would look at the obstacles that shoo companies to begin with, they wouldn’t have to plunder everyone else. Think about it: How would you feel if you were Ryan Jasper at Swim World — writing a check to the government, which in turn takes your money and hands it to your competitor? That’s not economic development; it’s plunder.

+ $10 minimum wageIn this space last week we noted to our

surprise that Sarasota City Commissioner Terry Turner, a Ph.D. economist, was among the majority of commissioners who did not favor placing a referendum question on the March city ballot to rescind last year’s vote raising the city’s minimum wage to $10.70 an hour.

Commissioner Turner says it’s not that he favors the $10.70 an hour minimum wage. He doesn’t, not at all.

He says he would prefer that question go on the ballot at the same time several other pending charter questions go on the ballot. It was a timing issue; not the merits of the minimum wage.

Mayor Kelly Kirschner wants voters to know he and Vice Mayor Dick Clapp favored putting the question on the ballot.

I’m sure the Legacy Trail and its ever mounting cost is nice for those people who live near it — and who like to bike and have bikes. But that is not a large percentage of

the people in Sarasota County, and not a great reason for public policy.

The trail starts south of Clark Road and goes south to Venice, not particularly convenient for the population center in the north. I don’t see myself ever using it in that I live in the northeastern part of the county. It would be about a half-hour drive to get to the northern

part of it. (Hey, were road impact fees levied on this development? Ha!)

I doubt any of my neighbors or others in that region of Sarasota County will ever use it. In fact, I suspect the vast majority of all Sarasota County residents will never use it.

But we all get the warm, tingly honor of paying for it. Because, golly, at least we are helping some people have fun biking on it. There is surely a greater good here somewhere.

I’ve been spitting into the wind on this issue for years. It seems few others are concerned about the cost, the timing, even the philosophy of using taxpayer funds for such a geographic- and demographic-specific entertainment enterprise. Even other conservatives just sort of chuckle.

But I will ask again: Why is government in the entertainment

business? Why do local governments own theaters and give taxpayer money to the symphony, orchestra, opera, ballet and ugly lumps of twisted metal alleged to be art? Why does local government own a baseball stadium? Why does local government own boat ramps and swimming pools and tennis courts?

And why is local government in the bike trail business?

How many taxpayers never go to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, to a spring training baseball game, to the opera, symphony or ballet, but have to subsidize all those? How many don’t go because they can’t really afford to — but are forced by the power of law to subsidize those who can afford to go?

And how many of those who cannot afford a $30, $50 or $70 ticket will go to an $8 venue to watch a movie — something that is not only not subsidized, but it is taxed?

Why should local politicians and bureaucrats decide which entertainments are to get the largesse of the public purse and which will have to pay taxes — in essence, subsidizing entertainment dollar competitors?

Who — stepping back from his favorite subsidized entertainment — can say this is a fair idea for government originated on the concept of protecting freedoms? Oh we’ve come a long way, baby. But to where?

Well, to an incredibly expensive bike trail at the moment.

We’re going to subsidize, that’s obvious. But who is keeping track of this tab? This is important because the expense of this dubious public policy just keeps growing and growing and growing.

To wit:• $12 million for the purchase of the

railroad land.• $14.6 million for the initial design and

construction of the bike trail.• $3 million for the new trestles over

Dona Bay and Roberts Bay.• $3.1 million for the fancy new biking

and pedestrian bridge over U.S. 41 in Osprey.

• $2.9 million for the land to build a trailhead (Florida DOT tax money).

Total: $35.6 million. And growing.In the midst of a deep and difficult

recession, while local governments bemoan their shrinking tax revenues, it just keeps shoveling money at the Legacy Trail. Where will it end?

It won’t. Not until taxpayers pay enough

attention, stand up and shout “Halt!”

Unless, of course, most of you like paying for other people’s entertainment.

Rod Thomson is executive editor of the Gulf Coast Business Review and can be reached at rthomson@review.net.

MY VIEW

Legacy of the spending blobThe Legacy Trail in central Sarasota County is becoming a costly government entertainment venture, for which there is never a good time.

RODTHOMSON

The latest cost add-on to the ever-growing costs of the Legacy Trail: a $3.1 million bike and pedestrian overpass over U.S. 41. Money is apparently no object with the ballooning Legacy Trail.

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 www.YourObserver.com 7AOPINION • NEIGHBORHOOD

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+ Democrats’ losses reflect the voters’ feelingsDear Editor:

If the Democratic Party wants to know why it loses elections, it needs to look no further than its Sarasota County chairwoman.

According to Ms. Ferrandino, Keith Fitzgerald lost to Ray Pilon because poor ole Keith “is a college professor and doesn’t have the re-sources to fight $200,000 (pumped into Pilon’s campaign by the Repub-lican Party) at the last minute.”

In fact, Pilon received only

$188,000 in total contributions from every source, while Fitzger-ald received $336,000. Despite the nearly two-to-one advantage in con-tributions, Fitzgerald lost.

Ferrandino’s lame attempt to lay off her party’s defeat to the Repub-licans buying the election illustrates her party’s arrogance. To Ferran-dino, the voters are a bunch of dim-wits who would have voted for her candidates if not for the rich, evil Republican Party’s money. That the voters simply disliked Fitzgerald’s liberal leanings simply couldn’t be

possible.The Democratic Party’s elitist

ideas of governing the peasants in the electorate discounts the idea that the peasants can think for themselves, and if her party didn’t win, it’s not because the electorate was somehow duped into voting against the Democrats. In fact, the Democrats’ losses reflect the dis-connect between the issues impor-tant to the electorate and the Dem-ocrats’ perception of those issues.

John J. Killen Jr.Sarasota

In response to Rod Thomson’s “My View” editorial of Dec. 2, al-though he is entitled to his opin-ion, the matter of Marina Jack’s ad valorem tax status will be decided judicially based on facts — many of which were misconstrued in Mr. Thomson’s column.

Rather than continuing to foster public misconception about Marina Jack and its partnership with the city, we think a better service could be provided by outlining the facts accurately.

The most glaring factual discrep-ancy is the comparison of Marina Jack’s restaurant to any other res-taurant in the city of Sarasota. Be-cause the very underpinnings of the restaurant and marina are city-owned assets, Jack Graham Inc. (parent company for Marina Jack) is held to a much a higher standard than any of the restaurant-only fa-cilities Mr. Thomson mentions.

According to public records, the landlord’s expectation for Marina Jack is to provide “a public ser-vice to the inhabitants of the city of Sarasota in their pursuit of rec-reation … ” and, further, that the facility would “serve the economic welfare of all the inhabitants of the city by virtue of being an attraction to visitors and tourists” as well as residents.

To that end, JGI has privately fi-nanced more than $10.5 million in dock facilities and improved ame-nities since 1995. These are capital improvements that increase the value of the city’s asset. They also enhance the city’s revenue stream from the operations; they have re-sulted in increased performance rent payments on top of the base fees included in the lease.

When the performance rent, fa-cility investments, other costs and fees Marina Jack incurs per city and state conditions are considered along with the base rent, not only do Marina Jack’s annual financial obligations exceed the national av-erage for agreements of this kind and type (according to the city’s own consultant, Mr. Jeffrey Walker; whose report is of public record), but they far exceed typical overhead paid by local restaurateurs.

Taxpayers and Observer read-ers would be better served to learn more detail of the public benefits derived through the investment of more than $10.5 million in facility upgrades of city-owned property that have been privately financed without ever requiring any sub-sidy from the city. That is one of the clearest distinctions between Marina Jack and other restaurants mentioned by Mr. Thomson. Not to

mention how the community shares in Marina Jack’s business success through the $3.5 million payroll generated annually by more than 150 employees, whose wages circu-late back into the local economy.

The implication that Marina Jack is not doing its utmost to be a fair and responsible partner to the pub-lic interest is preposterous. No oth-er restaurant operator is expected to meet the threshold that Marina Jack has met or exceeded since JGI assumed responsibility for one of our area’s most beautiful and prized possessions in 1968.

I’d also like to point out that Ma-rina Jack has been paying all other customary business-related taxes and has been operating according to the 1988 court decision that es-tablished our property-tax exempt status.

Sarasota Property Appraiser Bill Furst instigated the current legal challenge through an overzealous and erroneous interpretation that a new agreement was enacted in 2006. Marina Jack is merely exer-cising our legal right to defend our position.

We are not interested in a pro-longed legal conflict and will honor the court’s decision.

Bob Soran is the CEO of Jack Graham Inc.

MY VIEWMarina Jack’s annual financial obligations exceed the average

LETTERS EDITORTO THE

CHEERFUL CHATTER

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Healthy Families Sarasota celebrates the holiday season By Rachel S. O’Hara | Staff Photographer

The Healthy Families Sarasota held its annual hol-iday party Thursday, Dec. 9, at First Baptist Church, on Main Street.

The 13th annual event was open to the more than 450 families that are a part of Healthy Families Sara-sota. The evening included cookies and juice, holiday crafts and games, along with the chance to have a visit and picture taken with Santa.

Joshua Stott holds his baby sister, Jalea Hargrave.

Rashad Smith Jr. sits on Santa’s lap during the holiday party. Rashad asked Santa for a motorcycle.

Greg Jones and Ashaunti Tyler make pictures with holiday stickers.

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 20108A www.YourObserver.com NEIGHBORHOOD

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NEIGHBORS... ON CHALK FESTIVALS …

Calderon won the People’s Choice Award in October at the Sarasota Chalk Festival.

“It was incredible for me because the only rea-son I did it was because my teacher suggested it, and I had never done any-thing like it before.”

... ON BLOGGING …An avid blogger, Calde-

ron runs three different blogs — The Diary of a Starving Artist, Antisocial and ART-Shirts. She will soon be starting an online store for her T-shirts, prints and fine art.

“You meet people from around the world and everyone is really nice and really supportive … it is really good for people who have something to share and it allows you to express yourself.”

... ON FINDING HER STYLE ...

“Everyone has their own unique style, and I’ve actually come to terms with my style. I had a hard time finding my style… (but) every artist is born with a style; it was always there. Looking at someone’s art work is the best way to get to know someone.”

BRIANA CALDERONBriana Calderon, a 16-year-old girl

junior at Booker High School for the Visual Performing Arts, says that her love for art has been a part of her life since she was a little girl.

“Probably since I could hold a pen-cil,” says Calderon. “When I was lit-tle, all I would do was draw. I would find paper and crayons and just draw all the time. I’ve always been really into it.”

This past summer, Calderon took an illustration and design course at Ringling College of Art and De-sign. Since the course, Calderon has thought about applying to Ringling and staying in Sarasota for college.

Calderon has been working on a special piece that she planned on donating to the city of Sarasota in celebration of the Dec. 10 arrival of the mayor and other government of-ficials of Merida, the Mexican sister city to Sarasota.

“Because I am of Mexican descent, I felt really kind of connected to it and felt like it was a really good idea,” said Calderon. “I thought it was the perfect way to contribute, because I love Sarasota and I want to show it.”

— Rachel S. O’Hara

To learn more about Calderon and her latest artistic endeav-ors, visit her blog at: http://bri-anamakesart.blogspot.com/ Rachel S. O’Hara

Briana Calderon mimics the pose of the woman she painted on this wooden canvas.

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By Loren Mayo | Community Editor

They strutted the sidewalks in every holiday costume imaginable. Little dogs, big dogs and even some cats, donning ha-los, Santa jumpsuits and plaid sweaters, paraded through Selby Five Points Park Saturday, Dec. 11, to pose for pictures with “Santa Paws.”

canine christmas

Photos by Loren Mayo

Furry friends pose for photos with Santa Paws

Fluffy models a tinsel outfit.Jackson keeps warm in his Santa suit.Simba is one of the few cats to attend.Beinyet

Lily is all smiles at the event.

Jerry Stowell and Ivan

Elaine and Jordan Oye with Cassie

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 201010A www.YourObserver.com NEIGHBORHOOD

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Jewish Food Festival serves up fun afternoonBy Maria Amodio | Staff Writer

Temple Sinai hosted an afternoon of food and fun at its third annual Jewish Food Fest Sunday, Dec. 12. Home-made Jewish foods, including chicken soup with matzoh balls, stuffed cabbage, blin-tzes, kugel and knishes, were all on the menu.

The food fest also featured a health fair, flea market and book sale, as well as an inflat-able bounce house that kept children entertained all af-ternoon.

Don Gersman cooks kosher hot dogs.

Above: Kate Mitchell and her

son, Jackson

Right: Temple Si-nai Co-President Laurie Lachow-

itzer and past President Rich-ard Greenspan

Scott and Judy Barde, Harriet Gersman and Elyse Diamond serve cheese blintzes and fruit kugel.

By Loren Mayo | Community Editor

The Historical Society of Sarasota County, Daughters of the American Revolution Sara DeSoto Chapter and the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation celebrated fellowship and food during an old-fashioned holiday get-together Dec. 14, at the DAR building. It was the first tri-organizational event for the groups.

History buffs throw sublime celebration

historic hoorah

Photos by Loren Mayo

Milton and Isabel RauchKit Graves and Beverley Dennis

Back row: Lorrie Muldowney, Ron Conners, Beverly Scott, Joyce Waterbury, Dee Calvert, Jan and Don Smally and Rebecca Morgan; front row: Jesse White, Debra Flynt-Garrett and Chris Fitzgibbons

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 www.YourObserver.com 11ANEIGHBORHOOD

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By Loren Mayo | Community Editor

The Sarasota Orchestra Association held its 1920s-style, murder-mystery dinner drama, “In Gold Blood,” Monday, Dec. 13, at the Sarasota Yacht Club. The drama, chaired by Caroline Ryan, fea-tured nine association members in pe-riod costumes who worked the room and dropped subtle clues to guests while they sipped cocktails.

The play was dedicated to the late Ted Morton, who had arranged to hold the event at the yacht club. Proceeds will benefit the Youth Orchestra Program.

DRAMATIC ENTRANCE

Photos by Loren Mayo

Colorful cast engages in murder-mystery dinner

Shirley and Sherwin Taradash

Sheila Luetkehans and Jane Helmer Sally Brown and Jennifer Meyer Jill Ross, Tim Ryan and Anne ScottBecky Miller, Sarasota Orchestra CEO Joe McKenna and Katie Couchot

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You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

SURF’S UPSLICE OF THE CITY>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

+ SMOA throne room gets a colorful makeover

Although the Sarasota Museum of Art is still fishing for $11 million to begin renovations on the former Sarasota High School building, there has been one minor update — the bathroom. Using fluorescent colors of pink, green, blue and orange and donated items, including everything from clown shoes and boas to a fishing rod and baby cradle, Peppi Elona (artful bath-room creator) turned the dismal restroom into its own museum of art.

+ Young authors showcase stories

Bay Haven School of Basics-Plus third-graders authored holiday books and read them to parents and teachers at the school’s fourth annual Authors Tea Thursday, Dec. 9. Through writing drafts, editing and revising, each student experi-enced the writing process and wrote a nine-chapter winter holiday book that included illustrations.

Rachel S. O’Hara

Loren Mayo

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

+ Prima ballerinas dazzle with daring dance

Little darlings from the West Coast Civic Ballet held a holiday performance Saturday, Dec. 11, at the State of the Arts Gallery’s new space, which connects to the existing gallery. The tiniest ballerinas fluttered around the room in sheer pink tutus trimmed with lace, while girls a few years older danced the afternoon away in satiny gowns.

+ Gleaming lights brighten the night

While The Sarasota Observer photographers were stationed at Marina Jack during the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Saturday, Dec. 11, Longboat Key resident Mary Lou Johnson snagged a prime spot on Golden Gate Point and snapped this photo looking back at the Ringling Bridge. The annual boat parade brings out thousands of spectators who line the shores of the Sarasota Bay every year. Photo courtesy of Mary Lou Johnson/Mary Lou Johnson Photography

+ Little White Houses cover Christmas tree

Miniature replicas of the White House adorned a Christmas tree at the DAR Sara DeSoto Chapter House in historic Pioneer Park. The adorable tree was one of the highlights of the holiday party Tuesday, Dec. 14, for members of the Historic Society of Sarasota County, Historic Preservation Society and Daughters of the American Revolution. Rebecca Morgan, DAR chapter regent, adorned the tree with her entire collec-tion of White House ornaments, creating a spectacular spectacle.

+ Community Youth Development’s gingerbread fest shows sweet designs

Candy-coated castles and quaint cottages were all on display for the Community Youth Development Gingerbread Festival kickoff Dec. 2, at Sarasota Square Mall.

The gingerbread village was made up of more than 100 houses, made by middle-school and high-school youth groups and classes and local business and organizations. At the cen-ter of the village stood a giant gingerbread house made by the chefs at Cosimo’s Brick Oven.

The kickoff event featured an “Iron Chef”-style decorating competition between chefs from Mattison’s and Pastries by Design, in which Lyndsy McDonald and Crista Cotton took the cake with their house styled after Sarasota Square Mall.Maria Amodio

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 www.YourObserver.com 13ANEWS • SPORTS

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DON’T MISS THESE SPECIAL EDITIONS!December 23, Christmas IssueDeadline: Thursday, December 16, 11am

December 30, Year in PicturesDeadline: Friday, December 17, 1pm

January 6, Seven People to Watch in 2011Deadline: Thursday, December 23, 11am

To reserve space or for questions, contact your Observer advertising representative

or call 941.366.3468

Happy Holidays from all your friends at The Observer!

The Observer Group offices will be closed from Dec 24 until Jan 3.

Early Holiday Deadlines for The Observers.

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donor spotlight

ALEX UPHAMAlexis Upham remembers what

it was like growing up with little money. Her parents were Canadian immigrants who worked long hours as a nurse and a teletype repairman.

Upham’s family didn’t have much, but looking back on her childhood she says she never felt poor.

“We always shopped at second-hand stores, but that didn’t matter,” she says. “My parents managed their money in such a way and loved us so much that we always felt our lives were abundant.”

Upham, who now resides in Sara-sota where she is the senior director of development at the University of South Florida, has never forgotten the values she learned as a child.

As a young girl, Upham would give a large portion of her 50-cent allowance each week to the Episco-pal church she attended. Today, she donates to Season of Sharing, and even though she has more than a few cents to give, she still believes that every little bit counts.

“Whether it’s an act of kindness or caring for or loving our neigh-bors, we all have the power to help each other,” Upham says. “That’s what I hope to do through Season of Sharing.”

When Upham first heard about Season of Sharing almost 10 years ago, it was the organization’s empha-sis on community involvement that drew her to become involved.

“It was really a call for community participation and caring; it is a col-laborative effort that reaches out to all,” says Upham. “If people believe in themselves and have hope we can all be self-sufficient … sometimes we just need others to help us believe.”

— Maria Amodio

Maria Amodio

Each week, The Sarasota Observer will feature a different donor who is involved with Season of Sharing, a 10-year, community-wide fundraising partner-ship created by the Community Foundation. Donations to the Season of Sharing fund may be made by check or credit card, payable to the Community Foundation of Sarasota, or online at www.cfsarasota.org. For information, call 955-3000.

Senior Alex Nugent just finished his last football season as quarterback at Cardinal Mooney High School this fall. As the team captain and quarterback, Nugent worked his way to the top over the last four years and was recommended by his coach, Josh Smithers, to be recog-nized as Athlete of the Week in The Sara-sota Observer.

How often do you play?In the summer I played football ev-

ery day with morning workouts and practice. During the season, Monday through Friday, we had practices and games. On Saturdays, I’d go and throw

with my wide receivers.

What are you best at?Making plays when the original play

breaks down — just improvising.

What could you improve on?I could probably improve on accuracy

with passing.

What is the best part about football?The best part about football is hitting.

I love hitting people — as mean as that sounds!

—Rachel S. O’Hara

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Alex Nugent

SHARE YOUR STORIESDo you know someone who deserves to be recognized as Athlete of the Week? If so,

please e-mail your suggestions to rohara@yourobserver.com.

Visit our website to see a video of more of Nugent’s answers.www.YourObserver.com

Rachel S. O’Hara

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 201014A www.YourObserver.com NEWS

THE OBSERVER CROSSWORDEdited by Timothy E. Parker

C R Y P T O G R A M S by Myles Mellor

1. H C T M A V A V Y A M B Z A J R P G H U R E H J Z C

P C K B L K T R U U H Y T M K A E Z A M Y L U U I ? I Z A J R I

K L P G K R V A E “ YA M K R E A B B A .”

2. X LY D E B G N V T D L T Z D X E D B F U V S C Q X X Q Y T Z D

B P Q LY : Q W Q S Q X K ’ S U F L N D K , W Q P Q S I K S Q Z

Q S Q X . Q S ’ X X Q Y Q Z B F S L : N D D T U B G N Q K H I T

I K S Q Z V L I C Q S X LY D S C Q K H .

ACROSS1 Social rebuff

5 Healing ointment 9 Galloway girl 13 Go (through), as

evidence 17 Breastplate of Zeus 19 ___ podrida (spicy

stew) 20 Musical featuring

“Little Girls” 22 Having the

wherewithal 23 Finish work and

leave 25 Robin Hood’s gal

pal 27 Food sources for

whales 28 Provide with a

quality 30 Peddlers of petals 31 Ending for ordinal

numbers 32 Waterfall sound 33 Greek salad cheese 34 Taps a shoulder on

the dance floor 37 Moog-made

machine (Abbr.) 40 Offsets a credit 44 Gives a lousy

review 45 Agent, briefly 47 Bishops’

jurisdictions 49 Worked in a soup

line 51 “What ___, chopped

liver?” 52 Fish for squid 55 Roald or Arlene 57 Spanish friend 58 Southpaw 61 Certain high degree 63 “When in Rome, ___

the Romans ...” 65 Wish one hadn’t 66 Coupled 68 Open to breezes 69 Batman’s Robin, for

one 72 Crayola choice 74 Fast Caribbean

dance 76 Joined forces (with) 77 Large quantities 80 Appeal to a higher

authority? 82 Tasty mushrooms 85 Leftover morsel 86 Calf-length skirt 87 Concubine’s place 89 Antisocial elephant 90 Pony’s paces 93 Curtain fabric 95 Peripheries 97 Protein synthesis

molecule, for short 98 One who can’t keep

off the grass? 100 Gridiron division 102 B-movie machine

gun 103 Hammermill unit 104 Catch in a snare 106 Praises 109 Restraint for a dog 111 Yemen’s port 113 They’re often liberal

in college 115 “___ you sure?” 116 Poison from

belladonna 120 Writer George or

T.S. 121 Mean explicitly 125 Holder for a jacket 127 Unreliable, as a

business 129 Mark up for revision 130 1962 Best Actress

winner Sophia 131 Prefix with “phone”

or “photo” 132 Holy shroud city 133 Blockhead 134 Survey choice, at

times 135 Huffy state 136 Badlands formation

DOWN1 Hopping-race need

2 Around the corner 3 Jamaican fruit

export 4 Military lodgings 5 Flapper garb 6 Hardwood tree 7 Gaucho grasslands 8 Help-wanted word? 9 Shimmery fabric 10 Literary olio 11 Smell like a dog? 12 Moved like a crab 13 Delhi dress 14 Stork kin 15 Exactly, as a time 16 Some treasury bills 18 Some bank deposits 21 Acted broadly, on

Broadway 24 Rock concert

souvenir 26 Last word of the

title of the 1962 Best Picture

29 Diner dispensers 34 “Along ___ Spider” 35 Joining 36 Bookworm, in

stereotypes 38 Danson of sitcoms 39 Bed part 41 Capital ending? 42 Intensive

questioning 43 Speaker’s bridge 44 Insect’s sensory

organ (Var.) 46 Smurf elder 48 ___-in (certain

victor) 50 Mover and shaker 53 Capricious 54 Milan exchange

unit, once 56 Is a valuable hen 59 Race pace,

sometimes 60 Cheerleader’s forte 62 Kind of node

64 Not sink 67 Destine for

destruction 70 Polecat’s defense 71 Pianist Peter 73 Racetrack fence 75 Hill in the Highlands 77 Marshy areas 78 Be grandiloquent 79 June 6 of 1944 81 Safecracker, in slang 83 Eclipse type 84 Petticoat junction? 88 Food for a carnivore 91 Dynamite letters 92 Angel above a

cherub 94 Span of history 96 Unswerving 99 Tire type 101 Two-part 103 Atomic number 75 105 Long, narrow

banner or streamer 107 Winter driving

hazards 108 Swiped 110 Council of ___

(16th-century assembly)

112 United ___ College Fund, once

114 Phonograph needles

116 Scored 100 on, e.g. 117 Heading for a chore

list 118 Midnight visit to the

fridge 119 ___ the Great, Holy

Roman emperor 120 Flying fish-eater 122 Storybook brute 123 “___ won’t hurt a

bit” 124 It’s active in Europe 126 Browning’s

bedtime? 128 Use a parimutuel

machine

WHAT’S BEHIND THE HOUSE? by Tim Reid

Last Weeks Cryptograms 1. The deer were having a meeting. The vote to limit herds to eleven deer was

regarded as brilliant and a doe-brainer. 2. Math students are known for their zealous and organized minds. They are

famous for always making tidy sums.

REAL ESTATE

By Adam Hughes | Research Editor

A home in Bay View Acres tops all real-estate transactions this week. Fifth Third Mortgage Co. sold the home at 1767 Bay-wood Drive to Aaron and Tiffany Carroll, of Sarasota, for $405,000. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,021 square feet of living area. It previ-ously sold for $915,000 in 2005.

SARASOTAPhillippi Landings

U.S. Bank NA, trustee, sold the Unit 201 condominium at 1921 Monte Carlo Drive to Eugene and Shelly Gelpke, of Sarasota, for $315,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,024 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $765,300 in 2006.

SIESTA KEYSiesta Beach

HSBC Bank USA NA sold the home at 632 Treasure Boat Way to Richard and Paula Baxter, of Sarasota, for $355,000. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,466 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $415,000 in 2003.

Peppertree BayMichael Preston, trustee, sold the

Unit 501 condominium at 1200 E. Pep-pertree Lane to Gabor Williger, trustee, for $315,000. Built in 1973, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,200 square

feet of living area. It previously sold for $51,500 in 1973.

Boca SiestaCarter and Anita Lewis sold their Unit

203 condominium at 5911 Midnight Pass Road to Bruce Allan, of McLean, Va., for $305,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,447 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $212,000 in 1999.

PALMER RANCHStoneybrook at Palmer Ranch

Etta Anderson sold her home at 4091 Westbourne Circle to Sandra Murphy, of Sarasota, for $260,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,165 square feet of living area. It previously sold for $230,000 in 2001.

Bay View Acres home sells for $405,000

This home at 1767 Baywood Drive has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,021 square feet of living area. It sold for $405,000.

Rachel S. O’Hara

COPS CORNERDec. 6Victimless crime

12:40 p.m. — 200 block of Shopping Lane. General Suspicion. A supermar-ket worker saw a man running in the rear of the business holding a purse. The man realized he had been seen, so he ducked behind a truck. He peeked around the truck and again began run-ning. He was no longer carrying the purse. Police couldn’t find the man, and a purse-snatching victim has yet to come forward.

Sarasota welcoming committee11 p.m. — 5200 block of Ocean Bou-

levard. Petit Theft. A tourist was at a restaurant and bar. She left her wallet on her table, while she walked away for a minute. When she returned, the wallet was gone. A member of the wait staff found the wallet in a trashcan. The $100 inside and her driver’s license were stolen.

Dec. 7Unusual campaign strategy

11:15 a.m. — 7300 block of South Tamiami Trail. Suspicious Incident. A political party volunteer reported a man walked into the party headquarters and rambled about “bad guys,” the Bible and Benjamin Netanyahu bringing guns to The White House. The man called him-self Christ and called President Obama the anti-Christ. During the conversa-tion, the employee determined that the real reason for the man’s visit was to in-quire about running for office.

Scared straight1:20 p.m. — 4800 block of Fallcrest

Circle. Attempted Burglary. A hom-

eowner had her family staying with her. They don’t speak English well, and that’s why when the homeowner was at work and someone rang the doorbell, they didn’t answer the door. The two men ringing the bell were burglars, and they figured nobody was home. The two men crept through the pool area. One of the family members saw them approaching the back door and she screamed. The burglars were startled and ran.

Eureka! He struck gold5:30 p.m. — 8200 block of South

Tamiami Trail. Grand Theft and Resist-ing a Merchant. A department-store security guard saw a young man shove four boxes of gold earrings in his pock-ets. The guard followed the man to the exit and nabbed him as he left the store. The thief struggled and tried to get away, but the guard threw him to the ground and handcuffed him. Police ar-rived, and the young man admitted to stealing $399 worth of jewelry.

Dec. 8License lie

2:35 a.m. — 1000 block of Siesta Drive. Driving While License Is Re-voked. An officer responded to a report of a reckless driver. He began to follow a pickup truck that was weaving all over the road. After the officer pulled the truck over, he asked the driver to see his license. The driver said he didn’t have one. The officer asked if he ever had a license, and the driver said, “No.” Upon checking the driver’s license plate num-ber, the officer discovered the man did used to have a driver’s license, but it had been revoked in February. This was the fourth time he has been caught driving since then.

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 CLASSIFIEDS www.YourObserver.com 15A

Holiday Worship Guide

St. Mary MagdaleneEpiscopal

CHRISTMAS EVE: FRIDAY - DEC. 24TH

(Nursery Available)

CHRISTMAS DAY: SATURDAY - DEC. 25TH

1ST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS: DEC 26TH

“Join us for joyful, family friendly worship, and faithful service to Christ our Lord”

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Northminster Presbyterian3131 61st

SUNDAY SERVICES9 am and 11 am

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service7 pm

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LIVING LORD LUTHERAN CHURCHPastor Je!rey R Gross www.livinglord".org

Your family is invited to join our family to lift our voices as we celebrate our Savior’s birth!ADVENT HOLDEN VESPERS: 7PM Wednesday Evenings during December

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE: CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: CANDLELIGHT – COMMUNION – CAROLS

4:00 PM Traditional Service 7:00 PM Family Service

4894

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949

St. Andrew United Church of Christ6908 Beneva Road, Sarasota 34238

Candlelight Christmas Eve service 7:00 p.m.Come early at 6:40 for the singing of Christmas carols

941-922-7595

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Trinity United Methodist Church

4150 South Shade Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34231941-924-7756 www.iTrinity.org

Christmas Worship OpportunitiesChristmas Eve

5:00 PM - Family Candlelight Communion(Reception Following)

11:00 PM - Candlelight CommunionChristmas Day

10:00 AM - Worship - Devotion & CarolsSunday, December 26th

10:00 AM - WorshipCarols…Celebration…Cookies

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Christmas Begins with ChristJoin us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 7:00 and 10:30 pmMusic and Carols 6:40 and 10:10pm

Christmas Day 10:00am

Pine Shores Presbyterian Church

Christmas Eve Communion & Candlelight Services

5:00 PM Family Worship Service7:30 PM Traditional Worship Service

11:00 PM The Eve of Christmas Service Nursery provided at the 5:00 & 7:30 services

6116 Crestwood Avenue (West of US 41 - North of Stickney Pt.)

4936

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393

Lessons, Carols, and a Live Nativity

ending with communion and candlelight.

A family-friendly service 6:00-7:00

10902 Technology Terraceat the corner of LWR Blvd,

between 70 and 64

941-753-7778www.PEACEpcusa.com

THE OBSERVER

LP # 39513

THE OBSERVER

LP # 48668

Reserved Space

LP Reserved Space

Items Under $200 For Sale

BABY STROLLER by Graco for 40# baby.New. Padded with hood. $45. 941-388-5094

BIKE- BOYS, 12” wheels. Has trainingwheels. Perfect. Great gift. $20. 941-349-7565 leave message.

CHRISTMAS DECOR; Sofa Bed $20.Kitchen set $20. Lanai Set, 6 piece $25.941-556-9046

ELECTROLUX VACUUM- Oxygen,Microseal Technology. Like new. Powernozzle w/4 attachments.$130. 941/922-2027

GRILL- WEBER, Natural Gas. 3 Burners$125. Art Deco 17” Upper Torso Ceramic$40. 941-966-3030

HOMEDICS CHAIR/BACK Massager. NEWwith remote $50. BIKE- 26" tires. Very Goodcondition. $35. 941-924-2431

‘06 LANDROVER LR3 SE- AWD, 7 passen-ger, 68k miles. Navigation, 6 disc, sunroof,new brakes. $19,999. 941-586-1651

BUYING OLDER paintings; landscapes,beach, watercolors, any subject. Early furni-ture, oriental rugs, silver, etc. Quality items.Terry, 941-349-8560.

Antiques/Collectibles

SHOWER CHAIR- Never used. Adjustablelegs, anti-slip feet, weight capacity 400 lbs.$75. 941-488-1853

LONGABERGER BASKETS- 1991 Discover& 1996 Tissue Baskets $50 for both.941-723-2515

Items Under $200 For Sale

We gladly accept all major credit/debit cards.

3 EASY WAYSTo Place Your Classified Ad

Call 941-955-4888

Fax 941-362-4808

Email classified@yourobserver.com

Furnishings

BEDROOM SET- 5-piece, Lexington $699.Ekornes “Stressless” chair/ottoman, likenew, $850. 3-piece home office-Desk &return, with hutch $995. Leather Sectional,Robb & Stucky, cost $3700-now $1995.Thomasville (Hemingway) & Henredon(Contemporary) King-Bedroom Suites.5-piece Casual Creations white patio Slings$399. Hooker 3-piece wall unit$599.

MANATEE FURNITURE3015 1st Street, Bradenton

1 block north of DeSoto Square Mall941-745-2596

MASSAGE CHAIR- Sharper Image.Black leather with massaging ottomon.Many massaging functions. Paid $5000. Willsacrifice $1600. Call 941-918-9171

General Merchandise

CARDBOARD BOXES- For shipping.18x18x28. I have 950 boxes. Sell for $1each. 941-918-9171

GERANIUMS: Buy One Get One 1/2 Off.Quality, low prices, thousands available inmany colors! Troy’s Tropics, 5212 ProctorRoad 923-3756. Bring this ad.

Health/Fitness/Beauty

ELLIPTICAL TRAINERBrand new. Never been used. Proform XPThinline 480. $325. Call 941-383-8218(before 6:00 p.m.)

Sporting Goods

GOLF CLUBSWe make custom golf clubs, also re-grippingand club repair. 941-483-0014, Osprey.www.reasongolf.com

Events

CHRISTMAS TREES. Lot will open Friday,Nov. 26 at 9a.m. and will remain open untilDec. 18. Fresh Christmas trees of all sizes,garland, wreaths, crafts. Open Monday-Friday, 1-8p.m. Saturdays, 9a.m.-9p.m.Vamo United Methodist Church, 8521 VamoRd., Sarasota. 941-966-3306.

Storage

STORAGE FACILITY Boat/ RV/ Trailer.Secure facility, low monthly rentals, Clark Rdarea. 941-809-3660, 941-809-3662

Things To Do

Parlez-vous franÇais?

WOULD YOU LIKE TOLEARN FRENCH?

FRENCH CLASSES at the

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SARASOTA

Sarasota's premiere organization for teaching French language and culture

Classes at all levels, beginner toadvanced, with native teachers. Weekdays, evenings, Saturdays.

Small Classes.Call us at 941-955-0700 or

www.afsarasota.org

Next session starts January 17thOpen House 10am-Noon January 15th

LIVE-IN COMPANION needed for couple.Duties consist of some personal care, cook-ing, shopping and driving to appointments.Lovely home. private room, board andsalary. Send resumes including referencesto: Box 27, Sarasota, Fl 34230.

Homemakers/ CompanionsCNA’S/ HHA’S

You Can Make a Difference. Help seniorsstay independent. We provide: non medicalcare, personal care, meals, light housekeep-ing, transportation & companionship.Flexible hours available- F/T, P/T, Overnight,Weekends and Live-In. Positions available inSarasota/ Bradenton/ Venice. To work nowfax resume to 941-929-7438 or email:joanieck@comcast.net

Help Wanted

SCENIC FLIGHT $99, Flight Training, Plane Rentals, Gift Certificates.

Universal Flight Training 1234 Clyde Jones Rd.

941-388-8966. www.flyuft.com

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Autos For Sale

This week’s crossword answers

All major credit/debit cards accepted.

4 EASY WAYSTo Place Your Classified Ad

Call 941-955-4888

Fax 941-362-4808

Email classified@yourobserver.com

www.yourobserver.com/classifiedsOnline at

The Observer Classifieds Holiday Early Deadlines for Dec. 24th,Dec. 31st and Jan. 7th editions.

Happy Holidays To You and Yours!

Dec. 24th Service Directory deadlines Dec. 16th, 12pmClassified Ads deadline Dec. 17th, 4pmDec. 31st Service Directory deadlines Dec. 16th, 12pmClassified Ads deadline Dec. 17th, 4pmJan. 7th Service Directory deadlines Dec. 23rd, 12pm Classified Ads deadline Jan. 5th, 12pm (no change)

The Observer Classified Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 23rd at 5pmfor the holidays. We will reopen Monday, Jan. 4th at 8:30am.

The Observer Classifieds Holiday Early Deadlines for Dec. 23rd,

Dec. 23rd Service Directory deadlines Dec. 15th, 3pmClassified Ads deadline Dec. 15th, 4pmDec. 30th Service Directory deadlines Dec. 15th, 3pmClassified Ads deadline Dec. 15th, 4pmJan. 6th Service Directory deadlines Dec. 22nd, 12pm Classified Ads deadline Dec. 22nd, 5pm

The Observer Classified Dept. will CLOSE Dec. 23rd at 5pm for the holidays. We will reopen Monday, Jan. 3rd at 8:30am

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Dec. 30th and Jan. 6th editions.

Yard Sale ads start at just $15 a week.To place your ad call941-955-4888 or go to www.YourObserver.com/classifieds

Is your home or garage cluttered with stuff you don’t use anymore?Are your kids outgrowing their toys and clothes? Would you like to earn a little extra money for your family?Reduce the clutter and make some money at the same time with a yard sale.Think no one wants your old junk? Remember the old adage: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

YARD SALETurn your TRASH into CASH!

Have a

Want some extra money?

Classified Ads: Tuesday at NoonService Directory: Monday at 3 pm

THE SARASOTA OBSERVERTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 CLASSIFIEDS www.YourObserver.com 17A

PALM AIRE VILLA 3/2/2 2150 sf.Remodeled. Open plan/ views. Communitypool. Bigger & better than new. Immaculate.$240K. 941-355-4345. Open Saturday/Sunday or call for appointment.

Homes For Sale

LUXOR MHP$395mo-1 bed/bath mobile homes.

55+ community. No Pets. 5811 14th St. W. Bradenton.

Sarasota Real Estate Assoc, Inc. Greg Nowak 941-809-6034

Homes For Rent

LIDO BEACH, on Gulf: 1BR/1BA, largecondo unit, upgraded, nicely furnished, largeterrace with Gulf view. All amenities: pool,party room, gyms. Reduced to $329,000.Financing available. 941-228-7261.

Condos For Sale

SUNRISE COVE. Deluxe 2BR/2BA, unfur-nished, bay view. Annual rental, no pets/smoking. First month and security depositrequired. $1375/mo. 366-3282/ daytime,355-3915/ evenings.

NICELY FURNISHED 1BR/1BA, close todowntown. Immaculately clean, fully tiled,3 blocks to bus stop. Pool, tennis courts.Walk to shops, downtown. $650/mo. annual.No pets. 941-374-3401.

DOWNTOWN: 2BR/1BA. Quiet, secluded,tropical, cathedral ceilings, skylights, patios,cable and water. No pets. $900/mo.941-366-8862.

Condos/Apts. For Rent

Help Wanted

SALES POSITION- Local Manatee CountyA/C company is looking for a top salesperson with 3+ years of experience in thesales and service of the Air Conditioning &Heating Industry. Warm friendly office, drugfree workplace and medical benefits are justa few of the perks offered in this job. Pleasecall 941-722-9276 for more info.

Commercial Property For Rent

EXECUTIVE SUITES: South Tamiami Trail,Gulf Gate area. Full service conferenceroom. One month free rent. Wireless internetand utilities included. From $250/mo. Call941-923-6050.

Cleaning

A CLEANING EVEN YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW WILL APPROVE! Every time,guaranteed! Licensed/Insured. Bonded.www.CleanTimeServices.com Pamela,941-320-0023.

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Peace signs

ZEN AND INK by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

THURSDAYDECEMBER 16, 2010

A R T S | E N T E R T A I N M E N T | S O C I E T Y | F O O D | F A S H I O N | D É C O R

The ObserverW W W . Y O U R O B S E R V E R . C O MDiversions

Photos by Heidi Kurpiela

Pamela Sumner grew up spending her summers in Provincetown, Mass., surrounded by the studios of the most revered abstract expressionists, including Robert Motherwell and Franz Kline.

Pamela Sumner’s studio is a hidden jewel, the kind of live/work space for which most artists yearn.

Once upon a time, it was located off the beaten path, above a storage

company on Sixth Street in a fringe neighborhood in downtown Saraso-ta called the Rosemary District.

When Sumner moved into the apartment 16 years ago, the Rose-

mary District wasn’t the up-and-coming hipster hangout it is today. It was where you accidentally ended up if you got lost driving into down-town.

Pamela Sumner grinds her own ink, lives in a funky Rosemary District studio and paints with rat whiskers. The Asian-inspired artist meditates on her Zen habits.

Christmas in Candy Land PAGE 10B CAMERA READY

Sonata a Due / 15B

THE SOCIAL OBSERVERBLACK TIE

SUMNER CONTINUED ON PAGE 3B

INSIDE EDIBLES:Elisabeth Waters continues

a holiday baking tradition / 6B

McKayla Taaffe, Morgan Butler and Carolina Elizalde

+ ‘DWTS’ pro to bust butts at Empire Ballroom

Sarasota dancer Sid Pocius contin-ues his ballroom blitz with another guest appearance by a “Dancing With the Stars” celeb.

Last month, the 34-year-old Pocius celebrated the open-ing of his new dance studio, Empire Ballroom, by dancing cheek-to-cheek with friend and DWTS pro Karina Smirnoff.

This month, Pocius is rolling out the red carpet for Louis Van Amstel, three-time

world dance champion, Emmy-nominated choreographer and another longtime DWTS star cast member.

Van Amstel will preview his popular Cardio Ballroom fitness class at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at the new Rosemary District studio, located at 1370 Blvd. of the Arts.

The program, which Van Amstel is cur-rently franchising, has already garnered a loyal following in Los Angeles and the star’s native Holland. The class will be offered at Empire Ballroom on a full-time basis beginning in January.

Hey, if you can’t dance with a star, you might as well dance like one.

To reserve your spot for Saturday’s pre-view, call 704-7613 or visit www.empire-ballroomstudios.com.

2B ! DIVERSIONS >> COLUMN

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+ Tori Sparks comes home for the holidays

In case you missed Sarasota native Tori Sparks’ spectacular hometown performance last December, the 26-year-old singer/songwriter will return to her roots again this weekend to perform her fourth annual Holiday Hometown concert Sunday Dec. 19, at Tijuana Flats.

The free show, hosted by the Tex-Mex res-taurant chain, has become a ritual for many of Sparks’ local fans and former Pine View School classmates.

The singer’s third album, “The Scorpion in the Story,” co-produced by indie rock veteran David Henry (R.E.M., Ben Folds, Cowboy Junkies) was called a “knockout” by The Village Voice and helped land the bluesy folk rocker on the roster for next year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas.

A Nashville, Tenn., resident, Sparks, recently announced plans to move to Barcelona, Spain, where she’s becoming a household name.

We urge you to hit up Tijuana Flats this Sunday. Order a chimichanga and don’t miss this opportunity to see a home girl on the rise.

ART SCENE HEARD

by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

HOT TICKETS• ‘The 39 Steps’: Florida Studio Theatre’s vintage Hitchcock-meets-Monty Python spy thriller stars Michael Frederic, Letitia Lange, Curran Connor and Sheffield Chastain. We dare you to keep track of the four-member cast as they play more than 150 characters. Based on the novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock, “The 39 Steps” runs through Feb. 6, in the Gompertz Theatre.

For tickets, call 366-9000 or visit www.flori-dastudiotheatre.org.

• ‘An Evening with Frank Wildhorn & Friends’: Don’t let the “Bonnie & Clyde” excitement die down. The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s “An Intimate Evening with Frank Wildhorn & Friends” (8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21) is a celebration of the “Bonnie & Clyde” composer’s greatest hits, featuring per-formances by Rob Evan, Laura Osnes, Marlyn Sanches and Jack Murphy — and, of course Wildhorn, at the piano. For tickets, call 351-8000 or visit asolorep.org.

Courtesy photos

Joey Panek dusts off his favorite green leisure suit.

Pine View grad Tori Sparks

+ Sarasota elf resumes YouTube shenanigans

Don’t tell me you thought the Sarasota Elf wasn’t going to show his impish face this Christmas.

After charming almost every performing-arts orga-nization in Sarasota, not to mention the hearts of down- town merchants and pretty female barflies, the elf (aka actor Joey Panek) ditched his vel-vet suit for more respectable wire-rimmed glasses and preppy polo shirts for his gig as The Art Whisperer.

Although we love the Art Whisperer, the

Sarasota Elf is undeniably cuter. And we think the elf’s

1,574 Facebook fans agree.Well, good news for elf group-

ies: The man in green is back. He was spotted last week cavorting

with shoppers at Whole Foods and lurking in alleys in the

Rosemary District.Finally. It’s begin-

ning to look a lot like Christmas …

in Sarasota.

DWTS pro Louis Van Amstel

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It was seedy. In other words, the perfect place for a budding artist studying Zen Buddhism to grow comfortable in her own skin.

“It was so uncool that I thought it was cool,” Sumner says of the space, which is divided into two halves: a 1,000-square-foot stu-dio drenched with natural sun-light and an apartment that’s nearly as big.

Sumner herself is a hidden jewel. She’s the portrait of calm as she shuffles between her apartment and her studio, cup-ping a mug of green tea, the smell of which trails her as she speaks softy about her work above the sounds of Japanese flute music.

Her walls are covered in paint-ings of bamboo, water-based monotypes and images of circu-lar symbols painted on layered panels of spun-bound fabric, which hang like ethereal curtains in her living room.

“I like the way they move and breathe,” Sumner says of the pieces. “They’re done less to re-peat the image and more to re-peat the body language. I like to get up real close to them. It’s like looking into a pool or someone’s eye.”

The sweeping circular marks found in much of Sumner’s work are referred to as Ens! in Japa-nese culture. In Zen Buddhism the symbols represent enlighten-ment, the continuum, the void and the theme that most closely resembles Sumner’s life: the ex-pression of the moment.

Sumner is so mindful of the moment that when she teaches private lessons she often blind-

folds her students or asks that they paint with their non-domi-nant hand.

“Anything to shut down the brain and trust the body,” the artist says. “I think everyone has that inherent sense of design and balance, but they tend to over-think it and control it. It was exciting when I learned I could

teach people not to be cerebral.” Sumner grew up in Massachu-

setts, the daughter of an artist-mother and photographer-fa-ther.

Evidence of her parents’ influ-ence is peppered throughout her apartment.

In one bedroom, the floor is collaged with black-and-white photos Sumner’s father took of her as a baby eating creamed spinach. In the kitchen, above the refrigerator, is a portrait of her mother by a famous painter who had a studio near the fam-ily’s summer home in Provinc-etown, Mass.

The painting resembles a pin-up poster from the 1950s, and as Sumner passes it, she comments on her mother’s beauty and men-tions that the two of them lived together in this space until her mother’s death 13 years ago.

She pulls up a seat at a table in her studio and plucks a pretzel out of a tiny dish.

“I got in a horrendous car crash before I moved to Sara-sota,” she says, offering insight into her serenity. “I was working at a design and marketing firm,

in Los Angeles. It was the kind of accident that forces you to re-evaluate your life.”

She runs a finger along her left arm, from her shoulder to her elbow, where doctors inserted a steel rod.

Sumner moved to Sarasota shortly after the accident. At the urging of a friend, she enrolled in Chinese painting classes.

“I became obsessed with it,” Sumner says. “I loved the smell of the paint. I loved the brushes. I began painting 40 to 50 hours a week. I didn’t know where I was going with it, but I knew I loved the materials.”

She began hand-grinding her own ink, not because she didn’t want to purchase it, but because she relished the preparation pro-cess. It became a pre-painting meditation, a ritual rooted in an-cient traditions and techniques.

Six months into studying Asian ink painting, Sumner’s work was accepted into a national exhibi-tion. A year later, she landed a gig creating paintings for cruise ship auctions. In three years she churned out more than 2,000 works.

Sumner began teaching pri-vate lessons in her studio and leading workshops at retreats all over the country, which she still does to this day. Her students range from surgeons to priests, musicians to massage therapists, CEOs to athletes.

“The common denominator,” Sumner says, “is that they all want to get out of their heads. They’re all looking for balance. My job is to teach them that the real work is in the process and learning to operate in the pres-ent.”

DID YOU KNOW?When Whole Foods broke ground in 2004 in down-town Sarasota, Pamela Sumner was asked to curate all the artwork for the project. In the years following, she was commissioned to paint dozens of zen-like pieces for several Whole Foods locations, including the Coral Gables and Palm Beach Gardens stores.

PAMELA SUMNER’S TOP FIVE INSPIRATIONS• Watching anyone who’s on top of their game: an athlete, a chef, a performer, a poker player. They’re fully focused, in the zone, in the moment. It’s the way I like to paint and what I teach.

• The ancient weathered texture of rocks, the shifting rhythms of the ocean, the flawed perfection of a broken shell.

• Black-and-white photogra-phy. Black-and-white TV. Color is so seductive. It tricks the eye and diverts you from seeing the essence.

• The clacking music of bamboo in the wind. When the haunting sounds of shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) fill my studio, it’s time to paint.

• Sharing a vintage bottle of red with friends. Laugh-ter. It’s what bal-ances the solitude necessary to my work as an artist.

SUMNER from 1B

Photos by Heidi Kurpiela

Sumner uses only three pigments in her work: indigo, rattan yellow and dark red, which she hand-grinds herself.

This bobble-headed mannequin is the first thing that greets you when you walk into Sumner’s studio.

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Poppy Terris tiptoes into Ada Leinwand’s home, careful not to disturb Leinwand, who is sit-ting in her wheelchair, plucking notes on a piano in the living room.

With her back turned to the front door, Leinwand, 85, doesn’t notice Terris at first. When her caretaker considers alerting her, Terris puts a finger to her lips and says, “Shhh … ”

She wants to surprise Lein-wand.

For five years, the Sarasota art therapist has met Leinwand in her home in The Landings to engage in weekly art-therapy sessions.

They usually sit at a table in Leinwand’s kitchen and recreate fairytale scenes on canvas, using a variety of mixed media to tell the stories, including watercolors, colored pencils and Leinwand’s signature scraps of fabric.

Leinwand, a retired elementary-school librarian, from Long Island, N.Y., loves fairy tales and can still recite them as if she’s perched in front of a gaggle of chil-dren.

The women talk about their children. They each have four. They talk about Wis-consin, where Terris grew up and where Leinwand met her husband when she was a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

They talk about etymology, the study of words, with which they’re both fascinated and often incorporate into their artwork.

“My goal is always to engage,” Terris says.

“Sometimes we do it through painting; sometimes she and I might not paint at all. If just talking is engaging, then that’s rewarding enough.”

A liberal-arts psychology professor at Ringling College of Art and Design, Terris is one of few registered art ther-apists in Sarasota who works primarily with elderly clients.

In addition to private ses-sions, she also works at the Senior Friendship Center, where Dec. 2 she unveiled an artistic collaboration between Ringling students and elders.

Two days later, at the one-year anniversary of Goodwill

art retailer Art Off Clark, she spoke about the importance of art therapy, a practice she describes as “other-oriented.”

“In art therapy, the client always dictates what we’re doing,” says Terris, who twice a month runs an art-leadership program at Phoenix Academy. “I’d say that’s the main distinction between occupational therapy and art therapy. The directive comes from the client.”

She reaches for a postcard on which Leinwand has drawn a circle and sets a box of colored pencils in front of Lein-wand’s right hand.

Leinwand suffered a stroke 12 years ago and lost the function of the left side of her body. Since then, all of her artwork shifts to the right side of the paper. To keep her pictures centered, Terris sits to Leinwand’s right and steadies the paper as she draws.

Once finished, Leinwand will mail the

post card to her grandson, an artist in New York who designs mandalas — spiritual circles similar to a mosaics.

“I try to tap into whatever works for that person,” Terris says. “When Ada starts to reminisce, we’ll put a vision or a piece of art to that memory.”

Four years ago, Leinwand, inspired by the Walt Whitman poem, “Song of Myself,” began covering journals in snippets of fab-ric, likening the cloth to words because both can easily be “pieced together.”

The journals became so popular Lein-wand began selling them for $10 each.

In 2008, one of the works was featured in an exhibit at the Florida State Capitol, in Tallahassee. Since then, Leinwand has sold more than 30 versions of the Whit-man diary.

“I always liked to draw and paint,” Lein-wand says. “But I wasn’t always a good artist. It’s Poppy who changed me, not art therapy. She made me see differently. She gave me a new perspective.”

4B ! DIVERSIONS >> BACKSTAGE PASS by Heidi Kurpiela | A&E Editor

WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM ! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010

4888

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Therapeutic agent

Photos by Heidi Kurpiela

“She’s optimistic and open to new ideas,” says Poppy Terris, left, of client Ada Leinwand. “She’s like the poster child for how someone should live their life after they come out of a stroke.”

Sarasota art therapist Poppy Terris demonstrates the mending methods of art therapy in a session with client Ada Leinwand.

Terris recently sold eight of Leinwand’s fabric scrap journals at an art therapy conference.

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DIVERSIONS ! 5B

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Olivia Little had a big year; some might say a dream year.

The timeline went something like this: Discovered by a Los Angeles talent scout in January; whisked off to New York City to meet with a music manager in March; headlined her first solo concert in May, at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre; wrote and recorded a new song with country singer Jamie O’Neal in June; and started eighth grade in August, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School.

That’s one way to roll into adolescence. “I kind of walked in blind,” Little says

of the four days she spent in Nashville with O’Neal and a team of writers and producers. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. Just being in the room with these people who’ve done this a hundred times … I just kind of followed their lead.”

That’s not to say that Little took her impressionable vocal chords to Nash-ville and played the part of a pop/country puppet.

Her first single, “What Might Have Been,” about a girl who falls in love with her best guy friend and doesn’t realize it until after she sees him with another girl — is based on an experience tugged from the singer’s own life.

The narrative sounds like something pulled from the pages of country-music sweetheart Taylor Swift’s diary. And like Swift, who was just 16 when her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” went multi-plati-num, Little lays on the coy when asked to

reveal her childhood crush. “The person it’s about probably won’t

even realize it,” Little says. “It was like last year. He won’t remember it. It’s not really relevant.”

The Swift comparison seems like an obvious one, until Little really starts talk-ing about music.

She loves Led Zeppelin and Christina Aguilera. Her mentors in Sarasota are cabaret/opera diva Jeanette LaVoy, un-

der whom she’s studied for six years, and gritty soul singer Twinkle Schascle, with whom she recently began training in an effort to strengthen her “belt.”

When she was 3 years old, she handed her parents a video camera and asked them to record her singing a blues song she composed about being an orphan alone in the woods with only the animals to talk to.

“It was actually kind of ridiculous,” Little says. “I had this really deep voice and I’m singing about my parents being dead.”

She giggles at the thought of her dark toddler self.

People often tell her that she has an old soul — especially her mother, Sarasota jeweler Tina Little, who operates Queen’s Wreath Jewels out of The Met, on St. Ar-mands Circle.

“She seems to have more wisdom than a child her age should have as far as in-terpersonal relationships go,” says Tina Little, who grew up in Hollywood, Calif., where her mother worked as a dancer and appeared in several of Elvis Presley’s movies. “We’re very proud.”

Little says her focus right now is on getting good grades, building a fan base and promoting “What Might Have Been,” which was released last week on her MySpace page.

Despite her whirlwind year, she says very few kids at school realize what she’s been doing. She’s kept a low profile.

“They wrote an article about me in the school newspaper,” Little says. “But nobody read it. Only a few people know what’s happening to me and I kind of like it that way. It’s not all the big gossip.”

It’s not now, but it will be soon.

‘LITTLE DITTY’ To hear Olivia Little’s debut single,

“What Might Have Been,” visit http://www.myspace.com/555074845.

Olivia Little makes her big country splash The 13-year-old Sarasota singer is ready to release her new single, a love song she co-wrote this summer, in Nashville, with country star Jamie O’Neal.

Photos by Angela Talley

“I don’t sit down and say, ‘I’m going to write a song now,’” Olivia Little says. “I have a poem book I carry with me all the time, and I’ll be walking to class and a lyric will hit me.”

“I’m able to carry on long conversations with lots of older people,” Olivia Little says of her old-soul persona. “My mom has said she wouldn’t be able to deal with a kid with a young soul.”

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There is nothing more sea-sonal than holiday baking, and Elisabeth Waters practices the great tradition of gifting Christmas cookies with energy, enormous enthusiasm and a distinctly European style. Born and raised in Vienna, she start-ed baking as a child, working alongside her nanny. Before she moved here in 1992, her children baked with her; she made the batter and they got dough, flour and sugar all over themselves — and the kitchen.

The recipes Waters bakes to-day are pretty much the ones she baked then. Baking season starts right before Thanksgiv-ing and continues for three to four weeks. She bakes about 10 different kinds of cookies, es-sentially the same assortment every year. The Rumkugeln need to be refrigerated; all the others store well for several weeks in airtight tins. They are all Austrian recipes, and many are from the post-World War II period when food was scarce. For example, the recipe for chocolate kisses has only one egg.

The most classic of Wa-ters’ recipes is Vanilla Kipferl, crescent-shaped butter cookies made with finely ground al-monds. Anise Bogen, or “arch-es,” are a tuile-style cookie, formed into arches while warm — traditionally by wrapping around a dowel, but Waters says she “just scrunches them

together with my fingers.” This recipe originated with her maternal grandmother and is the only one she bakes that has no nuts. Tiny Zimtsterne

(cinnamon stars) topped with meringue are Waters’ favorite, though she says the flourless almond dough is difficult with which to work.

Schokolade Busserln, or chocolate kisses, are the sim-plest to make; they are formed with two spoons and should be baked on Silpat cookie sheet liners to avoid sticking. Rum-kugeln, or rum balls, are a rela-tively simple dough; they take some time to form but are not difficult.

Waters gives away cookies to dozens of friends, prettily packaged in cellophane bags or small tins that she buys at Tar-get, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Wal-greens. She does it, she says, because it is her tradition.

“I don’t know what to give people and cookies are some-thing personal,” she says. “I love it when the house smells like baking.”

6B ! DIVERSIONS >> EDIBLES: Fresh Idea by Molly Schechter | Food Editor

WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM ! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010

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RECIPE

RUMKUGELN(RUM BALLS)Yield: approximately 70 cookies,

depending on size

3.5 ounces ground pecans (approxi-mately 7/8 cup)

4.3 ounces coconut flakes, un-sweetened (approxi-mately 1.5 cups)

7 table-spoons butter

1/2 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1

packet Dr. Oetkers Vanilla Sugar, available at Geier’s)

3.5 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

4 to 5 tablespoons rum

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast the coconut flakes and the pecans lightly; set aside to cool. Beat the butter until creamy and add sugar and vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar), ground chocolate and rum (light or dark — use your favorite). Then add the pecans and the coconut flakes. Mix it up well and cool for an hour in the fridge. Form into small balls with your hands. Roll each one in coconut flakes or chocolate or seasonal sprinkles. Place in small, fluted paper candy cups and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Waters is nuts about cookies

Top row: Anise Bogen, or “arches,” Schokolade Busserln, or chocolate kisses, and Schokolade Macaronen, chocolate macaroons. Bottom: Zimtsterne, or cinnamon stars, Rumkugeln, or rum balls, and Vanilla Kipferl.

RECIPE

SCHOKOLADE BUSSERLN(CHOCOLATE KISSES)Yield: approximately 70 cook-

ies, depending on size

9 tablespoons unsalted butter1 cup confectioners sugar (10X)1 egg3 teaspoons milk2 1/4 cups flour2.2 ounces blanched almonds,

finely ground (approximately 1/2 cup)

3.5 ounces semi-sweet or bit-tersweet chocolate, chopped fine, melted and cooled

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Preheat oven to 375 de-grees. Cream the butter and sugar; add egg and combine well. Add almonds, cooled, melted chocolate, flour and milk. Using two teaspoons, place small scoops on the baking sheets; it helps to use Silpat liners. Bake approximately 8 to 10 min-utes or until slightly darker in color.

Elisabeth Waters set-ups for making Rumkugeln (rum balls).

Cookies are stored in airtight tins until time to be given away.

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Music The Artist Series of Sarasota has

become so popular it is giving more than 50 performances this season. From clas-sical to musicals, there’s something for everyone. This season, the series present-ed a weekend of favorites from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Broadway in a format similar to New York City’s long-running, successful series, “Lyrics and Lyricists” at the 92nd Street Y.

This was a fail-safe idea because they brought in a quartet of talented, young, attractive singers supported in all the right ways by pianist Joseph Holt. But the trick is to turn classical performers into Broadway stars and, in most cases, their efforts worked.

Center stage at the Historic Asolo was the Steinway, surrounded by four chairs where the singers perched and awaited his or her turn to sing excerpts from six of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s great-est hits: “State Fair,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “The Sound of Music,” “Carousel” and “Oklahoma.”

Soprano Angela Mortellaro, mezzo Katherine Pracht, tenor Aaron Blake and bass-baritone Michael Sumuel did some solo stints, including a gorgeous rendition of “This Nearly Was Mine” by Sumuel and a dreamy “Out of My Dreams” by Mortellaro. But the most winning portions were those in which the singers paired off, especially “People Will Say We’re in Love” with Mortellaro and Blake.

Yes, there were moments when one or two of the singers were more operatic

than Broadway, but, for the most part, they were able to convert their classical backgrounds to stylish performances of what is really America’s classical music.

Lee Dougherty Ross, the co-founder (with her husband) of this successful series, read a somewhat stilted and not terribly illuminating script. Usually heard at the piano, this was a different medium for this tremendously talented lady and, as always, she looked stunning.

Holt was the exceptionally sensitive pianist holding all the music together and his performance of the “Carousel Waltz,” which opened the second half, turned the 88 keys into an orchestra.

— June LeBell

>> The Artist Series of Sarasota: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s BroadwayIt’s a shame when you

know that a horrible film is destined to be a huge box office success. If my hunch is correct, “The Tourist” will rake it in for the next few weeks. Hey, I wanted to see Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie go at it on screen, but what a monu-mental let down. It’s as if the two actors had never done anything of signifi-cance prior to having made this tedious movie.

Bad acting is just the beginning. The story is so preposterous, a third-grader could have written it: Elusive mystery man (Depp) steals money from a bad guy but wants to hook up with his girlfriend (Jolie). Spoiler alert! So, he has plastic surgery in order to avoid recognition. Of course, a gaggle of cops, gangsters and Interpol are in hot pursuit of the mystery man, but, frankly, the pursuing is anything but hot. It’s yawn-inducing.

As for the script, the dialogue is just plain lame. Examples go something like this: “I wish we’d met in another life.” Please. Another involves the two main characters meeting on a train. She starts, “My name is Elise. What’s yours? Frank. That’s an awful name. It’s the only one I’ve got.” Bad on its own, but Sinatra immediately came to mind (I don’t think that the “chairman of the board” would have appreciated the remark).

The most depressing aspect of this bore fest is that the Oscar-winning direc-

tor of “The Secret Lives of Others,” Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, was behind the camera. And, getting back to that awful script, Oscar winner for “The Usual Suspects,” Christopher McQuarrie, is responsible. What’s up here?

When you look back at Angelina Jolie’s magnificent work in films such as “The Changeling” and “A Mighty Heart,” one wonders what she is doing in “The Tourist.” And Johnny Depp ... I was actually cringing when he spoke most of his lines. What was the creative genius behind “Edward Scissorhands” and “Donnie Brasco” thinking when he took on this perverse project?

My take is that all of these guys got caught up in attempting to make a “Charade” or “North By Northwest” genre of film. But they got so tangled in their egos that they blew it — big time.

— Pam Nadon

Film >> ‘The Tourist’

Katherine Pracht

Courtesy photo

Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp star in “The Tourist.”

Courtesy photo

8B ! DIVERSIONS >> REVIEW by Anna Dearing | Dance Critic

WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM ! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010

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Dance>> ‘The Nutcracker’

This may have well been exactly what was said last year, but it still rings true: There’s nothing like “The Nutcracker” to get you in the holiday spirit. Not only do the familiar Tchaikovsky tunes ring with holiday joy, but the young families and children dressed in their seasonal best also bring a warm merriment to the entire evening itself. It’s a wonderful tradition enjoyed most wholeheartedly by this critic.

The Saturday evening production of Robert de Warren’s “The Nutcracker” was an all-around excellent rendition of the classic. The dancers, who included both Sarasota Ballet company members as well as students from the Sarasota Ballet School and Dance — The Next Generation, were in top form.

The students were especially great —with ear-to-ear grins from the party-scene children; on-the-beat marching and flaw-less formations from the soldiers; perfect hip-wiggling by the tiny mice in the battle scene; and show-stopping flips from the Bon Bons.

In De Warren’s “The Nutcracker,” Dr. Drosselmeyer tells the whole story by weaving in and out of every scene from the first act through the second. And there could have been no one better cast in this role than George Birkadze. He was mys-terious yet amusing and managed to make the somewhat disjointed and awkward cho-reography for Drosselmeyer look effortless.

Nicolo Centocchi, a new member of the company, shined as Fritz. Though lacking a bit in the acting department — which made us miss Logan Learned’s comedic talents as Fritz (although Learned wowed as the Nutcracker this performance — more on that later), Centocchi awed us with his pleasing lines and perfect facility, especially during his solo as a harlequin doll when he demonstrated a flawless jeté en tournant manages.

Learned ruled the role of the Nutcracker with his never-ending extension a la sec-onde, which was exhibited in straddle jumps that were one bigger than the other, switch-kick leaps and temps de fleche. Jamie Carter expertly danced the Nutcracker’s rival, the Rat King, and hilari-ously demonstrated rigormortis after Clara knocked him dead with her pointe shoe.

The snow scene lacked cohesiveness,

which is understandable after one of the snowflakes took a fall — an inevitable instance with slippery snowflakes blanket-ing the stage. This may have rattled Snow Queen Amy Wood who usually exudes con-fidence in her dancing.

The Land of the Sweets was utter excite-ment when the Russian dancers, Learned and Miguel Piquer, took the stage. This duo dazzled the audience with barrel turn jumps from Learned and never-ending pirouettes from Piquer. The Arabian danc-ers were the appropriate combination of allure and elegance with incredible exten-sions from all three dancers: Emily Dixon, Wood and Abigail Henninger. And the Merlitons were all sweet with piqué turns and fouetté turns from Elizabeth Sykes. Though, again, we missed last year’s especially funny Rita Duclos as the lead Merliton.

Principals Kate Honea and Octavio Martin reprised their roles as Sugar Plum Fairy and The Prince (and Clara and Dr. Drosselymeyer’s nephew in the first act). Last season they enchanted the audience; this year they nailed their performances. Dripping with a contagious confidence and stable technique, the pair was flawless in the first and second acts and most defi-nitely during their athletically challenging pas de deux.

Martin was the ever-perfect partner. And, Honea was the ever-poised princess with perfect port de bras during attitude-turn sequences that ended in an arabesque promenade. Echoing the other male per-formances of the evening, Martin nailed his pirouettes and executed a grand jeté en tournant manages, while Honea rounded out the evening with a series of 16 perfect fouetté turns. Their final fish pose had the audience cheering nonstop and delivering a well-deserved standing ovation to the pair.

Courtesy photo

Sarasota Ballet presented “The Nutcracker” last weekend.

DIVERSIONS ! 9B THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 ! WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM

941.487.4800 50th.ncf.edu

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THURSDAYDECEMBER 16, 2010

T H E S O C I A L O B S E R V E R The ObserverWWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM

BLACK TIE

BY STEPHANIE HANNUM | BLACK TIE EDITOR

More than 300 guests stepped into a wonderland of sweets at Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida, Suncoast Sarasota Region’s “Christmas in Candy Land Sunday, Dec. 12, at Michael’s On East. Children and adults (who got to act like children for the day) enjoyed decorat-ing gingerbread cookies with oodles of sprinkles and icing,

sponsored by Panera Bread; face painting; balloon sculpt-ing, visiting with Santa Claus; taking pictures with Gulf Coast Ballet’s cast of “The Nutcrack-er”; and savoring more than 1,500 pieces of dessert and hot chocolate — plus mounds of candy. The room full of excited children on sugar highs ush-ered in the season and got ev-eryone into the holiday spirit.

Jia Johnson and Kendall Roehl

Mary Pat and Isabelle Radford Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Nathan Pletosu with Santa Claus Peyton, Tracy and Annsley Mason

Valerie, Ava and Triston Parsons

Piper and Ashley CarsonSarah, Emme, Jules and Mike Morgan

Helen, Cara and Anthony Sosso

Tanner and Tadaden Russell

DIVERSIONS ! 11B

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JULIE KENT American Ballet Theatre

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JACOBY & PRONK Contemporary Dance Extraordinaire

LAUREN STRONGIN – JOE WALSH Houston Ballet

Photo Rosalie O’Connor – Courtesy American Ballet Theatre

SARASOTA’S GREAT NEW DANCE FESTIVALFrom the New York Metropolitan to SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE

December 21-22, 2010 – 7pm

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+ Behind the scenes at Fashion Week

Here’s the view from backstage of Designing Women Boutique’s sixth annual fashion week show and gala held at Michael’s On East. Jewel Ash and her styling team, headed by Jackie Rogers and Victoria Leopold, trans-formed the shop’s consigned-and-donated designer apparel into stun-ning runway ensembles. Literally, dozens of volunteers did dozens of jobs. Among them: Juliet Mullan and Anna Perkowski (guest check-in), Annie Sundeen (silent auction) and Joyce Sandler and Gloria Sobucki (store booth). Board member Ed Schaye was in charge of the “men in black” —

Artistic Directors Leif Bjaland, Nate Jacobs, Pedro Reis, Larry Thompson and Iain Webb. Bjaland innocently used the Wine Cellar entrance when he arrived, thus walking smack into the models’ dressing room. Carolyn Michel and Jimmy Hoskins vol-unteered once again as emcee and choreographer, and Coral Pleas and her staff from Cutting Loose Salon & Spa did hair and makeup. Among the models, Dr. Anne Chauvet and Sandra Day have been in virtually every show since the event’s 2005 launch. Along with Rochelle Nigri, they were the “brides” this year, wrapping up the show wearing their own gorgeous lingerie under the shop’s fabulous furs.

+ BLACK TIE AFFAIR14th annual Sunshine from Darkness Gala honoring Dorothy HamillBenefiting the International Mental Health Research Organization • 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 • The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota • Tickets $250; Contact Marlene Hauck at 308-MIND or marlene@sunshinefromdarkness.org

The invitation promises a “win-ter wonderland surprise of Olympic

proportions.” The whispers are that it involves a spe-cial tribute routine choreographed by 2010 Winter Olympic pairs skaters Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig in honor of Dorothy Hamill. Expected to be the

freestyle program in their next com-petition, it is being filmed and will be shown for the first time at the Jan. 8 benefit. The skaters will be special guests at the event, which is chaired by Lee Peterson and Emily Walsh Parry. Sponsors will attend a dinner Friday, Jan. 7, at the Longboat Key Club with honoree Hamill and scien-tists from the Sunshine from Darkness Symposium.

BLACK TIE TALES

by Molly Schechter | Social Editor

Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill

Back row: Styling assistants Becky Taylor and CeCe Francois. Front row: Jackie Rogers, Jimmy Hoskins, Jean Weidner and Jewel Ash

+ TidbitsBirthday girls … Friends

gathered at Heather Dunhill’s home Dec. 4 to celebrate her 40th and Dec. 8 at the Sarasota Yacht Club for lunch orga-nized by BJ Creighton for Margaret Wise, who will turn an unspecified number Dec. 14 …

Hanukkah double-header … This year, Gladys and Marshall Bernstein’s annual holiday party had extra candles, because it cel-ebrated both the eighth night of the festival of lights and Marshall’s 85th birthday … Mothers and daughters …

Mom Ruth Golob brought daughter Leslie Joyce to the Sarasota Orchestra Association Holiday Luncheon; Leslie was talk-ing up a celebration of the Youth Sailing Program at Sarasota Yacht Club, to take place March 5. Robyn Sullivan shared La Musica’s Sonata a Due evening with her mom, Kay Curtis, hubby, Terry Sullivan, and dad, Bill Farmer … The other side of Elisabeth Waters … One of Sarasota’s best dressed reveals a completely different side in this week’s “Edibles” feature on her Christmas baking. See Page 6B … Fashion footwear … Lynn Guilford was sport-ing a Christmas-y red plaid slipper on her right foot at Sonata a Due. Seems she “came around a corner too fast” and slammed her big toe … A Strad of a purse … At the same event, Ellen Cavanaugh was carrying an exquisite jeweled violin eve-ning bag by Judith Leiber, a 44th anniversary gift from her husband, John. The couple, of course, own Super Sensitive Musical String Co.

+ Same runway, different dayThe very next day, Dec. 6, the Sarasota Orchestra

Association held its holiday luncheon and fash-ion show at Michael’s. This time out, the fashions were from Dillard’s; there was a moderator, Heidi Godman; and the models were orchestra musicians:

Jennifer Best, Anne and Bharat Chandra, C.Y. Hong, Dan Jordan, Cheryl Losey, Ike and Jake Miller, John Miller, Chris Takeda and Margot Zarzycka. Chairwoman Kirsten Suss welcomed more than 175 guests, many huddling around the heaters on the chilly Monday. Photos online at www.YourObserver.com and Page 13B.

Gladys and Marshall Bernstein

BJ Creighton and Marga-ret Wise

12B ! DIVERSIONS >> CAMERA READY

WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM ! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010

Observers5” x 8”Dec 16Dec 30Jan 6

A collage of exciting music with a Spanish accent

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6860 Longboat Drive S | Longboat Key, FL 34228www.lbkca.ringling.edu | 941.383.2345Hours: Monday – Friday | 9 am to 4 pm

Celebrate the Season at Longboat Key Center for the Arts!Durante GalleryEd Brickman

“Legal Forging”December 2 – 16, 2010 Opening Reception | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pmPlease rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

A selection of Ed’s work will be for sale to benefit the Longboat Key Center for the Arts

Ed Brickman has been making jewelry since he was a teenager and has never lost his enthusiasm for the creative process. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Ed has been teaching jewelry for many years at LBKCA. This is the first time Ed will be showcasing over 200 pieces from his collection. You’ll not want to miss this show!

Cultural Media Room‘Open Trunk’ Holiday Sale byDecember 2 - 16, 2010

Find that unique holiday gi! for your loved ones made by Ringling College students and alumni. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, jewelry, cra!s, and much, much more!!

Hours for the Sale: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pmSpecial Saturday hours!! Saturday, December 4, 11 am to 3 pm & Saturday, December 11, 11 am to 3 pm

Opening Reception and Sale | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pmPlease rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

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Happy Holidays from the Longboat Key Center for the Arts!Classes begin January 3

Call 941.383.2345 before December 30 and receive a 10% discount on all of our classes and workshops.

SAVE THE DATES!Our Winter Season opens with

THE HUMAN FIGURE: REVERED AND REVEALED

6860 Longboat Drive S | Longboat Key, FL 34228www.lbkca.ringling.edu | 941.383.2345Hours: Monday – Friday | 9 am to 4 pm

Celebrate the Season at Longboat Key Center for the Arts!Durante GalleryEd Brickman

“Legal Forging”December 2 – 16, 2010 Opening Reception | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pmPlease rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

A selection of Ed’s work will be for sale to benefit the Longboat Key Center for the Arts

Ed Brickman has been making jewelry since he was a teenager and has never lost his enthusiasm for the creative process. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Ed has been teaching jewelry for many years at LBKCA. This is the first time Ed will be showcasing over 200 pieces from his collection. You’ll not want to miss this show!

Cultural Media Room‘Open Trunk’ Holiday Sale byDecember 2 - 16, 2010

Find that unique holiday gi! for your loved ones made by Ringling College students and alumni. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, jewelry, cra!s, and much, much more!!

Hours for the Sale: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pmSpecial Saturday hours!! Saturday, December 4, 11 am to 3 pm & Saturday, December 11, 11 am to 3 pm

Opening Reception and Sale | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pmPlease rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

Durante GalleryLIFE AND STILL LIFEArtist: David LeffelJanuary 13- February 24Opening Reception: Thursday, January 13 5-7 pmWorld renown painter, writer and a “20th Century Old Master,” Leffel’s portraits and still lifes illuminate their subject creating dimension, mystery and atmosphere.

David Leffel Workshop – February 21-25Call for information.

Cultural Media RoomTHE EXPRESSIVE FIGUREArtist: Bill BuchmanJanuary 13-February 24Opening Reception: Thursday, January 13 5-7 pm Nationally recognized faculty at LBKCA, Buchman’s vibrant abstracts and expressive figure drawings convey a palpable motion and rhythm that dance off the surface.

New Book “Expressive Figure Drawing” and Demo Tuesday, January 18 5-7 pmCall for information

6860 Longboat Drive S | Longboat Key, FL 34228www.lbkca.ringling.edu | 941.383.2345Hours: Monday – Friday | 9 am to 4 pm

Celebrate the Season at Longboat Key Center for the Arts!Durante GalleryEd Brickman

“Legal Forging”December 2 – 16, 2010 Opening Reception | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pmPlease rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.

A selection of Ed’s work will be for sale to benefit the Longboat Key Center for the Arts

Ed Brickman has been making jewelry since he was a teenager and has never lost his enthusiasm for the creative process. His work can be found in the permanent collections of the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. Ed has been teaching jewelry for many years at LBKCA. This is the first time Ed will be showcasing over 200 pieces from his collection. You’ll not want to miss this show!

Cultural Media Room‘Open Trunk’ Holiday Sale byDecember 2 - 16, 2010

Find that unique holiday gi! for your loved ones made by Ringling College students and alumni. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, jewelry, cra!s, and much, much more!!

Hours for the Sale: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pmSpecial Saturday hours!! Saturday, December 4, 11 am to 3 pm & Saturday, December 11, 11 am to 3 pm

Opening Reception and Sale | Thursday | December 2 | 5 -7 pmPlease rsvp to 941.383.2345 by November 30 for the Dec 2 reception.The Art Center will be closed to the public from December 18 – January 2.

Phone, email, mail and fax registrations will still be received and processed.

‘MISTLETOE MAGIC’ New College Foundation

Saturday, Dec. 4 | College Hall

Deborah Blue and George Adley

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Mary Lou Couch, Margarete van Antwerpen, Andrew Walker and Carmen Baskind

Jeff and Julie Riddell with Paulette and Don Blair

Elisabeth Tucker, Jimmy Pritchard and Barbara Dumbaugh

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Isabelle and Jack Wright, Edie and David Chaifetz and Joe and Nora Stephan

SALUTE TO SUSAN DANIS FEATURING THE AMERICAN

SPIRITUAL ENSEMBLE Sarasota Opera | Sunday, Dec. 5

Sarasota Opera House

Erik and Sandra Lindqvist

The American Spiritual Ensemble’s Sabrina Carten and LaToya Lain

David Devan, Susan Danis and Bud and Betty Shapiro

DIVERSIONS ! 13B

>> CAMERA READYTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 ! WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM

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First Annual Connoisseur Club Anniversary Celebration

25,000 Points To Spend on Dining, Wines and

Future Travel

A Virtuoso Member Agency

Call 941.951.1801 or visit AdmiralTravel.com/TravelConnoisseur for details and restrictions.

EARN 25,000 POINTS WHEN YOU BOOK WITH OUR TOP 25 TRAVEL PARTNERS:

Aman Resorts, AuthentEscapes, Azamara Club Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Journeys by The Luxury Collection, La Reserva-Manuel Antonio,

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Offer valid on new bookings only: November 1– January 31, 2011

Are you a Member of the Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club?

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‘HO HO HOLLY’ HOLIDAY

LUNCHEONSarasota Orchestra

Association | Monday, Dec. 6 | Michael’s On East

Caroline Ryan and Becky Miller

Sally Brown and Chairwoman Kirsten Suss

Jan Cook and Judy Alexander

Photos by Molly Schechter

Jane Bousa and Key Dellos

JOY TO THE WORLD LUNCHEON

JOY Joining Our Youth | Friday, Dec. 10 | Hyatt

Regency Sarasota

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Joan Campo-Liga, Carrie Lee Major, Shirley Woodburn and Sally Martell

Gail Hruby and Judy Nimz

Jane Kiebitz and Tish FitzGeraldMelba Jimenez and Libby Early

14B ! DIVERSIONS >> CAMERA READY

WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM ! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010

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Lights in BloomA Sparkling Tropical Holiday Celebration

Magically Illuminated Gardens

Live Holiday Music

Santa and Children’s Activities

December 17-23 & 26-276-9 pm

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenue.

941-366-5731

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Photos by Stephanie Hannum

Rosalie Iseli, Ruth Bader, Mary Richardson and Antonette Cunningham

POINSETTIA LUNCHEON Sarasota Opera Guild | Tuesday, Dec. 7 | Michael’s On East

Janet Huelster, Mary Cook and Karin Murphy

Above: Bonnie Chapman and Marsha Johnson

Left: Gloria Juhn and Cheryl Mac-Lauchlin

DIVERSIONS ! 15B

>> CAMERA READYTHURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010 ! WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM

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(941) 488-8897

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Photos by Molly Schechter

Robyn and Terry Sullivan with Kay Curtis and Bill Farmer

SONATA A DUELa Musica | Monday, Dec. 6 | College Hall

Elta Ehret, Co-Chairwoman Janet Hunter and Mary Troyer

Gudrun and Jorgen GraugaardPiero Rivolta, Ivana Lucic and Renzo Rivolta

Isabelle Wright,

Sally Faron

and Jack Wright

16B ! DIVERSIONS WWW.YOUROBSERVER.COM ! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2010

$4,830,000 Punta CanaAmazing Piece of Land ! 10 miles NW of Bavaro Beach Resorts, close to restaurants and shopping.99.354 acres. Maribel Martin 587-6948

$990,000 Villas De ArroyoNew European, Tuscan-style luxury home in a gated commu-nity near airport, golf, polo and tennis. Rayman/Tan 724-0519

Reduced $30K $1,299,000 Beau Ciel 3,134 SF with Bay, Yacht Harbor & City views. Lives like a single family home with sep. LR & DR with oak wood floors & more! Linda A. Page 504-0123Reduced $200K $995,000 Longboat – Tangerine Bay Club Direct Bay front with style in this 2BR + den sophisticated residence. 2-car garage, tropical grounds private beach club. Zimmerman/Liberman 350-5022Reduced $285,500 $989,500 John Ringling Just steps away from North Lido Beach & St Armand’s Circle! 3BR/3BA plus den, beautifully renovated kitchen..A must see! Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022Reduced $30K $799,000 Lido- L’Elegance Enjoy gorgeous bay views from this completely remodeled units with 2 bedrooms and a den. Gulf front complex. Pet friendly! Maureen Curtin 228-5121Reduced $10K $785,000 Longboat- Promenade Gulf & Bay views! Remodeled 2BR/2BA, split plan, 1585SF, built 1985, tky furnished. Concierge, fitness, pool & tennis. Michelle Musto 809-3714Short Sale Reduced $546K $749,000 Downtown Bayfront – Beau Ciel Exceptional Value! Beautiful Bayfront ; finest finishes; 2BR/2BA,; Views of Bay, City & Harbor. www.BeauCiel.net Linda A. Page 504-0123$649,000 St. Armand Towers North 1block from St Armands Cir across street from Lido beach. Gulf views from every room, renovated 2BR/2BA unit w/Balcony. Exercise, pool & carports w/storage. Michelle Musto 809-3714$640,000 Longboat- Sleepy Lagoon 3 Doors from beach on secluded Gulfside Road. 3BR/3BA Home w/2500+SF. Renovate or build new! 17,000 SF lot. Bruce & Jenine Meyer 266-8152Reduced $50K $599,000 Longboat- Sea Twig Direct beachfront with great sunsets. Wood & tile floors,spacious floorplan, remodeled kitchen, turnkey furnished. sm pet ok. Marty Benson 232-9264$589,900 Longboat - Harbour Oaks- Beautifully remodeled & appointed 3BR/2.5BA Harbour Circle attached villa behind the gates of the LBK Club Harbourside. Caged pool w/pond & fountain view. Mark Huber 356-2435 $575,000 Longboat – Seaplace Direct beachfront/fabulous view! Updated 2BR/2BA in best located building to pool & clubhouse. Tennis, pools/spa, gated. Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022$489,000 Longboat- Longboat Landing 3BR/2BA condo w/ Bay views. Updated kitchen/baths. Comm. pool, tennis, boat docks & beach access. 2 covered parking spaces + storage. Pet friendly bldg. Marty Benson 232-9264Reduced $40K $429,000 Downtown – 1350 Main This is the lowest priced 2 BR/ 2 BA unit at the best condo in downtown Sarasota.Pool/city views. Perfect move in condition. Michael Granston 504-8018$379,900 Longboat – Bay Harbour Exquisitely updated island retreat with expansive views of the bay and downtown Sarasota. Fully furnished 2/2 on south LBK. Andrew Bers 383-2550Reduced $95K! $395,000 Villa on Laurel 3BR condo near Main Street. Fine design w/hdwd flooring, granite counters & stainless appliances. Maint.-free living. Lisa Morris 544-3332Short Sale Reduced $19,100 $219,900 Central Park West of Trail 2BR/2B updated, end unit condo. 500SF rooftop patio. Near downtown, beach. Kayak from dock to Bay. David & Lori Simon 400-8764Header: Siesta & Waterfront$725,000 Siesta- Siesta Dunes Rarely available 3BR on Siesta Key beach. Split plan, cathedral cielings, partial gulf views, w/d, huge master suite. Rudy Dudon 234-3991Reduced $60K $499,000 Osprey- South Creek Gated Waterfront Community & West of the Trail. Minutes to Pine View School. Pool home w/ French doors & fireplace. JoEllyn Yturraspe 587-9539$249,000 Siesta- Harbor Towers Y & R Beautiful, totally updated 1BR/1BA 2nd flr condo overlooks pool & intercoastal. Turnkey furnished. 2 small pets allowed. Boat docks. Mitchell Team 586-1754 Header : Mainland$500,000 Lakewood Ranch – Greenbrook Village 3-4BR/3BA Green Built Home. Crown, Step &Tray Ceil. Blinds shutters, draperies & paint. Diagonal tile,Surr.Sound.3 car gar. Jim Soda 961-5857$498,000 Lakewood Ranch – Country Club Village 4BR/3BA, Tile Throughout. Private serene view. Solid surface counters. Huge master/dual sinks. Surr. Sound/Pool. Jim Soda 961-5857$465,000 E. Sarasota – Myakka Valley Ranches 4/2.5 country cottage on 5+ acres of prime, high and dry pasture land. Barn with 8 stalls, tack & feed room, 4 pastures. Andrew Bers 383-2550$324,900 Sarasota - Country Place 3BR/2.5BA w/2308SF home w/pool! Stone fireplace, cathedral ceiling, updated kitchen & living rm, dining & family room. Convenient to I-75 & Siesta Key. Warren Hickernell 232-5738Short Sale! $309,000 Lakewood Ranch- Greenbrook Ravines Lender Approved Price! Beautiful 4BR/3BA + den pool home. Formal dining, gourmet kitchen & family rm! Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, Glenn Rausch 737-7380 $299,900 Osprey – Hidden Bay West of Trail, 3BR/3BA ground floor end unit in gated community. Lake view, clubhouse, library & fitness. Ken Kieswetter 724-9222$249,000 Manatee- Sabal Harbour Immaculate 3BR pool home overlooking lake. Also great for vacation/investment home. Short-Term rentals allowed. Rayman/Tan 504-9232Reduced $20,900 $239,000 Sarasota- Forest Creek Great location, super floor plan, move-in ready. Friendly neighborhood. Neutral colors. Master suite has sep. sitting room. Louise Hamel 780-7474

Header: Rentals$2500/mo. Palm Aire Annual/unfurn. Rarely available 4BR/3BA + den home w/3-car garage in gated community. Htd pool, screened lanai & EZ access to airport & I-75. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, Alba Lange 704-3026$2395/mo. Tara 30 day min. Golfer’s retreat! 2BR/2BA + den condo. Tastefully furnished for your winter vacation. Central location close to shopping, I-75 & restaurants. Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, Kim Young 302-9820

Defining Luxury Real Estate in Sarasota

© 2010, An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Prudential is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Equal Housing Opportunity.

LONGBOAT/ LIDO KEYS & DOWNTOWN

$1,449,000 NokomisWaterfront, views of Roberts & Dona Bays. 4BR/3BA + office Key West style home. Attached 1BR/1BA guest house. Gina Penzotti 809-2152

SIESTA & WATERFRONT

$1,490,000 Crescent Royale 2000+ sq. ft., 4BR/3.5BA Penthouse with views of Siesta Key’s Beach. Rebuilt & Turnkey furnished. Ziad Sleit 928-5493

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$1,273,500 Country Club Village Custom 4BR/5.5BA home +bonus. Granite, Full Bar. 3 frpl. Sum kit, salt pool/spa. Spectacular! Jim Soda 961-5857

$2,250,000 Vizcaya Beachfront penthouse level full Gulf views. 2BR/3BA + family room exquisitely designed & decorated. Sylvia Zimmerman 350-5022

Do you More than your property is worth?

Are you concerned aboutlosing your property?

Time to act now!Call the short sale experts at

$2,990,000 Longboat Key 1 acre+ Gulf front lot! 100’ directly on the Gulf. Currently 2 small beach homes on property. Owner/Agent 586-4052

$1,495,000 Harbor Acres NO Bridges to Bay! Ready to build home site; dock for up to a 65’ yacht perpendicular to the home site. Pam Charron 993-3388

$1,675,000 L’Ambiance Fabulous sunsets & walks on the beach from this direct gulf front luxury condominium behind the gates of theLBK Club. Candria Crisp 726-5822

$899,000 BeachplaceDirect Gulf Front condo w a staircase right out to the beach! Sunsets views, 2BR/2BA, pool & tennis. Bruce & Jenine Meyer 266-8152

$825,000 Tangerine Bay Club3BR/2.5BA condo on southern most end of Longboat Key. Landscaped lagoon & pool. Oversized 2 car garage. Bay views. Teri Sax 228-5578

MAINLAND

LONGBOAT KEY

$3,379,000 Lido BeachWaterfront Yachtman’s Paradise! 6000+ SF & 1800SFof rec-room/storage & 4CG. Incredible Views! Linda A. Page 504-0123

LIDO BEACH REDUCED $616,00 LONGBOAT PARCEL REDUCED $610,000

SIESTA PENTHOUSE REDUCED $50K

ROBERTS BAY

LAKEWOOD RANCH REDUCED $176,500

ROOM FOR HORSES

$1,995,000 Country Club ShoresBay views from every room. Pool, spa, dock w/direct bay access. Like new & ready to enjoy. Mark Huber 356-2435

LONGBOAT REDUCED $500,000

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC COSTA RICA

WATERFRONT REDUCED $355,000!

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

LONGBOAT KEY

Short-term Vacation Rentals Seasonal Rentals Annual Rentals

RENTALS$1,350,000 East SarasotaHome on 5 Acs. Luxury Touches Everywhere, Upgraded Oak floors, Elaborate stone fireplace & sunken media area. Greg Hudson 302-1485