Memorable Moments

Michael Garey
“As a high-school dropout — when my daughters enrolled in college was a memorable moment. Alex is at the Ringling School of Art and Design, and Jenna is attending the State College of Florida. Another memorable moment happened last November, when I realized a life-long dream. I opened my own restaurant, The Lazy Lobster, at the Centre Shoppes.”

Steve Kepecz
“When the Holiday Inn closed was very memorable to me. As a child brought up on Longboat Key, I spent a lot of time there. I loved the pool and just everything there. I think the birth of my son, Sebastian, three-and-a-half years ago, was the most memorable, though. When I looked into his eyes, it just topped anything I had ever achieved before. He is such an active, loving child.”

Tom Aposporos
“The attack on the United States on Sept. 11 comes instantly to my mind. I was driving south on Longboat, and I had no idea that President Bush was at the Colony. As I drove by, I saw the formation of the motorcade and actually was in front of it. I was renewing my real-estate license and was due at a class in Sarasota. During the 90 minutes of the class, we all became aware of what was going on, especially President Bush’s rapid departure from the Sarasota airport.”

Joan Webster
“Being elected to the Longboat Key Town Commission and becoming a public official was the start of a new career for me, a retired school administrator. I enjoyed helping to shape policy to maintain Longboat Key as the town we chose for retirement. Dick and I celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary with years of a good relationship and knowing that we still loved each other was memorable.”

Sheldon Butts
“I am a relatively new grandparent. Seeing how our children react to their children, to me, is memorable. I have two children, Steve and Kathy, and five grandchildren ages 2 to 10. I remember one day Kathy was holding her daughter and looking into a mirror. I joined them, and as my image appeared in the mirror, Kathy turned to me and said, ‘I’m still your little girl.’”

Cal Bonnett
“Without a doubt, giving birth to my daughter, Christina, at my ripe, old age was my most memorable event in the past decade. She is now 14 months old. I have an adult son and daughter, and I love all my children. I think (my being) more mature has given me a special appreciation, and I do truly enjoy her.”

Joe Klemm and Renate Harrelson
“I am from Lithuania, and Renate is from Austria, and we met on the Lake Huron River Walk. It is the best thing that happened, not only in the past decade, but in our entire lives. We live in a motor home, and because we met we have traveled to Germany, Korea, Thailand, China, Australia, and coming up is a trip to Brazil, and Argentina. We also came down the Mississippi River from St. Paul, Minn., to St. Louis in my 16-foot fishing boat.”

Dee Pelton
“My husband, Dick, had serious surgery on his nose. The cancer was removed, and his nose was reconstructed. It was a terrible year. Local surgeons were wonderful, and all is well today. The birth of three grandchildren was special, too.”

Larry Steagall
“The tragedy of Sept. 11 comes to mind instantly. It was an unbelievable attack on our country. Also, the celebration of our 50th anniversary, and (my wife) Virginia and I welcoming our first grandchild, Cole, of Eau Claire, Wis., was special.”

David Rice
“There have been many memorable moments, but I like the birth of twin miniature goats on my daughter, Rebecca’s, farm in Shrewsbury, Vt. She is a bankruptcy attorney, mostly pro bono, and deals with turmoil every day. Her goat, Nutmeg, gave birth to the twins, Sage and Clove, and their antics are the joyous moments in her hectic day. In addition, Rebecca has 14 horses, two dogs and a cat. I am delighted the twins give her such joy.”