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East County | Neighbors

Lakewood Ranch Jazzercise instructor Sue Encke, center, performed with her customers Cindy Palmer and Cindy Gruenier.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 3, 2011
Jazzercise teachers a hit on NFL stage

Lakewood Ranch Jazzercise instructor Sue Encke, along with two of her students, performed with 300 other Jazzercise instructors and students during the Miami Dolphins halftime show Dec. 19, 2010.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lori Ann Marinaccio, Jaymie Klauber and Audrey Thompson
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • January 1, 2011
East County enjoys fine dining

East County residents Lou and Ann Marie Marinaccio welcomed about 50 people to their home Jan. 29 for the Quintessa and Flowers Vineyard & Winery Wine Dinner event. The evening, which was catered by Fete Catering, was part of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals 2011 Forks & Corks Food & Wine Festival Jan. 28-31.

  • East County
  • News
Bristol Palin, Sarah Palin's daughter, snapped this photo of her dad, Todd Palin, left, Christie Leonard, Pastor Benite Jeune, Sarah Palin, Eddie Oliva and Kathy Benham.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 29, 2010
Mission Accomplished

After being stuck in Haiti for two extra days, Kathy Benham and Christie Leonard returned to Florida Dec. 12 after meeting Republican Sarah Palin, her husband, Todd, and daughter, Bristol.

  • East County
  • News
Cornerstone Pastor Dave Sturkey preached his final sermon at the Lakewood Ranch church on Christmas Eve.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 29, 2010
Cornerstone pastor retires after 18 years

Dave Sturkey, founding pastor of Cornerstone Church of Lakewood Ranch preached his final sermon at the church Dec. 24.

  • East County
  • News
Salon owner Shelly Gutowski's son attends Imagine.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2010
Salon pampers Imagine teachers

Teachers from Imagine School Lakewood Ranch received a well-deserved break from their normal busy schedules Dec. 14.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 29, 2010
Primrose kids carol on Main

Private kindergarten students from Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch Town Center brought the holidays to Lakewood Ranch Main Street merchants during their caroling trip Dec. 15.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Madison Bradley, left, Brittany Pelton, Colin Mgbeaky, Julia Goldman and Anthony Asay
  • By Kelly Pleasant
  • December 29, 2010
Youth group samples cuisines on progressive dinner hay ride

The High School Youth Group from Christ Presbyterian Church enjoyed an old-fashioned hay ride down Lakewood Ranch Main Street Dec. 20.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
McNeal reports snow on campus

Despite the forecast otherwise, McNeal Elementary School reported snow last week.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
Gullett presents holiday program

Gullett Elementary School celebrated the holiday season with a special program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
Harvest shares holiday cheer

Members of Harvest United Methodist Church brought the Christmas spirit to Falkner Farms during the church's annual Christmas party.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
Wranglers show can-do attitude

Braden River Elementary School's Student Council collected more than 3,000 cans of food through its annual Salvation Army Food Drive.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
Kids R Kids completes drive

Students at Kids R Kids of Lakewood Ranch have ensured 10 more children will have a Merry Christmas this year.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This home in the Carlyle at the Villages of Palm-Aire features a moving toy train.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 22, 2010
East County homes brighten holidays

In celebration of the holiday season, many East County residents have brightened the night, stringing up lights and other decorations for neighbors to enjoy. Here are a few shots of some of the homes we enjoyed seeing.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Four-year-old Claire Schmalzer asked for a princess for Christmas.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 19, 2010
Santa visits Polo Grill

Dozens of children and their families gathered at the Polo Grill to share their wish lists with Santa Claus one final time during the restaurant's Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 18. Guests enjoyed a hearty breakfast before enjoying some quality time with the Big Guy himself.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Whitney Kitchens (Mary) played Baby Jesus in the Living Nativity performance when she was a baby.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • December 19, 2010
The Savior is Born

An estimated 5,000 people watched the story of Christmas brought to life during the Tabernacle's annual Living Nativity performances Dec. 16-19. The East County church's Christmas tradition featured more than 100 cast members, live animals, flying angels and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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The Family Church caroling crew from left to right is Melody Johnson, Laurie Houston, Nancy Pilato, Pastor Phil Derstine and Terrial Robinson.
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