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Your Observer | All

Monsignor Vincent Bartley, Linda Piro and George Haviland
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church celebrates Christmas

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church had their Fourth Annual Holiday Party at TPC Prestancia Saturday, Dec. 8 to celebrate Christmas. Forty-three people attended the beautifully decorated golf club where parish members enjoyed each other's company and dinner. 'It's Christmas to us and we love doing it here,' said party organizer Linda Piro. 'The camaraderie of fellowship and of church is what makes it all kind of nested together.'

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Diane Roytz and Rev. Bob Thacker look over fair trade items.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St. Boniface Global Gift Fair and Art Show

St. Boniface Presbyterian Church had their 11th annual Global Gift and Art Show in the community center Saturday, Dec. 8 to show off unique gifts and promote fair trade. Fair trade means that the artisan creating the product gets equal pay and is treated humanely. Approximately 500 people attended the fair where they purchased global gifts. 'Everything here is unique and hand made and your impacting locally and globally,' said fair organizer Colleen Buchmeier. 'The watercolor group of St. Boniface Church also donated their paintings to be sold. Proceeds went to the artisans, producers, and to the grant committee of St. Boniface Church.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
The foggy morning did not stop 500 runners from racing on the beach.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota County Parks and Recreation hosts 36th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation hosted the 36th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run 5K Saturday, Dec. 8 at Siesta Public Beach to promote a healthy lifestyle and to bring the community together. Despite the strong fog close to 500 people registered for the run. Runners wore festive hats and costumes for the approaching holidays. Proceeds from the run go to the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation programs. 'My favorite part is seeing little kids to 80 year olds all coming out and participating,' said Parks and Recreation Supervisor Diana Finnegan. 'It promotes a healthy lifestyle and we love promoting people being part of a great beach.'

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Lucia Barrett plays the cello for the crowd.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLRY : Canandaigua National Trust Company hosts Ringling Party

The Canandaigua National Trust Company held their third annual party at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on Friday, Dec. 7 to connect with existing and new customers. One hundred twenty people attended the event where they enjoyed refreshments and listened to the Romanza Strings play. 'It's a chance to support the arts,' said Vice President and Business Development Officer Paul Tarantino.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Santa waves to the crowd from his sleigh Friday, Dec. 7, during the Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 34th annual Holiday Night of Lights

Thousands of people made their way out to take part in the 34th annual Holiday Night of Lights Friday, Dec. 7, on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Guardians ad litem Carol Seigler, Rosalyn Fleischer and Betty Ewing
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: L'Ambiance Holiday Party

Residents of L'Ambiance on Longboat Key enjoyed a holiday luncheon Friday, Dec. 7. The annual holiday luncheon not only allows the ladies of L'Ambiance to get together and celebrate the holiday season, but it is also a time for the women to give back to the community. This year the group collected sweatshirts and hoodies for the guardian ad litem program.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Colorful Christmas lights lit up the boats and the marina.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Yacht Club Lighting of the Fleet

The Sarasota Yacht Club had their annual lighting of the fleet Friday, Dec. 7 to bring members together and to brighten spirits. All 108 boats in the arena were decorated with festive Christmas lights. Over 400 people marveled at the beautiful boats and the colorful lights that danced in the water. 'I love seeing the camaraderie, the boats, and all the members working and getting together to make this happened,' said Sarasota Yacht Club Sales and Marketing Director Dana Soldati.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Ron Gatti goes across the court to hit a backhand shot during his singles match against Tim Fitzpatrick.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: The 13th annual Observer Challenge

The 13th annual Observer Challenge took place Friday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. Players participated in the challenge by playing singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

  • Longboat Key
  • News
Samantha Hobbs and Dulcy Kushmore pose with their toy donations.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: YPG After Hours

The Young Professionals Group of Sarasota held their monthly after hours Thursday, Dec. 6, at Libby's. During this get-together, those who attended were encouraged to bring at least one toy for a boy or girl to be donated to the Big Brothers Big Sisters toy drive.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mike, Gianna and Ginger Talerico with Scott and Skyler Rattana
    By
  • Josh Siegel
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara's Dinner with Santa

Santa Clause made a pre-Christmas appearance at Tara Elementary School for the school's annual Dinner with Santa event Dec. 7. Students and families enjoyed pizza, pasta and lasagna in this PTO sponsored dinner.

  • East County
  • Schools
Susan and Tim Clarke
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Christkindl Party

Arbomar residents Heidi and Kent Lagro held their eighth annual Christkindl party Thursday, Dec. 6, featuring cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and German music. Guests brought toys to benefit Toys for Tots.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Kathy Bavely with Bentley, the terrier
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Observer Challenge Kickoff Party

The 13th annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament kicked off Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Soprano Michelle Giglio performed for the group, accompanied by Lee Dougherty Ross.
    By
  • Katie Hendrick
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: St Mary Star of the Sea Church Christmas Party

The men's and women's guilds of St Mary Star of the Sea Church held a joint Christmas party Wednesday, Dec. 5,

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Stephen Ackoury, of American Momentum Bank, with Lauren Boyle, of C1 Bank
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: LWRBA Social

Members of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance spread their holiday cheer Dec. 5, during the organization's holiday social, at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Angela King, Carol Nash, Jan Neitlich, Nancy Berkman and Leanne Boris
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Night of a Thousand Lights

Ladies in the Lakewood Ranch Women's Club gathered Dec. 5, at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club, for their holiday dinner and auction, Night of a Thousand Lights.

  • East County
  • News
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