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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
The Sarasota Orchestra performed to a large crowd in the courtyard of Mote Aquarium on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 21, 2010
A little Mote music

Members of the Sarasota Orchestra held two holiday performances in the Mote Aquarium courtyard on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
The Grinch (Ann White) decorates the Christmas tree at the Sarasota Courthouse.
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 16, 2010
Bay Haven rocks around the Christmas tree

Bay Haven School of Basics-Plus third-graders trekked off to the courthouse Thursday with their teacher, Missy Owens and The Grinch. All had a merry time singing carols, decorating the tree and attempting the moonwalk.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Joni Weist, Phil Fronmholz, Gale Wyman and Melodee Dougherty
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 16, 2010
Spinella serenades Republicans with seasonal songs

World-class tenor Joseph Spinella gave a starry performance at the Sarasota and Longboat Republican Clubs monthly dinner gathering.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alexis Upham is the senior director of development at the University of South Florida.
    By
  • Maria Amodio
  • December 16, 2010
Donor spotlight: Alexis Upham

Each week, The Sarasota Observer will feature a different donor who is involved with Season of Sharing, a 10-year, community-wide fundraising partnership created by the Community Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Alex Nugent
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 16, 2010
Athlete of the Week: Alex Nugent

Cardinal Mooney High School senior Alex Nugent just finished his last football season as quarterback.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Steve Turner of Giving Tree Music shows Sofia Mingote, 10, how to control the volume of her classmates' drumming with her arms.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • December 16, 2010
Tara kids enjoy drum circle

Three Tara Elementary School teachers rewarded their Safety Patrol and TV Production students for a job well done with a special drum circle event presented by Giving Tree Music today.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Briana Calderon mimics the pose of the woman she painted on this wooden canvas.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 16, 2010
Neighbors: Briana Calderon

Briana Calderon, a 16-year-old 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.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Debbie Comer
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 16, 2010
Selby guests pine for decorations

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Great Room by the Bay was transformed into a holiday wonderland for the Marie Selby Gardens Associates' Wine, Dine and Pine event Nov. 30.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Aimee Barnes and Cynthia McGrail
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • December 16, 2010
Phillippi Shores lifts spirits with gifts

Along with the help of parents, staff and community members, Phillippi Shores Elementary School guidance counselor Aimee Barnes and I.B. coordinator Cynthia McGrail rounded up a roomful of gifts to make the holidays extra special for 79 needy children.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch residents Frank and Michelle Vitori brought their son, Frankie, 18 months, to see Santa for the first time.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 16, 2010
Holiday traditions sparkle on Main

Lakewood Ranch Main Street continued to celebrate the holiday season with an array of activities Dec. 15. East County residents enjoyed a visit from Santa, the sounds of the Dickens Carolers, carriage rides and holiday pet photos.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch residents Dick and Lorraine Vitale are blessed to be able to spread Christmas cheer to underprivileged children.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 16, 2010
Vitale family spreads Christmas cheer

Lakewood Ranch residents Dick and Lorraine Vitale celebrated the holiday season with eight members of the Boys and Girls Club during their annual Christmas Party Dec. 15. After enjoying sandwiches and snacks and touring the Vitale home, the children gathered together and listened as Dick Vitale spoke about the importance of doing the right thing and following your dreams. Following the speech, the children enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus where they received a plethora of gifts and gift cards for Publix.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
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