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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
Welfonder
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Welfonder doubles up on her latest novels

For the first time in her 10-year career, Longboat Key romance novelist Sue-Ellen Welfonder will release two books within one month.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
There's still time to show your holiday spirit

There's still time to get into the holiday spirit. The Longboat Observer's judges will finish making their lists of the island's best and brightest decorations for the annual "Light Up the Keys" contest this week and deliver special stocking stuffers to winners Friday, Dec. 17.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Resident plants seeds for 'Tommy the Tree'

Longboat Key resident Nick Kovalakides has written a children's book, "Tommy the Tree," that tells the story of five-year-old Tommy and his quest to become a Christmas tree.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Wedding bells ring

Belated congratulations are in order for Kristy Iannello and J.P. Balfour, who tied the knot Oct. 3, at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Joe Palumbo
    By
  • Dora Walters
  • December 15, 2010
Key home salvaged for Habitat for Humanity Sarasota

Christmas came early this year for Habitat for Humanity Sarasota.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Abrahamson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Abrahamson eyes new appointment

Dr. Ira Abrahamson was appointed as the first chairman of the board, emeritus, in the history of the Cincinnati Athletic Club at the Past Presidents Dinner meeting Oct. 12.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
LIBYA. This is not a mirage – The Longboat Observer even travels to deserts. Town and Carol Mink brought their Observer with them on an October trip to the Sahara Desert. The Minks are pictured in the Berber village of Kabao, Libya.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
It's Read Everywhere

LIBYA. This is not a mirage - The Longboat Observer even travels to deserts. Town and Carol Mink brought their Observer with them on an October trip to the Sahara Desert. The Minks are pictured in the Berber village of Kabao, Libya.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Rachel Consiglio, Elinor Sevy and Naomi Burg enjoyed making candles.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Candle party brightens Chabad

Smells of oil and wax wafted through the air as Chabad Hebrew School held its Chanukah Candle Crafting Workshop at the Chabad Jewish Center in Lakewood Ranch Dec. 5.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Waterlefe Realtor hosts Toys for Tots bash

More than 100 children will have a Merry Christmas this year thanks to Waterlefe Golf and River Club resident and Realtor Robyn Drourr.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Joseph S. Levine submitted this sunset photo, taken at the Bay Isles Beach Club.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 15, 2010
Captive audience

Joseph S. Levine submitted this sunset photo, taken at the Bay Isles Beach Club.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
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1
Elizabeth Henderson, the founder and president of the Little Free Library Club in Lakewood Ranch, began the group in 2023.
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Local legislators and businesses come together on Manatee County Day

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