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Sarasota | Neighbors

Volunteers laid wreaths at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY : Volunteers honor veterans with holiday wreaths at Sarasota National Cemetery

Volunteers and the Sarasota Military Academy laid holiday wreaths on all 5,170 graves Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Sarasota Military Academy students sold wreaths during the school year to raise money to buy enough wreaths for each grave. 'We all get to see our families for Christmas and these fallen heroes did more than we know,' said Sarasota Military Academy Sergeant Major Christopher Conlon. 'No fallen hero should go without a wreath on their headstone.' About 60 bikes from the Patriot Guard and other motorcycles escorted a semi truck with the wreaths into the cemetery.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jensen Dieckman, 2, gives his sister Esmée, 6, a kiss at the ice skating rink.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY : Snow Fest Sarasota spreads cheer and snow

Snow Fest Sarasota welcomed parents and children opening night Friday, Dec. 14 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Children can make snowballs, sled down snow slides, see Santa, and play games through Sunday, Dec. 23. Esmee Dieckman, 6, ice-skated and Johanna Post made her first snowman at the Sarasota Snow Fest.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rudy Carter dressed up as Santa Claus.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY : Bay Haven Elementary first graders sing holiday songs

First graders at Bay Haven Elementary performed for parents on the front steps Friday, Dec. 14, at the school. Six classes with over 100 first graders practiced for two weeks to sing holiday songs for their parents and teachers. 'The parents are very involved, we are very fortunate that way,' said Principal Betsy Asheim. 'The teachers are phenomenal and draw out the best in the kids.' Children used props and some dressed up in holiday costumes bringing the spirit of the holidays to life.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Grant Barrett, 16 and Sierra Civin, 17, both of Port Charlotte High School, work together during the Iron Chef competition. Their teacher Chef Ron Westrom gave them baker’s shirts to wear to look more professional at the competition.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: CYD's 4th Annual Gingerbread Festival and Iron Chef Competition

Community Youth Development, CYD, held two gingerbread house Iron Chef Competitions Friday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Potter Building.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Annie Lowenthal and Gertrude Margolick
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 15, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Cocktails at Sarasota Bay Club

Residents of the Sarasota Bay Club rang in the holiday season Thursday, Dec. 13 with a festive cocktail hour. Guests exchanged season's greetings, listened to live Christmas music and enjoyed cocktails.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Audra Mullins shows off her passport.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 14, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Holidays Around the World

The second-grade students at Tuttle Elementary are traveling the world to learn what different countries do during the holiday season.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
From left, Gopi Chari, Zan Benham, Frannie Hoffman and David Cooper represented the four anchors of the four directions of the mandala.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 14, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 12.12.12 Sands of the World Mandala ceremony

Hundreds of people made their way out to South Lido Beach State Park Wednesday, Dec. 12, to take part in the 12.12.12 Sands of the World Mandala ceremony.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Dr. Bob Leibold and Jamie Overmiller enjoy their Orange Leaf Yogurt Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast with a BANG.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: SCC's Breakfast with a BANG at Orange Leaf Yogurt

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce held their Breakfast with a Bang networking event Thursday, Dec. 13, at Orange Leaf Yogurt. Those who attended enjoyed breakfast from Chick-fil-A.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 13, 2012
I want to ride my bicycle

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is helping Sarasota put the pedal to the metal by sponsoring a bike and bike-part collection from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 13, 2012
Six babies crying, 12 nurses working

According to Kim Savage, Sr. communications editor for the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, six babies were delivered and 12 nurses were working in the labor and delivery unit on 12/12/12.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Payton Saturen, Alexandra Perez and Desiree Glasgow take a break from making their gingerbread house at Girls Inc.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 13, 2012
Students make sweet creations for festival

As part of the fourth-annual CYD Gingerbread Festival, area students and youth groups have built more than 150 gingerbread houses to be put on display.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Sarasota High first-year head wrestling coach Cezar Sharbono and junior heavyweight Tobias Baker are adjusting to their new roles with the Sailors this season.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 13, 2012
Ahead of his class: Tobias Baker

Sarasota High junior Tobias Baker became the first Sailors wrestler to win the Cougar Invitational Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 13, 2012
SIDELINES

Lady Rams soccer team tops Lady Bobcats; Cougars basketball coasts to victory; SMA basketball falls to St. Pete Canterbury; Lady Sailors cruise past Lady Tarpons

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 13, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Camille Giardina

Since moving to Sarasota from Maine one year ago, sophomore Camille Giardina has been an asset to the Lady Cougars varsity basketball team.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This home at 7909 Midnight Pass Road has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,872 square feet of living area. It sold for $1.45 million. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 13, 2012
Home in Mira Mar sells for $1.45 million

A home in Mira Mar tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Marek and Grazyna Piekos, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7909 Midnight Pass Road to Stephen Witzer, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.45 million.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
Stan Robinson submitted this sunset photo of rowers, taken near Historic Spanish Point.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 13, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Stan Robinson submitted this sunset photo of rowers, taken near Historic Spanish Point.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Barbara Blumfield
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 12, 2012
Season of Sharing: Barbara Blumfield

Barbara Blumfield, a Sarasota Bay Club resident, has donated to Season of Sharing for the past 10 years.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Christian’s Heidi Miller, No. 30, and Cardinal Mooney’s Bridget Walsh, No. 20, fight over possession of the ball.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Christian v. Cardinal Mooney girls basketball

Sarasota Christian hosted Cardinal Mooney Monday, Dec. 10, at their gymnasium. After a close first half, Sarasota Christian rallied back and won the game 57-42.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jack Berry, Jake Porat and Scott Stevenson provide music as the Tritones
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 11, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Architectural Salvage Toy Drive and Party

Sarasota Architectural Salvage hosted its seventh annual holiday fundraising party Thursday, Dec. 6. Attendees brought toys for the gift drive, and the toys and proceeds will benefit the Child Protection Center, which aims to end child abuse. Guests also participated in a scavenger hunt and listened to live music by the Tritones.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Diana Kelly, Ann Stocke and Stephanie Hannum
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 10, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Flats for Philanthropy Launch Party

Local designer, Diana Kelly, kicked off her 'Flats for Philanthropy' campaign Wednesday, Dec. 5 with a launch party at the Paper Tree. The campaign will dedicate a shoe to a series of philanthropic organizations, to which it will donate 10% of sales. The first shoe in the series, the Red Maria flat, was dedicated to Girls Inc. of Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Evan Fonk sleds down a snow hill on an iner tube.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 10, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Winter Wonderland at the YMCA

Children and their families gathered Friday, Dec. 7 at the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. branch of the YMCA to celebrate the holiday season. Children visited with Santa, watched movies, played games and enjoyed a ride down the snow slide in inner tubes.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Performer, Egypt, hangs upside down as part of her routine.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 10, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: A Taste of Hanukkah

Hundreds gathered Sunday, Dec. 9, at Phillippi Estate Park to celebrate the second day of Hanukkah in style. As part of the Taste of Hanukkah event, local establishments provided an array of kosher foods and beers, and families enjoyed performances by acrobats, balloon sculptors, dancers and the Moshe Hecht Band.

  • Sarasota
  • News
A Christmas tree with an angel on top, a wreath, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer all made of lights made this boat shine on the water Saturday, Dec. 8, during the 26th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 26th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade

Thousands of people brought their lawn chairs out to see the boats that took part in the 26th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights Saturday, Dec. 8, in the Sarasota Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ben Baram and Education Director Sabrina Silverberg lead the school with the Song of Israel.
    By
  • Yaryna Klimchak
  • December 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY : Temple Emanu - El Hanukah Celebration

Temple Emanu - El Religious School celebrated Hanukah Sunday, Dec. 9 with a performance, gift exchange, food and games. Seventh graders put on a performance by Education Director Sabrina Silverberg entitled 'A Hanukah Happening.' Children exchanged gifts, colored dradles, met Judah, and ate latkes and donuts.

  • Sarasota
  • 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
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
Tim Gruters, Joe Gruters Millard Martin and John Connor
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 7, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club Luncheon

Members of the Tiger Bay Club gathered Thursday, Dec. 6, at Michael's On East for their regular luncheon. Guests socialized before listening to a presentation by Sarasota County Republican Chair Joe Gruters and General Manager of WSRQ Radio, Susan Nilon, reflecting on the 2012 election.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Nick Friedman
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2012
Chemis-tree

Susan Roberts' class at Brookside Middle School recently decorated a chemistry-themed Christmas tree with ornaments that represent elements of the periodic table.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Jeff Shank. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2012
Reader on the roof

Sarasota Christian School students recently held a contest to determine which school employee would "Go Crazy for Reading."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Dylan White and Jason Sierra have been playing on the diamond together for 14 years. After their last season as teammates, White will head to Miami, and Sierra will head to Vanderbuilt.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 6, 2012
BEYOND THE FIELD

Sarasota High first baseman Dylan White and outfielder Jason Sierra will take the field together for the final time this spring.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Fifteen-year-old Daniel Oakley, pictured with his mother Shannon Oakley and grandmother, Michelle Oakley, beat the odds and now he's finding success on the soccer field. Photo by Jen Blanco
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • December 6, 2012
Perseverance pays for SMA soccer player

When Daniel Oakley's mother was seven months pregnant with him, she almost died in a car accident. Now the 15-year-old Sarasota Military Academy sophomore is helping lead the Eagles to their best season in program history.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • December 6, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Michael Staikos

Cardinal Mooney sophomore Michael Staikos has been playing goalkeeper since he was 9 years old.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • December 6, 2012
Whispering Sands condominium sells for $764,000

A condominium in Whispering Sands tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Richard Piccolo, of New York, sold his Unit 406 condominium at 20 Whispering Sands Drive to Thyrza Jacocks, trustee, of Sarasota, for $764,000.

  • Sarasota
  • Real Estate
T. Guy Spencer submitted this sunset photo, taken at Nokomis Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 6, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

T. Guy Spencer submitted this sunset photo, taken at Nokomis Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The crowd enjoys taking in the lights on the tree and around the courtyard Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the annual lighting of the bromeliad tree at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 5, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Lighting of the Bromeliad Tree at Selby Gardens

A select group of people, mostly volunteers and donors, were invited to take part in the lighting of the bromeliad tree Tuesday, Dec. 4, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The Holiday House at Southside Elementary is a busy place this week with students buying gifts for their friends and family.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • December 5, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday House

Students at Southside Elementary had the chance to buy gifts for their family and friends this week at the Holiday House.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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