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Sarasota | Neighbors

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 19, 2012
Ray Peper poses as 'Pollock Bride'

Ray Peper, owner of the John Carl Spa and Salon and Sarasota's own fashion diva, modeled his 'Jackson Pollock Bride' outfit Friday, Jan. 13, at the Friends of the Selby Public Library's Looking Into the Crystal Ball at the Selby Library.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Bay Island Shores home, which has three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a pool and 3,714 square feet of living area, sold for $1.65 million. Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 19, 2012
Bay Island Shores home sells for $1,650,000

A home in Bay Island Shores tops all transactions in this week's real estate.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Meet this week's Athlete, Cherlinda Polynice
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 19, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Cherlinda Polynice

Although athletes may dabble in a few different sports, most seem to gravitate toward one. But Cherlinda Polynice isn’t your typical athlete. VIDEO INCLUDED.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 19, 2012
JUST THE STATS

2 - The number of goals scored by ODA junior Tom Young during the Jan. 13 boys soccer game against Admiral Farragut. ODA won the game 4-0.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Chuck Comstock submitted this sunset photo, taken at Nokomis Beach.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 19, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Chuck Comstock submitted this sunset photo, taken at Nokomis Beach.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kiril Arsov and Margy Sivertsen of Sara Dance put on a show during their performance, Sunday, Jan. 15, during the Sarasota Challenge at the Hyatt Regency.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Challenge

Ballroom dancers foxtrotted, waltzed and tangoed the day away, Sunday, Jan. 15, during the Sarasota Challenge at the Hyatt Regency.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Melanie Dutoit and Muff Calderon look at Tom Stephenses photo, "Grand Entrance", Friday, Jan. 13 at the opening reception of S/ART/Q's Avant Garden at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: S/ART/Q's Avant Garden Exhibition opening reception

S/ART/Q and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens held the opening reception for S/ART/Q's Avant Garden Exhibition, Friday, Jan. 13, inside the Christy Payne Mansion at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ray Pepper designed and wore a creation that was referred to as the Jackson Pollock Bride. He also had "bridesmaids" in Beatrice hats help lead him down the stairs and to the middle of the library.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Looking Into the Crystal Ball

The Friends of the Selby Public Library held their annual Looking Into the Crystal Ball fundraiser, Friday, Jan. 13, inside the Selby Library.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Ed Gall, 91, of Sarasota, holds up a sign that reads "Violence Insults King's Legacy!", Monday, Jan. 16, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at the downtown round-about.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Showing respect for Dr. King

Ed Gall, 91, of Sarasota, holds up a sign that reads "Violence Insults King's Legacy!", Monday, Jan. 16, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, at the downtown round-about. Gall walked with Dr. King in Cleveland and in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963 when Dr. King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Briana Calderon
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Evening of Excellence Art Show at Ringling College

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County hosted a juried art show at Ringling College Saturday, Jan.14 and Sunday, Jan. 15, to show off some of the best artwork from local high school students. The 25 highest rated works were awarded a ribbon and presented at a reception ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Local galleries and framers volunteered their services, and the winning pieces will be put up for auction in February. A portion of the money is returned to the artist, and the rest is donated to the Education Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bruce and Cindy Gilburne and Brenner Glickman
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 16, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Casino Night at Temple Emanuel

Temple Emanuel's Men's Cub and Sisterhood hosted a casino night on Saturday, Jan. 14. Attendees were invited to test their luck at various casino games including poker, black jack, roulette, craps and slot machines. Card sharks and newcomers alike were also encouraged to go all-in on a buffet-style meal.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Morgan Rottingen, 10, and Tenzin Smith, 11
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 14, 2012
VIDEO: Film Fest Fun

Check out this video from Phillippi Shores Elementary's film fest premiere.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hawk and Jade, 8, Holmes, Friday, Jan. 13, at Imagine School's "Donuts with Dad" event.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 14, 2012
VIDEO: Donuts with Dad

Check out what dads and kids had to say about their delicious, donut breakfast at the Imagine School in Palmer Ranch.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Maddy Hanewich, 9, enjoyed having donuts with her dad, Tim, Friday, Jan. 13, at Imagine School's "Donuts with Dad" event.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Donuts with Dad

The Imagine School at Palmer Ranch held their annual 'Donuts with Dad' breakfast, Friday, Jan. 13, inside their cafeteria.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Students, parents and family members watch some of the documentaries made by the 5th graders, Thursday, Jan. 12, during the 5th grade Documentary Film Fest at Phillippi Shore Elementary.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Phillippi Shores Elementary Film Fest

The fifth graders at Phillippi Shores Elementary held their very own documentary film festival, Thursday, Jan. 12.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carol Baker sketches out a drawing of her painting in a notebook before applying the sketch to the canvas.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 13, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: In Plein Sight

The members of Plein Air Sun Coast got together Thursday, Jan. 12, to enjoy the beautiful weather and paint different plants, buildings and scenes in Towles Court.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
We had a lot dating advice from match-maker and dating coach of Dream Bachelor and Bachelorette, Suzanne Oshima.
    By
  • Eddie Kirsch
  • January 12, 2012
VIDEO: The Observer's match-making services

Are you single? Lonely? Tired of restless nights on the couch with a pint of cookie-dough ice cream? Have you tried going to bars to meet people only to wind up standing in the bathroom line and pretending to respond to a message on your phone?

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2012
Sculptures start an up-roar

Here's what's hanging around outside of Zwiwwel (formerly Aria), a restaurant that, as of Jan. 9, is officially open for business and serving modern German cuisine.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Kurt and Mitchell Weiss. Photo by Nick Friedman.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2012
Weiss shares experiences from the Holocaust

Kurt Weiss, father of Temple Beth Sholom Executive Director Mitchell Weiss, visited Sarasota Monday, Jan. 9, to speak about his experiences as a child living in Austria during the Holocaust.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
This Cocoanut Bayou home, which has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,264 square feet of living area, sold for $1.1 million. Photo by Rachel S. O'Hara.
    By
  • Adam Hughes
  • January 12, 2012
Cocoanut Bayou home sells for $1.1 million

Geraldine Elliott, Sarasota, sold her Cocoanut Bayou home at 271 Cedar Park Circle to Robert and Wendy Shusko, Sarasota, for $1.1 million.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 12, 2012
Neighbors: Jean Ruff

Cancer survivor Jean Ruff used flower arranging as a way to cope with the effects of her chemotherapy.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Meet this week's athlete: Jamie Mirikitani
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 12, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Jamie Mirikitani

Jamie Mirikitani grew up in Hawaii on the island of Oahu and was introduced to polo by his stepfather. Mirikitani played throughout high school and in college at Arizona State.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2012
JUST THE STATS

18 - The number of points scored by ODA freshman Jenna Bloch during the varsity girls basketball game against Imagine School, Tuesday, Jan. 3. ODA won the game 58-4.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 12, 2012
Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Jack Wassiliauskas submitted this sunset photo, taken on Siesta Key.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cooks prepare oysters for the Half Shell Oyster House's opening party on Friday, Jan. 6.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Half Shell Oyster House opening

The Half Shell Oyster House served as the venue for two events - its own opening and the inauguration of the Mark Wandall Foundation's 'Safety Saves Lives' program, which aims to educate motorists on safe driving habits. The restaurant officially opens Jan. 10, but the night served as a preview of the cuisine and atmosphere to come. All proceeds from the event went to the Mark Wandall Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Mark Gunnerson and Nick Vonknorring of UnEven LaNes perform at the Selby Public Library.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Selby Public Library Band Bash

Selby Public Library hosts Band Bash to break in its new Teen Center. Five local bands broke the silence in the Selby Public Library Jan. 7 to usher in the opening of its new Teen Center - a place where local teens are encouraged to read, play and make a little noise. Local bands including The Garbage Men, UnEven LaNes, Let's Rock Sarasota and Siege of Malakand performed original and familiar tunes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Judy Alexander
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 9, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: High Tea and Doll Houses

The Historical Society of Sarasota hosted a High Tea and Doll Houses event on Sunday, Jan. 8. The Bidwell House and Crocker Memorial Church in Pioneer Park are some of the oldest buildings in Sarasota, and they served as the venues for the event. Sal Garcia provided live music, and both miniature houses and fancy hats were on display.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Bikers make their way through downtown Sarasota, Sunday, Jan. 8, during the weekend long event, Thunder by the Bay.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Thunder by the Bay

The 14th Annual Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival took place Jan. 6 - 8 in downtown Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Hundreds of people came out to enjoy the annual spaghetti dinner, Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Sarasota Garden Club.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Garden Club's spaghetti dinner

The Sarasota Garden Club held their annual spaghetti dinner, Saturday, Jan. 8, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Dinner will include salad, spaghetti, and spumoni for dessert.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Rick Pecorelli, 81, tackles Alex Mobley, 15, during the 20th Annual Brad Price Memorial PAL Bowl, Friday, Jan. 6, at Booker High.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 8, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: 20th Anniversary PAL Bowl

The top, senior football players from Sarasota and Manatee county took one another one in the 20th Annual Brad Price Memorial PAL Bowl, Friday, Jan. 6, at Booker High. Manatee County All-Stars won the game 20-17.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Suzanne Oshima, matchmaker & dating coach at Dream Bachelor and Bachelorette attended the Young Professionals Group's After Hours event in search of Sarasota's most-eligible bachelorettes.
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 6, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Dream Bachelor and Bachelorette scouts single women in Sarasota

Suzanne Oshima, matchmakers & dating coach of NYC company Dream Bachelor and Bachelorette, brought her matchmaking talents to Sarasota in search of the most eligible young professional women looking for love. The Young Professionals Group's After Hours event provided an excellent scouting location. The Observer asked attendees why they would be a great bachelor or bachelorette.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
James Barnhofen and Wendy Pearson
    By
  • Nick Friedman
  • January 6, 2012
PHOTO GALLERY: Harris Private Bank shares new space with M&I Wealth Management

Harris Private Bank held an open house Thursday Jan. 5 at its new location at 240 South Pineapple Avenue. This marks the first time that Harris Private Bank and M&I Money Management have worked under the same roof in Florida. After being purchased by BMO purchased M&I, the two companies will share a location and resources. Guitarist Dean Miller provided live music for the open house.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cynthia Soulandros, Ruth Pines (seated), Jean Maxwell Catsakis and Kimberly Bonner. Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2012
World War II veteran honored

Ruth Pines, who served in WAVES for 32 years and was a Navy nurse at the June 6, 1944, Normandy landings, turned 93 Jan. 1.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Nick Friedman
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 5, 2012
Nick Friedman named Observer community editor

The Sarasota Observer welcomed this week its new community editor, Nick Friedman. Former Community Editor Loren Mayo has been named Black Tie Editor - look for her column in Diversions and online at YourObserver.com.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Photo by Norman Schimmel
  • By Loren Mayo and Rachel S. OHara
  • January 5, 2012
Sarasota locals vow new year resolutions

Their 2012 vows include eating at every restaurant downtown, learning to tango, remaining a city 'cheerleader' and maximizing opportunities in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Courtesy photo.
    By
  • Rachel S. OHara
  • January 5, 2012
Athlete of the Week: Tayler Brothers

Tayler Brothers, 20, of Osprey, got his first boogie board for his fifth birthday and has not been off his surfboard since.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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