West Coast Woman October 2020

OCTOBER 2020 

KENDRA 

SIMPKINS 

MSW, LCSW 

Dedicated To Serving 

Fellow Veterans 

It’s our Women’s 

Health Issue 

Also in this Issue: 

■ WCW Foodie: news from 

the restaurant front 

■ Travel News: deals on 

Florida vacations 

■ Dining In: tasty ways 

to lose weight

Bio-identical Hormones 

Optimal Health for the Win! 

Bio-identical Hormone Balancing is about optimal health, 

living a higher quality of life, and halting or possibly 

reversing disease processes. 

THURSDAY 

October 29 

6-7 pm 

Livestream 

Event 

Join in on our Facebook page to learn about: 

• At-Home Hormone Testing Kits and TeleMedicine Consults 

• The connection between hormones, aging, and disease 

• Our detect and correct approach to hormone balancing 

• Benefits of bio-identical hormones- working as a lock and key in receptor sites 

• How correcting an imbalance can improve energy, sleep, endurance, relationships, 

bone strength, mental focus, and more 

https://www.therenewalpoint.com/event/bio-identical-hormone-balancing-virtual-livestream/ 

Dan Watts, MD, ND, MSMN 

Board Certification: 

American Board of Integrative Medicine 

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

Post-doctoral Certification in Metabolic 

Endocrinology 

Post-doctoral Master's in Nutritional and 

Metabolic Medicine 

Fellowship: American Academy of Anti-Aging 

Medicine: Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and 

Functional Medicine 

Fellowship: American College of Surgeons 

Age Management | Men's Health | Gynecology 

Bio-identical Hormone Balancing 

Strength and Conditioning | Weight Loss | IV Therapy 

Brain Health | Toxin Elimination | Digestive Health 

4905 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 

941.926.4905 | www.TheRenewalPoint.com 

Helena Williams, APRN-C, MS 

Board Certified Advanced 

Registered Nurse Practitioner 

Specialties Include: 


Female Sexual Dysfunction 

Metabolic Weight Loss 

Medical Aesthetics 

IV Therapy 

Nutritional Therapy 

NeuroAdrenal Balancing 

2 WEST COAST WOMAN OCTOBER 2020

OCTOBER 2020 

contents 

Editor and Publisher 

Louise M. Bruderle 

Email: westcoastwoman@comcast.net 

Stay Healthy! 

Contributing Writer 

Carol Darling 

Contributing Photographer 

Evelyn England 

Art Director/Graphic Designer 

Kimberly Carmell 

Assistant to the Publisher 

Mimi Gato 

West Coast Woman is published 

monthly (12 times annually) by 

LMB Media, Inc., Louise Bruderle, 

President. All contents of this 

publication are copyrighted and 

may not be reproduced. No part 

may be reproduced without the 

written permission of the publisher. 

Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs 

and artwork are welcome, 

but return cannot be guaranteed. 

HOW TO REACH US: 

Email: westcoastwoman@comcast.net 

Here are our columns: 

n Out & About: includes 

fundraisers, concerts, art exhibits, 

lectures, dance, poetry, shows & 

performances, theatre, film, 

seasonal events and more. 

n Datebook: club meetings, 

women’s clubs, networking and 

consumer-oriented lectures. 

n Mind/Body Calendar: health and 

wellness events, support groups, 

health lectures, seminars and 

screenings. 

n You’re News: job announcements, 

appointments and promotions, 

board news, business news and 

real estate news. 

WCW 

32 

YEARS 

In this issue we’ve got low-cal tasty recipes and tips for losing weight gained over 

the pandemic. Pus lots of health information from our advertisers from skin care 

treatments, hormone balancing, craniosacral therapy and more. 

WCW Foodie 

The state has allowed bars to reopen at 50 percent of capacity, 

for seated service only. Restaurants and food establishments 

may reopen indoor dining areas with a maximum patron 

occupancy of 50 percent of the stated building capacity. So 

check out what’s going on in the local food scene... 

p26 

Out & About 

There’s lots to do and, if you prefer 

not to venture out, you can also visit 

many of them online. Plus, we have 

updates and schedule changes for 

the season ahead. 

p7 

travel news 

Hotels want your business and they’ve got 

great deals to entice you. Tase are all in 

Florida - a few hours’ drive away 

ṗ27 

WCW Mailing Address: 

P.O. Box 819 

Sarasota, FL 34230 

email: 

westcoastwoman@comcast.net 

web site: 

www.westcoastwoman.com 

west coast 

WOMAN 

departments 

4 editor’s letter 

7 Out & About: listing for things 

to do live and/or online 

11 women’s health: 

news treatments at DOCS 

12 women’s health: 

Urology Treatment Center 

14 your health: Craniosacral 

Therapy - how it works 

on the cover: WCW Kendra Simpkins photographed by Evelyn England. 

15 women’s health: The Renewal Point 

16 west coast woman Kendra Simpkins 

18 dining in: low cal and delicious 

ways to lose weight 

19 nutrition: tips to lose those 

pandemic 15 

20 women’s health: How obesity 

causes cancer 

23 focus on the arts: Artist Series 

Concerts of Sarasota 

24 datebook: things to do 

26 wcw foodie: your source for 

restaurant news 

27 travel news: deals on Florida 

vacations and more 

30 You’re News 

OCTOBER 2020 WEST COAST WOMAN 3

just some 

thoughts 

Louise Bruderle 

Editor and Publisher 

Technology is our friend… someone once said that and it certainly 

can be said for these times. In this issue, you’ll see in our events 

columns how the majority of the offerings—be they concerts, 

exhibits, fundraisers or lectures—are either wholly virtual or 

optionally virtual (meaning you can go in person or enjoy online). 

We also have art exhibits this month from museums across the 

state. These have adapted to the new normal and offer the ability to 

“visit” online. This is actually a good thing if you love art and don’t 

want to travel just yet. 

So, you better be up on your digital game and be “fluent” in 

Zoom and getting to Facebook Live events. And, also speaking of 

technology, have you tried our e-magazine version of West Coast 

Woman? We’re in print AND in digital form this month so enjoy us 

either way. You’ll find our e-magazine at the top of our Facebook 

page https://www.facebook.com/WCWmedia or, subscribe to 

receive WCW e-magazine every month via email. Send your email 

addy to westcoastwoman@comcast.net. 

Kendra Simpkins 

Photo: Evelyn England 

Our WCW this month: 

Kendra Simpkins 

I found this month’s WCW by reading WCW. 

In our Datebook column I noticed a yoga 

class (there seem to be a lot these days no 

doubt to reduce stress). I read “Operation 

Warrior Resolution offers free yoga classes for 

active-duty and retired military personnel. 

Classes are held twice a week at MindSpa 

located off Bee Ridge Road. The classes are 

called ‘Combat Conscience Yoga’ and are 

lead by U.S. Army veteran Kendra Simpkins.” 

So I searched and also checked on Facebook and asked a mutual 

friend about her and it was a big thumbs up. Like so many health 

issues that persist, even while we try to see ourselves clear of this 

pandemic, PTSD is still a serious problem particularly for our veterans. 

The virus that causes us to limit our social interactions can 

make their PTSD worse. 

That’s where Kendra comes in. She’s a therapist in practice in 

Sarasota at MindSpa offering Rapid Response Therapy. But she 

also created yoga for veterans as well as retreats that include horse 

therapy. She knows of what she speaks since it hit home with her. She 

served in the Army and also suffered from PTSD. You’ll enjoy reading 

about her breakthrough work and how it is helping veterans. 

Also in this issue: Health 

Weight gain. Ugh, did we have to bring that up? Well, if we’re honest, 

there are many of us who have gained weight due to a change in our 

activity, being homebound (thus being near the fridge) or simply 

stress eating or eating out of boredom. And, we may have stopped 

going to the gym, and it’s hot outside and and and… 

So we tried to make it fun. As usual, we have low calorie, but VERY 

tasty recipes to try, plus some doctor-supported tips to get you back 

on track and back to your slimmer self. 

The New Normal for November 

What’s shaping up is slightly more focused, but still disappointing. 

Events are down — that is in-the-flesh events. Particularly hard hit 

are orchestra, ballet and dance and almost all the theatres. There’ a 

glimmer of possibility for spring of 2021 so we’ll hope for the best. 

Next up is our Arts Issue in November and we’ll have events that are 

taking place. Let’s hope we keep to the plan that has helped to drive 

down the number of cases in Florida, but not stop until we hit zero. 

Looking for a way to help? 

As local families continue to navigate the detrimental effects of the 

coronavirus pandemic, the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic 

Trust has announced the extension of its Flanzer Contribution 

Matching Program through December 2020. 

Since launching its 

2020 Flanzer Contribution 

Matching Program 

in January, the Trust has 

enabled 94 nonprofit organizations 

across Sarasota 

and the Suncoast area to 

continue fulfilling their 

missions by matching 

more than $700,000 from 

approximately 3,000 individual 

contributors. While 

this significant accomplishment 

has allowed 

agencies to serve their 

clients through this dire 

time, the Flanzer Trust is committed to help our neighbors in need 

get back on track and access critical resources. 

All donations between $5 and $500 will be matched 1:1 for select 

nonprofit agencies in the social service, social welfare, K-12 education 

and healthcare sectors. Individuals who wish to participate in 

the 2020 Flanzer Contribution Matching Program can visit Flanzer- 

Trust.org to make an online donation through PayPal. Donors can 

also send checks payable to the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic 

Trust to its offices at 1843 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239. 

The Flanzer Trust encourages people to make automatic monthly 

contributions of $20 or more. 

Once an individual’s donation has been processed, the Flanzer 

Trust will send the contribution and the associated matching 

funds to the designated partner agency. The Flanzer Trust will also 

absorb 100 percent of the program with no charge or reduction in 

any contribution. 

The mission of the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust 

is to enhance the life of the people of the Suncoast through social 

services and healthcare initiatives. The Louis and Gloria Flanzer 

Philanthropic Trust is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization not affiliated 

with any other member of the Flanzer family. For information, 

visit FlanzerTrust.org or call 917-915-0404. 

And if you need assistance 

The Orioles have partnered with All Faiths Food Bank to host 

a series of mass food distribution events at Ed Smith Stadium. 

The events will take place on the second Saturday of each month 

through December. Future events will be held on October 10, November 

14, and December 12. 

Each distribution event will take place in the East Lot and is firstcome, 

first-served, beginning at 9am and continuing until food runs 

out or 11:30am. All the events will be staffed by All Faiths Food Bank 

volunteers and staff, and several of the events will also be staffed by 

Orange & Black Gives Back, the Orioles employee volunteer program. 

“Many of our neighbors in the Sarasota and DeSoto counties 

are continuing to experience food insecurity as a result of the ongoing 

COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jennifer Grondahl, Orioles Senior Vice 

President, Community Development and Communications. Info: 

https://www.mlb.com/orioles/community/sarasota-programs 

Louise Bruderle | Editor and Publisher | 


We welcome your thoughts and comments on this column and on other columns and features in this issue. 

You can reach us at westcoastwoman@comcast.net. We’re on the web at www.WestCoastWoman.com. 


Giving Breast Cancer 

The Knockout Punch 

If you’re stopped cold by an unexpected diagnosis, Sarasota Memorial’s nationally recognized breast cancer team 

has your back with a one-two punch of expert diagnostics and effective treatment to send cancer to the canvas. 

Come out swinging with a combination of dedicated mammographers and certified diagnostic radiologists 

who provide precision results with pinpoint accuracy. 

Never down for the count, individualized care from our specialized oncologists will keep you throwing punches 

while interventional radiologists and specialty-trained surgeons put you in position to deliver the knockout blow. 

And if you’re feeling on the ropes, nurse navigators will be there every step of the way to provide support and comfort. 

Because we know it’s the fight of your life. 

And at SMH, the fight is personal. 

For more information, visit smh.com/breasthealth 


Tummy Tucks — Breast Lift — 

Breast Augmentation — Liposuction 

OPTIMIZE 

YOUR 

RESULTS 

Arm & Thigh Lifts — Fat Grafting — 

Coolsculpting — Body Sculpting 

Sovereign Plastic Surgery 

Alissa M. Shulman, M.D., F.A.C.S. 

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 

1950 Arlington Street • Suite 112 • Sarasota 

941- 366-LIPO (5476) 

www.sovereignps.com 

in collaboration with 

Florida Studio Theatre 

presents 

WOMEN OF NOTE 

A virtual celebration of female composers, female musicians 

and the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. 

Jenny Kim-Godfrey, soprano 

Robyn Rocklein, mezzo soprano 

Gail Berenson & 

Lee Dougherty Ross, piano 

with 

Kate Alexander • Ariel Blue • Meg Gilbert 

Available for viewing online October 1 – 12 

Tickets and more info at ArtistSeriesConcerts.org 

4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 

941.260.8905 

www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com 

Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm 


out& about 

At The Ringling 

On exhibit: 

• Howie Tsui: Retainers of Anarchy to 

November 29. Vancouver-based artist 

Howie Tsui’s solo exhibition is an 

amalgamation of martial arts characters 

and techniques woven together 

with threads of social and political 

realities of present-day Hong Kong. 

Presented as a non-linear counter 

narrative in the form of hand-drawn 

animation, Retainers of Anarchy offers 

an opportunity to reflect on 

notions of identity and nationhood 

using Hong Kong’s past and more 

recent surge of political unrest. 

• Being Seen: Recent Acquisitions 

from The Ringling Photography Collection 

runs to January 3. Features 

works by photographers who examine 

the complexities of identity and 

the staging of selfhood. Consisting 

primarily of self-portraits and portraits 

of empowered subjects, these 

works explore personal agency at 

the intersection of politics and the 

female body. 

Many of the artists in the exhibition 

are recognized as leading voices 

in contemporary art and offer diverse 

perspectives on issues surrounding 

power, sexuality, and self-representation. 

Being Seen also includes works 

by significant women photographers 

from the twentieth century, added to 

the collection in recent years. 

The John and Mable Ringling 

Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., 

Sarasota. Info: www.ringling.org. 

t 

Virtual 

Fundraisers 

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center 

(SPARCC) has its one-of-a-kind, 

virtual clue-quest event, SPARCC 

SRclue, slated for 6 p.m. on Saturday, 

October 24. With the outbreak 

of COVID-19, this virtual-fundraising-event 

keeps health concerns 

regarding the virus at the forefront 

while also providing entertainment 

and a wonderful opportunity to support 

SPARCC’s life-saving programs 

and services for survivors of domestic 

and sexual violence. 

With safety for SPARCC supporters 

in mind, the event design centers 

around delivered meals, small teams 

of 4 players, personal locations, a 

virtual party atmosphere and an unparalleled 

virtual clue-quest game. 

Guests will have the options of gourmet 

wine and lobster dinner delivered 

from Michael’s on East or delicious 

Italian dinner and beer provided by IL 

Panificio while enjoying live DJ tunes 

and a personalized photo booth experience 

during the virtual party. 

After dinner, each team will get in 

on the clue-quest action and explore 

our beloved Sarasota community 

through a curated and professionally-developed 

virtual adventure game. 

Once the teams have completed the 

game, the winner will be announced 

during the virtual wrap-up party. 

For tickets, visit www.sparcc.net/ 

events. Follow SPARCC Facebook 

and Instagram @SPARCC_Sarasota 

for more updated information. 

t 

The Artful Lobster is on Saturday, 

November 14, 11:30 am – 2 pm. 

The Artful Lobster is The Hermitage’s 

signature fundraising event, and the 

t 

only benefit to take place 

on their historic Gulf front 

campus on Manasota Key. 

With a lobster feast catered 

by Michael’s On East 

and live entertainment 

featuring Hermitage Fellows, 

the Artful Lobster is 

anticipated as the season 

kick-off for many across 

our community. Tickets: 

941-475-2098 ext 5. 

This year, they’ll celebrate 

the legacy of Nelda 

and Jim Thompson, 

longtime Hermitage supporters 

and champions 

of Manasota Key. In addition, 

they’ll host a special 

celebration honoring the 

Thompsons on Friday, 

November 13. 

The health and safety 

of our guests, artists, and 

staff are top priorities. As 

one of the first events of the 

fall season, they are taking 

extra precautions to ensure 

a safe and enjoyable 

outdoor celebration. 

Don’t Forget 

Halloween 

The Florida Railroad 

Museum’s Pumpkin 

Patch Express Train 

Ride runs October 17 

and 18 and October 24 and 25. 

Tickets for this popular event will be 

available on the museum’s website 

at www.frrm.org. 

The ticket office is open Wednesday, 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 

from 10am to 4pm. Due to Covid-19, 

the event will operate at 50% capacity. 

Only window seats will be sold. 

However, you may consolidate your 

group using unsold aisle seats within 

your seating area. Mask requirements 

will be based on Manatee 

County mask ordinance at the time 

of the event. 

The Florida Railroad Museum, 

Inc. was founded as The Florida Gulf 

Coast Railroad Museum with the 

goal of preserving Florida’s railroad 

history. Over the years, the Museum 

has acquired and restored rolling 

stock and equipment to operate for 

the public’s enjoyment. Enjoy the 

sights and sounds of Florida railroading 

as it existed in the 1940s 

and 1950s.The Museum is located 25 

miles north of Sarasota and 35 miles 

south of Tampa off Interstate 75 at 

exit 229 at 12210 83rd St East, Parrish. 

t 

Manatee Village Historical 

Park is hosting “Tombstone Tour”, a 

digital event about the 1850 Manatee 

Burying Ground. Learn about the 

history of the cemetery, the meaning 

of tombstone symbols, and listen to 

some of the stories of those who were 

buried there. 

The 1850 Manatee Burying Ground 

is the oldest public cemetery in Manatee 

County. It was the first burying 

ground for the Village of Manatee, 

which was the first established white 

settlement between Tampa and Key 

West, dating to 1842. The Burying 

Ground was in use from 1850-1892, 

with a few family burials occurring 

up until the 1960s. 

This event will be digital and you 

need to sign up to receive the digital 

t 

Manatee Village Historical Park is hosting “Tombstone Tour”, 

a digital event about the 1850 Manatee Burying Ground. Learn 

about the history of the cemetery, the meaning of tombstone symbols, 

and listen to some of the stories of those who were buried 

there. The event is digital. Sign up at www.manatee village.org/ 

events or call (941) 749-7165 for assistance. 

event. Sign up at https://www.manateevillage.org/events 

or call (941) 

749-7165 for assistance. Cost: Signing 

up for this digital event and watching 

the video is free. 

“Tombstone Tour” is pre-recorded 

and will be available through video 

format on October 16 at 4 pm through 

November 1. Those who sign up may 

watch or re-watch this digital event 

anytime during this time period. Persons 

who sign up after 4pm on October 

16 and before October 30 will receive 

the video on the next business day. 

Manatee Village Historical Park is 

located at 1404 Manatee Avenue East 

(State Road 64) Bradenton, Florida. 

For information call (941) 749-7165 or 

visit: www.manateevillage.org. 

Lectures 

and Classes 

The New College Foundation, 

offers New Topics, a lecture series 

showcasing national speakers from a 

broad range of disciplines exploring 

topical issues. To mark New College’s 

60th anniversary, this year’s series 

features noteworthy alumni whose 

New College experience prepared 

them for lives of note and careers 

of impact. The series runs through 

March and will be presented via the 

Zoom platform. Each lecture will be 

presented at 5 pm. Tickets are $10, 

and all proceeds go to fund student 

scholarships. 

Speakers Princeton University’s 

Center for Economic Policy Studios 

senior research scholar William 

Dudley speaking on “Challenge and 

Response: Facing Hard Choices in 

a Time of Economic Crisis” on November 

12, R. Derek Black, Allison 

Gornik and James Birmingham on 

the topic of “Inclusion at any Cost? 

When New College was ‘Home’ to 

a White Nationalist” on January 

t 

27, Cuban-American 

attorney, consultant, 

and human rights advocate 

Lincoln Rafael 

Diaz-Balart on the topic 

of “Reflections on a Congressional 

Career; Lessons 

for Today’s Politics” 

on February 18 and “ 

Cybersecurity and Civil 

Liberties” by the ACLU’s 

surveillance and cybersecurity 

counsel Jennifer 

Granick on March 18. 

Registration required. 

Go to ncf.edu/new-topics or 

call the New College events 

hotline at 941-487-4888. 

Osher Lifelong Learning 

Institute at Ringling 

College has its 2020 Fall 

Semester through November 

20. 

The fall semester features 

44 courses and 

other programs covering 

a wide variety of topics. 

Classes will be offered 

in a hybrid model—both 

on the Ringling College 

Museum Campus and via 

the Zoom platform. 

Classes cover a diversity 

of topics, including 

art and music appreciation, 

languages, health, 

global issues, philosophy, 

religion, digital and studio arts, 

photography, sculpture, painting, 

and more. When offered in-person, 

classes will be at the Ringling 

College Museum Campus (1001 S. 

Tamiami Trail, Sarasota); masks 

and physical distancing will be required. 

To register for classes, visit 

www.OlliatRinglingCollege.org or 

call 941-309-5111. 

The fall Einstein’s Circle presentation 

is Turbulent Times and Their 

Effect on the 2020 Election, with 

political analyst Susan MacManus. 

Her talk will center on voting history, 

changing demographics in 

Florida, and what the numbers are 

telling us about the outcome of this 

contentious race. This online presentation 

takes place on October 21, 

3-4:30 pm. To register and for information, 

visit www.OlliatRingling- 

College.org or call 941-309-5111. 

OLLI at Ringling College’s fall 

documentary film series, CONNEC- 

TIONS: Exploring Today’s Global 

Issues, is an opportunity for students 

to connect to many of today’s 

pressing global issues via the penetrating 

perspectives of contemporary 

documentary films. The moderator 

of the series is Julie Cotton, a 

member of the Advisory Council’s 

Strategic Program Committee, executive 

coach, and aficionado of documentary 

films. 

The fall term features two films 

that will be screened via Zoom. Following 

the screening, participants 

can engage in a Zoom chat with the 

moderator and one another about 

the film’s content and impact, as 

well as raise questions. The films 

are shown on Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30 

pm; October 13 (Made in Boise) and 

November 10 (Liyana). To register 

and for information, visit www. 

OlliatRinglingCollege.org or call 

941-309-5111. 

t 

At Bookstore1 

Sarasota 

Online Events: 

• On October 20 at 7 p.m. they have 

Celebrating Elena Ferrante, a virtual 

conversation, with Ann Goldstein, 

Ferrante’s translator, and Michael 

Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief of Europa 

Editions, Ferrante’s US publisher. 

With over 10 million copies of 

her Neapolitan novels sold in over 

50 countries, Elena Ferrante is a 

global literary sensation. Her new 

novel is The Lying Life of Adults. Set 

in Naples, like My Brilliant Friend, 

and told through the eyes of a young 

girl, The Lying Life of Adults is a book 

of transformations. A singular portrayal 

of emerging selfhood, but also 

a fresco of the city of Naples in its 

many guises. Change, transformation, 

fluidity, flux, division and reconciliation, 

submergence and emergence, 

metamorphosis: these themes 

are as central to Ferrante’s new book 

as they are to our own restless age. 

Tickets are $28 and includes a 

copy of The Lying Life of Adults 

which you can pick up curbside or 

have shipped, and the virtual Zoom 

event. To register: https://www.sarasotabooks.com/events. 

At The Bishop 

Small Wonders: Insects in Focus 

at The Bishop runs to October 

20. Insects inhabit every domain 

of our daily lives, performing essential 

functions that balance our 

ecosystem on Earth — functions 

that often go unnoticed because of 

their small size or scale. Now, using 

cutting-edge technology and custom 

methods that put tiny insects on a 

human scale, artist and photographer 

Bob Sober allows visitors to see 

the patterns, textures, colors and 

details that have always been present, 

but too small to appreciate 

Creating human-scale images of 

insects, with resolution so high that 

every hair, dimple and tiny structure 

is clearly revealed, was impossible 

prior to the technological advancements 

of the past 10 years. Sober’s 

skills allow us to see the intersection 

of natural science and art in the 

smooth metallic finishes and heavily 

stippled textures, strange body 

shapes, delicate wing structures and 

beautifully engineered body components 

in this series of 30 images that 

will are on display in the Museum’s 

second-floor Rincon Gallery and 

throughout the Museum. 

The Bishop Museum of Science and 

Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton 

Did you know that The Bishop has 

Florida’s premier astronomy 

dome and projection system? They 

upgraded to the Digistar 6 system 

during their temporary closure this 

spring and the new system provides 

images that are even more clear and 

vivid, and have even greater depth 

to them. It also has state-of-the-art 

software that allows them to take 

you on immersive journeys to the far 

reaches of the cosmos. 

Right now, they’re featuring Flight 

Through Our Solar System, a 

10-minute narrated tour that begins 

at the sun then travels through our 

solar system — including the asteroid 

belt — past Pluto and the other 

t 

continued on page 8 


out and about continued 

outer planets, until you arrive at the 

icy outer reaches of the Kuiper Belt 

and the Oort Cloud, located on the 

outer fringe of the solar system. 

Planetarium Manager Howard 

Hochhalter also offers virtual journeys 

through space that you can join 

from home: 

• Every Tuesday at noon: Join Howard 

on Facebook as he previews stars 

and constellations in the upcoming 

night skies (free program); 

• Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of 

the month: Howard focuses on helping 

kids become masters of the universe 

during KidSpace (free program 

on Zoom); 

• On the fourth Wednesday of 

the month: Howard hosts Stelliferous 

on Zoom, where he focuses on 

the night skies, the latest news in 

astronomy and answers your questions. 

Cost: $5. 

WBTT’s Soul 

in the Garden 

The event is on Friday, November 

13, 6-9 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical 

Gardens (800 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota). 

Join Westcoast Black Theatre 

Troupe in a beautiful outdoor setting 

for cocktails, dinner, live auction and 

a show celebrating the Sixties, when 

sweet soul music was in full bloom. 

Songs will include megahits like 

“Dancing In the Street,” “Twistin’ the 

Night Away,” “Try a Little Tenderness” 

and “Your Love Keeps Lifting 

Me (Higher and Higher).” WBTT will 

honor longtime supporter and immediate 

past board chair, Marian Moss, 

as its 2020 Heart & Soul Philanthropy 

honoree. Delicious dinner catered by 

Michael’s On East. 

Limited to 150 guests to ensure 

safe social distancing; livestream 

option available for those not able to 

attend. Attire: cool and comfy with 

a groovy 1960s flair. Tickets: $250/ 

in person, $100/livestream. For more 

information, contact Debra Flynt- 

Garrett at 941-366-1505 or dfgarrett@ 

westcoastblacktheatre.org. 

t 

Art Exhibits 

Pat O’Neill presents “The Beauty 

of Acrylics” as Island Gallery West’s 

October featured artist. Pat is a local 

artist from Bradenton. He is known 

for his realistic paintings and beautiful 

Florida seascapes and sea life 

as well as his many residential and 

business wall murals throughout the 

Anna Maria Island area. 

Pat will display his creative and 

original acrylic paintings that show 

not only his love and passion for 

painting, but his uniqueness and 

imagination for versatility in subjects 

and composition. Pat’s great attention 

to detail, perception of light 

and dark and use of vivid colors will 

be sure to bring the viewers delight. 

They’ll hold a FACEBOOK LIVE 

interview with Pat on Monday October 

5 at 5pm. Tune in to hear about 

his inspiration, his painting and for 

a preview of the exhibit. www.facebook.com/islandgallerywest 

Island Gallery West is located 

at 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, Trolley 

Stop 15 on Anna Maria Island. 

Pat’s exhibit runs through October 

31. Visit www.islandgallerywest.com 

or call 941-778-6648. Per county and 

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city regulations, masks are required. 

Hand sanitizer is available. 

Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling 

College is open beginning 

October 1. The Museum Campus is 

open to all, including the new Bistro, 

the Shop, and the Grounds. On exhibit: 

Harmony Hammond, Material 

Witness, Five Decades of Art, Color. 

Theory. & (b/w), Vita in Motu, Worker 

by Barbara Banks and Vik Muniz. 

They offer a variety of online exhibits. 

Visit www.sarasotaartmuseum.org. 

Sarasota Art Museum, Ringling 

College Museum Campus, 1001 

South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 

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Manatee County Agricultural 

Museum , 1015 6th St. West, is open. 

Local artist Pat Robertson’s watercolor 

exhibit has been extended 

indefinitely. Robertson is a 33-year 

resident of Manatee County, specifically 

Palmetto and Terra Ceia. She 

is a watercolorist and took her first 

class at ArtCenter Manatee. She 

is a signature member of the Florida 

Watercolor and the Suncoast 

Watercolor Societies. The exhibit 

features beautiful flora and fauna 

focused pieces. Some of the pieces 

are for sale. 

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 1st and 

3rd Saturday 10-noon, 1-4 p.m. Location: 

1015 6th Street West, Palmetto. 

Info: (941) 721-2034 

Online exhibits: Underwater 

Farms: Aquaculture in Manatee 

County. Aquaculture has a long history 

in Manatee County. The process of 

growing aquatic animals and plants 

for food, restoration, and pets has 

evolved over the years, but continues 

to have a presence in the agricultural 

industry. Learn more about what 

aquaculture farms have been in Manatee 

County in the past and today. 

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Theatre 

At the Players of Sarasota: 

• The Players accelerated their plans 

to move from their location in downtown 

Sarasota (838 N. Tamiami Trail, 

Sarasota). They’ll vacate their space 

this October. A Few of Our Favorite 

Things — Oct. 2020. A reimagined 

look at the proposed finale show previously 

scheduled for the 91st Broadway 

Series will go virtual. The Players 

will ask for performances submitted 

virtually to put together a digital 

homage to this Sarasota institution. 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 

– 2020. The Players fourth annual 

production of The Legend of Sleepy 

Hollow will again be presented outdoors. 

More info at https://www.theplayers.org/shows/calendar. 

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Asolo Rep Engage offers, free 

of charge, their Monday Musical 

Moments from shows you loved 

like EVITA, PULSE, RAGTIME and 

many more. You can listen to artists 

like Ana Isabelle, Noah Racey, and 

Nilo Cruz who helped bring that 

amazing work to Asolo Rep on our 

podcast, Engage: On Air. Families 

and educators can enjoy Nia Explains 

It All to get a crash course in 

theater terminology. 

Asolo Rep will move forward with 

the rest of their announced season of 

plays: OUR TOWN, GRAND HORI- 

ZONS, and two brand new musicals: 

KNOXVILLE and HOOD to be 

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling 

College has Turbulent Times and Their 

Effect on the 2020 Election, with political 

analyst Susan MacManus. Her talk will 

center on voting history, changing demographics 

in Florida, and what the numbers 

are telling us about the outcome of this 

contentious race. This online presentation 

takes place on October 21, 3-4:30 pm. 

presented live and in the Asolo Theatre. 

Stay tuned at www.asolorep.org. 

Artist Series 

Concerts 

The Soiree Series concert featuring 

Jennifer Kreider and Austin 

Cripe, originally scheduled for October 

25 and 26 at the Fischer-Weisenborne 

residence, is now scheduled 

for October 26 at 5:30 pm at Selby 

Gardens. Tickets: $25. 

The Soiree Series concert, Palm 

Court Treasures, originally scheduled 

for November 22 and 23 at the 

Fischer-Weisenborne residence, is 

now tentatively scheduled for November 

22 at 5:30 pm at Historic Spanish 

Point. Once this date is confirmed, we 

will let you know. Tickets: $25. 

They’ll also be offering the following 

virtual concert: 

Women of Note, featuring pianists 

Lee Dougherty Ross and Gail 

Berenson, sopranos Robyn Rocklein 

and Jenny Kim-Godfrey and actors 

Kate Alexander, Ariel Blue, and Meg 

Gilbert. This program celebrates the 

100th anniversary of the passage of 

the 19th amendment granting women 

the right to vote. The program, consisting 

entirely of female composers 

and performers, is part of a collaboration 

led by Florida Studio Theatre to 

celebrate the Suffragist Movement. 

This concert comes to a computer 

screen near you October 1-12. Tickets 

per household are $15. Plans are also 

in the works to stream some of the 

performances from the organization’s 

2020-21 25th anniversary season, 

which is now tentatively scheduled 

to begin on October 13, at Michael’s 

On East, with a live luncheon plus a 

virtual performance by classical accordionist 

Hanzhi Wang. 

Note: The Florida Jazzmasters 

concert, which was first scheduled 

for September 13, has been moved to 

December 6, at Marie Selby Botanical 

Gardens. The October 25 and 26 recitals 

with Jennifer Kreider and Austin 

Cripe have been moved to October 26 

(now one single performance), also 

at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. 

https://www.artistseriesconcerts.org 

or 941-306-1200. 

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The Choral Artists 

of Sarasota’s 

Season Kicks Off 

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 42nd 

season, entitled “Rise Up!” features 

eight concerts in October, November, 

December, February, March, April, 

and July. Two of the concerts are 

planned for in-person events; three 

will be presented outdoors and all 

performances will include a virtual 

presentation. 

Choral Artists will also stage the 

long-awaited “Listen to the Earth” 

project—an ecological initiative 

commemorating Earth Day’s 50th 

anniversary last year—but postponed 

due to the pandemic. Artistic Director 

Joseph Holt will also illuminate 

the creative process during a series of 

virtual “Concert Insights,” throughout 

the season. Each will focus on 

the upcoming concert with a special 

guest joining the conversation. 

First up is Out of Adversity: Embracing 

Our Differences: Historical 

and well-known composers, celebrated 

for their incredible musical 

compositions, come out of the 

closet. In examining the lives of Handel, 

Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Barber, 

Poulenc and others, the adversity 

they encountered as gay composers 

in society is highlighted. This virtual 

presentation is Sunday, October 18, 

4 p.m. The “Concert Insight” for this 

concert is Thursday, October 8, at 

10 a.m. For information and tickets, 

visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org 

or call 941-387-4900. 

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Ballet and Dance: 

Sarasota Contemporary 

Dance presents Evolving/Revolving 

on October 1-4 at Historic Asolo 

Theatre in-person and virtual. Performances 

are at 7:30 pm, except 

Sunday has a matinee at 2:00 pm. 

Tickets (virtual and in-person): 

Callm 941.260.8485 or go to ww.sarasotacontemporarydance.org. 

They’re offering live, socially distanced 

seating at a limited capacity 

for all of their shows this season, as 

well as a Virtual Stream of each performance 

through their own Digital 

Theater that will be showcased on 

their website. The virtually streamed 

performance will be a professional, 

multi-angle experience to allow audience 

members at home feel like they’re 

right there in the theater with the artists. 

For more information, visit sarasotacontemporarydance.org/tickets. 

SCD has invited back Erin Fletcher 

(Resident Choreographer since 2015) 

and Erin Cardinal with Brian Fidalgo 

(Guest choreographers 2018) to revisit 

their captivating pieces and expand 

them into evening-length works. This 

production features themes of migration 

from Cardinal and Fidalgo, as 

well as an exposé into the iconic identity 

of Marilyn Monroe by Erin Fletcher: 

investigating the tragic life of the 

actress and the gossip surrounding 

her public persona and death. 

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For the first time ever, The Sarasota 

Ballet will be offering specially 

filmed performances that ticket buyers 

can stream from the comfort of 

their homes. These digital experiences 

will replace in-theater performances 

for the first three programs of the 

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30th Anniversary Season. The priority 

of The Sarasota Ballet is to safeguard 

audience members, dancers, and staff 

from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Program 1 is on October 23. More 

info at https://www.sarasotaballet. 

org/fall-digital-season. 

The Great Outdoors 

At Benderson Park 

• Park visitors are reminded to 

practice safe social distancing, o 

remain home if they have any signs 

of illness, and to wash their hands 

regularly with soap and water. All 

park restrooms remain open, and an 

amplified cleaning schedule remains 

in place. High-contact areas and 

touch points continue to be regularly 

disinfected throughout the day. 

• The Ronald A. Balducci Playground 

is open during regular park 

hours (6 a.m.-8 p.m.), but hour-long 

closures at 8 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. 

allow crews to clean playground 

equipment. 

• As a reminder, only electric 

boat motors are authorized in our 

waters; gas motors must be raised to 

indicate they aren’t in use. (This is 

in accordance with Sarasota County 

ordinances.)Follow the park at 

NathanBendersonPark.org. 

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A new Canopy Zone feature is 

now open at Manatee County’s Robinson 

Preserve, allowing visitors 

to experience nature from a fresh 

perspective while exploring amidst 

the treetops. 

Situated at the edge of the historic 

Reasoner Tract at Robinson Preserve 

South, the Canopy Zone is nestled 

among century-old botanical giants 

that once formed the test plot for Royal 

Palm Nurseries. Follow the boardwalk 

as it extends past the Mosaic 

Center for Nature, Exploration, Science 

and Technology (the NEST) and 

find yourself climbing among the 

limbs and leaves. 

Thanks to careful planning, the 

Canopy Zone was built amongst the 

existing trees, allowing for a densely 

shaded environment and a cool experience 

to combat the summer heat. 

The boardwalk features LED lighting 

allowing it to be used for staff-guided 

evening programs for the public and 

permitted special events. 

The compact, two-story structure 

is filled with adventure park elements 

including a series of boardwalks, rope 

bridges, climbing nets, and slides. 

Crawl through the net tube to catch 

a bird’s-eye view of the newly built 

waterways of the Robinson Preserve 

Expansion or climb the tower, zigzagging 

through platforms to top and 

then take the spiral slide all the way to 

the understory loop on the forest floor. 

While some of the more challenging 

elements are recommended for ages 

5 and older, all ages and abilities are 

welcome on the accessible tree-top 

boardwalk loop that emerges overlooking 

the Robinson Preserve Expansion, 

complete with mounted binoculars 

for viewing the wading birds and 

other wildlife within the preserve. 

The project complements the 

ongoing habitat restoration on 135 

acres located at the expansion area 

of Robinson Preserve to enhance 

fisheries habitat and install native 

plants. Additional amenities are also 

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Artistic Director, Dr. Joseph Holt 

Elizabeth Bergmann, dancemaker. Photo by Barbara Banks. 

Online & In-Person Season 

Discounted packages available. 

Out of Adversity: Embracing Our Differences 

Live Online • Sun, Oct 18 • 4pm. Replay • Oct 19-Nov 18 

Spanish Flair 

Live Online • Sun, Nov 15 • 4pm. Replay • Nov 16-Dec 14 

Holiday Lights 

Live Online • Wed, Dec 23 • 4pm. Replay • Dec 24-Jan 21 

Marching to Freedom 

In Person • Wed, Feb 3 • 7pm • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Performances 

at the Point. Tickets available on the Selby Gardens website in 2021. 

Replay • Feb 14-Mar 14 

You’ll Never Walk Alone 

In Person • Sun, Feb 28 • 1pm • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens/Garden Series. 

Tickets free for Selby Garden members or included with a paid daily admission. 

Replay • Mar 11-Apr 9 

Love in the Air 

Live Online • Sun, Mar 28 • 4pm. Replay • Mar 29-Apr 28 

Listen to the Earth 

In Person • Sun, Apr 25 • 4pm • Sarasota Opera House. Replay • May 7-Jun 7 

Marcus DeLoach 

Jenny 

Kim-Godfrey 

Rafael Dávila 

American Fanfare 

In Person • Sun, Jul 4 • 4pm • Sarasota Opera House. Replay • Jul 17-Aug 17 

Singing for our Supper Fundraising Event 

Sun, Oct 25 • 6pm. Virtual $35, Register Early 

Stir, sip, cook, and hum along as Joseph Holt, Chef Christopher Covelli of 

Sage Restaurant and Berit Jane Soli-Holt cook up a gourmet dish and prepare a 

signature cocktail while Choral Artists’ singers Sing for Our Supper! 

Robyn Rocklein 

Ann Morrison 

941.387.4900 • ChoralArtistsSarasota.org 



being constructed including new 

pavilions, restrooms, kayak storage 

tubes, benches and trailside shade 

structures. These habitat and amenity 

improvements are expected to be 

completed and re-open this winter. 

The Canopy Zone is open to the 

public the same hours as Robinson 

Preserve, sunrise to sunset seven 

days a week. Parking can be found 

near the NEST which can be reached 

from the preserve’s South Entrance at 

the end of 9th Avenue Northwest. For 

more information, visit www.mymanatee.org 

or call (941) 748-4501. 

Manatee Village Historical Park 

is open to the public by appointment 

only. In an abundance of caution, 

days and hours will be limited, each 

time slot is limited to 25 visitors, and 

some areas will be closed. 

Visitors are encouraged to make 

appointments online prior to arrival. 

Staff members will be wearing 

masks when visitors are present. 

Guests are asked to respect historical 

buildings and artifacts by not 

touching, moving, climbing on, or 

otherwise tampering with historical 

structures and artifacts. Hand 

sanitizing before entry is strongly 

encouraged. When scheduling an 

appointment, every individual must 

be signed up regardless of age. 

Appointments are made by visiting 

www.manateevillage.org. Links 

are provided for making an appointment 

to visit. You can also call 

to schedule your appointment: 

(941) 749-7165. 

There is no fee to schedule an appointment. 

Appointment times are 

strict. Visitors who are early must 

wait inside their cars until their start 

time. Staff members will be taking 

temperatures of visitors using a forehead 

scanner and following CDC 

guidelines to determine entry. Face 

masks are encouraged due to the 

small size of our buildings and limited 

amount of space. Visitors may 

have a self-led tour. Walking tour 

brochures will be available. 

Visitors are welcome to use a digital 

tour by downloading the Florida 

Stories App at http://uqr.to/FloridaStories 

or visiting The Clio at https:// 

theclio.com/on a cell phone or other 

device using mobile data. 

Visitors are encouraged to respect 

social distancing and remain 6ft 

apart from staff and other visiting 

parties. Restrooms will be available. 

Water fountains are only to be used 

to refill containers. 

The Wiggins General Store, Gift 

Shop, Junior Junction playground, 

and the 1850 Manatee Burying 

Ground cemetery are closed. There 

will not be air conditioning available, 

visitors must be prepared for the 

weather and natural elements. There 

will be places to sit including our 

benches and picnic tables. Visitors 

must begin leaving by their end time. 

This allows staff members time to 

clean and prepare for the next group. 

Manatee Village Historical Park is 

located at 1404 Manatee Avenue East 

(State Road 64) Bradenton. For more 

information call 941-749-7165 or visit: 

www.manateevillage.org. 

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Farmer’s Markets 

The Sarasota Farmers Market 

is open on Saturdays with normal 

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hours of 7 am-1 pm, 

rain or 

shine. 

You’ll notice 

that vendors 

are spread 

out 10-15 feet apart 

from one another to 

make more room to 

socially distance 

yourself as you 

shop. In order 

to achieve this, 

you’ll notice 

that they’ve 

spread the vendors 

onto State 

and First Streets, 

as well as on to 

Lemon. Be sure 

to also support 

those vendors that 

are on State and First 

Streets during your trip 

to the market. Signage 

and arrows on the ground will direct 

the foot traffic flow. Masks are mandatory. 

The city of Sarasota has partnered 

with The Market to give away 

free masks while supplies last. 

Venice Farmers Market has 

summer hours: Saturdays 8am to 

noon, April through September. 

Winter hours: Saturdays 8am to 1pm, 

October through March. The Venice 

Farmers Market is located at Venice 

City Hall, 401 W. Venice Avenue. 

Face coverings will be required 

for those visiting the Market. If customers 

do not have a face covering, 

cloth masks will be provided for 

them by the Market, while supplies 

last. All staff and vendors wear 

masks and gloves and sanitizing 

stations are available. Their plan 

complies with all federal, state and 

local guidelines for food and personal 

safety. 

Vendors are offering produce, 

baked goods, wild-caught seafood, 

Florida-grown mushrooms, 

boutique cheeses, locally roasted 

coffee, kettle corn, hand crafted 

soap, essential oils, nursery plants 

and fresh cut flowers. In addition, 

local artists will be at the market 

offering award-winning photography, 

unique clay art and jewelry, 

hand-designed clothing for children 

and adults, and much more. 

During the construction of the new 

Fire Station 1 and expansion of Venice 

City Hall, the Farmers Market has 

relocated out of the parking lot but is 

still operating at City Hall. The Market 

will set up on W. Venice Avenue 

between Harbor Drive and Avenue 

des Parques, located between City 

Hall and the Hecksher Park tennis 

courts.For information, go to www. 

thevenicefarmersmarket.org. 

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The Newtown Farmer’s Market is 

open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every 

Friday and Saturday. The market is 

located at Dr. Martin Luther King 

Jr. Park, at the corner of Cocoanut 

Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King 

Jr. Way. Vendors and shoppers are 

expected to follow Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention safety 

guidelines and wear a mask. 

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Bradenton Farmer’s Market 

reopens in October. Enjoy fresh 

produce, local art, music, demos by 

local chefs, and family activities. 

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WBTT’s Soul in the Garden. The event is on Friday, November 13, 6-9 p.m. 

at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (800 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota). 

Parking is free on weekends, and 

dogs on leashes are welcome. Held 

every Saturday through May, from 

9am – 2pm, on Old Main Street in 

downtown Bradenton, 400 12th St. 

W. Bradenton. Old Main Street is a 

tree-lined retail district of cafes and 

restaurants running three blocks 

north from Manatee Avenue to the 

Manatee River, where it meets the 

Bradenton Riverwalk. 

The Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile park 

that features day docks, an amphitheater, 

performance areas and 

pavilion, a skateboard park, an 

interactive splash pad, and much 

more. There are over 35 vendors 

who offer locally-grown fruits, vegetables, 

plants, organic products, 

fresh seafood, prepared foods, as 

well as the work of local artists and 

craftspeople. 

Every third Saturday, Mainly 

Art hosts dozens of local artists and 

craftspeople displaying and selling 

their creations. Art, crafts, live music, 

and food are available from 9am 

to 2pm on Fourth Avenue West, perpendicular 

to the Bradenton Farmers’ 

Market on Main Street. 

At The Van Wezel 

The Van Wezel has digital 

presentations in 2020. A virtual 

celebration of Gilbert and Sullivan 

favorites: I Have a Song to Sing, O! in 

October. This December, Jim Brickman 

and the Moscow Ballet’s Great 

Russian Nutcracker light up the 

holiday season with virtual performances 

that are perfect for the whole 

family. Tickets for the Great Russian 

Nutcracker and I Have a Song to 

Sing, O! are on sale now. 

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Get tickets for these future shows 

at the Van Wezel: 

• Cirque Dreams Holidaze – 

December 11, 2020 

• Menopause The Musical – 

January 12, 2021 

• Il Divo – January 15, 2021 

• Reza: Edge of Illusion – January 

25, 2021 

• An Intimate Evening with 

David Foster: HITMAN Tour 

Featuring Katharine McPhee – 

January 31, 2021 

• Neil Berg’s 112 Years of Broadway 

– February 2, 2021 

• Audra McDonald – February 13, 2021 

• Jay Leno – February 14, 2021 

• A Tribute to Aretha 

Franklin: 

The Queen of 

Soul featuring 

Damien Sneed 

with special 

guest, Karen 

Clark Sheard – 

February 18, 

2021 

• STOMP returns 

to Sarasota 

comes to 

the Van Wezel 

on Sunday, 

March 7, 2021 

at 3 p.m. and 

7 p.m. 

• Itzhak Perlman 

in Recital 

– March 8, 2021 

• PROUD Tina: 

The Ultimate 

Tribute to 

Tina Turner – 

March 9, 2021 

• America – March 

10, 2021 

• An Evening with Chris Botti – 

March 14, 2021 

• Engelbert Humperdinck: 

Reflections Tour – March 18, 2021 

• South Pacific – March 29-30, 2021 

• Kenny G – March 31, 2021 

• Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock and 

Roll Part IV – April 1, 2021 

• Terry Fator: It Starts Tonight – 

April 2, 2021 

• Mansion of Dreams starring Illusionist 

Rick Thomas – April 8, 2021 

• Blue Man Group – April 12-13, 2021 

• Johnny Mathis 65 Years of 

Romance – April 14, 2021 

• Sweet Caroline – April 21, 2021 

• Riverdance 25th Anniversary 

Show – April 23-25, 2021 

• Fiddler on the Roof – April 27-29, 

2021 

• RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles – 

May 9, 2021 

• One Night of Queen performed by 

Gary Mullen and the Works – May 

15, 2021 

• Maks & Val LIVE: Motion Pictures 

Tour featuring special guests Jenna 

Johnson and Peta Murgatroyd – 

July 25, 2021 

• An Evening with Bruce Hornsby – 

November 11, 2021 

• Celtic Thunder: Ireland – 

November 17, 2021 

• Come From Away – November 

23-28, 2021 

• The Temptations and the Four 

Tops – December 2, 2021 

• Sarah Brightman – December 

14, 2021 

Tickets are on sale now at www. 

VanWezel.org, by calling the box 

office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting 

the box office Monday through Friday 

between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Art Around 

the State 

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The USF Contemporary Art 

Museum, part of the USF Institute 

for Research in Art in the College of 

The Arts, has a new exhibition, The 

Neighbors: Slide Shows for America, 

featuring photographic slideshows 

by artists Widline Cadet, Guy Greenberg, 

Curran Hatleberg, Kathya 

Maria Landeros, and Zora J Murff, 

curated by CAM’s Curator-at-Large 

Christian Viveros-Fauné. 

Amid a polarizing 2020 election 

season and an evolving COVID-19 

pandemic, each participating camera 

artist has been commissioned to 

create a slideshow of underexposed 

communities in the United States. 

For this show, less is more: the photographic 

portfolios installed at the 

USF Contemporary Art Museum 

are displayed using traditional slide 

carousels, to evoke the intimacy of 

family and community slide shows 

of another age. 

The exhibition is available to view 

online at cam.usf.edu. USFCAM remains 

closed. After USF reopens, reservations 

will be required to visit 

CAM, and details will be available on 

cam.usf.edu at that time. 

The exhibit runs to December 7. 

Also at USFCAM : LIFE DURING 

WARTIME: ART IN THE AGE OF 

THE CORONAVIRUS 

An Evolving Online Exhibition at 

https://lifeduringwartimeexhibition. 

org. Runs to December 12, 2020 

The virtual exhibition, Life 

During Wartime: Art in the Age of 

the Coronavirus engages a select 

company of international artists to 

respond to the overwhelming realities 

of the crisis that has gripped the 

planet since March 5, the date the 

World Health Organization declared 

COVID-19 a global pandemic. 

The exhibition takes full advantage 

of one of the few outlets artists 

still have—the Internet—during a 

public health emergency recently 

exacerbated by the wanton murder 

of George Floyd by police officers 

in Minneapolis. It aims to mobilize 

sentiment, thought and activity 

around art and its enduring possibilities: 

its role as a conceptual 

catalyst, its ability to trigger ideas, 

stories, conversations, emotions, 

feelings and mental states. 

Separately and together, each 

artist contribution provides a picture 

of a planet in crisis, now further 

enraged and victimized by violence, 

but also images of hope and optimism 

in the face of a global emergency. 

The exhibition will continue 

to evolve with the addition of new 

artists and materials. 

Boca Raton Museum of Art: 

• Jeff Whyman: Out of Nature runs 

October 7-January 3, 2021. Whyman 

ceramics are inspired by nature 

including the shells he collects. His 

vessels, teapots, and plates retain a 

semblance of function but are really 

sculptures. His spouts are twisted, 

his vases sage and tilt, and his plates 

are rife with lumpy accretions. 

Whyman acknowledges the influence 

of the renowned ceramicist 

Peter Voulkos who elevated the 

medium of clay to fine art, and with 

whom he worked for ten years at his 

Berkeley, California studio. 

Unlike Voulkos who added and 

subtracted elements of his pieces 

over time, Whyman creates his works 

all in one moment while the clay is 

still wet. He uses the wheel to throw 

his vessels and spontaneously adds 

materials as sea glass, Chinese crystals, 

mineral oxides, metal nails, and 

wood ash to make forms that call to 

mind rock formations and what one 

might find on the ocean floor. 

Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 

Plaza Real, Boca Raton. Info: 561- 

392-2500. Virtual programming 

provides access to everyone beyond 

gallery walls. 

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your skin 

NEW state of the art 

medical grade laser 

Dermatology of Coastal 

Sarasota (DOCS) has 

listened to their patient’s 

cosmetic requests, researched 

and acquired the state of the art Elos 

plus from Syneron / Candela. This laser 

uses optical energy with bipolar radio 

frequency (RF) for safe, comfortable 

treatments on most skin types. The 

Elos plus platform, will precisely 

address the most common cosmetic 

corrective goals like hair reduction, 

pigmentation, vascularity, skin laxity, 

wrinkles, stretch marks and acne scars. 

We are already implementing the 

treatments with great results! 

HAIR REMOVAL: 

Treat unwanted hair growth on all 

body areas. Hair follicles are precisely 

targeted and 

destroyed, leading 

to permanent 

hair reduction 

on the body area. 

The number of 

treatments is 

based on your hair 

color and type, 

body area and skin 

tone. The hand 

piece is cooled to 

ensure comfort 

and there is no downtime. 

SUBLATIVE: 

Improve skin tone & texture 

photo credit: candelamedical.com 

This sublative technology works by 

using RF energy directed below the 

surface layers of the skin stimulating 

a healing process leading to new 

collagen and healthy skin cells. This 

treatment can be used for improving 

the appearance of acne scarring, 

wrinkles and fine lines and improves 

skin laxity, tone and texture on face 

and neck. Safe for most skin types. 

Notable results after one treatment. 

Series of 3 treatments 4 to 6 weeks 

apart are recommended. During 

treatment, patients may feel a warm 

PAID ADVERTORIAL 

prickly sensation and after treatment 

a pink/red sunburn appearance. 

SUBLIME: 

Skin Contouring 

Utilizing bipolar radio frequency 

and light energy to precisely heat the 

dermal tissue, stimulating collagen 

production within the target treatment 

areas. Fine wrinkles are reduced, facial 

contours improved after cumulative 

treatment sessions. Series of 3- 4 

treatments are recommended. Sublime 

is a gentle, comfortable treatment 

requiring no downtime. 

PHOTOFACIAL/SKIN 

REJUVENATION: 

Pigmented and Vascular 

lesions treatment 

photo credit: candelamedical.com 

A safe and comfortable way to 

precisely and safely target pigmented 

lesions such as freckles, sunspots and 

age spots. Vascular 

lesions such as 

Telangiectasia and 

redness from rosacea 

are also lightened 

and gradually fade. 

Patients need about 

3-5 treatments for 

optimal results. 

During the 

treatment the skin 

is cooled and there 

is no downtime. 

If DOCS can help or you 

would like to schedule a 

complimentary consultation, 

please call 941.925.3627. 

5310 Clark Rd., Suite 201, Sarasota 

941-925-3627 

DOCSofSarasota.com 

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• Life Enrichment Activities • Personal Care 

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• Respite Personal Care 

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• Transitional Care for Couples Care 

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women’s health 

Women’s Wellness 

Is a 12 Month Commitment 

The new year serves as a 

reminder to women to make 

their health a priority and 

build positive health habits 

for life. As women we should 

be thinking about our health 365 days 

a year. Intimate issues such as urinary 

incontinence, sexual dysfunction and 

pelvic pain can be hard to discuss. 

I want to remind you that no issue is 

too little or too big to talk about when 

it is bothersome to you. As women, we 

often compare ourselves to a friend, a 

neighbor or a family member and forget 

that we are all unique, we all individuals 

and it’s personal. Your health is a lifelong 

journey. It’s not always easy to take steps 

to discuss intimate health issues. 

Every woman needs to focus on her 

own approach. Every woman needs a 

purpose and to find her own motivation. 

If you, like many other women, 

have difficulty with urinary incontinence, 

sexual dysfunction and/or pelvic 

pain or if you want to learn more, see 

me, Casie Wodzien, Nurse Practitioner, 

at the Urology Treatment Center. 

I specialize in the treatment of women’s 

urological health issues and would 

be happy to help you at our Sarasota or 

Lakewood Ranch office. When you think 

about pink, remember you are unique and 

your health matters every single day of 

the year. Your urological issues are not too 

little or too big to discuss. Women’s wellness 

and awareness always work together. 

Many people are surprised to learn 

that urology covers a wide range of 

conditions for both men and women. In 

addition to treating the male reproductive 

system, urologists treat diseases and 

conditions in the kidneys, bladder, and 

urinary tract – all of which affect both 

genders in all stages of life. 

Women may experience urological 

health issues that are unique to their 

anatomy. While numerous urological 

conditions can affect women of all ages 

for a variety of reasons, childbirth, menopause 

or a hysterectomy can alter the 

body in ways that could lead to conditions 

including pelvic floor weakness, 

overactive bladder or inflammation of 

the bladder wall (interstitial cystitis). 

Fortunately, most conditions are highly 

treatable, especially when caught early. 

• Urinary Tract Infections/Bladder 

Infections – Most women will 

develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) at 

some point in their lives. The infection 

develops when bacteria enter the urinary 

tract. Women with a UTI may have pain 

or burning when they urinate. They may 

also feel a sudden urge to go to the bathroom, 

but then have trouble urinating. 


UTIs can be serious, but 

they also can be treated 

with antibiotics. 

• Overactive Bladder 

(OAB) – OAB is a condition 

recognized by symptoms 

including urinary 

urgency, frequent urination, 

waking up at least 

twice a night to urinate or 

urge incontinence (leakage 

of urine). Treatments 

range from medication or 

nerve stimulation to Botox 

injections or surgery. At least 30 million 

Americans suffer from overactive 

bladder. 

• Urinary Leakage/Incontinence 

– Millions of women experience involuntary 

loss of urine, called urinary incontinence. 

The condition affects all ages and 

women of every social and economic 

level, though urinary incontinence 

occurs more often in older women than 

in young women. The condition can 

be driven by stress or by a weakness in 

bladder or pelvic floor muscles and can 

be treated with a variety of approaches, 

depending on severity. 

• Pelvic Floor Weakness/Vaginal 

Prolapse/”Dropped Bladder” – Pelvic 

floor prolapse occurs when the upper 

portion of the vagina loses its normal 

shape and sags or drops down into the 

vaginal canal or even outside of the vaginal 

opening. There are several types of 

pelvic floor prolapse including bladder, 

rectum, small bowel and uterus. It’s wise 

not to let the condition go on too long, 

as most worsening pelvic floor prolapses 

can only be fully corrected with surgery. 

• Pelvic Pain/Interstitial Cystitis – 

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a long-term 

inflammation of the bladder wall, also 

called painful bladder syndrome. Its symptoms 

are very similar to a urinary tract 

infection, such as urinary urgency and/or 

pelvic pain, but lack an identifiable cause 

such as bacterial infection. In the past, IC 

was believed to be a relatively uncommon 

problem, but now it is thought to affect 

up to 12 percent of women. 

Though women can be reluctant to talk 

about these sensitive issues, it is important 

to share details with and seek treatment 

from a certified 

urologist. Not doing 

so not only diminishes 

your quality of life, 

but can put you at 

serious risk. 

SOURCE: 

Casie Wodzien, 

MS, APRN, ANP- 

BC, Urology 

Treatment Center. 

Casie Wodzien, 

MSN, APRN, ANP-BC 


• SARASOTA • 

3325 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 200 

Sarasota, FL 34239 


• LAKEWOOD RANCH • 

6310 Health Parkway, Suite 210 

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 

Phone: (941) 917-8488 



At Tampa Museum of Art: 

• Everyday Women. On view 

through January 9, 2022. In celebration 

of the 100th anniversary 

of women’s suffrage, the Tampa 

Museum of Art presents a series of 

exhibitions focused on the achievements 

of women in the arts and explores 

the story of women in the 

ancient world through the depictions 

of goddesses, heroines, mythological 

characters, and everyday 

women in the Museum’s collection 

of classical antiquities. 

The Tampa Museum of Art continues 

to celebrate its 100th anniversary 

in 2020. To celebrate while 

social distancing, the Museum 

will host one big virtual evening of 

giving on November 7, 2020, Centennial 

Celebration: Cheers for 

100 Years. 

Supporters of the Centennial Celebration: 

Cheers for 100 Years virtual 

evening of giving will enjoy a fun 

night of virtual entertainment, with 

live performances, stories, interviews, 

and reflections on a century of 

accomplishments. 

Likewise, the funds raised will 

also support special outreach programs 

that provide art therapy interventions 

and meaningful modes 

of self-expression to vulnerable 

segments of the population. These 

groups include children and teens in 

foster care, children in domestic violence 

shelters, children of migrant 

communities, adults living with 

dementia, HIV/AIDs, Substance Use 

Disorder, and many more. 

Call 813-274-8130 or visit Tampa 

Museum.org. The Museum’s address 

is 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza. Tampa. 

t 

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. 

Petersburg has contemporary 

artist Derrick Adams. Adams has 

observed that in art and in reality, 

images of Black people at play, being 

joyful, and simply enjoying life are 

not the norm. To fill this void, Adams 

created a painting series titled 

Floaters between 2016–2019, where 

Black men, women and children 

lounged in or rested on novelty floaties 

in the pool. 

In the exhibition, Derrick 

Adams: Buoyant, 12 of these 

mixed-media works come together 

in a dynamic, vibrant presentation 

at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. 

Petersburg, through November 29, 

2020. In the gallery, the large-scale 

paintings are complemented by 

beach chairs and giant pool floats, 

along with one of the inspirations 

for the idea of the show: a 1967 

Ebony magazine article and photo 

spread on Dr. Martin Luther King, 

Jr.’s vacation in Jamaica. 

The MFA is located at 255 Beach 

Drive NE is St. Petersburg. The 

Museum houses the largest encyclopedic 

art collection in Florida. 

The collection includes works of art 

from ancient times to the present 

day and from around the world, including 

ancient Greek and Roman, 

Egyptian, Asian, African, pre-Columbian, 

Native American, European, 

American, and contemporary 

art. The photography collection is 

one of the largest and finest in the 

Southeast. For more information, 

visit mfastpete.org. 

t 

Changes 

and 

Updates 

In concern for 

the health and 

safety of patrons, 

musicians, staff 

and guest artists 

and other factors 

related to 

COVID-19, The 

Venice Symphony 

Board of Trustees 

has made the 

difficult decision 

to postpone the 

November 2020 

to April 2021 

concert season 

to 2021-22. 

Songs From 

the Stage and 

Screen with Linda 

Eder and Patriotic Pops at CoolToday 

Park are scheduled to take place in 

May 2021. 

Meanwhile, Music Director/Conductor 

Troy Quinn has announced 

a “reimagined season” of virtual 

concerts including “The Venice Symphony 

at Home for the Holidays.” 

This series will premiere in November 

2020 and will be offered at no 

charge to all, with enhanced virtual 

experiences provided to Symphony 

subscribers 

The Venice Symphony will also 

continue to present its free online 

Meet the Musicians and Behind the 

Baton video series. Those series and 

the summer-long Education Spotlight 

series are available on The Venice 

Symphony’s YouTube channels 

and at the thevenicesymphony.org. 

t 

Sarasota Orchestra has announced 

the postponement of its 

previously scheduled concerts for 

September 2020 through May 2021. 

Best efforts will be made to reschedule 

guest conductors, featured artists 

and programs in upcoming seasons 

for all previously scheduled performances 

and subscription series. 

Artistic Advisor Jeffrey Kahane is 

planning a series of 12 to 14 smaller 

ensemble concerts in Holley Hall at 

the Orchestra’s Symphony Center, 

which are anticipated to begin in 

November. Kahane’s programs will 

offer a variation of styles for a broad 

range of musical tastes. 

Concerts will employ socially distanced 

musicians on the stage with 

ensembles ranging from two to 15 

players. Enhanced safety protocols 

for small audiences will include 

socially distanced seating, required 

masks, hand sanitizing stations, 

deep cleaning of the facility between 

performances, and a newly installed 

Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization air 

handling system. 

Information is available at www. 

SarasotaOrchestra.org. 

t 

t 

Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College re-opens October 1. The Museum Campus is 

open to all, including the new Bistro, the Shop, and the Grounds. On exhibit: Worker 

by Barbara Banks. Sarasota Art Museum, Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 

South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Image: Lorenzo Gatlin, Worker. 

RCLA Town Hall Lecture Series: 

Ringling College Library Association 

has November 2020 dates for 

rescheduled Town Hall lectures by 

Lisa Genova and Annie Leibovitz. 

Original dates for the two remaining 

lectures were suspended by the Van 

Wezel due to Coronavirus public 

gathering precautions. Subscriber 

tickets for both lectures will be 

honored for both Town Hall events. 

These two dates will complete their 

40th Anniversary season. 

Now scheduled for Monday, 

November 9, renowned neuroscientist, 

Lisa Genova, will focus on 

neurological disorders, including 

Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic 

brain injury, autism, Huntington’s 

disease, and ALS. Genova graduated 

valedictorian from Bates College 

with a degree in biopsychology and 

holds a PhD in neuroscience from 

Harvard University. She is the New 

York Times bestselling author of 

“Still Alice,” “Left Neglected,” “Love 

Anthony,” and several other books. 

Through fiction, she is dedicated 

to describing the journeys of those 

affected by neurological diseases, 

thereby educating, demystifying, 

and inspiring support for care and 

scientific research. 

On November 23, renowned 

photographer Annie Leibovitz will 

give a talk on her long career in journalism 

and the arts. A former chief 

photographer for Rolling Stone, her 

pictures have appeared regularly 

on magazine covers since the 1970s. 

As an astute documentarian of the 

social landscape, she developed a 

large body of work at Vanity Fair, 

and later at Vogue, including portraits 

of actors, directors, writers, 

musicians, athletes, and political 

and business figures, as well as fashion 

photographs. 

The Lisa Genova and Annie Leibovitz 

lectures will be presented at Van 

Wezel. Morning lectures begin at 

10:30 a.m. and evening talks begin at 

7:30 p.m. Subscribers unable to attend 

are encouraged to donate their 

tickets to Ringling College Library 

Association. Call 941-309-5100. 

New College’s Clambake has 

been the school’s major scholarship 

fundraiser—and one of Sarasota’s 

most popular philanthropic events— 

for more than four decades. Due to 

concerns with COVID-19, organizers 

decided to push it past its usual November 

timeline. 

New College of Florida will celebrate 

the 42nd anniversary of its 

annual Scholarship Clambake, hosted 

by the New College Foundation, 

on March 4, 2021, at 6 p.m. The event 

will take place on the New College 

t 

bayfront beside 

College Hall, 

5800 Bay Shore 

Road in Sarasota. 

All ticket 

proceeds benefit 

student scholarships. 

New College 

Foundation 

board members 

Beverly Bartner 

and Renee 

Hamad are this 

year’s co-chairs. 

Tickets start at 

$250 and sponsorships 

are 

available. 

For more information, 

call 

941-487-4800. 

The University 

of South 

Florida has 

announced a new date for one of the 

region’s premiere events — the 27th 

annual Brunch on the Bay at the 

Sarasota-Manatee campus now on 

Jan. 24, 2021. Attendees will enjoy 

great cuisine, fellowship with friends 

and have the opportunity to invest in 

the future of the community by supporting 

student scholarships. Elizabeth 

Moore will serve as chairperson 

of the 2021 event. 

To reserve a table sponsorship 

or purchase tickets to Brunch, visit 

the 2021 USF Sarasota-Manatee 

Brunch on the Bay sponsorship 

page. Out of consideration for the 

safety of the community, new social 

distancing measures are being diligently 

considered as plans continue 

for Brunch on the Bay. Visit https:// 

www.sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/giving/brunch-on-the-bay/. 

t 

t 

Sarasota Opera has changes to 

Fall Season: 

• Due to the uncertainty of being 

able to gather safely in a theater 

in November, Sarasota Opera is 

cancelling the scheduled mainstage 

production of Mozart’s Don 

Giovanni and the Sarasota Youth 

Opera production of The Hobbit. The 

“Night in Italy” concert, scheduled 

for November 7, and the Concert at 

Noon scheduled for November 13 

are also cancelled. 

Sarasota Opera’s fall season will 

consist of concerts utilizing resident 

artists. A concert with singers 

and piano on stage at the Sarasota 

Opera House will be live-streamed 

on the internet on November 13, 

2020. If conditions allow for an 

in-person audience, an announcement 

will be made at a later date. 

The “OperaMobile” will return in 

November with Resident Artists 

performing throughout Sarasota. 

If conditions allow, the Company 

will also be scheduling concerts at 

outdoor venues in Sarasota, TBA. In 

addition, Sarasota Opera hopes to 

begin a modified HD at the Opera 

House and Classic Movies at the 

Opera House series in September or 

October, depending on then-current 

health conditions. 

No changes have been made to 

the Winter Opera Festival which 

is scheduled to run from Feb. 6 

through March 21. Single tickets 

for the Winter Opera Festival are 

on sale now. More info at https:// 

SarasotaOpera.org. 

The Board of Directors of the 

Anna Maria Island Concert 

Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO) has 

decided to postpone Symphony on 

the Sand until 2021. In its eighth 

season, Symphony on the Sand has 

traditionally occurred on Anna Maria 

Island’s Coquina Beach on the 

second Saturday each November. 

Recognized as one of the region’s 

premier musical events, it has been 

well-attended by over 4,000 people 

annually. For more information 

contact info@amicco.org. 

t 

Due to COVID-19 Ear Research 

Foundation postponed its March 

29, 2020, Hear & Now and All That 

Jazz events. The dinner and concert 

will now take place on December 

5 at the Sarasota Opera House and, 

as planned, will feature music 

legends Dick Hyman and David 

Amram. Hyman and Amram, performing 

together for the first time, 

will share each of their six decades 

creating a wide variety of music and 

working alongside a long list of renowned 

artists. 

The evening will include a 

pre-show dinner, concert, and 

afterparty in the courtyard 

featuring Dr. Herbert Silverstein’s 

jazz group, The Ear-iginals. For 

more information visit www. 

EarRF.org or contact Melissa Voigt, 

Executive Director at mvoigt@ 

EarRF.org or 941-365-0367. 

t 

Local non-profit organization, 

Realize Bradenton, is planning to 

proceed in December with their 

outdoor Blues music event, the 

Bradenton Blues Festival, but they 

are changing their venue due to the 

COVID-19 pandemic. 

The outdoor music event is expected 

to take place on December 4, and 

5, but it will not be held its normal 

location on the Riverwalk. The event 

will now take place at LECOM Park, 

the spring training home for the 

Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Organizers of the event say the 

main reason for changing the venue 

is because the park has a seating 

capacity of 7,500 and for an event 

that is expected to have over 1,100 

people in attendance they believe 

that continuing to practice social 

distancing in an outdoor environment 

is achievable. 

Friday Blues Appetizer evening 

event will be limited to 500 attendees 

and tickets are required. At the Saturday 

Bradenton Blues Festival event 

600 tickets are available. mTo purchase 

tickets, visit: mhttps://www. 

bradentonbluesfestival.org/ 

A week before the festival, ticket 

buyers will receive an email regarding 

festival parking, will call, seating 

assignments, and the health and 

safety procedures all attendees are 

expected to follow. Any questions, 

email blues@RealizeBradenton.com. 

t 

Interested in Advertising? 

email: 

westcoastwoman@ 

comcast.net 

online: 

WestCoastWoman.com 


datebook 

WCW PICK 

Free Livestream Health Seminar: Bio-identical Hormone Balancing 

O 

n 

October 29, 6-6:30 p.m., 

The Renewal Point has a 

livestream event on Facebook 

called “Bio-identical Hormone Balancing.” 

It will be presented by Dr. Dan Watts, 

Founder/Director of The Renewal Point Age 

Management Center. Join them on Facebook to 

learn about: At-Home Hormone Testing Kits and 

TeleMedicine Consults; the connection between 

hormones, aging, and disease; benefits of bioidentical 

hormones- working as a lock and key in 

receptor sites; How correcting an imbalance can 

improve energy, sleep, endurance, relationships, 

bone strength, mental focus, and more. 

Sound Bath 

Meditation Class 

at Wild Ginger 

n Sound Bath Meditation with Yoga 

Nidra is on October 11, 5-6:15 p.m. 

Immerse yourself in the vibrations 

and resonance of a wide array of 

sacred healing instruments, facilitated 

by Kelly Kelita. Fall into a state 

of deep relaxation while opening up 

the body’s natural healing pathways. 

You will emerge from this journey 

feeling lighter, more in balance and 

rejuvenated.Yoga nidra or yogic 

sleep is a state of consciousness 

between waking and sleeping, like 

the “going-to-sleep” stage, induced 

by a guided meditation. 

Offered Once per month, $25, limited 

to 12 spots so reserve with a ticket 

in advance. Tickets: https://www. 

eventbrite.com/e/sound-bath-meditation-with-yoga-nidra-tickets-110148896314?aff=efbeventtix 

Also offered on Sunday, November 

22, 5-6:15 p.m. 

Wild Ginger Apothecary is 

located at 6557 Superior Avenue, 

Sarasota. More classes are available 

at http://www.wildgingerapothecary.com/ 

or call 941-312-5630. 

Business Workshops 

at SCF 

n State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota 

(SCF) is offering a 

two-part workshop designed to 

help current and prospective business 

owners create “pitch decks” to 

better understand the value of their 

business to potential customers, 

supporters and investors. 

Part 1: “What Goes into a Pitch 

Deck? and Why?” Learn how to 

better market your business and 

ultimately sell to your customers. 

A pitch deck helps focus a business 

owner or entrepreneur on the 

problem they are solving, who they 

are solving it for, their competition 

and what competitive advantages 

they possess. Participants will learn 

to state a business challenge clearly 

and concisely, explain the business 

landscape and give convincing reasons 

why investors should devote 

their time, money or effort. 

Part 2: Participants will present 

drafts of their pitch decks and 

receive detailed feedback from the 

Attend the event at https://www.facebook.com/ 

therenewalpoint .The Renewal Point, 4905 Clark Rd., 

Sarasota. Call 941-926-4905 for more info. 

instructor and the other business 

owners and entrepreneurs. Attendance 

is not required at Part 1 to 

participate in Part 2; however, business 

owners and entrepreneurs who 

attend both sessions will have priority 

when presenting and receiving 

feedback on their pitch decks. 

Both sessions take place 6-9 p.m. 

at SCF Lakewood Ranch’s Center for 

Innovation and Technology, 7131 

Professional Parkway E., Sarasota. 

Online registration is available at 

SCF.edu/CCDenroll. 

Cost per session is $69 or $119 

when registering for both. Workshops 

will be facilitated by Matthew 

Harper, Director of Incubator/Accelerator 

for the Center for Advanced 

Technology & Innovation at SCF. 

For information, contact Lee 

Kotwicki at KotwicL@SCF.edu or 

941-363-7218. 

Women in 

Power Alumnae 

Initiative 

n A Sarasota-Manatee National 

Council of Jewish Women — Women 

in Power Alumnae Initiative 

is on October 5, 5:30-6:15 p.m., 

hosted by Keren Shani-Lifrak. 

Join NCJW as they celebrate 100 

years of women’s right to vote. There 

will be a review of the Suffragette 

HISTORY THEN, followed by a panel 

discussion of the Women in Power 

who are making HISTORY NOW. 

• Opening Speech by NCJW National 

CEO, Sheila Katz 

• Reading by Almuna Kate Alexander, 

and Florida Studio Theater’s: Alumna 

Carolyn Michel, and Ariel Blue. 

• Panel discussion with Alumnae: 

Barbara Zdravecky, Interim director, 

Ruth’s List FL, Luz Corcuera, 

Executive Director, Unidos Now, 

Roxie Jerde, President and CEO 

of the Community Foundation 

of Sarasota County, Leslie Glass, 

Author, journalist, philanthropist 

and filmmaker, Felice Schulaner, 

Philanthropist and activist 

The event is free. Register at: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ 

register tZIlcOmorjIoGNCsMl4fQw- 

BadMkDi1gN0zXR. 

At The Libraries 

n Sarasota County Libraries: 

n October 5—MASTER GARDEN- 

ER PLANT CLINIC—Held 10amnoon 

at Gulf Gate Public Library. 

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly 

gardens, composting, 

or citrus trees? Need a plant or 

insect identified? On the first and 

third Monday mornings of every 

month, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 

p.m., Gulf Gate Library hosts the 

Master Gardener Plant Clinic. 

To provide safe interactions 

during your library visit, markers 

will be placed on the floors in high 

traffic areas to facilitate social 

distancing. 

n October 24—UNIVERSITY OF 

FLORIDA/IFAS EXTENSION MAS- 

TER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC 

—10am noon and meets in the 

library lobby at Fruitville Library. 

Want to learn more about Florida- 

Friendly gardens, composting, 

or citrus trees? Need a plant or 

insect identified? Homeowners 

can receive research-based lawn, 

landscape and pest management 

help from the University of Florida. 

Info:(941) 861-2500. 

Clubs 

n The next Venice Area Women’s 

College Club event is a luncheon on 

October 13, 11:30 - 2 pm at Plantation 

Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley 

Blvd, Venice. The speaker will be 

Harry Klinkhamer, City of Venice Historical 

Resources Manager, talking 

about the History & Preservation 

Coalition of Sarasota County. 

This is the first monthly meeting 

for the new 2020-2021 season and 

social distancing will be observed. 

Call 941-202-4034 for lunch reservations 

($22). 

n The Central West Coast Chapter 

of the Florida Public Relations 

Association meets monthly for professional 

development luncheons 

and networking. 

The Central West Coast Chapter 

is a network of more than 100 public 

relations, marketing and communications 

professionals from 

Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto 

counties who come together for 

professional development and 

to build a network of peers. The 

mission of the Florida Public Relations 

Association is dedicated to 

developing public relations practitioners 

who, through ethical and 

standardized practices, enhance 

the public relations profession in 

Florida. Visit www.cwcfpra.com for 

information. 

Orioles to Host 

Food Distribution 

at Ed Smith 

Stadium 

n The Orioles have partnered with 

All Faiths Food Bank to host a series 

of mass food distribution events at 

Ed Smith Stadium. 

The events will take place on the 

second Saturday of each month 

through December. Future events 

will be held on October 10, November 

14, and December 12. 

Each distribution event will 

take place in the East Lot and is 

first-come, first-served, beginning 

at 9am and continuing until food 

runs out or 11:30am. All events will 

be staffed by All Faiths Food Bank 

volunteers and staff, and several 

of the events will also be staffed by 

Orange & Black Gives Back, the Orioles 

employee volunteer program. 

Info: https://www.mlb.com/orioles/ 

community/sarasota-programs 

At The Women’s 

Resource Center 

n The Women’s Resource Center 

offers many programs and services 

remotely and on-demand at no cost. 

They offer the recorded version of 

their webinars for free on YouTube. 

Call 941- 256-9721 or visit https:// 

www.mywrc.org. 

Yoga, Yoga 

and more Yoga… 

n Operation Warrior Resolution 

offers free yoga classes for active-duty 

and retired military personnel. 

Classes are held twice a week at 

MindSpa located off Bee Ridge Road. 

The classes are called “Combat Conscience 

Yoga” and are lead by U.S. 

Army veteran Kendra Simpkins. 

“Operation Warrior resolution is 

an organization is about providing 

holistic and alternative treatments 

to veterans and their families. To 

address any mental health issues 

post traumatic stress, anxiety, and 

depression. It’s really about finding 

a sense of purpose and hope again,” 

says Simpkins. 

Veterans can suffer from Post 

Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

or have high anxiety. Classes are 

at MindSpa Integrative Wellness 

Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Rd. Sarasota, 

and are held every Sunday at 

10:30am and Thursday at 7 pm. 

Instructor: Kendra Simpkins. Info: 

941-504-3040. 

n Yoga@The Ringling continues. 

Yoga Instructor Ashley Stewart will 

lead a yoga session the front lawn 

of Ca’ d’Zan. With health and safety 

as a priority, classes are limited to 

50 participants and at least 7 feet 

of distance will be maintained 

between people. Next yoga session 

is October, 10 a.m. Tickets must be 

purchased in advance. 

Also at The Ringling is Moving 

Meditation with Claudia Baeza. She 

is a Kripalu trained yoga instructor 

who has been sharing her love of 

yoga in Sarasota since 2016. Join her 

for Yoga + Meditation on the loggias 

of the Museum of Art Courtyard on 

Friday, October 30, from 10am to 

11am for an opportunity to gently 

move the body and calm the mind. 

This session offersYoga through the 

Chakras for inner balance and wisdom. 

Bring a yoga mat, water bottle 

and a friend– and enjoy the serenity 

of the Museum of Art Courtyard. 

Tickets must be purchased online, 

in advance of the event. 

Visit https://www.ringling.org/ 

events/yoga-ringling-1. 

n Free Beach Yoga With Elin. Balance, 

breathe, strengthen and at the 

same time, relax on Venice Beach. 

Yoga brings you to your full range 

of motion – not pushing beyond 

your limits. Move the way your 

body is designed to move. Learn to 

safely maneuver through your back, 

shoulder, and knee issues. Yoga is 

for all abilities. 

Elin, a certified yoga instructor, offers 

Yoga on the Venice Beach for free 

seven days a week. No reservations 

needed. Bring water and your mat 

to the Venice Beach Pavilion. Venice 

Beach has no mirrors because yoga 

is not about how you look but how 

you feel, but will take you on an 

exploration of your inner world. 

Meets 8 am every morning 

and 7 pm Monday- Thursday. 

Info: 941-408-9642 or email: elin@ 

yogawithelin.us. 

Love Gardening? 

n Monthly guided tours of the 

Manatee Educational Gardens and 

Greenhouse will be held on the 3rd 

Tuesday of each month at 10am. 

Guided tours are with certified Extension 

Master Gardener Volunteers 

lasting approximately one hour. Call 

the Master Gardener Plant Diagnostic 

Clinic to register 941-722-4524. 

The gardens illustrate a variety 

of garden styles and techniques, 

demonstrate Florida-Friendly Landscaping 

principles, educate residents 

about plants that perform well in 

Florida landscapes, and inspire garden 

visitors to follow recommended 

gardening practices at home. 

Visit the Extension Master Gardener 

Volunteer Information table 

and get answers to your gardening 

questions. 

• 1st Saturday: Island Library 

located at 5701 Marina Drive, 

Holmes Beach 10am-1pm 

• 2nd Saturday: South Manatee 

Library located at 6081 26th Street 

West, Bradenton. 10am-1pm 

• 3rd Saturday: Central Library 

located at 1301 Barcarrota Blvd. 

West, Bradenton 11:30am- 

2:30pm. 

EMAIL YOUR EVENTS TO: 


Follow us on Facebook at 

WEST COAST WOMAN 

and you’ll find even more events 

that come up each month. 


health feature 

Terrence Grywinski and Advanced Craniosacral Therapy has reopened for a limited number of sessions per week. 

Craniosacral Therapy Can Be Life Changing 

CST treats the whole body physically, physiologically, mentally, emotionally and energetically 

Clients come to me because they are in physical 

pain such as neck, back, pain and TMJ as well as 

for chronic headaches and migraines. 

● Both myself and all clients will be provided with Face Masks. 

● Appointments will allow the client to come directly into my 

office from their cars avoiding time in the waiting room. 

● Hand disinfectant will be provided. 

● An excellent air filtration system has been installed in the 

Pain and stress caused by 

shortened Fascia 

Fascia (strong connective tissue) encases 

all our muscles, organs, brain and spinal 

cord. Whenever fascia shortens any place 

in the body, the entire network of fascia 

creates an increased tension affecting the 

functioning of our physical body as well as 

our organs, our brain and spinal cord. 

Our body is the history of every major 

trauma we have experienced physically 

and emotionally beginning with birth 

issues, falls, head trauma, car accidents, 

childhood abuse issues, death, divorce 

and other emotional issues. Our body tries 

to minimize each trauma by shortening 

fascia to isolate the energy coming into the 

body from that trauma. Shortened fascia 

results in pain, loss of mobility and range 

of motion, organs becoming less efficient 

and with parts of the brain and spinal cord 

becoming stressed. 

To keep the brain functioning, the body 

transfers some of your functional work play 

energy (7:00 AM-10:00 PM) to the brain 

resulting in less energy to make it through 

each day. As we age, the accumulation of 

all the tightened fascia, from every major 

trauma in life, begins to restrict every 

aspect of our body’s functions resulting 

in pain, loss of mobility, mis-functioning 

organs, loss of energy, as well as our brain 

losing some its sharpness. 

How Craniosacral 

Therapy Works 

The Craniosacral Therapist creates a safe 

place, with gentle holding techniques, that 

engages your body’s ability to self correct, 

reorganize and heal itself with the release 

of some of that tightened fascia during 

each session. As the Craniosacral Therapist 

engages your body, you will feel fascia releasing. 

As the fascia releases, pain begins to 

decrease, range of motion and mobility improve, 

organs begin functioning better and 

with less stress on the brain feels, it returns 

the energy it borrowed at the time of each 

trauma resulting in an immediate increase in 

your energy levels. Rarely does anyone leave 

from my first session not feeling better. 

Short Leg Syndrome 

Eighty-five percent of my clients have one 

of their legs pulled up 1/2 to 1 by shortened 

fascia. The tension from short leg syndrome 

on the sacrum (5 fused vertebrae 

at bottom of the spine) is transferred up 

Testimonials from Clients 

■ “On a recent vacation to Siesta Key, I 

re-injured my back. I found Terry online. I 

can say with complete joy that was the best 

decision I made in the history of my back 

pain. I have sought many modalities and 

visit a CST regularly and never have I had 

such a healing in my entire body. 

After 3 sessions, I made a 16-hour drive 

home with no pain or discomfort in my 

entire body. Unbelievable. My body has 

a sense of moving freely and that is completely 

new. I’m so grateful to Terry for his 

knowledge, for his sensitivity to my needs 

and his kind generosity in healing my body. 

I will see him when I return next year.” 

—Caroline M. 

■ “I am a snowbird who spends 7 months 

in Sarasota. I have had back problems for 

25 years. Terry’s techniques have led to a 

great deal of release and relief in areas that 

have been problematic. I have been seeing 

him over the years when my body says ”it’s 

time”. Usually after a few sessions, I can tell 

a huge difference.” —Lana S. 

■ “I was introduced to Terry and Craniosacral 

Therapy by a Neuromuscular 

massage therapist who thought I needed 

higher level of care. I found Terry to be 

IN CONSIDERATION OF COVID-19 

kind, empathetic and he genuinely seemed 

to take an interest in my challenges. I have 

a mild Chiari malformation (part of the 

brain protrudes and puts pressure on the 

spinal cord) I had been experiencing vertigo, 

extreme pain in my neck combined 

with a limited range of motion (I could not 

turn my neck right or left) I tried both traditional 

and holistic modalities including 

chiropractic and acupuncture with limited 

success. So I did not have lofty expectations 

(unrealistic) going into my first session, but 

was pleasantly surprised in the immediate 

difference I experienced in my entire body. 

There was less pain in my back and 

shoulders, but also in my diaphragm and 

rib cage area. I was able to breathe more 

deeply, felt more limber and overall more 

relaxed. With additional sessions, Terry 

was able to relieve the burning sensation 

in my shoulders that would radiate into 

my lower neck and down my arms which 

had been plaguing me for a long time and 

causing numbness in my extremities. I have 

been impressed by his intuitive nature and 

his ability to listen to my body and focus in 

on specific issues and pain points. The therapist 

who referred me to him was right…he 

is a gifted healer.” —Nicole M. 


treatment room that destroys bacteria and viruses. 

● All surfaces will be disinfected between treatments. 

● All clients will be questioned about self isolation and having 

followed safety precautions such wearing a face mask in public 

as well as being free of any symptoms. 

The physical stress in bodies caused by 

shortened fascia (connective tissue) shuts 

down energy flows to certain organs. Short 

leg syndrome by ½ to 1 in (where one leg is 

pulled up by shortened fascia) shuts down 

energy flow to the spleen (an important part of 

your immune system) and the small and large 

intestine. With the release of that shortened 

fascia, energy returns to these organs. 

the dural tube that encases the spinal cord 

into the lower and upper back, the neck, 

the cranium and the brain. Headaches, migraines, 

TMJ and neck problems can originate 

from the fascial stress in the sacrum. 

Releasing this sacral stress increases 

energy in the bladder, sex organs, kidneys 

and the chakras as well as releasing major 

stress in the upper part of the body. 

Cause of Shallow Breathing 

A great majority of the clients who come to 

me for various problems are also shallow 

breathers. Fascial stress in the diaphragm restricts 

the depth of breathing by restricting 

energy flow to the lungs, the pericardium 

■ Chronic Pain: Sciatic, Back, 

Neck and TMJ 

advanced craniosacral therapy 

■ Migraines, Foggy Brain and 

Lack of Concentration 

■ Sight and Eye Problems 

■ Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD 

Terrence Grywinski 

of Advanced 

Craniosacral Therapy, 

B.A., B.ED., LMT #MA 6049 

SOURCE: 

■ Terrence Grywinski of Advanced Craniosacral Therapy, 

B.A., B.ED., LMT #MA 6049. Terry has specialized in Craniosacral 

Therapy since 1994 when he began his training at the Upledger 

Institute. Described by his teachers, clients and colleagues 

as a “gifted healer”, Terry’s intuitive sense and healing energy 

provides immediate and lasting relief from injury, pain, mobility 

issues as well as dysfunctions of the body and the brain. Part 

of Terry’s ongoing education, he has completed 4 craniosacral 

brain and peripheral nervous system classes which 

enables him to work at 

a cellular level and with 

brain dysfunctions. 

Call 941-321-8757 

for more information, 

Google Craniosacral 

Therapy Sarasota. 

and the heart. With the release of fascial 

diaphragm restriction, the client immediately 

starts breathing deeply and energy is 

restored to the pericardium and the heart. 

Shoulder blades that are cemented to 

the body also restricts how much the rib 

cage can open and thereby also restricting 

depth of breath. Without proper breathing, 

your cells do not get enough oxygen. 

Everyone, especially people suffering from 

bronchitis, asthma and COPD as well as 

shallow breathing can benefit when the 

fascial stress is released. 

Specialized Training 

to work with Brain 

Dysfunctions 

Just as the body physically gets stressed 

from physical and emotional trauma, the 

functioning of the brain is also affected 

by fascial stress. For our brains to remain 

healthy, we need dynamic production 

of craniosacral fluid which performs the 

important function of bringing nourishment 

to all the cells in the brain and spinal 

cord as well as cleansing all the metabolic 

wastes given off by those same cells. 

Once the craniosacral fluid cleanses these 

metabolic wastes, efficient drainage of these 

metabolic wastes into the lymph system is 

absolutely necessary. Research has shown, 

that at night, craniosacral fluid cleanses amyloid 

plaques from the brain. If the drainage 

is inefficient, then the brain is being bathed 

in a toxic slurry. How does 15 or 20 years 

of your brain being bathed in a toxic slurry 

affect you: senile dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s 

and other brain dysfunctions? 

A Craniosacral Therapist, who has 

received training in working with the 

brain, can reverse that stress on the brain 

that eventually can result in those brain 

dysfunctions. As we all know, the proper 

functioning of the body is dependent on a 

healthy functioning brain. 

What conditions does 

CranioSacral Therapy address? 

Immediate Relief Beginning with the First Session: 

■ Shallow Breathing 

■ Digestive and Constipation Issues 

■ Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Problems 

■ Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Depression 

■ Concussions, Brain and Spinal Cord Health 

■ Mobility and Energy Issues for Seniors 



KENDRA 

SIMPKINS 

Dedicated To 

Serving Fellow 

Veterans 

Kendra is a LCSW 

and MSW who 

works at MindSpa 

in Sarasota. Her specialty 

is as a Rapid Resolution 

Therapy (RRT) Master 

Practitioner. She’s also 

a trauma-informed 

yoga instructor. 

A U.S. Army veteran, 

Kendra also co-founded 

the nonprofit Operation 

Warrior Resolution, a 

veteran-run organization 

with the primary mission 

of providing RRT and 

other holistic approaches 

to veterans and family 

members at no cost. 

In addition to offering 

therapy, she created 

trauma-informed yoga 

classes and personal 

retreats —all to help 

veterans gain back their 

lives, freed from PTSD. 


Is it time to 

rebalance your 

retirement 

portfolio? 

TSD (post-traumatic stress 

disorder) is defined as a mental 

health problem that some 

people develop after experiencing 

or witnessing a life-threatening 

event like combat, a natural disaster, 

a car accident, or sexual assault. 

Different wars and conflicts produce different 

percentages, but broadly speaking, 

PTSD affects the military at a rate of 10-12 

per cent. It takes a dedicated practitioner to 

work with and effectively treat the men and 

women with these special concerns. That’s 

where Kendra Simpkins comes in. 

You can call her many things: veteran, 

social worker, yoga instructor, CEO, 

researcher, healer and more. Put it this 

way, her “elevator” speech might require 

a building with many floors because she 

has done so much. 

Kendra is a LCSW and MSW who works 

at MindSpa in Sarasota. Her specialty is as 

a Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) Master 

Practitioner. She’s also a trauma-informed 

yoga instructor. And, as you’ll read, she’s 

also pretty generous and caring, though 

those aren’t jobs per se, they’re how she 

conducts herself. 

She grew in Sarasota, was a Riverview 

grad, and attended then MCC (Now SCF). 

She joined the U.S. Army at 26, influenced 

in part by her grandfather who had served 

in WW2. 

Kendra had a successful career as an 

Army Military Intelligence Analyst in South 

Korea—something she says she “loved”— 

that is until things “became difficult.” 

During that time, she lost her dad and 

her grandfather and experienced other 

emotional challenges making it difficult 

to do her duties, she explains. She received 

an honorable discharge in 2010 after a year 

and a half in the Army. 

But things continued to deteriorate 

back in the States, where alcoholism, a 

divorce and other issues led to a suicide 

attempt followed by hospitalization that 

included a coma lasting three days. She 

recovered and found support not at the 

VA, but with a student veterans group at 

USFSM, a place where she would get her 

degree in psychology. 

Kendra felt the VA wasn’t serving veterans 

adequately and she wanted to help her 

fellow veterans. She decided to pursue her 

studies and earned a Masters in Social Work 

from Columbia University in New York City. 

She missed Florida and came back. 

In 2017 Kendra opened her practice 

offering Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT). 

She was trained by RRT founder Dr. Jon 

Connelly who created the breakthrough 

treatment that has shown to be quite effective 

with treating trauma. On Dr. Connelly’s 

website, he says, “Research shows that 

without proper soothing and deactivation 

of the nervous system, patients can stay in 

a triggered state and unable to access the 

parts of the brain needed to remain in the 

here and now. ” 

In her therapy sessions, Kendra asks 

what clients are thinking and keeps them 

present. That means they don’t need to 

relive their trauma. Hypnotherapy is part 

of the regimen, but is actually more like 

“guided imagery” as she explains it. Cognitive 

therapy is also employed, but there’s 

no one treatment plan for everyone - it’s 

flexible to meet an individual’s needs. 

In layperson’s terms, trauma can get 

“stuck” and needs a pathway out. The goal 

is to open up a neural pathway and be in “a 

state of ease.” The mind’s natural reaction 

is “fight or flight” in which cortisol, adrenaline 

and noradrenaline are released. In very 

simple terms, the goal is to open pathways 

so that the traumatic memory is released. 

Kendra also provides RRT to individuals 

experiencing not just PTSD, but also sexual 

trauma, grief, depression or anything troubling 

associated to prior experiences. According 

to the Harvard health newsletter, 

“Research suggests that chronic stress contributes 

to high blood pressure, promotes 

the formation of artery-clogging deposits, 

and causes brain changes that may contribute 

to anxiety, depression, and addiction,” 

thus showing how PTSD affects both 

the mind and body. 

As an example of how RRT can help, 

Kendra relays how a veteran texted her 

about his July 4th experience writing, “no 

ducking…. and heart rate fine.” The noise 

from fireworks that are so typical of July 

4th celebrations can be quite traumatic to 

someone who has military-related PTSD. 

Thus that veteran made it through the holiday 

thanks, in part to RRT, but also through 

Kendra’s working with him. 

In 2018 Kendra co-founded the nonprofit 

Operation Warrior Resolution, a veteran-run 

nonprofit organization with the primary 

mission of providing RRT and other 

holistic approaches to veterans and family 

members at no cost. As President and Chief 

Operating Officer, her goal is to oversee the 

organization and get funding to make sure 

all veterans can receive those services. 

From her website: “Operation Warrior 

Resolution (OWR) was created in response 

to the reported 22 military veterans tragically 

committing suicide each day in America. 

Unfortunately, the numbers of veterans 

lost to suicide each day is not decreasing.” 

And she has expanded OWR’s programming 

in innovative ways. Part of her 

practice and an important part of her own 

life has been the study of yoga. Operation 

Warrior Resolution offers free yoga classes 

for active-duty and retired military personnel 

twice a week at MindSpa located off Bee 

Ridge Road. The classes are called “Combat 

Conscience Yoga” and photos show men 

and women of all ages and shapes moving 

into fluid and deliberate yoga poses. 

Veterans’ healing retreats are also offered 

and there will be on for women this 

January. The goal is to heal and return 

veterans to a post-military world free of 

PTSD. RRT is not lengthy and she again 

emphasizes, does not require reliving 

painful or traumatic experiences. 

COVID-19 has been especially hard on 

those dealing with PTSD creating or exacerbating 

substance abuse issues. COVID 

also affected Kendra’s travel to India to 

deepen her Hatha yoga knowledge. She 

had left the U.S. and arrived in India early 

March 2020, “basically when the world shut 

down,” she laughs at her unfortunate bad 

timing. She was headed to Rishikesh, the 

self-proclaimed yoga capital of the world 

to expand her knowledge. What should 

have been a retreat to relax the mind and 

body became lockdown as the virus spread 

quickly spread around the world. 

India allowed no planes to enter and the 

borders were closed and thus no planes 

were going out. It was a three-week extension. 

“It was such a blessing,” she comments 

and adds, “I got everything I needed 

by being there.” Now that is someone who 

definitely practices what she teaches. 

In 2019, Kendra was named Sarasota 

Female Veteran of the Year by the Sarasota 

County Veterans Commission. But the 

reward comes in knowing how many veterans 

— men and women — she has helped 

regain their lives. 

For more information on RRT and 

Kendra’s practice, visit https://sarasota 

rapidresolutiontherapy.com. To learn 

more about Operation Warrior Resolution, 

visit operationwarriorresolution.org or 

call 920-840-3327. There you can find out 

more about the upcoming Female Veteran 

Healing Retreat in January 2020. 

STORY: Louise Bruderle 

IMAGES: Evelyn England 

FREE LIVING WILL 

WITH EVERY ESTATE PLAN 

Simple Will ................................... $ 110 

Revocable Living Trust: 

Single ....................... $ 595 

Married ................. $ 1,050 

Power of Attorney ........................ $ 95 

Health Care Surrogate .................. $ 85 

No additional costs required other than filing fees if applicable. 

www.gerlinglawgroup.com 

Let’s take a look together. 

Call 941-914-1560 

for a virtual appointment. 

Amanda E. Stiff, MBA 

Financial Advisor 

941.914.1560 

AccessAdvisorsLLC.com 

Astiff@AccessAdvisorsLLC.com 

1800 Second Street Suite 895 Sarasota, FL 34236 

1305 Langhorne Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 

Security and Advisory services offered through Harbor Financial Services, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC clearing 

through Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Access Advisors, LLC is 

not an affiliate nor subsidiary of Harbor Financial Services, LLC. 

Dana Laganella 

Gerling, Esq. 

Offices: Bradenton/ 

Lakewood Ranch 

756-6600 

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, 

ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. 


dining in 

Quarantining making your jeans not fit right? 

The Quarantine 15 or The Covid-15, whatever you call it, it’s easy 

to see how you might gain weight during the pandemic, especially if 

you’re spending most of your time at home. Comfort food recipes have 

been trending on Google. And everyone is into sourdough bread to baking 

of any kind. There’s so much baking going on, supermarkets can’t keep flour 

in stock. If you’re concerned about those “COVID curves” you’ve gotten, here are 

some low-cal but tasty options. 

F Seared Salmon & Shallot-Dijon Vinaigrette 

with Roasted Potatoes & Sautéed Vegetables T 

For this dish, we’re paying homage to the 

flavors and ingredients of niçoise with a 

vibrant side of sautéed green beans and 

sweet peppers that perfectly pairs with 

seared salmon topped with an irresistibly 

tangy vinaigrette of whole grain dijon 

mustard, piquant shallot, and more. 

baby golden potatoes 1 1/4 lbs 

olive oil (divided) 3 tbsp 

Italian seasoning 1 tbsp 

fresh green beans 6 oz 

mini sweet peppers 1/2 lbs 

garlic 2 cloves 

sweet piquante peppers 1 oz 

shallot 1 med 

rice vinegar 1 tbsp 

coarse Dijon mustard 2 tbsp 

water 1/4 cup 

skin-on salmon filet (10-oz) 2 

salt and pepper to taste (optional) 1 pinch 

Prepare and roast the potatoes: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven, then preheat to 

450°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Halve the potatoes lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 

1/2-inch pieces. Place on a sheet pan. Drizzle with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil; season with salt (optional), 

pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 21 to 23 

minutes, or until lightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven. 

Prepare the ingredients & make the vinaigrette: Meanwhile, cut off and discard the stem ends 

of the green beans. Cut off and discard the stems of the sweet peppers; remove the cores, 

then quarter lengthwise. Peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Roughly chop the piquante 

peppers. Peel the shallot; finely chop to get 2 tablespoons (you may have extra). In a bowl, whisk 

together the chopped shallot, vinegar, mustard, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until thoroughly 

combined. Taste, then season with salt (optional) and pepper if desired. 

Cook & finish the vegetables: In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1/2 teaspoon of olive 

oil on medium-high until hot. Add the prepared green beans in an even layer. Cook, without 

stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the quartered sweet peppers; season with 

salt (optional) and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until slightly softened. 

Add the chopped garlic; season with salt and pepper. 

Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add 1/4 cup of water (carefully, 

as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the water has 

cooked off. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the chopped piquante peppers and season with salt 

(optional) and pepper. Stir to combine; cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe out the pan. 

Cook the fish & serve your dish: Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Season with salt (optional) 

and pepper on both sides. In the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium until hot. 

Add the seasoned fish, skin side up. Loosely cover the pan with foil. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until 

lightly browned. Flip and cook 2 to 4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through (an instant 

read thermometer should register 145°F). Turn off the heat. Serve the cooked fish with the roasted 

potatoes and finished vegetables. Top the fish with the vinaigrette. Enjoy! 

Nutrition Facts: Recipe makes 4 Servings. Serving size is 1/4 of recipe. Amount per serving: 

Calories 560. Total Fat 32g. Saturated Fat 6g. Trans Fat 0g. Cholesterol 80mg. Sodium 870mg. 

Total Carbohydrate 35g. Dietary Fiber 6g. Total Sugars 6g. Protein 34g. Potassium 1350mg. 

F Avocado, Tomato & Corn Salsa 

Avocado, Tomato & Corn Salsa T 

2 ears corn, shucked 

2 green onions, trimmed 

1 Tbsp oil for basting 

1 avocado, peeled, pitted, 1/2-inch dice 

3 (about 1 lb total) tomatoes on-the-vine, 

cored, 1/4-inch dice 

Zest and juice of 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp juice) 

1/4 cup Olive Oil 

1 Tbsp chopped Cilantro 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Preheat grill on MED. Coat cleaned grill grate lightly with vegetable oil. Toss corn and green 

onions with basting oil. Grill, turning often, until tender and lightly browned (2-3 min for green 

onions, 5-8 min for corn). Let cool. 

Cut corn from cob. Thinly slice onions. Add corn, onions, avocado, and tomatoes to large bowl; 

toss to combine. Whisk lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, and cilantro in small bowl. Pour over corntomato 

mixture; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. 

Nutrition Information: Carbohydrate 2.g. Sodium 0.mg Cholesterol 0.mg Saturated Fat 0.g 

Fat 3.g. Ready in 25 mins; Prep: 20 mins. Servings: 5 cups. Calories per serving: 30. 

F Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Balsamic Drizzle 

Grilled Fruit Kebabs with Balsamic Drizzle T 

2 cups pineapple 

chunks 

2 cups watermelon 

chunks 

2 bananas (peeled, 

cut into large 

chunks) 

1 pound hulled 

strawberries 

(stems discarded) 

2 tablespoons 

balsamic vinegar 

2 teaspoons honey 

1 tablespoon 

canola oil 

(you can also use 

peaches) 

If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. 

Prepare a grill to medium-high heat. Prepare the fruit by chopping 2 cups pineapple and 2 cups 

watermelon. Peel and thickly slice bananas and remove stems from strawberries. 

Thread fruit onto the 8 skewers, aiming for 2 pieces of each fruit per skewer: strawberry, 

pineapple, watermelon, banana, strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, and banana. Place onto a 

platter or a baking sheet. 

In a small bowl, add vinegar, honey, and oil. Whisk together with a fork. Use a basting brush to 

glaze fruit with about half the balsamic mixture. 

Grill the kebabs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning a few times and basting with the remaining 

balsamic mixture. Remove from the grill and serve. 

Cooking Tip: Cutting the fruit into thick pieces to wedge onto the skewers helps ensure that 

they stay put during the grilling process. 

Keep it Healthy: Consider a twist on the fruit salad by grilling large slices of fruit like 

watermelon, pineapple, peaches, pears, mangos and more. Chop and toss with a bit of olive oil 

and lime juice for a fruit salad. 

Tip: It’s easier to buy containers of already chopped fruit like watermelon and pineapple in a 

pinch; however, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy an entire pineapple or a halved watermelon and 

chop it yourself. 

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 199 Per Serving. Protein 2.4g per serving. Fiber 5.3g Per Serving. 

Makes 4 servings or 8 skewers. 

Ice (as needed) 

1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from about 

3 medium limes) 

4 lime slices (optional garnish) 

F Summery Limeade 

Summery Limeade T 

One of America’s favorite 

summer drinks is limeade and 

we’re definitely still “summer” 

though the calendar 

says October. Making a 

refreshing batch for a party? 

Put a raspberry, blueberry, or 

even an edible flower in each 

compartment of an ice cube 

tray. Gently fill the tray with 

water and freeze it to create 

beautiful cubes. Refrigerate 

the limeade for a day before 

serving to allow the lime zest 

to pump up the citrusy flavor. 

2 teaspoons grated lime zest (from 

about 2 medium limes) 

1 1/4 teaspoons sugar substitute 

5 cups cold water 

Wash 3 limes. Using a microplane or zester, zest each lime. Add zest into a large pitcher. 

Cut each lime in half. Use a juicer or citrus reamer to juice each lime until you have 1/3 cup lime 

juice. Add into the pitcher, along with sugar substitute and water. Stir together to combine. 

If desired, make 4 lime wheels by cutting and discarding the ends off the lime. Slice the lime into 

4 wheels and add each one into a glass. 

Add ice into each glass and fill with 8 ounces limeade. Stir limeade before serving because the 

zest settles into the bottom of the pitcher. Pour into glasses and serve. 

Cooking Tip: There are a few tricks to get the maximum amount of juice from your limes. Gently 

warm in the microwave for just a few seconds and/ or roll the limes back and forth under the 

palm of your hand on a cutting board. 

Keep it Healthy: An advantage to using sugar substitute is that it dissolves instantly to sweeten 

a beverage. 

Tip: If you have fruit on hand (anything from mango to strawberries), add 1 to 2 tablespoons 

into the glass and muddle it before adding the limeade. 

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 9 Per Serving of 8 ounces. Servings: 5 Serving Size: 8 ounces. 


nutrition and fitness 

QUARANTINING QUANDRY: 

Where did those extra pounds come from? 

And more importantly, how to get rid of them 

Nobody has yet done an assessment of how COVID-19 

has impacted the nation’s weight—in fact, there are 

reports that some people are losing weight. But John 

Morton, MD, MPH, MHA, medical director of 

bariatric surgery at Yale New Haven Health System, 

says he has seen patients in telehealth appointments who 

have gained five, 10, and even 30 pounds. 

“Anecdotally, we 

are definitely seeing 

weight gain,” Dr. Morton 

says. “You can put 

on 30 pounds really 

quickly—you can do it 

in three months.” 

In fact, COVID-19 has 

created a perfect storm 

for people who struggle 

with weight. “Life has 

been disrupted in a 

major way,” says Artur 

Viana, MD, clinical director 

of the Yale Metabolic 

Health & Weight 

Loss Program. Gym 

and park closures have upended exercise 

routines, and the stress has escalated 

for parents who suddenly had to work at 

home while teaching their children. People 

have had to postpone medical checkups 

and physicals, where getting updates 

like blood pressure and cholesterol numbers 

can be motivation to think about 

weight, he says. 

All this stress can affect weight. “We 

know that obesity’s causes are multifactorial 

and that stress is involved,” says Dr. 

Viana. “Not only are there organic body 

changes, but we turn to food as a way to 

cope with stress.” There are also metabolic 

changes associated with the “fightor-flight 

syndrome,” says Dr. Morton. 

“When you’re stressed, your body will 

sense it, and it will not give up any calories 

when it thinks it needs for energy for 

running away or combat,” he says. 

Inflammation is a primary factor, Dr. 

Morton adds. “It’s hard to establish if it’s 

the chicken or the egg. Does inflammation 

lead to more weight or does more 

weight lead to more inflammation? The 

answer is, probably, both.” 

One reason to keep your weight from 

getting too far out of control is that obesity 

is associated with serious complications 

in people with COVID-19, according 

to Dr. Morton. “We know obesity is a big 

risk factor—not just for COVID, but it also 

caused problems in people with H1N1 [a 

strain of swine flu that infected people 

around the world in 2009] and severe 

acute respiratory syndrome [SARS, 

a coronavirus that became an epidemic 

in 2002-2003],” he says. “We’ve known 

this for a long time. It’s being demonstrated 

right now even more because 

this virus has been so pervasive.” 

According to the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC), severe 

obesity increases the risk of a dangerous 

breathing problem called acute respiratory 

distress syndrome (ARDS), which is 

a serious complication of COVID-19. Also, 

people with severe obesity are more likely 

to have other chronic diseases and health 

conditions that can increase the severity 

of COVID-19, if they become infected. 

Dr. Morton is also concerned about 

how effective a COVID-19 vaccine will be 

for people with obesity, if and when one 

is proven to be safe and effective. “We’ve 

learned over the years that traditional 

flu vaccines do not work as well in people 

with obesity. This probably has a lot to do 

with the fact that the immune response 

is altered because of the weight and the 

inflammatory changes that occur,” he 

says. “I think as we develop a vaccine, 

we need to make sure that patients with 

obesity are over-represented in the trial, 

because they are at high risk, and we 

need to have a vaccine that is going to 

work for them.” 

Losing five or 10 pounds during the 

pandemic is entirely possible, says Dr. 

Morton. He advises starting by stepping 

on the scale at least once a week. Having 

spoken to patients during telehealth 

visits in the past few months, he says, 

“I was surprised at how few patients 

have weighed themselves. Weighing 

yourself is both therapeutic and diagnostic.” 

The National Weight Loss Registry, 

which tracks people who have lost 

significant weight and maintained the 

loss, has shown that people who weigh 

themselves are more likely to keep their 

weight down, he says. 

Once you know your weight, you can 

determine your body mass index (BMI), 

which is a height/weight ratio that 

will show where you fall in the weight 

spectrum. (There are many simple BMI 

calculators available online.) Your BMI is 

considered healthy if it falls between 18.5 

and 25, and overweight if it is between 25 

and 30—a good reason to adjust your diet 

and exercise routine. 

When BMI reaches 30, people begin to 

have an extremely difficult time losing 

weight without medical support and 

interventions, Dr. Morton says. The Yale 

Weight Loss Program offers options such 

as medication, endoscopic procedures, 

and surgery for people in need. 

If you need to lose 10 or 15 pounds, it 

should be doable—even with the changes 

and restrictions of the pandemic, Dr. 

Morton says. The first step is to come up 

with a plan, he says. He recommends 

building new routines around what 

he calls the four pillars for weight loss: 

diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. 

“You have to have routines. 

You can’t just be sailing along, hoping 

for the best. Start with the fundamentals,” 

he says. “That means getting up in 

the morning, taking a shower, getting 

breakfast, and having a plan for the day. 

Purpose gives direction, and it helps 

when it comes to weight.” 

One or two pounds a week is a reasonable 

weight loss pace, Dr. Morton says. 

“If you want to cut back by 500 calories a 

day, that might mean you are exercising 

the equivalent of 200 calories and cutting 

out 300 calories in your diet.” 

Strategies 

for shedding pounds 

Dr. Morton and Dr. Viana provided 

several tips to support a weight 

management program: 

■ Create a daily routine. 

■ Set a daily wake-up time and bed time. 

■ Plan your meals ahead, if you can. 

■ Dress up for work every morning—if 

you wear sweatpants or other loose-fitting 

clothes every day, it’s easier to ignore 

weight gain. 

■ Renew your interest in food and 

cooking. If you are home more than 

usual, you might have time to learn 

more about cooking healthy foods. 

“When you are eating foods you like, you 

can learn to get a taste of fullness from 

taste as opposed to only the quantity of 

food,” Dr. Morton says. 

■ It might be helpful to cook a week’s 

worth of meals (or at least the protein 

parts of the meals) in one session. 

■ Be sure to include whole grains, fruits, 

vegetables, and lean meats. 

■ Think about how you are eating. 

■ Control your portions. Try using a 

salad plate instead of a dinner plate. You 

can also drink a big glass of water before 

you eat, then wait about 15 minutes to 

see if you’re still hungry. 

■ Eat proteins first, because they will 

make you feel fuller. Too many carbohydrates 

can cause swings in blood sugar 

and leave you feeling like you have less 

control over your hunger. 

■ Shop carefully. If you think you’ll eat a 

whole package of cookies in one sitting, 

don’t buy them. 

■ Schedule regular exercise. If social distancing 

keeps you from your usual gym 

session or exercise classes, try other forms 

of activity, such as hiking or an online 

workout class. Exercise is not the main 

factor for weight loss, but it plays a role 

in keeping weight off once you lose it, Dr. 

Viana says. Weight loss can also help with 

mood and joint pain, adds Dr. Morton. 

SOURCE Yale University Medical School 

■ Get a good night’s sleep. This means 

seven or more hours a night, depending on 

what your body requires. “There is a lot of 

evidence that people who don’t get enough 

sleep are more likely to be overweight or 

obese,” Drs. Morton and Viana say. 

■ Decide how to manage stress. People 

of faith who get support from others in 

their religious community face a 

particular struggle right now, as 

congregating in large groups raises 

risk of infection. But you can set 

a regular time for prayer at home 

and take long walks. Meditation, 

yoga, and a mindfulness practice 

can help. Alcohol can seem 

like a way to calm stress, but it is 

not helpful for weight loss, Dr. Viana 

says. “When you have a glass 

of wine, count that as having a 

candy bar. It contains calories and 

the nutritional value is very low.” 

Alcohol can also disturb your sleep 

and make you dehydrated, which may 

prompt eating, says Dr. Morton. 

■ Should you just relax? 

Should you just go easy on yourself right 

now? It’s a question that comes up. “Everybody’s 

got a tipping point with their 

weight. A lot of people know this—when 

they get to a certain weight they start to 

have problems like reflux or joint pain,” 

says Dr. Morton. “I would say it’s fine as 

long as you are in a normal weight range, 

but if you are getting out of that range, I 

would do something about it.” 

If you are still in a normal weight range, 

an extra 5 to 10 pounds may not make a 

significant impact on your health, says 

Dr. Viana. But if you are overweight or 

obese, losing 7 to 10% of your weight can 

have a positive impact on such conditions 

as heart disease, fatty liver disease, and 

joint pain, he says. 

Whatever your weight goals may be, 

now is a good time to assess your lifestyle 

and focus on all the things that keep you 

healthy, Dr. Viana says. “You might have 

more time to reshape your priorities and 

decide what to do about food and exercise,” 

he says. 

While you want to have a plan, you do 

have to make it sustainable and make 

allowances, says Dr. Morton. There is no 

reason to be rigid about it, Dr. Viana adds. 

“So, don’t have macaroni and cheese every 

day, but if you want to have it once in 

a while, I think it’s fine.” Yale 


your health 

HOW DOES 

OBESITY CAUSE CANCER? 

The link between obesity and cancer risk is clear. 

What’s less clear is how exactly one leads to the other 

THE LINK BETWEEN 

obesity and cancer risk is 

clear. Research shows that 

excess body fat increases 

your risk for several cancers, including 

colorectal, post-menopausal 

breast, endometrial, esophageal, 

kidney and pancreatic cancers. 

What’s less clear is exactly how 

being obese increases that risk. 

Experts believe it’s largely due to 

the inflammation caused by visceral 

fat – the fat that surrounds your 

vital organs. 

“The problem with excessive visceral 

fat is that it affects certain processes 

in your body. This includes 

how your body manages hormones, 

like insulin and estrogen,” says Adriana 

Coletta, Ph.D. RD, a postdoctoral 

fellow in cancer prevention. 

“All of this can lead to an increased 

cancer risk by affecting 

how and when cells divide and die,” 

she says. 

How does obesity 

cause inflammation? 

Visceral fat cells are large, and 

there are a lot of them. This excess 

fat doesn’t have much room for 

oxygen. And that low-oxygen environment 

triggers inflammation. 

Inflammation is the body’s natural 

response to injury and disease. For 

example, when you get a deep cut, 

the area around the cut becomes 

red and painful to touch. This minor 

inflammation around the wounded 

area helps repair the damaged tissue 

and aids with the healing process. 

But long-term inflammation 

caused by excess visceral fat can 

damage your body and increase 

your risk for cancer. 

Cancer happens when cells reproduce 

uncontrollably, damaging 

the cells around them and causing 

illness. The more cells divide and 

reproduce, the higher the risk that 

something will go wrong and a tumor 

will form. 

Inflammation 

and insulin 

The link between inflammation 

and insulin – the hormone that 

regulates blood sugar – is complex, 

Coletta says. 

Inflammation caused by obesity 

can keep the body from properly 

responding to insulin. This is called 

insulin resistance. When the body 

doesn’t respond to insulin correctly, 

it produces more insulin to 

make up for that. 

The increase in insulin due to insulin 

resistance triggers an increase 

in the number of cells produced, 

which can lead to cancer. “Increased 

insulin also affects how hormones 

like estrogen are controlled,” says 

Coletta. “More insulin can lead to 

more available estrogen, which increases 

cancer risk.” 

How does more 

estrogen increase 

cancer risk? 

“Basically, higher estrogen levels 

lead to increased cell production, 

which could result in tumor 

growth,” Coletta says. Estrogen 

is necessary for the body to function. 

In women, the ovaries are 

the main source of estrogen. In 

men, an enzyme converts testosterone 

to estrogen. But fat cells 

in both men and women can also 

make estrogen. This is why too 

much estrogen is commonly seen 

in obesity. 

In women, too much estrogen 

is linked to an increased risk for 

post-menopausal breast, endometrial 

and ovarian cancers. 

Cancer and obesity: 

What you can do? 

One of the most important things 

you can do to decrease your cancer 

risk is maintain a healthy weight, 

Coletta says. 

There are steps you can take 

to prevent obesity: 

• Stay active. Aim for 150 minutes 

of moderate activity or 75 minutes 

of vigorous activity a week. 

• Eat a healthy diet. Fill at least 

2/3 of your plate with non-starchy 

vegetables, fruit, whole grains or 

legumes (beans and peas), and 

1/3 or less with animal protein. 

• If you drink alcohol, limit 

yourself to one drink per day if 

you are a woman, and two per 

day if you are a man. 

• Get plenty of rest. Fatigue can 

make you want to eat more, and 

make unhealthy choices. 

Being obese or overweight hurts 

your body’s ability to work well, 

Coletta says. Maintaining a healthy 

weight is essential for reducing 

your risk for cancer. 

SOURCE: AICR 

How to determine 

calorie burn 

Of course exercise burns calories, 

but which exercises burn the most? 

And how do you know? We all 

know that when it comes to weight 

loss and energy balance, it’s a matter 

of calories in versus calories 

out. But when you exercise, do you 

really know how many calories 

you’re burning? 

It’s important to learn how many 

calories you typically burn so you 

can control your weight, prevent 

obesity and lower your cancer risk. 

Here are some answers to 

typical questions: 

How do you know how 

many calories you’ve 

burned during a workout? 

Measuring the exact number of 

calories you burn can be difficult. 

There are a few ways to measure 

your calorie burn. You can: 

• Use an activity tracker or an 

app that will estimate your calorie 

burn for you. But be careful 

with these. The accuracy can 

vary from product to product. 

• A heart rate monitor is one of 

the best ways to measure your 

calorie burn. Your heart rate indicates 

how much effort it takes 

for you to do a certain activity, 

and that effort determines the 

calories you burn. If a heart rate 

monitor indicates your calorie 

burn, it’s more likely to be accurate 

than the average activity 

tracker because it’s taken your 

specific heart rate in to account. 

• A MET values chart can also 

show you how many calories 

are typically burned during 

specific activity based on your 

weight. This chart was created 

by researchers and used 

widely throughout the medical 

community. 

Which helps you lose more 

weight: diet or exercise? 

Diet. Cutting calories and eating 

healthy will help you lose weight. 

Exercise alone probably won’t help 

you lose weight, but it will help you 

keep the weight off. 

To lose one pound a week you 

should aim for a calorie deficit of 

500 calories per day, through a combination 

of reducing the calories 

you eat and increasing the calories 

you burn through physical activity. 

This adds up to 3,500 calories per 

week, the number of calories in 

about one pound of fat. 

What factors contribute 

to how many calories 

are burned? 

Several factors contribute to how 

quickly an individual burns calories, 

including: 

• The intensity of an activity being 

performed. The more intense 

an activity is the more calories 

an individual burns. 

• Weight. People who weigh more 

burn more calories. 

• Body composition. Muscle 

requires more energy than fat to 

maintain. People with more muscle 

burn more calories. 

How much activity 

do I need to do? 

To lower your cancer risk, aim for 

at least 150 minutes of moderate 

physical 

activity or 

75 minutes 

of vigorous 

activity 

each 

week. 

Remember, 

you 

don’t have 

to do it all 

at once. 

You can 

break it up 

throughout 

the 

day, too. 

SOURCE: 

MD 

Anderson 

Cancer 

Center 


l 

Dermatology of Coastal Sarasota 

Comprehensive Compassionate Care 

Key Chorale has announced its 36th season, 

“Come Together,” which includes a combination of online 

streaming concerts, in-person concerts, reconceived 

rehearsals and events, and newly amended educational and 

community outreach. Never has their mission been more 

important than now. Key Chorale is resolved to use 

creativity and innovation to reinvent and re-imagine the 

ways they deliver that mission in this unprecedented season 

and in the seasons to come. 

Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, recipient of the Arts 

Leadership Award for Artistic Achievement, continues to 

produce one-of-a-kind programming, collaborations that 

inspire, and musical artistry that stirs the soul. This unique 

season brings the community together to experience the 

healing and hope of music. 

Medical • Surgical • Cosmetic 

Dermatology 

DOCS welcomes 

Amy Hodge Fenenga, PA-C 

Dermatology of Coastal Sarasota 

5310 Clark Rd., Suite 201, Sarasota 

941.925.3627 

DOCSofSarasota.com 

Premieres Friday, October 30th • 7:30 PM 

Online streaming concert will be available from 

the premiere until November 22 

Our VIRTUAL season opener brings us together to 

experience the healing and hope of music. The Chamber 

Singers present an inspirational program of favorites, 

uplifting spirituals, and music that celebrates the resiliency 

of the human spirit. Joseph Martin’s featured composition, 

The Awakening, is a journey to healing and joy through the 

power of music. “Awake, my soul, and sing! The time for 

praise has come. The silence of the night has passed; a new 

day has begun. Let Music Live!” 

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chorale 

Sarasota’s Symphonic Chorus 

Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director 

Season subscriptions on sale now! 

Single Tickets on sale October 1 

941.921.4845 

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Call now to get this FREE 

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1-855-637-6404 

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focus on the arts 

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota and FST’s Suffragist Project Present: 

WOMEN OF NOTE 

A virtual celebration of female composers, female musicians, and 

the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote 

The celebration 

includes Jenny Kim- 

Godfrey, soprano, 

Robyn Rocklein, 

mezzo-soprano, Gail 

Berenson and Lee 

Dougherty Ross, piano 

with Kate Alexander, 

Ariel Blue and Meg 

Gilbert. Hosted by 

Marcy Miller. It will 

be available online 

October 1-12. It was 

originally to have been 

a live performance 

this summer as part 

of Florida Studio 

Theatre’s Suffragist 

Project. Now 

it’s gone 

digital. 

Jenny Kim-Godfrey 

Gail Berenson 

Robyn Rocklein 

Lee Dougherty Ross 

Artist Series Concerts of 

Sarasota presents, in partnership 

with Florida Studio 

Theatre’s Suffragist 

Project, “Women of Note,” 

a virtual celebration of female artists 

and composers in commemoration of 

the 100th anniversary of the passage of 

women’s right to vote. 

The video production, professionally 

filmed at Church of the Palms, 

features soprano Jenny Kim-Godfrey, 

mezzo-soprano Robyn Rocklein, 

pianists Gail Berenson and Artist Series 

Concerts co-founder Lee Dougherty 

Ross, performing works by Fanny 

Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Amy 

Beach and Marion Bauer. 

Women of Note is hosted by Marcy 

Miller, executive director of Artist 

Series Concerts, and also features 

cameo appearances by actors Ariel 

Blue and Meg Gilbert, reading letters 

and writings by key figures in the 

women’s suffrage movement. Kate 

Alexander, Associate Director At-Large 

for Florida Studio Theatre and Suffragist 

Project Director, offers commentary and 

historical perspective. 

The performance will be available for 

viewing online from October 1 through 

October 12. Tickets are $15 and will be 

available at www.ArtistSeriesConcerts. 

org during those same dates. Patrons 

will receive a link and password to the 

video that will be available for online 

viewing anytime during that time. 

In the classical music world, the [last] 

names Mendelssohn and Schumann 

usually evoke the first names Felix 

and Robert, two great composers of 

the 19th century. But Felix Mendelssohn’s 

older sister, Fanny Mendelssohn, 

and Robert Schumann’s wife, Clara 

Schumann, were each brilliant musicians 

and composers in their own right. 

“Florida Studio Theatre’s Suffragist 

Project provided us with the perfect 

vehicle to present works by Fanny and 

Clara plus two other formidable but 

often overlooked female talents, Amy 

Beach, the first composer to have a symphony 

performed by a major orchestra 

in 1896, and Marion Bauer, a contemporary 

of Aaron Copland and a key figure 

in the shaping of 20th-century American 

music,” says Joseph Holt, director 

of artist programs for Artist Series 

Concerts. “I chose these four mainly for 

the musical qualities of their work and 

suitability for this program,” adds Holt. 

“And while none of the four wrote anything 

specifically about the Suffragette 

movement, it is still a model sampling 

of women who were creating, and 

beautifully, over the course of the entire 

women’s suffrage movement.” 

The musical portion of the program 

is performed by noted area sopranos 

Jenny Kim-Godfrey and Robyn Rocklein, 

and by pianists Gail Berenson and 

Artist Series Concerts co-founder Lee 

Dougherty Ross. Interspersed throughout 

the program, which consists of 16 

songs and one piano solo, is illuminating 

commentary by Suffragist Project Director 

Kate Alexander and readings of 

Abigail Adams and Sojourner Truth by 

FST actors Ariel Blue and Meg Gilbert. 

When the resurgence of coronavirus 

cases scuttled plans for a live performance 

of Women of Note this July, it was 

clear to both Holt and Alexander that 

the show would have to go on, virtually. 

“The result has been a wonderful 

collaboration between us and Florida 

Studio Theatre, seven fine area artists 

and everyone else involved in putting 

this video presentation together,” says 

Holt. “We’ve given voice to the certainly 

notable work of some extraordinary 

‘women of note.’” 

TICKET INFO: 

The performance will be 

available for viewing online from 

October 1 through October 12. 

Tickets are $ 15 and will be 

available at 

www.ArtistSeriesConcerts.org 

during those same dates. 

Patrons will receive a link and 

password to the video that will 

be available for online viewing 

anytime during that time. 


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24 WEST COAST WOMAN OCTOBER 2020 

~ Samaria Williams 

Bio-identical Hormone 

Balancing – 

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Estrogens 

he ‘facts’ that most women 

“ 

Tand clinicians consider in 

making the decision to use 

or not to use hormone replacement 

therapy are frequently 

wrong or incorrectly applied,” 

says Professor Robert D. Langer, one of 

the principle investigators for the Women’s 

Health Initiative (WHI) Study. (1) 

For instance, has it been considered 

to balance the Estrone levels and, more 

importantly, their inflammatory and 

carcinogenic forms? 

When C.P. came to The Renewal Point, 

she was “frustrated and scared.” At only 55 

years-old, with three children, she felt like 

she was falling apart. “Every day is a chore,” 

she lamented. She also shared a familial 

history of breast cancer. Her younger sister 

was a breast cancer survivor (BRCA Negative). 

She, herself, had been diagnosed with 

thyroid cancer several years before. After 

menopause she was placed on bioidentical 

hormones, an estrogen patch and natural 

progesterone, by her doctor, but felt they 

were of no help. 

I could truly empathize. Although C.P 

made healthy lifestyle choices (Paleo Diet, 

organic meats, fish and vegetables, exercise, 

swim, jog, golf, and bike) she was not 

enjoying the benefits of her good living. 

She ached all over with fibromyalgia and arthritis 

and suffered active viral loads which 

caused persistent weakness and fatigue. 

Blood tests revealed an alarming problem 

but one that gave a clue to her maladies. 

Her Estradiol and Testosterone levels (good 

hormones) were low while her Estrone level 

(bad hormone) was sky high ~ the exact 

wrong balance. 

Further, an Estrogen Metabolism Study 

demonstrated that C.P. was not detoxifying 

her 4(OH)-Estrone, giving her the worst 

case scenario of hormone imbalances. This 

particular hormone metabolite is known 

to be highly inflammatory and a precursor 

(2, 3) 

for 4(OH)-Quinone, a known carcinogen. 

Estrogen Overview: 

■ Good: 2(OH)-Estrone 

■ Bad: 16(OH)-Estrone 

■ Ugly: 4(OH)-Estrone 

While it is well documented that “natural” 

bioidentical hormones are much 

safer than their chemical or “synthetic” 

counterparts, what is less well known is 

that healthy metabolism of estrone requires 

that they are transformed by the liver and 

eliminated from the body in the urinary 

and biliary tracts. Many times during this 

detoxification process, a genetic error of 

metabolism can change good hormones 

into carcinogens and inflammatory intermediaries. 

These problems increase the risk 

for inflammatory conditions such as breast 

cancer, fibromyalgia and arthritis. 

In C.P.’s case, we went right to work. By 

‘tweaking’ her bioidentical hormones, we 

were better able to balance her Estrogen, 

Progesterone, and Testosterone levels. At the 

same time, taking advantage of a natural 

means of supplements and vitamins, a process 

known as Nutrigenomics, we were able 

to lessen her risk of breast cancer, and the 


symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Arthritis. As 

she described, “After all these years, I finally 

have my life back.” 

C.P. was further advised to suggest her 

sister run an Estrogen Metabolism Study on 

herself, as this test can be used to prevent 

breast cancer recurrence. 

She called me recently, thanking us for 

educating her about good and bad estrogens. 

“By the way,” she said, “My sister was 

Positive for the same metabolic error and is 

well on her way to recovery as well!” 

With over 30 years experience in hormone 

balancing, a Post-doctoral Certification 

in Metabolic Endocrinology, and 

a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, 

and Functional Medicine, Dr. Watts has 

put together a hormone balancing program 

that has helped thousands of patients. If 

you have any of the issues that were talked 

about or listed in this article, we recommend 

that you schedule an appointment ~ 

we can help! To schedule an appointment, 

ask questions, and/or get more information, 

you can call us at 941-926-4905 or email us 

at info@therenewalpoint.com. 

–—————————————— 

About The Renewal Point 

With over 30 years of experience and 

numerous board certifications and 

credentials, Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM 

and Helena Williams, 

ARNP, MS are experts 

in the Science and 

Art of Functional 

Medicine. We offer 

TeleMedicine and 

have been to patients 

around the globe for 

over a decade now. 

We have extended 

our TeleMedicine 

services to all new 

patients as well. 

Dr. Dan Watts, 

MD, ND, MSMN 

The Renewal Point 

FOUNDER/DIRECTOR 

REFERENCES: 

1. R.D. Langer. The evidence base for Hormone Replacement 

Therapy (HRT): what can we believe? Climacteric, 2017; 20 

(2): 91 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2017.1280251. 

2. Lord RS, Bongiovanni B, Bralley JA: Estrogen metabolism and 

the diet-cancer connection: Rationale for assessing the ratio 

of urinary hydroxylated estrogen metabolites. Altern Med Rev 

7:112-129, 2002. 

3. Kabat GC, O’leary ES, Gammon MD, et al: Estrogen metabolism 

and breast cancer. Epidemiology 17:80-88, 2006. 

4905 Clark Road, Sarasota 

Phone: 941-926-4905 

www.TheRenewalPoint.com 

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October 29, 6-6:30 


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Accolades 

• Sapore della Vita means “taste of 

life” and they offer organic and all natural 

products from Italy that are sourced from 

small artisan producers who have passion 

for making superior quality products. They 

also have their own state side brand called 

LICK MY SPOON, which are also made in 

small batch craft production by Kristine 

Insalaco-Gaioni. She uses locally-sourced 

organic, all-natural ingredients. 

Products include award winning caramel 

sauces, jams, marmalades, nut butter 

spreads, biscotti, and other confections. 

Kristine Insalaco-Gaioni 

Sarasota-based Sapore Della Vita recently 

won the 2020 sofi Gold Award in the 

dessert topping category for their Lick My 

Spoon Vegan Caramel Sauce. The artisan 

food industry has swooned over Kristine 

Insalaco-Gaioni’s culinary innovations for 

years. Kristine’s caramel sauce received a 

Good Food Award in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 

2018. And her caramel sauce was named 

Best Caramel Sauce in the U.S. in 2016 by 

Food & Wine magazine. 

Lick My Spoon products are available 

at Whole Foods in Sarasota, Tampa, 

and Ft. Myers locations, and at Williams-Sonoma 

throughout the Southeast. 

They are also sold in grocery and specialty 

shops across the nation. 

Congratulazioni Sapore della Vita! 

■ Info: (941) 914-4256 or visit https:// 

www.saporedellavita.com. 

• Anna Maria Oyster Bar won the 2020 

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of 

the Best Award for its Cortez location. 

They ranked in the top 10% of restaurants 

worldwide. Based on a full year of 

Tripadvisor reviews, prior to any changes 

caused by the pandemic, award winners 

exemplify travelers’/diners’ ultimate favorite, 

top 10% of hospitality businesses 

around the globe. 

“We are proud to be a place where our 

guests are comfortable recommending 

to their friends and fellow Tripadvisor 

travelers,” said John Horne, owner of 

Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Tripadvisor 

announced the Travelers’ Choice Best of 

the Best Awards, honoring diners’ favorite 

Fine Dining and Everyday Dining Restaurants. 

Based on a full year of Tripadvisor 

reviews, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 

26 WEST COAST WOMAN OCTOBER 2020 

these restaurants were consistently given 

high ratings and praise by diners in the 

U.S. and around the world. The prestigious 

2020 awards honor 461 restaurants 

around the world. 

What’s New 

• 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen 

& Cocktails 

This newish downtown Sarasota restaurant 

was briefly known as Avli Mess 

Hall but due to a trademark issue from 

someone outside of the area, they chose 

1592 Wood Fired Kitchen (that’s their 

address on Main Street, BTW). Partners 

are restaurateur Edward Zaki and Chef 

Alexandre Gosselin who met 16 years ago 

in Montreal, Canada. 

They’ve taken over the space that El 

Greco held since 1989. 

They’ve upped the menu by offering 

modern Mediterranean cuisine, but with 

a strong Greek influence. Main courses 

include moussaka ($18), pastitsio ($18), 

melitzana linguine ($18), lamb shank ($22) 

and lamb chops ($29) as well as grilled 

salmon with Greek yogurt ($22). But they 

also offer steaks, salmon, tuna, sushi and 

bangers and mash. The bar is quite handsome 

judging by the pics, and the entire 

space is nothing like El Greco. 

■ 1592 Main St., Sarasota, 

■ Mon-Thurs 11AM-9PM; Fri-Sat 11AM- 

10PM; Sun - Closed 

■ Info: 941-365-2234, www.avlionmain.com 

• Detweiler’s Clark Road 

Detwiler’s Farm Market opened its fifth 

location at 2881 Clark Road, Sarasota. 

The 44,000-square-foot supermarket is 

in Merchants Pointe plaza at Clark and 

Swift roads. 

The new south Sarasota location joins 

existing Detwiler’s outlets in east Sarasota, 

in Venice, on University Parkway 

and in Palmetto. The store offers a large 

selection of fresh produce (including local 

when in season, organics and tropical), an 

old-fashioned deli (with Amish style meats, 

cheeses, bacon, salads and olives), a full 

service seafood shop, a butcher shop, 

a large natural grocery section (including 

local milk, butter, local eggs, bulk foods, 

local pastas, jams and jellies, canned 

goods and frozen), a wellness department 

with name brand vitamins, probiotics, 

proteins, CBD products, a farmhouse bakery, 

a sub shop, a hot food bar featuring 

Detwiler’s farm bowls, a sushi spot, and 

their own locally made ice cream. They’ve 

added online ordering and curbside pickup. 

Visit DFMgo.com to shop. 

■ Hours: Mon thru Sat 8am to 8pm; 

closed on Sundays. 

■ Info: 941-378-2727. 

• At Postal 98 Café 

It’s a new sandwich and coffee shop 

in the heart of Pinecraft. But you might 

recall it as the Pinecraft Post Office. 

As a young girl, owner, Ann Michelle 

Stoltzfus remembers mailing post cards 

and letters home to her friends back north 

in Pennsylvania when she would visit with 

her parents Dave and Barbie Esh. 

No stranger to the food business, Ann 

Michelle along with her husband Jason 

Ann Michelle Stoltzfus & family 

are co-owners of Esh Foods, located in 

Lancaster County, PA. Her main highlight 

of coming to Pinecraft was to visit her 

grandparents, inspiring her love for Florida. 

When the word spread that the post 

office was closing, her dreams of owning 

a café finally became a reality. 

Partnering with Sarasota-based Lattitude 

23.5˚ Coffee & Tea, they created 

a specialty blend of Guatemala based 

coffee, as a way of honoring their adopted 

children from Guatemala. This blend 

is commonly known as their Signature 

Postal 98’ Café Blend. Along with the 

uniqueness of the coffee blend, you’ll find 

the various menu items reflecting their 

four children’s favorite drinks. 

■ Postal 98 Café 

■ 1240 Yoder Avenue Sarasota 

■ Open Mon - Sat 7 AM - 10 PM. 

■ Info: 941-260-8862 

• Duval’s Now Delivers to 

Lido Beach 

Downtown Sarasota’s Duval’s recently 

launched a new delivery option that lets 

you easily pick up food at three different 

locations on Lido Beach. Duval’s 

beach drop-offs can take place at the 

north end of the public beach, in the public 

parking lot near the pavilion or at the 

pavilion itself. 

Special beach packages include the 

“Perfect Po’ Boy Combo,” which comes 

with two sandwiches, fries and a choice 

of white or red wine for $39; the “Burgers 

& Beers” package, which comes with 

two burgers and a six-pack of beer for 

$35; “Dinner for Two,” which includes two 

entrées, salad, dessert and wine for $89; 

and the “Sunsets & Sparkles” package, 

which comes with fruit, cheese and rosé for 

$29. Regular menu items are also available. 

■ To order a Duval’s beach delivery 

package, call (941) 312-4001. 

• Antojitos Cuban Cuisine 

In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, 

the word “antojitos” refers to small 

snacks or appetizers, little nibbles that 

are often inexpensive and meant to be 

consumed quickly. Antojitos Cuban Cuisine 

serves Cuban style breakfast, lunch 

and dinner in Sarasota. 

Antojitos Cuban Cuisine opened on 

the North Trail in the former Yummy 

House space earlier this year. Their antojitos 

selection includes small items like 

croquettes (75 cents), empanadas 

($2.50) and stuffed potato balls and 

Cuban style pizzas($2). 

In addition, Antojtos also makes a 

roasted pork entrée ($10.99), ropa vieja 

($14.99) and chicken and seafood platters. 

Of course you’ll find flan ($2.75) and 

café con leche ($2.99-$4.50), or choose 

from a variety of pastries. 

■ Antojitos Cuban Cuisine 

■ 3232 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 

■ Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 

10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 

and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 

■ Info: The restaurant offers online ordering 

and takeout. Call (941) 355-2200 

or visit https://www.antojitoscuban 

cuisine.com 

more WCW|FOODIE on page 29 ›››

travel news 

ItsEasy Passport App for iOS or Android 

The onset of COVID-19 created a 

real problem for passport agencies 

and centers across the country. And 

in turn, a problem for anyone hoping to 

renew or get a new passport. Passports can 

only be processed at secure facilities, making 

it nearly impossible for staff to work 

through passport requests from March 

through June 2020. Staff are slowly getting 

back to work at passport agencies and centers, 

but demand is still high, and they are 

working through a backlog of nearly one 

million passports. 

ItsEasy Passport App may help with these 

challenges. The updated app provides the 

only COVID-safe way to renew your passport 

from home, completely contact-free. Since 

the onset of the pandemic, the enhanced 

5-star ItsEasy Passport App has helped thousands 

of people renew safely, securely and 

affordably - right from their home. 

For $34.95 plus required government 

fees, Americans can renew their passport, 

ship documents securely and even take 

Novotel Miami Brickell 

has Reopened 

Novotel Miami Brickell has reopened. 

This includes guest services and food 

and beverage venues with limited 

service and Vista Rooftop Pool. 

The new operational standards being 

implemented at Novotel Miami Brickell 

and at Accor properties across North & 

Central America were developed and 

vetted by a team of expert advisors to 

ensure maximum efficacy in preventing 

the spread of all viruses and pathogens. At 

each touchpoint along the guest journey 

through Novotel Miami Brickell, extensive 

measures are being taken to protect guests 

and employees, including physical distancing; 

mandatory screening for all guests 

and employees, which may include a temperature 

check; face coverings mandated 

for all employees and guests in all indoor 

public spaces; 48 hour “resting period” 

for soft goods (i.e. pillows and duvets) 

between guest stays; increased frequency 

of cleaning and disinfecting, with a focus 

on high-touch points; and continued use 

of EPA registered disinfecting chemicals, 

proven effective in preventing the transmission 

of COVID-19. 

Flexible rates are always available for 

booking, allowing change or cancellation up 

to 24 hours in advance of arrival. For information, 

call 786-600-2600. Novotel Miami 

Brickell is located at 1500 SW 1st Ave, Miami. 

Info: https://www.novotelmiami.com. 

their own passport photo, without leaving 

home. ItsEasy’s white glove service 

includes help from concierge travel 

experts who will review every photo 

and document to ensure it will not be 

rejected, then monitor each application 

through the entire process. 

ItsEasy’s “All Inclusive” Renewal Program 

provides: perfect passport photo ; 

round trip trackable shipping; forms 

and instructions delivered instantly via 

email; pre-checked documents to ensure 

a perfect submission; 24/7/365 live 

customer service for unlimited status 

processing updates and complimentary 

passport renewal reminders so you don’t 

forget to renew 

Perhaps one of the biggest perks of 

renewing your passport now is the ability 

to add a REAL-ID Passport Card (additional 

$30 government fee) which can be used in 

lieu of your passport book or a non-compliant 

driver’s license when traveling domestically. 

The Passport Card does not display 

Luminary Hotel & Co. 

Now Open in Downtown Fort Myers 

The 243-room 

waterfront Luminary 

Hotel & 

Co. officially opened 

its doors, making its 

long-awaited debut 

in downtown Fort 

Myers. Opening in 

conjunction with 

the new 12-story 

Luminary Hotel are 

three of its featured 

food and beverage 

outlets – Ella Mae’s 

Diner, Dean Street 

Coffee, and the 

Lobby Bar. 

Other key features 

include The Workshop, 

a culinary laboratory; an indoor and 

outdoor fitness facility; and a pool area 

on the fourth floor, with an event deck 

overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. 

Luminary Hotel & Co. is the fifth 

Mainsail Lodging & Development 

property in the Autograph Collection of 

Marriott, and the first Autograph hotel in 

the Fort Myers-Naples area. 

The new boutique hotel’s guest rooms 

and suites are modern in design and 

include amenities such as complimentary 

Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, artisan pantries 

with gourmet coffee service, and luxuri- 

your address, protecting your privacy while 

traveling. It is also REAL-ID compliant, and 

all domestic flights will require a REAL ID 

beginning October 2021. 

Info: https://www.itseasy.com/app/passport-renewal-and-photo-app/ 

Mazzaro’s Italian Market 

now at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) 

Local favorite Mazzaro’s 

Italian Market 

has opened at St. 

Pete-Clearwater International 

Airport for departing 

travelers in Gates 7-11 

post-security passenger 

area. The market features 

a selection of Mazzaro’s 

favorite hot and cold 

sandwiches, flat breads, 

locally roasted coffees, 

and a signature wine, 

beer and cocktail list. 

“Mazzaro’s is one of the most celebrated 

local brands in Tampa Bay. We are thrilled 

to welcome them to the PIE family,” said 

Airport Director Tom Jewsbury. 

Mazzaro’s Italian Market is one of St. 

Petersburg’s best-known landmarks, serving 

an extensive selection of 

fresh food and known 

for it’s fun and flair. The 

airport incarnation celebrates 

this local icon with 

a seated dining experience 

conveniently located near 

boarding gates. 

“Bringing Mazzaro’s 

to PIE means travelers 

will get to have one last 

‘taste of place’ before 

they depart our region. 

We’re very proud to bring our restaurant to 

the airport and look forward to serving PIE 

travelers for many years to come.” said Kurt 

Cuccaro, Owner, Mazzaro’s Italian Market. 

ous bedding and upscale bath products. 

Guests have ample choices for dining 

from a signature restaurant and rooftop 

bar, to a casual streetside diner and coffee 

roastery. The three new outlets that have 

opened with the hotel operate seven days 

a week, with the onsite coffee roastery 

Dean Street Coffee open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 

Ella Mae’s Diner from 6:30 a.m. to 9 

p.m., adding “soul food with finesse” to 

its Southern repertoire; and the Lobby 

Bar open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

For information, go to Luminary 

Hotel.com. 

Florida Resorts 

Offering 

Specials 

Amelia Island rests just off 

Florida’s northernmost Atlantic 

coastline. Treasured for 

its long stretches of quiet beaches, 

natural beauty and unique history, 

the island is home to a mix of outdoor 

and upscale pleasures. Florida 

residents get up to 30% off best 

available rates at the Omni Amelia 

Island Resort. Stretching over 1,350 

acres at the tip of this barrier island, 

the resort offers oceanfront accommodations 

with views of the Atlantic 

Ocean, pools, championship golf, 

and a full-service spa. To book a reservation, 

visit OmniHotels.com 

or call (904) 261-6161 and use the 

promo code “RESIDENT.” 

Set amid a lush topical haven, the 

oceanfront Barbary Beach House 

Key West offers guests an array of 

amenities, including a lagoon-style 

pool with private cabanas; secluded 

lounging hammocks; bicycles; complimentary 

shuttle service to Duval 

Street and the Downtown Seaport 

Harbor; and full-service restaurant 

with indoor and outdoor seating 

and pool bar. 

Across the street at the Barbary 

Beach Club, guests enjoy complimentary 

use of Hobie Cats, paddleboards, 

and kayaks, as well as a halfmile 

stretch of sandy shoreline for 

strolling and sunning at Smathers 

Beach. Having recently completed 

a top-to-bottom, resort-wide conversion, 

the resort boasts mostly suitestyle 

accommodations. 

Florida residents get up to 25% 

off your Key West stay by showing 

your valid Florida ID at checkin. 

All details at https://www. 

barbarybeachhousekeywest.com/ 

offer/florida-resident-rate/# 

Located just minutes from Key 

West’s historic Old Town, the 106- 

room, waterfront Havana Cabana 

at Key West Hotel invites visitors to 

experience Florida’s southernmost 

tropical paradise in a new kind 

of way. The Cuban-themed hotel 

features a tropical décor and a host 

of boutique amenities. Guest rooms 

feature pool and gulf views, with 

family suites also available, and the 

resort is also pet-friendly. 

The hotel’s own Floridita Food 

Truck serves Cuban-inspired menu, 

including café con leche, pastries and 

Cuban sandwiches. Havana Cabana 

is home to Key West’s largest pool, 

with plenty of room to soak up the 

sun. Florida residents can save up 

to 15%* on overnight stays through 

December. Visit HavanaCabanaKey- 

WestHotel.com. Valid Florida ID 

must be presented upon arrival. 

Northwest Florida’s premier 

full-service beachfront resort is offering 

Honors members Double Bonus 

Points on every stay and double 

night credits on every stay. To get 

your points, register online and travel 

to Hilton Sandestin Beach by December 

31, 2020. Reservations: (800) 559- 

1805 or https://www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com/honors-double-rewards. 


HONORING SARASOTA COUNTY’S 

Heroes Memberships available to all 

Doctors, Nurses, First Responders, Firefighters, 

Police, EMT’s, Active Military, and Teachers 

VISIT YOUR BRANCH TO JOIN 

www.ourysrq.org 

#WhereTheHeartIs 

1075 S. Euclid Ave. 

941-955-8194 

8301 Potter Park Dr 

941-922-9622 


foodie events continued 

• Five-O Donut Co. 

Five-O Donut Co. has opened a third 

location is now the frying hub for the 

growing Sarasota doughnut shop. The 

three-and-a-half-year-old company, 

which currently has locations at 2241 

Ringling Blvd. and at 7119 S. Tamiami 

Trail in Sarasota, is now at the Shops at 

Siesta Row at U.S. 41 and Bay Road. The 

new location comes with a larger kitchen, 

which will give the company production 

capacity to support further expansion. 

And that’s really good news. 

■ http://fiveodonutco.com. Place orders 

for pick up or local delivery. They’re 

also on Uber Eats, Door Dash and Bite 

Squad. Call 941-312-4744. 

• Safety 4 SRQ 

Safety 4 SRQ is a new online directory 

where Sarasota and Manatee area 

businesses can post their health safety 

practices, so potential customers can 

know in advance. Developed as a public 

information resource and to support area 

businesses, membership is currently open 

in the restaurant, salon/barber and retail 

categories (https://www.safety4srq.com/). 

Members can link to their Safety 4 

SRQ member profile from their business 

website, so this important information is 

readily available to potential shoppers, 

but separate from online promotions for 

the dining or shopping experiences they 

offer. Safety 4 SRQ allows no marketing 

of goods or services on the site, so 

members will not compete for advertising 

space, and website visitors seeking information 

will not be subjected to follow-up 

email marketing. 

Susan Hicks, owner of PRecise Communications, 

developed the concept and 

worked with Kimberly McClure of White 

Studios (http://www.whitestudios.us/) to 

create the online directory. 

According to Hicks, the project was 

created to provide simple, clean information 

that people can use to help them 

make buying decisions. It was inspired in 

part by the decision of Michael’s On East 

to temporarily shut down after an employee’s 

positive COVID-19 test, which led to 

offering a “Safety Superstar” membership. 

“The first category to open was Restaurant, 

and Michael’s On East signed on 

as our first Safety Superstar,” Hicks said. 

The Little Salon was the first in the Salon/ 

Barber category, also joining as a Safety 

Superstar, followed by Cutting Loose 

and Nick Choat’s Sport Clips Haircuts of 

South Sarasota and Sport Clips Haircuts 

of Bradenton. The Blue Heirloom was the 

first Retail member to join. 

“This online Health Safety directory is 

a great asset,” Choat said. “Our biggest 

problem has been communicating to the 

public that they will be safe coming to our 

salons for hair cuts and styling because 

of our firm commitment to following rigorous 

health safety measures.” 

■ For information: call 941-925-3602. 

Safety 4 SRQ (https://www.safety4srq. 

com/) is an online directory for Sarasota 

and Bradenton area businesses to post 

their Health Safety practices. 

Events 

• The Sarasota-Manatee Original 

started 16 years ago when members from 

the Sarasota and Manatee area’s restaurant 

community came together to unite 

independently owned restaurants. 

Coming up, they have Set the Bar 

Cocktail Week in celebration of the 

area’s unique cocktail scene replacing 

the annual Set the Bar Cocktail Competition 

for this year due to event restrictions 

related to COVID-19, with Set the Bar 

Cocktail Week. 

Sip like a local during the region’s most 

“spirited” week from Sunday, October 

12 to Monday, October 18 with featured 

drinks, special offers, virtual and 

in-person events and food and beverage 

pairings available to-go or while dining in 

Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants. 

Set the Bar Cocktail Week is a chance 

for locals and visitors to experience the 

flavors of the Suncoast. Many offerings are 

available for dine-in and to-go. Look for 

the “to-go” icon when browsing the participating 

restaurants and their offerings at 

https://www.eatlikealocal.com/. There are 

also virtual cocktail events for those who 

would prefer to participate from home 

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals consist 

of over 60 locally owned restaurants 

throughout Florida’s Suncoast, from the 

tip of Anna Maria Island to the southern 

beaches of Venice. 

• Yoga and beer? Sure! Beer Garden 

Yoga is at Motorworks Brewing 

through December 29. Join them every 

Tuesday night at 7:45pm in the spacious 

outdoor Beer Garden for a one hour, 

all-levels yoga flow led by RYT Rachael 

Croll from Salty Buddha Co. 

Spread out your yoga mats in the fresh, 

open air of Florida’s Largest Beer Garden 

then, once safely distanced, stretch out 

your body, mind and soul one delicious, 

cold beer at a time. Classes are just $10 

and include a complimentary core four 

pint (V Twin Vienna Lager, Intellectual 

Property Ale IPA, Pulp Friction Grapefruit 

IPA, Midnight Espresso Coffee Porter or 

Rollcage Red Ale). No sign-up required; 

you can just show up before the class begins 

& sign-in/pay at the brewery. Please 

bring your own mat to practice on, invite 

all your friends, and come vibe out in our 

spacious Beer Garden with like-minded 

souls and recharge during a relaxing hour 

under the stars. 

■ Motorworks Brewing 

1014 9th Street West, Bradenton 

• Food Trucks are coming to Shannon 

Staub Library 11:30-2 p.m. 4675 Career 

Lane, North Port, every Friday. Eat 

your lunch then visit our wonderful library 

and pick out some good reading for the 

weekend. Support North Port Food Trucks, 

Shannon Staub Library and the community. 

Food Truck Fridays vendors: Pickled 

Pink on November 6, December 4 and 

January8; The Groovy Grill on October 

16, November 20, December 18 and 

January 22; Puerto Rican Spice October 

9, November13, December 11 and January 

15; The Dawg pound on October 23, 

November 27 and January 29; Ma Petite 

Creperie on October 30. 

• The John and Mable Ringling Museum 

of Art has opened Mable’s Coffee 

and Tea. The coffee shop, located inside 

the McKay Visitor’s Pavilion, is managed 

by Metz Culinary, and will serve Starbuck’s 

products and includes full barista 

service in addition to an array of pastries, 

snacks and treats. 

The Ringling also announced the openings 

of two additional food service venues 

on campus. The Ringling Grillroom, also 

located inside the McKay Visitor’s Pavilion 

offers fine dining and beverages, and is 

set to open around Oct. 12. The Banyan 

Garden Bistro, a more casual dining 

alternative, will open on the Ringling 

grounds before the end of 2020. 

The Ringling asks that all visitors wear 

masks or facial coverings when inside the 

museum’s buildings. Additional information 

can be found at ringling.org. 

• Rogers Market is a family owned and 

operated local business and they have a 

new store on 63rd Ave E in Bradenton. 

Chef Peter and his team operate a full 

restaurant kitchen including fresh, high 

quality homemade food. 

They offer Marathon gas and feature a 

full diesel island. On the menu are items 

like beignets and their signature duck 

confit with plum sauce on brioche bun. 

The interior is designed by the owner, 

Mrs. Gigi Rogers, an Interior Designer out 

of California. They also sell a variety of of 

wine at all of our locations. 

■ Locations: 

• 4460 Tallevast Rd., Sarasota 

• 2415 63rd Ave East, Bradenton 

• Fruitville & Paleo Dr., Sarasota 

(Coming soon) 

• Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille in downtown 

Bradenton and Mattison’s City Grille 

in downtown Sarasota are now making it 

easier for people to enjoy the restaurant’s 

food from the comfort of their home, office, 

or in some cases, home office. They 

have a new free delivery menu. 

Delivery is available from 11am-2pm 

and 5-7pm. There is no minimum order 

and no fee for delivery. Delivery is only 

available to businesses and residents 

within approximately 2 miles of the 

restaurants. Select bar drinks and wines 

are also available for delivery. 

Mattison’s partners with online delivery 

services such as UberEats, BiteSquad 

and Door Dash but those services charge 

both the business and the consumer fees. 

Mattison’s service is fee-less. 

According to Owner and Executive 

Chef, Paul Mattison, “We understand that 

many people are struggling right now but 

they still want to enjoy great food. We 

want to provide them with a safe service 

and affordable food that nourishes and 

satisfies them. Our menu items include 

products that are locally sourced, sustainable 

and hormone and antibiotic free. 

Much of being healthy is determined by 

what kind of food we put in our body. My 

staff and I know that the type of products 

we use are healthy and nutritious.” 

■ To view menus and place an order 

call the restaurant or visit https:// 

mattisons.com/. 

■ Mattison’s City Grille in Sarasota 

941-330-0440. 

■ Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille in 

Bradenton 941-896-9660. 


you’re news 

Appointments 

■ Elizabeth Partridge is the 

new Manatee Libraries’ Library 

Services Manager. Partridge 

brings 

with her 

three 

Master’s 

degrees in 

Teaching 

English as 

a Second 

Language, 

Spanish 

and 

Library 

Elizabeth Partridge 

Science 

a unique 

combination of experience, that 

includes serving as Literacy 

Coordinator. 

Most recently Partridge was 

the Adult Services Librarian 

at Longview Public Library in 

Cowlitz County, Washington. 

For 15 years she was responsible 

for developing programs 

for adults and families in ESL, 

literacy, digital literacy, basic 

technology, arts and culture 

and more. She has accumulated 

25 years of higher-education 

teaching experience. 

One of Partridge’s priorities 

will be leading Manatee Libraries’ 

continued efforts to reach 

out to help Manatee County’s 

displaced workers gain access to 

employment and training tools 

and children, teachers and parents/guardians 

find resources to 

supplement their e-learning. 

Partridge specializes in Small 

Business and Workforce Development. 

She oversaw the 

creation of a Small Business Hub 

that served as a first-stop information 

center for reference and 

referral to County-wide small 

business development groups 

and a help center for job seekers. 

Partridge hopes to collaborate 

with the other divisions/ 

teams that make up Manatee 

County’s Neighborhood Services’ 

Department: Children’s, 

Aging, Veterans, Neighborhood 

Connections, Underinsured 

Healthcare, Probation/Pretrial 

Release and Fee Assistance. 

Judy Powell 

■ The Manatee County Clerk of 

the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s 

Office announce 

that Judy Powell, Director, of 

the Child 

Support 

Program 

(CSP), 

retired on 

September 

11, 

2020. 

Powell 

has worked 

for the 

Clerk’s office 

since 

August 

1985. During her time at the 

Clerk’s Office, she has held the 

titles of Secretary, Case Manager, 

Supervisor, Trainer, Deputy 

Director and Director. For the 

past 10 years, Powell served as 

the Director of CSP. 

Clerk of Court Angel Colonneso 

said, “Judy Powell was always 

creative and innovative in her 

approach with her team in Child 

Support. She always has a ‘can 

do’ attitude and along with her 

team, was a solid rock to count 

on, especially with the challenges 

that we have faced this year. 

She will be greatly missed.” 

Crystal Waiters, the current 

Deputy Director of CSP, has taken 

over as Director upon Powell’s 

retirement. Waiters has been 

working side by side with Powell 

for the past year. Waiters is a 

Manatee County native and has 

worked for the Clerk’s Office for 

28 years. Brea Styles, the current 

Supervisor of CSP, is moving to 

Deputy Director. Styles, is also a 

Manatee County native and has 

been with CSP for 22 years. 

The Child Support Program 

in Manatee County is unique in 

that it is the only child support 

office in the state administered 

by the Clerk of the Circuit 

Court. On average CSP, collects 

and disburses approximately 

25-million dollars per year to 

families in Manatee County. 

■ A twenty-three-year resident 

of Sarasota, Georgina Clamage 

first joined Michael Saunders 

& Company as a sales associate 

in 2000. With a focus on 

luxury homes, condominiums, 

and neighborhoods, Georgina 

emerged as a top producer. She 

then became the branch manager 

of Michael Saunders and 

Company’s Longboat Key offices. 

For over 12 years Georgina 

oversaw hundreds of millions 

of dollars in real estate transactions. 

She has now transitioned 

back to sales at the company’s 

Main Street office. 

Georgina sat on the Board of 

Directors of the Realtor Association 

of Sarasota and Manatee 

Counties where she most 

recently served as Treasurer of 

the Board. She is also a Director 

of the Florida Association of 

Realtors. A past recipient of the 

association’s “Humanitarian of 

the Year Award,” Georgina has 

continued her real estate education 

by earning the GRI, e-PRO 

and ABR designations. 

Georgina can be reached by 

calling 941-586-3789 or visiting 

the office at 1605 Main Street. 

■ Susie Porter has joined RE/ 

MAX Alliance 

Group 

as a Realtor 

in the 

Englewood 

office. She 

has been 

a Florida 

resident for 

nearly 40 

years and an 

Englewood 

Susie Porter resident for 

the past two decades. “Charlotte 

County offers the best of both 

worlds,” says Porter, who has 

horses in her backyard and lives 

a few miles from the beach. 

She also has an in-depth 

knowledge of the homebuilding 

industry through her experience 

with Porter Contracting 

Inc., her husband’s homebuilding 

company since 1978. 

The Englewood Office is 

located at 2230 S. McCall Road, 

Unit A. Porter can be reached at 

(941) 468-4955. 

Accolades 

■ The Central West Coast 

Chapter of the Florida Public 

Relations Association (CWC- 

FPRA) was recognized during 

FPRA’s annual Golden Image 

Awards held for the first ever 

virtual event recognizing 

and celebrating excellence in 

outstanding public relations 

program in Florida and to 

encourage and promote the 

development of public relations 

in the state of Florida. 

Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC 

received the Chapter President 

of the Year 

Award for 

creating an 

environment 

where 

chapter 

members 

could make 

meaningful 

connections. 

She 

challenged 

Kim Livengood 

her board to 

make membership 

purposeful, to make 

all members feel welcome and 

she found creative ways to get 

past presidents back involved, 

sharing their expertise and 

perspective. She implemented 

a new mentorship program and 

exceeded her our participation 

goal in the inaugural program. 

CWC-FPRA won the President’s 

Award for “Community 

Involvement,” in recognition of 

the chapter’s commitment to 

community service by creating 

and hosting an event called 

“Operation Gratitude” which not 

only gave financially to a great 

cause, but also generated strong 

media coverage in the region. 

The event featured the showing 

of the full documentary highlighting 

the life of the board 

game Operation inventor, Mr. 

Spinello, a life-size Operation 

board game and an appearance 

by Spinello himself. The chapter 

set a goal to raise $10,000 and 

surpassed that goal by $576. 

CWC-FPRA also won the 

President’s Award for “Accreditation 

& Certification,” in recognition 

of the most members 

receiving their accreditations 

and certifications. 

The Central West Coast Chapter 

of the Florida Public Relations 

Association meets monthly 

for professional development 

luncheons and networking. 

Visit www.cwcfpra.com for the 

latest details. For more about 

CWC-FPRA, go to cwcfpra.com. 

■ Also at CWC-FPRA, Melanie 

Reda, APR, of the Central West 

Coast chapter of The Florida 

Public Relations Association 

(CWC- 

FPRA) 

recently 

earned 

professional 

certification 

in public 

relations, 

receiving 

the designation 

of Certified 

Public 

Melanie Reda 

Relations 

Counselor 

(CPRC). Reda now joins an elite 

group of approximately 125 

practitioners throughout the 

state who have demonstrated 

the highest level of professionalism 

and advanced consultation 

skills in the practice of 

public relations. 

Having worked in agencies 

and corporate marketing 

departments for more than 

25 years, Reda is currently an 

account executive at KSC, Inc., a 

strategic communications agency. 

Reda began her career in 

marketing and public relations 

by interning at Walt Disney 

World and at a PR agency that 

specialized in the comic book 

industry. Since then, her career 

has taken a decidedly more 

practical slant with employers 

and clients in retail, publishing, 

software development, medical 

management, commercial insurance, 

among other fields. 

Reda has been a member of 

the Florida Public Relations 

Association since 2010 and has 

held multiple positions on the 

board of the Central West Coast 

chapter. Most recently, she began 

her term as president-elect 

of the chapter. In 2019, Reda was 

recognized with the Thomas 

Nunan Rising Star award and in 

2020 she received the Presidents’ 

Karma Award. Reda also 

serves as a board member for 

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota. 

The CRPC credential was first 

developed in the 1960s by FPRA 

to recognize more seasoned 

professionals and provide a 

way to showcase their ability 

to counsel clients in any type 

of industry and situation. To be 

eligible, candidates must have 

already achieved professional 

Accreditation in public relations 

(APR) through the Universal 

Accreditation Board and have 

at least 10 years of experience in 

the field of public relations. The 

examination process to earn the 

CPRC credential is designed to 

be rigorous to ensure counselors 

are able to handle a variety of PR 

practices while demonstrating 

the highest degree of ethics and 

processes. For more information, 

visit FPRA.org/accreditation. 

■ Mayu Fielding , Board President 

of the Manatee Literacy 

Council (MLC), has announced 

the appointment of four new 

members to their Board of 

Directors. 

Julia Marcano hails from 

Venezuela and has been living 

in Bradenton since December. 

Julia is a chef and a baker, 

introducing her native food to 

our area through her catering 

business. She came to MLC as a 

learner to improve her English. 

Alfredo ‘Fred’ Zayas was born 

in Trinidad, Cuba, where he 

worked as a medical physicist in 

the National Oncology Institute. 

Fred moved to Bradenton two 

years ago to be closer to his children 

and was looking for a way 

to learn English. Both Fred and 

Julia will act as liaisons with the 

organization’s learners. 

Carl Williams, Jr. is currently 

assistant principal at Sarasota 

School of Arts and Sciences. Carl 

was born and raised in Sarasota 

and now lives in Manatee County. 

He has worked for the school 

system for the past 23 years and 

currently serves in the role of 

middle school administrator. 

■ Meagan Morales-Correa was 

born in Puerto Rico, but has 

lived all over the United States 

as an Army 

“brat.” She 

holds two 

degrees 

from SUNY 

Purchase 

in New 

York and 

a Master’s 

degree from 

USF. She 

currently 

teaches 

Meagan Morales-Correa 

English at 

Bayshore High School. 

The Literacy Council of 

Manatee County, Inc. (dba 

Manatee Literacy Council) is 

a volunteer-based nonprofit 

community organization dedicated 

to increasing the level of 

the functional literacy of adults 

in Manatee County through 

teaching the skills of reading, 

writing, understanding, and 

speaking English. Manatee 

Literacy Council has served the 

community since 1978. 

Send us your news! 

Send to: westcoastwoman@ 

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more You’re News on our Facebook 

page. Find us there at West Coast 

Woman. You’re News will be posted 

on Facebook in October, so be on the 

lookout to see if your name is there! 

We also publish this page on our 

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and in our monthly e-blast. 

Want to subscribe to our e-blast? 

Send us your email address. Send to 

westcoastwoman@comcast.net. 


VBMADVANCEMENT 

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING 

74% of consumers rely on social media to influence their 

purchasing decisions. 

97% of all consumers search for local businesses online. 

Social media is an essential piece of your business marketing 

strategy. Social platforms help you connect with your customers, 

increase awareness about your brand, and boost your leads 

and sales. 

www.vbmadvancement.com 

Abigail Altier, Realtor® 

Preferred Shore 

941.713.1933 

abigail@thealtiergroup.com 

abigailaltier.preferredshore.com 

Cozette Lillard, Realtor® 


513.518.3450 

Cozy@thealtiergroup.com 

cozettelillard.preferredshore.com 

"A woman alone has power; 

collectively, we have impact!” 

Veronica Brandon Miller 

The Florida Realtor with Preferred Shore 

941.807.7321 

veronica@thefloridarealtor.com 

www.thefloridarealtor.com 

Lori Ciaravella 

Business Development Executive 

Fidelity National Title of Florida 

407-429-9470 

lori.ciaravella@fnf.com 

www.eastflorida.fntic.com 

Cynthia A. Riddell 

Owner & Real Estate Attorney 

Riddell Law Group 

Offices Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch 

941.366.1300 

criddell@rlglawfirm.com 

www.rlglawfirm.com 

Veronica L. Huzzard 

Licensed Property Insurance Agent 

& Legalshield Expert 

Anderson & Associates Insurance Agency 

941.720.2778 

veronica@andersoninsgroup.com 

Elizabeth Smith 

Vice President of Mortgage Lending 

Guarantee Rate 

941.228.2012 

liz.smith@rate.com 

www.rate.com/liz 


Veronica Brandon Miller with Preferred Shore Real Estate 

"A woman alone has power; collectively, 

we have impact.” 

"A woman alone has power; collectively, we have impact," Veronica Brandon 

Miller states. "You don't do business with a company; you do business with 

people you like and trust." That's why Veronica decided to build a team of 

strong, smart, and talented women to collaborate with. 

Veronica recently joined the Altier Group with Preferred Shore, which already 

consisted of two strong women; Abigail Altier and Cozette Lillard. However, 

Veronica wanted to create a bigger circle to create a one-stop shop to help 

home buyers and sellers. 

"You are judged by the company you keep, and so I selected women who I 

admire and who also have demonstrated the same compassion I have for our 

wonderful community." 

Veronica has more than 30 years of creative vision and unparalleled expertise 

in community engagement, philanthropy, branding, and marketing. In fact, 

she personally has received many community awards—including the Sarasota 

Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Impact in Action’ award for her leadership in 

helping the community. 

Prior to joining the real estate world, she served as senior vice president for 

Goodwill Industries. She created multiple programs and initiatives that were 

duplicated around the globe with stellar success. Veronica notes that, of her 

local achievements, she is proudest of the award-winning Veterans Services 

Program and Community Ambassador Program – which has engaged more 

than 10,000 supporters – as well as her ability to leverage more than 330 

collaborations in the community. 

"Helping people has always been my passion. Now I am honored to help 

people with what is possibly the largest investment in their lifetime: a home." 

Veronica demonstrates her love of the community by supporting numerous 

charities and currently serves on the boards for Paws & Warriors, Leadership 

Manatee Alumni Association, and the Leadership Sarasota Alumni Association. 

She has also served on the boards for the Sarasota Parks Foundation, Glasser/ 

Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Pines Foundation, Project 180, Child 

Protection Center, the McKay Academy, and the All-Star Children's 

Foundation. 

Originally from Philadelphia, Pa., Miller earned her bachelor's degree in 

Marketing from Boston University and her master's degree in Business from the 

University of Maryland. 

Contact Information: 

Veronica Brandon Miller 

The Florida Realtor with Preferred Shore 

941.807.7321 

veronica@thefloridarealtor.com 

www.thefloridarealtor.com 

Abigail Altier 

Realtor® 


941.713.1933 

abigail@thealtiergroup.com 

abigailaltier.preferredshore.com 

Cozette Lillard 

Realtor® 


513.518.3450 

Cozy@thealtiergroup.com 

cozettelillard.preferredshore.com 

Lori Ciaravella 

Business Development Executive 

Fidelity National Title of Florida 

407-429-9470 

lori.ciaravella@fnf.com 

www.eastflorida.fntic.com 

Cynthia A. Riddell 

Owner & Real Estate Attorney 

Riddell Law Group 

Offices Sarasota and 

Lakewood Ranch 

941.366.1300 

criddell@rlglawfirm.com 

www.rlglawfirm.com 

Veronica L. Huzzard 

Licensed Property Insurance Agent 

& Legalshield Expert 

Anderson & Associates 

Insurance Agency 

941.720.2778 

veronica@andersoninsgroup.com 

vlhuzzard.WeAreLegalShield.com 

Elizabeth Smith 

Vice President of 

Mortgage Lending 

Guarantee Rate 

941.228.2012 

liz.smith@rate.com 

www.rate.com/liz 


WE ARE 

OPEN! 

Visit VeniceTheatre.org for a list of events and 

more information. ENJOY THE SHOW!

West Coast Woman October 2020

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