wcw JANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024 

Natalia 

Levey 

Restaurant Maven, 

Speaker and Author 

Also in this issue: 

■ Preserving 

Sarasota’s Past 

■ Lifelong Learning 

■ Arts: Sarasota 

Concert Association 

■ Dining In: Mocktails 

■ Travel: Sampling 

Irish Whiskey

Intimate musical experiences. 

Season 28 | Stars Ascending 

A diverse range of concerts featuring emerging and accomplished 

classical, chamber, jazz, and pop artists from around the globe. 

Jonathan Mamora, piano 

January 9 • 7:30 pm 

Historic Asolo Theater 

Winner of the Olga Kern International 

Piano Competition, AntwerPiano 

International Competition, Dallas 

International Piano Competition, American 

Virtuoso International Music Competition, 

and “Sviatoslav Richter” International Piano 

Competition. 

Cavatina Duo 

Denis Azabegic, guitar & Eugenia Moliner, flute 

January 17 • 5:30 pm performance 

followed by dinner 

Plantation Golf & Country Club 

An extravagant, innovative program of 

flamenco, tango and opera fantasies 

guaranteed to ignite your imagination. 

Chelsea Guo, piano and soprano 

with Joseph Holt, piano 

February 1 • 11 am performance 

followed by lunch 

Sarasota Yacht Club 

Winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists 

Susan Wadsworth International Auditions 

and named to Classic FM’s “Rising Stars: 

30 Brilliant Musicans We’re Celebrating in 

2022” list. 

ArtistSeriesConcerts.org | 941-306-1202 

This project is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25 Florida Statutes); 

The Exchange; Gulf Coast Community Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues; and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. 

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2 WEST COAST WOMAN JANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024 

contents 

Editor and Publisher 

Louise M. Bruderle 

Email: westcoastwoman@comcast.net 

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 

lifelong learning 

Learn something new in 2024! 

We’ve got a sample of the many 

learning experiences available 

p18 

Here are our columns: 

n Out & About: includes 

fundraisers, concerts, art exhibits, 

lectures, dance, poetry, shows 

& performances, theatre, film, 

seasonal events and more. 

n You’re News: job announcements, 

appointments and promotions, 

board news, business news and 

real estate news. 

FOLLOW US AT: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ 

WCWmedia 

travel 

Exploring, sampling and mixing 

Irish Whiskey or Uisce Beatha - 

“The water of Life” in Dublin. 

p26 

EARS 

WCW 

35 

YEARS 

WCW Mailing Address: 

P.O. Box 819 

Sarasota, FL 34230 

email: 

westcoastwoman@comcast.net 

website: 

www.westcoastwoman.com 

west coast 

WOMAN 

dining in 

Colorful, flavorful mocktails to serve. They offer 

a delightful alternative by crafting complex and 

flavorful drinks without the presence of alcohol. 

We’ve got a few tasty ones to make 

p30 

departments 

4 editor’s letter 

7 Out & About: listings for things to do 

12 feature: Sarasota Alliance 

for Historic Preservation 

14 focus on the arts: 

Sarasota Concert Association 

15 health: all about Craniosacral Therapy 

16 west coast woman: 

Natalia Levey - Restaurant maven 

18 lifelong learning 

22 lifelong learning: 

OSHER at Ringing College 

24 happening this month: 

Women in Power 

25 travel: The Morgan’s upcoming 

exhibition schedule 

26 travel: Irish Whiskey tastings 

30 dining in: Mocktails 

32 you’re news 

■ on the cover: Natalia Levey, founder of Hi Hospitality Group. 

■ Courtesy image 

JANUARY 2024 WEST COAST WOMAN 3

just some 

thoughts 

Louise Bruderle 

Editor and Publisher 

West Coast Woman 

Natalia Levey 

Natalia is a part of a duo that includes her husband 

Mark who together have created five restaurants in 

our area with a new one set to open in St. Petersburg 

later this year. 

I interviewed her at their Palm Avenue Deli on Palm 

Avenue in downtown Sarasota which was packed at 

lunchtime— no doubt many drawn to the possibility 

of having “real” pastrami, bagels, and more. 

Attention to detail and a unique dining experience 

are important to Natalia, but also maintaining a spirit 

Natalia Levey of calm and harmony. How many restaurant websites 

Courtesy Image 

emphasize a commitment to empathy? 

Her husband stopped by and I asked him a not too unique question: 

“Where do you get your bagels”? I didn’t get an answer because it’s such 

a touchy subject. People are very fussy and very particular about their 

bagels - I’m one of them - but it’s amazing the uproar and comments 

they’ve gotten about a simple food item with a hole in it. It was interesting 

to find that they don’t say where they get their bagels. But I’ve had 

some and they’re delicious. 

I also visited Bar Hana, but haven’t made it yet to Kojo and both are 

also on Palm Avenue. Speaks Clam Bars, their other restaurants, are at 

two locations — St. Armands and Lakewood Ranch. 

Their imaginative themed restaurants show great attention to detail 

as well as good food that’s at once traditional and updated. I’m looking 

forward to hearing about that they create next in St. Petersburg. 

Tales of Preservation 

Okay, we can’t stop growth it seems, but we can preserve some of our 

past and history as seen in buildings that tell the story of Sarasota and 

its many peoples. If you’re still saying “why?” and maybe “who cares?” 

and that growth and change are inevitable, consider the many history-rich 

cities we came from - places like Philly, Boston and New York 

City. And where would Chicago be without its impressive collection of 

historic skyscrapers? 

Granted, buildings here in Sarasota are considerably smaller in size 

and scope, but important in other ways. 

People move here and they know next to nothing about Florida’s history 

even though this is their preferred home. We’ve had the Spanish, 

English and French 

and of course, Indians 

live here (the 

latter still do). 

I had the pleasure 

of attending The 

Sarasota Alliance 

for Historic Preservation 

(SAHP) 2023 

“Six to Save’’ properties 

event back 

in November at the 

Philippi Crest Community 

Clubhouse 

in Sarasota. Now in its fourth year, this initiative highlights the need to 

save historic resources from demolition in Sarasota County. 

The building itself — the Philippi Crest Community Clubhouse — 

where the event was held has historic importance. It was a settlement of 

people from Maine of all places whose homes are still visible (and some 

occupied) just south of Riverview High School. Who knew? 

I lived in the Indian Beach area and that was developed by settlers 

from Connecticut. Both tell valuable stories of why our predecessors 

came here and how they lived. Black history is present throughout the 

centuries and the Overtown community — north of downtown — is 

Sarasota’s first documented African-American community. And the 

McMansions rising up on their dust? Well, they show what wealth 

can do and how money and investments are radically changing our 

community. 

Let’s make it a community resolution to slow down the erasure of our 

past. Find out more about the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation 

at www.PreserveSRQ.org. 

They’re a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Preserve and 

Enhance our Historic Places.” SAHP was incorporated in 1985 in an attempt 

to save architect Dwight Baum’s El Vernona Hotel in downtown 

Sarasota. 

The Alliance, a membership-driven organization, is comprised of 

more than 500 residents, business owners, visitors, artists, architects, 

engineers, historians, builders, archaeologists, Realtors, planners, designers, 

and writers working together to preserve and encourage others 

to preserve - not only the remaining significant landmarks - but also 

the contributing structures that define Sarasota County. 

And speaking of preservation, I have been to the Morgan Library in 

New York City several times. J.P. Morgan gave his extensive collection 

or manuscripts, letters, art and sculpture to the people of New York 

(and the world for that matter) and it sits in its original form (with an 

updated addition but not demolition) on Madison Avenue amidst condos, 

offices and other assorted high rises — and looks beautiful. 

There are so many museums in NYC to visit and enjoy, but I think 

The Morgan is a real gem and it will turn 100 in 2024. I’ve been to press 

events there and besides being treated to beautifully presented talks, 

we are given access to the collection or art and the famous library that 

Morgan created (plus his stunning office). 

Check out the feature in this issue that highlights their upcoming 

season and consider making a stop there the next time you’re in New 

York City. 

Also in this issue - it’s eclectic 

If it’s January then it’s time 

for our Lifelong Learning 

issue. There are so many 

offerings in our area and — 

a lot are sold out — especially 

the art classes. So 

read this month’s edition 

and, if you see something 

you like, sign up right 

away! 

Back in September, I was 

able to get away for a wee bit of a vacation and headed to Ireland. I’ve 

been there before and it was just as enjoyable this time around. Dublin 

is a beautiful, entertaining and very manageable city to explore. The 

Irish have wisely marketed and promoted their many assets including 

its storied whiskeys. 

You can take a “whiskey tour” or just book visits to the several 

distilleries in Dublin or, better still, head out to find them scattered 

about the country. It’s a beautiful place to drive as I did — crossing the 

entire width of the country and back. Challenging? No. Difficult being 

on the left side of the road? You get used to it pretty quickly. AND they 

have lots of roundabouts — called rotaries — that were well marked 

and drivers were very civilized. Sarasota take note. 

Check out my feature on the Irish whiskey experience in this issue. 

Also, you don’t have to be a whiskey drinker to take the tours. The 

spirits industry is fascinating to learn about. 

Louise Bruderle | Editor and Publisher | 

westcoastwoman@comcast.net 

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. 


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(Sarasota, Florida) Dr. David Cifra, DC who 

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2024 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL 

VICTOR DeRENZI, Artistic Director | RICHARD RUSSELL, General Director 

CARMEN 

by Georges Bizet 

Feb. 17 - Mar. 22, 2024 

THE VENICE SYMPHONY 50TH ANNIVERSARY 

NOVEMBER 2023 - APRIL 2024 

AT THE VENICE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 

BUY TICKETS NOW 

TALL TALES AND TREASURE 

Jan. 12 • 7:30 pm 

Jan. 13 • 3:30 and 7:30 pm 

ARABIAN NIGHTS 

Mar. 15 • 7:30 pm 

Mar. 16 • 3:30 and 7:30 pm 

CARMEN 

LUCIA 

DI LAMMERMOOR 

by Gaetano Donizetti 

Feb. 24 - Mar. 23, 2024 

LUISA MILLER 

by Giuseppe Verdi 

Mar. 9 - 24, 2024 

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR 

MAGICAL MAESTRO: A 

TRIBUTE TO ALAN MENKEN 

Feb. 23 • 7:30 pm 

Feb. 24 • 3:30 and 7:30 pm 

THE CROWN JEWEL FINALE 

Apr. 26 • 7:30 pm 

Apr. 27 • 3:30 and 7:30 pm 

SPECIAL 

EVENT 

February 9-10 

Hooray for Hollywood 

with 

Michael Feinstein 

LUISA MILLER 

DECEIT 

OUTWITTED 

(L’infedeltà delusa) 

by Joseph Haydn 

Mar. 15 - 23, 2024 

All operas performed in the 

original language with translations 

above the stage. 

DECEIT OUTWITTED 

(L’infedeltà delusa) 

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 

(941) 328-1300 • SARASOTAOPERA.ORG 

MUSIC DIRECTOR 

TROY QUINN 

Venetian Nights 

For more information, visit 

thevenicesymphony.org or call 941-207-8822 

SAVE 

THE DATE 

January 5, 2024 

Venice Community 

Center 

Engaging Adult Day program 

for your Loved One 

& Caregiver respite time 

for You 

Take a few hours for self-care 

or to run errands weekly without 

concern for your loved one home alone. 

1820 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota 

Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm 

2350 Scenic Drive, Venice 

Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 3:00pm 

Call for a tour! (941) 556-3268 

See our website for details and virtual tour 

www.friendshipcenters.org 


out &about 

Art Crawl 

Trolley Tour 

Discover Sarasota Tours has a 

new Art Crawl Trolley Tour showcasing 

Sarasota’s galleries, studios, 

and public art. This city-wide tour 

explores six different downtown 

Sarasota neighborhoods on the 2nd 

Friday night from 5-9 p.m. during 

the months of January-April. The 

tour is led by local guide and watercolor 

artist Jerome Chesley. 

Visitors start at the Trolley Cottage 

Gift Shop located in Gillespie 

Park. Guests can also visit the Artful 

Giraffe Gallery at this hub location. 

Then they will board the trolley or 

van to explore Historic Burns Court, 

Towles Court Art Center, Limelight 

District, Main Street, Palm Avenue 

and the Rosemary District. 

During the 30-minute rotating tour 

they will see Sarasota’s collection of 

public art. At each hub stop, guests can 

hop off to explore galleries and studios 

or hop back on to go to the next stop. 

Participating galleries include: 

Chasen Galleries at the Mark, 530 

Burns Court, Define Gallery, Palmer 

Gallery, Artful Giraffe, Creative Liberties, 

Bazaar on Apricot and Lime/ 

Hamlet’s Eatery, Helmuth Stone, 

Towles Court Art Center, Mara Studio 

Gallery, Sarasota Trading Company, 

Alex Art International, Art Ovation 

Hotel, Sarasota Fine Art, Meg Krakowiak 

Studio and NorthStar Jewelry 

and Gallery. 

The Art Crawl will be offered on 

January 12, February 9, March 8, and 

April 12. The $10 ticket includes transport 

to each of the tour’s six gallery 

locations, free parking at The Trolley 

Cottage Gift Shop, and complimentary 

beer, wine, or water before boarding. 

For tour tickets and information, visit 

at DiscoverSarasotaTours.com or by 

calling 941-260-9818. 

▼ 

Forks & Corks 

Forks & Corks’ most sought-after 

event is the Grand Tasting taking 

place on Sunday, January 28 in the 

historic courtyard of The Ringling 

Museum of Art in Sarasota. Guests 

will sample dishes presented by over 

40 members of the Sarasota-Manatee 

Originals restaurant group and sip 

from a collection of more than 300 

unique wines from across the globe. 

General Admission ticketing 

($175+ per person) provides unlimited 

tastings at The Grand Tasting from 

12 to 4PM. The Grand Tasting also 

features live musical entertainment, 

a wine retail tent where patrons can 

purchase the various wines tasted, 

photobooths, one-of-a-kind auction 

and a beer garden. Visit www. 

eatlikealocal.com. 

▼ 

Special Events 

Church of the Palms’ Faith & 

Society Speaker Series presents Dr. 

Eddie Glaude, Jr. on January 25. 

This nationally recognized thought 

leader will explore issues surrounding 

faith and society. This event is 

free and open to all. 

Dr. Glaude is a bestselling author 

(Begin Again: James Baldwin’s 

America and Its Urgent Lessons for 

our Own) and Chair of Princeton’s 

Department of African American 

Studies. He regularly appears on 

Meet the Press on Sundays. Info: 

www.churchofthepalms.org. 

▼ 

Finding 

Your Elusive 

Ancestors, a 

virtual seminar, 

is on 

January 27, 10 

a.m.-4:15 p.m. 

Here are the 

four speakers: 

• Steve Little, 

“A.I. and 

Genealogy: 

The Basics and 

a Bit Beyond.” 

Explore the 

power of Artificial 

Intelligence, 

its limits 

and how it can 

be harnessed 

for genealogy. 

• David Allen 

Lambert, 

“Adopting the 

Regiment: 

▼ 

Researching & Recreating Your 

Ancestor’s Revolutionary War Unit.” 

When it comes to finding the full story 

of your patriot ancestor, it’s important 

to broaden the scope of your research. 

• Diana Elder, AGR, “Who’s Her 

Daddy? Testing an Ancestry. DNA 

ThruLine Hypothesis for a Female 

Ancestor.” Tracing the ancestry of a 

female born in the early 19th century 

is one of the most difficult research 

challenges. 

• Nicole Dyer, “Strategies for Overcoming 

Genealogy Roadblocks” 

Discover how to stick to a research 

process, analyze clues, and use the 

FamilySearch Catalog to identify 

new records to search, gather hints 

from DNA cousin matches, and locate 

sources that are only available on-site. 

Register at mgsfl.org. 

Cat Depot’s 20th Anniversary 

Celebration takes place on March 7 

at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The 

evening will include entertainment, 

hand-crafted cocktails, dinner, dancing, 

and a silent auction. 

What began with 262 cats from an 

overcrowded shutdown shelter has 

become the Cat Depot you know today. 

They have touched the lives of nearly 

20,000 cats through adoption and others 

through our public Cat Care Clinic, 

community programs and more. Tickets 

and info: catdepot.org 

▼ 

Town Hall 

▼ 

Sarasota Art 

Museum has: 

Judy Pfaff: 

Picking up the 

Pieces which 

runs through 

March 24. 

Town Hall returns with Congresswoman 

Liz Cheney on January 

16. Cheney served as the U.S. Representative 

for Wyoming’s at-large 

congressional district from 2017 to 

2023. She chaired the House Republican 

Conference and from 2019- 

2021, and served as the Vice Chair of 

the Select Committee investigating 

the January 6th insurrection. 

Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch 

speaks on February 5. Yovanovitch 

served three times as U.S. Ambassador, 

most recently in Kyiv as the U.S. 

Ambassador to Ukraine. Born into a 

family that survived both Soviet and 

Nazi terror before emigrating to the 

U.S., Yovanovitch rose to the top of 

her profession in the crucible of the 

former USSR. 

Stanley Tucci is on February 26. 

Tucci is an Academy Award nominated 

actor known for his versatility as 

an actor, writer, director, and producer. 

He has appeared in over 90 films, 

countless television shows, and more 

than a dozen plays, on and off Broadway. 

Tucci reached his widest audience 

yet in the role of Caesar Flickerman 

in The Hunger Games. Stanley 

Tucci: Searching for Italy is Tucci’s latest 

endeavor, which was greeted with 

excitement and success from both its 

fans and critics. 

Best-selling author Nir Eyal will 

share insights from the field of behavioral 

design on March 11. Eyal writes, 

consults, and teaches about the intersection 

of psychology, technology, 

and business. He co-founded and 

sold two tech companies since 2003. 

He is the author of two bestselling 

books, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming 

Products and Indistractable: 

How to Control Your Attention 

and Choose Your Life. 

Ballet legend Misty Copeland closes 

out Town Hall on April 15. Copeland 

joined American Ballet Theatre’s 

Studio Company in September 2000, 

joined ABT as a member of the corps de 

ballet in April 2001, and in August 2007 

became the company’s second African 

American female soloist and the first 

in two decades. In 2015, Misty was promoted 

to principal dancer, making her 

the first African American woman to 

ever be promoted to the position in the 

company’s 75-year history. 

Visit www.rclassociation.org 

Sarasota Opera 

Sarasota Opera’s Winter 

Opera Festival runs from February 

17 through March 24. The 

festival will open on February 

17 with Carmen by Georges Bizet, a 

company favorite, last seen in 2018. 

Gaetano Donizetti’s brooding 

masterpiece Lucia di Lammermoor, 

last given in 2012 will return on February 

24. Giuseppe Verdi’s Luisa 

Miller, last performed nearly 25 

years ago will open on March 9. 

The festival will conclude with the 

Sarasota Opera premiere of Franz 

Joseph Haydn’s Deceit Outwitted (L’infedeltà 

delusa) a charming comedy, 

which has not had a fully-staged production 

in the U.S. by a professional 

American opera company since 1971. 

For tickets, visit SarasotaOpera.org 

or call the box office at (941) 328-1300. 

▼ 

Venice Symphony 

Venice Symphony presents 

Tall Tales and Treasure on January 

12-13. This concert features 

swashbuckling music from Captain 

Blood and Pirates of the Caribbean, 

Mulan and How to Train Your 

▼ 

Dragon. Guest 

Vocalist Lauren 

Jelencovich, 

who 

has toured 

with Yanni as 

his featured 

vocalist, performing 

to 

sold-out venues 

all over 

the world, will 

perform songs 

from The 

Lord of the 

Rings: The 

Fellowship of 

the Ring and 

songs 

from Aladdin 

and The 

Little Mermaid. 

Hooray for 

Hollywood 

with Michael Feinstein is on February 

9 at 7:30 pm and February 10 

at 3:30 and 7:30 pm. Feinstein has 

played at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie 

Hall, Buckingham Palace and the 

White House. Now you can see this 

five-time Grammy nominee in Venice 

with Troy Quinn and The Venice Symphony 

at this special event concert. 

Tickets: www.thevenicesymphony.org 

The Circus Arts 

Conservatory 

Sailor Circus 

▼ 

Experience a free afternoon of 

classic circus music, performed live 

by 100 musicians from around the 

country, backing up a performance 

by CAC’s Sailor Circus students on 

January 14. This performance is the 

culmination of the Windjammers’ 

annual weeklong convention here in 

The Circus Capital Of The World. 

Tickets are not needed for this general 

admission, first-come / first-seated 

community outreach show, held at 

The Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia 

Vista Street, Sarasota. 

Windjammers Unlimited is a notfor-profit 

historical music society, 

dedicated to the preservation of traditional 

music of the circus. Information: 

circus arts.org. 

Artist Series 

Concerts 

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota 

has Jonathan Mamora who has 

taken the piano world by storm after 

winning first prize in the Olga Kern 

International Piano Competition, 

AntwerPiano International Competition, 

Dallas International Piano 

Competition, American Virtuoso 

International Music Competition, 

and “Sviatoslav Richter” International 

Piano Competition. He takes to the 

Historic Asolo Theater stage on January 

9 for a program that includes 

Schubert’s iconic “Trout” Quintet. 

In 2019, Lin Ye wowed Sarasota 

audiences in two sold out programs. 

Having subsequently performed in 

prestigious venues worldwide, the 

former Artist Series Concerts prizewinner 

returns on February 24 with 

a program of works by Rachmaninoff 

and the chamber version of Chopin’s 

beloved Piano Concerto #1. Ye will be 

joined by principal musicians of the 

Sarasota Orchestra for this concert at 

Church of the Palms. 

The Lighter Fare Series offers 

▼ 

concerts outdoors at Marie Selby 

Botanical Gardens Downtown 

Campus, and indoors at Plantation 

Golf and Country Club (PGCC) in 

Venice. Programs at PGCC include 

dinner following the concert. PGCC 

hosts the Cavatina Duo on January 

17. Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner 

and her husband, Bosnian guitarist 

Denis Azabagic, present an extravagant 

program featuring flamenco, 

tango, and opera fantasies. 

The series concludes on February 

21 at Selby Gardens with Empire 

Wild, winner of the 2020 Concert 

Artists Guild Ambassador Prize. This 

genre-hopping trio with a love for 

musical exploration fuses the sounds 

of pop, folk, jazz and classical into 

their songwriting and composition. 

The Lunch and Listen Series continues 

at the Sarasota Yacht Club. This 

series spotlights gifted young artists 

in concert at 11 a.m. followed by 

lunch. Chelsea Guo, piano and soprano, 

is a rare musical double feature. 

Winner of the 2022 Young Concert 

Artists Susan Wadsworth International 

Auditions and included in Classic 

FM’s “Rising Stars: 30 Brilliant Musicians 

We’re Celebrating in 2022,” Guo 

performs on February 1. 

For information, visit ArtistSeries 

Concerts.org or call (941) 306-1202. 

enSRQ 

Night and Day is on January 22. 

enSRQ premieres Scott Lee’s Karst, 

written for Artistic Directors Samantha 

Bennett and George Nickson, the 

first of this season’s two commissions. 

Devoted to the joyous interplay of 

dynamic contrasts, ‘Night and Day’ 

includes string, harp and percussion 

pieces from Molly Herron, Sebastian 

Currier, Einojuhaari Rautavaara, and 

Sam Adams. 

Held at First Congregational 

Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave. Sarasota. 

Tickets and info: ensrq.org 

▼ 

The Glenridge 

Performing 

Arts Center 

January 6: Maria Wirries started 

giving concerts at GPAC when she was 

just 13 years old. Her voice teacher 

was Glenridge musical director Alan 

Corey. Since then, she graduated 

with honors with a degree in musical 

theater from Penn State. Wirries 

was recently seen in the Off-Broadway 

revival of “Kinky Boots” and the 

Broadway and touring productions of 

“Dear Evan Hansen.” She is returning 

to the GPAC stage for a night of music 

and entertainment. 

• January 13: Steve Leslie Sings 

James Taylor. Leslie has been playing 

guitar and singing onstage since he 

was 15 years old. Today, along with 

performing his own music, Leslie has 

performed hundreds of shows entertaining 

audiences with the heartfelt 

and lyrical songs of James Taylor. 

• January 28: Harry Allen & His Flying 

Horse Big Band will be swinging 

the music of Duke Ellington, Terry 

Gibbs, Billy May, Al Cohn, Jeff Rupert, 

and Harry Allen. 

• February 2: “Sincerely Sondheim” 

with Nicholas Rodriguez. Direct from 

the Tony Award-winning Revival of 

“Company,” Nicholas Rodriguez celebrates 

Stephen Sondheim with a nod 

to both the lyrical and musical genius 

of the late composer and his reputation 

for his renowned penmanship. 

▼ 

continued on page 8 


out and about continued 

Pulling from the thousands of handwritten 

letters to fans and colleagues 

alike, Rodriguez weaves together stories 

from Sondheim’s own words and 

explores the fascinating relationships 

with legends such as Oscar Hammerstein 

II, Jerry Herman, Jonathan 

Larson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and his 

own personal story. 

• February 7: Michael Lasser presents 

the lecture, “Songs by Lieber 

and Stoller.” Jerry Lieber and Mike 

Stoller were two Jewish kids who 

helped invent rock and roll with 

“Hound Dog,” “Yakety Yak,” and more. 

The Glenridge Performing Arts 

Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. 

For tickets, call (941) 552-5325 or visit 

GPACtix.com. 

Choral Artists 

Choral Artists presents Choral 

Cinemagic: Featuring popular movie 

music, including from the James 

Bond films, “Momma Mia!,” “Sister 

Act,” and a medley of all-time favorites. 

Sunday, February 4, 7 p.m., at 

First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak 

Street, Sarasota. 

Tickets: choralartistssarasota.org/ 

▼ 

Sarasota 

Contemporary 

Dance 

▼ 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

has Evolving/Revolving: Alyson 

Dolan & Drew Silverman on 

January 18-21 in the Jane B. Cook 

Theatre at the FSU Center for the 

Performing Arts. 

2024 launches with artists who have 

influenced the company in a collaboration 

that will expand the breadth 

of SCD’s repertory. SCD invites back 

choreographer/dancer Alyson Dolan 

(2006-2010) and composer/musician 

Drew Silverman (2009-2010) to 

co-create with Artistic Director, Leymis 

Bolanos Wilmott. 

Evolving/Revolving: Alyson Dolan 

& Drew Silverman, is a captivating 

new, multi-disciplinary work with 

projection design by New College of 

Florida student Lindsey Jennings. 

www.sarasotacontemporarydance.org 

Sarasota Concert 

Association 

Sarasota Concert Association’s 

2024 Music Matinees concert series 

showcase regional musicians performing 

a variety of musical styles 

from classical to marimba. 

Coming up is Corda Voce on 

Wednesday, January 10. Jenny 

Kim-Godfrey and Dr. Jonathan Godfrey 

form the soprano and classical 

guitar duo known as Corda Voce. 

Since 2015 they have intertwined the 

influences of cabaret, classical, jazz, 

and popular music. The concerts are 

free but pre-registration is required at 

SCAsarasota.org, or through the box 

office at (941) 966-6161. Attendees can 

reserve up to two tickets per matinee 

performance. 

Note their new time and location: 

First Presbyterian Church, 2050 

Oak Street, downtown Sarasota, at 

2 p.m. For information about SCA, 

visit www.scasarasota.org or call the 

box office at 941-966-6161. 

The Grammy Award-winning Harlem 

Quartet, known for their eclectic 

programming, makes their Sarasota 

Concert Association debut on January 

24 at the Riverview Performing 

▼ 

Arts Center. 

The Harlem 

Quartet will be 

performing Beethoven’s 

String 

Quartet Opus 

18, No. 5, Fanny 

Mendelssohn’s 

String Quartet 

in E-flat Major, 

Guido López- 

Gavilán’s Cuarteto 

en Guaguanco, 

and Caroline 

Shaw’s Entr’acte. 

They will be holding 

a masterclass 

at Booker High 

School and Riverview 

High 

School during their 

stay in Sarasota. 

Tickets: (941) 966-6161 or go to 

www.SCAsarasota.org. 

Sarasota Ballet 

Next up is Program 4, January 

26-29 at the FSU Center for the Performing 

Arts and accompanied by 

the Sarasota Orchestra. The program: 

Sonatina with choreography 

by Ricardo Grazianoand music by 

Antonín Dvořák; World Premiere with 

horeography by Ricardo Graziano 

and music to be announced; In a State 

of Weightlessness choreographed 

by Ricardo Graziano with music by 

Philip Glass. Tickets: www.sarasotaballet.org. 

▼ 

At the Van Wezel 

Coming up (partial list): 

• The Cher Show (January 10-12) is 

35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, 

two rock-star husbands, a 

Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, and 

enough Tony Award-winning Bob 

Mackie gowns to cause a sequin 

shortage in New York City, 

• In another Sarasota Premiere, 

Hadestown (January 30 – 

February 4), the winner of eight 

Tony Awards and a Grammy Award 

for Best Musical Theater Album, is 

a love story for today...and always. 

Intertwining two mythic tales — 

that of young dreamers Orpheus 

and Eurydice, and that of King 

Hades and his wife Persephone 

— Hadestown is a haunting and 

hopeful theatrical experience that 

grabs you and never lets go. 

Pre-show dining for both shows is 

available through Mattison’s at the 

Van Wezel which is located inside the 

theatre. Reservations can be made 

on VanWezel.org or through the box 

office. Tickets: www.VanWezel.org 

▼ 

Sarasota 

Art Museum 

Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling 

College has: 

• Contemporary/Traditional: Selections 

from the Basch Glass Collection 

through Feb. 11, 2024. Drawn 

from the Richard and Barbara Basch 

Collection, Contemporary/Traditional 

gives a glimpse into the dynamic 

world of international contemporary 

glass art of the late 20th and 21st centuries. 

This exhibition showcases a 

range of glasswork styles, from delicate 

figural sculptures to powerful 

abstract shapes. 

• Juana Valdés: Embodied Memories, 

Ancestral Histories through 

Feb. 11, 2024. This is Valdés’ first solo 

▼ 

Island Gallery 

and Studios 

present “I 

MustHave 

Flowers” with 

paintings by 

Debbie Snow, 

January 2-31. 

exhibition at a museum. It will showcase 

a range of works drawn from her 

three-decade-long career. Valdés’ 

work, anchored in history and narratives 

related to her Afro-Cuban heritage, 

addresses colonization’s history 

and migration’s impact, as well as the 

issues of gender, race, and the representation 

of the female body. 

• Judy Pfaff: Picking up the Pieces 

runs November 19-March 24, 2024. 

Pfaff, widely regarded as a pioneer of 

installation art, has created work that 

spans disciplines from painting to 

printmaking and sculpture to installation, 

eschewing definition. Pfaff 

ingeniously transmutes and transforms 

materials, including natural 

objects from her garden, hand-painted 

and digitally manipulated images, 

welded steel, aluminum, wood, 

expanded foam, melted plastic, blown 

glass, neon, and LED lights. 

Visit sarasotaartmuseum.org to 

learn more. Sarasota Art Museum 

is located at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, 

Sarasota. 

The Hermitage 

Programs from Hermitage Fellows 

in January kick off on the Hermitage 

Beach with celebrated playwright, 

award-winning actor, and 

“American Horror Story” writer Halley 

Feiffer, who offers insight into her 

unique journey and her creative process. 

Feiffer’s program will be preceded 

by an open-studio experience from 

the imaginative mind of multidisciplinary 

visual artist Anthony Hawley. 

The event is on January 5. 

On January 12, Hermitage alumni 

Stephen Cole and David Evans 

share musical theater selections from 

their Golden Age musical, Merman’s 

Apprentice, on the Hermitage Beach. 

Twelve-year-old Muriel Plakenstein 

doesn’t know that the ‘golden age’ of 

music is coming to an end, so she runs 

away from home to become a theater 

star and meets the Queen of Broadway, 

Ethel Merman. Hear selections 

from this musical fable and learn more 

about what inspired the musical’s 

journey from this collaborative team. 

On January 18 on the Hermitage 

Beach, three Hermitage Fellows share 

how their voice and vision inform their 

artistic practice across disciplines. 

Jacquelyn Reingold is a writer for 

stage and screen; Joan La Barbara’s 

vocal stylings have been heard across 

the country; Laura Kaminsky is one of 

the most-produced composer-librettists 

in contemporary opera. 

Next up on January 19 on Longboat 

Key, the Hermitage presents a cabaret 

▼ 

of songs and stories. 

From Jeanine 

Tesori, Adam 

Gwon, Michael 

R. Jackson, and 

Gavin Creel to Kit 

Yan, Zoe Sarnak, 

Rona Siddiqui, 

and more, the 

Hermitage has 

provided space 

and time to some 

of the most exciting 

musical theater 

writers working 

today. Hear 

selections from 

some of these 

composers and 

lyricists at Town 

Center at Longboat 

Key. 

Hermitage Fellows James M. Stephenson 

and Emi Ferguson make 

music that speaks to something universal 

in us all. On January 25 this 

award-winning composer and flutist 

invites Sarasota audiences to hear 

selections and gain insight into the 

composition process. Each will share 

award-winning compositions that 

have been played across the county 

with audiences at Selby Gardens’ 

downtown Sarasota campus 

On February 2, the Hermitage offers 

audiences two brass and jazz improvisors 

as they make music and ‘talk shop’ 

at Nathan Benderson Park. Hermitage 

Fellows Amir ElSaffar and Chris Ryan 

Williams will present an imaginative 

evening of sonic possibilities as the 

“Hermitage Sunsets @ Nathan Benderson 

Park” series continues. 

Registration is required at: Hermitage 

ArtistRetreat.org. 

At The Ringling 

The John and Mable Ringling 

Museum of Art has Mountains of the 

Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China 

and Beyond which runs through June 

23, 2024 in The Ringling’s Ting Tsung 

and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian 

Art. The exhibit features a selection of 

scholars’ rocks and related paintings 

and prints. 

Scholars’ rocks are collected from 

remote geographic locations, where 

they have been formed by natural 

elements over millions of years. The 

stones may then be carved, polished 

and inscribed before being displayed 

in a custom-made stand to enhance 

their visual appeal. Scholars’ rocks are 

both natural objects and products of 

human creativity. 

Mountains of the Mind will feature 

a wide array of scholars’ rocks in 

various shapes, textures and geological 

properties. The rocks are further 

contextualized by paintings, prints 

and texts that illuminate their cultural 

importance for scholars across 

the centuries. The stones have been 

appreciated and admired in China 

for more than a thousand years; 

historically, connoisseurs displayed 

their stones in their studios alongside 

paintings and other treasures, where 

they served as a focus for meditation 

or creative contemplation. 

On view through March 3 is Working 

Conditions. Explore labor through 

The Ringling’s Photography Collection. 

The Industrial Revolution of the 

eighteenth and nineteenth centuries 

radically changed the nature of human 

labor. Photography was itself introduced 

to the public in 1839. 

The subsequent development of 

▼ 

photographic media has thus been 

intertwined with the culture of labor 

ever since. In addition to the camera’s 

technical use as an instrument to record, 

photographers have also created 

images over the decades that have 

helped shape how we think about 

work and the politics of labor. This 

exhibition explores the myriad ways 

in which photographs have communicated 

ideas about labor since the 

nineteenth century through examples 

from The Ringling’s photography permanent 

collection. 

Michele Oka Doner: The True Story 

Of Eve through June 2, 2024. Explore 

Miami, Florida-born, Michele Oka 

Doner’s first solo exhibition at The 

Ringling titled, Michele Oka Doner: 

The True Story of Eve. This exhibition 

includes examples of works on paper, 

wood, ceramics, bronzes, and glass 

ranging from the 1960s to the present, 

paying homage to the local environment, 

while poignantly reminding us of 

our increasingly precarious ecosystem 

The John and Mable Ringling 

Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., 

Sarasota. Info: www.ringling.org. 

Theatre 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 

presents A Soldier’s Play January 

18-February 18. On a U.S. Army base 

in Louisiana in the segregation-era 

South of 1944, two shots ring out. A 

Black sergeant is murdered. A series 

of interrogations triggers a gripping 

barrage of questions about sacrifice, 

service, and identity in America. One 

persistent investigator must race 

against his white leadership to unravel 

the crime before they unravel him. 

Location: WBTT’s Donelly Theatre, 

1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Tickets: 

westcoastblacktheatre.org 

▼ 

The Players Sarasota has tick, 

tick…BOOM! Running January11-28. 

Before Rent, there was tick, tick… 

BOOM! This autobiographical musical 

by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer 

Prize- and Tony Award-winning composer 

of Rent, is the story of a composer 

and the sacrifices that he made 

to achieve his big break in theatre. 

Containing fourteen songs, ten characters, 

three actors and a band, tick, 

tick…BOOM! takes you on the playwright/composer’s 

journey that led to 

a Broadway blockbuster. 

Held at The Players Studio Black Box, 

1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 200, 

Sarasota. Tickets: theplayers.org 

▼ 

Manatee Performing Arts 

Center has these shows: 

• January 5: Jimmy Buffet Tribute 

With The Aquaholics— The Aquaholics 

band is a group of musicians dedicated 

to providing music that is the 

backdrop to the Florida and Tropical 

lifestyle. The musicians all perform 

full time as solo and duo musicians as 

well as a full group. Musicians in the 

group have performed with members 

of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefers, as 

well as many other national acts. 

• January 6: When Music Speaks— 

This musical showcase is about a 

tribute to the genre of Neo-Soul and 

R&B. Journey back to the 90s and early 

2000s and enjoy songs by India Arie, 

Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, Tevin 

Campbell, Music Soul Child, Floetry, 

and much more. 

• January 11-12: Crimes of the 

Heart— The tragicomedy play relates 

the story of the three Magrath sisters, 

Meg, Babe, and Lenny, who reunite 

▼ 

continued on page 10 


Program 4 | FSU Center 

Graziano 

Celebrated 

Ricardo Graziano’s Sonatina 

Ricardo Graziano’s In a State of Weightlessness 

Ricardo Graziano’s World Premiere 

JAN 26 

7:30 PM 

JAN 28 

2:00 PM | 7:30 PM 

JAN 27 

2:00 PM | 7:30 PM 

JAN 29 

7:30 PM 

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org 

Ricki Bertoni and Oliva Dugan in Ricardo Graziano’s In a State of Weightlessness | Photography by Frank Atura 

Program Media Sponsor 


out and about continued 

at Old Granddaddy’s home in Hazlehurst, 

Mississippi, after Babe shoots 

her abusive husband. The sisters were 

raised in a dysfunctional family with a 

penchant for ugly predicaments. 

• January 18-28: Oklahoma!— Rodgers 

& Hammerstein’s exuberant classic 

is a lively, tuneful musical full of 

cowboys, farmers, romance and fearless 

optimism. 

Box Office: 941-748-5878. Manatee 

Performing Arts Center, 502 Third 

Avenue W, Bradenton. 

At Venice Theatre January 19-February 

18 is Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to 

Margaritaville with music and lyrics 

by Jimmy Buffett. The popular musical 

with a buffet of Buffett hits promises 

to change your attitude and latitude. 

Paradise is found in Jimmy’s jukebox 

jam, Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville. 

Info: venicetheatre.org/ 

▼ 

Asolo Rep has Inherit the Wind 

running January 19-February 24. Feel 

the heat of the courtroom in the sizzling 

American classic INHERIT THE 

WIND, an explosive drama inspired 

by the most important trial of the 20th 

Century. As a media circus descends 

upon a small American town, two of 

the largest figures of their time engage 

in a battle of wits and wills to ensure 

that justice is served, in the process 

charting the course of education for 

generations. Relive a defining moment 

of American history, brought to life 

by Asolo Rep’s new Producing Artistic 

Director Peter Rothstein. 

Visit asolorep.org to learn more info. 

▼ 

FSU/Asolo Conservatory for 

Actor Training has Miss Julie running 

February 15 -March 10. By 

August Strindberg. Witness a clandestine 

encounter of desire, lust and forbidden 

love. On a Midsummer Night, 

the count’s daughter, Julie, enters the 

kitchen, sparking a dangerous connection 

with the servant, Jean. As 

their illicit affair unfolds, Christine, 

another servant and Jean’s fiancé, 

quietly observes, leading to a shocking 

climax. Experience a naturalistic 

tragedy where class, sex and fate intertwine, 

as Julie and Jean spiral into a 

mesmerizing “dance of death”. 

For information, visit asolorep.org/ 

conservatory 

▼ 

Florida Studio Theatre has Little 

Shop of Horrors running to January 

14. A hapless flower shop assistant, 

Seymour stumbles across a new breed 

of plant, which he names ‘Audrey II’ 

after his coworker crush. The saucy, 

R&B-singing carnivore promises Seymour 

unending fame and fortune with 

one condition: he must keep feeding 

it blood. Seymour soon discovers 

Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins 

and its man-eating appetite for global 

domination blown musical numbers, 

drama, and spontaneous choreography 

in this musical improv show. 

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or 

call 941-366-9000. 

▼ 

Sarasota Jewish Theatre has 

three plays from January through 

May: “Fully Committed” by Becky 

Mode, “Better Late” by Larry Gelbart, 

and “The Immigrant” by Mark 

Harelik. The plays are presented at 

The Players Centre Studio 1130 at the 

Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. 

Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 

To purchase tickets and subscriptions, 

▼ 

visit ThePlayers.org or 

call 941-365-2494. For 

information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. 

At Urbanite Theatre, 

Judith is running 

January 5 - February 

18. The world premiere 

poses a question: What if 

Shakespeare had a sister? 

Playwright Katie Bender 

offers an answer in this 

one-woman show, which 

follows Judith’s transformative 

journey to save 

her brother’s reputation. 

Gallivanting in and out of 

character, she discovers 

the pleasures and pitfalls 

of passing as the bard 

himself. https://www. 

urbanitetheatre.com/ 

▼ 

Fogartyville 

January 14: Will 

McLean Foundation 

Audible Art Series at 

Fogartyville presents the 

finest of Florida’s acoustic 

artists — artists who 

share a vision of saving 

Florida through music. 

Tampa-based musical 

duo Paul Arnone and Tami Wingard 

founded Hannah’s Whirl based upon 

Arnone’s vocals and original guitar-driven 

songs and Wingard’s easy 

vocal harmonies with accompaniment 

on harmonica and percussion. 

Hannah’s Whirl Event link: wslrfogartyville 

• January 19: Claudia Schmidt has 

been perfecting her craft of performing 

for four decades. It is a quirky and 

wonderful hodge-podge of music, poetry, 

story, laughter. drama, and celebrating 

the moment. 

Work in clubs, theaters, festivals, TV, 

radio has added depth and dimension, 

and since she has always included her 

original work along with very personal 

versions of the work of others, what 

you get is a unique look at the world 

from someone who says what she sees 

with clarity, humor, and wonder. 

Alice Howe and Freebo will get the 

evening started with their blend of 

roots, folk and blues. 

Claudia Schmidt event link: wslrfogartyville.tickets 

• January 20-21: Mary Gauthier‘s 

eleventh album, the first record in 

more than 8 years consisting of all her 

own songs, “Dark Enough to See the 

Stars,” follows the profound antidote 

to trauma, “Rifles & Rosary Beads,” 

her 2018 collaborative work with 

wounded Iraq war veterans. 

It garnered a Grammy nomination 

for Best Folk Album, as well as a nomination 

for Album of the Year by the 

Americana Music Association. Mary 

Guthier Event link: wslrfogartyville. 

tickets 

• January 27: Jazzmeia Horn Trio 

with special guest Jamee Harris. Horn 

is among the most exciting young vocalists 

in jazz, with a proud traditionalism 

that keeps her tightly linked to 

the sound of classic figures like Nancy 

Wilson and Betty Carter, but a vivacity 

of spirit that places her firmly in the 

present. Event link: wslrfogartyville. 

ticket 

Food available prior to the event 

when doors open 7pm. Location: Fogartyville 

Community Media and Arts 

Center, Kumquat Ct. Sarasota. 

▼ 

Soundbox Ventures 

Their “Listen Hear” Salon Concerts 

are on March 8 and March 20 

at St. Boniface Episcopal Church. 

This interactive “exhibition for 

music” series examines a specific 

way we hear expression and meaning. 

Curated by Max Tan, each salonstyle 

event includes a classical music 

program, insights from the artists, 

and conversations with the audience. 

Each program is free and registration 

is required. Register at www. 

soundboxventures.org/events. St. 

Boniface Episcopal Church is located 

at 5615 Midnight Pass Road on 

Siesta Key. 

▼ 

At The Galleries 

Island Gallery and Studios presents 

“I Must Have Flowers” with 

paintings by Debbie Snow, January 

2-31. Snow loves the quote: “I must 

have flowers always and always” by 

Claude Monet. Flowers bring such 

happiness in life. Debbie reflects “No 

matter where I am in the world, I am 

constantly seeking out flowers that I 

can photograph and use as subjects 

for future paintings. My paintings are 

larger than life so they become a focal 

point for others to enjoy.” 

Artist reception is on January 5, 

5:30-7:30 pm. Debbie will be at Island 

Gallery and Studios on January 19, 

from 10 am to 6 pm. Island West Gallery 

and Studios is located at 456 Old 

Main Street in downtown Bradenton. 

Visit www.islandgalleryandstudios. 

org or call 941-778-6648. 

▼ 

▼ 

Church of the 

Palms’ Faith & 

Society Speaker 

Series presents 

Dr. Eddie Glaude, 

Jr. on January 

25. . Info. 

www.church 

ofthepalms.org. 

“What’s Cookin’, Sarasota?” is 

the newest exhibit courtesy of the 

Sarasota County History Center and 

is on display at the Sarasota County 

Administration building. The exhibit 

explores how food and cooking 

shaped the community of Sarasota 

County and features cookbooks, 

recipe cards, and a variety of unique 

and historical kitchen equipment. 

“What’s Cookin’, Sarasota?” will be 

on display through March 2024 on 

the first floor of the Administration 

building at 1660 Ringling Blvd. Hungry 

for more? Visit the 

online exhibit here: 

https://loom.ly/fRtcQLs 

Art CenterManatee 

has January 30 

-March 8 brings the 

156th International 

American Watercolor 

Society Traveling 

Exhibit and Florida 

Suncoast Watercolor 

Society Annual Aqueous 

Exhibit. 

AWS features master 

watercolor artists from 

around the world and 

the ArtCenter will be 

one of only three venues 

in the United States 

to host the traveling 

exhibit. The opening 

reception for these two 

don’t miss shows will 

be February 1, 5-7pm. 

They’re at 209 9th St W, 

Bradenton. Info: Art- 

CenterManatee.org. 

▼ 

Sarasota Orchestra’s 

Harmony Gallery 

features local artists 

showcasing their work 

in solo exhibitions 

throughout the Orchestra’s season. 

These juried exhibitions feature 

artists with mediums ranging from 

painting to pastels to mixed media. 

Twenty-five percent of all proceeds 

from the sale of the artwork benefit 

Sarasota Orchestra. 

Next up is Booker High School VPA 

Student Exhibition. VPA visual art 

students will present a collection of 

two-dimensional artwork from various 

genres. Runs through January 25. 

Reception: January 24, 5-6:30 pm. 

Information: www.Sarasota 

Orchestra.org. 

▼ 

▼ 

Art Center Sarasota 

Cycle 2: Runs through January 13 

• Aimee Jones: Aimee Jones’ paintings 

use Florida’s landscape of desire 

and lust to portray the body, interwoven 

with the American idea of paradise. 

She plays with the dichotomy of 

the female form as a political landscape 

and the power of a woman’s 

bodily agency. 

• Ethan Fielder: Ethan Fielder will 

exhibit a body of sculptural ceramics, 

which examines personal and collective 

growth inspired by formative 

moments of transformation that he 

experienced through his turbulent 

countrywide travels in 2020. 

• Tom Casmer: In his upcoming exhibition, 

“ges•talt,” Tom Casmer brings to 

life the infrastructure that lies beneath 

the skin, the fabric of the world around 

him. Drawing inspiration from the 

organic and inorganic alike, Casmer’s 

sources include the human figure, 

nature, and machine-made elements. 

His work recognizes the mechanism of 

organic and addresses the connection 

between the mechanical form and the 

human system. 

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami 

Trail, Sarasota. Info: www. 

artsarasota.org. 

Selby Gardens has Clyde Butcher: 

Nature Through the Lens at the 

Historic Spanish Point campus on 

view to August 31, 2024. Featuring 

extraordinary, large-format wildlife 

prints by this well-known landscape 

▼ 

photographer and conservationist, 

Clyde Butcher: Nature Through 

the Lens gives viewers the chance to 

engage with Clyde Butcher’s artwork 

against the backdrop of our Historic 

Spanish Point campus. selby.org. 

Sarasota 

Orchestra 

Masterworks performances take 

place at Van Wezel and Neel Performing 

Arts Center. 

• Friends & Inspirations – January 

5, 6, 7 

Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor with 

Sir Stephen Hough, piano 

Clarice Assad – Bonecos De Olinda 

Rachmaninoff – Rhapsody on a Theme 

of Paganini 

Elgar – Enigma Variations 

• Titans is on January 26, 27, 28 

Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor with 

Ji Su Jung, marimba 

Mozart – Overture to The Marriage 

of Figaro 

Kevin Puts – Concerto for Marimba 

and Orchestra 

Mahler – Symphony No. 1 

• Smoke and Fire is on February 8, 

9, 10, 11 

Rune Bergmann, conductor with Stella 

Chen, violin 

Nielsen – Overture to Maskarade 

Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No. 2 

Rachmaninoff – Symphony No. 2 

• The Pops series includes music 

from Broadway, powerful soul hits, 

and a program dedicated to singer-songwriters. 

Dynamic vocalists 

join Sarasota Orchestra musicians to 

perform these hits. Performances take 

place at Van Wezel. Next up: Broadway 

Showstoppers on January 19, 

20. Evan Roider, conductor with Ali 

Ewoldt, vocals; Teri Hansen, vocals 

and Sean MacLaughlin, vocals 

• The Great Escapes series offers 

a mix of popular tunes and light 

classics. Performances take place at 

Holley Hall. In this series, conductors 

share stories and commentary 

throughout each performance. Performances 

take place at Holley Hall. 

Next up: By Special Arrangement on 

January 10-14 with Christopher Confessore, 

conductor. Revolutionary 

Music is on January 31-February 4 

with Lawrence Loh, conductor 

For further information, visit www. 

SarasotaOrchestra.org. 

▼ 

Meetings 

Get a sneak peek of the Asolo 

Repertory Theatre’s costumes for 

upcoming shows at the January 

19 Palm-Aire Women’s Club Luncheon. 

David Covach, the costume manager 

from the Asolo Repertory Theatre, 

will discuss the new Asolo show “Inherit 

the Wind. Covach came to the 

Asolo in 1995 to serve as Assistant 

Costume Shop Manager, resident designer 

and draper. 

Luncheon will be held at the Palm 

Aire Country Club and will start at 

11:30 a.m. Cost is $35 for nonmembers. 

Reservations must be received 

by January 12. Mail a check to January 

PAWC Lunch, P O Box 21051, 

Bradenton Fl 34204. For credit cards, 

contact Susan at susanromine@ 

gmail.com. 

For more information about becoming 

a member of the Palm Aire 

Women’s Club contact membership 

chair, Katherine Pike at katherinemaryt@yahoo.com 

▼ 


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feature 

Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation’s 

“Six to Save” Properties 

Illustrating the urgent need to save historic resources from demolition in Sarasota County 

The Sarasota 

Alliance for 

Historic Preservation 

(SAHP) 

announced its 

2023 “Six to Save’’ properties 

at an event held in November 

at the Philippi Crest 

Community Clubhouse in 

Sarasota. 

Now in its fourth year, 

this initiative highlights the 

urgent need to save historic 

resources from demolition 

in Sarasota County. The 

program was launched 

in 2020 by Harry Klinkhamer, who 

was then the chair of the History & 

Preservation Coalition of Sarasota 

County, and is now spearheaded 

by SAHP, in collaboration with 

the Coalition. Members of the 

community nominate properties they 

are concerned about by filling out a 

nomination form on SAHP’s website. 

A Six to Save committee then reviews 

and selects six properties to be 

spotlighted that year. 

“The Six to Save list is a 

springboard for an education and 

advocacy effort designed to raise 

public awareness of the uncertain 

future for these historic resources. 

It’s also designed to invite residents 

and community leaders to be part 

of a collaborative effort to find 

alternatives to demolition,” said Erin 

DiFazio, SAHP’s program director. 

She noted that the program 

has been instrumental in raising 

awareness and has aided in the 

progress toward preservation of 

multiple properties, including the 

Snook Haven House, the South Gate 

Community Center, Herald Square, 

and the Caples mansion. 

DiFazio explained that the 2023 

properties were selected based on “the 

urgency of impending threat, coupled 

with the significance of the resource.” 

At the event, SAHP leaders 

Erin DiFazio, program director of the 

Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, 

addresses the audience at the 2023 

Six to Save event 

1 2 

presented a contribution of 

$250 toward the restoration 

of the Phillippi Crest 

Community Clubhouse to 

board chair Joel Palombo. 

They also recognized Jesse 

White of Architectural 

Salvage board for his 

offer to donate salvaged 

lumber and materials 

for restoration, and to 

the photographer Brian 

3 

Jones who donated his 

photography services to 

capture each of the six properties 

chosen for the 2023 Six to Save list. 

Lorrie Muldowney, the president of 

SAHP, invited Marty Hylton, president 

of Architecture Sarasota, to speak 

briefly about their new program 

“Moderns that Matter” and talked about 

the importance of this advocacy work. 

The 2023 Six to Save: 

1 

Hotel Venice, 200 Nassau Street, 

N., Venice 

2 

Colson Hotel For Negroes, 

1425 8th Street, Sarasota 

3 

Waldman Building, 533-539 

S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota 

4 

13 Main, 13 Main Street, 

Osprey 

5 

McAlpin Home, 1530 Cross St., 

Sarasota 

6 

I.M. Pei dorms at 

New College of Florida 

The 2023 Six to Save committee members 

are: Harry Klinkhamer (manager 

of Historical Resources for the City of 

Venice); Dave Baber (SAHP vice-president); 

Kara Scott (SAHP board member); 

Erin DiFazio (program director, 

SAHP); Kittie Kelly, board member of 

the Central Cocoanut National Historic 

District Neighborhood Association; 

Frank Wright, president, Venice Area 

Historical Society; and Greg Dickinson, 

president, Historical Society of 

Sarasota County. 

The Sarasota Alliance for 

Historic Preservation is a 

nonprofit organization whose 

mission is to “Preserve and 

Enhance our Historic Places.” 

SAHP was incorporated in 

1985 in an attempt to save architect 

Dwight Baum’s El Vernona 

Hotel in downtown Sarasota. 

The Alliance, a membership-driven 

organization, is comprised of 

more than 500 residents, business 

owners, visitors, artists, 

architects, engineers, historians, 

builders, archaeologists, Realtors, 

planners, designers, and 

writers working together to preserve 

and encourage others to 

preserve - not only the remaining 

significant landmarks - but also 

the contributing 

structures 5 

that define 

Sarasota 

County. 

For more 

information, 

visit 

www. 

Preserve 

SRQ.org. 

4 

Photos by Hugh Devlin 


Susan Goldfarb 

PROGRAM DIRECTOR 

2023-2024 

LECTURE SERIES ✱ PAINTING 

LANGUAGES ✱ QIGONG 

YOGA ✱ MEDITATION ✱ BRIDGE 

MAH JONGG ✱ CANASTA 

SUPREME COURT ✱ THEOLOGY 

WELLNESS ✱ AMERICAN HISTORY 

LITERATURE & POETRY 

MOVIE & BOOK GROUPS 

MUSIC & DANCE APPRECIATION 

MORNING FORUMS & TED TALKS 

WORLD POLITICS & CURRENT EVENTS 

FILM FESTIVALS ✱ JAZZ NIGHTS 

WRITING WORKSHOPS 

iPHONE & iPAD ✱ NATURE WALKS 

BIRDING ✱ WOMEN’S GROUPS 

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS 

BROADWAY BIOS ✱ CONCERTS 

SPECIAL ONE-TIME EVENTS 

& MUCH MORE! 

Programs Available In Person and on Zoom 

567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 

www.TBIeducationcenter.org 

email: edcenter@longboatkeytemple.org 

For a brochure call: (941) 383-8222 


focus on the arts 

Sarasota Concert Association 

Invites You To Hear 

What the World is Raving About 

Celebrating its 

79th Season with 

world-renowned orchestras, 

chamber 

ensembles and phenomenal 

soloists, the Sarasota 

Concert Association brings a 

stunning array of internationally-acclaimed 

artists to Sarasota this season, 

featuring three fabulous orchestras, 

three top pianists, one amazing 

cellist, and a Grammy Award-winning 

chamber ensemble. 

Praised as “Bulgaria’s most illustrious 

musical institution” by Gramophone 

Magazine, the acclaimed Sofia 

Philharmonic makes its Sarasota 

debut to open the Sarasota Concert 

Association’s 2024 Great 

Performers Series on January 

15 at the Van Wezel 

Performing Arts Hall. 

The Sofia Philharmonic 

is the national orchestra 

of Bulgaria and has long 

established itself as one 

of the leading cultural institutions, 

representative 

of the overall contemporary 

musical culture of 

the country. Since 2017, 

Nayden Todorov has 

been the general director 

of the Sofia Philharmonic 

and will lead the orchestra 

in an all-Beethoven 

program featuring the 

Egmont Overture, Symphony 

No. 7, and Piano 

Concerto No. 5, Emperor, 

featuring the extraordinary 

16-year-old Bulgarian 

pianist Ivaylo Vassilev. 

Celebrated for their “panache” 

by The New York 

Times and hailed in the 

Cincinnati Enquirer for 

“bringing a new attitude 

to classical music, one 

that is fresh, bracing and intelligent,” the 

Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet 

has dazzled audiences from Carnegie Hall 

to the White House, and is now coming to 

Sarasota at the Riverview Performing Arts 

Center on January 24. Join us for this onenight-only 

concert as the Harlem Quartet 

performs Beethoven’s String Quartet Opus 

18, No. 5, Fanny Mendelssohn’s String Quartet 

in E-flat Major, Guido López-Gavilán’s 

Cuarteto en Guaguanco, and Caroline 

Shaw’s Entr’acte. 

Harlem Quartet 

Daniil Trifonov 

World-renowned cellist Alisa Weilerstein, 

described as “a new generation’s cello superstar,” 

joins the Detroit Symphony in 

Elgar’s Cello Concerto on February 19, at 

the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The 

fourth-oldest orchestra in the country, the 

acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is 

known for trailblazing performances, collaborations 

with the world’s foremost musical 

artists, and a deep connection to its city. 

The Orchestra is led by Music Director Jader 

Bignamini, who conducts the orchestra 

Alisa Weilerstein 

Bruce Liu 

Sofia Philharmonic 

in Pulitzer Prize-winning composer 

Michael Abels’ Emerge as well as 

Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestral showpiece, 

Scheherazade. 

Celebrated as one of Europe’s finest 

orchestras, the Rotterdam Philharmonic 

comes to Sarasota on March 

3, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts 

Hall. The Orchestra is led by Lahav 

Shani, the youngest Chief Conductor 

in the orchestra’s 100-year history 

and an esteemed maestro with numerous 

accolades. Described by The 

Times of London as “the most astounding 

pianist of our age,” Daniil 

Trifonov, who has performed as a 

soloist with just about any world-renowned 

orchestra you can think of, 

joins the orchestra for 

Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto 

No. 2. The program 

also includes Arvo Pärt’s 

Swansong and excerpts 

from Prokofiev’s Romeo 

and Juliet. 

Concluding our season, 

and back in Sarasota by 

popular demand, pianist 

Bruce Liu performs a recital 

featuring works by 

Rameau, Ravel, Chopin 

and Liszt on March 29 at 

the Riverview Performing 

Arts Center. Bruce 

Liu was brought to the 

world’s attention in 2021, 

when he won the First 

Prize at the 18th Chopin 

International Piano Competition 

in Warsaw. Since 

then, he has been engaged to perform 

in concert halls from Milan to Seoul. 

He draws on various sources of inspiration 

for his art: European refinement, 

Chinese long tradition, North American 

dynamism and openness. 

S R SOT CONCERT 

SSOCI TION 

5-concert Great Performers 

Series tickets are still 

available at a savings of up to 

30%. Choose 3 concerts and 

single tickets are also available. 

Visit www.SCAsarasota.org or 

call 941-966-6161 to get tickets 

or more information. 


your healthier health you 

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. 

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 the dural tube 

that encases the spinal cord into the lower 

and upper back, the neck, the cranium and 

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 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 

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. 

Babies and Children can benefit 

■ Our little boy Leo, four years of age, had a 

difficult birth and at 7 months was put on antibiotics 

for an ear infection and as a result developed 

c-diff. His development came to a stop. 

At 3 years, with the help of an OT, he started 

to walk and talk. In spite of the improvements, 

he was unable to answer questions and his 

communication skills were very poor. Leo 

had very poor muscle tone, a lot of stress in 

his body and physical activities such walking, 

jumping and climbing were difficult for him. 

Beginning with the first session with Terry, 

he began showing improvement and with each 

following session. Everyone from his teachers 

to his grandparents noticed an increase in his 

■ “I was in awful pain and the 

MRI showed 2 pinched nerves 

and stenosis. I scheduled surgery. 

My daughter suggested Craniosacral therapy. 

After only 2 visits the pain was reduced to 

advanced craniosacral about 80% and therapy I canceled the surgery. I went 

for a 3rd visit and I am about 90% better.” 

■ “Simply Amazing! One visit was all it took for 

Terry to relieve 85% of my year long, nagging 

(sometimes severe) neck/shoulder tightness/ 

pain!! My breathing improved tremendously.” 

physical strength, as well as improvements in 

comprehension, speech and communication 

skills. For the first time, he started participating 

in class lessons and interacting with his 

classmates. Terry has made a huge impact on 

getting Leo to a place a little boy should be at 

age four. We cannot thank Terry enough. 

■ Terry’s treatment helped our 6 week old 

baby boy from recent hospitalization into 

the first series of healthy bowel movements 

when seemingly nothing could help. Our son 

was able to latch onto the breast and for the 

first time completed his feeding. He was much 

calmer after working with Terry. 

■ “He was able to relieve tension that I have 

been carrying around for 15 years or more. 

I left his office table with more energy than I 

have had in years.” 

■ “I began working with him because I was 

dealing with anxieties, depression and lots of 

emotional pain inside and out. You don’t realized 

how much stress can cause damage to 

your body, mind and soul. I can say Terry was 

a big help.” 

Terrence Grywinski 

of Advanced 

Craniosacral Therapy, 

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

Testimonials from Clients 

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 Advanced 

Craniosacral 

Therapy. 

■ “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 

advanced craniosacral therapy 

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.” 

■ “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.” 

PAID ADVERTORIAL 


Natalia 

Levey 

Restaurant Maven, 

Speaker and Author 

She and her husband 

Mark not only own the 

Palm Avenue Deli, but 

two other establishments on 

the same block: Bar Hana 

and Kojo. They opened Kojo 

in 2021; Bar Hana opened in 

2023. They also own Speaks 

Clam Bar on St. Armands 

and in Lakewood Ranch. 

Soon they’ll announce another 

restaurant concept at the 

Central Park Food Hall in 

St. Petersburg. 


We’re sitting in 

the Palm Avenue 

Deli in downtown 

Sarasota. 

New Yorkers and 

connoisseurs of all 

things traditional 

deli now have a 

place to enjoy pastrami, bagels and lox 

and vanilla egg cream sodas while kvetching 

(or kvelling) if it’s like the deli of their 

memories. Put it this way, midmorning the 

restaurant had a few people eating breakfast; 

by 11:30 the place was packed. 

Tremendous attention to detail went 

into creating Palm Avenue Deli from the 

checkerboard floor to the lengthy menu 

that offers the classics, but with some innovative 

spins on those favorites. The person 

who made that attention to detail happen is 

across from me in a booth and her name is 

Natalia Levey. She and her husband Mark 

own and operate the Palm Avenue Deli 

which opened last year in June. I’m sure 

they had to clean the windows often from 

all those pastrami-starved people peering 

in, hoping to see if they were open yet. 

But the couple not only own the Deli, 

but two other establishments on the same 

block: Bar Hana and Kojo. The three restaurants 

couldn’t be more different - each 

offers a unique and different experience 

— visually and cuisine-wise. They opened 

Kojo in 2021 while Bar Hana opened in 

April, 2023. 

But wait, there’s more. They also own 

Speaks Clam Bar on St. Armands and in 

Lakewood Ranch. And soon, they’ll be 

announcing another restaurant concept 

at the Central Park Food Hall in St. Petersburg 

just to the north. No, she doesn’t 

have a twin. Natalia admits up front a great 

management team makes their restaurant 

group, Hi Hospitality Group, run smoothly. 

But she’s very much hands on. A creative 

person, Natalia says they come up with a 

new concept - sometimes based on their 

travels or else what seems like fun - and 

then create a restaurant around it and then, 

“We make it our own,” as she explains. 

They then test the idea, do careful research, 

then employ a design firm (BLOK Design in 

PA) to create the right look. 

At Bar Hana you have a surf-themed, 

modern tiki bar offering Asian-inspired light 

bites and tons of drinks to choose from. Kojo 

offers upscale Asian fare and a wide variety 

of sakes. When you read this it will be peak 

season and reservations at Kojo are a must 

and must be made well in advance. “I can’t 

even get a table,” she says seriously, and I 

believe her. Celebrities happen to like Kojo 

and that’s why they created a private dining 

room — but she’s not naming names. 

Whereas Kojo and Bar Hana have similar 

pan-Asian cuisine, Speaks Clam Bars on St. 

Armands Circle and in Lakewood Ranch 

have classic seafood dishes like clam chowder, 

but many dishes have Italian influences 

such as cioppino, lasagna, linguine and 

more with a variety of seafood. 

The couple — he’s from Long Island, 

she’s from eastern Europe — lived in New 

York City, but always visited our area. They 

have a home base in Tampa and another 

home on Longboat Key to be close to their 

restaurants. 

Does she have a favorite cuisine? She’s 

sensitive to spice and strong seasoning, but 

has a fondness for soup going back to her 

childhood. The buckwheat porridge is her 

personal go to food as she finds it so comforting. 

“I listen to my body,” she explains, 

adding, “I like food prepared with love.” 

Natalia is the founder of Hi Hospitality 

Group, a “high touch operator of dining 

destinations in Florida with focus on inviting 

collaboration, integrating technology 

and inspiring excellence…We are driven by 

the love that we carry in our hearts: a love of 

dining, a love of family, respect, communication 

and service.” 

Hi Hospitality Group created all the 

restaurants, but Natalia is also a TEDx 

speaker, author of “Cravings Boss” and a 

“hospitality wellness advocate.” From her 

website, it notes that she’s traveled extensively 

to over 40 countries. Her background 

is eclectic. She trained at the Art Institute of 

New York and is a graduate of the Institute 

for Integrative Nutrition. Natalia’s also a 

certified nutritional consultant accredited 

by the American Association of Nutritional 

Consultants. 

In 2021 she was given the Women’s Entrepreneurial 

Leadership fellow by the James 

Beard Foundation and distinguished as that 

year’s Top Entrepreneur. When Hurricane 

Nicole hit the Bahamas in 2022, Natalia 

reached out to José Andrés’ World Kitchen. 

She asked what was needed, and then flew 

in to help, bringing chef’s tools. “It was an 

extraordinary experience,” she recalls, 

while helping to make thousands of meals. 

Thus it is clear, her business is not all 

about bottom line watching and fretting 

about reservations. “Natalia believes that 

a meal isn’t just a meal—it’s a step towards 

global well-being and connection,” according 

to the website. 

Natalia follows social media closely and 

if a patron has a special meal request say, at 

Kojo, she works hard to deliver, finding that 

item at one of her other restaurants. She’s 

also creative and that’s why you’ll see watermelon 

gazpacho on the menu at the Palm Avenue 

Deli - and it’s very popular. “I approach 

everything with creativity and openness.” 

You don’t often see “empathy” on a 

restaurant website or “respect” or “mindfulness” 

for that matter. During our conversation 

there was no gazing about the room 

or any sign of concern showing across her 

serene face. In part, that’s due to good business 

practices. “With a good management 

team in place and lots of training, staff are 

empowered,” she explains. 

When the Deli first opened they started 

with breakfast to make sure that went 

smoothly. They then added lunch and then 

later, added dinner. She doesn’t micromanage, 

instead relies on her team in particular, 

“Robert Castelloin, our solid director of operations 

who understands the vision of the 

company.” As well, she also mentions Chef 

Hart Lowry, their culinary director. “They 

really deserve a lot of credit for where the 

restaurants are.” 

They have operations meetings weekly. 

Natalia oversees all photography, does 

social media. Marketing and branding are 

done in house. Mark has a background in 

technology and created their unique ordering 

system where diners can scan a QR code 

at the table (or not). 

While it’s not a literal translation, Kojo, by 

the way, means “continuing improvement,” 

and to Natalia, “that’s what we do and that’s 

what keeps everyone interested.” 

STORY: Louise Bruderle 

Courtesy image 

Find out more about Natalia at 

www.natalialevey.com. 

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Learn something new in 2024! 

Here’s a sample of the many learning experiences available 

Creative Arts 

◆ The Players Studio offers a diverse 

set of programming for actors of all ages 

and abilities that is designed to cultivate 

craft, broaden the mind, and grow artis- 

tic abilities. Resident teaching artists are 

trained and come with a wealth of knowl- 

edge and experience to help you reach 

your goals as a new or seasoned actor. 

If you’d like to register, email thayerg@ 

theplayers.org or call 941-552-8879. 

Classes are held at The Players Studio, 

1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota, 

in the Rosemary District on the 

second floor. 

◆ ArtCenter Manatee has classes in 

drawing, painting, watercolor, paper 

maché, kids art, drawing for kids, jewelry 

and pottery that begin in January. All 

levels, day and evening classes available. 

Upcoming workshops include: 

Upcoming workshops include: Melissa 

Nece Watercolor Pencils Workshop - 

January 27 

Melissa Nece Watercolor Pencils 

Workshop - January 27; Melissa Nece 

Colored Pencil Workshop - February 7; 

Alicia Farris Watercolor Workshop: Expressive 

Faces - February 1-3; Robin Poteet 

Watercolor Workshop: Get Creative 

with Animals - March 14-16; Torch-fired 

Enamels - January 6; Slab Construction 

for Raku January 5 and 24 and Electro 

Forming for Jewelry - January 13 and 20. 

Check out their schedule at ArtCenter 

manatee.org or call 941-746-2862. 

◆ Sarasota Art Museum has ceramics, 

drawing, painting, photography and 

more. Sarasota Art Museum is located at 

1001 South Tamiami Tr., Sarasota. List of 

classes is here: www.sarasotaartmuseum.org/studios. 

◆ Art Center Sarasota: Watch your skill 

and technique improve each week as 

you learn from talented local artists and 

experienced instructors. Sample classes 

include painting, photography, painting, 

collage, printmaking and more. 

18 WEST COAST WOMAN JANUARY 2024 

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami 

Trail, Sarasota. 941-365-2032 or www. 

artsarasota.org. 

Nature and 

The Environment 

◆ UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County 

offers EcoWalks. Here are a few. 

• Unique Preserves of Sarasota County - 

Sleeping Turtles North 

January 19, 9-11 a.m. at 3462 Border 

Road, Venice. Take a stroll through 

some of beautiful and environmentally 

sensitive lands that have been preserved 

in Sarasota County. Learn more 

about what makes these areas so unique 

and important, the plants and animals 

that inhabit them, how to be watershed 

wise, and the management issues faced 

when trying to preserve these lands for 

future generations. 

• Mangroves 

January 23, 8:30-10:30am at Lemon Bay 

Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay 

Park Blvd. Englewood 

These walks will focus on learning 

about the ecology of mangrove ecosystems, 

identification of mangroves and 

other species associated with them, and 

wildlife viewing. 

• Shinrin Yoku – Meditation in the Parks 

January 24, 9-10 a.m. at Lemon Bay Park 

and Environmental Center, 570 Bay 

Park Blvd Englewood. Join in for a contemplative 

walk where you can practice 

mindfulness, breathwork, and using all 

the senses to connect with nature. No 

prior experience needed. Bring a portable 

chair or towel to sit on, as there will be 

stops along the trail. 

Register for all these EcoWalks at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com 

only. For information, 

call 941-861-9900 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu. 

◆ The Gift of Trees 

January 18 at Palma Sola Botanical Garden; 

January 23 at The NEST at Robinson 

Preserve and January 25 at TBD from 

10-11:30 a.m. Join in for a crash course 

in trees. They’ll cover the value of trees 

in our communities, tree selection and 

The NEST at Robinson Preserve 

planting, maintenance, pruning and long 

term care considerations. 

• Emerson Point Preserve Tour 

February 3, 9-11 a.m. (offered the first 

Saturday of the month through April) at 

Emerson Point Preserve, 5801 17th Street 

West, Palmetto. Casually stroll through 

the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve 

and learn about Florida’s native plants 

and inhabitants of a coastal environment. 

Suitable for all ages. Meet at the 

first parking area on the right at the Observation 

Tower (not at the classroom). 

• DeSoto/Riverview Pointe Preserve Tour 

Offered on the second Saturday of the 

month (through May), at 9 a.m. at 8250 

Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. 

Casually stroll through the beautiful Riverview 

Pointe Preserve and learn about 

Florida’s native plants and inhabitants 

of a coastal environment. Suitable for all 

ages. Tour begins in the parking area of 

DeSoto National Memorial Park and enters 

into Riverview Pointe Preserve. 

◆ The Ringling offers Bayfront Gardens 

Tour through April 29, 2024. This small 

group guided walking tour introduces 

you to interesting botanical specimens, 

while providing a historic overview of the 

development of the estate. The Ringling 

has over 2,350 trees representing native, 

exotic, historical, and culturally signifi- 

cant trees. 

The tour is 90 minutes long and takes 

place entirely outdoors. Participants are 

encouraged to bring bottled water, and 

wear appropriate footwear, and sun protection. 

The tour is subject to weather 

conditions and your ticket includes access 

to the Bayfront Gardens for the rest 

of the day. www.ringling.org/visit/tours 

Learning 

Opportunities 

◆ Adult & Community Enrichment 

(ACE) at Suncoast Technical College, 

4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota. 

Call: (941) 361-6590 and visit ace-sarasota.com. 

Winter term begins January 22 and 

continues through mid-April. The curriculum 

is all about celebration: cooking 

and eating foods we love, experimenting 

with new art forms, travel to exotic destinations, 

exploring personal expression, 

and learning how to find our center. 

• Celebrate the Bounty of Your Table — 

ACE has snagged a top chef from the 

world of celebrity cooking: Lisa Osterlindh, 

whose bragging rights include 

appearances on Good Morning America 

and The Chew. She’ll be leading several 

hands-on workshops, including an a new 

series called Global Cuisine, which will 

take you on a culinary adventure around 

the world, from Sweden to Japan to India. 

Their new kitchen will also host returning 

courses such as Tapas Party, Party 

Boards, Sicilian Cooking, and Fish, Fish, 

Fish, as well as the wonderful combination 

language/lunch courses for Italian, 

French, and Spanish Conversation. 

• Celebrate Your Creativity — Take Gelli 

Plate Printing – a fun process that uses a 

variety of papers, stencils, acrylic paints, 

and whatever textures you want to use, to 

produce original, one-of-a-kind artworks. 

Unleash Your Inner Artist invites you 

to let your intuition loose on an acrylic 

painting project, and Pen and Ink: Maintaining 

a Sketchbook prompts artists to 

learn how to be more attentive to and appreciative 

of their environment. Experiment 

with Gouache, learn new watercolor, 

oil, or acrylic techniques, make a mosaic, 

work with glass, build a ceramic pot. 

• Ready for your turn in the spotlight? 

Try out Comedic Storytelling or Acting 

for Non-Actors. And to develop your 

voice, consider Finding Your Voice: A 

Workshop for Speakers and Singers. 

• Celebrate New Horizons — Lessons 

From the Blue Zones teaches how to live 

better longer; The Power of Purposeful 

Living: Leaving a Legacy explores 

what giving back means; and The Art of 

Change helps us lean into the inevitability 

of change. These classes provide ways 

to become more thoughtful, grounded, 

and peaceful. 

• Love travel? Visit the Middle East this 

term from the comfort of our classrooms. 

Choose from Armchair Travel courses to 

Turkey and Jordan and The History and 

Culture of Modern Egypt, or the Travel 

Discovery series, which invites you to 

continued on page 20 >>

20 TH 

ANNIVERSARY SEASON 

Celebrating the Future of Classical Music 

WINTER RESIDENCY 

FREE! TENT PERFORMANCES 

December 29, 2023 – January 5, 2024 

USF Sarasota-Manatee 

CELEBRATION CONCERT 

January 6, 2024 | Sarasota Opera House 

Tickets: SOH Box Office 941-328-1300 

or sarasotaopera.org 

CELEBRATION DINNER 

January 6, 2024 | Michael’s on East 

NEW! PMP CHAMBER 

QUARTET RECITALS 

January 8, 2024 | First Presbyterian Church 

SAVE THE DATE: 

REMEMBERING ROGER 

January 20, 2024 | Unitarian Universalist Church 

Visit our website for tickets and more 

information: PERLMANSUNCOAST.ORG 

Sponsored in part by: 

The Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust Richard Orenstein, Trustee 

In partnership with 

oin our Jewish Federation 

to engage in stimulating and inspiring 

community programs. 

MORT SKIRBOLL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL 

Celebrating its 15th year, the Mort Skirboll Jewish Film Festival is expanding 

outside its March time slot and presenting films over a four-month period! 

JANUARY 7, 2024 • 4:30PM 

RESISTANCE: THEY FOUGHT BACK 

Travel to Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Israel and the US 

to illuminate the forgotten, and largely unknown, 

stories of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust. 

FEBRUARY 18, 2024 • 4:30PM 

THE CATSKILLS 

This humor-filled, nostalgic celebration of vacation resorts in 

the Borscht Belt paints a vibrant picture of 20th-century Jewish- 

American history. 

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK AUTHOR SERIES 

Join us for the next two events in our popular annual 

celebration of works by Jewish authors! 

JANUARY 17, 2024 • 7:00PM 

BENYAMIN COHEN – THE EINSTEIN EFFECT 

Almost 70 years after his death, Albert Einstein’s genius 

continues to define our everyday lives. 

FEBRUARY 29, 2024 • 7:00PM 

TOM DUGAN – WIESENTHAL 

A look at the essence of this extraordinary Holocaust survivor 

and his relentless efforts to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. 

This year Federation celebrates a very 

special milestone: Our 65th Anniversary! 

Keshet Chaim (Rainbow of Life) 

an American-Israeli contemporary dance 

company will perform at the inaugural 

community event at The Ora, our new 

premier event venue. 

FEBRUARY 25, 2024 • 7:30PM • The Ora 

For full program details 

or to buy your tickets visit 

JFEDSRQ.org/events 

6 5 



lifelong learning continued 

explore a new European country in each 

session. Each of the Searching for Italy 

courses includes an authentic Italian 

lunch and musical entertainment. 

Two of our new instructors will be presenting 

the following courses: U.S. Foreign 

Policy Challenges, Foreign Affairs, 

None of the Above: An Analysis of U.S. 

Voting Patterns, and Elections and the 

Presidency. 

◆ SILL Sarasota Institute of Lifetime 

Learning 

Their Global Issue” series runs January 

9-March 29 and the Music Mondays series 

runs January 8-March 25. 

Global Issues series features experts 

exploring topical issues and offers a broad 

overview of today’s world through non-partisan, 

expert-based, factual lectures. 

Global Issues speakers returning to 

Sarasota include: General Russel Honore, 

who organized the Hurricane Katrina relief 

effort and will speak about the increase 

in domestic violence; Sarasota native Nolan 

Peterson will give an update on events 

in Ukraine; and Martin Walker and Bob 

Barylski will review the EU and Russia. 

Charlayne Hunter-Gault 

• New to SILL this year are Charlayne 

Hunter-Gault speaking about optimism 

and hope in troubled times; Dr. Shelley 

Rigger discussing Taiwan; Amb. Eric 

Rubin reviewing the Balkans; and Roya 

Hakakian with an overview of women in 

Iran. Other speakers will address such 

important topics shaping our future as 

nuclear energy, climate adaptation, and 

artificial intelligence. 

Music Mondays – Natalie Helm 

• The Music Mondays series presents 

performances and conversations with renowned 

and emerging performers, January 

8-March 25, on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. 

at Church of the Palms in Sarasota; and 

Mondays at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian 

Church in Venice. 

Joseph Holt, the producer and host of 

the Music Mondays series, says that this 

year’s Music Mondays series features a 

“balance between popular and classical 

music, particularly with the artistry of 

local pianist Eddie Tobin, former music 

director for Engelbert Humperdinck, as 

well as jazz sensation Colin Leonard, a 

third-year student at the famed Oberlin 

Conservatory of Music.” 

Cellists Natalie Helm and Cheeko 

Matsusaka from Sarasota Orchestra will 

discuss their work with nonprofit organizations 

in the area. Pianist Jonathan 

Mamora will delight with his pianistic 

prowess, and string lovers will be in heaven 

with the artistry of Ariana Kim and a 

star-studded sextet of musicians from 

the Curtis Institute of Music. 

Rounding out the season are a trio of 

emerging Latin American singers. Ricardo 

José Rivera, performing with the Sarasota 

Opera this season, is joined with his wife 

Carmenchú Domínguez in a special duo 

session and Larisa Martínez, soprano, has 

one of the sultriest voices on the planet. 

Visit SillSarasota.org or call 941-365- 

6404. 

◆ OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning 

Institute) 

Here’s a sample of what Osher Lifelong 

Learning Institute at Ringling College 

has for its Winter Semester that runs January 

8-March 1. 

The winter semester features more 

than 50 courses, workshops, lectures, 

and special programs covering a wide variety 

of topics. Highlights include Searching 

Dr. Google. What Should I Believe?; 

The History of Psychiatry: Winners and 

Losers; Voting Behavior and the Electoral 

Process; Glass: The New Hot Contemporary 

Art Form; and The Historic First Federal 

Prosecution of a U.S. President. 

The semester, features more than 50 

courses, workshops, lectures, and special 

presentations covering a wide variety of 

topics, including arts and entertainment, 

history, music appreciation, health, literature, 

philosophy, religion, and science. 

Classes are offered at Sarasota Art Museum 

of Ringling College of Art and Design, 

1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; and 

online via Zoom. 

Course highlights include: 

• Searching Dr. Google. What Should I 

Believe?— How can we know which websites 

provide health information that is 

credible and safe? This presentation will 

provide guidelines for finding reliable internet 

sources of health information and 

for evaluating other types of information, 

such as health news reports. 

• The History of Psychiatry: Winners 

and Losers—This course is a historical 

review of “losers” (e.g., lobotomy, dental 

extractions, racism, controversies in 

diagnosis) and “winners” (e.g., lithium, 

antipsychotics and antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral 

therapies) and “undecideds” 

(convulsive therapy). 

• Voting Behavior and the Electoral Process—Since 

the establishment of the 

United States, when voting was limited to 

white male property owners, to the Voting 

Rights Act of 1965, “hanging chads,” 

and recent efforts by various states to 

either expand or suppress access, the 

right to vote in U.S. elections has changed 

dramatically over time. This course looks 

at the reasons for what happened historically—focusing 

on more recent history 

and what might happen going forward. 

• Glass: The New Hot Contemporary Art 

Form—Despite its humble origins in the 

garage of an Ohio museum in 1960, the 

studio glass movement is now one of the 

most important recent advancements in 

the world of contemporary art. Participants 

will learn about the history of the 

Studio Art Glass movement and its founding 

artists. Field trips may include The 

Ringling’s Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, 

the Basch Collection, and the hot shop at 

Ringling College of Art and Design. 

• The Historic First Federal Prosecution 

of a U.S. President—This course will explain 

the legal intricacies and legal consequences 

of the indictments of Donald 

Trump, taught from the perspective of a 

former federal prosecutor in the U.S. Department 

of Justice with experience as 

an assistant United States attorney and 

acting chief of the Cleveland Organized 

Crime Strike Force. 

• CONNECTIONS, the documentary film 

series, returns for the winter term. The 

Biggest Little Farm, January 9, chronicles 

the eight-year saga of a young couple 

as they attempt to farm 200 acres of 

barren land. Featuring gorgeous cinematography, 

this film provides a blueprint 

for healthier living, sustainable farming, 

and a more harmonious relationship between 

human needs and Mother Nature. 

• Last Flight Home, February 6, 2:30-4:30 

pm, is a deeply personal portrait of the 

filmmaker’s father’s final days. Viewers 

witness his extraordinary life filled with 

incredible success and devastating setbacks, 

and most importantly, an innate 

goodness that won him the enduring love 

and support of his family. 

OLLI at Ringling College offers two 

lectures during the winter semester: The 

Rosenwald Schools of Florida, on January 

8; and The Other Italy—A Journey Beyond 

Italy’s Grand Tour, on January 26, 

1-3 pm. General admission is $15 each. 

OLLI presents three free presentations 

during the winter semester: Seniors— 

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Investment 

Scams, on January 26, 10-11:30 am; 

The Story of Impact Theatre, on February 

19, 3-4:30 pm; and Understanding Medicare: 

What You Need to Know, on March 1, 

10-11:30 am. Pre-registration is required. 

To register, visit www.OLLIatRingling- 

College.org or call 941-309-5111. 

◆ The Education Center at Temple Beth 

Israel 

567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key 

The winter term, which begins on January 

4, goes into full gear with 12 programs 

a day, many available in person as well 

as on Zoom. Perennial favorites such as 

yoga, qigong, bridge, canasta, mah jongg, 

painting, movie and book discussions; 

Jewish/Israeli and Foreign Film Festivals, 

nature walks and birding will be back in 

2024. Other offerings include: private 

piano lessons; Supreme Court; American 

history; art, music and literature appreciation; 

the annual Lecture Series with 

12 significant speakers on diverse topics; 

current events; bead stringing; a Feng 

Shui for perfect harmony workshop; musical 

biographies including Harry Belafonte, 

Tony Bennett, Oscar Hammerstein 

II and Dick Van Dyke; a special course for 

understanding your dog better; Jewish/ 

Israeli and Foreign Film Festivals; Ted 

Talks; opera previews of upcoming operas 

at the Sarasota Opera; Shakespeare’s 

Romeo & Juliet; special one-time Thursday 

and Friday programs, covering everything 

from, “Your 2024 Fraud Survival 

Guide,” to “Inside The Sarasota Contemporary 

Dance Company” with its founder 

Leymis Bolaños Wilmott; New Orleans 

Jazz Nights; Happy Hour Wind Down 

Wednesdays with popular jazz groups; 

exclusive engagements, including the 

popular WBTT; and Sunday concerts. 

Of special interest to women will be 

the new programs “Wisdom for Widows” 

with psychotherapist Barbara Schwartz; 

“The Women’s Room” with Joan Marks, 

a former director of lifelong learning in 

Chicago; and “Prominent Women Political 

Leaders in Southeast Asia” with lecturer 

Paul Sarno. Also, not to be missed 

is “Charting The Lost Continent,” theatrical 

readings of lusty, heartwarming, 

poignant poems by Sarasota poet Linda 

Albert, presented by The Sarasota Jewish 

Theatre and performed by five professional 

women actors. 

For a brochure, email edcenter@longboatkeytemple.org 

or call 941-383-8222. 

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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College 

Presents “Listening to Women,” Jan. 18-Feb. 22 

The Osher Lifelong Learning 

Institute at Ring- 

ling College (OLLI at 

Ringling College) pres- 

ents its fifth annual Listening to 

Women, a six-session series that 

recognizes women whose brilliance 

and fortitude have reshaped indus- 

tries and who are making a differ- 

ence in today’s communities. The 

series takes place on Thursdays at 1 

pm, from Jan. 18-Feb. 22, at Sarasota 

Art Museum, the Rngling College 

Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami 

Trail, Sarasota. Registration for the 

complete series is $81 for OLLI Gold 

Members and $90 for OLLI Silver 

Members and general admission; 

register at www.OLLIatRingling- 

College.org. 

A six-session series 

that recognizes women 

whose brilliance and 

fortitude have reshaped 

industries and who are 

making a difference in 

today’s communities. 

Holly Freedman, co-chair of the OLLI 

Advisory Council, is the founder of the 

Listening to Women series. Members 

of the Listening to Women team in- 

clude Victoria Eckl, Louise Gallagher, 

Susan Gorin, Bev Harms, Victoria Kas- 

dan, Judy Levine, Terry Rixse, Sherry 

Suggs, and Tobie van der Vorm. 

“At each session, we’ll hear the in- 

spiring personal stories of women 

who, driven by vision, passion, and 

determination, have achieved success 

in a variety of fields,” Freedman says. 

“The women in the 2024 series from 

Sarasota and Manatee counties have 

persevered in journalism and civil 

rights, space science, the visual arts, 

mentoring children, non-profit lead- 

ership, thwarting human trafficking, 

and shark science. Their inspirational 

stories will engage and captivate the 

audience. 

Freedman adds that the Listening 

to Women series brings attention to 

the incredible women who live and 

work here and who are making a differ- 

ence both locally and globally, and adds 

to the breadth of OLLI’s course offer- 

ings. “Our hope is that the audience— 

men and women—will be motivated to 

suggest or seek out similar programs 

at OLLI.” 

The Listening to Women 

schedule at a glance: 

• Jan. 18: “Keeping Hope Alive” with 

Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Liz 

Walker. Even when we’re faced with 

challenging times, history can keep 

us hopeful. Emmy Award-winning 

journalist and author Hunter-Gault 

began her career at The New Yorker, 

becoming the first Black reporter for 

the Talk of the Town section, then 

joined The New York Times, where 

she established the Harlem Bureau, 

the first of its kind. Walker is a former 

journalist, co-founder of a girls’ school 

in South Sudan, ordained minister, and 

the creator of Can We Talk, a communi- 

ty-based clinically-supported program 

focused on collective trauma and heal- 

ing that is currently being replicated 

nationwide. A book signing of My 

People: Five Decades of Writing About 

Black Lives by Hunter-Gault will follow 

this session. 

• Jan. 25: “Why Are We Exploring 

and Exploiting Space? Who is 

“We”? And What’s the Point?” with 

Dr. Linda Billings. More and more 

actors—governments and corpora- 

tions—are entering the business of 

exploring and exploiting space, with 

an increasing focus on establishing 

a permanent human presence there. 

Advocates talk of creating lunar bases, 

Mars colonies, and orbital communi- 

ties. Should they come to pass, what’s 

the value of these endeavors? Billings 

is a consultant to NASA’s astrobiology 

and planetary defense programs at 

NASA headquarters, and co-editor of 

and contributing author to Reclaiming 

Space: Progressive and Multicultural 

Perspectives on Space Exploration. 

• Feb. 1: “Curating Life from Seoul to 

Sarasota” with Dr. Rangsook Yoon 

and Stephenie Frasher. Yoon has 

never let boundaries limit her curiosi- 

ty. She moved from Seoul, South Korea 

to the U.S. in 1995 to study art history. 

She has lived and worked in four lan- 

guages, five 

countries, 

six states, 

and 12 cit- 

ies. Yoon 

will discuss 

how she 

has gone 

from being 

immersed 

in European 

Dr. Rangsook Yoon 

art to build- 

ing bridges between communities and 

contemporary artists from around the 

globe, sharing her life’s journey, past 

exhibitions, and dreams for future 

ones. She’ll also talk about her vision 

for Sarasota Art Museum as a shared 

public space, open to creativity and 

change, in this conversation between 

two globetrotting art professionals 

about cultural heritage, the power of 

art, and the power of community. A curator 

tour by Yoon in Sarasota Art Mu- 

seum galleries will follow this session. 

• Feb. 8: “Women with Purpose— 

Ensuring Our Children’s Future” 

with Lisa Bechtold, Suriya Khong, 

Dr. Rachel Shelley, and Melanie 

Custer. Four women raised in different 

parts of the 

country and 

in different 

cultures 

have come 

together 

to create 

opportunity 

for deserv- 

ing students 

in Sarasota 

Lisa Bechtold 

County. 

Shelley, 

Khong, 

Custer, and 

Bechtold 

are women 

with the 

passion 

and vision 

to provide 

mentoring, 

post-sec- 

Suriya Khong 

ondary 

education, and hope for over 400 cur- 

rent students in our community. In 

this session, they will talk about their 

childhoods, their educational journeys, 

and what made them choose this path 

to ensure a great future for so many 

children. 

• Feb. 15: “Freedom is An Inside Job” 

with Dr. Brook Parker-Bello and 

Dawn Sakes. The profound effects of 

shame in combating human traffick- 

ing and violence will be discussed in 

this session. Parker-Bello will share 

from her own life (with questions from 

Sakes) and with history about the circle 

of shame and its effects on her life as 

a woman, a woman of color, and a sur- 

vivor. She will break down how shame 

relates to all facets of life and build a 

bridge of empathy for all human beings 

to experience. 

• Feb. 22: “Beyond White Sharks and 

White Men” with Jasmin Graham, 

Raven Harrison, Magrieli Rodriguez 

Ruiz, and Carlee Jackson Bo- 

hannon. This session features a panel 

discussion 

with wom- 

en of color 

in shark 

sciences, 

highlight- 

ing their 

journeys 

in science, 

technology, 

engineer- 

Raven Harrison 

ing, and 

mathemat- 

ics (STEM) 

and the cur- 

rent state 

of affairs 

in marine 

STEM, 

particu- 

larly shark 

science. 

They will 

Magrieli Rodriguez Ruiz 

take a deep 

dive into representation: how far the 

marine STEM fields have come, how 

far they still have to go, and how to get 

there. Along the way, we’ll learn about 

the importance of sharks and their rel- 

atives and how inclusive conservation 

can help protect sharks and shift public 

perception from fear to fascination. 

For more information and to register, 

call 941-309-5111, , or visit 

www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org 


JANUARY 25-29, 2024 

Five Days 

of Food, 

Wine & Fun! 

PRESENTED BY AUDI SARASOTA AND SUNCOAST PORSCHE 

The celebration will include: 

FORKS & CORKS UNIVERSITY 

Saturday, January 27 

A highlight of the Festival each year! Led by a panel of world-renowned industry 

experts, these engaging wine seminars are designed for those who want an 

educational experience accompanied by guided tastings. The classes present a rare 

opportunity to learn about wine from those instrumental in crafting them. 

F&C WINEMAKER DINNERS 

Thursday, January 25 - Saturday, January 27 

Wine and food pairing dinners thoughtfully presented by our Member 

Restaurants in creative collaboration with our visiting Winemakers. 

F&C RETAIL TASTINGS 

Friday, January 26 & Saturday, January 27 

Sip and shop while mingling with visiting Winemakers and Winery Principals 

at some of our area’s favorite wine stores. 

F&C ONLINE FOOD AND WINE AUCTION 

Monday, January 22 - Sunday, January 28 

A high-end collection of lots featuring rare and exquisite wines, travel, and 

one-of-a-kind dining experiences made possible by generous donations 

from friends of Sarasota-Manatee Originals. 

2024 FESTIVAL PRESENTING SPONSORS 

Visit eatlikealocal.com or scan 

the QR code to learn more! 

4420 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 

941.260.8905 

www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com 

Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm 


happening this month 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - 

themes for the 42nd Annual 

Women in Power Luncheon 

The National Council of Jewish Women’s 

event is on January 17 

Rodney D. Gerling, Esq. 

Dana Laganella Gerling, Esq. 

Marla Stewart Owczarek, Esq. 

Estate Planning, Probate, 

Trust Administration 

and Elder Law 

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Power of Attorney $ 150.00 

Health Care Surrogate $ 130.00 

No additional costs required other than filing fees, if applicable 

Offices: East Bradenton 

(941) 756-6600 www.gerlinglawgroup.com 

International Film Festival 

produced byThrough Women’s Eyes 

Advancing Gender Equality Through Film 

Celebrating 

 

Thought-provoking films from around the world 

featuring documentaries, shorts, features, 

animated films, emerging filmmakers and more. 

Opening Night Films & Reception March 8, 2024 

Friday 5-9pm 

Ringling College of Art & Design 

Morganroth Auditorium 

Film Screenings March 9-10, 2024 

Saturday 10am-9pm 

Sunday 11am-5pm 

Sarasota Art Museum 

SHS Alumni Auditorium 

Stream Films on Demand March 7-12, 2024 

Tickets @ twe2024.eventive.org 

The National Council of Jewish 

Women, Sarasota-Manatee 

Section (NCJW) will 

hold the 42nd Annual Women 

in Power luncheon on 

Wednesday, January 17 at Michael’s on 

East in Sarasota. The message from this 

year’s event is Diversity, Equity, And 

Inclusion. 

This luncheon will honor four amazing 

women in the community whose accomplishments 

support NCJW’s mission to 

focus on social justice by improving the 

lives of women and children and families 

and by safeguarding individual rights and 

freedoms. NCJW is a grassroots organization 

of volunteers and advocates who 

turn progressive ideals into action. 

This year’s honorees are Renee James 

Gilmore, Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman, 

Jessica Rogers and Sarah Wertheimer. 

♦ Renee James Gilmore is the 

Executive Producer 

and host of ABC 7’s 

WWSB/Empowering 

Voices. The public 

affairs television 

program explores 

diversity, inclusion 

and issues of 

interest to people 

who are underrepresented 

and marginalized. 

Renee regularly guest 

hosts the television program Suncoast 

View. She founded the Saja Group, LLC 

which brings organizations and businesses 

together to benefit from inclusion and 

cultural diversity. 

♦ Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman 

serves on the clergy team 

at Temple Emanu-El 

in Sarasota and as 

Assistant Executive 

Director of 

the Women’s Rabbinic 

Network, a 

New York based 

organization providing 

advocacy 

and support for 800 

female and nonbinary rabbis 

worldwide. She is a board member 

of ALSO Youth (Advocacy, Leadership, 

Support and Outreach) and a digital 

counselor with The Trevor Project 

which provides crisis support services 

for LGBTQ young people in need. Her 

essays on Florida House Bill 1557, gun 

violence, sexual assault and abortion 

have been published in local and national 

newspapers. 

♦ Jessica Rogers is Vice President of 

Philanthropy at Children 

First, a Head Start 

Organization advocating 

for support 

of early childhood 

education, family 

strengthening and 

breaking barriers 

of poverty. Thousands 

of children 

and families have been 

helped through her fundraising 

and outreach efforts. Jessica was 

nominated for the National Head Start 

Association’s BOLD Leadership Award 

which recognizes individuals who boldly 

faced challenges brought on by Covid 19 

and lived up to an unprecedented level of 

extraordinary leadership. 

♦ Sarah Wertheimer holds the position 

of Executive Director 

of Embracing Our 

Differences, a local 

nonprofit organization 

that uses 

the transformative 

power of the arts 

to educate and 

inspire to create a 

better world. Sarah 

oversees all programing 

and fiscal planning 

which impacts more than 400,000 adults 

and children annually. Fundraising, community 

relations campaigns, program 

growth and sustainability goals are her 

responsibility. 

Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and 

lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. Closed 

Captioning will be available. Contact 

chairwomen Vivian Carasso vivi6778@ 

aol.com, Carole Shaw cms1941@icloud. 

com or Rookie Shifrin rookies@me.com 

for additional information. 


travel feature 

The Morgan Library & Museum 

Turns 100 

A noteworthy collections of books, drawings, photographs and more 

You’re overwhelmed 

with 

cultural opportunities 

when 

you visit New 

York City and the pattern 

is usually MOMA, The 

Met, The Whitney - all 

wonderful places to visit. 

Decidedly not an also 

ran and a place that definitely 

should be higher 

up on that list is the Morgan 

Library & Museum. 

Maybe that’s because it’s 

primarily known as a library, 

but it also has art. 

And then there’s that 

library—a dazzling collection of rare 

books including three copies of the 

Gutenberg Bible, the first substantial 

book printed from movable type in the 

West all beautifully displayed on three 

levels. It’s a room right out of a Harry 

Potter movie. 

Then there’s J.P. Morgan’s original office 

where you can imagine one of the world’s wealthiest men 

planning his next financial undertakings or purchases for 

his collection. 

The Morgan Library was founded in 1906 to house the 

banker J. P. Morgan’s private library. His private library included 

manuscripts, drawings, printed books, and more. 

In 1924 the library became a public institution by his son, 

John Pierpont Morgan, Jr., as per his father’s will. 

The Morgan Library & Museum is located in a non-museum 

part of New York at 225 Madison Avenue, between 

36th Street to the south and 37th Street to the north. The 

Morgan Library & Museum is composed of several structures 

including the galleries and the library wing. The private 

residence is not open to the public. 

Morgan’s library, as it was known in his lifetime, was built 

between 1902 and 1906 adjacent to his New York residence 

at Madison Avenue and 36th Street. Designed by 

Charles McKim of the architectural firm McKim, Mead & 

White, the library was intended as something more than 

a repository of rare materials. Majestic in appearance yet 

intimate in scale, the structure was to reflect the nature 

and stature of its holdings. The result was an Italian Renaissance-style 

palazzo with three magnificent rooms 

epitomizing America’s Age of Elegance. 

The largest expansion in the Morgan’s history, adding 

75,000 square feet to the campus, was completed in 

2006. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the project increased 

exhibition space by more than fifty percent and 

added visitor amenities, including a new performance 

hall, a welcoming entrance on Madison Avenue, a new 

café and a new restaurant, a shop, a new reading room, 

and collections storage. Piano’s design integrates the 

Morgan’s three historical buildings with three scaled 

steel-and-glass pavilions. A central court connects the 

buildings and serves as a gathering place for visitors in 

the spirit of an Italian piazza. 

They’ve got some exciting exhibits for their centennial 

including a landmark exhibition exploring the life and 

legacy of Belle da Costa Greene, famed librarian and inaugural 

director of the Morgan. 

J.P. Morgan himself hired Greene to grow and look after 

his collection of manuscripts. Throughout her career, 

Greene—who came from a prominent Black family in 

D.C.—claimed to be of Portuguese descent to pass as 

White in a racist and segregated America. This landmark 

exhibition explores social issues of the time while celebrating 

the life and legacy of Da Costa Greene who, despite 

being one of America’s most prominent librarians, 

remains an undersung legend. 

Beatrix Potter 

Another highlight of the Centennial programming is an 

exhibition dedicated to the legendary British children’s 

books illustrator and author Beatrix Potter, traveling 

from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Beatrix 

Potter: Drawn to Nature, will examine the writer’s deep 

connection with the British countryside, which inspired 

her fantastic tales populated by animals combining their 

natural characteristics with human behaviors. 

On view now: 

❑ Seen Together: Acquisitions in Photography on display 

January 26 through May 26, 2024. 

Seen Together showcases over 40 previously unexhibited 

works acquired by the Morgan’s Department of Photography 

since its founding in 2012. 

One wall of the exhibition features 18 photographs of 

prominent figures from many creative disciplines, notably 

visual art (Yayoi Kusama, Marcel Duchamp, Saul 

Steinberg), literature (Marianne Moore, Jack Kerouac), 

performance (Yoko Ono, Harlem Renaissance dancer 

Edna Guy), and music (Louis Hardin, aka Moondog). Visually 

inventive photography of artists—transcending “portraiture” 

in the familiar sense—forms. 

Centennial Year Exhibition Program: 

❑ Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature (February 23 through 

June 9, 2024) 

Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature brings together artwork, 

books, manuscripts, and artifacts from several institutions 

in the United Kingdom, including the Victoria and 

Albert Museum, the National Trust, and the Armitt Museum 

and Library. Paired with the Morgan’s collection of 

her picture letters, these objects trace how Potter’s innovative 

blend of scientific observation and imaginative 

storytelling shaped some of the world’s most popular 

children’s books. 

❑ Walton Ford: Birds and Beasts of the Studio (April 12 

Belle da Costa Greene 

through October 6, 2024) 

American artist Walton Ford (b. 1960) established 

his reputation in the 1990s with 

his monumental watercolor paintings of 

wild animals inspired by true or legendary 

stories. Fascinated by the perception of wilderness 

in the collective imagination and 

by the consequences of human behavior— 

from colonialism to climate change—for 

the future of wildlife species, Ford develops 

complex narratives that have renewed the 

genre of animal painting. 

The exhibition features a selection of animal 

drawings by earlier artists—from Peter Paul 

Rubens and Maria Sibylla Merian to Eugène 

Delacroix, Antoine-Louis Barye, and John 

James Audubon—selected by Ford from 

the Morgan’s collection. 

❑ Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian’s 

Legacy (October 25, 2024 through May 4, 2025) 

Belle da Costa Greene (1879–1950) is one of the most 

prominent librarians in American history and is widely 

recognized as an authority on illuminated manuscripts 

and deeply respected as a cultural heritage executive. 

Born Belle Marion Greener, she was the daughter of Richard 

T. Greener (1844-1922), who was the first Black graduate 

of Harvard College. 

The exhibition traces Greene’s storied life, from her roots 

in a predominantly Black community in Washington, 

D.C., to her distinguished career at the helm of the Morgan, 

one of the world’s great research libraries. Through 

the display of extraordinary objects―from medieval 

manuscripts and rare printed books to archival records 

and portraits―the exhibition demonstrates the confidence 

and savvy Greene brought to her roles as librarian, 

scholar, curator, and cultural executive, and honors her 

enduring legacy. 

Additional exhibitions include: 

❑ Liberty to the Imagination: Drawings from the Eveillard 

Gift (June 7 through October 6, 2024) 

❑ Crafting the Ballets Russes: The Robert Owen Lehman 

Collection (June 28 through September 22, 2024) 

❑ Far and Away: Drawings from the Clement C. Moore 

Collection (June 28 through September 22, 2024) 

❑ Franz Kafka (November 22, 2024 through April 13, 2025). 

Plan Your Trip: 

The Morgan Library & Museum 

225 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 

The Morgan Library & Museum is open Tuesday, 

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30 

am to 5 pm, and Friday from 10:30 am to 7 pm. 

Entry to the Museum is by timed ticket. For tickets 

and information, visit www.themorgan.org 

STORY and IMAGES: Louise Bruderle 



Exploring, sampling and mixing 

Irish Whiskey 

Uisce Beatha - “The water of Life” - is growing in popularity and variations 

Bow St. Distillery tasting experience. 

Roe & Co. Distillery floor. 

In the Emerald Isle, it’s spelled 

with the “e” near the end. Whisky 

(no e) refers to Scottish, Canadian, 

or Japanese grain spirits. 

Whiskey (with an e) refers to 

grain spirits distilled in Ireland 

and the United States. 

The word whiskey comes from the 

Irish uisce beatha, meaning “water of 

life.” Irish whiskey was once the most 

popular spirit in the world, but its history 

can be similar at times to its nation’s 

history with its upheavals and 

economic ups and downs. 

But the Irish Republic is thriving now 

and so is its whiskey and distillery 

trade. There are over 32 distilleries, not 

to be confused with breweries who are 

also experiencing growth, in Ireland. 

Smart tourism has created the Irish 

Whiskey Trail - an easy to follow guide 

to the distilleries across the country. 

The only thing they haven’t worked 

out is how you drive to distilleries, 

sample a bunch, then hit the road 

to the next distillery. We should have 

such problems. 

Opting instead to decamp in Dublin 

and visit two distilleries, we could 

pace ourselves with one visit per day 

(recommended). Choosing was another 

fun challenge, but we opted 

for the oldest, most well known and 

traditional one and that is Jameson 

(which the Irish pronounce as if the 

first syllable is ‘jam’- like what you 

spread on toast). 

Founder John Jameson began to 

manage the distillery that belonged 

to his wife’s family in Dublin’s Bow 

Street in 1786. In 1805, he bought it 

outright, and five years later, he and 

his son of the same name officially 

founded the John Jameson and Son 

Irish Whiskey company. 

Jameson would become the world’s 

number one whiskey, and the distillery 

was producing one million gallons every 

year. To cope with that scale of production, 

the distillery expanded significantly 

under Jameson’s ownership. 

By the late 19th century, it had spread 

over five acres, with underground storage 

facilities to allow the beverage to 

mature properly. The distillery was 

nicknamed as a ‘city within a city.’ 

They no longer make their version of 

the water of life in Dublin. That’s now 

in Midletown, south of Dublin (which 

you can also visit and have a beautiful 

road trip as well). But a visit to their 

original distillery allows you to learn 

about the old and the new in terms 

of their popular brands. (In the U.S., 

Jameson Black Barrel, Blended and 

Redbreast are popular brands.) 

They do this through a variety of tours 

varying from 45 to 90 minutes and 

with different themes. We went for 

the Bow Street Experience, a briskpaced 

tour with a knowledgeable 

guide, a tasting session, and a free 

drink at the end. You also get to walk 

through the old building and see how 

the whiskey was produced back in the 

day. Their 90-minute blending class 

goes in depth and you actually make 

your own whiskey blend. 

In our tour we experienced a flight of 

their whiskeys and the guide gives 

you tips to savor it to get more out of 

the whiskey. Our group had a smattering 

of Americans, some Germans 

continued on page 28 >> 


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Irish Whiskey continued 

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JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation 

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to school, work or medical appointments; the uncertainty of when the next seizure 

might occur; and the fear of SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) are 

the frightening realities for many families in our community. JoshProvides pulls 

back the curtain on epilepsy, the fourth most common neurological disorder, 

through community awareness, education, offering a local monthly Epilepsy 

Support Group, and providing seizure detection & alert devices, transportation 

assistance and assistance with medical services to children, families and 

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and natives. One couple 

brought their toddler who 

got a tiny bit fussy, but 

wasn’t quelled with a sip. 

They offer a sample after 

your tour and you can 

hang around and enjoy 

the atmosphere or buy 

gifts like candy which has, 

guess what, Jameson whiskey in the 

ingredients. 

This part of Dublin is less photogenic, 

but it also retains its rough 18th century 

vibe. Nearby is the Guinness factory 

which is also an enjoyable tour, 

but don’t dilute that great whiskey 

taste with beer. 

A distillery experience of a different 

type was at Roe & Co, also in the area. 

They’re new by comparison in their 

new home, an old power plant, but as 

George Roe & Co (in another location) 

they helped build the golden era of 

Irish whiskey in the 19th century. 

The tour we were on, unlike the one at 

Jameson’s, takes you through a working 

distillery where you walk past 

various vats and learn how whiskey is 

made. Different, too, was the tasting 

which was a class on cocktail making. 

There’s a teachable moment just like 

at Jameson’s where you learn the basic 

tastes such as sweet, sour, sweet, 

etc. and how to make cocktails according 

to your personal preferences. 

Then we suited up (apron on) and 

channeled Tom cruise in cocktail and 

made a concoction to our own preferences. 

I opted for a lemony version of 

a whiskey sour. 

These were two very different distillery 

experiences, but both complemented 

each other well. If you’re staying 

in the city centre ( downtown Dublin) 

it’s a 30 plus minute walk which 

includes a walk over the river Liffy. By 

taxi, it’s 15 minutes and you don’t have 

to worry if you overindulged in some 

great tasting whiskey. 

Irish Whiskey Ups and Downs 

Although Ireland boasted at least 28 

distilleries in the 1890s, by 1966 this 

number had fallen to just two, and by 

1972 the remaining distilleries, Bushmills 

Distillery and Old Midleton Distillery 

(replaced by New Midleton 

Distillery), were owned by just one 

company, Irish Distillers. 

Since the 1990s, Irish whiskey has 

seen a resurgence in popularity and 

has been the fastest-growing spirit in 

the world every year since 1990. With 

exports growing by over 15% per annum, 

existing distilleries have been 

expanded and a number of new distilleries 

constructed. 

As of December 2019, Ireland had 32 

distilleries in operation. Irish whiskey 

was one of the earliest distilled 

drinks in Europe, arising 

around the 12th century. 

It is believed that 

Irish monks brought the 

technique of distilling 

perfumes back to Ireland 

from their travels to 

southern Europe around 

1,000 AD. 

Whiskey Tours 

Today there is a resurgence of interest 

in Irish Whiskey and the Thomas 

Street area is once again becoming a 

vibrant hub of brewing and distilling 

in Dublin. 

Roe & Co Distillery, Dublin 

George Roe & Co helped build the 

golden era of Irish whiskey in the 19th 

century. Their old distillery at Thomas 

Street in Dublin extended over 17 

acres and they were Ireland’s largest 

exporter of whiskey. 

Their new distillery claims to be the 

home of cocktail exploration and 

modern Irish whiskey. There are two 

tours you can do, each with a different 

theme. If you’re a cocktail enthusiast 

and blending whiskies is your thing, 

you can discover the secrets of the art 

of blending and enjoy an ‘Old Fashioned 

Master Class.’ 

We tried the Flavors Experience cocktail 

workshop which ‘unpacks the five 

pillars of flavor – sweet, sour, bitter, 

salty and umami – to help you understand 

your unique palate and whiskey 

preferences.’ 

There’s a tour of the distillery then 

another drink before heading out. 

More info and for a complete listing 

of all tours, visit www.roeandco 

whiskey.com 

Jameson Bow St Distillery, 

Dublin 

Jameson Irish whiskey has been produced 

in the Republic of Ireland since 

1780. Made and matured in the iconic 

Midleton distillery, over 20 million bottles 

are sold globally every year, making 

it the most popular Irish whiskey 

in the world. 

At the Jameson Bow St. distillery, you 

can visit, take cocktail-making classes, 

premium whiskey tasting sessions 

or to learn how to blend your own 

whiskey then top it off with a tipple at 

their centerpiece bar. The basic tour 

walks you through the building and 

while you can see its stocky “bones” 

you can also see the great way they 

have modernized on top of them. 

There’s also a great gift shop. Visit and 

learn more at 

www.jamesonwhiskey.com 

You an find out more about the Whiskey 

Trail as well as travel ideas and 

tips at www.ireland.com 

STORY: Louise Bruderle 


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dining in 

• E N T E R TA I N I N G • 

Colorful, flavorful mocktails to serve 

D 

Derived from the fusion of “mock” and “cocktails,” mocktails have 

carved a unique niche for themselves in the realm of beverages. Mocktails 

offer a delightful alternative by crafting complex and flavorful 

drinks without the presence of alcohol. 

Bartenders and mixologists play a crucial role in shaping the modern mocktail 

landscape. Fueled by a desire to push the boundaries of flavor and presentation, 

these beverage artisans have taken mocktail creation to new heights. 

They draw inspiration from classic cocktail recipes, utilizing their expertise to 

replace alcohol with unique combinations of juices, syrups, bitters, herbs, and 

spices. This creative experimentation has not only led to exquisite non-alcoholic 

alternatives but has also elevated the overall drinking experience for those who 

prefer abstaining from alcohol. 

lated health risks. Mocktails, often adorned with vibrant colors, intricate garnishes, 

and innovative presentations, provide a visually captivating experience. These 

visually appealing creations are highly shareable on platforms like Instagram and 

TikTok, contributing to their increasing popularity among younger generations 

who value experiences that are both tasteful and visually appealing. 

Restaurants, bars and hotels have played a pivotal role in shaping the mocktail 

culture by recognizing the demand for sophisticated non-alcoholic options. These 

establishments have evolved from merely offering generic soft drinks to curating 

dedicated mocktail menus. 

Recognizing the importance of catering to a diverse customer base, they have 

embraced mocktails as a means to enhance the overall dining and social experience. 

By infusing creativity into the art of crafting non-alcoholic beverages, these 

venues have succeeded in making mocktails a focal point of their offerings. 

Here are some cocktails from several hotels. 

From Andaz West Hollywood: 

· 1/4 cup blueberries 

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 

the blueberries, rosemary, honey, 

and lemon juice until the 

blueberries have released their 

juices. Add ice to the shaker 

and shake until well combined. 

Strain the mixture into a glass 

filled with ice. Pour in the club 

soda and mineral water, and 

gently stir to combine. Garnish 

with additional blueberries and 

a sprig of rosemary, if desired. 

From The Elms Hotel 

& Spa: 

Add cucumber and simple 

syrup into a cocktail 

shaker (or mason jar). 

Muddle the two ingredients 

together to mash 

the cucumber. Add lime 

juice to the shaker. Cover 

and shake vigorously, 

until frothy. Pour over ice 

and top with club soda. 

j Rosemary Blueberry Fizz 

· 1 sprig of fresh rosemary 

· 1 tbsp honey 

· 1/2 oz freshly squeezed 

lemon juice 

· 4 oz club soda 

· 2 oz mineral water 

· 1.5 oz club soda 

· 4-5 slices of 

muddled cucumber 

· 1 oz fresh lime juice 

· 1 oz simple syrup 

Rosemary Blueberry Fizz j 

j Virgin Cucumber Gimlet 

Virgin Cucumber Gimlet j 

From Hyatt Regency 

Aruba Resort Spa 

and Casino: 

· 1 oz Raspberry Mix 

· 1 oz Lemonade Mix 

· 6 oz Non- Alcoholic 

beer 

· Raspberry and Mint 

Leaves 

Add Raspberry Mix and 

Lemonade Mix into a 

shaker then shake for 5-8 

seconds. Top off with the 

non-alcoholic beer and 

garnish with raspberries 

and mint leaves. 

From Hotel Barriere 

Le Carl Gustaf: 

· 2 oz Seedlip Garden 

non-alcoholic spirit* 

· 1 oz fresh lemon juice 

· .2 oz simple syrup 

· 10 fresh mint leaves 

· 3 cucumber slices 

· 5 basil leaves 

Mocktails have gained popularity as a viable alternative to alcoholic beverages 

due to their lower calorie content, reduced sugar levels, and absence of alcohol-rej 

Sparkling Lemon Rasp 

Sparkling Lemon Rasp j 

j Eastside Garden 

Eastside Garden j 

Pour all ingredients into a mixing 

glass, add ice cubes and shake well. 

Strain and pour into a coupette 

glass and garnish with two basil 

leaves. *Seedlip is a company that 

makes non-alcoholic spirits, offering 

three expressions that are sugar 

free, calories free and allergen 

friendly. Seedlip Garden is a floral 

blend of peas and hay, with traditional 

herb distillates in celebration of the English countryside. 

Top notes are of peas and hay with a complex herbal base character 

of spearmint, rosemary and thyme. 


Enhance the Quality of Your Daily Life 

Bio-identical Hormone Balancing Program 

Photo credit: Puckons 

Seasoning Greetings 

From Our Team 

Wishing Everyone a 

Happy Holiday and 

Healthy New Year! 

Dan Watts, MD, ND, MSMN 

Board Certification: 

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American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

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Metabolic Medicine 

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With over 30 years of experience and numerous board certifications 

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