WCW12-24

DECEMBER 2024

Marianne

Chapel

Founding Director -

SPAACES

Helping artists to achieve

their goals

Also in this issue:

■ Season Preview Part 2

■ Sarasota Players

get a Home

■ Sarasota Opera’s Season

■ Choral Artists’ Kicks Off

■ Paul Rudolph at the Met

■ And lots more….

s a r a s o t a

Dermatology of Coastal Sarasota

introducing

For Your Skin.

For Your Well-Being.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS!

VENUE

AESTHETICS

DINING &

DRINKS

Call us today

for your

appointment

or book online!

PLENTIFUL

PARKING

STATE OF THE ART

TECHNOLOGY

Whether planning a wedding or a corporate event, The Ora

is the place to be. With versatile spaces to choose from, including

one of the largest ballrooms in the region, you will find the perfect

space to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Elevate your event with our exclusive caterer, Michael’s On East.

To book, contact Julie Burton at 941.343.2107 or Julie@theorasrq.com.

t h e o r a s r q . c o m

Experience the unique welltolerated

benefits of improved tone

& texture while lightening pigment.

Dermatology of Coastal Sarasota

5310 Clark Rd., Suite 201, Sarasota • 941.900.3952

DOCSofSarasota.com

NIK WALLENDA & THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY

ALL

NEW SHOW!

NIK WALLENDA

AND

JOHNNY ROCKETT

presents

NOW – SUN JAN 5

UNDER THE

BIG TOP AT UTC

WONDERLANDCIRCUS.COM

941.355.9805

PRESENTING SPONSORS

2 WEST COAST WOMAN DECEMBER 2024

DECEMBER 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

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

WCW

36

YEARS

architecture

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

has its first-ever major museum

exhibition to examine the career of

20th-century architect Paul Rudolph,

through March 16, 2024

p22

dining in

season highlights

Hanukkah begins at sunset of Wednesday,

December 25 and ends at nightfall on

Thursday, January 2, 2025. Sweet and savory

treats for Hanukkah Hanukkah Jelly Doughnuts

(Sufganiyot) Latke Focaccia

p15

Our Season Preview, Part 2, has events, shows, performances

and exhibits we think you’ll

find interesting or unique.

p18

choral music

Choral Artists’ season kicks off on

December 8 with Happy Christmukkah and

ends on May 24, 2025, with a Memorial

Day Concert, “United We Stand.”

p29

WCW Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 819

Sarasota, FL 34230

email:

westcoastwoman@comcast.net

website:

www.westcoastwoman.com

west coast

WOMAN

departments

4 editor’s letter

7 Out & About - listings for things to do

9 healthier you -

all about craniosacral therapy

10 out & about

11 local fun - Discover Sarasota Tours

13 coming up - Inspiring Hope Dinner

14 healthier you - The Renewal Point

15 dining in - Sweet and savory treats

for Hanukkah

16 west coast woman -

Marianne Chapel, Founding

Director of SPAACES

opera

Sarasota Opera’s Winter Opera Festival begins

in February 2025 with Mascagni’s Cavalleria

rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. After that:

Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Mozart’s The

Marriage of Figaro and Verdi’s Stiffelio.

p27

Season Preview

18 highlights and must-see events

coming up

20 Circus Arts Conservatory’s season

22 The Met examines the career of

architect Paul Rudolph

24 Sarasota Orchestra’s

new artistic director

27 Sarasota Opera’s upcoming season

29 Choral Artists’ upcoming Season

■ on the cover: Marianne Chapel, Founding Director of SPAACES.

■ Image: Louise Bruderle

DECEMBER 2024 WEST COAST WOMAN 3

just some

thoughts

Louise Bruderle

Editor and Publisher

West Coast Woman

This Month’s profile:

Marianne Chapel

Who opens a nonprofit art gallery? One with affordable

rent, opportunities for working artists like solo exhibits

and help with grant-writing? Well, if you’re Marianne

Chapel, an energetic and creative artist, that’s what you do.

She saw a need to “support full-time, career-focused artists

with infrastructure, career enhancement, networking, and

mentorship opportunities” and thus created SPAACES.

Her SPAACES studio space for artists offers a sliding

scale rental plan based on income, allowing for affordable

Marianne Chapel studio space. Her website calls them “Studios [that] are

Image: Louise Bruderle

work-in-progress zones, dedicated to creating cohesive,

well-crafted, and conceptually strong artworks.”

Read more about her vision for art and artists as well as her own unique path

to creating SPAACES in this issue. SPAACES is located at 2051 Princeton St.,

Sarasota. www.spaaces.art.

This month: Season Preview, Part 2

We’re now in full swing and, with the exception of the Van Wezel, all facilities are

open and performances of all types are taking place. Some creative scrambling

got performances that were scheduled for the VW to other locations.

And, for some good news,

the Van Wezel box office is

open and many canceled

shows have been rebooked

or rescheduled. Attention

Lewis Black fans - he’s performing

on March 15. The

Hall is also on track to reopen

for performances beginning

January 2, 2025.

Even more good news: The

City of Sarasota approved an

agreement with The Sarasota Players that allows the performing arts organization

the use of Payne Park Auditorium. Terms of the lease are for 30 years, with

$100 per year for rent, and $1 per ticket sold to be paid to the city.

The Players has been performing at the Crossings at Siesta Key shopping center

since 2021, where they recently kicked-off their 95th Season. Payne Park will offer

the Players a central location. More info: www.theplayers.org.

The Arts Matter in so Many Ways

Due to state budget decisions, $90 million in grants to 669 arts and culture organizations

and projects across Florida were cut. This misguided political move

flies in direct opposition to logic and good stewardship of our community. Purported

elected officials whose jobs are maintaining our quality of life dropped

the ball and art organization like Perlman Suncoast won’t get the $200,000 they

were expecting to support its annual winter residency here.

Then it happened at the county level. Commissioners voted to approve $2.1 million

in grants for 35 arts groups. But they removed The Chalk Festival, Embracing

Our Differences and community radio station WSLR from the funding list.

Leaders of Embracing our Differences (which lost both a $46,696 county grant

and a $60,947 state grant ) and WSLR/Fogartyville Community Media and Arts

Center ($27,000) said they were disappointed but not surprised by what they

considered a politically motivated decision. The Chalk Festival has qualified for

funding for over 15 years yet abruptly lost their grant. The Festival then had to

charge a higher rate for admission which many objected to, but was necessary to

keep the Festival going.

According to Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social

impact study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry, Sarasota County generated

$342.7 million in economic activity during 2022—$235.9 million in spending

by arts and culture organizations and an additional $106.8 million in event-related

expenditures by their audiences. That economic activity supported 5,262 jobs,

provided $229.4 million in personal income to residents, and generated $68.1

million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments. Tax revenue!

The report added that “Nonprofit arts and culture organizations are businesses.

They employ people locally, purchase supplies and services from nearby

businesses, and engage in the marketing and promotion of their cities and

regions. Their very act of doing business—creating, presenting, exhibiting,

engaging—has a positive economic impact and improves community well-being.

In Sarasota County, nonprofit arts and culture organizations spent an estimated

$235.9 million which supported 3,632 jobs and generated $51.0 million in local,

state, and federal government revenue.”

Arts and culture also drive commerce to local businesses. When people attend

a cultural event, they often make an outing of it—dining at a restaurant, paying

for parking or public transportation, enjoying dessert after the show, and returning

home to pay for child or pet care.

And then there is our tourism economy. In Sarasota County, 47.5% of attendees

are nonlocal visitors who traveled from outside Sarasota County; they spend an

average of $60.13. Additionally, 65.6% of nonlocal attendees reported that the

primary purpose of their visit was specifically to attend the performance, event,

exhibit, venue, or facility where they were surveyed.

And let’s not forget, arts and culture organizations contribute to community

pride in Sarasota County. They provide inspiration and joy to residents, beautify

public spaces, and strengthen community pride and identity.

Can you help?

All Faiths Food Bank Needs Donations

After back-to-back hurricanes devastated the region – displacing families and

leaving many in need of emergency assistance – All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) is

facing growing demand, coupled with a steep decline in donations. Additionally,

amid the cancellation of a major fundraising event, the organization is urgently

seeking donations to help with the purchase of holiday meals as part of its annual

ThankFULL Tummies and Hearts campaign.

In addition to nearly 700 monthly food distributions throughout the year,

All Faiths Food Bank has worked to provide food for people in need during the

holiday season since 1989. This year, the organization set a goal of sharing more

than 3.6 million holiday meals, but the recent hurricanes have put those numbers

at risk.

Due to the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, the primary fundraiser

supporting the ThankFULL campaign, was canceled, leaving the organization

down nearly $150,000 in special funding for holiday turkeys and sides.

Following Hurricane Milton AFFB provided nearly 90,000 emergency meals to

more than 700 new households. To donate or find food near you, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.

USF-Sarasota-Manatee Chancellor

Moving on

Karen Holbrook, the regional chancellor of the University

of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, has announced she

will retire at the end of the year.

“Joining USF Sarasota-Manatee has been a treasured

experience, made meaningful by our dedicated students,

faculty and staff who bring our campus values to life,”

Holbrook says in a news release.

Since her appointment in 2018, Holbrook led the campus

through significant growth, including becoming a residential

campus for the first time with the opening of the

new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall this fall and

receiving the largest gift in campus history with the naming

of the Baldwin Group School of Risk Management and Insurance in 2022.

Karen Holbrook

At USF, prior to the regional chancellor position, she held several key leadership

roles, including senior vice president for global affairs and international research

and senior vice president for research and innovation.

Louise Bruderle | Editor and Publisher |


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

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


Fanciful

Journey

PROGRAM THREE | DECEMBER 20 – 21, 2024

Sarasota Opera House

Accompanied by the Sarasota Orchestra

Sir Frederick Ashton’s

Les Patineurs

George Balanchine’s

Rubies

Sir David Bintley’s

The Spider’s Feast

(World Premiere)

PROGRAM SPONSOR

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org

The Sarasota Ballet in Sir David Bintley’s The Spider’s Feast | Photo by Frank Atura


Five Star Service with Sparkling Results

Cosmetic • Regenerative

& Restorative Gynecology

Personalized Gyn Care

Perimenopause

Vulvar Skin Care

Menopause

Libido & Sensation[al] Help

BioTe® Pellet Therapy

Lichen Sclerosus Relief

Stress & Urge Incontinence

Expert Labiaplasty

Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation

ThermiVa® (non-surgical rejuvenation)

Excess Skin Reduction

O-Shot® & PRP

Repairs after Childbirth

Majora Lifts | Mons Lipo

& Much More

Before & After Gallery at VisionaryCentreForWomen.com

info@drjenniferhayes.com 727.540.0414

as seen on

Dr. Jennifer S. Hayes, DO, FACOOG

Board Certified / Fellowship Trained

25+ years vaginal surgery experience

Beverly Hills trademarked techniques


out &about

Special Events

The Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival

debuts at Waterside Park. The

event will feature country’s top blues

artists on December 7. This premier

event will also offer food and drink.

Attendees can expect performances

from artists such as Vanessa Collier,

Monster Mike Welch, and the Danielle

Nicole Band. The LWRBF benefit

Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program,

which collects and distributes food to

the hungry in Sarasota and Manatee

counties. Buy tickets at www.lakewoodranchbluesfestival.com

▼

The inaugural European Holiday

Market at the Bradenton Area Convention

Center runs December 4-8. The

event will transform the convention

center into a turn-of-the century European

inspired city center, with market

stalls and authentic holiday treats

complete with a Gulf Coast twist.

European Holiday Market guests will

enter the convention center and step

into a simulated European train depot

from the 1880s. Once guests exit “the

depot” they will “arrive” at a quaint

European village lined with artisans

offering one-of-a-kind treasures.

Inspired by long-standing traditions

and architecture of Germany, France

and other European countries, guests

will travel abroad through state-of-theart

stimulating technology, projecting

the story of four characters finding

their meaning of the holiday season.

European-inspired dishes with a

Gulf Coast twist will be offered by

local caterer Oscura and will include

dishes like lamb meatball skewers,

Bavarian pretzel bites, grilled

bratwurst and Belgian waffles with

chocolate. Anna Maria Oyster Bar will

be serving local catch paired with festive

holiday margaritas and more.

Artisan merchants will offer guests

handmade for the holidays. Some of

the merchants include eco-friendly

jewelry, hand crafted floral designs,

and island inspired art and trinkets.

Enjoy interactive activities like holiday

wreath-making as well as live performances

featuring seasonal music

and exquisite stage performances.

Children can pose for a photo with

Santa and his holiday friends.

Tickets: www.europeanholidaymarket.com/tickets

▼

Sunshine From

Darkness Inspiring

Hope Dinner Jan. 17

Sunshine From Darkness is a

nonprofit organization dedicated to

the funding of local mental health

services and programs and mental

health research. The organization’s

annual fundraising event is on Friday,

January 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the

Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. This evening

promises to be one of inspiration,

connection, and hope, while raising

critical funds for youth mental health

initiatives.

The keynote speaker this year is

educator and Broadway performer

Dr. Chester Gregory, who turned personal

tragedy and internal struggles

into motivation for promoting mental

wellness. After a transformative experience

through therapy allowed him

to navigate self-doubt and imposter

syndrome, Gregory recognized the

importance of community in the healing

process.

He launched THE C.H.E.S.S.

BOARD! (Collectively Healing Every

Single Soul) with the belief that mental

health is a journey no one should have

▼

to walk alone.

The evening – with the

theme “Creating a Spark” –

will also feature the bestowing

of the 2025 Lee and Bob

Peterson Legacy Award to

devoted supporter Elisabeth

Waters, in honor of her

contributions. Guests will

witness powerful testimonials

by community members

and participants from Sunshine

From Darkness-supported

programs, participate

in a paddle raise, and

enjoy dancing to the music

of Quintessence as well as

the special performance by

Gregory.

Proceeds will benefit

two Sunshine from Darkness

initiatives: enhanced

“Blue Door Services,” which

focus on empowering youth

through emotional literacy,

and youth mental health

research, to discover impactful

mental health treatments

and explore mental health

disorders.

Tickets: visit sunshinefromdarkness.org

or call

941-504-6717.

PINC is Back

The PINC Experience is returning

to the Sarasota Opera House on

December 5. The event brings 10

global thinkers, artists, and advocates

to Sarasota, each poised to immerse

attendees in innovation and creativity.

Speakers Include:

• Saroo Brierley – International bestselling

author of A Long Way Home,

Brierley’s story of being separated

from his family in India at age five,

and his 25-year journey to reunite

with his birth mother using Google

Earth, became the inspiration for the

Oscar-nominated film Lion.

• Phil Klotzbach – Renowned meteorologist

and climate scientist,

Klotzbach leads the Tropical Meteorology

Project at Colorado State

University. His hurricane forecasts

are widely cited by major outlets

like CNN and National Geographic,

shaping public understanding of

tropical storms and climate change.

• Sonita Alizadeh – Afghan rapper and

activist whose music challenges child

marriage and advocates for women’s

rights. Her viral song “Brides for Sale”

brought global attention to her fight

against forced marriages, sparking

widespread conversations on gender

equality.

• Laura Krantz – Journalist and creator

of Wild Thing, a top 50 podcast

blending science, culture, and curiosity.

Wild Thing has been featured

in Rolling Stone, The New York

Times, and Smithsonian Magazine

for its storytelling on topics like

Bigfoot and space exploration.

For those seeking a more intimate

experience, the PINC Ideas Dinner on

December 6 offers a unique opportunity

to “dine with a speaker” and

engage in deeper conversations with

leading thought leaders.

Tickets: www.PINCexperience.com.

▼

At The Leonard

Reid House

The Harlem Renaissance exhibit

at the Reid house, When I Rise Up: The

Power of Black Artists,” is an exhibition

presented by the Sarasota African

American Cultural Coalition that runs

to Jan. 30, 2025 at the historic Leonard

▼

The Harlem Renaissance exhibit at the Leonard Reid house (2529 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota), runs to Jan.

30, 2025

Reid House, 2529 N. Orange Ave. in

Sarasota.

Black artists of the Harlem Renaissance

such as Romare Bearden, Jacob

Lawrence and Elizabeth Catlett and

contemporary painters inspired by

them will command the spotlight.

“Music and poetry of the period

against the backdrop of visual art creates

a cultural immersion experience.

I hope residents will visit the show

to receive a boost of inspiration from

artists who handled setbacks and

sparked a cultural rebirth and revolution,”

said Dr. James Stewart, professor

Emeritus at Penn State University.

Stewart and his wife Dr. Caryl Sheffield,

co-curators of the exhibition are

avid African American art collectors.

Paintings from the couple’s collection

are displayed.

SAACC’s collection of Harlem

Renaissance prints in the exhibition

were donated by co-curators Michael

and Sherle Berger. “Why do we love

the works? They show the flowering of

Black culture after years of Jim Crow

segregation,” said Berger, a Pittsburgh

gallery owner.

Reid House hours are Tuesday,

Thursday, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2

p.m. To schedule group tours, contact

Mydahlia Glover, mgloverssaacc@

outlook.com or 813-419-0454.

KISS Cancer

Goodbye III

KISS Cancer Goodbye III is a

three-day KISS-themed music festival

taking place December 6-8 on the

Harvest House campus, 3650 17th St.,

Sarasota. It will benefit the American

Cancer Society.

The event will feature numerous

rock musicians, including former KISS

guitarist (1984-1996) Bruce Kulick,

who will appear and play all three

days. Some of the musical highlights

will include: the performance of select

songs from KISS albums “Dynasty”

and “Unmasked,” featuring legendary

drummer Anton Fig; The Handsome

Devils performing the “Creatures of

the Night” album; a salute to the four

original KISS members’ solo albums,

performed by various guest artists; the

performance of the “Hotter Than Hell”

album on its 50th anniversary; Chris

Jericho’s band Kuarantine, featuring

Bruce Kulick; the performance of the

“KISS Alive II” album by the band and

▼

guests; the music of Frehley’s Comet,

presented by guitarist/keyboard player

Tod Howarth; and more.

There will also be a Fan Expo, open

all three days, that will include KISS

memorabilia - including KISS Army

Warehouse, KISS Replicas, KISS Army

Spain and more - as well as opportunities

to meet and get autographs from

and pictures with many of the visiting

musical artists, including Bruce

Kulick. Through the KISS Cancer

Goodbye I and II events, over $100,000

was raised to support the American

Cancer Society in its battle to cure the

disease. Presenting partner is Harvest

House. Tickets: kisscg.com

The Pops Orchestra

The Pops Orchestra presentsA

Wicked Fun Holiday on Sunday,

December 15, 3 p.m., Riverview Performing

Arts Center, Sarasota and

Sunday, December 15, 7 p.m. also at

Riverview Performing Arts Center,

Sarasota and on Monday, December

16, 7:30 p.m., at SCF Neel Performing

Arts Center, Bradenton

Ring in the holidays with performer

Tiffany Haas, who performed the role

of “Glinda, the Good Witch” on Broadway

as the understudy to Kristin Chenoweth

and starred in the National

Tour production of Wicked.

From Cincinnati College Conservatory

of Music student to “Miss Ohio”

in the Miss America Pageant to Broadway

and concert hall singer and dancer,

Tiffany will bring her many talents

to the Pops for these concerts.Tickets:

www.ThePopsOrchestra.org or call

941-926-7677.

▼

Artist Series

Concerts of

Sarasota

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota

presents a Lunch and Listen

event “Raise Your Voice” with Joseph

Parrish, baritone, with Jesse Martins,

piano, on December 12. Performance

followed by lunch at the Sarasota

Yacht Club.

Winner of the 2022 Young Concert

Artists’ Susan Wadsworth International

Auditions, Joseph Parrish is equally

at home with operatic and popular

repertoire. He enjoys a robust concert

career performing with orchestras

and in recitals at prestigious venues

▼

such as Carnegie Hall, The

Kennedy Center, and Alice

Tully Hall.

Following his Artist Series

Concerts debut in 2023, he is

joined in this return engagement

by Sarasota Opera’s

Jesse Martins at the piano.

Their program includes

opera arias and art song, featuring

the music of William

Grant Still, Donizetti, and

Rachmaninoff.

Top Shelf Tuesdays has

James Ehnes, violin and

Orion Weiss, piano on

December 17, 7:30 pm at

First Congregational United

Church of Christ, Sarasota.

Ehnes is one of the most

in-demand violinists on

the international stage. He

is a regular soloist with the

world’s greatest orchestras,

performs recitals worldwide,

and has been awarded

Grammy, Gramophone, and

JUNO awards for his recordings.

Joined by his friend and

colleague Orion Weiss, the

pair perform Beethoven’s

“Kreutzer” Sonata. After intermission,

Ehnes joins forces with violinist

Daniel Jordan, violists Stephanie

Block and Nathan Frantz, and cellists

Natalie Helm and Bjorn Ranheim for

Tchaikovsky’s exceptional string sextet,

Souvenir de Florence.

Top Shelf Tuesdays also has a performance

by Ani Aznavoorian, cello and

Marta Aznavoorian, piano

On January 7, 2025 at 7:30 pm at

First Congregational United Church of

Christ, Sarasota.

Virtuoso performers of Armenian

and classical repertoire, Ani and

Marta Aznavoorian made their first

public performance at the ages of 4

and 8. They performed live with the

Chicago Symphony Orchestra on PBS

and went on to win the National Foundation

for the Arts Award, leading

to their appointment as Presidential

Scholars in the Arts. They have performed

at the White House, Kennedy

Center, and Carnegie Hall’s Weill

Recital Hall and tour internationally.

This program includes Robert

Schumann’s Piano Quintet with violinists

Daniel Jordan and Shawn Weil,

and violist Philip Payton.

Tickets: ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or

call (941) 306-1202.

At Bookstore1

Sarasota

December Book Clubs:

• Poetry Book Club meets on December

11 at 2:00 p.m. It’s led by Doug

Knowlton and is for those who like to

read and discuss poetry. December’s

selection is To 2040, the new poems

of Jorie Graham’s fifteenth poetry

collection.

Graham’s collection, To 2040, opens

in question punctuated as fact: “Are we

/ extinct yet. Who owns / the map.” In

these visionary new poems, Graham is

part historian, part cartographer as she

plots an apocalyptic world where rain

must be translated, silence sings louder

than speech, and wired birds parrot

recordings of their extinct ancestors.

In one poem, the speaker is warned by

a clairvoyant “the American experiment

will end in 2030.” Graham shows

us our potentially inevitable future

soundtracked by sirens among industrial

ruins, contemplating the loss of

those who inhabited and named them.

There is a fee for participation that

▼

continued on page 8


out and about continued

includes a copy of To 2040 to be picked

up at Bookstore1 and the book club

meeting.

• The Short and Satisfying Book Club

meets on December 16 at 11 a.m. and

is led by Georgia Court. It’s for those

looking for a shorter read that is ripe

for discussion. December’s selection

is Until August by Gabriel García

Márquez, the rediscovered novel from

the Nobel Prize–winning author of

Love in the Time of Cholera and One

Hundred Years of Solitude--a moving

tale of female desire and abandon.

Gabriel García Márquez was awarded

the Nobel Prize in Literature in

1982. He is the author of many works

of fiction and nonfiction, including

One Hundred Years of Solitude and

Love in the Time of Cholera.

There is a fee to attend which

includes a copy of Until August to be

picked up at Bookstore1 and the book

club meeting.

• The Banned Book Club meets on

December 17 at 11 a.m., led by Bryn

Durgin. December’s pick is Elie Wiesel’s

holocaust memoir Night, a slim

volume of terrifying power. Night has

been removed from some schools’ curriculums

and libraries in the United

States because administrators and staff

believe the memoir to be too explicit

about the Holocaust for students.

Wiesel is the author of more than

sixty internationally acclaimed works

of fiction and nonfiction. He has been

awarded the Presidential Medal of

Freedom, the United States of America

Congressional Gold Medal, and the

French Legion of Honor.

Registration: www.sarasotabooks.

com. Location: Bookstore1 at The Mark,

117 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

Sarasota Ballet

Program Three is Fanciful Journey

on December 20-21 at the Sarasota

Opera House and accompanied

by the Sarasota Orchestra. Program

Three opens Balanchine’s Rubies, the

central ballet of his iconic full length

ballet Jewels, opens the program with

a vibrancy and flair that is perfectly

counterbalanced by Stravinsky’s dissonant

and edgy score.

It will also include The Spider’s Feast

(World Premiere) with choreography

by Sir David Bintley and music

by Albert Roussel. Bintley’s The Spider’s

Feast is a ballet that whimsically

transports audiences to a bustling garden

filled with colorful insects while

an arachnid menace surreptitiously

stalks its prey.

Brought to life through Bintley’s

choreography and incredible sets and

costumes by renowned designer Dick

Bird, The Spider’s Feast will delight

audiences, adults and children alike.

Sir Frederick Ashton’s Les Patineurs

will also be performed. Les Patineurs

is a playful tale of ice skaters and their

impromptu festivities on a frozen

pond in Victorian England.

Tickets: www.sarasotaballet.org

▼

Choral Music

Happy Christmukkah is on Sunday,

December 8 at 7 pm. The season

of light is enriched by the music of

Christmas and Hanukkah combined.

Lighting candles during this time of

year is a treasured ritual, whether

celebrating the birth of a child or the

miracle of the holy menorah. The sparkle

of light will abound in this holiday

choral program promoting peace,

comfort and joy for the season. www.

choralartistssarasota.org/

▼

▼

Key Chorale joins Music Director

Troy Quinn and The Venice

Symphony for four performances

of “Home for the

Holidays,” December 20-22.

Become immersed in beloved

Christmas carols and memorable

seasonal tunes that are

sure to fill your heart with joy

and memories. Key Chorale,

and guest vocalist Liz Callaway,

will sing you into the

holiday spirit. Visit www.keychorale.org

The Venice Chorale with

Brent Douglas as Artistic

Director and Conductor return

to the Venice Performing

Arts Center on December 16

with Classic Carols, Modern

Mirth: A Holiday Extravaganza.

It’s a musical journey

where the past meets the present,

warming hearts and lifting

spirits in the true essence

of the holiday season. Tickets:

www.thevenicechorale.org .

▼

Via Nova Chorale presents

A Celtic Christmas. A colorful

and rousing annual celebration,

now in its ninth year,

this popular concert looks

and the Christmas story through the

eyes of the Celtic peoples. Produced

in collaboration with First Presbyterian

Church, features a 50-voice choir,

piper Kevin Weigand, and multi-talented

triplets, the Lubben Brothers

on December 13, 7 pm and Saturday,

December 14, 4 pm

First Presbyterian Church is located

at 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota. Tickets:

www.eventbrite.com/e/a-celtic

▼

Sarasota Orchestra

Great Escapes:

• “Merry and Bright,” is on December

11-15. It’s a holiday-themed concert

conducted by Stuart Chafetz featuring

“A Klezmer Nutcracker,” “Sleigh

Ride” and “Skater’s Waltz.”

• Masterworks: “Ravel’s Bolero” is on

January 10 at Neel Performing Arts

Center and January 11-12 at the Van

Wezel. Shiyeon Sung leads a concert

that marks the 150th anniversary

of Maurice Ravel’s birth, including

his popular “Bolero” and Natash

Paremski playing his Piano Concerto

in G Major. The concert also includes

Dvořák’s Symphony No. 6 and

French composer Lili Boulanger’s

“D’un matin de printemps” (Of a

Spring Morning)

• Discoveries has “Mozart on the

Road” on January 5 with 15-year-old

piano prodigy Anwen Deng joining

conductor David Alan Miller to perform

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20

and the premiere of a new commission

by 12-year-old composer Isaac

Thomas. The program also includes

works by Haydn and Bach.

• Chamber Soirees offers intimate

programs presented in Holley Hall.

Next up is “Beethoven and Brass” on

December 22. Includes Ferenc Farkas’

Early Hungarian Dances from

the 17th Century, Beethoven’s Piano

Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 16 and

selections from “A Canadian Brass

Christmas.”

For tickets: 941-953-3434; sarasota

orchestra.org

▼

Venice Symphony

They have ‘‘Home for the Holidays’

December 20-22. The symphony is

adding an extra Sunday performance

for this concert that will feature Tony

and Grammy award-nominated singer

Liz Callaway performing holiday

▼

Inspiring

Hope Dinner

keynote

speaker

and featured

performer

is Chester

Gregory.

The event is

on Friday,

January 17,

2025 at the

Ritz-Carlton,

Sarasota.

favorites and selections from the animated

film “Anastasia,” for which she

provided the voice of the title character.

Concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck

will play the electric violin on

“Miraculum.”

“Sports Orchestrated: is on January

10-11. Quinn admits the title of this

concert may be a “little misleading. It’s

not just sports music or pop music.” It

features Strauss’ Olympic Hymn, an

all-star suite featuring Beethoven and

Respighi, and music from sports-related

films like “Rocky” and “Rudy.”

Concerts are at the Venice Performing

Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice.

For tickets, call 941-207-8822; or visit

thevenicesymphony.org

The Chamber

Orchestra of

Sarasota

The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota

has “Holiday Cheer!”, their

first concert of its 2024-25 season.

Award-winning soprano Hanna

Brammer will be the featured guest

artist, performing Mozart’s “Exsultate,

jubilate” and other selections,

followed by Christmas and Hanukkah

favorites and more.

The program will include J. S. Bach’s

Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 and

Giacomo Puccini’s Chrysanthemum.

The performance is on December

5 at 7:30pm at the First Presbyterian

Church (2050 Oak Street) in Sarasota.

The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota

is one of the few professional chamber

orchestras in the State of Florida. Its

mission is to provide opportunities for

diverse audiences and performers to

experience the unique repertoire and

aesthetics of a chamber orchestra by

employing musicians in the Sarasota

area, performing in small and intimate

venues.

The 2024-25 season continues on

February 13, 2025 with pianist Inna

Faliks performing Shostakovich’s

Piano Concerto in C Minor, and

on March 20, 2025 with the Florida

premiere of “Anne Frank’s Tree” by

American composer Victoria Bond.

Virtuoso violinist George Maxman

will be featured on the March program,

performing Mendelssohn’s Violin

Concerto in E Minor.

Tickets: www.chamberorchestrasarasota.org

or call 219-928-8665.

▼

The

Hermitage

Hermitage Major Theater

Award winner and Pulitzer

Prize finalist Madeleine

George (Hulu’s “Only Murders

in the Building”) will be

at Venice Theatre on December

9 at 7:30pm.

The Hermitage presents

“The Sore Loser: An Original

Comedy,” written by George

and directed by Mack Brown.

A Faustian comedy set in a

bowling alley, The Sore Loser

is a comedy about power,

domination, and the death of

the patriarchy as told through

a small-town bowling tournament.

On December 13 at 5pm,

Anthony Barrese (Sarasota

Opera) and Raleigh Mosely

II (Westcoast Black Theatre

Troupe) will present “Hermitage

Cross Arts Collaborative:

Opera and Theater”

at the Sarasota Opera House.

Barrese is a conductor who

has worked at concert halls

around the world. While

in residence at the Hermitage, he is

pursuing his passion to meticulously

transcribe lost operas so they can be

performed by today’s leading companies

with new life.

He is joined by a frequent performer

with WBTT, Raleigh Mosely

II, a singer and actor who is making a

name for himself as a recording artist,

writing and performing his own work.

HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

▼

At The Ringling

The John and Mable Ringling

Museum of Art has this exhibit:

• Radical Clay: Contemporary

Women Artists from Japan through

Apr 6, 2025 in the Chao Center for

Asian Art. Radical Clay is an exhibition

of 41 ceramic sculptures by 36

contemporary Japanese artists, all of

whom happen to be women.

• Through January 5, 2025, there are

multi-gallery installation places featuring

the work of contemporary artist

Shinique Smith in direct dialogue

with historic European art, a first in

Smith’s career.

Several of her large-scale sculptures,

along with smaller works, will be displayed

in the permanent collection

galleries of the Museum of Art. The

exhibit speaks to the European artistic

tradition revealing the universality of

human experience explored by artists

throughout time while also foregrounding

notions of Black femininity

and the history of the circus.

Tickets: ringling.org. The John and

Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401

Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

▼

• Also at The Ringling, NocheUnidos

has been rescheduled for Jan 31, 2025

and will be performed in the Museum

of Art Courtyard. Wear your finest

white attire.

Join in for a celebration of Hispanic

Heritage, hosted by The Ringling and

UnidosNow. This elegant evening,

held in the magical Museum of Art

Courtyard, features dining, dancing,

music, and fellowship that honor the

rich and dynamic cultures that have

influenced our Gulf Coast community,

including the African diaspora, Indigenous

America, and Europe.

The event kicks off with festive Puerto

Rican rhythms from Bomba Yemayá

and parades into the night with an

upbeat Mardi Gras spirit captured by

the New Orleans-based 79rs Gang.

Dress in white to call in the season with

elegancia as we come together to honor

unity and the riches of our region.

Get ready to dance with BombaYemayá

and 79rs Gang, enjoy cuisine,

and embrace the dynamic blend

of cultures that have shaped our community,

from the African diaspora to

Indigenous America and Europe.

Tickets: www.ringling.org

Theatre

Asolo presents: Beautiful: The

Carole King MusicalBook by Douglas

McGrath with words and music

by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry

Mann and Cynthia Weil. Runs

through January 5, 2025.

At eighteen, Carole King wrote number

one songs for Aretha Franklin and

The Drifters. At twenty-nine, she was

the voice of a generation. The road

along the way was full of love, heartbreak,

and self-discovery.

A smash hit on Broadway and London’s

West End, this inspiring musical

features two decades of King’s hits,

including “You’ve Got a Friend”, “(You

Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”

and “I Feel the Earth Move.”

▼

Florida Studio Theatre has Waitress,

by Jessie Nelson with music and

lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara

Bareilles as part of FST’s Winter Mainstage

Series in the Gompertz Theatre.

It runs to December 29.Waitress tells

the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker

and waitress stuck in a loveless marriage.

When a nearby baking contest

offers her the chance to escape, Jenna

seizes the opportunity to reclaim her

long-forgotten self. Supported by her

fellow waitresses and unexpected

romance, Jenna begins to find the

courage to follow her dreams. A delicious

blend of friendship, the family

we choose, and the magic of a wellbaked

pie.

Next on the Mainstage is the regional

premiere of The Heart Sellers by

Lloyd Suh. On Thanksgiving 1973, two

young women, Jane and Luna, run

into each other at the grocery store. In

this heartwarming comedy they soon

discover they have much in common;

both are recent Asian immigrants,

homesick and lonely with hardworking

absentee husbands, trying to

adjust to a new country.

Over a bottle of wine and a questionable

frozen turkey, they dream of

Disneyland, learning to drive, and the

future as they share their hopes and

fears in making a new home in a new

land. The Heart Sellers starts December

11 in FST’s Keating Theatre.

The Cabaret Series has 59th Street

Bridge in the Goldstein Cabaret to

March 30, 2025. In the 60s and 70s,

a new sound came into mainstream

music that changed the scene forever.

Led by early folk-rock artists like John

Denver, Simon and Garfunkel, Bob

Dylan, and Joan Baez, this musical

revue is a celebration of the music such

as, “Annie’s Song,” “50 Ways to Leave

Your Lover,” and “Both Sides Now.”

Tickets: www.floridastudiotheatre.org

▼

Urbanite Theatre has SPACEMAN

by Leegrid Stevens and directed by

Summer Wallace. This regional premiere

runs January 3 to February

16, 2025. Astronaut Molly Jennis has

embarked on an interplanetary expedition

following her husband’s tragic,

failed attempt to reach Mars. As the

first to the Red Planet, she faces not

only the dangers of solitude and the

unknown frontier, but also the haunting

reflections of her past decisions.

▼

continued on page 10


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


out and about continued

SPACEMAN is a weightless, full-sensory,

surround-sound exploration of

both the challenges of space travel and

the uncharted future that awaits Molly

at her Martian destination

More info: www.urbanitetheatre.

com. Urbanite is located at 1487 2nd

Street, Sarasota.

WBTT has “A Motown Christmas”

through January 5, 2025. This year,

Motown Christmas will be on the

main stage and have you dancing in

your seat to a variety of holiday tunes

— the kind we all love singing along

with. WBTT’s sizzling signature style

makes this a most memorable Christmas

treat that’s fun for the whole

family!Tickets: www.westcoastblacktheatre

▼

Venice Theatre has A Christmas

Carol Original Book & Lyrics by Scott

Keys; Original Music by E. Suzan Ott;

Additional Music by Scott Keys, Jason

Brenner, and Eli Schildkraut; Adapted

from the original story by Charles

Dickensn the Raymond Center Dec.

6-22, 2024We are counting our blessings

as Venice Theatre’s musical version

of A Christmas Carol returns

with the joyous spirit of the year-end

holidays. Intergenerational veterans

from past productions (including Brad

Wages as Scrooge) join with new cast

members to tell Charles Dickens’ story

of redemption and rebirth.

Venice Theatre has Laughs Stand-

Up Comedyfest for Adults Who Love

the Funny Side of Life in the Pinkerton

Theatre Dec. 6, 8, 14, and 15.

Stand-up comedians from the local

community offer a series of fun-filled

laughfests, including Hanukkah and

Jewish-themed humor.

Seating is limited due to the unavailability

of the main stage Jervey Theatre.

Tickets: VeniceTheatre.org or

call 941-488-1115.

▼

Selby Gardens

Lights in Bloom is on view

December 5 through January 1, 2025

at the downtown Sarasota campus.

It will feature more than two million

lights illuminating the gardens and

walkways and is a fun holiday tradition

that offers photo opportunities,

activities, and entertainment. Visit

selby.org for tickets.

• Patti Smith: A Book of Days is on

view through August 31, 2025 at the

Historic Spanish Point campus. The

exhibition has a selection of photographs

taken by the poet and musician

that offers an intimate view of her life

on and off the road. The photographs

are taken from Smith’s recently published,

New York Times bestselling

publication, A Book of Days.

The exhibition at Selby Gardens will

feature large prints of Smith’s photographs

outdoors, bringing them into

dialogue with nature, which has long

been a source of inspiration for the

artist. Her images will take visitors

on a journey through time and space,

charting both the course of a year and

the natural environment of the Historic

Spanish Point campus. Visit selby.

org for tickets

▼

Contemporary

Dance

Sarasota Contemporary Dance

starts its 19th season with SCD + The

Barker Project, a collaboration led by

bassist Johnnie Barker and his assembled

array of musicians. This production

will be rooted in jazz, blending

funk, rock, blues and gospel into a

sound and dance gumbo.

▼

SCD + The Barker Project runs

December 5-8 at the Jane B.

Cook Theater at the FSU Center

for Performing Arts. Each performance

starts at 7 p.m., Thursday

- Saturday, with a 3 p.m. matinee

on Sundays. Additionally, SCD

offers Virtual Ticket options for

each production.

Tickets www.sarasotacontemporarydance.org

or call

941-260-8485.

At The Galleries

Art Center Sarasota Cycle 2

runs December 5-January 18,

2025. Opening reception is onDecember

5, 5-7 p.m.

E.A. KAHANE’s “¡¡Come Join

the Parade!! From My Third

Floor Window,” is a celebration

of over 25 years of capturing the

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

through her camera lens from a

third-floor window. This installation

is a quintessential New York

love story, radiating KAHANE’s

joy, excitement, and wonder.

Ermin Tabakovic presents

“Sigma Series,” a body of work

conceived during the Covid

lockdown of 2020. His paintings

showcase bold, vibrant representations

of his core vision, characterized

by geometric forms,

structural sensibility, dimensionality,

and metaphysical

exploration.

Keenan Perren showcases a

new body of work crafted from broken

skateboards, creating layered compositions

that explore human connection

and reflect on past experiences.

Inspired by friends, family, the skateboard

community, and the landscape

of everyday life, these pieces resonate

with personal and collective memory.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami

Trail, Sarasota. Info: www.

artsarasota.org

▼

“SPAACES Studio Artists present

“Novemberta Daa’ And The Journey

Goes On.” It’s a solo exhibition by

Ake Arnerdale. Exhibition runs to

December 14.

In this relatively uncertain time, Ake

Arnerdale observes how individuals

can easily feel adrift amidst a torrent

of images, text, and conflicting viewpoints,

compounded by the pervasive

influence of unbridled power across

societal realms and the persistence of

longstanding issues due to enforced

fragmentation.

Consequently, the challenge of discerning

truth and charting a course

forward looms large. Arnerdale’s

artwork for the exhibit explores this

fragmentation, employing an array of

materials including paint, discarded

objects, fabric, photos, papier-mâché,

and text, crafting an immersive experience

that invites viewers to delve

into introspection. Themes of longing,

belonging, decision-making, and progress

resonate throughout Arnerdale’s

work, drawing inspiration from diverse

sources such as graffiti, children’s art,

outsider art, folk art, and the baroque.

SPAACES (www.spaaces.art) is

located at 2051 Princeton St., Sarasota.

▼

At Harmony Gallery: Sarasota

artist Adrienne Watts’ work is on display

through December 16. Watts’

pieces vividly explore color and form,

inviting viewers to connect with the

emotional richness and complexity

of her art. She consistently challenges

the boundaries of abstraction, showcasing

the intricate details that highlight

her talent.

▼

Ringling College Galleries has Jack Davis: A Legacy of Laughter, celebrates the illustrated

artwork of iconic American artist Jack Davis in the Lois and David Stulberg Gallery. Runs

to March 21, 2025.

Before fully committing to her

artistic career, Watts had a 30-year

tenure in finance, earning a degree in

accounting and an MBA. Throughout

her professional journey, she maintained

a passion for art, creating pet

portraits and still-life paintings in

watercolor for friends and family.

Currently, Watts’ work is showcased

at State of the Arts Gallery in Sarasota,

Hagan Fine Art Gallery in Charleston,

South Carolina, and Drew Marc Gallery

in Tampa. Watts is also an active

member of Women Contemporary

Artists in Sarasota.

For information, visit sarasota

orchestra.org.

Define Art Gallery and Studio ,

68 S. Palm Ave, Sarasota, has Melanie

Carlstein’s solo exhibition in the Case

Gallery. The exhibition, showcasing

Carlstein’s unique assemblage sculptures,

delves into the transformation

of discarded items into works of art.

Titled INSPIRATION FOUND, the

exhibition explores society’s tendency

to discard once-valuable objects

in the pursuit of something new.

Carlstein breathes new life into these

forgotten treasures, whether salvaged

from landfills, charity shops, or

estate sales—by reimagining them as

three-dimensional art.

Opening night December 6. On view

December 3-28. Info: 941-500-2393.

▼

At Ringling College Galleries:

Jack Davis: A Legacy of Laughter, celebrates

the illustrated artwork of iconic

American artist Jack Davis. In honor

of his 100th birthday, this show is a

unique and nostalgic journey through

the whimsical and satirical world he

created. Home to a collection of over

two dozen drawings and memorabilia

that pays homage to Davis’ unparalleled

talent and enduring influence on

the world of comics and illustration.

Held in the Lois and David Stulberg

Gallery. Runs to March 21, 2025

Born in 1924, Davis began his career

as a freelance artist and quickly

gained recognition for his humorous

▼

and exaggerated drawings. He regularly

contributed to the iconic MAD

Magazine, where his work became

highly influential. He received numerous

accolades for his contributions to

the field of cartooning, including an

induction into the Will Eisner Hall of

Fame. The Stulberg Gallery is located

at 1188 MLK Way Sarasota.

Nothing New: Archives of Affection

runs to February 1, 2025 at Willis

Smith Gallery. Delve into the timeless

essence of queer love, beautifully

captured through over 300 historic

daguerreotypes of male couples. Witness

the remarkable power of photography

as it unveils a narrative of love

that triumphs against all odds, even

when shrouded in secrecy.

Explore the pioneering world of

daguerreotypes, the earliest form of

popular photography, prevalent in the

mid-19th century. Among these images

are portraits taken in photo booths,

a novel concept introduced in the U.S.

in 1924, offering couples a discreet

means to immortalize their bond.

Some photographs were candidly

captured by friends and family, showcasing

moments where love transcended

barriers, with outsiders symbolizing

acceptance within their circle.

www.ringlingcollege.gallery/

upcoming-exhibitions

ArtCenter Manatee has its member

exhibition in the Kellogg & Reid

Hodges Galleries. Opening reception:

December 5, 5-7 p.m. Runs through

December 27.

ArtCenter Manatee also has its 5th

annual Holiday Extravaganza in the

Searle Gallery, featuring holiday trees

decked to their fullest with thousands

of handmade ornaments, handmade

holiday décor, gifts and more.

▼

Perlman Suncoast

▼

The PMP Winter Residency runs

December 29- January 11, 2025. The

Celebration Concert and Dinner

Gala is on January 11, 2025. This year

marks the 21st PMP Winter Residency

here in Florida and the 30th Anniversary

of The Perlman Music Program.

Tickets: (941) 955-4942 or visit www.

perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org/

Sarasota

Art Museum

Molly Hatch: Amalgam runs to

April 26, 2026. Hatch’s newly commissioned

“plate painting,” Amalgam

(2023), was created specifically

for Sarasota Art Museum. Consisting

of more than 450 earthenware plates

hand-painted in white, blue, and

gold luster, the abstract lines and

shapes in Amalgam are drawn from

a variety of historical ceramics from

around the globe. Info: sarasotaartmuseum.org/visit

▼

Farmers’ Markets

Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market

starhas more than 100 curated

vendors and is located at Waterside

Place in Lakewood Ranch. Open

Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. yearround

and offers produce, prepared

foods, and specialty items and gifts.

The Market also works with Community

Harvest SRQ as part of the Suncoast

Gleaning Project. Among other

efforts, volunteers pick up leftover vegetables

from the farmers weekly and

take them to food banks to make meals

for those in need, thereby helping

diminish food waste while providing

nutritious produce to diverse populations.

Other activities on Market

Sundays include yoga at the adjacent

Waterside Park, weekly live music,

Kids’ Corner crafts, facepainting and

balloon twisting, among others.

For more, visit www.lakewoodranch.com.

▼

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

is located in Phillippi Estate Park.

This seasonal market is open every

Wednesday through April from 9

a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience fresh produce,

prepared foods, artisanal products

and live music.

Beyond shopping, visitors can

explore the park’s beautiful grounds,

including the historic Edson Keith

Mansion, through a free, docent-led

tour beginning promptly at 10 a.m.

each Wednesday.

Phillippi Estate Park is located at

5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

▼

Holiday Events

Children aged 12 and under, along

with their families, are invited to join

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation

and Natural Resources for the annual

Merry Meals with Santa events.

These free holiday celebrations

include a meal, festive music, a toy

giveaway and a special visit from

Santa. Registration is required, and

families can sign up for one event only

by visiting the registration link here.

Event Schedule:

• Breakfast: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9-11

a.m. at Newtown Estates Park or Laurel

Park.

• Lunch: Saturday, Dec. 7, Noon-2

p.m. at Newtown Estates Park or

Laurel Park.

• Dinner: Friday, Dec. 13, 5-8 p.m. at

Englewood Sports Complex.

▼

Locations:

• Newtown Estates Park, 2800 Newtown

Blvd., Sarasota.

• Laurel Park, 509 Collins Road,

Nokomis.

• Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S.

River Road, Englewood.

For information, call 311 or 941-861-

5000 or visit SarasotaCountyParks.

com


local fun

JANUARY 23-27, 2025

Five Days

of Food,Wine & Fun!

Discover Sarasota Tours

Has Two New Trolley

Tours of Venice

The Venice City Tour and Circus Secrets

of Venice Start in January, 2025

Tammy

Hauser,

Founder &

CEO of Discover

Sarasota

Tours (DST)

announced that

two new trolley

tours of Venice

will be offered

on Tuesdays

from January-April

2025.

“We have been

leading annual

tours of Venice as

part of our History Hop Week celebrating

South Sarasota County for two

years, but are excited to bring Dolly

The Trolley to Venice to lead a Venice

City Tour on Tuesday mornings and our

Circus Secrets of Venice tour on Tuesday

afternoons during Season,” said Hauser.

The tours will depart from the Venice

Chamber of Commerce Building

offering free parking and a convenient

location. The ninety-minute narrated

10 a.m. Venice City Tour will be led in

partnership with Venice Florida Tours.

”We are excited to partner with Discover

Sarasota Tours to bring a consistent

trolley tour option to Venice. I

hope this allows for more residents and

visitors to learn about the history of

Venice,” said Ronnie Fernandez, Owner

and Tour Guide of Venice Florida Tours.

The 1 p.m. Circus Secrets of Venice

tour will be led by Circus Historian and

Guide, Bob Collins. “We tend to forget

that for more than three decades Venice

took the spotlight from the city of Sarasota

as winter home of Ringling Bros.

and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Join us on

our tour, “Circus Secrets of Venice”, and

you’ll hear echoes of The Greatest Show

on Earth that still resonate throughout

the community,” said Collins.

All daytime tours are $49.99 plus tax/

handling fee and can be booked at DiscoverSarasotaTours.com.

About

Discover Sarasota Tours:

Discover Sarasota Tours is a locally

owned and operated award-winning

tour company founded in 2018. We

offer 17 different entertaining and

informative daytime sightseeing tours

and nighttime musical theater shows in

Dolly our comfortable, enclosed air-conditioned

trolley. Our guide-led entertaining

and informative tours focus on

the most interesting people, intriguing

places, and amazing stories that have

shaped Sarasota’s rich cultural past.

We also have a charming Trolley Cottage

Gift Shop filled with fun, whimsical

cards, gifts, history books, toys, candles

and many more items that are themed

after each of our tours.

Daytime tour themes include Amish

Experience, Leading Ladies of Sarasota,

Architecture, City History of Sarasota

and Venice, Circus Secrets of Sarasota

and Venice, Art Crawl Trolley, Psychic

Sundays, Public Art, and History Hop

Week of Sarasota County. At night, the

trolley turns into a theater on wheels

offering original musical shows featuring

professional local actors including

Murder Mystery Trolley: Who Killed The

Circus Queen, Haunted Sarasota, Boo-

Mobile, Christmas Carol Trolley: Letters

to Santa, and Sunset Cabaret, Music &

Craft Beer Tour.

In 2022, 2023 and 2024, we were voted

SRQ Magazine’s Platinum winner for

BEST Local Tour Company. In addition,

Discover Sarasota Tours was recognized

with a 2023 and 2024 Travelers’ Choice

Award from TripAdvisor/Viator, voted

Best of Florida Arts & Entertainment in

2022 and 2023, and was featured in a

film produced by American Express as a

leading American Small Business.

Tour tickets and information available

at DiscoverSarasotaTours.com or by

calling 941-260-9818. For Groups, email

info@DiscoverSarasotaTours.com.

PRESENTED BY AUDI SARASOTA AND SUNCOAST PORSCHE

The celebration will include:

FORKS & CORKS UNIVERSITY

Saturday, January 25

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 23 - Monday, January 27

Wine and food pairing dinners thoughtfully presented by our Member

Restaurants in creative collaboration with our visiting Winemakers.

F&C RETAIL TASTINGS

Saturday, January 25

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 20 - Sunday, January 26 at 3PM

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.

F&C TRADE TASTING

Monday, January 27

Complimentary event exclusive to Hospitality Industry.

2025 FESTIVAL PRESENTING SPONSORS

Visit eatlikealocal.com or scan

the QR code to learn more!

PAID ADVERTORIAL


Connect

Educate

Support

The Caregiver’s Forum

An annual symposium providing family caregivers

with exceptional resources, education, and support

Keynote Speaker Dr. Miguel Rivera (Dementia Doc)

Co-chairs Paula Falk and Pam Polowski

February 8, 2025 | 9 am – 2 pm

Harvest House Venue, 3650 17th Street, Sarasota 34235

Tickets on sale December 15 st via www.friendshipcenters.org


coming up

Broadway Star to Light

Up Sunshine From

Darkness Annual Dinner

Inspiring Hope Dinner keynote speaker and

featured performer Chester Gregory

Provided photo/Chester Gregory

Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation

executive director Marlene Hauck

(left) with president Jeffrey Peterson

Photo by Harry Sayer

Snshine

From

Darkness,

a nonprofit

organization

dedicated to the

funding of local

mental health services

and programs

and mental health

research, has announced

its 2025

Inspiring Hope

Dinner program.

The organization’s

annual fundraising

event will take

place on Friday,

January 17, 2025

at 6:30 p.m. at

the Ritz-Carlton,

Sarasota (1111 Ritz

Carlton Drive).

This evening promises

to be one of

inspiration, connection,

and hope,

while raising critical

funds for youth mental

health initiatives.

The keynote speaker

this year is educator

and Broadway artist

Chester Gregory,

who turned personal

tragedy and internal

struggles into motivation

for promoting

mental wellness. After

a transformative

experience through

therapy allowed him to

navigate self-doubt and

imposter syndrome,

Gregory recognized

the importance of community

in the healing

process. He launched

THE C.H.E.S.S. BOARD! (Collectively Healing

Every Single Soul) with the belief that

mental health is a journey no one should

have to walk alone.

The evening – with the theme “Creating

a Spark” – will also feature the bestowing

of the 2025 Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy

Award to devoted supporter Elisabeth

Waters, in honor of her extraordinary contributions.

Guests will witness powerful

testimonials by community members and

participants from Sunshine From Darkness-supported

programs, participate in a

lively paddle raise, and enjoy dancing to

the live music of Quintessence as well as

the special performance by Gregory.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit

two Sunshine

from Darkness initiatives:

enhanced

“Blue Door Services,”

which focus

on empowering

youth through

emotional literacy,

and youth mental

health research,

to discover impactful

mental

health treatments

and explore mental

health disorders.

“We are dedicated

to truly

‘creating a spark’

with an event that

will shine bright

and offer hope for

all those facing

mental health

challenges,” said

Sunshine from

Darkness president,

Jeffrey

Peterson. “This work

is only possible thanks

to advocates like Elisabeth

Waters, who is

being recognized for

her enduring support.”

Nearly 370 were

in attendance for the

Inspiring Hope Dinner

in January of 2024. The

event grossed more

than $165,000, with

proceeds designated

for Sunshine From

Darkness’s “Blue Door

Services” and youth

mental health research.

Founded as a subsidiary

of the Lee and

Bob Peterson Foundation,

Sunshine From

Darkness hosts events throughout the year

that bring mental health and addiction

awareness and education to the forefront

of the community, providing professionals

and philanthropists with the opportunity

to engage with the broader mental health

community. Its mission is to enhance and

promote mental health wellness in our

community.

Co-chairs are Amie Austin, Ph.D. and

daughter Amara Oliva, Sydney and

Madison Koffman, and Kelvin and

Cindy Foster.

Tickets are $350 and sponsorships are

still available. Visit sunshinefromdarkness.org

or call 941-504-6717 for more

information.

THESE DOCTORS ARE AMONG

THE BEST

ONE OF THE BEST

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

PHYSICIANS

PHYSICIANS

IN IN AMERICA

2023

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

board certified in the specialty of Non-Surgical

Spinal Decompression has been peer-nominated

and recognized again in 2023 by the International

Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression.

This advanced certification is provided

in conjunction with Disc Centers of

America, which sets the gold standard

in training and research, on the

latest, most effective options for the

alleviation & treatment of

spinal disc disorders, which

often cause low back

pain, neck pain, sciatica,

numbness, tingling, pins

and needle sensations

and more.

Dr. Cifra is committed to helping

his patients AVOID narcotics, epidural

injections, and unnecessary surgeries.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

provides safe, gentle, and effective

relief for upwards of 90% of patients that

qualify for care.

Season 29 | Talent Unveiled

Raise Your Voice

Joseph Parrish, baritone • Jesse Martins, piano

December 12 • 11 am performance followed by

lunch at Sarasota Yacht Club

Joseph Parrish, winner of the 2022 Young Concert

Artists’ Susan Wadsworth International Auditions,

is known for his versatility in both operatic and

popular music. Following his riveting ASC debut

in 2023, he collaborates with pianist Jesse Martins

from Sarasota Opera in this return engagement.

Their program features music of William Grant Still,

Donizetti, and Rachmaninoff.

James Ehnes and Friends

James Ehnes, violin • Orion Weiss, piano

December 17 • 7:30 pm

First Congregational United Church of Christ

As a founding member of the Dover String Quartet,

James Ehnes is one of the most in-demand violinists

on the international stage. He has won Grammy,

Gramophone, and JUNO awards. Joined by pianist

Orion Weiss, the pair perform Beethoven’s “Kreutzer”

Sonata. Ehnes also joins forces with violinist Daniel

Jordan, violists Stephanie Block and Nathan Frantz,

and cellists Natalie Helm and Bjorn Ranheim

for Tchaikovsky’s exceptional string sextet,

Souvenir de Florence.

ArtistSeriesConcerts.org | (941) 306-1202

This project is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; The Exchange; Gulf Coast Community Foundation;

National Endowment for the Arts; the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues; and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

Neck or

low back pain?

Avoid surgery and

get your life back!

DR. CIFRA IS LOCATED AT: MIDTOWN MEDICAL PARK

1215 S. EAST AVE. SUITE 210, SARASOTA FL 34239

SarasotaDiscCenter.com

CALL (941) 358-2224 OR (315) 345-7390 TODAY

TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION


healthier you

5 Tips to

a Fun and Healthy

Holiday Season

INSIGHTS &

INSPIRATIONS

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK:

BAGELS AND BOOKS

10 am | The Ora

at the Joel & Gail Morganroth Event Center | $72

Gather your friends and join us for a

delightful morning of bagels and books,

featuring three popular historical fiction

authors!

2024

2025

Be Safer, Smarter, and More Connected

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK:

AUTHOR PANEL FEATURING

JULIE SATOW AND DANIEL SCHULMAN

7 pm | Temple Emanu-El | $18

The Federation welcomes two authors, Julie Satow and Daniel Schulman,

for a fascinating panel discussion on how well-known companies got

their starts.

Julie Satow, author of When Women Ran Fifth Avenue, shares

a glittering portrait of the golden age of American department

stores and highlight three ceiling-shattering women who led them.

DECEMBER

Daniel Schulman, author of The Money Kings, discusses the

incredible saga of the German-Jewish immigrants with now-familiar

names like Goldman Sachs, Jacob Schiff, and Lehman Brothers,

who profoundly influenced the rise of modern finance.

JANUARY

The New York Times best-selling author

Kristin Harmel (The Paris Daughter)

will speak along with The New York Times

best-selling author Lisa Barr (The Goddess

of Warsaw) and Emily Matchar (In the Shadow

of Greenbrier, her debut novel). Brunch will be provided

by Michael’s On East. Book sale and signing to follow the presentation.

Presented in partnership with

the Jewish Book Council.

19

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

12

Media Sponsor:

As the holiday season approaches,

it’s time to get festive and

prepare for all the joy and

traditions that come with it.

Soon, we’ll be gathering with loved ones,

exchanging gifts, singing carols, and eating

some delicious holiday food. Whether it’s

honey-baked ham, latkes, sweet potato casserole,

or pumpkin pie, the holiday table

is often filled with foods that remind us of

the warmth and joy of holidays past.

However, for those mindful of their

health, these rich treats can present a challenge.

No one wants to miss out on the

pleasures of the season, but overindulgence

can leave us feeling less than merry. Even

those knowledgeable about nutrition, like

myself, can find it tricky to balance festive

eating with health goals during this time.

But don’t worry – navigating the holidays

without depriving yourself is possible.

Here’s how you can enjoy the season’s

delights without compromising your

well-being.

1. Leave Guilt at the Door

It’s easy to feel guilty after enjoying a slice

of pie or a cookie. But carrying this guilt

can often lead to more unhealthy choices.

Instead, let go of negative self-talk. Enjoying

special treats doesn’t erase your healthy

habits and you can return to those habits

at any time.

2. Practice the “Three-Bite Rule”

When it comes to dessert, moderation can

be your best friend. The “three-bite rule” is

a simple trick: the first bite is the most delicious,

the third bite is the perfect finish,

and every bite in between is more of the

same. By savoring just 2-3 bites, you can

enjoy the flavors of a dessert without feeling

the need to indulge in a whole serving.

This approach lets you enjoy holiday treats

while still keeping your portions in check.

3. Don’t Forget to Drink Water

Sometimes we get so caught up in the holidays

that we forget one of the most basic

health behaviors ~ drinking water. Women

should get a minimum of 2.7 liters of water

per day and men should get at least 3.7 liters

a day. Additionally, for those who opt

for a holiday cocktail, try to drink an extra

16 ounces of water.

4. Prioritize Physical Activity

It’s great to get some type of physical activity

each day, but you don’t need to hit the

gym every day to stay active over the holidays.

Instead, incorporate light, enjoyable

activities like family walks, biking, or even

a casual game outside. These moments

help you stay active and create lasting holiday

memories with friends, family, or pets.

5. Get Enough Rest

With holiday gatherings, shopping, and

travel, it can be hard to get enough sleep.

However, getting a consistent 7-9 hours

of sleep each night is essential for keeping

your energy up, maintaining a balanced

mood, and preventing overeating (by

raising leptin and lowering ghrelin). Remember,

the key to feeling your best isn’t

catching up on sleep later, but prioritizing

it throughout the season. Quality rest

ensures you’ll be ready for every holiday

celebration.

Embrace the Holiday Spirit,

Healthfully

We hope that these tips will help you to

enjoy a festive, flavorful, and balanced

holiday season. Remember, the goal isn’t to

constantly restrict yourself but to be mindful

and intentional about your choices.

Savoring the season without overindulging

allows you to start the new year feeling

healthy and refreshed. So go ahead and let

the festivities begin!

At The Renewal Point, we’ve been

helping patients get to the root cause of

their symptoms for decades. By listening

to our patients and carefully reviewing

test results, we can get an accurate picture

of what’s going on and move forward

with a personalized plan of care. We are

here to help! To learn more or schedule

a consultation, you can give us a call at

941-926-4905.

—————————————————

SOURCE: Dr. Watts, MD, ND, MSNM and

Deb Spinner, ARNP,

MSN, are experts in Integrative

Medicine. With

over 25 years experience

in Hormone Balancing,

a Post-doctoral Certification

in Metabolic

Endocrinology, and a

Fellowship in Anti-Aging,

Regenerative, and

Functional Medicine, Dr.

Watts has put together

programs that have

helped thousands of

patients renew their love

and vigor for life.

Dr. Dan Watts

MD, ND, MSMN

The Renewal Point

FOUNDER/DIRECTOR

4905 Clark Road, Sarasota

Phone: 941-926-4905

www.TheRenewalPoint.com

PAID ADVERTORIAL


dining in

Sweet and savory treats for Hanukkah

This fluffy potato-encrusted

focaccia resembles

a latke in

both looks and

taste. By baking

the dough in a

shell of shredded

potatoes,

you get the best

of both worlds:

a fluffy, almost

creamy bread

and a crispy,

salty, oniony

potato layer in

every bite. This

potato focaccia is a joyful celebration

for Hanukkah, of course, but it will also

satisfy anyone who revels in the combi-

Ingredients:

DOUGH

2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons

Unbleached Bread Flour

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon water,

lukewarm

1 rounded teaspoon instant yeast

1 1/4 teaspoons table salt

Latke Focaccia

nation of carb-on-carb, whether that’s

in the form of potato pizza, vada pav, or

Sichuan stir-fried potatoes over rice.

POTATOES

1 1/2 pounds frozen shredded hash

brown potatoes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 teaspoon table salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black

pepper

1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

5 tablespoons cornstarch

ASSEMBLY

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Instructions:

To make the dough: Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup,

then sweeping off any excess. In a large bowl, stir together all the dough ingredients

until well combined. Use a flexible spatula to vigorously beat the dough back and

forth, slapping the side of the bowl, until it’s smooth and shiny, 1-2 minutes.

Cover the bowl and set it aside for 30 minutes. Perform a bowl fold: Use a bowl

scraper or your wet hand to grab a section of dough from one side, lift it up, and

press it down to the middle to seal. Repeat, turning the bowl 90° (a quarter turn)

between each stretch, until the dough won’t elongate easily, about 6-8 times total.

Cover the bowl and set aside for another 30 minutes, perform a bowl fold, then

re-cover and let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator, or at room temperature

for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until doubled in size. If your dough has been refrigerated, let it

temper on the counter as you prepare the potatoes. Otherwise, prepare the potatoes

towards the end of the rise time.

To prepare the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl or baking

dish. Cover with a microwave-safe cover (like a plate), and microwave in 1-minute

increments, stirring between each, until the potatoes are no longer frozen, 3-5 minutes

total.

Spread the potatoes out onto a clean, lint-free dish towel or 2 layers of paper towels

and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture. Return the potatoes to the large bowl

or dish and stir in oil, salt, pepper, and onion, mixing to combine. Add the cornstarch

and mix until well combined.

To assemble the focaccia: Lightly grease a 12” cast iron pan or an 11” deep-dish

pizza pan with nonstick spray; this ensures that the focaccia will release cleanly. Pour

1 tablespoon oil into the pan and tilt to disperse (the oil adds flavor). Transfer about

2/3 of the potato mixture (roughly 4 cups) into the pan and distribute it into an even

layer, pressing some up the sides of the pan to nearly reach the top. Cover remaining

potatoes and set aside.

Gently transfer the risen dough on top of the potatoes, doing your best to center it

in the pan. Cover the pan with greased plastic wrap or a reusable cover and let it rise

in a warm spot for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until very puffy; it should nearly fill the pan. Towards

the end of the rise time, preheat the oven to 425°F with racks in the bottom

and upper thirds.

When ready to bake, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle the

reserved 2 cups potatoes on top in an even layer. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon

olive oil over the potatoes, then use greased fingers to dimple the dough, pressing all

the way to the bottom, so that it fills the pan.

Bake the potato focaccia on the lower rack for 38-40 minutes, until the potatoes are

brown. If the top isn’t as dark as you’d like, transfer the pan to the upper rack for an

additional 3-5 minutes. Let the potato focaccia cool for 10 minutes in the pan on a

wire rack, then transfer it directly to the rack to cool. Serve slightly warm or at room

temperature.

Storage information: Store airtight at room temperature for 1 day. Reheat leftovers,

uncovered, at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. For longer-term storage,

freeze individual slices.

Hanukkah Jelly Doughnuts (Sufganiyot)

Sufganiyot (aka jelly donuts) are another

Hanukkah delicacy. In fact, they

surpass the latke in popularity in Israel

Ingredients:

1 cup water

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

3/4 teaspoon table salt*

1 1/4 cups Unbleached All-Purpose

Flour

4 large eggs, at room temperature

and come in second place in the United

States.

4 cups peanut oil or vegetable oil, for

frying

jelly, for filling

granulated sugar or confectioners’

sugar, for coating

*Use 1/2 teaspoon salt if you use

salted butter.

Instructions:

Combine the water, butter, and salt in a medium-sized saucepan, heat until the butter

has melted, and bring to a rolling boil. Remove the pan from the heat, and add the

flour all at once, stirring vigorously.

Return the pan to the burner and cook over medium heat, stirring all the while,

until the mixture smooths out and follows the spoon around the pan; this should take

considerably less than a minute.

Remove the pan from the heat, and let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes. It’ll still

feel hot, but you should be able to hold a finger in it for a few seconds. If you have an

instant-read thermometer, the temperature should be below 125°F.

Transfer the mixture to a mixer, and beat in the eggs one at a time. The batter will

look curdled at first, but when you add the last egg it should become smooth. Beat

for at least 2 minutes after adding the last egg.

Pour a generous 4 cups vegetable oil (peanut oil preferred) into a 10” electric frying

pan or heavy skillet set over a burner; the oil should be about 5/8” deep. If you use

a smaller or larger pan, add oil to a depth of between 1/2” and 3/4”. Heat the oil to

375°F.

Scoop small (1”) balls of batter into the hot oil, filling the pan but not crowding the

doughnuts. A teaspoon cookie scoop, filled level, works well here.

Fry the doughnuts for about 6 minutes. As they cook they’ll turn themselves over,

usually multiple times. Use a chopstick or pair of tongs to give a nudge to any that

seem to be stuck on one side. After about 6 minutes, the doughnuts should be a deep

golden brown.

Transfer them from the frying pan to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain and

cool. Repeat with the remainder of the batter.

Use a pastry bag equipped with a plain tip to pipe jelly into the interior of the

cooled doughnuts. Shake them gently in a bag with granulated or confectioners’ sugar.

Serve immediately; or wrap loosely and store at room temperature. The doughnuts

will gradually soften as they sit.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah begins at sunset of Wednesday, December 25 and ends at nightfall

on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication

of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish warriors defeated the

occupying Greek armies. As Hanukkah approaches, it’s time to stock up on

holiday supplies: a menorah, candles, oil and dreidels.

Why do latkes on Hanukkah? Oil played a vital role in the Hanukkah

miracle in which a single flask of pure oil, enough to burn for a single day,

miraculously lasted for eight days. To commemorate this event, oily foods

are eaten on Hanukkah. Latkes, made with oil, are a perfect way to fulfill this

tradition. Latke is Yiddish for “Pancake”In Yiddish, latke means “pancake.”


Marianne

Chapel

She’s the Founding Director of SPAACES in Sarasota,

a nonprofit that has a gallery and also offers

affordable studio space for working artists while

also helping them with grant writing and mentoring.


She’s created a niche in the

local art scene like no

other: a gallery and studio

space for working

artists that is a nonprofit.

She takes no salary

and she pays rent for her

space like everyone else.

She covers her costs by sub-leasing space

adjacent to her building where she has an

office and where exhibits are held.

SPAACES (the acronym stands for Sarasota

Project Aligning Artists Communities

Exhibits Studios) was founded in 2018 and

became a not-for-profit in 2020, working

out of a nondescript location neighboring

an evolving and culturally diverse neighborhood

called Park East in north Sarasota,

east of 301.

Also unique in Marianne’s vision is that

she defines her space as for career track

artists. Many, she explains, have Bachelor’s

or Master’s degrees and want to have

a full time career as an artist. To support

themselves, many work full time or have a

sponsor or else they write grants.

Another unique aspect is that the majority

of her exhibits are by women artists. According

to her website, “SPAACES is committed

to supporting women artists, with

70% of our programs reserved for them.”

And what is exhibited is also unique. “We

specialize in progressive forms of contemporary

art, social practice art, and collaborative

artistic events and exhibitions.”

As for the gallery space, Marianne has

one artist at a time exhibiting for a month.

The goal is to promote the artist as well as

showcase contemporary art. “A solo exhibit

is a big deal for an artist,” she notes,

and promoting artists is clearly important

to her—it’s in her mission statement: “To

advance contemporary visual art and professional

artists while enhancing a vibrant

arts community in the Sarasota area.”

One artist at SPAACES she rents space to

is a single mom who brings her child with

her as she works. Marianne also writes

grants for her. Marianne’s own art is often

put on hold as she prefers to help other

artists.

After making the decision to become a

nonprofit, she decided to take classes to

learn more about the world of nonprofits

and then began to write grants.

Though she’s talented as an artist—and

to make a bad pun—Marianne has learned

the “art” of grant writing. And some local

foundations have taken note and have provided

funding.

Susie Bowie, President and CEO at Selby

Foundation states, “I have enjoyed getting

to know her through the Selby Foundation—seeing

her vision for artists working

together, supporting students as they

grow into a professional career in arts, and

bringing complex social issues to the forefront

using art.

“She is inspiring—all heart, but she has

learned the business of leading nonprofits

and is committed to the work for the long

haul.”

So where does the SPAACES nonprofit

concept come from and what was her motivation?

Marianne mentions the New York

City based CUE Art Foundation (www.

cueartfoundation.org), a nonprofit organization

that “works with and for emerging

and under recognized artists and art workers

to create new opportunities and present

varied perspectives in the arts.”

But before there was SPAACES, there was

Marianne, the artist who, in 2017, opened

a studio in Sarasota where she could work,

often creating colorful and large figurative

paintings.

And before that, Marianne, who earned

a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Buffalo State

College and a Master of Fine Arts from

Indiana University, used to teach. She’s

taught at Buffalo State College, The University

of Tampa, Santa Fe University of Art

and Design, and Ringling School of Art and

Design.

The origin story for SPAACES is that in

2012, she her husband Bill Junker spent

three years traveling the world - living in a

new country every three months.

Returning in 2015, and sounding a bit

like Dorothy back from Oz, Marianne

found she had a new appreciation of Sarasota.

Inspired by the contemporary art galleries

and artist-run spaces she saw while

traveling she concluded that “we [Sarasota]

don’t have anything like that here.”

The goal has also been not just affordable

space and diverse exhibits of contemporary

art, but to create community—a place to

discuss art with others and with artists. To

that end, SPAACES has four programs: the

exhibits, the space for studio artists, but

also collaboration and a lecture program.

While she contributes her time and money,

to assist more artists she needs support

from the broader community. “We want

supporters, donors, fans…I want to develop

a donor base.”

With more support, SPAACES can support

more artists and offer them career enhancement,

networking, and mentorship

opportunities. There’s usually a waiting list

for the studio spaces so she has definitely

filled a need.

Her vision for the SPAACES community

extends beyond art and artists to its surroundings

- the Park East neighborhood

where SPAACES is located which has 45

percent of the population speaking Spanish.

Marianne is putting together a community

picnic with her neighbors in that

residential community. The plan is to have

an exhibit, a picnic/food, art, music and

an opportunity for people to create family

trees which Marianne will then take to the

gallery. To fund it, she’s writing grants to

help cover costs.

Marianne believes “Art spaces should

consider the neighborhood they’re in.”

It might seem like a small gesture, but

like her gallery space, it could grow even

more but it meets her wish to “affect social

change.”

“Art can change the world,” she feels. It

can prompt and encourage us to “have conversations

in a welcoming space. Things

that might be difficult - we can talk about

in a safe space.”

On exhibit now is Ta Day and the journey

goes on, a solo exhibition by Ake Arnerdale

running through December 14. Arnerdale’s

work, draws inspiration from sources

such as graffiti, children’s art, outsider art,

folk art, and the baroque.

The next reception (open to all) is January

10 with the opening of the exhibit Two

Feet High and Rising - A Collaboration by

KX2 (artists Ruth Avra and Dana Kleinman)

SPAACES is located at 2051 Princeton St.,

Sarasota. For more information, visit www.

spaaces.art/

STORY and IMAGES: Louise Bruderle

BEST MEDICINE, Inc.

Longevity Medicine

Hormone Therapy

Second Opinions

Thermography

Peptide Therapy

CAROL L. ROBERTS, M.D.

2106 Bispham Road • Sarasota, FL 34231

Phone: 941.404.8030 • www.bestmedicine.us

Don’t Miss an Issue of West Coast Woman

To sign up, send your email address to: westcoastwoman@comcast.net

We only send one email per month and we never sell you contact info.

Rodney D. Gerling, Esq.

Dana Laganella Gerling, Esq.

Marla Stewart Owczarek, Esq.

Estate Planning, Probate,

Trust Administration

and Elder Law

FREE LIVING WILL WITH

EVERY ESTATE PLAN

Subscribe

for Free.

The digital

version

is identical

to our

print

edition

Simple Will $ 195.00

Revocable Living Trust:

Single, Non Taxable $ 1,195.00

Married, Non Taxable $ 1,795.00

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


Season Highlights:

events we think you’ll find interesting or unique

Van Wezel is Back!

Repairs have been done and it’s

back to business. Coming up in

March is Moulin Rouge, based on the

Baz Luhrmann’s film starring Nicole

Kidman and Ewan McGregor. The Musical

is the story of a lovesick American

writer, Christian, and Satine, the

star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub.

When their lives collide at the Moulin

Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love,

only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s

host and a wealthy, entitled patron.

last season’s Blockbuster shows,

Hamilton, Hadestown and Ain’t Too

Proud, Tony Award-winning Best Musical

Moulin Rouge. www.vanwezel.org

The Players Hit the Road

They’ll be offering Shakespeare’s

Twelfth Night on February 5-9,

2025 at The Bazaar on Apricot and

Lime (821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota).

One of the bard’s most beloved

comedies, Viola, separated from her

twin Sebastian, dresses as a boy and

works for the Duke Orsino, whom she

falls in love with. Orsino is in love with

the Countess Olivia, and sends Viola

to court her for him, but Olivia falls

for Viola instead. Sebastian arrives,

causing a flood of mistaken identity.

Info and tickets: www://

theplayers.org

George’s love of gardening was

an integral part of his identity. In an

interview in Rolling Stone magazine in

1979, the renowned singer-songwriter

described himself as “just a gardener.”

His strong association with gardening

was further illustrated in his 1980 autobiography,

I Me Mine, dedicated “to

gardeners everywhere.”

In 1970, not long after The Beatles

disbanded, the then 27-year-old George

purchased the estate of Friar Park in

Henley-on-Thames, a small town in the

county of Oxfordshire, England. Built

by an eccentric lawyer named Sir Frank

Crisp in 1889, this once grand Victorian

mansion with spectacular gardens had

fallen into disrepair. With the help of

his wife, Olivia Harrison, George was

able to revitalize the neglected property,

consisting of the mansion, lodges,

and 32 acres of grounds. It was in this

process that George’s love of gardening

began to flower.

George’s free approach to gardening

combined creativity, spontaneity,

whimsy, humor, and joy. This approach

has inspired the upcoming exhibition

at Selby Gardens, which will combine

a dynamic display of objects and

ephemera in the Museum of Botany &

the Arts with horticultural vignettes

in the Tropical Conservatory and

throughout the gardens of the 15-acre

Downtown Sarasota campus.

Featured throughout the exhibition

will be a selection of George’s

music and lyrics, as well as excerpts

from Came the Lightening, a book of

poems by Olivia Harrison dedicated

to George and reflecting on their time

together. The resulting multi-sensory

experience will highlight George’s

connection to nature and celebrate his

life and legacy through the power of

plants. website

2025 Women

Contemporary Artists

Exhibit

Their 2025 Annual Juried Exhibition

runs January 2-24, 2025 at

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West,

Bradenton, in the Kellogg Gallery

Women Contemporary Artists

(WCA) is an established organization

Images: Last year’s winners

of women in the visual arts based in

Florida’s Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Their mission is to provide visibility,

support and inspiration to women

artists. Founded in 1984, a group of

twenty women artists in the region

developed a plan to form a group to

encourage other women artists in

their artistic journeys. This group of

women artists has continually grown

each year and now has more than 150

regional members.

Opening reception is on January 2,

2025, 5-7 p.m. For more information,

visit www.artcentermanatee.org/

events/

Asolo Rep’s Lady Molly

of Scotland

A new world premiere from prolific

master of stage comedy Ken Ludwig,

writer of Crazy for You and Agatha

Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express

run January 24-February 8.

You know Holmes and Watson. You

know Nick and Nora. Now, meet Molly

and Peg: two brilliant detectives from

Scotland Yard. With bombs dropping

over London, a simple murder investigation

leads Molly and Peg deep

into the British war effort and the

top-secret code-breaking operation at

Bletchley Park.

George Harrison,

Gardener

George Harrison: A

Gardener’s Life will be on

view February 9 through

June 29, 2025, at Selby Gardens’

Downtown Sarasota

campus. The exhibition will

explore the deep and meaningful

connection between

Harrison, the lead guitarist

of The Beatles and the

pastime of gardening, which

became his greatest passion.

Going undercover as cryptographers,

they uncover a plot that will

strike at the very heart of the United

Kingdom, launching a high-octane,

laugh-out-loud race against time. Saving

the world has never been so much

fun. www.asolorep.org/season

continued >>


season highlights continued

SCA Honors Vivaldi

A special highlight of the season is the

300th-anniversary celebration of

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (March 14,

2025, at Riverview Performing Arts

Center). Vivaldi was Italian composer

and violinist (1678-1741)

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi was an

Italian composer, virtuoso violinist

and impresario of Baroque music.

Along with Johann Sebastian Bach

and George Frideric Handel, Vivaldi

ranks amongst the greatest Baroque

composers and his influence during

his lifetime was widespread across

Europe, giving origin to many imitators

and admirers

This concert features the local debut

of baroque violinist Théotime Langlois

de Swarte and the renowned French

ensemble Les Arts Florissants. Visit

www.SCAsarasota.org or call the

box office at 941-966-6161.

A Different

“Odd Couple”

Jeff Baron’s “Visiting Mr. Green”

(January 29-February 9) is a

post-pandemic rewrite of the beloved

play in which elderly Mr. Green is almost

hit by a car driven by 29-year-old

Ross Gardiner. Gardiner is sentenced

to community service; he must help

the lonely widower once a week for six

months. Directed by Gus Kaikkonen,

this 21st century “odd couple” will take

audiences on a roller coaster of humor,

heartbreak, and healing.

Performances: January 30,

February 1, 4, 5, 6, 8 at 7:30 p.m.;

January 31, February 2, 5, 7, 9

at 1:30 p.m. Plays are presented at

The Players Centre Studio 1130 at the

Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S.

Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

To purchase tickets, visit ThePlayers.org

or call 941-365-2494. For

more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

Key Chorale

Next up on January 18-19 is “American

Roots: Storytellers”, featuring

The Lubben Brothers Band. “We

are pulling out all the stops this year,”

said Maestro Caulkins. “This will be

our biggest and

boldest season in

our history. We

have more than

a dozen featured

guest artists,

including bringing

back some

audience favorites:

The Lubben

Brothers, The

Stephen Lynerd

Group, and vocal

phenom Jamal

Sarikoki who

will be with us three times.

The Key Chorale Chamber Singers

will reimagine the music of pop’s

great storytellers Simon and Garfunkel,

Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor,

and others through the artistic genius

of the Lubben Brothers Band. Triplet

brothers Michael, Tom, and Joshua

bring their acoustic folk roots to a

concert celebrating rich vocal harmonies,

timeless melodies, and unforgettable

stories.

Songs include The Wreck of the

Edmund Fitzgerald, Scarborough Fair,

Carefree Highway, Fire and Rain,

Homeward Bound, Time in a Bottle

and more. Congratulations, Key Chorale,

on your fortieth anniversary.

www.keychorale.org/concerts/

american-roots-storytellers/

At SPAACES

SPAACES will have KX2 - a collaborative

exhibition by Ruth Avra and

Dana Kleinman running January 10

- February 1.

KX2 is a collaboration between

Avra and Kleinman, sisters and artists

whose practice revolves around the

fusion of metalwork and painting. Their

artwork delves specifically into the domain

of data research, with a particular

emphasis on climate change and water

infrastructure, in order to illuminate

pressing environmental concerns.

Employing a blend of repurposed

and sometimes salvaged industrial

materials with more traditional artistic

mediums such as paint on canvas,

KX2’s work yields

a distinctive visual

encounter. At

an initial glance,

these artworks

captivate the

observer with

their bold forms,

color and textures.

Yet, upon

closer inspection,

Dana Kleinman (left) and Ruth Avra

viewers can unravel a visual narrative

addressing themes such as environmental

concerns, infrastructure, and

overdevelopment.

Each artwork conceived by KX2

seeks to raise an awareness of and

foster an appreciation for the fragile

balance needed between our natural

ecosystems and industry.

Since establishing their artistic

collaboration in 2007, KX2’s work has

been featured in galleries and museums

around the world.

Their work can be found in numerous

private, corporate and public art

collections throughout North America.

KX2 is environmentally conscious

of material choices, using up to 50%

recycled metals and recycled canvas.

Opening night reception is on January

10, 6-8 p.m.The gallery is located

at 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota. Gallery

hours: Fri, Sat, 11-2. More info at:

www.spaaces.art/

Opera Lovers Week

Sarasota Opera offers the unique

opportunity for opera lovers to see

all four operas of the Winter Opera

Festival over just three or four days.

Opera Lovers Weeks are March 19-

30, 2025.

For example, Opera Lovers’ Series

1 (evenings) March 19 - The Marriage

of Figaro, March 20 - Stiffelio, March

21 The Barber of Seville and March 22

- Cavalleria rusticana / Pagliacci

Tickets and info: www.sarasotaopera.org/opera-lovers-weeks

Celebrating

Mendelssohn with

La Musica

On January 21 at 7 p.m. at Riverview

Performing Arts Center, La Musica

will take a rare deep dive into Mendelssohn’s

work. Pianist and Artistic

Director Wu Han, cellist David Finckel,

and violinist Julian Rhee bring

fresh voices to

powerful music.

Included in the

program: Mendelssohn

Cello

Sonata No. 2 in

D major, op. 58;

Mendelssohn Violin

Sonata in F

major, op. 4 and

Mendelssohn Piano

Trio No. 2 in

C minor, op. 66

Tickets and

more information:

www.lamusicafestival.org or

Call 941-347-9658

The Pops Orchestra

Ring in the holidays with performer

Tiffany Haas, who performed the role

of “Glinda, the Good Witch” on Broadway

as the

understudy to

Kristin Chenoweth,

and

starred in the

National Tour

production of

Wicked.

From Cincinnati

College

Conservatory

of Music

Tiffany Haas

student to “Miss Ohio” in the Miss

America Pageant to Broadway and

concert hall singer and dancer, Tiffany

will appear with the Pops for holiday

entertainment featuring holiday and

Broadway favorites.

The concert will be on Sunday,

December 15, 3 p.m. at Riverview

Performing Arts Center in Sarasota,

and Monday, December 16, 7:30

p.m., and SCF Neel Performing Arts

Center in Bradenton.

Tickets: www.thepopsorchestra.org/


Circus Arts Conservatory’s

2024-2025 season

Shows include Sailor Circus Academy, Cirque des Voix, Windjammers and Nik Wallenda

The Circus Arts Conservatory

has another great year of

Circus Sarasota and Sailor

Circus Academy performances

– as well as the second

installment of the “Wonderland presents

Illuminate” holiday collaboration

with the “King of the High Wire”

and Sarasota native, Nik Wallenda

– in its 27th year.

The shows in the

2024-2025

performance season

include:

Wonderland presents Illuminate:

*

the CAC’s holiday collaboration with Nik

Wallenda, through January 5, 2025; climate-controlled

Big Top at the East District

at UTC (195 University Town Center

Dr., Sarasota).

Wonderland presents Illuminate an

original production that will transport

audiences on a magical journey through

global holiday traditions. This immersive

holiday circus experience offers captivating

performances from Africa, Asia,

Europe, and beyond and will feature

fan favorites including comedic daredevil

Johnny Rockett, the electrifying

Master of Ceremonies Ty McFarlan, and

Sarasota’s own legendary Nik Wallenda

alongside his family on the high wire and

sway poles.

The all-new storyline will feature acts

new to Sarasota, like the Royal Kenyan

Acrobats from Nairobi, LionDanceME

performing the Chinese Lion Dance,

and a trio performing on the Indian Pole

(Mallakhamb). Guests will also be treated

to the Mendez Aerial Rola Bola act,

longtime Sailor Circus Academy student

turned professional circus artist Emma

Clarke’s return to the air in a brand-new

stunning performance, and a majestic

camel act presented by Colleen Pages

Camels.

“When Nik and Erendira came to us

with the idea for ‘A Brave New Wonderland’

last year, we believed it would be a

success but the run exceeded our wildest

expectations,” said CAC Executive Vice

President/COO Jennifer Mitchell. “Our

goal was to create a world-class holiday

experience that would become a family

tradition in Southwest Florida for years

to come, and we are thrilled to see that

hope come to fruition.”

*

Sailor Circus Academy Red Troupe

“75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee”

runs December 26-29 at the Sailor Circus

Arena. The Sailor Circus Academy’s 75th

Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Shows

will celebrate the history and artistry of

the nation’s longest-running youth circus

training program as the students star in

a variety of acts.

*

Nik Wallenda will again direct and headline the holiday

show, ‘Wonderland presents Illuminate’

Windjammers Concert Band featuring

Sailor Circus Academy: January

12, 2025 at the Sailor Circus Arena.

Cost is free, but donations appreciated.

The Windjammers is a group comprising

retired circus musicians; enjoy expertly-played

classic circus music accompanied

by thrilling performances by the

Sailor Circus Academy students.

*

Circus Arts Gala: February 25, 2025

at the Big Top on Nathan Benderson

Park’s Regatta Island. A one-of-a-kind

evening featuring world-class circus artistry

paired with fine dining, benefiting

the CAC’s outreach programs that educate,

entertain, and enrich lives.

*

Circus Sarasota: February 15-March

9, 2025 at the Big Top on Nathan Benderson

Park’s Regatta Island. Featuring new

and innovative acts, Circus Sarasota’s

2025 production will offer high-flying

action, thrills, laugh-out-loud comedic

antics, and acts that defy the boundaries

of physical limitations.

*

Cirque des Voix: Circus of the

Voices (in partnership with The Key

Chorale) runs February 21-22, 2025 under

the Big Top on Nathan Benderson

Park’s Regatta Island. The CAC teams

up with The Key Chorale to present a

unique show that combines live singing

by The Key Chorale and musical accompaniment

by the Cirque Orchestra, with

the artistry of professional circus artists

Circus Sarasota 2025 will feature wire walker Brando Anastasini

and Sailor Circus

Academy

students.

* Sailor

Circus Gold

Troupe “Juke

Box Hero”:

April 5, 2025

in the Sailor

Circus Arena.

Audiences will

be wowed by

acts showcasing

aerial artistry,

acrobatics,

contortion,

light-hearted

comedy, and

more.

* Sailor

Circus Red

Troupe “South of the Border”:

April 17-19, 2025 at the Sailor Circus

Arena. The Sailor Circus Academy’s

most experienced youth performers

will present their spring show, an endof-year

spectacle that pays homage to

its senior students. Featured acts will

include trampoline wall, acrobatic roller

skating, bicycle for five and clowning

as well as aerial acts such as silks,

hammock, cloudswing, duo straps,

web, and – the traditional closing act –

the flying trapeze.

Cirque des Voix features a collaboration of the voices of

Key Chorale, instrumental accompaniment of the Cirque

Orchestra, and artistry of world-class circus artists and Sailor

Circus Academy students

The Sailor Circus Academy will celebrate its 75th anniversary with

a very special winter show. CAC leaders (from l-r) Dolly Jacobs,

Pedro Reis and Jennifer Mitchell at the 2024 Circus Arts Gala

“This is a very exciting year for the Circus

Arts Conservatory. In addition to our

highly-anticipated professional circus

shows and our in-school arts-integrated

education program, we will mark the

75th anniversary of our Sailor Circus

Academy, which began as a physical

education program at Sarasota High

School in 1949,” says Jennifer Mitchell,

Executive Vice President/COO.

*

For tickets, visit CircusArts.org or

call the Box Office at 941-355-9805.


4420 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl

941.260.8905

www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com

Open 7 Days a Week Until Christmas

10:00 am - 6:00 pm


The Met has First Major Exhibition

on Modernist Architect Paul Rudolph

Through this isn’t entirely a local

event is does feature a prominent

Sarasota architect whose

work can be seen in Sarasota in

many places.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has

its first-ever major museum exhibition

to examine the career of the influential

20th-century architect Paul Rudolph, a

second-generation Modernist who came

to prominence during the 1950s and 1960s

alongside peers such as Eero Saarinen and

I.M. Pei.

Materialized Space: The Architecture

of Paul Rudolph, on view, through

March 16, 2025, will showcase the full

breadth of Rudolph’s important contributions

to architecture—from his early

experimental houses in Florida to his civic

commissions ren dered in concrete, and

from his utopian visions for urban megastructures

and mixed-use sky scrapers to

his extraordinary immersive New York

interiors.

Viewers can experience

the evolution

and diversity of Rudolph’s

legacy and

better understand

how his work continues

to inspire ideas

for urban renewal

and redevelopment

in cities across the

world. The presentation

will feature a diverse

range of over 80

works in a variety of

scales, from small objects

that he collected

throughout his life to

a mix of material generated

from his office,

including drawings,

models, furniture,

material samples, and

photographs.

“Paul Rudolph was a pioneer and an

Architectural model for the

proposed Sino Tower (unbuilt),

Hong Kong 1989

iconic figure among the architectural community,

and this long-overdue presentation

analyzes the immense impact that his trailblazing

work continues to have on contemporary

architects and the development of

our urban spaces,” said Max Hollein, The

Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and

Chief Executive Officer. “Materialized

Space not only underscores the radical

thinking that Rudolph imparted to the

Modernist era, but also invites viewers into

the complex artistic process of architectural

development, illuminating the ways in

which the spaces we occupy come to life.”

“The refusal to be categorized makes

Paul Rudolph a challenging architect to

summarize, but this same quality also

makes him a fascinating topic for research,

driving new audiences to discover, or

rediscover, his work every day,” said Abraham

Thomas, The Met’s Daniel Brodsky

Curator of Modern Architecture, Design,

and Decorative Arts. “Rudolph’s intricate,

visionary drawings and dramatic completed

buildings represent a singular voice

within the crowded, variable terrain of architectural

late Modernism—one that will

continue to prove both spellbinding and

confounding for many years to come.”

Materialized Space is divided into thematic

sections that follow the many stages of

Rudolph’s architectural practice, highlighting

his work in housing, civic projects, megastructures,

interiors, and his commissions in

Asia. Through a careful selection of projects,

Walker Guest House, Sanibel Island, Florida, 1952

Rolling Dining Chair Designed

1968. Lucite, chromium plated

tubular steel

the exhibition will show how Rudolph’s work

engaged with key moments of cultural, economic,

and political significance during the

20th century, including post-war construction

and expansion, urban renewal and housing

policies in the 1960s, and the economic boom

in Asia in the 1980s.

The exhibition explores many of Rudolph’s

well-known New York projects—

most notably Robert Moses’s unrealized

Lower Manhattan Expressway scheme, a

controversial proposal to link New Jersey

to Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island via

the Holland Tunnel and the Manhattan and

Williamsburg Bridges.

Designed to leave the city’s infrastructure

intact, Rudolph’s proposed Y-shaped

corridor introduced a new approach to city

building in which transportation networks

would bind communities rather than dividing

them. Ultimately, this project was never

realized due to strong opposition citing that

the project would destroy a vibrant urban

neighborhood and displace communities.

Materialized Space will also examine

why Brutalism—a 1950s post-war era architectural

style that prioritized structural

elements over decorative design—and

architectural projects in concrete during

the 1960s and ’70s continue to be extremely

divisive and controversial. These ideas

reflect on a form of architecture that once

represented 20th-century utopia and that is

now synonymous with many of the social

issues surrounding the projects of late Modernism.

Rudolph’s regular use of concrete

Photograph by Ezra Stoller for House Beautiful

Perspective section drawing of the Art

and Architecture Building, Yale University,

New Haven, 1958

and Brutalist methodology was a factor in

his own fall from public favor during the

1970s, perhaps offering insight into why so

many of his projects have been demolished

during the past decade and lost forever.

The exhibition will also highlight the

primacy of drawing as a practice within

architecture and, in the case of Rudolph,

an opportunity to showcase the stunning

renderings and perspective drawings that

he became famous for. Although technology

has given rise to new tools for creating

architectural schematics and plans, these

handmade drawings set the precedent for

creative development and remain key teaching

tools in architectural schools today.

Just before his death in 1997, Rudolph

bequeathed to the Library of Congress his

architectural archive of more than 100,000

items, encompassing drawings, models,

photographs, and printed ephemera. Materialized

Space will feature extensive loans

from the Library of Congress, including

several objects that have never been on

view before and in some cases have never

been photographed. Additional loans, from

the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern

Architecture, include important examples

of furniture and other objects from the

architect’s estate – in addition to other key

institutional and private lenders.

Rudolph in Sarasota

Umbrella House—In 1953, developer

Philip Hiss commissioned Paul Rudolph

to design a spec home as a physical advertisement

for his new development,

Lido Shores. The dominant feature of the

house is the “umbrella”, giving the house

its colloquial name. The shade structure is

an expansive awning designed to modulate

Umbrella House

the intense Florida sun and unite the pool

and home complex under one cohesive

structural gesture. The original umbrella,

lost during a storm in the 1960s, was carefully

restored in 2015, receiving multiple

awards for preservation and rehabilitation

from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation

and the AIA

Healy Guest House also known as the

Cocoon House—Ralph Twitchell and Paul

Rudolph’s 1950 Healy Guest House is

an intimate two-bedroom, one-bath

cottage built as a guesthouse for

Twitchell’s in-laws, the Healys. The

house gets its whimsical nickname

from the technology used to build

its catenary roof: a polymer spray

Paul Rudolph saw in use at the

Brooklyn Navy Yard to moth-ball, or

“cocoon,” warships returning from

WWII. Rudolph’s innovative design

was an early attempt to apply this

material for use in the construction

industry.

Healy Guest House

Revere Quality House—The Revere

Quality House, a model of indoor/outdoor

Florida living, was built in 1948 and designed

by Paul Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell.

Originally designed as part of a visionary

suburban community, the building is a

breakthrough in twentieth-century residential

architecture that blends elements of

the International Style with site-responsive

and environmentally sensitive design. The

Revere Quality House established a new

paradigm in tropical home construction by

exemplifying how informed design choices

can encourage people to live with and

within their environment

Revere Quality House

Information

Materialized Space: The Architecture

of Paul Rudolph is on The Met’s website


Balance Your Hormones...Optimize Your Health

Bio-identical Hormone Balancing is about optimal health,

living a higher quality of life, and halting or possibly reversing disease processes.

Reasons to Participate in Bio-identical Hormone Balancing

• Restoring mental and physical balance

• Enhancing athletic performance

• Gaining control over emotions

• Reducing anxiety and depression

• Improving relationships

• Losing and managing weight

• Normalizing sleep/wake cycles

• Increasing energy and focus

• Boosting intimacy and sexuality

• Improving bone strength and joint health

For more information Call 941.926.490

With over 30 years of experience and numerous board certifications

and credentials, Dan Watts, MD, ND, MSNM and Deb Spinner, APRN, MS

are experts in the Science and Art of Bio-identical Hormone Balancing

Dan Watts, MD, ND, MSMN

Board Certification:

American Board of Integrative Medicine

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Age Management | Men's Health | Gynecology | Bio-identical Hormone Balancing | Strength and Conditioning

Weight Loss | IV Therapy | Brain Health | Toxin Elimination | Digestive Health | Heart Health

Post-doctoral Certification in Metabolic Endocrinology

Post-doctoral Master's in Nutritional and

Metabolic Medicine

Fellowship: American Academy of Anti-Aging

Medicine: Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and

Functional Medicine

Fellowship: American College of Surgeons

4905 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 941.926.4905 www.TheRenewalPoint.com

Deb Spinner, APRN, MS, NP-C

Board Certified Advanced

Registered Nurse Practitioner

Specialties Include:

Gynecology

Bio-identical Hormone Balancing

Metabolic Weight Loss

IV Therapy

Family Medicine


$3 OFF w/code WCW

DAILY TROLLEY TOURS

ENTERTAINING • INFORMATIVE

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Loved the singers, lights

& caroling!

Kris

tRolley

Letters To Santa

December 1-23, 5:30PM or 7:30PM

Ticket includes complimentary wine/beer before boarding.

Celebrate the holidays on our heartwarming

Christmas Carol Trolley downtown music and lights tour with

performances by The Trolley Troubadours!

The Perfect Gift!

GiftCard

Buy $200 Gift Card

& Save $50

W/CODE XMAS24

The Perfect

Gift!

2 ND ANNUAL

ART CRAWL

TROLLEY

January 10 • February 14 • March 14 • April 11

2nd Fridays 4-8PM

Hop On At The Trolley Cottage, Hop Off At Six Art District Locations!

3 Trolleys Running Every 15 Min.

20+ Galleries & Studios Participating

DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

941-260-9818

1826 4th Street, Sarasota | FREE Parking!

MEDIA SPONSOR

$5 Of Every Ticket Will Be Donated To The Arts And Cultural Alliance Of Sarasota

Sarasota Orchestra’s New Music

Director, Giancarlo Guerrero

His Tenure Will Officially Begin with the

2025-2026 Season

Sarasota Orchestra has appointed

six-time GRAMMY Award-winning

conductor Giancarlo

Guerrero as its seventh music

director. Guerrero will serve as

the Sarasota Orchestra’s music director

designate in the upcoming 2024-2025 season

before transitioning fully into the role of

music director in fall 2025.

Guerrero’s first performances as music director

designate for the Orchestra was for Masterworks

1 in November at the Sarasota Opera

House (the van Wezel is closed until January due

to necessary repairs due to hurricane Milton). He

conducted a program of music by Tchaikovsky,

Respighi and American composers, Adolphus

Hailstork and Jennifer Higdon.

During the 2024-2025 season, Guerrero will

also serve in his 16th and final year as music

director of the Nashville Symphony, where he

will transition to the role of music director emeritus

beginning with the 2025-2026 season. He will

hold the two positions concurrently and continue

to guest conduct internationally.

Praised for his “viscerally powerful performances”

(Boston Globe) and described as

“at once vigorous, passionate, and nuanced”

(BachTrack), Guerrero is one of the most

well-respected orchestra conductors in the

world. This opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra

presents a new chapter in his career as the

organization advances its planning for a Music

Center, bringing the Gulf Coast its first concert

hall engineered and purpose-built for orchestral

and acoustic music.

“Giancarlo’s exceptional talent and esteemed

reputation will significantly enhance our Orchestra’s

standing among the world’s most prestigious

ensembles,” said Joseph McKenna, President &

CEO of Sarasota Orchestra. “His visionary leadership,

coupled with a fervent commitment to

community advocacy, will be critical in further

establishing Sarasota as a thriving center for classical

music excellence. Giancarlo will also guide

our organization into an exciting future as the

visionary leader for our Music Center.”

“I am pleased to become Sarasota Orchestra’s

next music director,” said Guerrero. “From my

first rehearsal with them last winter, I was instantly

impressed with this orchestra, filled with

terrific musicians who take tremendous pride in

their orchestra. It was clear that everyone was

prepared and ready to play, displaying a palpable

joy in music-making. In my conversations

with members of the organization, from board

to musicians to staff, I sensed a great degree of

pride in the future of the institution and a desire

to achieve the highest possible artistic ground.

Being asked to be music director at this important

and historic moment of the orchestra is a

tremendous honor.”

“In the search committee’s work to identify

our next music director, it was clear to us that

Giancarlo’s time with the Nashville Symphony

has been extraordinary,” said Daniel Jordan,

Sarasota Orchestra concertmaster and search

committee member. “When committee members

visited Giancarlo and saw his performances, it

was obvious he has the special ‘it’ factor that

allows him to truly connect with audiences. Our

Sarasota community then got to experience that

firsthand this past season during his exhilarating

Masterworks week.”

Sarasota Orchestra’s board of directors voted

unanimously to advance Guerrero as the organization’s

artistic leader upon recommendation by

a search committee chaired by Mark Pritchett,

former CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation,

and comprised of Orchestra musicians,

board and staff members. Over the course of two

seasons, the committee conducted a comprehensive

assessment process, carefully considering

feedback from key stakeholders. Music director

candidates were evaluated for their programming

vision, their ability to deliver a spectacular

performance, and their interaction and potential

affinity with the audience and community

through pre-concert lectures and related events

for students and patrons.

“As we continue advancing our plans for a Music

Center, it was important for us to select a music

director whose artistic vision will elevate us

both now and into the future,” said Board Chair

Tom Koski. “Giancarlo possesses the ideal combination

of leadership experience and enthusiasm

for sharing great music with exquisite passion.”

Guerrero will be the seventh music director

in the Orchestra’s history, succeeding Bramwell

Tovey, who passed away in 2022. Previous music

directors include Anu Tali (2013-19), Leif Bjaland

(1997-2012), and Paul Wolfe (1961-1996).

For tickets, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.

org.

A Career of Transformative

Music-Making

In the 2024-2025 season, Guerrero will serve in

his 16th and final year as music director of the

Nashville Symphony, where he has been beloved

for his ability to reach and inspire a wide range of

audiences. During his tenure, Guerrero collaborated

with the Nashville Symphony to premiere over

two dozen new works and release 21 commercial

albums, taking advantage of the Schermerhorn

Symphony Center’s outstanding acoustics.

These recordings garnered 13 GRAMMY

nominations and six GRAMMY wins, cementing

Guerrero and the Symphony’s international

reputation as standard-bearers for recordings

of contemporary American music. As part of his

commitment to fostering the work of contemporary

composers, Guerrero, together with composer

Aaron Jay Kernis, also guided the creation

of Nashville Symphony’s biannual Composer Lab

& Workshop for young and emerging composers.

Throughout his career, Guerrero has collaborated

with top ensembles in North America,

including the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony,

New York Philharmonic, and Philadelphia

Orchestra, among others. Internationally, he has

maintained longstanding relationships with esteemed

orchestras in Europe, Latin America and

Australia/New Zealand.

Guerrero also recently completed a six-season

tenure as music director of the NFM Wrocław

Philharmonic in Poland. His previous posts

include time as principal guest conductor of

both the Cleveland Orchestra Miami Residency

and the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon, music

director of the Eugene Symphony and associate

conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Given his beginnings in civic youth orchestras,

Guerrero has remained engaged with training

orchestras and has worked with Juilliard, the

Curtis Institute of Music, Colburn School in Los

Angeles, National Youth Orchestra (NYO2) and

Yale Philharmonia.


TRY A THERAPY

THAT WORKS!

Immediate Relief Beginning

with the First Session:

Chronic Pain: Sciatic, Back, Neck and TMJ

Migraines, Foggy Brain and

Lack of Concentration

Sight and Eye Problems

Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD, Shallow Breathing

Digestive and Constipation Issues

Leaky gut and Autoimmune problems

Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Depression

Concussions, Brain and Spinal Cord Health

Mobility and Energy Issues for Seniors

T. Grywinski specializes in difficult issues with great success

AAUW Sarasota mission is to advance gender equity for

women and girls through education, advocacy, and research.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Sheryl Faye as Eleanor Roosevelt

A Fundraiser to Benefit AAUW Education

Opportunities for Girls in Sarasota

Eleanor Roosevelt’s legacy as a champion

for women’s rights, her leadership and

empowerment of women, her willingness to

challenge gender norms, her commitment to

humanitarianism and social justice, and her

resilience in the face of adversity all make her

incredibly important to today’s women and

society as a whole.

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

Cost: $40.00 per ticket

Location: Unitarian Universalist Church, 3975 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL

Purchase tickets online at https://aauwsarasota.org/events

To pay by check please send your payment:

AAUW Sarasota, P.O. Box 3554, Sarasota, FL 34230

Please allow five (5) business days for delivery of your check by January 13, 2025

All tickets will be at the door the day of the presentation

Florida fundraising Registration Number is: CH66300. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL

INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-

FREE (800- 435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT APPROVAL OR

RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE FLORIDA.

How Craniosacral Therapy Can Be Life Changing

“Doctors, physical therapists, massage therapists and chiros

gave me little relief. Terry relieved my pain, after all these years!

He has also helped four of my other friends. The man is an angel,

with a gift from God....thank you Terry!!”

“After 3 sessions, I had more range of motion and mobility in my

neck, shoulders and hips. I was getting to the point where walking

and moving was difficult. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my

shoulders, my voice is stronger and my energy is greatly increased.

I feel much calmer and more grounded!!”

“I no longer feel physically sick each morning. No gastroenterologist

or physician has ever properly diagnosed my mucus build up until

now. As well as bringing about healing in my gut, he released an

incredible amount of tension in my upper body.”

“The question is where has he been all my life? Terry is a true healer

and if you are serious about being well, you are in luck.

He is effective and lovely.”

advanced craniosacral therapy

Terrence B. Grywinski

B.A., B.Ed., LMT MA6049

25 Years of Experience

advcst.com

See full page explanation of Craniosacral Therapy and

how it can help you in another section of this issue

Downtown Sarasota • 941-321-8757

Google “Advanced Craniosacral Therapy Sarasota” for more info

Want to hear about a “good read”

– come to our BOOK REVIEW BREAKFASTS

at the Selby Library Auditorium.

Our speakers will tell you about a book that they

tell their friends to be sure they read.

10:00 am on the 4th Tuesday of January, February & March

• January 28 – Carrie Seidman – “I’m not sick, I don’t need help”

• February 25 – Shirley Brown – “My Family and Other Animals”

• March 25 - Judy Pearson – “Crusade to Heal America:

The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker”

All Book Review Breakfasts are free and open to the public.

January - Book Review Breakfast “I’m not sick, I don’t need help”

by Dr. Xavier Amador

Carrie Seidman is an

opinion columnist for the

Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

When: 10:00 am, Tuesday

Carrie

January 28, 2025

Where: Selby Public Library,

1231 First Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

All Book Review Breakfasts are free and

open to the public.

Interested in joining?

Let us take you out for coffee! Whether you’re new to Sarasota,

are looking to get more involved in advancing equity for women

and girls or just want to chat, we’d love to get to know you

better. Email sarasota.AAUW@gmail.com for a coffee meeting

with an AAUW member

For more information visit www.aauwsarasota.org


Is independence in your own home your goal?

Choose a trusted, professional nursing team to ensure the years ahead and your health

care path align with your wishes.

Take Care provides all levels of care—from

skilled nursing to helping with groceries

and companionship—for clients in any

home setting. We remain dedicated to

helping you and your loved ones.

Erika Wise Borland, MA, Vice President

Celebrating

(941) 927-2292

www.TakeCareHomeHealth.com

info@takecarehomehealth.com

Lic. # HHA 21657096 | 299991405

Take Care is locally nurse and familyowned

with 28 years of experience meeting

your health care needs, from a quick home

visit once a week to around-the-clock

support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Susanne S. Wise, RN, MBA, CEO & Owner

28

Personalized care in your own home has

never been more important.

Our Registered Nurse New Services team

is ready for your call.

Courtney Wise Snyder, MSG, CMC, President

Years of Caring

2022

Community Voted Best Home Health since 2012


2025 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL

CAVALLERIA

THE BARBER

RUSTICANA

OF SEVILLE

Pietro Mascagni

Gioachino Rossini

AND

Feb. 22 – March 29, 2025

PAGLIACCI

Ruggero Leoncavallo

Feb. 15 – March 29, 2025

VICTOR DeRENZI, Artistic Director

RICHARD RUSSELL, General Director

Sarasota Opera’s 2025

Winter Opera Festival

Sarasota Opera’s Winter Opera

Festival begins in February

2025 with the double

bill of Mascagni’s Cavalleria

rusticana and Leoncavallo’s

Pagliacci. The festival will continue

with Rossini’s The Barber of

Seville, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro

and Verdi’s Stiffelio.

General Director Richard Russell commented

“I’m delighted that our 2025 Winter

Opera Festival will be returning to our

pre-pandemic length for the first time since

2019. This will give opportunities for more

people to experience our exciting productions.”

“I hope audiences will enjoy these classical

works, along with Stiffelio, which is

a Verdi opera I’m looking forward to revisiting,”

said Artistic Director and Principal

Conductor Victor DeRenzi.

2025 WINTER

OPERA FESTIVAL

(Note: All performances at 7:30 p.m. except

where matinee (m) performances are indicated

below which are at 1:30 p.m.)

Pagliacci

The 2025 Winter Opera Festival will open

on Saturday, February 15, 2025, with a double

bill featuring Mascagni’s Cavalleria

rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.

In Cavalleria rusticana the calm of a

Sicilian Easter morning is broken by a betrayed

lover who sets off a chain of events

culminating in violent tragedy. In true

theatrical tradition Pagliacci’s clown tries

to go on with the show, but his real-life humiliation

and despair lead to a grim climax.

The violent passions and raw emotions of

these two works changed the direction of

Italian opera forever. Ten performances:

February 15, 20, 23(m), 26, March 1(m),

7, 11, 19(m), 22, 29(m), 2025. Cavalleria

rusticana was last seen here in 2010

and Pagliacci in 2014.

The Barber of Seville by Gioachino

The Barber

of Seville

Rossini. Determined to win the heart of the

beautiful Rosina, Count Almaviva enlists

the help of Figaro, the barber of Seville,

to steal her away from her guardian, Dr.

Bartolo. Hilarious complications ensue to

some of opera’s most delightful music. The

Barber of Seville is one of the most beloved

comedic works in the operatic repertory.

Ten performances: February 22, 25,

27, March 2(m), 5, 9(m), 14, 21, 27(m), 29,

2025. The Barber of Seville was last seen

in 2018.

The Marriage

of Figaro

The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang

Amadeus Mozart. Continuing the story of

the Barber of Seville, Count Almaviva’s

eye has now wandered and his current

objective is Susanna, Figaro’s fiancée. The

distressed couple, along with Rosina (now

the Countess Almaviva) conspire to reveal

the count’s lechery, despite the many obstacles

thrown in their way. Mozart’s musical

genius, along with Lorenzo DaPonte’s witty

libretto make The Marriage of Figaro one

of opera’s masterpieces. Seven performances:

March 8, 13, 16, 19, 22(m), 25, 28,

2025. The Marriage of Figaro was last seen

here in 2015.

Stiffelio

Stiffelio by Giuseppe Verdi. A Protestant

minister returns from a mission abroad to

be confronted by his wife’s infidelity. Stiffelio

faces his wife’s transgression, battling

his all-too human emotions with his religious

faith. Written just before Rigoletto,

this long neglected, emotionally charged

work is now recognized as an important

opera by the great Giuseppe Verdi. Six

performances: March 15, 18, 20, 23(m), 26,

30(m), 2025

Ticket

Information

Tickets are available online at

SarasotaOpera.org, by phone

at (941) 328-1300, and at the

Sarasota Opera Box Office at

61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota.

THE MARRIAGE

OF FIGARO

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

March 8 – 28, 2025

STIFFELIO

Giuseppe Verdi

March 15 – 30, 2025

All performances in the original language with translations above the stage.

TICKETS START AT $32

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

(941) 328-1300 • SARASOTAOPERA.ORG

Sarasota Opera House • 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

what happens when you

don’t advertise?

...nothing!

Invest in your business by advertising in an affordable,

targeted publication with a long track record...

(941) 928-2056


www.WestCoastWoman.com


OLLI at Ringling College

Presents: Listening to Women

Jan. 23-March 6, 2025

Thursdays • 2-3:30 pm

Listening to Women is a weekly series

which recognizes women whose brilliance

and fortitude have reshaped industries

and who are making a difference in today’s

communities. At each session, we will hear

the personal stories of women, driven by a

cause, with the passion and determination

to have achieved success in a variety

of fields.

For information or to register, call 941-309-5111 or visit

www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org

General Admission: $90 for the series

Helping Children Diagnosed With Epilepsy

Jan. 23

Government, Politics, and Friendships:

Women Who Made It Happen

Speakers: Maria Cino and Cindy Stevens

Moderator: Sandi Stuart

Jan. 30

Beaches, Boycotts, and Court Battles:

Sarasota’s Civil Rights Movement

Speakers: Shelia Atkins,

Harriet Moore, Ph.D., and Sheila Sanders

Moderator: Vickie Oldham

Feb. 6

Head of the Class: Women Leaders in

Higher Education

Speakers: Katherine Haley, Ph.D.,

Lucie Lapovsky, Ph.D., Patricia Okker, Ph.D.,

and Laurey Stryker, Ph.D.

Moderator: Lynne P. Brown, Ph.D.

Feb. 13

From Cop to Captain: A Woman’s

Journey Through the Ranks

Speaker: Captain Debra Kiner

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can strike

ANYONE, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. In fact, 1 in

26 people will have a seizure during their lifetime.

The stigma and social isolation; 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, through

community awareness, education, offering a monthly

Epilepsy Support Group, and providing seizure

detection & alert devices, transportation assistance and

assistance with medical services. Our families are NOT

defined by their disorder…they are warriors who will

overcome these obstacles thanks to your support!

Feb. 20

Straight From the Hood

Speaker: Chris Hernandez Voelker

Interviewer: Janice Bini

Feb. 27

Keeping Opera Alive: My Lifelong Passion

Speaker: Martha Collins

March 6

Storytelling Through Placemaking:

Creating Space for Personal and

Family Histories

Speaker: Debra Wren

Listening to Women is made possible, in part, with support from

Mission: To improve the quality of life for those

living with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.

(800) 706-2740 | JoshProvides.org

OLLI is located at Sarasota Art Museum

on the Ringling College Museum Campus

1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

941-309-5111

OLLIatRinglingCollege.org


Choral Artists kicks off its Season

with Happy Christmukkah on Dec. 9

And ends on May 24 with a Memorial Day Concert, “United We Stand”

Choral Artists’ 2024 – 2025

season kicks off on December

8 with Happy Christmukkah

and ends on May

24, 2025, with a Memorial

Day Concert, “United We Stand.”

For those unfamiliar with Artistic Director

Joseph Holt’s programming, Choral

Artists presents many genres of musical

works, from Broadway tunes to hymns to

rousing marches. Some of the works will

be familiar, and others will be new, but all

will be inspiring.

Choral Artists is the only professional

choral group in the area.

Happy Christmukkah

Sunday, December 8, 7 pm

The season of light is enriched by the music

of Christmas and Hanukkah combined.

Lighting candles during this time of year is

a treasured ritual, whether celebrating the

birth of a child or the miracle of the holy

menorah. The sparkle of light will abound

in this holiday choral program promoting

peace, comfort and joy for the season.

Gilbert & Sullivan Revue

Sunday, January 26, 2025, 4 pm

Choral Artists presents the topsy-turvy

world of Gilbert & Sullivan where absurdities

reach logical conclusions. The famed

English team of the 19th Century wrote

such memorable shows as The Mikado,

The Pirates of Penzance, Gondoliers, and

HMS Pinafore among others, featuring

many hit tunes from these shows are familiar

to this day.

On Thursday, January 16 at 6 pm, join

them for Meet the Music, where Dr. Joseph

Holt and singers from the Choral Artists

will share highlights from the upcoming

performance and explore some of the stories

behind the songs. Refreshments will

be served.

The Measure of All Faith

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 7 pm

Spiritual music takes center stage in this

concert, featuring music from a wide variety

of faith traditions from around the

world. Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, and Native

American music celebrates the Divine

in our lives.

Meet the Music on Thursday, February

13, 2025, at 6pm and gain new insights

about the upcoming Choral Artists performance.

Dr. Holt provides a preview, joined

by singers from the chorus. Refreshments

will be served.

Considering

Matthew Shepard

Encore Performance

Saturday, April 5, 2025, 4 pm

This haunting modern-day cantata tells the

story of Matthew Shepard, young gay man

from Wyoming who was brutally beaten

and left to die on a fence. The story is both

gut-wrenching and heart-warming at the

same time, offering hope for a better world

where love and acceptance are the norm.

Join them on March 27 at 6 pm for Meet

the Music, to connect with the music and

reflect on the story prior to the Choral

Artists’ upcoming encore performance. Dr.

Joseph Holt, along with some of the singers

from the Choral Artists, will present

pieces from the show. Refreshments will

be served.

United We Stand:

Memorial Day Concert

with the Lakewood Ranch

Wind Ensemble

Sunday, May 25, 2025, 4 pm

This traditional patriotic concert offers

attendees a chance to reflect on the lives

of service women and men who have paid

the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country

while in uniform. We proudly salute them

for their service to the United States and

securing freedom around the world.

On Thursday, May 15 at 6pm, join Dr.

Joseph Holt and singers from the Choral

Artists at Meet the Music. Hear some of the

tunes and learn more about the upcoming

program. Refreshments will be served.

History of Choral Artists

In 2017, Choral Artists of Sarasota was

born. Formerly known as Gloria Musicae,

the organization needed a name that focused

on the singers – the artists who make

the music – and also acknowledged their

home – Sarasota. Choral Artists of Sarasota

is one of only a handful of regional professional

choruses whose members live and

work in the area.

Soprano Arden Fowler founded Gloria

Musicae Singers in 1979. Fowler, new to

Sarasota at the time, noticed a lack of opportunities

for professional choral singers,

and together with Ann Stephenson-Moe and

George Bledsoe, began recruiting singers

from the area to form the first professional

chorus in the southeast United States.

Choral Artists of Sarasota is now comprised

of 32 classically trained, auditioned

singers performing music from a broad

spectrum of the choral literature. Complementing

the ensemble are 8 apprentice

singers – students ranging in age from 18 to

22; nurturing and encouraging their early

training is a part of the educational mission

of Choral Artists of Sarasota.

The ensemble has a repertoire spanning

four centuries: major works with orchestra,

intimate madrigals, church motets, folk

songs, and close-harmony jazz, to show

tunes. The ensemble also specializes in premiere

performances of lesser-known choral

works, particularly those works by living

American composers. They have performed

premieres by René Clausen, The Midnight

Ride of Paul Revere, Dick Hyman, Robert

Levin, Gwyneth Walker, Sheridan Seyfried,

Voices of the Holocaust, and James Grant,

Such Was

The War, Florida

Premiere of

Libby Larsen’s

opera, Barnum’s

Bird,

Alan Gershwin’s

Gettysburg

Anthem.

Artistic Director

Under the

Dr. Joseph Holt

direction of

Dr. Joseph Holt since 2008, the ensemble

has undertaken new cultural initiatives and

partnerships to become a voice for the community

in Sarasota. Unique among these

programs has been the commemoration of

the Holocaust with a presentation at the

Van Wezel in April 2014 of Voices of the Holocaust

with a massed chorus comprised of

area choruses and original choreography by

Elizabeth Weil Bergmann.

Dr. Holt enjoys a wide-ranging musical

career as conductor, pianist, chamber music

performer, arts administrator, educator

and arranger. He served more than twenty

years as principal pianist with The United

States Army Chorus in Washington, DC,

performing for US Presidents, dignitaries

from around the world and military officials.

He also held the position of Associate

Music Director for The Choral Arts Society

of Washington for fifteen years.

Choral Artists joins in partnership with

the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota to

create programs that align with the artistic

plans for both organizations. Carmina Burana

with Sarasota Young Voices and original

choreography by Sarasota Contemporary

Dance’s Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, Too Hot

to Handel with the Westcoast Black Theatre

Troupe and State College of Florida

Chamber Chorus, Verdi’s Requiem with The

Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and the Sarasota

Orchestra, Haydn’s The Creation, with

the Sarasota Orchestra and the Science and

Environment Council of Southwest Florida.

For tickets, call 941-387-6046 or visit

www.choralartistssarasota.org/


Susan Goldfarb

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

2025

LECTURE SERIES ✱ PAINTING

LANGUAGES ✱ QIGONG

YOGA ✱ MEDITATION ✱ BRIDGE

MAH JONGG ✱ CANASTA

SUPREME COURT ✱ THEOLOGY

WELLNESS ✱ AMERICAN HISTORY

LITERATURE & POETRY

MOVIE & BOOK GROUPS

MUSIC & ART APPRECIATION

MORNING FORUMS & TED TALKS

WORLD POLITICS & CURRENT EVENTS

FILM FESTIVALS ✱ JAZZ NIGHTS

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

iPHONE & iPAD ✱ NATURE WALKS

BIRDING ✱ WOMEN’S GROUPS

SUNDAY CONCERTS

BROADWAY BIOS ✱ CRAFTS

SPECIAL ONE-TIME EVENTS

& MUCH MORE!

Programs Available In Person and on Zoom

567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL

www.TBIeducationcenter.org

email: Admin@tbieductioncenter.org

For a brochure call: (941) 383-8222

Sarasota Concert

Association’s

Music Matinees

B

y all means, find time

on Wednesday afternoons

for some fantastic

music. The Sarasota

Concert Association

has its annual Music Matinees running

January to April. These four free afternoon

concerts showcase outstanding

regional musicians performing a

variety of musical styles, from opera to

jazz. They’re all held at First

Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak

Street in downtown Sarasota.

Did we say free?

Music Matinee

Schedule

• Sarasota Opera Studio Artists

Wednesday, January 29, 2025,

at 2 p.m.

The Sarasota Opera’s Studio Artists are

members of the more advanced level of

Sarasota Opera’s two training programs

and often participate in main stage productions

by performing supporting roles

and covering principal roles.

• Flutist Karen Large and Pianist

Heidi Louise Williams

Wednesday, February 19, 2025,

at 2 p.m.

Karen

Large

Flutist Karen Large and pianist Heidi

Williams will take listeners on a journey

through flute history with their program,

Ticket

Information

Pre-registration is

required and available 30

days before each concert

at SCAsarasota.org.

Performances take place

at First Presbyterian

Church, 2050 Oak St in

downtown Sarasota. Visit

www.SCAsarasota.org

or call the box office at

941-966-6161.

Edel

Muñoz

“Storytellers.” Featuring composers from

the Baroque era through the present day,

the musicians tell stories using different

musical styles and instruments, including

the traverso, piccolo, and contrabass flute.

• Guitarist Edel Muñoz and

Violinist Sean O’Neill

Wednesday, March 26, 2025,

at 2 p.m.

Winner of more than 20 international

guitar competitions, Cuban-American

guitarist Edel Muñoz and O’Neill traverse

three centuries of compelling music for

guitar and violin, featuring music by Bach,

Paganini, Piazzolla, De Falla, Albéniz, and

Villa-Lobos.

• Jazz Singer Synia Carroll

Wednesday, April 23, 2025,

at 2 p.m.

Sean

O’Neill

A jazz vocalist

Synia

with smooth

Carroll

Heidi and soulful

Louise

Williams

vocals, Synia

Carroll performs

“Wade

In The Water

Of Song,” featuring

songs

from her latest

album. Through the prism of Jazz,

the program acknowledges and celebrates

the expansion and discovery that is

an integral part of the ‘waters’ of our lived

experiences.

About the Sarasota

Concert Association

The Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) is a

nonprofit organization that fosters greater appreciation

for world-class classical music by offering the

community two engaging concert series. The Great

Performers Series, in its 80th season, presents

world-renowned orchestras, recitalists, and chamber

groups; Music Matinees feature regional artists in free

community concerts, and Special Events are presented

in venues throughout the region.

For more information about SCA, visit www.

SCAsarasota.org.


FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025

6:30 – 10:30 P.M. | RITZ-CARLTON, SARASOTA

Join us for an uplifting evening featuring a special performance

and keynote by Broadway artist Chester Gregory, powerful

stories about our Blue Door programs, and a look into the

future of Sunshine From Darkness.

Proceeds Support:

Blue Door Services: Emotional literacy workshops for youth.

Youth Mental Health Research: Advancing treatments and solutions.

Let’s connect, inspire, and spark lasting change—together.

Presented by the Lee & Bob Peterson Foundation

Tickets & Sponsorships

Scan the QR code with the camera

on your phone to purchase tickets or

visit SunshineFromDarkness.org.

MEDIA SPONSOR

Share Your Spark!

Scan the QR code with your phone's camera to hear from

Donna Koffman, Jennifer Johnston and many others as

they share the inspiring sparks that drive them.

Best. Labiaplasty. Ever.

AWAKE & COMFORTABLE in our OFFICE

(or Surgery Center if you prefer)

by the area’s ONLY Cosmetic Gynecologist

Your source for Vaginal Rejuvenation

Call or Text our

Private Line

(727) 403-0573

Natural Results. Affordable Pricing.

“I feel confident & sexy”

“I can wear anything now”

“Well cared for”

“Positive experience”

“Warm & friendly staff ”

“Exceeded expectations”

“100% comfortable sex”

“Wish I did it sooner”

“Better than I ever imagined”

“I’m ready to date again”

“Wonderful experience”

“I enjoy sex more”

“No longer self-conscious”

Dr. Jennifer S. Hayes

Board Certified in Gynecology

Fellowship trained in Cosmetic Gynecology

25+ years vaginal surgery experience

Beverly Hills trademarked techniques

BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY AT WWW.VisionaryCentreForWomen.com



WCW12-24

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?