Occasions

Born
Ella Marjorie Taylor
Nikki Taylor and her husband, Trevor, welcomed the newest addition to their family, Ella Marjorie Taylor, at 9:47 a.m. Nov. 6, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Ella weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 19 inches long. Proud siblings are Madison and Austin Taylor.

Thrilled grandmother is Marjorie Broughton, of Sarasota. Proud aunt and uncle are Chris and Trelawny Ferraro, and proud cousins are Xander and Xaiden Ferraro, of Bradenton.

Bar Mitzvah
Thomas Lai Cramer celebrated his rite of passage to adulthood with a bar mitzvah celebration Saturday, Nov. 9. Thomas’ mother, Sharon, and sister, Violette Levy, hosted the event, which kicked off with services held Saturday morning at Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Road. The services were followed by a buffet luncheon at the temple.

Later that evening, about 80 guests filled The Field Club dinning room for dinner, dancing and dessert.
According to Sharon Cramer, it was not an ordinary bar mitzvah celebration because there was no theme and the celebration was low-key. Also, in lieu of gifts, donations were made in honor of Thomas’ bother, Billy Levy, to the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes Foundation.
Thomas is in seventh grade and attends the Goldie Feldman Academy at Temple Beth Sholom.

Anniversary
Karen and Dino Oliva
Siesta Key residents, 40 years

From the perspective of their children, Siesta Key residents Dino and Karen Oliva operate like a captain and co-pilot. It’s an appropriate description considering Dino is a retired Southwest Airlines pilot and Karen is a retired flight attendant.

Dino first saw Karen at a get-together for Southwest pilots and flight attendants. He says he knew right away that he wanted to marry her. And marry her, he did: The Olivas celebrated their 40-year wedding anniversary Dec. 6, at Disney World.

The Olivas stayed at the Yacht Club in Lake Buena Vista and traveled to the Disney theme parks by boat or bus. To commemorate all of their travels together throughout the years, the Olivas strolled around Epcot and visited the different countries. On their anniversary, they enjoyed an elegant dinner at French restaurant Monsieur Paul’s. On one dessert plate, spelled out in raspberry sauce, were the words, “Happy 40th Anniversary.”

Throughout the years, the Olivas have learned to respect each other’s differences. Family members describe Karen as full of adventure, positive energy and enthusiasm and Dino as thoughtful, calm and calculated.

And if you ask Dino what creates a strong marriage, he’ll say: “It’s knowing just what to say — and that’s,

‘Yes, Dear!’” 

Dino and Karen have five children and five grandchildren with one on the way. Their family wishes them the happiest of anniversaries.