Puppy paws his way into a new home

Family welcomes new furry member

Several adoptable puppies, dogs and kittens visited with guests at Paws on the Catwalk on March 29 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. A little Jack Russell terrier mix must have put on his best puppy-dog eyes, because he was snatched up right away by Clara Villanueva. The little pup has been named “Bonham” for John Bonham, Led Zeppelin’s drummer, since her husband, Roberto Villanueva, is a drummer.

After a few days at home with Bonham, Roberto posted the following on Facebook:

“Bonham and I have had a couple of days together and have enjoyed every second of it. While I knew there was nothing that could be done about this unexpected pregnancy, I’m over my initial response,” the new dog dad said.

“I offer my sincerest apologies, in advance, to the Humane Society of Sarasota County, but Clara will not be attending any future events without a chaperone. And before you all start volunteering, that chaperone will be ME!”

Ballet Gala sells out, releasing performance-only tickets

The 27th Season Ballet Gala Dinner is officially sold-out. 

However, due to the accompanying big-name performance by internationally acclaimed ballet stars Misty Copeland and Marcelo Gomes, the company has decided to keep selling tickets for the show only.

“We are presenting a remarkable performance that features not only world-renowned guest artists, but also extraordinary performances by The Sarasota Ballet — including a world premiere with our company. This is an evening that no lover of the arts should miss out on,” Executive Director Joseph Volpe said in a press release. “Gala Dinner sales exceeded our expectations, and Director Iain Webb and I made the decision to release performance-only tickets due to an overwhelming community response.”

The gala performance will be held April 7 at the Sarasota Opera House. In addition to Misty and Marcelo, Opera star Susan Graham and The Sarasota Ballet will also be performing. The evening is honoring longtime ballet supporter Sydney Goldstein.

Performance tickets are available at sarasotaballet.org for $150-$300.

Hero of History Awards Howard Tibbals 

A circus-themed luncheon was hosted March 29 in honor of Janice and Howard Tibbals.

The Hero of History Award Luncheon took place at Michael’s On East, and the award by the Historical Society of Sarasota County honored Tibbals for his achievements in research, scholarships, philanthropy and history education. Tibbals created the largest miniature circus in the world, housed in the Howard Bros. Circus Model and Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling. 

Tidbits:

Sending birthday wishes overseas ... Performers Sheldon Rhoden, Michael Mendez, Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and Leon S. Pitts II made a video singing “Happy Birthday” to Tomeika Koski at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s April Fool’s Fete on March 29. Tomeika was in South Africa celebrating her 40th birthday. Cruising for a Cause ... The Players Centre for Performing Arts is selling seven-day cruise tickets as a fundraiser. The Players are offering two cruise options from Miami, one setting sail in October, the other in February 2019. For tickets, call 220-3134.