Big Cat Habitat holds Safari Soiree to help repair hurricane damage

While the names Bette Nesmith Graham, Edwin Johanknecht and George Kloosterhouse may not be familiar to you, their products certainly are: secretary Graham invented Liquid Paper in 1956, and because it left a smudge on photocopies, Johanknecht and Kloosterhouse together invented Wite-Out in 1966, which became a desktop staple. 

So, exactly what is the Black Tie-in? If I make a mistake I cannot white it out, I have to call my editor...and wow did I make a mistake a few weeks ago when I hastily wrote and later confused the name of a dress designer with the fashion model at Flip Flops and Fashion! Thanks to Evan Ackerman for immediately contacting me after seeing the article online, and to my editor, who made a fast change.

Tidbits:

• What do you do when the combined wrath of that terrible trio of troublemakers Debby, Helene and Milton leave your land trashed and flooded? Big Cat Habitat held a Safari Soirée to help with financing repairs. Rob Paslaqua is a volunteer at Big Cat and was instrumental in bringing friends and family, including his dad, Ken, out for support. Ken delighted me with an invite, but the real treat was having a conversation with the renowned animal rescuer Kay Rosaire. But it gets better: I also was in the company of a baby alligator and an albino Bennett's Wallaby Joey, who is softer than the sand on Siesta Key.

  

  Photo by Janet Combs

• Ruth Handler was not the only cool woman debuting a doll in 1959: Elaine Bottino gave birth to Elle McComb! Donning her birthday crown and celebrating 65 trips around the sun with 20 of her gal pals at the Sarasota Yacht Club, I politely (and with permish, of course!) camera crashed the luncheon while covering another event. Elle and I shared some fun conversation about collecting Barbie Dolls and Social Security, and she gave me a hot tip on Medicare enrollment.
• That awkward moment when you run into black tie friends during the daytime and can't place them — it happens. But there is no forgetting Teresa Taft from Big Brothers Big Sisters, who was enjoying a morning at the Sarasota Farmers Market and said the organization’s recent move went well and the new building is lovely.  
• Asolo's own Angel Hissom and I found ourselves at the same birthday party, and while I don't have permission to use this Asolo supporter's name, it was fun celebrating 90 years with his family and fellow (hint, hint) "Tiger" alumn pals!
• Anticipating my face-to-face with Darryl Strawberry at the Selah Freedom gala, I asked a few friends to send me questions they would pose if given the chance to interview this baseball legend. My dear friend since the fourth grade, Brian Martin, was curious about the most formidable pitcher Strawberry ever faced, so I shook that huge hand and asked the question. Instead of an answer I was quickly educated that a former ball player may not want to talk history and I was immediately rebuffed. I pulled some fast charm out of my toolbox, redirected my questions, received a huge smile in return, and then,  for those who are curious,  that answer may or may not be Nolan Ryan.

Check back for more tales, and if you have tips or think I need some Wite-Out, please email me at [email protected]