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Sarasota | Neighbors

Nick Friedman
December 20, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Santa Letters

During the Siesta Key Light up the Village event, the Sarasota Observer asked children to submit their letters to Santa. After publication, Observer staffers will pass the letters on to the North Pole, where Santa Claus will evaluate them with his "Naughty and Nice" list.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
December 19, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY : The Polar Express visits Phillippi Shores Kindergarteners

Phillippi Shores kindergartners listened to Patrick Sanders retell the Polar Express story Wednesday, Dec. 19 at the media center. Sanders dressed as the conductor and put his own twist on the story for the children. He first dressed as the conductor five years ago when his older grandson was in kindergarten. Today he continues to tell the story but now to his younger grandson's class. 'This is the best part of my Christmas,' Sanders said. 'Just watching the kids faces is the best part.' The seven kindergarten classes at Phillippi Shores listened with bright wide eyes to the conductor's tale of his first trip to the North Pole. Sanders is scheduled to retell the story at 5 other schools, Barnes & Noble and a nursing home.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
December 17, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Santa Paws Fur a Cause

The Humane Society of Southwest Florida, in collaboration with Sarasota in Defense of Animals, hosted a fundraiser Saturday. Dec. 15 at Evie's on Bee Ridge. The fundraiser, titled, 'Santa Paws Fur a Cause,' raised money for people who are experiencing financial difficulty in supporting their pets.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
December 17, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Party

Volunteers for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program brought their siblings to Sun N Fun Saturday, Dec. 15 for the program's annual holiday party. Children visited with other volunteers and siblings, enjoyed holiday snack and visited with Santa before opening presents.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
December 17, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Breakfast with Santa

More than 60 people attended people attended Breakfast with Santa Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Ritz Carlton.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
December 17, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Southside Stroll

Families took a leisurely holiday stroll through the Southside Village Friday, Dec. 14, as part of the annual Southside Village Holiday Stroll. In true holiday fashion, there were carolers, visits with Santa and even face painting and a snow slide for the children.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
December 17, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: First United Methodist Church Christmas Pageant

First United Methodist Church in downtown Sarasota hosted its annual children's Christmas pageant Friday, Dec. 14. Families gathered to watch the children's performance before socializing and enjoying snacks in the fellowship hall after the pageant.

Sarasota
News

Rachel S. OHara
December 17, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Lights in Bloom

Hundreds of people attended the opening night of Lights in Bloom Saturday, Dec.15, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Annually, the gardens transform at night into beautiful garden light displays featuring larger than-life-sized butterflies, tree frogs, dragonflies and flowers.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
December 16, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY : Volunteers honor veterans with holiday wreaths at Sarasota National Cemetery

Volunteers and the Sarasota Military Academy laid holiday wreaths on all 5,170 graves Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Sarasota National Cemetery. Sarasota Military Academy students sold wreaths during the school year to raise money to buy enough wreaths for each grave. 'We all get to see our families for Christmas and these fallen heroes did more than we know,' said Sarasota Military Academy Sergeant Major Christopher Conlon. 'No fallen hero should go without a wreath on their headstone.' About 60 bikes from the Patriot Guard and other motorcycles escorted a semi truck with the wreaths into the cemetery.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
December 16, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY : Snow Fest Sarasota spreads cheer and snow

Snow Fest Sarasota welcomed parents and children opening night Friday, Dec. 14 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Children can make snowballs, sled down snow slides, see Santa, and play games through Sunday, Dec. 23. Esmee Dieckman, 6, ice-skated and Johanna Post made her first snowman at the Sarasota Snow Fest.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
December 16, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY : Bay Haven Elementary first graders sing holiday songs

First graders at Bay Haven Elementary performed for parents on the front steps Friday, Dec. 14, at the school. Six classes with over 100 first graders practiced for two weeks to sing holiday songs for their parents and teachers. 'The parents are very involved, we are very fortunate that way,' said Principal Betsy Asheim. 'The teachers are phenomenal and draw out the best in the kids.' Children used props and some dressed up in holiday costumes bringing the spirit of the holidays to life.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
December 16, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: CYD's 4th Annual Gingerbread Festival and Iron Chef Competition

Community Youth Development, CYD, held two gingerbread house Iron Chef Competitions Friday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Potter Building.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
December 15, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Holiday Cocktails at Sarasota Bay Club

Residents of the Sarasota Bay Club rang in the holiday season Thursday, Dec. 13 with a festive cocktail hour. Guests exchanged season's greetings, listened to live Christmas music and enjoyed cocktails.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
December 14, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Holidays Around the World

The second-grade students at Tuttle Elementary are traveling the world to learn what different countries do during the holiday season.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
December 14, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: 12.12.12 Sands of the World Mandala ceremony

Hundreds of people made their way out to South Lido Beach State Park Wednesday, Dec. 12, to take part in the 12.12.12 Sands of the World Mandala ceremony.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
December 13, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: SCC's Breakfast with a BANG at Orange Leaf Yogurt

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce held their Breakfast with a Bang networking event Thursday, Dec. 13, at Orange Leaf Yogurt. Those who attended enjoyed breakfast from Chick-fil-A.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
December 13, 2012

I want to ride my bicycle

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota is helping Sarasota put the pedal to the metal by sponsoring a bike and bike-part collection from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
December 13, 2012

Six babies crying, 12 nurses working

According to Kim Savage, Sr. communications editor for the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, six babies were delivered and 12 nurses were working in the labor and delivery unit on 12/12/12.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
December 13, 2012

Students make sweet creations for festival

As part of the fourth-annual CYD Gingerbread Festival, area students and youth groups have built more than 150 gingerbread houses to be put on display.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Jen Blanco
December 13, 2012

Ahead of his class: Tobias Baker

Sarasota High junior Tobias Baker became the first Sailors wrestler to win the Cougar Invitational Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
December 13, 2012

SIDELINES

Lady Rams soccer team tops Lady Bobcats; Cougars basketball coasts to victory; SMA basketball falls to St. Pete Canterbury; Lady Sailors cruise past Lady Tarpons

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
December 13, 2012

Athlete of the Week: Camille Giardina

Since moving to Sarasota from Maine one year ago, sophomore Camille Giardina has been an asset to the Lady Cougars varsity basketball team.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Adam Hughes
December 13, 2012

Home in Mira Mar sells for $1.45 million

A home in Mira Mar tops all transactions in this week's real estate. Marek and Grazyna Piekos, of Sarasota, sold their home at 7909 Midnight Pass Road to Stephen Witzer, trustee, of Sarasota, for $1.45 million.

Sarasota
Real Estate

Observer Staff
December 13, 2012

Cool Today Weather Photo Contest Winner

Stan Robinson submitted this sunset photo of rowers, taken near Historic Spanish Point.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
December 12, 2012

Season of Sharing: Barbara Blumfield

Barbara Blumfield, a Sarasota Bay Club resident, has donated to Season of Sharing for the past 10 years.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
December 11, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Christian v. Cardinal Mooney girls basketball

Sarasota Christian hosted Cardinal Mooney Monday, Dec. 10, at their gymnasium. After a close first half, Sarasota Christian rallied back and won the game 57-42.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
December 11, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Sarasota Architectural Salvage Toy Drive and Party

Sarasota Architectural Salvage hosted its seventh annual holiday fundraising party Thursday, Dec. 6. Attendees brought toys for the gift drive, and the toys and proceeds will benefit the Child Protection Center, which aims to end child abuse. Guests also participated in a scavenger hunt and listened to live music by the Tritones.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
December 10, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Flats for Philanthropy Launch Party

Local designer, Diana Kelly, kicked off her 'Flats for Philanthropy' campaign Wednesday, Dec. 5 with a launch party at the Paper Tree. The campaign will dedicate a shoe to a series of philanthropic organizations, to which it will donate 10% of sales. The first shoe in the series, the Red Maria flat, was dedicated to Girls Inc. of Sarasota County.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
December 10, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Winter Wonderland at the YMCA

Children and their families gathered Friday, Dec. 7 at the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. branch of the YMCA to celebrate the holiday season. Children visited with Santa, watched movies, played games and enjoyed a ride down the snow slide in inner tubes.

Sarasota
News

Nick Friedman
December 10, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: A Taste of Hanukkah

Hundreds gathered Sunday, Dec. 9, at Phillippi Estate Park to celebrate the second day of Hanukkah in style. As part of the Taste of Hanukkah event, local establishments provided an array of kosher foods and beers, and families enjoyed performances by acrobats, balloon sculptors, dancers and the Moshe Hecht Band.

Sarasota
News

Rachel S. OHara
December 9, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: 26th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade

Thousands of people brought their lawn chairs out to see the boats that took part in the 26th Annual Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights Saturday, Dec. 8, in the Sarasota Bay.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
December 9, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY : Temple Emanu - El Hanukah Celebration

Temple Emanu - El Religious School celebrated Hanukah Sunday, Dec. 9 with a performance, gift exchange, food and games. Seventh graders put on a performance by Education Director Sabrina Silverberg entitled 'A Hanukah Happening.' Children exchanged gifts, colored dradles, met Judah, and ate latkes and donuts.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Yaryna Klimchak
December 9, 2012

PHOTO GALLRY : Canandaigua National Trust Company hosts Ringling Party

The Canandaigua National Trust Company held their third annual party at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on Friday, Dec. 7 to connect with existing and new customers. One hundred twenty people attended the event where they enjoyed refreshments and listened to the Romanza Strings play. 'It's a chance to support the arts,' said Vice President and Business Development Officer Paul Tarantino.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Rachel S. OHara
December 8, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: YPG After Hours

The Young Professionals Group of Sarasota held their monthly after hours Thursday, Dec. 6, at Libby's. During this get-together, those who attended were encouraged to bring at least one toy for a boy or girl to be donated to the Big Brothers Big Sisters toy drive.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Nick Friedman
December 7, 2012

PHOTO GALLERY: Tiger Bay Club Luncheon

Members of the Tiger Bay Club gathered Thursday, Dec. 6, at Michael's On East for their regular luncheon. Guests socialized before listening to a presentation by Sarasota County Republican Chair Joe Gruters and General Manager of WSRQ Radio, Susan Nilon, reflecting on the 2012 election.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
December 6, 2012

Chemis-tree

Susan Roberts' class at Brookside Middle School recently decorated a chemistry-themed Christmas tree with ornaments that represent elements of the periodic table.

Sarasota
Neighbors

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