SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2012

 HAPPY EASTER 2013!

Many of you will be going to brunch this morning, and if you haven't made your plans yet here is a suggestion you will not regret.....THE BROKEN EGG. They have 3 loations,  SARASOTA, Siesta Key or Lakewood Ranch.   Associated with local ESPN commentator Dick Vitale, BROKEN EGG offers a wide variety of eggs, pancakes, fruit and cereal on its menu.  Huge supporters of the JIMMY V foundation, BROKEN EGG and Vitale raise money through sales of books and other items in their gift shop or by rounding off the check. Proceeds raised through the foundation help fight pediatric cancer, with most of the money staying right here in SARASOTA.  You get a great meal and contribute to a wonderful cause.

If you are not doing brunch today, a good place for dinner is EAT HERE.  There are small dishes to share (the fried beets are to die for) and larger dishes to share as well.  From meatloaf to seafood to flat bread to burgers, there is something on the menu for every appetite.  For a real adventure sit at one of the community tables in front of the kitchen.  There you can actually share with strangers, make new friends, and really taste most of the menu.  There are now three locations  in SARASOTA, Siesta Key and Holmes Beach.

For 10 years, EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES has drawn on the passion of artists around the world to create a unique and powerful international outdoor art exhibits at Island Park in SARASOTA and ib Bradenton at Riverwalk.  Beginning today and running through June in SARASOTA and through April in Bradenton,  it is well worth your time to view what is called "enriching lives through diversity."  If you visit the exhibit in Bradenton, plan to spend some time at Riverwalk, which was reviewed here several weeks ago.  Pick up a copy of Thursday's Ticket for even more fun to do in downtown Bradenton.  Our sister city to the north is beginning to make positive noise which is good for both counties.

Last weekend, a still under construction rowing and aquatic sports center was host to SARASOTA Invitational Regatta.  I was there both days, and though Sunday's weather was difficult for rowers and spectators as well, it was extremely gratifying to see how the course has grown.  Now adjacent to soon to be opened Cattleman Road,  BENDERSON PARK, is an eye-popping addition to the ever growing SARASOTA sport scene.  The next event, FIRA, Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association Regatta takes place 4/5-6.  Several more are scheduled throughout April.  I urge you to attend, show your support, and see your tax dollars at work.

Several weeks ago, a group from SARASOTA ventured to Philadelphia for a reception given by the University of Pennsylvania to mark the opening of the Lawrence Schoenberg Institute of Manuscript Studies, named for Barbara and Larry Schoenberg.  In attendance along with Barbara and Larry were Debbie and Jack Yonker, Milton and Carole Fox, Mark and Irene Kauffman, David and Fran Lambert, Mickey Fine and Veronica Brady.

For over 40 years, Larry and Barbara have collected an extensive number of Medieval manuscripts.   Their collection is so valuable to historical studies Penn created the institute so that scholars can come there and actually hold pages written more than 500 years ago!  Their entire collection is in the process of being digitalized so everyone can have access to them.

                      

While in Philadelphia, the group visited the newest Barnes Foundation building which is home to some of the finest collection of art, furniture, African sculpture, textiles and metalwork in the US.  They also went to the Jewish History Museum which traces the history of Jewish life in America from inception to present day.  Thanks to CIO Debbie for contributing the material for this article.  A picture from their visit concludes the blog.

This week brings Hollywood and all its glamour to SARASOTA for the 15th annual SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL.  Running from 4/5-4/14, it features many independent films from various festivals around the world.  In this month's SARASOTA magazine, director Tom Hall picks seven festival movies as must sees....Running From Crazy, Pasadena, The Discoverers, The Cold Lands, Frances HA, Blackfish and The Spectacular Now.  His picks always sell out, so I suggest you get tickets today.

                                                     

For all of you APPLE enthusiasts who drive to the Apple Store in Brandon for your Apple needs, there is no need to travel  that far for assistance.  Sarasota has an Apple authorized dealer, Computer Advantage. Although not an official APPLE STORE, Computer Advantage is the local area specialist in Apple products, training and service.  I can attest first hand to their expertise and willingness to take the time to educate you if you are looking to purchase or have problems with your current APPLE product.  Computer Advantage is conveniently located 7810 north on The Trail.

This week's rant comes courtesy of Tony Souza, Chairman of Downtown SARASOTA alliance, who was quoted in Friday's Herald in a story about the departure of DEREK'S from the Rosemary District to of all places Manatee Ave. in downtown Bardenton, "......said businesses in the Rosemary District suffer because pedestrians have trouble crossing busy Fruitville Road.  The City Commission has rejected bids to install better crosswalks."  Derek's, along with most viable retailers is too far from Fruitville for his remarks to be meaningful .  Until the Commission does something to address that area's homeless situation , you can forget about a viable Rosemary District.  DEREK'S is not the first  Rosemary business to move or go out of business, and will not be the last.

APRIL FOOL'S DAY IS TOMORROW BE CAREFUL!!!!!

   

I had every intention of putting out a special Jim Knows Sarasota edition in commemoration of APRIL FOOL'S DAY....but as usual the several editions of OBSERVER beat me to it.  If you cannot find a paper somewhere in SARASOTA and want to see what is now a tradition click here to see this year's fool joke .  There are four editions, each with its own special treat.

That's all for this week.  Tracy is again responsible for cleaning up after me.  Have a great one....JIM

MILTON FOX WITH HIS NEW PHILADELPHIA FRIEND