SEPTEMBER 6, 2015

TOMORROW THE COUNTDOWN TO FALL BEGINS...SUMMER GETS SHORTER AND SHORTER EVERY YEAR.....HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY.........

HONORING THOSE WHO HELP BUILD OUR GREAT COUNTRY

This week, the VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL announced its schedule. Though promising in scope with a variety of acts, shows and music, when all added up, it is very much in keeping with previous seasons.  However, there are some very special attractions worthy of your consideration.

Already, The Book of Mormon, scheduled February 9-14 for 8 performances is a tough ticket to get your hands on.  Along with The Producers, Beauty and the Beast and Bullets Over Broadway, you can easily see why this venue has become SARASOTA'S most visited.


Kristin Chenowith, Sophia Loren, Paul Anka, Yanni, and the incomparable Renee Fleming performing with the SARASOTA Orchestra under the direction of Anu Tali are just a few of the shows scheduled.  Those who purchased tickets in the past should have  received  their schedule this week.  For a complete schedule click here.


A few weeks ago before several SARASOTA residents and hundreds from around the country and world, our wonderful SARASOTA Ballet made its debut at the world renowned Jacob's Pillow in the Berkshires.  Rave reviews followed in the New York Times, Washington Post and Boston Globe along with the Herald Tribune.  For those of you who are not aware of Jacob's Pillow it is considered one of the country's finest summer dance venues.

To even be  invited to perform for a week is an honor in itself, but to garner standing ovations each night speaks volumes to the depth of artist and tribute to director Iain Webb.  Next summer, the company will reside for a few weeks in New York.  But you don't have to wait til then.  Their 25th season is in full swing. For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets click here.

At the new FIT2RUN  location on UTC's first level next to Dillard's, they have included a food service as healthy, nutritious, fresh and  delicious as you can find anywhere.


UTC, lacking a food court, is a tough place for a quick lunch or dinner.  Not anymore with Fit2Run's ambitious Fitness Bar dispensing what is described above quickly and inexpensively. You can take your order to seating nearby or center court where there are tables by STARBUCKS. 

We had the California Wrap.  It comes with 2 choices of fresh fruit for the unbelievable price of $7.99.  I highly recommend to eat it there or take home.  Healthy, convenient and delicious.  What more could you ask for? Hours are 10am-9pm daily and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. OH, and don't forget they do have a wide variety of athletic shoes and wear for sale inside the store.

Those of us who live in University Park are fortunate to have our own magazine Life In The Park. Published monthly, it keeps us up to date with Park events, as well as featuring our neighbors, local events and unique advertisers convenient to our area.   Thanks to Tim Trout, area director for Life,he creatively schedules monthly events for residents.

  This month Golf Tech  at 6249 Lake Osprey Dr. Sarasota, is hosting a 5:30pm-7:30pm social with light bites and a few minutes of personal instruction.  A week later on September 24th a B2B Networking meet and greet will take place at Courtyard by Marriott, 8305 Tourist Dr, Sarasota. RSVP  tim.trout@n2pub.com

The quiet tranquility of NANTUCKET

Last week, I wrote about our trip to New York. Continuing our summer travels, we spent several wonderful days in Nantucket.  This was not our first trip; however staying close to the center of town, it allowed us more flexibility  to explore the island and all of its culture and beauty.  Along with boating,  beautiful beaches, bike trails, loads of stores and restaurants, there is culture.  

A non-profit multi-million dollar Film and Entertainment Center dominates the downtown landscape.  From its own Summer Festival of Films, to live performances, to first run movies, to National Theater Productions, to galas and special events, DREAMLAND would be the envy of any vacation spot anywhere in the United States.  While there, we saw a performance of Tony Winner Helen Mirren's  Queen Elizabeth in The Audience.   FYI, the same production will be screened at Historic Asolo October 23. If you want the complete Asolo National Theatre schedule click here.

Our visit to the Nantucket Whale Museum, included a movie recreating the history of the island.  In  addition to their continuous exhibits, one  dedicated  to Ron Howard's film, In the Heart of the Sea, due in theaters later this year stood out.  Originally due out this summer, Sea was held to December release because it is considered  worthy of Oscar consideration.  This true story adventure, partly filmed in Nantucket is  based on the  sinking of the Nantucket-based whaling ship Essex, which inspired Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick.  


A tour of Nantucket would not be complete without a viewing of the many flowers, plants and trees indigenous to the area; especially this time of year.  It seems just about every home has an outside flower box under several of its windows. We would love to go back NOW, when kids are back in school, weekenders have had their fill of summer travelling, and the streets are empty of tourists.  Nantucket in the summer definitely brings to mind SARASOTA in the winter.

 JIM'S RANT....I plan to devote a considerable amount of space next week to several restaurants in various stages of building as well as a few of the recent openings.  Many under construction may look different but feature more of the same:  burgers, pizza, pasta salads and breakfast.  I don't know how they can all survive, even in season. There was one piece of good news in Wednesday's Food section, an authentic Jewish-style deli is in the works for a late October or early November opening.  However, I'm not rushing over until some good word of mouth.  Who could forever forget Carmine Goldberg??? A disaster....

Thanks again to Tracy for her fine editing and in some cases re-write.  Now only a father would admit to that.  Also, Roberta for her 2 cents!!!  Until next week.....JIM

Congratulations to Carole and Mickey Fox on granddaughter Rachel's marriage to Major Stephen Toth