Tag: The Center of Anna Maria Island

Youth soccer champions crowned

Written by Monica Simpson on May 28, 2019. Posted in Soccer, Sports.

Last week saw another youth soccer season come to a close with the naming of league champions and MVPs. CABB Cleaning defeated Lancaster Design in the 11- to 15-year-old league after the regulation play ended in a 0-0 tie, taking the championship match to a shootout.

Lancaster Design’s two shootout goals by Kieran Cloutier and Aiden Templeton were not enough against CABB Cleaning’s shooters. Net shots by JM Feeny, Connor Samblis, and Sam Liester lead to the game-winning shot by Travis Bates.

Center youth soccer CABB — 11- to 15-year-old youth soccer champions CABB Cleaning celebrate in the deep corner at The Center. – Monica Simpson | Sun

In another nail biter in the eight- to 10-year-old league, Beach House Real Estate’s Dennis Gallagher scored two goals against Cale Rudacille to win the championship. Freckled Fin’s Duncan Cloutier hit the net with a goal of his own in the big game.

To end the season, 10 individual players were recognized for their accomplishments on the pitch. In the eight- to 10-year-old league, Dennis Gallagher and Taylor June King were named the MVPs. Defensive MVP was given to William Pakbaz, with Jack McCarthy earning the all-important Sportsmanship award.

Goalie of the Year honors went to Cale Rudacille. Rudacille follows in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Scott and Mark Rudacille, who play the keeper position in the adult league.

The 11- to 15-year-old league top players were JM Feeny and Angelina Albrecht as MVPs and Aiden Templeton the Defensive MVP. Kieran Cloutier, an outstanding player in his own right, won the Sportsmanship Award. Michael Coleman took home the Goalie of the Year Award, giving Lancaster Design three of the five top credits.

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Ross Built Construction builds solid win

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Ross Built Construction builds solid win

Written by Monica Simpson on May 21, 2019. Posted in Soccer, Sports.

Heading into the second half of the regular season of the adult co-ed soccer season, Gulfview Windows and Doors, led by Ryan Moss, remains the only undefeated team in the league. Still looking for a win is the team sponsored by Moss Builders and Beach House Real Estate. The game of the week saw Blalock Walters battle against Ross Built Construction.

Playing with his son Jake Ross, Greg Ross’ team took the win. Playing without Stephen Perry, the Blalock team could not match up against the solid Ross squad. Taking the early lead after two minutes of play, Matt Staggs for Blalock Walters, could not stop a rocket shot by Chris Klotz to tie the game. Less than a minute later, Staggs scored another goal for the team of lawyers to move the score to 2-1.

Big man Chris Chicaro made his way toward the goal and stuck hard and fast for the second Ross Built Construction goal. With two goals each, team captain G. Ross made the first of two goals to give his team the lead for the first time of night. Showing his missile strikes, Vince Chicaro, brother of Chris, made the first of three goals in the 12th minute of the game, advancing the score to 2-4. With plenty of energy and talent on the field, the Blalock Walters team continued to fight back.

Center adult soccer — Matt Staggs for Blalock Walters travels down the soccer field with Ross Built’s Connor Bystrom hot on his heels. – Monica Simpson | Sun

Two minutes after the Chicaro goal, a fight for possession ensued in front of the Ross Built goal. Blalock’s Greg DeMeuse finally found the ball at his feet to make the third goal for his team. Down by one point, team Blalock Walters successfully fought on defense for the remainder of the first half of the game, leaving the score at 3-4 as the teams left the field for a much-needed water break and halftime strategy session.

After more than 11 minutes of play without a standout play or a goal, J. Ross, a sophomore at Florida State University, scored his first goal of the season with an on the ground shot that whizzed right by Blalock goalkeeper Scott Rudacille. Rudacille finished the game with seven saves, while back up Ross Built goalie Max Gazzo had six documented saves of his own. With cross-field rocket shot that hit the right corner of the net, V. Chicaro made his second goal of the night giving Ross Built Construction a two-goal lead. Two minutes later, V. Chicaro got his hat trick increasing his team’s scoring dominance with the score 3-6. Blalock Walters fought back with a near perfect shot by Matt Plummer that went just inches over the crossbar. Staggs took a shot of his own that went just right of the post.

With three minutes left on the scoreboard, G. Ross got his second point, giving his team a four-point lead. Plummer got his goal with 23 seconds showing on the board, put Gazzo on the ground for the save attempt. Finishing the game on the referee’s clock V. Chicaro struck and hit the net again with an unrecorded goal, and the official score of 4-8 and another win for Ross Built Construction.

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Sato Real Estate gets their first win

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Sato Real Estate gets their first win

Written by Monica Simpson on May 14, 2019. Posted in Soccer, Sports.

Thursday night May 9 the defending adult co-ed soccer champions, Sato Real Estate, took to The Center of Anna Maria Island field against a tough Jiffy Lube team looking for their first win of the season. Off to a rough start, Josh Sato’s team lost their number two draft pick Joe Jones to a torn Achilles tendon only to be replaced by Zachary Lieb, a top choice any season.

With Lieb and two strong female teammates, Alta Bujarski and Sumiko Chipman, the purple team looked to be on their way to another tied ballgame, but in the high scoring game, Sato Real Estate earned their first win of the season.

Goalkeeper Jason Sato, older brother to Josh, was kept busy in the net with nine saves in the night. At the opposite end of the field, now veteran goalie Robb Marshall had eight saves of his own.

Jiffy Lube’s Ricky Anderson started the scoring action after four minutes of play giving his brother’s team an early lead.

A quick shot by Chipman missed the target but started the shooting effort by Sato Real Estate. R. Anderson made another strike at the net that was saved by Jason Sato.

Sato Real Estate’s Lyn Clarke showed why he is still a force to be reckoned on the pitch at the age of 79 with three goals in the game. Finding the perfect open position by the opponent’s net in a league with no offsides rule, Clarke scored his first goal of the evening, tying the game 1-1.

In the eighth minute of the game, team captain Josh Sato dribbled the soccer ball all the way down the pitch. Feeling the defenders coming strong, Sato passed to Murat Akay who gave it back to his captain for the shot and goal, giving his team the lead 1-2.

On the next possession, Lieb took a hard shot that went off the right post. Chipman struck again with a scoring attempt that was saved by Marshall.

With less than 10 minutes left in the first half of play, the soccer ball was batted around in front of the Sato Real Estate goal before Jiffy Lube’s Nick Bolli found his foot on the ball for the strike and goal, once again tying the game with the score at 2-2.

Three minutes later, Jiffy Lube moved the ball down the field with precision with passes from team captain Danny Anderson to Omar Polar to be finished by Stetson Mathews for the team’s third goal of the game.

With the score at 3-2, D. Anderson put the ball to the feet of Eliza Falliace. Fighting for possession, Mathews kicked the soccer ball out of bounds giving Sato Real Estate the goal kick.

On an unlucky goal kick by Jason Sato, D. Anderson got the ball right in the middle of the field to just outside of the goalie box. Giving D. Anderson this opportunity is almost always guaranteed goal. Not disappointing their fans, Team Jiffy Lube put another point on the scoreboard to go ahead by two goals with the score at 4-2.

Chipman found a clear field ahead and took the ball to the left corner of the Jiffy Lube box before passing to Akay. Akay’s shot went right into the hands of Marshall for the save.

To start the last 25 minutes of play Akay had two consecutive goals to tie the game to tie the score 4-4.

Unable to handle the strike by Chipman, Team Sato Real Estate once again took the lead on the Marshall mishap, moving the score to 4-5 with 14:35 left on the clock.

The Sato Real Estate squad moved the ball down the field again and finished with another goal by Clarke 90 seconds later.

Team Jiffy Lube came back with a goal of their own with a strong pass by Polar to Falliace in front of the goal. Falliace took advantage of her position with a missile that would have gone in the net but was assisted by Anil Akbulut to take the score to 5-6.

Holding on to the lead, Josh Sato, sporting two different cleats, worked hard to move the ball on the field, getting it to Lieb. Lieb’s strike was stopped by Sean Flynn who was now in goal for Team Jiffy Lube.

Clarke’s next shot was stopped near the close of the game. Team Sato Real Estate took its seventh goal in the game and the win by two points.

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McDaniel joins Center team

Written by SUN contributor on May 7, 2019. Posted in Anna Maria Island, Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

After months of searching, the team at The Center of Anna Maria Island has a new director of development.

In a May 3 press release, Executive Director Chris Culhane announced that Jim McDaniel had been hired to fill the role, beating out about 190 other applicants for the position.

Before joining The Center’s staff, McDaniel served for six years as director of development at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. As director of development at The Center, McDaniel will work to develop a strategic plan and oversee fundraising efforts for the nonprofit.

Center hosts summer kickoff

Summer’s almost here and The Center of Anna Maria Island’s staff is ready to party with the community. The Center’s Summer Kickoff Bash open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15. Come on out to view The Center’s facilities, learn about summer camp programs and youth summer sports, and catch all of the action on the pitch during the youth soccer championships and awards.

Hot dogs, hamburgers and side dishes will be provided by The Freckled Fin Irish Pub. The event is free and open to the public. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. For more information, contact The Center at 941-778-1908.

Gulfview ekes by Flynn Law

Written by Monica Simpson on May 7, 2019. Posted in Soccer, Sports.

The third week of adult co-ed soccer play started off quick for Gulfview Windows and Doors with a goal one minute in by newcomer Keith Mahoney. In what would be the first of four points for Mahoney, Gulfview took the early 1-0 lead.

Lexi Sato, of Flynn Law, took a shot of her own in the fifth minute of the game only to have it saved by Gulfview goalkeeper Jordan DeMers, who had a total of 13 saves in the game.

Team captain Kevin Roman put the first point on the scoreboard for his Flynn Law squad after beating defender Ed Moss. DeMers got his hand on the soccer ball, but there was too much speed behind the strike.

DeMers was ready for Roman’s next shot, preventing the go-ahead goal.

Gulfview’s Aaron Parkin, who went scoreless in the game, took his first shot in the 12th minute of the match. Parkin’s shot went hard off the back of Flynn Law’s Olaf Krause.

The hot foot of Ashley Friszman, for Gulfview, could not find the next shot in this game. Going just left of the post, Friszman’s first shot showed why the defense could not dismiss the lone female on the field.

Showing teamwork and an excellent passing game, Sato found Roman in the middle of the field just outside of the box. In perfect position, Roman shot quick and hard just pass DeMers, moving his team ahead 1-2.

With the corner kick, Gulfview found the opportunity to tie the game. Perfect placement of the soccer ball and field position by Mahoney lead to the fourth goal of the game, tying it up 2-2.

Looking to take the lead back, Parkin crossed to Moss, but the ball went off his foot wrong sending it in the wrong direction out of bounds, leading to the end of the first half of play.

The second half started off slow, but the momentum and action soon picked up with a hard low rocket shot by Roman that went through DeMer’s hands. This third and final goal for Roman and his team gave him the hat trick.

In the 38th minute of the game, Mahoney got his own hat trick, once again taking the game to a tied score, 3-3.

The scoreboard showed just under two minutes of time left in the game when Friszman took her second shot, putting the ball into the hands into Flynn Law goalie Mark Rudacille, who had 10 saves in the game.

After a handball in the box by Flynn Law during a corner kick by Gulfview, Mahoney took the penalty kick with no time on the scoreboard. Goalkeeper Rudacille got a hand on the ball, but could not keep it out of the net, giving Mahoney his fourth goal in the game and his team the win, with the score 4-3.

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No bumming around at the Beach Bums soccer clinic

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No bumming around at the Beach Bums soccer clinic

Written by Monica Simpson on April 30, 2019. Posted in Soccer, Sports.

With their little boots tied, shin guards on, sporting their Beach Bums soccer jerseys, six-and seven-year-old Island area kids took to the small field last Wednesday night in The Center’s soccer clinic.

Lead by coach Thomas Philpott, now-veteran players like Maggie Sue Niedzwick, Dylan and Brandon Sato, and Camden Rudacille participate this spring in the oldest age group training sessions before eventually moving on to the big field.

Other players in this season’s soccer clinic include Giuliana Bankert, Braylen Briggs, Preston Brighenti, Patrick Burnette, Sophia Kerr, Kinsley Roehl, Sophia Travis, Polea Vacek, Evita Moyer, Brennan Rygiel and Lexi Baugher.

After working the drills, the kiddos took their skills into a scrimmage game. Dribbling the soccer ball past defenders, striking the ball for the shot and playing the right position were just a few of the important fundamentals taught in the clinic.

As these players move on playing Island soccer, they will progress to games where the score and statistics are kept, but the fun and love of the game remains.

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Gulfview takes the win opening week

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Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Lancaster Design

Gulfview takes the win opening week

Written by Monica Simpson on April 23, 2019. Posted in Soccer, Sports.

The spring adult soccer season kicked off last week with the ladies and gentlemen of the Island area taking the pitch. With 10 teams in the league, in a record-breaking season, two teams had a bye week.

Moss Builders, playing without Ryan Moss on the roster, went head-to-head with Solid Rock Construction. A new sponsor to the soccer league, owners James Roadman and Zachary Long played for the first time along with Evelyn Long, sister-in-law of Roadman.

In a close one, Solid Rock took the win to start the season.

The second game of the night between Beach House Real Estate and Gulfview Windows and Doors started off as a defensive battle. The first half of play ended with no goals on the scoreboard.

The game remained scoreless until nearly the 37th minute of action. Moss, captain of Gulfview, hit the net for the first goal of the matchup.

Four minutes later Adam Bujarski tied it up with Beach House Real Estate’s only goal of the night.

Beach House’s goalie, Cliff Powell, who had five saves in the game, could not handle the shot by league newcomer Jose Urbiola Bolanos leading to Gulfview’s second goal, advancing the score to 2-1.

Ashley Friszman, in her first game at The Center, shot her own goal with the assist by Aaron Parkin.

Gulfview Windows and Doors’ keeper Jordan DeMers successfully prevented Beach House Real Estate’s offense from scoring with 12 saves.

The final goal of the night was off the foot of Bolanos with two minutes left in the game with the score 4-1.

The tough matchup between Sato Real Estate and Blalock Walters ended in a 3-3 tie. Josh Sato, team captain of Sato Real Estate, scored all three of his team’s goals. Brother Jason Sato had nine saves in the game.

Blalock Walters brought in their team of attorneys and family onto the field, without Matt Plummer. Stephen Perry returned to the field after a long hiatus to score a goal. Matt Staggs hit two of his own.

Coming out of retirement to protect the net and play with his co-workers, Scott Rudacille had eight recorded saves.

The final game of the night ended with 19 goals on the scoreboard. Flynn Law faced off against Jiffy Lube in the shooting match.

Playing for Jiffy Lube, Sean Flynn had a single goal and assist in the night. Goalkeeper Robb Marshall had 10 saves against Flynn Law.

Stetson Matthews put up four goals against Flynn Law goalie Josh Bernet. The scoreboard lit up with Ricky Anderson’s four goals, with brother and team captain Daniel Anderson scoring his own goal to give Jiffy Lube 12 points and the win.

Team captain Kevin Roman, for Flynn Law, scored three goals in the game. Teammate Lexi Sato had a hat trick of her own, with an additional score by Olaf Krause.

The 12 game regular season ends with the championship match on June 27 for the recipient of the Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup.

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Fashion lights up Center runway

Written by SUN contributor on April 12, 2019. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun.

ANNA MARIA – The Island’s first fashion show at The Center of Anna Maria Island left attendees with an itch to shop at local Pine Avenue boutiques.

The elegant luncheon event brought around 113 patrons to The Center to see the latest in spring and summer fashions from local Pine Avenue boutiques Pink & Navy and Bella by the Sea, along with jewelry by Island Charms. Pink & Navy owner Amy Fleece and Bella by the Sea owner Jo-Ann Lefner styled the models, served as emcees for the fashion show and worked as members of the event committee.

Twelve models took to the runway to display casual clothing, beachwear and more elegant looks for men, women and children. Models for the event included Barbara Zdravecky, Darcie Duncan, Dr. Sarah Somai, Whitney Beasley, Ava Smith, Kara Bettle, Gigi Bettle, Daphne Bettle, Center Executive Director Chris Culhane, Kim Miccolette, Kelly Kary and Louise Platt. Joining her father for an impromptu final walk down the runway was Mikaela Culhane.

Prior to the runway show, event co-chairs Karen Harllee and Natalie Thrasher honored local entrepreneurs Mike Thrasher and Ed Chiles for their contributions to The Center and the revitalization of Pine Avenue as a green main street. Though Chiles wasn’t present, M. Thrasher was on-hand to receive a gift – a crystal clock in honor of the time he’s contributed to the Island community.

In addition to taking the runway as a model, Zdravecky also took the stage to give a speech on female empowerment prior to the fashion show. Culhane also stepped up to thank not only the fashion show’s sponsors and the vendors who put on the event but also the attendees, the proceeds of whose ticket purchases went to support The Center’s programs. Contributions to The Center also were raised through the selling of the orchid centerpieces used on the tables for $20 each and through the silent auction items and adventures specifically designed to help empower women to look and feel their best. All silent auction items and adventure packages were donated by local artists and business owners.

Attendees were greeted by the sounds of live steel drum music. A light luncheon also was served featuring a tropical grilled chicken salad by catering company The Loft 5 along with mini cupcakes and specially designed cookies by Hometown Desserts.

Sponsors for the event include Bella by the Sea, Beach Life AMI, Center Montessori School, Duncan Real Estate, Emerson Artist, Amy and Jonathan Fleece, Gagne Construction, Karen and Alex Harllee, Hometown Desserts, Island Charms, Jo-Ann and John Lefner, Joan McArthur, Marlane Wurzbach, Olive Oil Outpost, Palmer’s Orchids, Pineapplefish Unique Island Rentals, Pink & Navy, Salon Salon, Sheilegh Menzies, Shiny Fish Emporium, Sato Real Estate, Sounds of Steel, Mike & Natalie Thrasher, U.S. Tent and VACASA.

Kristin Swain | Sun

Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Lancaster Design

Written by Monica Simpson on April 9, 2019. Posted in Football, Sports.

Three months of adult co-ed flag football came to a close with the top two regular-season finishers meeting once again on The Center main field. What was anticipated by many to be a blowout ended up being an action-filled battle of speed and agility.

In the first play of the game, Progressive Cabinetry brought out the big gun of quarterback Don Purvis. Purvis hit Connor Haughey wide open in the middle of the field who sped down the field for the first touchdown in the game.

Purvis called on the steady hands of team captain Ray Gardner for the point after taking the score to 7-0 in the first minute of the game.

Lancaster Design team captain Tim Shaughnessy, Purvis’ football protégé in high school, was not to be outdone. Shaughnessy took his first snap of the game in much the same way, finding Lane Burnett. Burnett turned on the burners and entered the end zone untouched.

Caleb Roberts, the brother-in-law of Shaughnessy, got the call for the extra point reception to tie the game 7-7.

The Purvis-Gardner combination was once again successful on the field with a quick pitch to Gardner and stop by Lancaster Design’s Karri Stephens on the Progressive Cabinetry’s second game snap.

On second down, Gardner took the football all the way down the field, giving his team a six-point lead after the missed point after attempt.

Six minutes into the game Roberts gained four yards before Progressive Cabinetry’s stop with a Ben Sato flag pull. The Lancaster Design first down came courtesy of Roberts’ catch only to be stopped by Haughey.

Tasting the touchdown, Shaughnessy tried to get the football to his deep receiver, but the throw was short and landed right in the hands of Haughey for the Progressive Cabinetry interception.

The Progressive Cabinetry diverse roster flourished last Thursday night. Sato was Purvis’ next target with a nice catch and stop by Roberts. Gardner secured the first down after a quick pitch.

In the end zone on second down, Progressive Cabinetry’s Jake Parsons and Haughey collided with a thud that could be heard on the other end of the field ending the team’s offensive possession.

Shaughnessy took advantage of an unsuccessful march down the field by Gardner’s team by connecting with Burnett on the first two plays taking the football past midfield for the first down. Progressive Cabinetry’s Lexi Sato, Ben Sato’s sister-in-law, stopped the TD with the flag pull.

Sato’s stop only temporarily prevented the score. Stephens made a beautiful catch in the Progressive Cabinetry end zone, with the extra point by Burnett in the back left corner of the field to give Lancaster Design their first lead of the game 13-14.

With veteran leadership, Purvis steadily moved his team into scoring position nearing half time. Gardner, who has played QB in previous seasons, gave Purvis options offensively.

Gardner took the football from Purvis behind the line of scrimmage only to throw it back to Purvis who stepped out of bounds after the catch seven yards short of the first down. L. Sato quickly gained the first, with Parsons credited with the stop.

Two incomplete passes by Progressive took the game clock down to one minute left in the half and a third and goal situation. With Brianna Roberts covering L. Sato, Gardner trusted the capable hands, arguably the best female player in the league.

After L. Sato’s touchdown catch, Zachary Holder scored the extra point, advancing the score to 20-14.

The six-point deficit ignited the Lancaster Design team, bringing Mike Shaughnessy, father of Tim Shaughnessy and Brianna Roberts, to briefly take over as the quarterback. The former Kent State QB threw the football to his son just short of the first down.

Sato made the critical flag pull after Lancaster Design past midfield. T. Shaughnessy went under center and hit Burnett putting the ball on the Progressive Cabinetry 10-yard line.

On third down and in scoring position, Purvis rushed T. Shaughnessy and got the sack to stop Lancaster from scoring.

In the final play of the half, Gardner took the football more than halfway down the field, weaving in and out of traffic, evading defenders to the cheers of the spectators finally to be stopped by Stephens.

Taking advantage of half time to regroup his team and give words of praise and encouragement, T. Shaughnessy and Lancaster Design came out fighting, scoring a touchdown in three plays, including a 10-yard gain by Parsons and the scoring reception by Burnett. Failing to convert, Progressive got the ball back with the score tied at 20 all.

First play of the half for Progressive Cabinetry was to B. Sato who ran the football down the full length of the field after a short catch. Gardner’s pass to L. Sato was too tall going off her fingers, leaving the score at 26-20.

Keeping the game close catches by Stephens and B. Roberts, including a first down reception Stephens, and a run by Burnett put Lancaster Design in scoring position.

Roberts pulled the football in for a touchdown and followed up with the extra point nab giving his team the lead once again by one point.

With 12 minutes left on the game clock, Purvis found B. Sato for what looked to be a repeat of his early score. Parsons made the stop at the one-yard line.

Sato sealed the deal with a solid TD catch. Going for two points, Purvis took the snap and hit Haughey pushing the score to 34-27.

Lancaster Design could not make anything happen on their next possession, only to give Progressive Cabinetry another chance to score.

In six solid plays, Purvis and Gardner marched the team down the field chipping away at the yardage. Defensively, Chris Culhane put the pressure on Gardner, sacking him in the Progressive backfield.

A 10-yard gain by L. Sato, a first down catch by Haughey, and a long run by Gardner got Progressive to the Lancaster Design six-yard line. Gardner threw to L. Sato at the one-yard line.

On third down, Haughey scored the TD and followed up with the point after to give his team a 14-point lead.

The Progressive Cabinetry offense ate away at the clock leaving only one minute for Lancaster Design to score and hope to get the ball back before time ran out.

Unable to make anything happen on offense, Lancaster Design lost the championship game to Progressive Cabinetry who called the game with 44.9 seconds left on the scoreboard, successfully ending another adult flag football season on the island, with the final score of 41-27.

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Female empowerment takes the runway

Written by SUN contributor on April 4, 2019. Posted in Entertainment, Events, Family fun, Food.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Come out to The Center of Anna Maria Island on Thursday, April 11 to see the hottest new fashions for women, men and kids, and support a good cause.

The first-ever Passion for Fashion Show will take center stage beginning at 11 a.m. The event will feature an elegant luncheon by culinary master A.J. Loft of The Loft 5, along with champagne and live steel drum music. Models will strut down the runway wearing the latest in spring and summer styles for women, men and children from Pine Avenue boutiques Bella By The Sea and Pink & Navy. There also will be a silent auction and Barbara Zdravecky will give a talk about her passion for women in business and female empowerment. The event also serves as a way to honor local businessmen Ed Chiles and Mike Thrasher for their work to help revitalize Pine Avenue and The Center while also encouraging local businesses to “go green.”

Pink & Navy owner Amy Fleece said the event has taken almost a year to come together. One of the things she’s most excited about, she said, is the opportunity to support The Center while also spotlighting some of the many female Island business owners and encouraging other women to pursue their passion and goals.

“There are so many women business owners on Pine, which is really neat,” she said.

Bella By The Sea owner Jo-Ann Lefner said that it’s very important for her and the other co-chairs of the event, Fleece, Leigh Thrasher and Karen Harllee, to not only showcase the female-led businesses on the Island and Pine Avenue in particular, but also to shed light on the programs available to the community at The Center.

In asking for silent auction items, Lefner said the goal was to create an “adventure” for the winners. Some of the items up for grabs include a party for 20 people at Bella By The Sea and Pink & Navy, a wine and cheese pairing lesson at Olive Oil Outpost, a luncheon hosted at Shiny Fish Emporium and a makeover at Salon Salon.

“We didn’t just want to do gift certificates,” Lefner said. She added that when asked, local business owners jumped on board to help create the experiences for the silent auction items.

The models taking the runway for Bella By The Sea will be showing off the latest in bold colors, particularly yellows and mustards, which Lefner said are very popular this season. She said people can also expect to see great beach hats and bags.

“You’re going to be seeing a full range from sportswear right up to dressy items,” she said.

From Pink & Navy, Fleece said people can expect to see spring and summer styles, including beachwear, for women, children and men. Everything from swimsuits to casual wear and more dressy clothes will be on display. Fleece said to expect lots of bold prints, florals and stripes.

“I want everyone to know that there’s fashion out there to feel good about yourself in, no matter what your size, your age or anything,” she said.

Each attendee will receive a swag bag full of goodies at the end of the show. All proceeds go to help fund The Center’s programs.

Tickets are going fast at $40 each and can be purchased at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. Sponsorships are available. For more information, call 941-778-1908.

Marshall Tucker Band rocks The Center

Written by SUN contributor on April 2, 2019. Posted in Entertainment, Music.

ANNA MARIA – It wasn’t an April Fool’s joke – if you weren’t at The Center on April 1, you missed The Marshall Tucker Band’s stop on Anna Maria Island.

Greeted by thunderous applause and shouts from the audience from the moment the members took the stage, the band played for nearly two hours. Many of the concert’s sell-out crowd got to their feet and never sat down.

Known for the wide variety of music they play, spanning from rock to country and gospel with a little of everything in between thrown in, fans were delighted to hear both classic and newer songs. The set kicked off with the hit, “Running Like the Wind” and included other favorites such as “Can’t You See” and “Heard it in a Love Song.”

The Southern rockers are currently on their “Through Hell & High Water… And Back” 2019 tour, which still has many upcoming U.S. stops remaining, including several in Florida if you missed the show in Anna Maria.

Formed in Spartanburg, South Carolina in the early 1970s, The Marshall Tucker Band has been entertaining audiences for more than four decades. Now original member Doug Gray, on lead vocals and tambourine, leads a talented group of musicians including B.B. Borden on drums, Tony Black on bass and vocals, Chris Hicks and Rick Willis, both on vocals and guitar, and Marcus James Henderson on keyboards, flute, saxophone and vocals.

The Cabana Boys opened for The Marshall Tucker Band.

The band played to an energetic, sold-out crowd of around 750 people in an intimate show on The Center’s stage. The concert brought to a close the nonprofit’s first-ever concert series, presented in conjunction with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Manatee County Tourist Development Council, along with The Manatee Performing Arts Center, which provided volunteers and ticket sales for the concert series.

Previous acts on the Center’s stage included The Outlaws, Phil Vassar and BJ Thomas. Part of the ticket sales from the concert series will go to help fund The Center’s programs.

The Marshall Tucker Band at The Center of Anna Maria Island - Kristin Swain | Sun

Solid Rock Construction built a solid season

Written by Monica Simpson on April 2, 2019. Posted in Sports, Volleyball.

The final night of adult co-ed volleyball play for the season took place at The Center of Anna Maria Island Thursday night. All five teams showed why the championship was not in the bag for the first seed team Solid Rock Construction.

After three matches, the final battle ensued between the top two season finishers: Solid Rock Construction and Planet Stone.

The players of Planet Stone came into the season as defending champions. Finishing with an 8-4 record, the four friends who play together on the sand were the best opponents for the new athletes at the community center.

Solid Rock Construction, a family owned and operated HVAC company, brought two players to the flag football gridiron this winter and soon formed their volleyball powerhouse team.

Footballers James Roadman and brother-in-law Zachary Long added volleyball to their weekly sports schedule along with wives Katy Roadman and Evelyn Long. Katy and Evelyn brought sister Christy Raulerson and brother-in-law Brian Raulerson into the mix to form the family-based team.

Teammate Maria Shanks departed the Solid Rock squad mid-season with a family move out-of-state.

Playing six on four, the Planet Stone foursome held their own historically against the top seed. With nearly identical records going into the big match, a close fight for the championship title was anticipated.

The construction company, with the motto “Built right, the first time,” moved their business from Tampa to Anna Maria this past year to raise their family on the Island. The ladies of team Solid Rock Construction are all sisters with volleyball skills that brought out the best in their husbands.

The first game was close until the end. Patrick and Christine Wright, David Deaver and Rusty Clasman of team Planet Stone, coming off the easy win against Ugly Grouper in two games, moved the volleyball well starting the with the service advantage.

Going up early with two points, Planet Stone maintained their lead until the 21st point, with the score 10-11. Spikes by Z. Long scored for Solid Rock.

Planet Stone stayed in the first game with blocked shots by P. Wright and Deaver, as well as smart plays and perfect hits by C. Wright and Clasman.

The two teams gave the spectators a lot of strong volleyball action with long skill-filled rallies and service aces by both teams.

Despite losing the lead, Planet Stone kept fighting. Hitting the ball with perfect placement, the four players squad forced Z. Long to make a diving hit that landed just wide of the far sideline.

The Solid Rock Construction brothers-in-law, including B. Raulerson who also works with the family business, strategically placed themselves at the line at any given time creating a strong defensive barrier.

With the score 18-24 at game point for Solid Rock, J. Roadman took advantage of his location on the front line with a solid hit over the net with blazing velocity whizzing right past the Planet Stone front line player, C. Wright to end the first game.

Looking make quick work of their opponent, Solid Rock Construction started at the line with the serve and big defensive moves, going up by seven points with the score 10-3.

Planet Stone got stuck with five points on the scoreboard, while Solid Rock continued to increase their lead with the rally scoring system.

Mishits and the inability to decide who was going for the return caused a little turmoil among the Planet Stone squad.

After a long rally, P. Wright ended play with a strong finish finally moving Planet Stone’s score to 16-6. Each team went back and forth adding a point here and another there.

Solid Rock Construction continued to widen the scoring gap with a kill by J. Roadman, taking the game to game and match point.

With the win on the line, J. Roadman moved back into position to serve to end the battle. Once again, the volleyball fell to the ground between all of the Planet Stone players.

Much like the company’s guiding principles, the strong foundation of the Solid Rock Construction volleyball team with communications, perfectly placed sets and strong kills by the big guys in front made for a force to be reckoned with, which could not be defeated in the last night of hard court action.

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Written by Monica Simpson on March 26, 2019. Posted in Football, Sports.

The Center of Anna Maria Island field was the venue for the adult flag football quarterfinal playoff games Thursday night. In the crisp spring breeze, the community center’s new Youth Program Coordinator, Tim Holly, brought his young team, Hashmark Sports, to battle against Charles Buky and the Ugly Grouper squad.

As the clear underdogs, having a slow start to the season, Hashmark Sports struggled to stop Ugly Grouper’s Jon Moss and Nick Sato. Moss quickly ran a long route for the first down reception, giving Sato a chance to score.

Buky’s QB skills hit Sato for the first touchdown of the game. Failing to get the point after, Holly’s team took the field six points down.

Trying to find their groove, Matteo Ferris threw the ball with confidence to his main go-to receiver Anthony Mannino. Despite moving the football into Ugly Grouper territory, Hashmark Sports could not find the end zone.

Despite most of the team being just out of high school, Hashmark went out on the field with energy and determination. On defense, Holly showed why his team is a contender with a critical sack of Buky on the Ugly Grouper third down play.

After a first down play, Ferris threw a short pitch to Holly who ran the ball for critical yards after. Sato prevented the touchdown with a big flag pull.

Hashmark Sports’ Jaret Rojas took the snap and found Mannino in the end zone to tie the important playoff game.

Playing hard for the win, emotions began to flare up on the Hashmark team as a bad pass to Holly forced the team to get the first down on the next play.

Ugly Grouper’s key veteran player Christina “Dina” Calvary used her speed to chase the Hashmark Sports quarterback all around the backfield. Finally getting free, Holly caught the first down pass.

Quickly calling the timeout with 18 seconds left in the half. Mannino with the football gave a little juke and sidestep to get past the Ugly Grouper defender and into the end zone.

Moss tipped the extra point pass, leaving the score at the half 6-12.

The last 20 minutes of the game started with Ugly Grouper on offense. The floater pass by Buky was intercepted by Mannino, sparking the team’s energy once again.

Mike Brusso rushed the Hashmark Sports quarterback Rojas, nearly getting the sack. Just before Brusso could get there, Rojas pitched the football back to Holly behind the line of scrimmage, but he got caught by the Ugly Grouper defender for a loss of yardage.

With a diving Calvary flag pull, Mannino was stopped at the original line of scrimmage leading to a third down play in the pass only zone.

Ferris gained the first down, but the team just could not cross the line into the end zone on the next three snaps.

The short catch of Sato was stopped by a double flag pull by Holly. Mannino was on Moss for the immediate stop after the catch on second down. Moss was Buky’s target on the third-down pass, but he was stopped just short of the first down.

On the next possession, Hashmark Sports quickly turned over the football with an interception by Moss. Players on the two teams lost their heads as words were said and testosterone filled the air.

Center flag football Hashmark Ugly Grouper — Hashmark Sports’ Chris Smith makes his way down the field toward his sister on defense, Ugly Grouper’s Dina Calvary, in last Wednesday night’s quarterfinal game. – Monica Simpson | Sun

Both teams calmed down and resumed play with a big first down catch by Brusso. The big catch by Moss was followed by a key flag pull by Joey Carder preventing the score. Despite a beautiful diving catch by Moss, the Ugly Grouper squad could not put six points on the scoreboard.

Holly grabbed the ball three yards short of the first down with five minutes left in the game. Hashmark took the football all the way down the field but just could not break the scoring barrier to widen their lead.

One minute on the clock is plenty for a skilled and focused Buky as the quarterback. Moss caught the first catch for Ugly Grouper only to be followed by a Mannino stop.

With Brusso as the center and rushing obstacle, Holly sped around him to make the sack on Buky. Ugly Grouper quickly called a time out.

At third down and lots of field left to conquer, a bad snap to Buky was all it took to end the game, giving the Hashmark Sports team their seat in semifinal action as the #5 seed.

In the second quarterfinal game of the night Gulfview Windows, playing without Jordan Demers, lost in a very close battle against Beach House Real Estate. The game looked like it might go into overtime play, but the solid combination of Chad Woods and Chris Gillum just could not be stopped.

The regular season top finishers Progressive Cabinetry will be taking on Hashmark Sports at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. Lancaster Design, the second seed team, takes on the Gillum and the rest of the Beach House Real Estate crew at 6:30 p.m.

April 4 at 7:30 p.m. is the setting for the much-anticipated championship game at The Center.

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Written by Tom Vaught on March 22, 2019. Posted in Entertainment.

BJ Thomas performed at The Center of Anna Maria Island on Thursday night, including his hits, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Mighty Clouds of Joy” and “Rock and Roll Lullaby,” with a little R&B thrown in for good measure. The crowd sang along, danced and remembered good times.

- Tom Vaught | Sun

BJ Thomas - Tom Vaught | Sun

- Tom Vaught | Sun

Tom Vaught | Sun

- Tom Vaught | Sun

Tour of Homes wows attendees

Written by SUN contributor on March 19, 2019. Posted in Entertainment, Events.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The 26th Annual Tour of Homes was so popular that attendees sometimes found themselves waiting for up to 10 minutes to enter one of the four beautiful Island homes featured on this year’s tour.

Attendees were graciously greeted in each home by volunteers who had stories to tell, highlighting the unique aspects of each area of the homes.

At the Willow House, the talk centered on the home’s unique paint colors, many of which attendees were marking down for redecoration of their own homes. The Willow House is the only one on the tour that was not inhabited. The four-bedroom home was designed by Beacon Home Designs, built last year by Moss Builders and is for sale through Gulf Bay Realty.

A favorite home on the tour was the Horne Home in Holmes Beach. The house, previously owned by Ann Horne to whom this year’s tour was dedicated, was opened by the family especially for the event. The beachfront cottage features woodgrain ceramic floors with no thresholds between rooms, handmade oyster shell wall sconces created from shells collected at Anna Maria Oyster Bar, owned by Ann’s son John, and nautical touches throughout.

“That’s my favorite one,” one attendee said as she exited the property.

The beachfront Fangmeyer Home in Holmes Beach also was a favorite, featuring beautiful Gulf of Mexico views from almost every room. The 14-year-old house was painstakingly decorated under the discerning eye of owner Belle Fangmeyer. European touches lend an understated elegance to each room in muted colors and beautifully carved furniture and décor pieces. The smell of fresh flowers followed attendees through each of the three bedrooms, floating through open windows on the sea breeze. Dan and Belle Fangmeyer purchased the home in 2017.

One of the homes that attendees said they were most excited to see was the Kerschner Home on Key Royale. Owner Kathy Kerschner said the home was “a labor of love” for herself and husband Dan. The couple carefully created the home with the help of local architect Gene Aubry and Shoreline Builders to reflect their personal style and showcase the work of local artists, including their latest acquisition, an original by painter Robert Johnson. Gorgeous views of the bay greeted visitors on one side of the house where the owners can view the sunrise. On the other side of the home, balconies adorn each room to allow for views of the sunset each evening. One of a kind light fixtures and chandeliers featuring glass artwork from Israel twinkle throughout the house. Handcrafted woodwork also is displayed throughout the first floor including the dining table created from a 100-year-old piece of sinker cypress and the Camphour wood countertop in the powder room created by Greg.

The final stop on the tour was The Center of Anna Maria Island’s Bazaar and the Tropical Treasures Boutique, sponsored by Duncan Real Estate. At the Center, attendees were treated to refreshments by Cupcake Delights and The Traveling Gourmet, local artwork in the silent auction and for sale in the Boutique, and items available from local vendors in the Bazaar. The quilt, created by the Eyeland Needlers for the event, also was on display with raffle tickets available for purchase. This year’s quilt was sponsored by Green Real Estate. The Ugly Grouper was the music sponsor for the Tour of Homes.

Kerschner said the home was “a labor of love” for herself and husband Dan. The couple carefully created the home with the help of local architect Gene Aubry and Shoreline Builders to reflect their personal style and showcase the work of local artists, including their latest acquisition, an original by painter Robert Johnson. Gorgeous views of the bay greeted visitors on one side of the house where the owners can view the sunrise. On the other side of the home, balconies adorn each room to allow for views of the sunset each evening. One of a kind light fixtures and chandeliers featuring glass artwork from Israel twinkle throughout the house. Handcrafted woodwork also is displayed throughout the first floor including the dining table created from a 100-year-old piece of sinker cypress and the Camphour wood countertop in the powder room created by Greg.