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Hayward cup champs

Hayward Cup champions: Sato Real Estate eeks out the final win

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

The adult co-ed soccer season at The Center finished on schedule despite the seasonal rains, doubling up Thursday night with the last semi-final game and championship game played out within two hours.

Last week’s first semi-final game between underdogs Bins Be Clean and Mar/Kis Insurance was cut 10 minutes short because of lightning that took out the field lights and a torrential downpour that followed. Set to play out the final minutes, Mar/Kis, representing Uruguay in this season’s tribute to the World Cup, had to bow out due to lack of players.

The player shortage ended the game with Bins Be Clean up 6-4, awarding it the first slot in the big championship game.

Team Russia, sponsored by Ross Built Construction, took the field at 7 p.m. against Team Belgium to determine who played Bins Be Clean. Sponsored by Sato Real Estate, the undefeated squad easily handled number 4 seed Ross Built with the final score of 7-1.

Despite the size and stature advantage Greg Ross’ team had in the game, Ben Sato’s 16 saves just were not enough to stop big brother, Josh Sato’s, skill and confidence team from moving on to the final game of the season.

After a short break for Sato’s team Sweden, sponsored by Bins Be Clean, it took the field with Sato Real Estate in the Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup game. Coming into the playoffs in last place with not a single win to its name, Bins Be Clean had everything to prove and nothing to lose.

Having expended valuable energy in their first game, Sato Real Estate played determined to show why it finished the regular season in first place.

Both teams having impressive starters, the match-up made for an exciting 46 minutes of soccer.

Without its starting goalie in the box, Bins Be Clean played without Rico Beissert in scoring position. Beissert adorned the keeper gloves for the entire game, logging at least 20 saves, managing shot after shot by Sato Real Estate.

Bins Be Clean’s shots were limited but effective, setting the pace after five minutes of play with an amazing curving shot by Diego Felipe that went around the goalie to hit the far post and then the inside of the net.

Sato Real Estate’s Jessica Williams nailed a hard shot that went off the post and bounced just outside of the goal.

Team captain Sato soon found the net for himself, along with a nice shot by teammate Zack Lieb. Felipe and his brother Brayan each added a goal to the scoreboard keeping the game close and the spectators thrilled.

Taking advantage of another scoring opportunity, the assist by Amy Ivin gave Williams her solo goal of the game, bringing the game to a tie 3-3 with only minutes left on the clock.

Feeling overtime in the air, with no time on the scoreboard clock, Ivin hit the game-winning goal for Sato Real Estate.

Beissert tried to make something happen in the final seconds of the game kept on the official’s watch. Coming out of the goal, Beissert sailed a line drive over the wall of the field. Bins Be Clean’s players hustled, working for the tying goal until the final whistle blew, losing the championship to the extremely formidable opponent found in Sato Real Estate 4-3.

Starting the playoffs with not a single Bins Be Clean victory, the sure bet would have been an easy victory for Sato Real Estate. Both teams played a fast-paced, skill-filled match making the Hayward Cup championship game an exciting way to end another season of soccer on The Center pitch.

Related coverage:

Brazil and Belgium undefeated: Island soccer’s unbeatable

Moss Builders’ soccer clinics construct confidence

A community of soccer on the Island

Ray Gardner

Ray Day: The man behind the celebration

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Sports.

It is not every day that someone is born that will impact just about every person they meet. Sept. 17, 1988, was one of those days.

For years now, since a very young age, Raymond Gardner has been this person to so many. So, in honor of his 30th birthday, Ray Day was born and celebrated in epic way on Sept. 22.

Known as Ray to most, he grew up in Detroit, Mich., with big dreams and goals. He did not always know the grand impact he had on his friends, family, teammates, and now his clients as a trainer.

If you look at the “About” section on his Facebook page, you will see that Ray studied at Central Michigan University, University of Minnesota and Bethany College. Before even reaching college, Ray made hard life decisions that would eventually help him achieve his goals, including leaving his neighborhood each day to attend school in an “all white” community.

Believing that he was destined to achieve big things, Ray’s decision to become uncomfortable to grow and better himself led to his path to Anna Maria Island.

Forget Ray’s athletic ability that so many have seen on The Center’s basketball court, football field, volleyball court and now the soccer field. Peel away the layers of the man, and one will find a person with a talent to bring the best out of people.

With the opportunity to go to college because of sports, Ray met people from all walks of life, different parts of the country, and different backgrounds at the various colleges and universities he attended. Each campus, each relationship opened doors, built bridges and changed lives.

Fast forward to 2014, Ray started sprinkling his contagious smile and hugs on the people of Anna Maria Island. As the Assistant Athletic Director and director of youth sports at what was known then as the Anna Maria Island Community Center, Ray made his impacts on not only kids he coached and worked with on the Island, but their siblings, parents, other family members and friends.

Ray’s sudden departure from The Center, along with co-worker and friend Matt Ray, rocked the community, and the magnitude of his influence on The Center was truly realized when he was gone.

As one door closed another eventually opened for Ray. On his last day at The Center, Ray was asked what he would be doing if he could do anything. Without hesitation he answered, “I would be a personal trainer.”

After months of personal struggle, the fight in Ray never left. Each day he worked to better himself, find himself and figure out the next step. Becoming a personal trainer would soon become a reality, but in truth, as with most successful personal trainers, Ray is a life changer.

In the last three years, Ray has helped people shed pounds and build muscles, starting his day at 4 a.m., with his first training session at 5 a.m. The bigger picture reveals how this man has also helped people overcome mental obstacles and inspired them to be the best versions of themselves, while many time sacrificing his own personal time for the betterment of his client.

To watch Ray’s clients get drawn into his aura is like watching fans fawn over a rock star or famous actor. Ladies wait in line to get their post-workout hugs and words of praise. His clients tell friends about their amazing trainer and upload videos to Facebook singing his praises. These clients look forward to getting their daily dose of Ray.

Ray will be the first to say that his accomplishments are only possible because of the support and assistance of his friends and family. His pay-it-forward vision is emphasized at the end of his Saturday group workout sessions at Fit Crew when he asks his clients to name one selfless thing they did for someone that week.

He also makes his own opportunities. If there is something Ray wants to do, he finds a way. If there is a place he wants to speak his words of gratefulness and inspiration, Ray will email, call and text everyone and anyone until he gets his invitation.

Through his social media outlet “Ray’s Ramblings,” radio segments, speaking engagements, and personal training, Ray’s message has touched the lives of countless number of children and adults.

It is this love of people and desire to lift up others that makes him one of the most familiar faces in Manatee County. Ray cannot go anywhere without being recognized, and usually stopped for a famous “Ray Hug.”

Ray Day 2018 was the natural next step. It started with a goal of having a boot camp style workout at Fit Crew with more than 100 participants, which would break the gym’s record, along with a birthday party open to the public.

The goal was easily met with more than 160 adults and 16 children sweating with Ray and the other Fit Crew trainers Saturday morning. The group of Fit Crew regulars, former clients of Ray’s at other training facilities, and friends who have never worked out with him all gathered for an hour of fitness and fun, ending in 30 push-ups.

Ray’s day ended with a birthday bash like no other at the Island’s Freckled Fin. Most of the guests in attendance, many who came from out of town to be a part of the celebration, came together to show Ray their appreciation of his giving heart and talent for making people better for having met him.

From the students and teachers he went to school with over the years to the children at the camps where he worked, from his college sports teams to the adult recreational sports team, from coaching to acting in the murder mystery fundraisers, from speaking at elementary schools to one-on-one personal training, Raymond Gardner has left his mark and continues to change the lives of people daily.

Center soccer Sato

Domination on the pitch: Sato Real Estate undefeated

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

The outcome of each of the three adult co-ed soccer games on the Island field was lopsided, to say the least. The three winners finished at least five goals over their opponents, but in the end, Team Belgium, sponsored by Sato Real Estate, has proven to be the dominant team in the group of seven.

Sato faced Moss Builders, a team that appeared equally strong a couple of weeks ago but just could not find the net this week, and the Belgium scoring got out of hand.

With Scott Bear and Olaf Krause in the goal for their teams, the game started out even and looked to be an exciting matchup.

Moss Builders’ Team Brazil started on the scoreboard with the first goal by Matthew Castro only 90 seconds into the game.

After back and forth movement of the soccer ball down the field, team captain Josh Sato hit the first of two goals with a rocket shot, tying the game.

Both teams presented a strong defensive front in the first half of the game. Sato Real Estate’s Joe Jones sent the ball to Sato setting up for the second goal for the team, pushing it ahead 2-1.

Second round pick Amy Ivin moved the ball skillfully around Moss Builders defenders, putting herself in striking position. Ivin’s goal at the 18th minute of the game gave Team Belgium a two-point lead.

Ivin was on the move again with Team Brazil’s Ray Gardener hot on her heels. Ivin’s shot was saved by team captain Ryan Moss, now in the goalkeeper position.

Looking to close the gap, Moss Builders’ Chris Scott took the free kick on the opposite end of the field. Scott’s shot went off the hands of Bear, presenting Team Brazil another scoring opportunity. Moss’ team could not take advantage of the scoring chance.

To seal the deal on the first half of play, Sato moved the ball to Jones, who found Ivin in scoring position. With Moss out of position at the goal, Ivin shot her second goal of the game, despite efforts by Aaron Parkin to stop the ball.

Up by three goals, Sato Real Estate made easy work of the field and game during the last 23 minutes of play.

Sato’s Jones scored his sole goal of the game, giving his team a four-point lead with the score 5-1.

In the 37th minute of the game, Moss Builders managed to find the net for the last time with a goal by Castro.

Sato Real Estate’s Zack Lieb nabbed goal of his own too late in the game. Ivin sealed the deal with the game-ending goal pushing the Team Belgium lead and the score to 7-2, making her team the clear leader of the pack as the regular season winds down.

Moss Builders soccer camp

Moss Builders’ soccer clinics construct confidence

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

The sponsorships by local businesses supporting the sports programs at The Center is an essential component of community unity and the growth and development of the Island area youth.

To take it to the next level, over the many years, companies like Ross Built Construction, Mike Norman Realty, Wash Family Construction, just to name a few, have not only provided financial support through sponsorships, but the owners and operators have taken time out of their busy schedules to personally help mold the players through volunteer coaching.

This tradition of selfless sacrifice continues with the next generation of parent coaches and sponsors such as Sean Flynn with Legler Flynn, the Anderson brothers Danny and Ricky with Jiffy Lube, and Moss Builders’ Ryan and Emily Moss.

From the football field to the Island pitch and even in the indoor soccer arena, Moss Builders consistently gives back to the Island community, both young and old. This summer’s indoor soccer season is no exception.

For the seven weeks of July and August, the Mosses are on the hardcourt at The Center with as many as 17 little individual indoor soccer players teaching them the basics of the fast-paced game during the Moss Builders’ clinic for 3-to 8-year-old players.

Stepping up to help, Chad Uhlinger, head referee for the adult co-ed soccer league and soccer coach at Braden River Middle School, is contributing some of his time off along with Casey Rygiel to help with the community’s future.

With the bouncier and faster balls, different game rules and half walls to strategically use during a game, the patience and guidance of the volunteer coaches are important to keep the clinic and scrimmage games fun.

Volunteer coaches are the lifeblood of the youth sports program at The Center, and the business sponsors are what help make it possible for all kids to play sports on the Island.

Sun Scoreboard

Tuesday, July 24 – Youth Indoor Soccer

Ugly Grouper – Blue Team     11

Ugly Grouper – White Team   10

Thursday, July 26 – Adult Co-Ed Soccer

Bins Be Clean (Team Sweden)            4

Progressive Cabinetry (Team Croatia)  9

Sato Real Estate (Team Belgium)        5

Ross Built Const. (Team Russia)          0

Lancaster Design (Team England)       8

MAR/KIS Insurance (Team Uruguay)   5

Center adult soccer league summer

The spirit of the World Cup on the Island

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

On the heels of the excitement of World Cup action, the Island soccer community came together Thursday night to start another season. Representing the countries that made their way to the semi-final round of the sport’s big show, more than 50 adults took to the pitch for a summer season of fun on the field.

Seven teams make up the league for the last-minute added soccer season, as summer adult flag football did not come to fruition for the first time in the league’s history. This shift in interest came at the perfect time, allowing Team Brazil, sponsored by Moss Builders, and Team Croatia, sponsored by Progressive Cabinetry, to set the tone for the night in the first game of the season.

With the co-ed rule of one female player on the field lifted, Erin Felipe represented for the limited girl power this season. Felipe plays on Team Croatia with Damir Glavan, who proudly represents his home country that made it to the finals of the World Cup.

Utilizing other portions of the field at The Center, the slightly wider but shorter field allowed more open play with five and a goalie for each team manning the field.

Progressive Cabinetry’s Ryan Hogan hit the first of his three goals early in the game with the assist by Hakan Toka. Third round pick Toka proved to be a player to watch with his performance week one.

In the fourth minute of play, last season’s sleeper Chris Scott showed why he has to be picked in the first round in the last two drafts with a solid shot after making the moves against Croatia team captain Kris Yavalar.

Aaron Parkin returned to Island soccer this season with a goal of his own less than three minutes later to put Moss Builders up by a goal in what looked to be a close game.

Hogan struck back quick to tie the game against goalkeeper Olaf Krause. Krause guarded the house until the 12th minute of play. Team captain Ryan Moss put on the goalie jersey just in time to stop a ground shot by Glavan.

Moss could not stop the Yavalar-Hogan combination moves, as Hogan solidly placed the ball in the net for a hat trick giving Progressive Cabinetry’s Team Croatia the lead once again.

As the scoreboard showed the score at 3-2, Moss made a beautiful throw to Parkin, taking advantage of the shorter field. Parkin found Ed Moss in perfect position near the Croatia goal. E. Moss’ shot went wide right.

The scoreboard clock showed a little more than two minutes left in the first half of the game when Brazil’s Scott took a shot that was finished by Raymond Gardner, tying the game at 3-3.

Toka scored his second goal of the game to put Progressive Cabinetry up again to finish the first half of play.

Less than two minutes into the next half, Parkin and Scott made easy work of the field taking the score to 4-4.

Nearing the 30th minute of play, E. Moss scored his last goal before his 60th birthday on a play made possible by the long pass of now-goalkeeper Gardner, giving Moss Builders’ Team Brazil the lead.

Yuri Pereira and Krause score goals of their own, putting the Moss team up by three goals.

In the 40th minute of the game, R. Moss found himself in the goal in a one-on-one situation against Toka. Toka’s strike could not be defended, giving Team Croatia a glimmer of hope with plenty of time on the game clock.

Toka narrowed the gap to a one-point lead with another on-target shot before Parkin and Gardner tag teamed goalie Will Case, putting the shot through his legs.

Unselfish play by Parkin gave the soccer ball to Pereira who found Scott open for yet another point on the board.

As the clock ticked down, with four seconds left in regulation play, Scott sealed the deal with a goal ending the game with the score 7-10 and giving Moss Builders’ Team Brazil the first win of the summer season.

Center of Anna Maria Island

Island cities ok Center funding

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – City commissioners have agreed to make an $18,500 contribution to The Center of Anna Maria Island.

To be taken from the city’s current fiscal year budget, the money will help support the nonprofit’s youth programs, including summer camp and after-school activities.

Executive Director Chris Culhane presented the budget request to commissioners on Thursday, June 28, after he and board chair David Zaccagnino were told on June 14 their request needed to include more specific details.

Each year the Anna Maria commission budgets taxpayer money to help support the Center, but this year’s contribution was withheld until concerns about the nonprofit’s financial stability and the organization’s willingness to share financial and operational records were addressed.

During last week’s meeting, Commissioner Brian Seymour made an initial motion to give the nonprofit $32,000, but his motion died for the lack of a second. The commission then voted 4-1 in favor of the requested $18,500 contribution, with Seymour voting opposition.

After the meeting, Seymour said, “While $18,500 is a generous donation, it doesn’t amount to anywhere close to what I feel the city should be contributing to the Center on an annual basis to support our youth. Our $18,500 is less than one-half of 1 percent of our annual budget and less than 1.5 percent of the Center’s current budget. I will keep pleading the case for more support in future years, and I hope the other commissioners can get on board.”

The Bradenton Beach Commission recently authorized a $5,000 contribution from its current fiscal year budget to assist with the Senior Adventures program that provides weekly adventures for senior citizens departing from the Annie Silver Community Center in Bradenton Beach.

The Holmes Beach Commission recently approved a $22,500 contribution to the Center from the city’s current fiscal year budget.

Related coverage

Center board makes plans for the future

Commissioners vote to financially support Center

Center finances hold steady in March

Brady family and friends Center

Island rallies for celebrated family

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Old-timers and new residents turned out Saturday to raise money for Jim and Ronee Brady, owners of the fire-damaged West Coast Surf Shop. The couple is now waiting on insurance money to pay for the damage to their shop and merchandise that was destroyed in the April blaze.

However, insurance won’t cover all their expenses or loss of income since the shop has been closed. And when their friends and fans, who included customers and former employees, heard about their plight, they organized the fundraiser. At press time, there was no count of the money raised.

Ben Webb, who helped to come up with the idea, talked to the crowd about the Bradys’ contributions to the Island.

“We decided to have a good old-fashioned fundraiser just like many we’ve held so many times in the past,” he said. “Through all those events, the Bradys were there contributing items to sell and helping with the work it takes to put on these things. They were at every one of them.”

The crowd applauded, and the family members there waved and posed for photos.

Somebody brought out two skimboards that were in the shop during the fire, and everybody there was asked to sign one of them.

There was music, beer, food, raffles and memories from those who recall how Island residents worked together to help those down on their luck. Webb said he hoped they always would.

Webb Brady Center fundraiser
Ben Webb introduces Jim Brady to the crowd. – Tom Vaught | Sun

Webb said they got the idea for the fundraiser like so many others.

“We were sitting at Duffy’s having some beers, and we decided it would be a great idea,” he said. “Then the girls took it over and handled the details.”

One of those women was Janae Rudacille, who praised the volunteers for their hard work.

Duffy’s Tavern and The Chiles Group restaurants provided the food. Duffy’s co-owner Peggy Davenport served liquor during the event, and Ed Chiles visited the event with his wife, Tina.

“This is another example of the community pulling together to help one of their own,” Chiles said. “The Bradys have been around for years and they have contributed to the fundraisers with donations and labor.”

Trevor Bystrom and Kristie Armas, Chuck Caudill and Kettle of Fish provided the music.

Jim Brady posed for photos and spoke with people he hadn’t seen in years.

“I’m amazed at the turnout,” he said. “We want to thank everybody who showed up and hope to see you when we reopen.”

Brenda Canning Olympic game 2

Olympic athlete now Island business owner

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Field hockey, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – It’s been a wild ride for Island business owner Brenda Canning as her athletic pursuits sent her all over the world before she landed on Anna Maria Island.

A Massachusetts native, Canning’s athletic career began when a schoolmate suggested she join the field hockey team. Not only did playing the game become her passion, her athletic prowess on the field led to a full scholarship to the University of New Hampshire and being recruited for the 1996 United States Olympic women’s field hockey team.

Brenda Canning solo play
Island gym owner Brenda Canning picks up her stick as a part of the 1996 Olympic women’s field hockey team. – Brenda Canning | Submitted

Reflecting on the start of her career, Canning said she was on her high school field hockey team for all four years of school and captain of the team during her senior year. During her junior and senior years, she also was a member of the All-American team. As she was graduating, she was honored as the first female athlete to have her jersey number, 17, retired at Malden High School.

As a part of her field hockey career, Canning not only trained with her teammates but also at developmental camps.

“I was just a jock,” she said. “I spent my summers playing and training.”

Canning laughed recalling that out of the three high school varsity sports she played – basketball, softball and field hockey – her favorite sport changed depending on the season. She said the only serious injury she’s sustained throughout her athletic career was a nose break as the result of an errant softball.

“I had to wear this big shield on my face,” she recalled. “It was terrible. Otherwise, I’ve been very lucky.”

After receiving offers from several different colleges, Canning said she decided on UNH because it was near her family and she had a good relationship with the field hockey coach who recruited her. That coach also worked with the Olympic women’s field hockey team, which Canning joined. While that field hockey coach moved on to work at Northwestern University, Canning said her coach for the next three years, Head Coach Robin Balducci, is still at UNH, entering her 28th season with the team.

“A lot of it came from my coaches,” she said of her field hockey career. “I have them to thank for everything.”

Canning joined the women’s Olympic team in 1992 and competed in the 1996 summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, where the team finished in fifth place.

Brenda Canning sidelines
Brenda Canning takes a break on the sidelines with her fellow Olympic teammates. – Brenda Canning | Submitted

Leading up to the Olympics, Canning said she and her teammates were stationed in Norfolk, Va. where they trained five to six days a week and studied tapes of other teams playing on their days off. The team practiced in three sessions every day for seven months out of the year.

When the team wasn’t training or traveling the world to play other Olympic teams, Canning was working as the assistant women’s field hockey coach at Boston College. She called the years leading up to the Olympic Games “the best years of my life.”

During those years Canning said her life was on hold. While her friends were off getting married and starting families, she was training, traveling the world, having her body composition tested and her skills challenged.

“They want their athletes to be in the best possible shape,” she said, crediting her training for keeping her from sustaining major injuries. “I have no regrets.”

Walking into the Olympic Games, Canning said she was nervous, excited and enjoyed every moment of the experience.

Brenda Canning
The 1996 Olympic women’s field hockey team representing the United States plays a game against the Japanese team. – Brenda Canning | Submitted

“Looking around, all you can think is this is really happening,” she said. “It really truly was a great experience. I wouldn’t change anything for it.”

The only thing she wished she could change about the experience, Canning said, would have been for her parents to have been there to see her play in the Olympics. Both of her parents passed away before she played in the Games.

“I really wish my parents could’ve seen me play at that level, especially my dad,” she said, adding that throughout her athletic career her father was on the sidelines for every game until his death. “He truly was an inspiration for me,” Canning said.

After the Olympics, Canning elected to not compete on the team for another four years. Armed with her sociology degree, she planned to be a social worker. Instead, she got into fitness and began a career of working in gyms as a trainer before becoming a gym owner herself at Island Fitness.

After visiting Anna Maria Island and the Bradenton area with friends, Canning said she knew this was the right place for her to settle down.

“Maybe I was tired of the cold,” she said, laughing.

While working at a Cortez Road gym, Canning said a client approached her, suggesting that she become a trainer. That conversation led to her earning personal training credentials and the start of her fitness training career. After working for more than 12 years at gyms in town, Canning moved out to the Island where she worked at the Holmes Beach Island Fitness location before taking over ownership and eventually relocating to The Center of Anna Maria Island. She said this is her 12th season of ownership at the gym. And while she misses field hockey, she said her focus now is on Island Fitness and working with leadership at the Center to build up and increase programming and her annual client base.

“My goal now is to help the Center to be successful and increase community awareness of what’s happening here,” she said. Plans for Island Fitness’ future at the Center include the possibility of adding a massage therapist and acupuncturist to the staff, making the gym a one-stop fitness shop on the Island.

“There’s always something going on here,” she said.

As for field hockey, while she’d like to bring the sport to the Island community, she said it would be difficult to start a league. With other sports already so popular, Canning said she fears there wouldn’t be enough community support to sustain field hockey. She did say she would welcome the opportunity to play again, particularly in a pickup game, especially one at UNH with her old coach, Balducci.

“It would be fun to play again,” Canning said.

West Coast Surf Shop luau

Luau to benefit West Coast Surf Shop

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

Hula on over to The Center of Anna Maria Island Saturday, June 30 for a community luau to benefit the Brady family, owners of the iconic West Coast Surf Shop in Holmes Beach.

No reservations are needed and the entire community is invited to attend the Hawaiian-style fundraiser. Food is available at the event for purchase and is provided by Duffy’s Tavern and The Chiles Group restaurants with a cash bar featuring beer, wine and rum punch. Entertainment includes local favorites like Trevor Bystrom, performing from 3-4 p.m., Chuck Caudill, performing from 4-5 p.m., and Kettle of Fish, performing from 5-7 p.m.

Live and silent auctions will take place featuring a stay at the Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, items from Terra’s Handmade Jewelry, photographs by Skip Nall, a gift certificate and basket by Paradise Bagels and Café, and West Coast Surf Shop memorabilia, just to name a few. Limited edition event T-shirts will be available for purchase for $20 each.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. All proceeds go to benefit Jim and Ronee Brady and the West Coast Surf Shop, which was damaged in an April electrical fire. The Bradys have reopened the surf shop with limited hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily outside of its 3902 Gulf Drive location, weather permitting, while repairs are ongoing.

The festivities begin at 3 p.m. and go until 7:30 p.m. at the Center, 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria.

For more information, to volunteer or to donate, contact Brandi Brady at 561-267-0847 or Kaitlin Kee at 941-920-2202.

Related Coverage

West Coast Surf Shop employees honored for bravery

Repairs underway at West Coast Surf Shop

Fire hits West Coast Surf Shop

Center adult soccer championship

Championship sudden death on the pitch

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

When the top two adult teams meet on the soccer field at The Center of Anna Maria Island, one can expect an exciting game with many spectators in attendance. Thursday night’s championship game did not disappoint.

To start the evening, the Center’s Recreation Director Will Schenerlein had the adult players read the Youth Sports Core Promise after the escapades that took place on and off the field during the final semi-final game the week before.

Respect, sportsmanship, and integrity were the focus of the message that Schenerlein tried to emphasize to the players participating in the co-ed recreational soccer league grand finale.

Commencing play in the heat and humidity of the early evening, the anticipation of the kickoff filled the air. The chants and cheers of the league players, friends and family became louder and more spirited with every minute of play.

Finishing at the top of the heap undefeated at the end of the season did not automatically give Team Legler Flynn Law an advantage over the strong roster of Team Lancaster Design.

Both teams started with their gentle giants in the goal: Trey Horne for Lancaster and team captain Sean Flynn for Legler Flynn.

At the start of play, Flynn’s team played with six field players and a goalie with no subs on the bench.

In the hard-to-miss bright orange jerseys, Lancaster came out on the pitch short one player due to the absence of league newbie and game changer Sumiko Chipman. John Coleman began the final game of the season on the sidelines waiting to enter the game at any time to give a teammate a breather.

Both teams came out running hard ready to make the first goal to set the tone of the game. After just 30 seconds of play, a throw-in by Lancaster Design team captain Danny Anderson was right to Robert Armstrong who headed the ball into the goal just past the reach of goalkeeper Flynn.

With the 1-0 lead, Greg DeMeuse took the soccer ball down the field finding Anderson on the other side of the goal. Anderson returned the ball to DeMeuse, giving him a scoring opportunity in front of the net.

Jeremias Gramajo brilliantly stopped the ball and prevented the point for Legler Flynn Law.

Legler Flynn fought back with a beautiful on the mark shot by Amy Ivin only to be stopped by a Lancaster defender.

Six minutes into the game, Diego Felipe took over the goalie responsibility for Legler Flynn, allowing Flynn to take the field in an attempt to tie the game.

Yorvi Moreira was denied his goal with a sliding defensive move by Horne in front of the net.

Legler Flynn Law’s solid and versatile player, Steve Oelfke, arrived on the field to give his team a much-needed extra player.

Felipe found himself just a little too far away from the goal and out of position when Anderson sent a rocket strike to put his team ahead by two.

Ivin tried to answer back with a missile of her own that went off the head of Armstrong as he leaped up in the air with his defensive move.

The goalie switch by Team Legler Flynn put Oelfke as the ultimate protector for the team with a little less than 12 minutes to play in the first half of the championship game.

Team Legler Flynn Law continued to fight hard knowing that there was plenty of time left on the clock. Felipe took is first shot that hit hard off of the hands of Horner, resulting in a corner kick. Ivin took another shot that landed at the side of the net.

Gramajo’s shot rolled the soccer ball on top of the crossbar denying his team another goal.

Unable to score despite a phenomenal effort, Legler Flynn continued to play hard down by two goals.

After goal stopping defense, Felipe took another shot with five minutes ticking off the scoreboard. His miss gave Ivin the possession. Ivin found Diego with plenty of space and time to blast the ball past the defense of Team Lancaster Design to move the score to 2-1.

Flynn dribbled the ball all the way down the field before shooting to tie the game. His shot went off Lancaster Design’s Coleman for the score-tying own goal.

In a repeat move, Flynn once again moved the offense to the goal. Horne just got a hand on Flynn’s shot preventing the shot and giving Legler Flynn Law a corner kick.

The time clock showed nothing left in the half, but the official’s clock allowed both teams to play for an additional two minutes. The battle of the defense left the score 2-2 at the whistle.

Wearing the penny, Flynn started the second half of play as the keeper. The 15 teams that played the championship game sprinted, juked, and maneuvered for more than 13 minutes before the next point was earned.

Lancaster Design got the soccer ball got to Coleman with Flynn slightly out of position giving him the go-ahead shot.

Ahead by one point, Lancaster Design found itself on the defensive attack on its end of the field for two long minutes. Moreira took the corner kick that made its way into the net to once again tie up the game.

Both teams, tired but determined, fought hard for nine minutes until the official ended regulation play with the score 3-3.

As a new rule for the season, the two teams faced off in five minutes of sudden death play – the first team to score wins – as opposed to a shootout.

Legler Flynn Law started off strong with shot attempts and corner kicks. A shot that went to the left of the post by DeMeuse could have been the winning goal for Lancaster Design.

The effective passing game by Legler Flynn Law just could not produce the critical scoring shot needed to take the championship.

With 80 seconds left in overtime play, Ricky Anderson, brother of Danny, took a shot in front of goal that was batted away by goalie Oelfke. Lady luck was smiling on Lancaster Design as the soccer ball went directly back to R. Anderson who was alone with plenty of time to produce the perfectly placed the game-winning shot.

Lancaster Design’s fourth goal gave the team the honor of being called the Paul “Ace” Hayward champions for the spring 2018 season.

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West Coast Surf Shop fire

Community events planned to help local business

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Community News.

Updated June 13, 2018

When the iconic West Coast Surf Shop suffered damage from an electrical fire April 15, community members began searching for ways to help owners Jim and Ronee Brady recover and reopen the oldest surf shop on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Now two events are scheduled to help the community rally around two of their own.

On Thursday, June 21, from 5 to 9 p.m., Acqua Aveda Salon and Spa is hosting a solstice party with 20 percent of sales going to support the Bradys and the West Coast Surf Shop. The event will feature raffle prizes, light bites from The Blue Marlin and The Island Fresh Market. AMI Spirits will be providing rum samples and the Bowled Life Food Truck will be on site for the event. Salon specials also will be available for attendees.

For more information, contact the salon at 941-778-5400. Acqua Aveda is located in the Waterline Shoppes at 5311 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.

Community members also are invited to come out and support the Bradys at a Hawaiian-style luau hosted by several friends of the couple at The Center of Anna Maria Island. The event takes place Saturday, June 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. and will feature food and drinks from local businesses along with a raffle and silent auction.

Local musicians offering their talents for the event include Trevor Bystrom, Terry Helm, Marco Ciceron and Natural Vibes, Chuck Caudill, Koko Ray and Barbara Allen.  All proceeds will benefit the Bradys and the West Coast Surf Shop.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the event is invited to contact Susanne Arbanas at 941-330-5388. For more information, contact Brandi Brady at 561-267-0847. The Center is at 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria. No reservations are necessary to attend.

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Semi-final sparks fly at The Center

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

After a slow start to the night on the soccer field in the first semi-final game Thursday night, June 7, the battle for the final seat in the championship game proved to be one of the most exciting games of the league’s history.

Uncharacteristically, Team Sato Real Estate lost to the second seed team, Lancaster Design in the first semi-final showdown. Losing most of the 50-50 balls, sluggish passes and missed opportunities for Sato Real Estate places the team in the third-place game this Thursday night at 7 p.m.

Despite great efforts by the entire Sato squad and goals by team captain Josh Sato, Francisco Oliviera, and Jose Caseras, the team just could not outrun, outshoot and outplay Lancaster Design.

With non-stop speed and tireless runs, Danny Anderson, Lancaster Design team captain, was credited to one assist and two goals. Anderson’s first goal came at the 13th minute of the game, after a perfectly placed high arching shot by Sumiko Chipman three minutes into the game.

At the corner of the field, Anderson miraculously passed the soccer ball with his knee to Greg DeMeuse, who shot a rocket into the lower right corner of the net. With little time on the clock, the bullet pass by Lancaster Design’s Robert Armstrong was hit tapped off the foot of Sato Real Estate’s Nate Talucci for an own goal advancing the score to 4-1.

In the second half of the game, Sato tried to rally his team with standout play and a quick goal to take the score to 4-2, but his efforts just were not quite enough to carry the team.

League newcomer Armstrong should see himself taken at the top of the draft next season with impressive games like the one he played Thursday night, with strong field play and two goals of his own.

Leaving the goal, keeper Trey Horne, who was noted to have five saves in the game, handed the penny to DeMeuse with 12 minutes left in the game and the score 6-2.

After a Sato Real Estate goal, Armstrong sprinted down the sideline with Sato hot on his heels moving toward the Sato Real Estate goal. Goalkeeper Jordan Demers, with six saves in the game, readied himself, but just could not stop the on-the-go strike by Armstrong ending the game with the score 7-3 and moving Lancaster Design to the final game of the season.

The sparks flew in the second game of the night with exciting soccer play, heated defensive attacks by each team and high emotions on the field. Undefeated Legler Flynn Law’s solid roster faced a determined Slim’s Place.

Out of the gate, Legler Flynn’s Amy Ivin shot quickly to put her team on top early. Andre Lewis, Slim’s Place’s man to stop, answered back with the first of three goals to tie the game.

In the 14th minute of the game, Lewis fired the soccer ball past Mark Rudacille in the goal for Legler Flynn Law. With 26 minutes of regulation play left in the game, Jeremias Gramajo put the soccer ball in the net for Sean Flynn’s team.

As the first half of the game came to an end, Lewis got wrapped up with Legler Flynn defenders clotheslining one of the players. With the no call by the officials, Lewis was able to break free to take his shot for a goal, with jeers from the spectators, who thought the move was intentional, giving his team the lead going into the second half of play.

To start the final minutes of the game, Team Legler Flynn played textbook soccer with Gramajo passing to Diego Felipe. Felipe sent a rocket toward the last defender Rico Beissert with the intended receiver Yorvi Moreira in perfect position. Felipe’s shot went off the foot of Beissert for an own goal in the 25th minute of play.

With emotions increasing and the desire to win filling the air, team captain PJ Smargisso was given a yellow card after rough play on Felipe. The official’s call was the first lightning strike for the Smargisso verbal hailstorm that would ensue later in the game.

Flynn followed with an amazing free kick that hit the inside of the post once it fired past the line of defenders, putting Team Legler Flynn Law ahead 4-3.

Triple teaming the Slim’s Place strong man Lewis, the Legler Flynn defense made him work hard for every inch and every shot.

Saves by Will Case, with six saves in the match-up, kept Slim’s Place in the game up to the very last second.

Playing hard against Gramajo, Smargisso found himself on the verbal defense with a spectator, players, and Gramajo. Unable to let down, the verbal judo continued well into the second half of the game and after the final whistle was blown.

The emotional distraction and injury to Smargisso allowed Diego to work his magic on the field with solid midfield missile that was blocked but bobbled by Case, giving Moreira chance to finish and score, advancing the score to 5-3 with 10 minutes left on the scoreboard.

Diego fired another shot in an attempt to spread the score. Case held his own in the net solidly handling the soccer ball.

Avoiding the breakaway by Team Slim’s Place’s Ray Gardner, Moreira grabbed the back of Gardner’s shorts, pulling him down and stopping his progress. Moreira was called for the foul, but tempers flared as Moreira pushed Gardner in the chest.

Both players were given a yellow card with the testosterone levels at an all-time high on the field for many of the male players on both teams, as Gardner retaliated and gave Moreira a taste of his own medicine.

Taking the fiery energy onto the field, Smargisso fired one past Flynn in the goal with the help of a community center field bounce.

Down only by a single goal with just seconds left in the game, both sides fought fiercely on the field; Legler Flynn Law working to stay a point ahead and Slim’s Place hoping to at least move to a shootout.

Lewis launched a shot that went just wide of the post with 20 seconds left on the clock. On the official’s time, Gardner knocked hard shot toward the net that was grabbed by the skillful hands of Flynn to prevent the tie.

The final free kick taken by Lewis was blocked, ensuring the win for Legler Flynn Law as the official blew the whistle to end the action and emotionally packed game, advancing the team a place in the Paul “Ace” Hayward Cup championship game Thursday, June 14 at 8 p.m.

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Center adult soccer playoffs

Legler Flynn Law continues to dominate

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

Week one of the adult co-ed soccer league playoffs concluded with the top-ranked teams finishing their games as the victors. In the final game of the night Thursday, Team Legler Flynn Law continued its undefeated streak with a 6-1 win over last seed Team Acqua Aveda.

Without its team captain and number one seed Eric Pullen and a skeleton crew on the pitch, Aqua Aveda finished the game with a single goal.

Legler Flynn Law spread the scoring among five teammates, and the goal-saving credits were shared among three keepers.

Diego Felipe scored a goal and was recorded to have three saves in the game. Amy Ivin and Steve Oelfke each had a goal of their own, while Steve Veliquette and Yorvi Moreira put a total of four in the net.

Goalkeepers Mark Rudacille and team captain Sean Flynn saved a total of seven strikes to help capture the win, moving Legler Flynn Law to the semifinal round of play.

Scoring by team captain Danny Anderson, Greg DeMeuse, and Robert Armstrong gave Lancaster Design the win over MAR/Kis Insurance. Mike “Il Toro” Brusso scored the single goal for MAR/Kis Insurance as his tenacity against goalie Trey Horne paid off in the first half of the game.

The first game of the night found Team Ross Built Construction a man down on the field with no substitute players against a full Slim’s Place squad. Playing without Ben Sato, James Lynch and Omar Polar, Ross Built Construction fought hard but was outnumbered and gassed by the end of the game.

Ryan Hogan scored the only goal for Ross Built Construction straight out of the gate at the start of the second half, giving the team some hope, but the on-field speed and talent of Slim’s Place could not be matched.

Team captain PJ Smargisso and Maxim Panchenko each scored a goal for Slim’s Place. Using his natural athletic ability, Slim’s Place’s Ray Gardner put two goals up for his team.

With no Satos on the field last week, Sato Real Estate took the field without team captain Josh Sato. In a hard-fought game, Moss Builders came up short, losing by the one and only goal scored by Sato Real Estate’s Jose Caseras.

Shots by Stephen Adair, Jessica Williams, Chris Scott and team captain Ryan Moss, along with eight noted saves by keeper Josh Bernet kept Moss Builders in the game the full 46 minutes of play.

Strong defensive play by Sato Real Estate, including outstanding goalkeeping by Jordan Demers, who had a recorded five saves, put the team into the semifinal round of competition.

Thursday night’s action starts with Sato Real Estate facing off against Lancaster Design at 7 p.m. Immediately following, Legler Flynn Law continues to fight for the title against Slim’s Place.

Storm palms

Time to stock up for hurricane season

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Hurricane Guide Archives.

As subtropical storm Alberto was forming in the Yucatan Channel, on its way up the Gulf, a crowd of 20 people gathered at The Center of Anna Maria Island Friday, May 25 to get some tips for the storm season.

Some of the attendees were new to the area and some came from the mainland to attend the hurricane seminar. Red Cross volunteers Monte Messersmith and Mary Lochleidmen, who lives on the Island, urged the audience to stock up on survival supplies now.

“I have two shelves of supplies,” Messersmith said. One is for when I stay and ride it out and the other is for when I go.”

Messersmith said he has tarps and equipment to protect him and his home if he stays and he has all of his insurance information and other important paperwork plus immediate supplies if he leaves.

Both he and Lochleidmen urged the crowd to have a plan for where to go if they have to evacuate. They said people can reserve a room out of the danger zone and cancel it before the storm hits.

“If you lose your deposit, you can chalk it up to experience,” Messersmith said.

They said the county has a number of shelters in schools for those who have nowhere else to go, but they cautioned the crowd it is very uncomfortable.

Lochleidmen took out a beach towel and spread it out on the floor.

Gas shortage
Gas was hard to come by during and after Hurricane Irma.

“This is roughly the amount of space you will have to sleep or sit,” she said. “If you have a pet, you will have to locate a shelter that takes pets and bring food and supplies for your pet.”

They said everyone should stock up on water, fuel and cash before the storm. They also said it would be a good idea to take stock of possessions in your home and document them with pictures and videos.

For those on medications, make sure you have enough for possibly a month, and make sure you take them with you, preferably in an airtight bag.

They closed their presentation by urging people to volunteer with the Red Cross if they want to help others.

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Manatee County concession fund

County commissioners approve concession fund request

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – An influx of monies from the excess concession fund is making its way to the three Island cities and The Center of Anna Maria Island.

In a unanimous vote, Manatee County commissioners agreed to release the requested funds. Totaling $1,023,520, the request included $400,590 for bicycle safety improvements and $64,930 for pedestrian safety improvements in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, $25,000 for Holmes Beach Dog Park improvements, $35,000 for a kayak launch at Grassy Point Preserve, and $40,000 for Holmes Beach Skate Park improvements. All of those projects are listed at a 50 percent match for the Island cities. The request also included $25,000 for bicycle racks in Holmes Beach, $333,000 toward the Anna Maria City Pier rebuild, and $100,000 for capital improvements at The Center of Anna Maria Island.

The excess concession fund, managed by county commissioners, was established to hold funds received from the beach concessions at Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach for use for one-time projects benefitting the Island community. For any of the three cities to receive funds, the governments of all three Island cities must agree and present the request as a unit. The recently-approved list represents several months of work on the part of the Island cities’ leadership.

“This is a big step for Anna Maria Island, getting everyone to agree,” Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore said. She congratulated the three Island governments on working together to agree on the list of projects and present the county leadership with a plan.

County Commissioner Betsy Benac said she appreciates the focus on safety with many of the approved projects. “I’m glad that you were able to work it out,” she said.

County Commissioner Stephen Jonsson also congratulated the Island government representatives on being able to come together to use funds that he said weren’t benefitting anyone, just accumulating. “It’s really refreshing to see you all work together.”

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the concession fund request,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy said. “We’re getting closer to achieving our goal of $4.5 million for our pier.”

During the May 22 county meeting, Murphy broke down the estimated total cost for the City Pier rebuild, which he said was “just about the amount of the city’s annual budget.” With $1.5 million pledged from Manatee County Tourist Development Council funds, $750,000 coming from state funds, and $500,000 pledged from Anna Maria city funds, that leaves $1.75 million for Murphy to come up with. In addition to the $333,000 from the county, he said he hopes more funds can be accumulated for the project from donations, FEMA and potentially the state historic board. “I don’t know how that’s going to come out,” Murphy said.

After the meeting, Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie also praised the county commissioners for their support and the Island city leaders for their work.

“You can’t go without saying that former Mayor Bill Shearon was part of the cities working together,” Chappie said. “It’s a great program that was developed by the county and it’s going for good causes, including pedestrian and public safety. It’s a boost for the community center as well.”

At a Holmes Beach commission meeting also on May 22, Mayor Bob Johnson shared the good news with commissioners.

“I have good news and it comes by way of the county,” he said. “It’s a good example of things coming together the way they’re supposed to. It’s there, we’ve got it, and the total runs about $1 million across the Island.”

Johnson also thanked county commissioners for their quick consideration of funding the projects list and their support of the Island communities.

County commissioners also can designate the funds for other purposes, which was demonstrated when they also voted unanimously to grant the Center up to $25,000 for a transit vehicle in a separate request by the Island nonprofit for assistance in purchasing an additional vehicle for student and senior transportation. Center board Chair David Zaccagnino said he was surprised by the county commissioners’ choice to award the monies from the concession fund but he’s pleased by their support of the Island nonprofit, which has struggled in recent years to receive large amounts of government support.

“We’re extremely grateful and extremely happy,” Zaccagnino said after the county meeting. He also thanked the county and Island city governments for coming together to support the Center using the “beer and pancake money” from the concession fund.

“A couple of months’ work is finally coming together,” Center Executive Director Chris Culhane said.