Every week, SBC residents pack food backpacks for young students and collect stamps in a program that will help the food bank purchase a new delivery van. So far we have collected enough Campbell's Soup labels to earn 16,000 points toward the goal. It is important to be engaged with the community and this is a tangible way in which residents make a difference every day. Shown in a recent work session are (left to right) Delores Godwin, Burnell Schubbe, Frances Eisner, Ray Grills, Frank Levine, Melanie Eckstein and Jerry Kaplan.

Volunteering is good for you and good for your community! At SBC, our residents volunteer in a wide variety of areas. They lead programs such as our poetry group, our "think tank" and a support group, they pack backpacks for needy area children, they welcome new residents, they tend to the libraries, the herb garden and the greenhouse. They serve on committees or just "jump in" to help. Our entire community reaps the benefit. With gratitude, SBC hosted our volunteers to a special breakfast celebration on our outdoor veranda. Enjoying the lovely weather, good food and great company are (l-r) Frank Levine, Alan Turow, Sylvia Cowan and Gert Margolick.

During a recent Masterpiece Living Day, our chef invited interested male residents to join him for a cooking class. The dish was ribs and the class was a great success -- especially as each participant took some home after everyone tasted the results! Here, getting ready to add the spices are (l-r) Frank Levine, Bob Howell, Joe Ellison and Sam Smullin.

In the global fight against Alzheimer's disease, Sarasota's Roskamp Institute stands on the front line. As academic centers around the world study ways to prevent the onset of this degenerative disease or ease the symptoms, our research team has developed a new drug with the potential to modify the course of this devastating condition.

Click link below for full story:

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120301/COLUMNIST/120229423

One of the most satisfying ways to enhance a home is with beautifully arranged flowers. Guided by Sarasota Bay Club staff member Rebecca Dutton, a floral designer, our residents periodically learn the techniques of floral design and take home their arrangements. At times, a group of residents will gather to create centerpieces for a special theme night or dinner dance.  Here, Barbara Blumfield (left) and Judy Markstein work with classic red roses.

“Giving to others” benefits both the giver and the receiver. At the Sarasota Bay Club, our Owners have committed to several community projects. Owner Bob Howell uses his woodworking skills to build toys to be donated to a local foster child program. Arline Good (pictured) joins a painting group in the Art Studio who transformed the wood pieces into colorful toys. It's fun to work on these projects, especially knowing they are for a good cause.

Every so often, we invite Jana Broder from “Drum Magic” to bring her African drums and lead us in a community drumming session. Jana is a gifted and spirited teacher, and in no time she has us all drumming up a storm! Drumming touches all four areas of Masterpiece Living – social (we’re drumming in a big circle), intellectual (we need to remember the patterns), physical (this is exercise!) and spiritual (drumming together gives us all a sense of being connected).  Most of all, it is fun! Pictured is SBC Owner Sue Safford in her first drumming experience. The smiles were contagious!

The Sarasota Bay Club’s “Masterpiece Living Days” are a great opportunity to try something new. From breakfast through the evening entertainment, Owners are presented with a variety of activities and events designed to enhance well-being and promote a fun and supportive community. At the last Masterpiece Living Day, Concierge staff member John Almeida led a sing-along – here pictured with Owners Sam Smullin (left) and Frank Levine, two of our more enthusiastic singers!

Sarasota Bay Club's Executive Chef Mark Traugutt and resident, Mrs. Shirley Fein, are featured in Edible Sarasota Magazine's Special Collectible Edition enjoying the camaraderie of cooking her favorite recipe, Sweet & Sour Pot Roast.  Chef Mark, who graduated from the French Culinary Institute, insists on local organic ingredients, with every dish cooked to order.  Mrs. Fein and her fellow residents savor every forkful and sip at the Sarasota Bay Club.  Click on this link to see full article and Mrs. Fein's recipe:
http://www.ediblecommunities.com/sarasota/cooks/cooks-at-home-sarasota-bay.htm