Cameron Cox Interiors Featured in STYLE

One of Kangaroo's newest (and most fun!) clients is Sarasota's Cameron Cox, an interior designer in our community for almost thirty years. We are so pleased to share with you yesterday's Style Magazine feature on this north Sarasota Bay home, with spaces and views scripted by Cox throughout. She is truly a Sarasota icon and we are proud to share her work with you! Much more to come!

Largest US Parkinson Conference Comes to SRQ

A major coup for Sarasota: the nation's largest medical conference on Parkinson disease is coming to town January 22, 2011. Experts from across the country will share the latest, cutting-edge treatment for this degenerative brain condition that affects millions nationally and 15,000 in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.

Six hundred people are expected to attend the one-day symposium, which features leading physicians and researchers from Harvard, Cleveland Clinic, The Parkinson's Institute, The Neuroregeneration Institute and Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Experts will focus on the latest research in stem cells, exercise, medical and surgical treatments for Parkinson Disease and more.

It happens at Sarasota Memorial Hospital's Institute for Advanced Medicine on Rand Boulevard, and it's all thanks to the on-going important collaboration between Neuro Challenge Foundation and Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, as well as grants from Teva Neuroscience, Harry Sudakoff Foundation and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. The internationally-recognized researchers who'll be speaking include:

· J. William Langston, M.D., Founder, CEO and Scientific Director of The Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale, Cal. Dr. Langston gained international attention in 1982 for discovering a link between synthetic heroin and the sudden onset of Parkinson's disease in several local drug addicts. With over 250 publications, including "The Frozen Addicts," Dr. Langston continues to forge ahead as an advocate for discovering ways to slow or halt the progress of PD.

· Jay L. Alberts, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Cleveland Clinic in the Department of Biomedical Engineering & Center for Neurological Restoration in Cleveland, Ohio. Each year, Dr. Alberts leads the "Pedaling for Parkinson's" group on a 500-mile journey across Iowa to raise funds for PD research. Recently, he was nationally recognized for research on tandem bicycling and its effects on Parkinson patients.

· Ole Isacson, M.D., Professor of Neurology at Harvard University and Director of The Neuroregeneration Institute at McLean Hospital in Boston. With over 200 publications and three books, Dr. Isacson has pioneered several lines of research, including the implantation of stem cells to reverse the effects of PD.

SMH physicians, Dean P. Sutherland, M.D., Ph.D. and James Schumacher, M.D. will also present. In addition, a Q & A panel discussion will follow, moderated by TV journalist Heidi Godman.

What: 2011 Suncoast Parkinson Disease Symposium

When: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm on January 22, 2011

Where: SMH's Institute for Advanced Medicine, 5880 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238

Registration: Log onto www.neurochallenge.org or call 941-917-7777

Cost:$25 per person, however scholarships are available upon request

CE Credits: 3.0 Free Contining Ed. Credits for physicians, nurses, PT, OT and Speech

The Neuro Challenge Foundation Mission is to enhance the quality of life for people living with Parkinson Disease through education, outreach and research. Their flagship program, Parkinson Partners, provides one on one advice for patients. Call 941-926-6413 to enroll, free of charge.

Parkinson Disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over the age of 60. While the average age of onset is 62, disease onset starts by age 40 in an estimated five to 10 percent of patients, and people as young as 30 can also be affected. There is no readily-available objective test, or biomarker, for Parkinson Disease, so the rate of misdiagnosis can be relatively high, especially when the diagnosis is made by a non-specialist. Estimates of the number of people living with the disease vary, but recent research indicates that at least one million people in the U.S., and six million world-wide, have Parkinson Disease.

Sarasota Community Acupuncture: 2 for $20

Give and receive the gifts of relaxation and healing this holiday season at Sarasota Community Acupuncture, now offering “2 for $20 Tuesdays” in December and January. Schedule an appointment with a friend on a Tuesday in December or January and pay only $10 each for complete acupuncture treatments. The offer is valid in both the morning and afternoon time slots at the clinic, now open seven days a week and located at 3615 Webber Street (visit www.sarasotacommunityacupuncture.com for current hours of operation). Chair space is limited, so please call (941) 922-4611 to schedule an appointment for this special.

What is Community Acupuncture?

Community Acupuncture is based on the philosophy that acupuncture therapy needs to be consistent, not expensive, to be effective. Most American acupuncturists see one patient per hour and charge anywhere from $60 to $125 per treatment. Sarasota Community Acupuncture sets itself apart with a unique sliding scale ranging from $15 to $45 per treatment. Acupuncture can be made affordable by treating in a small group setting, using several recliners clustered together in a quiet soothing space.

“Many of our patients tell us that they have tried acupuncture before, but could not continue treatment because it was too expensive,” says co-owner Melonie Burgess, A.P. “We believe acupuncture can really make a difference in people's lives. It's an untapped resource for many of us, and it is not just for people with disposable incomes.” says Burgess. “It just needs to be more available and affordable and that is why we are here.”

To take advantage of Sarasota Community Acupuncture’s 2 for $20 Tuesdays or to learn more about Community Acupuncture, please call (941) 922-4611 or visit www.sarasotacommunityacupuncture.com.

About Sarasota Community Acupuncture: Sarasota Community Acupuncture is a famly practice committed to cultivating health with the practitioner and the patient in partnership. The mission of SCA is to provide the community with high quality and affordable acupuncture, and to create a treatment space that connects people and builds community. For more information, please visit www.sarasotacommunityacupuncture.com, or call (941) 922-4611 for an appointment at our clinic, located at 3615 Webber Street in Sarasota, Florida.

Ashley's Delivers Local Gift Baskets

Looking for a unique, convenient and affordable gift giving option this holiday season? Consider delivery of a locally-made gift basket, overflowing with home-style treats from the bakery at Troyer’s Dutch Heritage. Ashley’s Food Delivery is now accepting orders for a variety of food-filled gift baskets, all available for delivery throughout the holiday season.

Ideal for personal and corporate gift giving, Troyer’s gift baskets reflect the traditional heritage and old-fashioned charm of Sarasota’s local Amish and Mennonite community. Choose from the following options for delivery:

• Troyer’s Heritage Basket features 100 percent locally made treats from the Troyer’s Dutch Heritage bakery and restaurant, as well as a copy of the Heritage Favorites cookbook, a collection of family recipes from Troyer’s employees. Included are a small homemade pie, home-style fudge, fresh granola, apple butter, jam, old-fashioned candies and more ($55, including delivery).

• The Brunch Basket is filled with home-style goodies including homemade sweet bread & cookies, coffee, tea, two ceramic Troyer’s mugs, jelly, fruit mix, homemade peanut butter, candy and more ($55, including delivery).

• The Party Basket offers a sampling of Amish delights including a summer sausage, a cheese round, pretzels & crackers and Amish dressings & dips ($55, including delivery).

• The Florida Basket features citrus honey, orange marmalade, Gator Sauce, orange dressing, citrus taffy and mini coconut patties ($30, including delivery).

• The Popcorn Basket is filled with two bags of un-popped popcorn, buttery topping, sweet caramel glaze and chocolates ($30, including delivery).

Ashley’s Food Delivery makes seasonal gift giving easy and convenient with a complete gift basket delivery menu, and online ordering, at www.ashleysfood.com. Orders can also be placed by phone; call 941-953-FOOD (3663). Gift basket delivery is available every day; 48 hour notice is requested. Complimentary gift cards can be included with all gifts baskets upon request.

About Ashley’s Food Delivery: The area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery partners with over 25 restaurants in Sarasota to deliver everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s Food offers residential & corporate meal delivery, drop-off catering services and gift basket delivery. The service is open for lunch delivery Monday through Friday and dinner delivery every day. For more information, call 953-3663 or visit www.AshleysFood.com.

Get Your Thanksgiving Pies Delivered!

Don’t stand in line at the local Amish bakery to pick up your pies this Thanksgiving – have them delivered instead! Ashley’s Food Delivery will bring them right to your holiday table, and is accepting pre-orders now. Choose from a wide selection of homemade pies from the bakery at Troyer’s Dutch Heritage. Traditional favorites like Pumpkin, Pecan and Dutch Apple are available, as well as decadent flavors like Chocolate Cream, Cranberry Pecan and Strawberry Rhubarb.

Whole pies are $10.99 to $12.99, plus tax and delivery. To view a full selection of available pies, as well as other bakery items such as dinner rolls, sweet breads and cookies, visit www.AshleysFood.com. Order online, or call 953-3663 to place your pie order today. 48 hours advance notice requested for pie deliveries. Thanksgiving deliveries will be made Wednesday, November 24.

About Ashley’s Food Delivery: The area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery partners with over 25 restaurants in Sarasota to deliver everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s Food offers residential & corporate meal delivery, drop-off catering services and gift basket delivery. The service is open for lunch delivery Monday through Friday (Sarasota only) and dinner delivery every day. For more information, call 953-3663 or visit www.AshleysFood.com.

Rosemary Birthing Home Welcomes Licensed Midwife Kathleen Cardin

Kathleen Cardin, LM, CPM, gave birth to her second child almost twenty years ago, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by people who loved her. By the time her daughter was three months old, Kathleen was accompanying a pair of senior midwives to births, and a few years later she graduated from an accredited Florida midwifery program and began her practice in Tallahassee. After a decade in Maine as a nurse in both a small county hospital and an 850 bed regional medical center, Kathleen is unpacking her moving boxes and packing her midwifery bag to join Harmony Miller, LM, CPM at Sarasota’s Rosemary Birthing Home.

“I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a healer; that is, to help and support people through life processes and to help them grow, and to grow myself,” says Kathleen. “I was taught right from the start that birth is a beautiful process, an awesome experience, and something to look forward to and enjoy.”

Rosemary Birthing Home was established in 2003 and is owned and operated by Licensed Midwives. A free-standing, accredited birth center in Sarasota’s historic Rosemary District, Rosemary Birthing Home offers personalized midwifery care embedded with the philosophy that birth is a normal, healthy process that most often requires no medical intervention.

"I am so happy to have Kathleen joining the Rosemary family,” says Harmony Miller, midwife, owner and operator of Rosemary Birthing Home since 2006. “She has so much to offer to our community."

Rosemary Birthing Home families and the Sarasota community are invited to meet Kathleen, Harmony and the rest of the Rosemary Birthing Home care team on Saturday, December 11, in the Rosemary Court gardens. For more information, please call 941.330.9966 or visit www.rosemarybirthing.com.

About Rosemary Birthing Home: Established in 2003, Rosemary Birthing Home is a free-standing birth center in Sarasota’s historic Rosemary District. Owned and operated by Florida licensed midwives, Rosemary Birthing Home offers personalized midwifery care, birth center births, home births, water births, pre-pregnancy nutrition counseling, postpartum care, babywearing classes, support groups, lactation counseling, complete childbirth education, a lending library and more. A free Choices in Childbirth Class and Rosemary Birthing Home Orientation is offered on Mondays and Tuesdays (by appointment only). For more information, please call 941.330.9966 or visit www.rosemarybirthing.com.

Introducing: 12th and East Home

On November 23, Sarasota will become the flagship site for a new home accessories boutique, created by one of the area’s most reputed interior design firms. Located at the intersection of 12th Street and East Avenue, 12th and East Home is the retail showroom for hand-picked accents and custom-designed pieces from Jessica Holmes Interiors.

Jessica Holmes has been an interior designer in Sarasota for 11 years, building a portfolio of fresh, effective design for our community’s most savvy clientele. Holmes, along with designer Melissa DeMore, has brought the same level of sophistication into 12th and East Home, carefully selecting each product with her clients’ aesthetic in mind. The store will carry candles, lamps, jewelry, scarves, throws, coffee table books and more, from some of the industry’s most coveted and innovative lines. Holmes and DeMore have also created exclusive lines of custom pillows, dog beds and table linens, as well as small upholstery pieces.

“The concept of 12th and East Home is to marry the vintage spirit with a fresh, modern elegance,” says Holmes, whose fiancé Adam Holiday collects, restores, and sells 18th and 19th century antiques from the adjacent warehouse. “We are bringing some rare and special antiques in to the store and refreshing them with vintage-inspired modern upholstery and accents. The result is a look never before seen in Sarasota.”

A grand opening reception at the showroom, located at 1220 East Avenue North, is planned for December 2nd, 5:00-7:30pm. Guests will enjoy light fare and 10% off of all purchases. For more information about 12th and East Home, please call (941) 365-8205, or visit their website at 12thandeasthome.com.

About 12th and East Home: 12th and East Home is a sophisticated home accessories showroom anchored in Sarasota, Florida. Interior designers Jessica Holmes and Melissa DeMore present an ever-changing collection of vintage-inspired modern accents and expertly selected consigned antiques, establishing a unique and relevant aesthetic for today’s discerning home decorator. Our showroom, established in November 2010, is located at 1220 East Avenue North in Sarasota, Florida, or on the web at 12thandEastHome.com.

Authentic Pilates Comes to Downtown SRQ

When we hear the word “pilates,” most of us think of a generic type of exercise akin to yoga, but with props. But for former Sarasota Ballet dancer Christina Gadar, the word means much more. Christina is a second generation Pilates instructor, having been certified by Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates' hand chosen protégé, in 2000. She now owns and operates a fully equipped Pilates studio in Sarasota, complete with top of the line equipment based on Joseph Pilates’ original designs. This Saturday, Christina will bring her reformer apparatus (shown above) to Sarasota’s Main Street to demonstrate the difference between authentic Pilates and imitative versions.

“My goal is to preserve the integrity of Joseph Pilates' original vision of physical and mental conditioning while constructing creative workouts tailored to the individual,” says Christina, who holds dual citizenship with Brazil and the U.S. “I love what I do and it brings me a lot of satisfaction to share the benefits of Pilates with others.”

Christina’s exhibit is part of the Sarasota Naturally festival taking place this Saturday, November 13th, on Main Street. Her demonstration of the extensive vocabulary of Pilates exercise takes place on the “Fit Body Stage” across from Smokin’ Joes at 11:00 am.

For more information about Pilates Personal Training with Christina Gadar, please call (941) 955-3800, or visit www.pilatespersonaltraining.com.

About Pilates Personal Training with Christina Gadar: Christina Maria Gadar has been providing top quality Pilates instruction in Sarasota, Florida since 2000. Christina’s fully equipped Pilates studio features the very best equipment in a comfortable and private setting. Proper choice of instructor and equipment is absolutely essential for success in Pilates. Private lessons last 55 minutes and are available Monday through Friday by appointment only. Christina’s studio is conveniently located near Sarasota Memorial Hospital, between the Siesta beaches and downtown Sarasota. For more information, please call (941) 955-3800, or visit www.pilatespersonaltraining.com.

Ashley's Delivers the Flavors of Fall

Ashley’s Food Delivery, the area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, offers the bounty of autumn delivered to your home or office. Get out of the kitchen and out into the cooler weather—or in front of the big screen--while one of Ashley’s 25 restaurant partners does the cooking for you. Two fall delivery specials are now available through November 30th:

Word of Mouth offers a complete Thanksgiving dinner for two for $24.99 (plus tax and delivery). Your meal includes roasted turkey breast, red skinned smashed potatoes, corn bread stuffing with turkey gravy, cranberry relish and the veggie of the day. Delivery is not available on Thanksgiving Day.

Hooters knows what football fans want: WINGS! The Football Fan combo is just $14.99 (plus tax and delivery) and includes 10 wings (add $1 for all drumsticks) and 10 buffalo shrimp.

Full delivery menus for all of Ashley’s restaurant partners are available on the Ashley’s Food Delivery website, www.AshleysFood.com. Delivery orders can be placed online, or with a customer service representative at 953-FOOD (953-3663).

About Ashley’s Food Delivery: The area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery partners with over 25 restaurants in Sarasota to deliver everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s Food offers residential & corporate meal delivery, drop-off catering services and gift basket delivery. The service is open for lunch delivery Monday through Friday (Sarasota only) and dinner delivery every day. For more information, call 953-FOOD or visit www.AshleysFood.com.

Facing Parkinson Disease: Exhibit November 1st

They are diverse groups that garner national attention for their high caliber talent and cutting-edge work. Now, Sarasota's arts and medical communities will join forces to bring attention to a devastating disease on the Suncoast.

Sarasota artists and the nationally acclaimed Neuro Challenge Foundation will provide an unprecedented, artistic view of Parkinson patients and their families in all stages of life at “Facing Parkinson Disease,” a one-week exhibit at The Art Center of Sarasota, November 1-5.

Intimate photo essays by notable local photographers will showcase area families living with Parkinson Disease, while guests view an extraordinary mixed media presentation featuring works from Parkinson inspired artists.

"It makes so much sense for us to work together," says photographer and Suncoast celebrity Cliff Roles. "Who better to show this community a disease affecting thousands in our own backyard?"

You can see the work of Roles and other artists, patients and doctors, and meet them as well, at the opening reception. It happens at The Art Center of Sarasota on Monday, November 1 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Hundreds are expected to attend the opening ceremony to show their support.

"You'll be surprised at the way the disease affects people, and I think you'll be surprised at the people you'll recognize at the exhibit. They are your neighbors and friends, and you may not even know they are struggling with this frustrating condition," says Neuro Challenge Foundation President and CEO Doreen Sutherland.

Selected art from Parkinson patients and caregivers will be auctioned at the reception. Suggested donation is $15 at the door and includes wine, light fare, and inspiring music. All proceeds benefit Neuro Challenge Foundation, an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of Parkinson Disease patients and their caregivers.

About Neuro Challenge Foundation: Neuro Challenge Foundation (NCF) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of people with Parkinson Disease and their caregivers through service, education and research. NCF funds programs and activities that promise to ease the burden of Parkinson Disease through patient-centered professional education, community forums and scientific and clinical research. Patients, caregivers and nationally recognized scientific experts advise us and lead the way as we invest in the science and services that will lead to a cure. For more information, please call (888) 623-4483 or visit www.neurochallenge.org.