Rosemary Birthing Home Launches New Website

Rosemary Birthing Home, one of two freestanding birth centers in Sarasota, has launched a comprehensive new website (www.rosemarybirthinghome.com). The website was designed to inform families that are pregnant or considering pregnancy about the Midwives Model of Care, and to illustrate the strong community that midwifery creates.

Rosemary Birthing Home’s new website was designed and developed locally by Max Kelly Design and Seven Thirty Three, and coordinated by Kangaroo Promotions, Inc. All of the photographs on the site, with the exception of the client photo gallery, were taken of Rosemary families by Valerie Joy Photography. The site includes information for fathers and big siblings, waterbirth videos, birth announcements, meetings and events held at the birthing home, and an extensive resource guide. “Anyone considering pregnancy or looking to choose a maternity care provider should visit this website,” says project manager Laura Gilkey. “It really illustrates the kind of expert, gentle care that midwives provide. The faces in their clients’ photos say it all.”

Rosemary Birthing Home was established in 2003 and is owned and operated by Licensed Midwives. A free-standing 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.

For more information, please call 941.330.9966 or visit www.rosemarybirthinghome.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, support groups, lactation counseling, complete childbirth education, a lending library and more. A free orientation to Rosemary Birthing Home is offered by appointment at (941) 228-7303. For more information, please call 941.330.9966 or visit www.rosemarybirthinghome.com.

Local Businesses Join Healthy Start to Collect Diapers in August

No child should ever wear the same diaper all day. The unfortunate reality is that here in Sarasota County, one in three families in struggles with providing the bare necessities for their babies. With the cost of diapers at more than $100 each month per child, many parents must make the difficult choice between diapers and food. Infants who don’t have a clean diaper are likely to suffer from painful urinary tract infections and other serious complications.

Throughout the month of August, the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of pregnant women, infants, and young children in Sarasota County, is collecting diapers to give to families in need. You can donate unopened packages of diapers (cloth or disposable) and wipes at several convenient locations. Cash donations to purchase diapers will also be accepted at the Healthy Start Coalition office. Healthy Start will also be collecting donations at the Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market on Saturday, August 13th.

Drop-off locations include:

• Healthy Start Coalition Office (also accepting cash donations) at 1750 17th Street, Building A
• Healthy Start Program Office, 2nd Floor, Sarasota County Health Department, 2200 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota
• Birthways Family Birth Center, 4222 McIntosh Lane, Sarasota, FL 34232
• Rosemary Birthing Home, 800 Central Ave. Sarasota
• Media on Main, 1341 Main Street, Downtown Sarasota
• Jackson Hewitt Beneva Office; 5779 Beneva Road, Sarasota
• Jackson Hewitt Venice Office, 545 US HWY 41 Bypass, Venice, FL
• Bippy Diapers, 4911 14th St. W., Ste. 204, Bradenton FL 34207
• Walgreens, 3155 University Pkwy., Sarasota FL 34243
• Walgreens, 3535 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
• Walgreens, 1700 N Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234
• Walgreens, 1947 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236
• Walgreens, 3550 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
• Walgreens, 5800 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34233

For more information, please contact Ciera Galbraith, Education and Development Coordinator for The Healthy Start Coalition, 941-373-7070, ext. 303.

AC Company Keeps Sarasota Cool in Record Heat

Just in time for this summer’s record heat wave, Southwest Florida has a new choice in air conditioning service technology. Kinetic Air Services, led by experienced managing partner Lee Senseman, is the product of an evolutionary vision of home indoor air service, providing custom tailored air system solutions to clients in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Kinetic Air Services was founded on the principle that clean air matters to the health of our homes, our families, and our community. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental dangers to the public. Kinetic Air Services focuses on proper air exchange, filtration, and purification, their three tenets of healthy indoor air quality. Kinetic’s technicians are NATE (North American Technician Excellence) and EPA certified, have extensive experience in the HVAC industry, and back their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee for service, repair and comfort.

Lee Senseman’s experience and industry involvement dates back to 1976, when he completed trade school and began work as a field technician. He moved to the Suncoast in 1985 and he then continued to evolve as a senior commercial technician, successful service manager and most recently as principal at several prominent firms. After 35 years in the industry, Senseman had cultivated a vision of providing top quality, thorough and affordable air services to our community. “Over the years, I have developed a systemic approach to providing indoor air quality that just isn’t being offered elsewhere,” says Senseman. “I decided to openKinetic Air Services to better assist my clients and my community.”

Kinetic Air Services is a full spectrum air service company. They begin by providing a complete assessment of an existing system, focused on maximizing performance and reducing energy costs, to determine the most appropriate service plan for each client. From the design and implementation of complete air distribution systems to the installation of filtration, purification, ventilation and dehumidification components to unmatched cleaning and repair, Kinetic Air Services is a concierge service for your home’s health. Please visit www.kineticairservices.com or call (941) 748-8488 for more information or to schedule an assessment today.

About Kinetic Air Services: An evolution in HVAC business philosophy, Kinetic Air Services is dedicated to providing whole home care solutions. With concierge-level service and professionalism, our master technicians will provide affordable and timely guaranteed comfort. For more information or to contact Kinetic Air Services, please visit www.kineticairservices.com or call (941) 748-8848.

Pure Barre to Open in Sarasota

Pure Barre, the workout that is sweeping the nation with its ballet barre centered technique, is opening its newest location in Sarasota, Florida this June. The third studio to open in Florida, Sarasota joins Santa Rosa Beach and Boca Raton as epicenters of this barre based regimen.

Pure Barre is a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs and burns fat in record-breaking time.The technique protects your joints, as it does not involve high impact movements such as bouncing or jumping. Utilizing the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to fantastic music, Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective, yet safest way to change your body. Students see results in an average of just 7 to 10 classes.

Pure Barre was founded by dancer, choreographer and fitness guru, Carrie Rezabek. Carrie opened her first studio in 2001, and in 2006 Pure Barre began expanding and is now offered in studios nationwide.

The Sarasota studio is being introduced by franchisees Melissa DeMore and Sara Ferguson. “Pure Barre is nothing like any fitness program that I've tried,” says DeMore. “I’m driven to Pure Barre because it provides a strength workout that helps create the long, lean body that so many women seek.” Ferguson also immediately fell in love with the low impact technique, because it gave her the ability to work out throughout her pregnancy. “Melissa and I started talking about our love for this technique, and knew that together we could bring Pure Barre to Sarasota."

Pure Barre Sarasota is opening on June 20th in the Paradise Plaza shopping center. Classes will be offered 7 days a week and is extending a New Client Special with 30 days of unlimited classes for $99. For scheduling and pricing, please visit www.purebarre.com, or email sarasota@purebarre.com.

About Pure Barre Sarasota: Pure Barre is a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs and burns fat in record-breaking time. Utilizing the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to fantastic music. Recently featured in US Weekly, Allure Magazine, Women’s Health and Fitness Magazine, Pure Barre is quickly being recognized asthe fastest, most effective, yet safest way to change your body. Please visit us on the web at www.purebarre.com.

Lollicake Queen Opens Sweet Spot in Sarasota

The Lollicake Queen, a Sarasota-based company owned by sisters Erin Zolner and Amy Nichols, has opened the doors to its Southside Village sweet shop. Erin has been making her signature “lollicakes” for her friends and their special occasions for several months. The calls and requests were coming in at such a high volume, she realized there was a real local demand for the delicious sticked cake bites.

“It is a dream come true for me to have a storefront in Sarasota,” says Erin. “We are so excited to open the doors of our Southside Village location and be able to showcase our unique treats! We have so many surprises planned!”

A grand opening reception at the new shop, located at 1821A Hillview Street, is planned for the summer. For more information about The Lollicake Queen, please visit www.thelollicakequeen.com.

About The Lollicake Queen: The Lollicake Queen creates custom cakes on a stick for any occasion! Each cake is about the size of a golf ball and is surprisingly moist, delicious and filling! Cake flavors include: Vanilla, Chocolate, Red Velvet, Carrot, Spice, Lemon, Banana Bread, Cinnamon and Cookies and Cream. The Lollicake Queen creates custom colors and designs for any occasion. Please call Erin or Amy at (941) 993-2265 or visit www.thelollicakequeen.com for more information.

Sarasota Architectural Foundation Welcomes Michael Gilkey, Jr. to Present Modern Landscapes

The Sarasota Architectural Foundation is showcasing the work of landscape architects next week by welcoming Sarasota landscape architect Michael Gilkey, Jr., ASLA, to join their acclaimed lecture series. The presentation will be held in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Community Room on Thursday, May 19, at 5:30 pm.

Michael Gilkey, Jr. is a Florida licensed landscape architect and president of Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. (www.magilkey.com), a landscape architecture, contracting and maintenance studio in Sarasota, Florida. Gilkey specializes in residential design-build landscape architecture in Southwest Florida. He brings a passion for design, horticulture, and conceptual process to his firm and to the community.

“I was honored when the Sarasota Architectural Foundation invited me to speak,” said Gilkey. “They are sharing with our community what Sarasota architecture looks like as a historical imprint, part of a greater context. To be invited to share my perspective is a great compliment.”

During his presentation, Gilkey will introduce his profession explain his design process from an architectural vantage point. He will explore what makes a landscape sustainable, and will showcase the work of his firm and our community while engaging the audience in casual conversation.

Event: Michael Gilkey, Jr. Presents Modern Landscapes, Thursday, May 19, 5:30 pm

Address: 1741 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

Admission: $15 SAF & AIA members - $25 non members

Reservations: info@sarasotaarchitecturalfoundation.org | 941-364-2199

About Sarasota Architectural Foundation: The mission of the Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) is to promote preservation and awareness of Sarasota's architecture and design, beginning with the Sarasota School of Architecture and beyond. SAF was formed to focus on the ongoing preservation and celebration of the Sarasota School structures, and the promotion of architectural excellence within the Sarasota community. For more information, please visit www.sarasotaarchitecturalfoundation.org or call 941-364-2199.

About Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. is a landscape architecture studio in Sarasota, Florida, established in 1981. Through a passion for pure design and personal relationships with architects, contractors and homeowners, Gilkey creates expressions of outdoor space that are direct translations of their clients’ visions. For more information, please visit www.magilkey.com or call (941) 924-0132.

Sarasota Community Acupuncture Offers Free Treatments May 1st

Sarasota Community Acupuncture, along with community acupuncture clinics nationwide, is celebrating International Worker’s Day or ‘May Day’ by offering free acupuncture to all patients on May 1st. Sarasota Community Acupuncture belongs to the Community Acupuncture Network, now in its ninth year of celebrating May Day through offering free treatments.

May Day is a celebration of the international labor movement. It is typically celebrated through street demonstrations and marches by working people and their labor unions throughout most of the world. “The philosophy and mission of Sarasota Community Acupuncture is to make acupuncture affordable for everyone, regardless of economic status,” says Gene Burgess, AP, co-owner of Sarasota Community Acupuncture. “Celebrating the working class is a fitting way to express that to our community.”

Sarasota Community Acupuncture will offer free treatments to all patients on Sunday, May 1st from 3 to 6pm. Recliner space is limited, so please call for an appointment at (941) 922-4611. Sarasota Community Acupuncture is located at 3615 Webber Street. For current clinic hours or to learn more about Community Acupuncture, please call (941) 922-4611 or visit www.sarasotacommunityacupuncture.com.

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.

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 Plants 25,000 Trees in 2 Years

Ashley’s Food Delivery, the area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, has planted over 25,000 trees since launching its Plant-A-Tree Program on Earth Day 2009. The program avows that for every order placed, Ashley’s Food will plant a tree with Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization that plants trees around the world. Each tree planted helps remove over 50lbs of harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year.

“We’re making an effort to operate in the most environmentally responsible manner that we can. Our Plant-A-Tree program is one way we’re trying to offset the heavy ecological footprint a food delivery service can leave,” says owner Jeff Sniegocki.

The company’s green commitment also includes a recent switch to offering 100% biodegradable cutlery and serving ware from Transitions2earth. “We’re concerned about the long-lasting environmental impact of conventional to-go packaging,” says Sniegocki. “We encourage our restaurant partners to also consider eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based packaging.”

The Ashley’s Food green commitment also includes a vehicle fuel-economy education program for delivery professionals and a focus on paperless transactions via the Ashley’s website, which features an electronic menu guide and online ordering.

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.

12th and East to Open Beach Shop in May

Just in time for summer, 12th and East Home, Sarasota’s hottest new home accessories boutique, is opening their sister store in Holmes Beach. Located at 5416 Marina Drive, 12th and East at the Beach brings their unique vintage modern aesthetic seaside, while continuing to hand-select and update 17th and 18th century antique treasures.

12th and East at the Beach will introduce an exciting new line of women’s clothing, shoes, bags and kitchen items such as table linens, serving wares, dish soaps and more. To appeal to the Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island family vacationers, the new shop will also carry select children’s items, such as clothes, beach sandals and handcrafted toys.

12th and East’s flagship store in Sarasota has become well-known for its support of local artists. That passion will be brought to the beach location with local island artist showcases and locally made jewelry. Upcoming events at 12th and East at the Beach include craft classes and cocktail nights featuring local artists and handcrafted product lines. Freshly cut local flowers will be available by the free bunch or stem.

“Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island are my home. The places and people I love most in the world are here,” says owner and designer Jessica Holmes. “It has been a dream to bring this store to life on these shores.”

Within the year, Holmes envisions the rear of the store as a vintage candy shop with soft serve ice cream and treats to cool down beachgoers. 12th and East at the Beach is scheduled to open in early May. To learn more, please call (941) 447-7373 or visit www.12thandEastHome.com.

About 12th and East Home: 12th and East Home is a sophisticated home accessories showroom anchored in Sarasota, Florida. Designer Jessica Holmes presents 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. Now opening 12th and East at the Beach in Holmes Beach, the collection expands to include a more casual, seaside lifestyle. Please call (941) 447-7373 to learn more, or visit us on the web at www.12thandEastHome.com.

World Renowned Architect Tod Williams Comes to Sarasota March 30

Internationally renowned architect Tod Williams, FAIA, will present his award-winning body of work Wednesday, March 30, at 5:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Sarasota. This event is presented by the Sarasota Architectural Foundation, theGulf Coast Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and the University of Florida School of Architecture.

The work of Tod Williams, principal of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, has been published extensively both in the United States and overseas, and repeatedly honored by The American Institute of Architects. The firm has received National AIA Awards for a dormitory at Princeton University, the Spiegel Pool House addition, and for two projects in New York City (the Quandt loft and the Go Silk Showroom). In 1997, the firm won a National Honor Award for the Neurosciences Institute, and in 2001 they received two more, for a natatorium at the Cranbrook School and for a house on Long Island. In 2002 they were honored for the American Folk Art Museum, the first new museum built in New York City in over three decades. In the same year the museum also received the Arup World Architecture award for the Best Building in the World.

“We see architecture as an act of profound optimism,” says Williams. “Its foundation lies in believing that it is possible to make places on the earth that can give a sense of grace to life.”

Event: Tod Williams: The Art of Architecture, Wednesday, March 30, 5:30 pm

Address: 1000 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236

Admission: $15 SAF & AIA members - $25 non members

Reservations: info@sarasotaarchitecturalfoundation.org | 941-364-2199

About Sarasota Architectural Foundation: The mission of the Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF) is to promote preservation and awareness of Sarasota's architecture and design, beginning with the Sarasota School of Architecture and beyond. SAF was formed to focus on the ongoing preservation and celebration of the Sarasota School structures, and the promotion of architectural excellence within the Sarasota community. For more information, please visit www.sarasotaarchitecturalfoundation.org or call 941-364-2199.