LSPOA Fall 2016 Potluck Supper

LSPOA Fall Potluck Supper a Terrific Success!

Saturday, October 15 was teeming with rain. But Sunday, October 16 dawned warm and glorious - perfect weather for the LSPOA Fall Potluck Supper. A brief deluge an hour before the event didn't deter almost 70 LSPOA neighbors from gathering at Carrie and Ken Cox's lovely home to enjoy a gorgeous evening chatting and connecting with neighbors at the LSPOA Fall 2016 Potluck Dinner. Fun, friendship and great food were the hallmarks of the evening. It was particularly special that some neighbors who'd never been to a Potluck before were able to attend, including Tom, Lori and Carly Fitzgerald, David and Linda Hargreaves (along with English guests), David and Linda Hargreaves, Stuart Salenger and Rosemary Ruppert, Donn Winokur, and David and Lois Trotochau. An assortment of wonderful wines were once again kindly provided by wine connoisseurs Judy and Fred Fiala, and Janet Augustine again served as “bartendress extraordinaire.”

Vic Bass and Mary Lee Bischoff setting up for the Potluck

As in the past, the kitchens of Lido Shores as well as some terrific local purveyors were humming, and neighbors enjoyed a wide variety of appetizers, salads, main courses and scrumptious desserts. The evening was warm but not overbearing, particularly enjoyable for some neighbors like Social Chair Carol Bowen and Vic Bass who came down from Massachusetts. The Social Committee call for setup help had been graciously answered by "helper elves" Mary Lee and Denis Bischoff, Mary Berkebile, Kent and Jean Williams, Ken Abt, Elliott Himelfarb, Sue Lifeso, Carol Bowen and Vic Bass. Despite being told they could relax, hosts Carrie and Ken Cox insisted on helping setting up tables, chairs and lovely plant and grasses centerpieces that Mary Lee Bischoff had provided. Everything was ready for a perfect evening!

As neighbors arrived, Mary Lee Bischoff and Carol Bowen greeted everyone, giving out name

tags. Fabulous dishes floated by, including salmon, savory backed beans, salad with almost everything in it grown by Diane Desenberg, pulled pork, and terrific desserts. Everyone chatted, caught up and had a fun and festive time!

Around 8:30, sadly, the evening came to a close. The Social Committee “elves” as well as other spur of the moment volunteers rapidly removed the tables and chairs kindly provided for free by the City of Sarasota Neighborhood Services back to the waiting trailer on Westway Drive. Many thanks to all those who helped with clean-up.

Fred Fiala and Social Chair Carol Bowen

Everyone was once again reminded of what a special place Lido Shores is, and how lucky we are to have such friendly, warm, welcoming – and best of all – fun neighbors and friends! 


The next LSPOA event will be The Annual LSPOA Meeting at Bird Key Yacht Club on Monday, January 23, 2017. Make sure your dues are paid so you can attend this festive and fun evening! And thinking ahead, mark your calendars now for our Spring Potluck Dinner which will be on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at the home of Sue and Bob Lifeso.

 Social Committee Chair Carol Bowen sends heartfelt thanks to all who volunteered, everyone who attended and brought fabulous food, and particular special thanks to Carrie and Ken Cox for generously sharing amazing home for a terrific and special evening!

Ken and Peggy Abt in background, David Trotochau and Bob Garvin in foreground

Lois Trotochau, Julie Mangenheim, Bob Garvin & David Trotochau

Back row: Rosemary Ruppert and Stuart Salenger.
Front Row: Miriam Cassell, Mary Berkebile and Kevin Berkebile

Judy Fiala, Jean Williams, Ellen Hanson and Kent Williams

Host Ken Cox with Mary Lee Bischoff and Carol Bowen

The lovely view from the Cox's porch

A perfect ending to a perfect evening!