Lido Shores: LSPOA 2017 Annual Meeting Blends Business and Fun

Almost 60 LSPOA members gathered on Monday January 23rd for the 2017 Annual Meeting and Dinner at the Bird Key Yacht Club. Neighbors eagerly greeted each other and enjoyed complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks (a “tradition” begun in 2014) and chatted while popular local pianist (and Engelbert Humperdink’s former music director) Eddie Tobin entertained during the reception. In addition, neighbors watched Bob Thill’s always-creative and fun “2016 Year in Review” video of life in Lido Shores during the past year. The video remembered those LSPOA members who had passed away including John Currie, Dick Hangen, and John Reichheld.

An assortment of hors d’oeuvres were passed during the reception by Bird Key’s friendly and capable staff.   Following the business meeting, neighbors then dined on rack of lamb persillade, grilled swordfish or the chef’s vegetarian specialty. Dessert was a scrumptious red velvet torte.   

Larry and Joan Reinebach

Cathy and Jan Voigts, Bob and Susan Lifeso

LSPOA President Bob Lifeso called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm, thanking Carol and Phil Fuoco for again hosting us at Bird Key Yacht Club. Bob also thanked current Social Committee Chair Carol Bowen and her team for arranging the evening’s events, and to Carol Fuoco, Mary Lee Bischoff, and incoming Social Committee Chair Peggy Shannon, who checked members in.

Lois and David Trotochau

Bob Lifeso noted that LSPOA now has 113 paid memberships, out of about 120 homes. He welcomed new members including Peggy Shannon, and David and Lois Trotochau, who purchased homes in Lido Shores during 2016. The Trotochaus are actually "returning neighbors," having previously lived in Lido Shores. Bob also honored and thanked retiring board member Howard Rooks and previous treasurer Diane Desenberg.

Richard LaBrie, Carol Bowen, Sue Lifeso

Ramona Glanz and Elliott Himelfarb

Clare and Roberto Arguedas, Mary Lee Bischoff

Lois Trotochau, Howard Rooks, Alice & Wayne Freed

Jean Williams and Marg Mills

Bob Lifeso then gave the president's report, summarizing highlights of 2016. A major issue has been the Big Pass dredging controversy (between Lido and Siesta Keys). Lifeso noted that the Board has not taken a position on this issue, but does strongly believe that dredging and replenishment projects must be coordinated and combined with ongoing environmental monitoring. Clearly the Keys and adjacent counties must not compete for projects and funds unnecessarily. An unanticipated benefit to our beach and North Lido Key as a whole occurred from the Longboat Key renourishment project, as their sand drifted south, enhancing our beach. The Board believes that Siesta Key will also likely benefit from South Lido Key beach renourishment projects. Lifeso also announced that our benches will be replaced on the dunes, and 1 or 2 additional benches will be placed near the parking lot.

Karen and Hugo Kitzsis

The results of the surveys completed by our beach consultant, Dr. David Young were discussed. Dr. Young also has stressed the importance of coordinating all renourishment and dredging activities with the 4 counties adjacent to Sarasota county, as well as ongoing environmental monitoring. His forecasts have accurately predicted that positive impact on our beach from the Long Boat Key renourishing project. However, he cautioned that any attempts to replenish our sands or other "fortifying attempts" would likely be cost-prohibitive, require a long permitting process, and likely not have the desired result of longterm beach stabilization.

Roberto Arguedas, Bob Lifeso, Andrew Vac

Treasurer Elliott Himelfarb distributed copies of the fiscal 2016 LSPOA income and expenses report, which indicate the Association is in strong financial shape. Income increase somewhat, but expenses did also mainly due to hiring a beach erosion consultant and beach erosion surveys. Income after expenses was $1,681.75. The total balance of our operating account and three reserve funds on January 15, 2017 was $101,025, up from $97,591 on January 15, 2016.

Donna and Jon Boscia and Carol Fuoco (our BKYC hostess)

Denis Bischoff, Lynn and Randon Carvel

Social Committee Chair Carol Bowen recounted the highly successful and fun LSPOA social events from 2016 and announced the following dates for this year's upcoming Pot Luck dinners:

Sunday March 19th – Spring Pot Luck
Bob and Sue Lifeso's home
150 Morningside Drive

Sunday October 22 – Fall Pot Luck
Lynn and Randon Carvel's home
1340 John Ringling Parkway

Clare Arguedas & Miriam Cassell

In addition, Carol introduced Peggy Shannon, who is the incoming Social Committee Chair.
Peggy has many exciting ideas for social activities, to be announced in the upcoming months!

Election Results
Five Directors were elected: Mary Lee Bischoff, Carol Bowen, Lynn Carvel, Lee Edstrom, Peggy Shannon. Ken Abt, Roberto Arguedas, Gail Barzman, Phil Fuoco, Elliott Himelfarb, and Bob Lifeso will continue to serve on the board in the second year of their term as Directors. The officers for the Board of Directors include:

Bob Lifeso - Presiden
Ken Abt - Vice President
Elliott Himelfarb- Treasurer
Roberto Arguedas - Secretary

LSPOA Honoree
LSPOA often honors outstanding individuals in the Sarasota community who make an impact on our lives in Lido Shores. The honoree this year was Tom Docter, our trusty and reliable Postman, who is retiring after many years of faithful service. Bob Lifeso introduced Tom (who was accompanied by his lovely wife Karen) and gave him a well-deserved appreciation gift and certificate on behalf of the Association. We will miss his humor not to mention his reliability!

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 pm and dinner began. The wine continued to flow for another couple of hours as members happily chatted and caught up with each other. Members are encouraged to continue to participate in all the Lido Shores events throughout the year, and to celebrate our wonderful and special Island community! ~ Carol Bowen

Here's to a terrific 2017!