Record Shattering Attendance for 2022 LSPOA Spring Potluck

Perfect evening for Spring Potluck 2022 at Chris and Colleen Carroll's home

Lido Shores does it again!  A record shattering 94-plus neighbors turned our on a breezy, sun-dappled late March evening for LSPOA's 2022 Spring Potluck. We had 94-chairs set up, confirmed by John Byles, and people were still looking for places to sit for dinner.

This season's spectacular Potluck was hosted Sunday, March 27th, at the home of Chris and Colleen Carroll at 1219 Westway Drive. Unofficially, the event began around 12:30 pm when the set up crew arrived like a platoon of peppy party planners.

Colleen and Chris Carroll

Battling the sun, a stiff breeze and a table and chair shortage, about two-dozen of our dedicated neighbors worked to set up under the tutelage of Carol Bowen and Carol Fuoco. Special thanks for Denis and Mary Lee Bischoff, Bob and Anne Essner and Bob and Susie Thill, who came to the rescue with extras tables and chairs, and to Katie Best who provided a plethora of serving utensils. The adage, "Many hands make light work" has never been truer.

As the main event began, Denis Bischoff and Vic Bass checked in the steady stream of Lido Shorians, taking pictures of couples and families. The afternoon's fierce winds subsided to a cooling breeze, and the sun hung in the crystal clear sky like a Sun Coast postcard.

Poolside Potluck

Sounds of Spotify's Classic Yacht Rock filled the air only to be overtaken by the sound of friend chattering and laughing. The tables were set with succulent themed center pieces.  Janet Augustine, our favorite bartenders, made sure the flow of drinks, food and merriment would be effortless. Fabulous wines were once again kindly picked out by our resident wine connoisseurs Judy and Fred Fiala.

Buffet tables were transformed from plain white plastic planks into a cornucopia of goodness. Appetizers, including prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears, salmon deviled eggs, chicken wings, bruschetta and so much more that they threatened to steal our appetites.  

So many tasty options

Some of the main dishes included Lettuce Wraps with sriracha sauce from renters Richard and Lorraine Cassis, Vegetable Lasagna, Thai-inspired Chicken Salad from Carol Bowen, Bob Essner's perfectly executed tenderloin, along with Katie Best's Pot Pie and a pot of legendary baked beans.

The desserts appeared as the sun dipped into the Gulf, and neither the glowing sunset or the dessert disappointed. Jan Fleming's cookies were snapped up, lemon squares, also from Richard and Lorraine, triggered sweet memories of longtime former neighbor Dick Hangen, who famously brought them to every Potluck for years.

Decadent array of tempting desserts

And oh, there was that Double Chocolata- Chocolata Chip bundt cake. It looked absolutely sinful, and alas, proved to be ultimately irresistible.  

Good nights were said under the cover the darkness, the evening ending with just as many people spontaneously helping with party pack-up as there were for set-up. With continued camaraderie, we worked together to load the City of Sarasota Neighborhood Services tables and chairs into their trailer and return additional tables and chairs to their rightful owners.

The evening again proved how lucky were are in Lido Shores to have such friendly, warm, welcoming, and best of all, fun neighbors and friends.

Social Co-Chair Jan Farber with daughter Emily

Co-Social Chair Carol Bowen, Carol Fuoco, Co-Social Chair Colleen Carroll

Social Committee Co-Chairs Jan Farber, Carol Bowen and Collen Carroll sent heartfelt thanks to all who volunteered, everyone who attended and brought fabulous food.  And special thanks to Chris and Colleen Carroll for so graciously opening their home!

Thinking ahead, be sure to save the date for the Fall Potluck, scheduled for Sunday, October 16th. Please consider volunteering your home for the Fall Potluck! All you need to do is open your door. The Social Committee organizes everything, from set up to tear down, while you sit back, relax, have a glass of wine and watch the bustling activity. If you're interested, please contact Jan, Carol or Colleen.

The next LSPOA Event is The Concert at the Pavilion on April 6th at 5:00 pm (weather permitting). Thanks to Bill and Jan Farber for bringing this great idea to LSPOA.

Little Manatee Bluegrass Band to play at the Pav Thursday, April 28th

Another musical event, as part of our fledgling Beach Concert Series, will be held on Thursday, April 28th. Mark your calendars for "The Little Manatee Bluegrass Band." This talented 5-piece group, which has performed all over the region for the past 20-years, will bring their foot stomping sounds to our shores. More details to follow.

Sincerely,

Your LSPOA Social Committee