Lido Shores: Festive Fall Potluck on the Pass

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Festive Fall Potluck on the Pass

Guests enjoy Jan & Bill Farber's lush lawn overlooking New Pass at the Fall Potluck

Maybe it was surviving Hurricane Ian. Or perhaps a coincidental birthday celebration. Or the always inspiring New Pass setting. Whatever the reason, the mood seemed particularly festive and upbeat for the latest LSPOA Annual Fall Potluck this past Sunday, October 16th.

Nearly 90-Lido Shorians reunited after a long, hot summer at Jan and Bill Farber's home on Westway Drive. Neighbors happily greeted longtime friends as well as the many newcomers to Lido Shores, and quickly descended upon the outdoor bar, stocked with wines selected by Judy and Fred Fiala.

Sue Lifeso, Janet Minker, Sally Kling, Carol Fuoco, Susie Thill

Setup was steamy, but accomplished in good time under Carol Fuoco's capable leadership. Volunteers included Carol and Phil Fuoco, Mary Lee and Denis Bischoff, Carol Bowen and Vic Bass, Colleen Carroll, Cathy and Jan Vogts, Lorraine and Richard Cassis, And Essner, Kathryn and Lee Edstrom, Karyn and Ernie Smith, Laurel Best and Art Abdinoor. The tables were decorated by Colleen Carroll with Gerber daisy centerpieces and small battery operated votive candles.

LSPOA President Cathy Voigts took the opportunity to thank Shelly and Ross Masters, along with Sandra and Mark Appignani for being Lido Shores' "boots on the ground" during and after Hurricane Ian, and providing information about the neighborhood. Elliott Himelfarb was also acknowledged for his tireless efforts on behalf of the neighborhood and for passing along timely updates.

Cathy also gave everyone a heads up about the upcoming MOD Weekend November 11-13th. Lido Shores will be the epicenter of a modern house tour the afternoon of the 12th... and to expect lots of architecture admiring visitors.

Neighbors enjoy a docks eye view of New Pass

And what would a Potluck be without a varied array of home-prepared favorites... and a wonderful spread of hors d'oeuvres. Main courses included Alsatian flatbread pizzas courtesy of Erika Ivanyi and Matthias Schubnell, cheesy shrimp and grits from Lisa and Merrell Ketchum, juicy pork tenderloin from Elliott Himelfarb and Janet Minker, Irene and Fin Isaac's grilled salmon and Laurel Best and Art Abdinoor's Asian inspired chicken and rice noodles. We have also come to rely on Ron Stanish and Ken McMillen's delicious baked beans. There was a little something for everyone's tastes.

One of many appetizing appetizers

Some extraordinary desserts capped off the evening, from Mike Eden's "world's best" chocolate chip cookies to Carol Bowen's old-school peanut butter and jelly oat bars. And as a special after dinner impromptu treat, LSPOA members sang Happy 60th Birthday to Ron Bates and shared his birthday cake, courtesy of partner Randall Lasley.

Ron Bates got a surprise 60th Birthday serenade

As the evening wound down, Ross Masters was the master of chair stacking in the City of Sarasota's community truck, accompanied by Vic Bass and a large ensemble cast that quickly took disassembled tables and chairs, cleaning up the kitchen and sorting out the remaining leftovers.

Calling the evening a blur...but magical... Host and Social committee Co-Chair Jan Farber said she "was really grateful for all the neighbors who pitched in in so many ways,"

The Spring Potluck will be on Sunday, March 26th, 2023. We're looking for someone to kindly volunteer their home for another terrific neighborhood gathering. If you can do it, please contact Carol Bowen -bowenmktg@comcast.net, Colleen Carroll - colleen@carrollgen.com or Jan Farber - jan47@comcast.net.