Lido Shores: LSPOA Fall Potluck Features Concert in the Cul-de-Sac

Friday, December 12, 2025

LSPOA Fall Potluck Features Concert in the Cul-de-Sac

Matt Ragas and his Jazz Band performing at Fall Potluck

It was a brilliant, sunny afternoon as I approached the Westway Drive cul-de-sac to help with set-up for the LSPOA Fall Potluck on Sunday, November 22nd. I arrived on the dot - 4:00 pm – the official start time – only to discover that everything pretty much was already done!

Neighbors were swarming, with Betsy Tilkemeier, Carol Fuoco and Katie Best ably orchestrating the group. Clearly there was anticipation in the air, with this “second potluck” coming on the heels of our October “mini potluck” that Carrie and Ken Cox stepped in to host when it looked like there wouldn’t be enough people in town to make a good party.

Carrie and Ken figured if there was even a little bit of interest, it’d be worth a try – and they were right. Lots of neighbors came and we had a great time! But this potluck had its own special element: the LSPOA Board of Directors and Social Committee decided to combine a concert, which was already scheduled, with the usual fall potluck. So in addition to reconnecting with friends and neighbors, we were treated to the music of jazz vocalist Matt Ragas and his live band.

Thanks to LSPOA receiving a City of Sarasota Neighborhood Partnership grant, the cost of bringing in the band was covered by the City. With tables and chairs out and ready to go, Janet Augustine was busy setting up her bar with the wines that Fred and Judy Fiala have been choosing so ably for many years now. What would an LSPOA Potluck be without Janet to keep the wine chilled and plates cleared?

Stu & Miriam Cassell hit the dance floor

Several tables ringed the cul-de-sac, just waiting for food to arrive, and arrive it did! We got started with Sandra Appignani’s smoked salmon, Amie Herbert’s nine-layer dip and Matthias Schubnell’s always popular sauteed onion and ham pizza.

With the concert about to start, we were urged to fill our plates and be seated. A bounty of choices met us: delicious salads, notably Diane Desenberg’s homegrown greens and Karen Sweeney’s fall apple composition; a wide variety of main courses, including Elliott Himelfarb’s seared pork loin with sauce, Cathy Voigts’ vegetable lasagna and Michelle Swartz’s Cuban finger sandwiches. Tom Fitzgerald presented elegant New York strip steaks prepared à la Ina Garten and Bob Essner (just back from a two-day class at Recteq BBQ U, outside of Augusta, GA showed off his new skills with a perfectly prepared beef brisket.

Susan Levine entered the “who’s got a great baked bean recipe?” face-off against Ron Stanish’s classic “LSPOA potluck” version. Ron, just home from an African safari, rose to the challenge and made a big pot of beans as he always does. The winner? The beans, of course, which are always delicious!

Anne Essner & acting LSPOA President Michelle Swartz

For those with a sweet tooth, there was plenty to choose from, including Peggy Abt’s chocolate chip Bundt cake. After a quick clean-up, we made our way home in the darkness, reveling in the pleasure of being able to live in a neighborhood that has so many wonderful people.

Anne Essner

LSPOA Social Committee

Mark Mattia and Diane Desenberg

PS - The 5th Annual LSPOA Golf Cart Christmas Caroling event is coming up Wednesday, December 17th. If you'd like to join the carolers, be at 1201 Center Place at 6:00 pm to pick up song sheets and candles or join in along the route through the 'hood.

Also, mark you calendars for the LSPOA Annual Meeting scheduled for February 11th, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at a new location, St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.

And many thanks to Janet Minker and Anne Essner for the pictures!