MAY 2017 | SCENE 95 on the town �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Byars, Hampton Ballard, Bruce Cassidy, Sr., Bryan Snyder and Chuck Whirlow. Interested in their 2018 event? Save the date – March 5-6, 2018. They’re hoping Jameis Winston will join them again and are hoping for a return of Tim Tebow and �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ And in keeping with the great work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), did you know that Sarasota has their very own Maytag Man? Perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to meet Lee Thacker, Jr., whom I would describe as the perfect man with legendary decades of long community service, and a never-ending commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Maytag® even chose him as one of only 25 nominees in the country to be a “Maytag Dependable Leader”, honoring him “in recognition of his demonstrated commitment to dependability and dedication to keeping youth on the path to achieve great futures.” Lee is a Duke alumnus, proud father �������������������������������������������������������������� husband to Suzanne Thacker. Congratulations are also in order as Lee just celebrated his 20th work anniversary at Caldwell Trust. Milestones are reached, but aren’t always celebrated. I �������������������������������������������������������������� Thee Leee Thackahh, as I refer to him with a smile on my face and untethered enthusiasm, has been a BGCA board volunteer in Columbia, SC, Orlando and Atlanta. Since his arrival in Venice, he has chaired the Florida Area Council, was honored ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� Feeling the need for some fresh air and a way to reconnect? Just three hours north you can experience a tranquil, delicious, unique four-course farm-to-table dinner at Swallowtail Farm in Alachua. All that is required is to be an adventurous eater. Other ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Gainesville-area celebrity chefs, highlighting their local food culture, artfully prepare food from Swallowtail Farm and ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ learn about the owners and their partners, and the courses that are carefully prepared and enjoyed. Their mission is make the farm better through the support of their community. They have quite a few people who support them faithfully through the grit of their labor. According to the Swallowtail Farm website, “The dinners enable you to uplift the farm with a wine glass in place of a spade.” My host was kind enough to purchase this special treat as a holiday gift for me. He was thoughtful enough to call ahead and inquired about where to stay. Lo and behold, the owners of the farm have a private cottage they rent out, and it happened to be available. As we walked from the guest cottage through the woods, we crossed a running stream with a small, arched wood bridge. I felt like I was in the “The Bridges of Madison County.” We dodged a few cow patties on the way to the event registration and already had smiles on our faces. Roosters digging, dogs and pigs playing, buzzing bees and mooing cows were there to greet us. We immediately indulged ourselves in the various beverages being offered. Large glass ���������������������������������������� rose water and rose petals, strawberry with the BGCA Medallion Award and Council Pacesetter ������������������������������������������������������ as board president, chaired key committees, was named “Dream Maker” in 2010 and subsequently received the Maytag® Award. He is currently a director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County where he, along with others, was instrumental in bringing the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club to Venice. He has also served on the board of Venice Theatre, where he was treasurer and past president. His friendship and mentorship over the years has touched many. Lee is the absolute epitome of a loyal friend, an insightful leader, a strong ally and an extremely intelligent, oh-sostrategic executive. Quiet and unassuming, we believe he would have been quite the opposite if his alma mater
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