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April 2008
Volume:504
We will meet bird watcher Owen Comora who uses electronic bird songs to beckon feathered friends. We will also meet the Herrmann family who raise and train Lipizzaner Stallions, among the most majestic and powerful horses on earth. And some passionate woodwind musicians are moving to the Gulf Coast.
"Bird Watcher"
His iPod is filled with more than 600 songs -- bird songs, that is. And with the help of speakers, bird watcher Owen Comora uses this technology to beckon feathered friends to come closer.
From spoonbills and scrub jays to herons and harriers -- Owen speaks “bird” fluently and eagerly shares his knowledge with visitors at Myakka's Bird Walk. But before it became a hobby, it was a career -- Owen used to work for television's most celebrated bird -- the NBC Peacock!
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"Lipizzaner Legacy"
The Lipizzaner Stallions are among the most majestic and powerful horses on earth. With a heritage that dates back to medieval times, the Lipizzans were favorites among royalty and military generals on the battlefield.
For 300 years, the Herrmann family has raised and trained Lipizzans. In a daring coup during WWII, Colonel Ottomar Herrmann and U.S. soldiers rescued the breed from possible extinction. Since the death of Colonel Herrmann, his daughter, Gabby Herrmann now runs the family training ranch in Myakka City. You will get to meet Gabby and the next generation of Herrmanns destined to carry on the centuries-old family tradition.
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"Woodwind Rewind"
It’s a musical instrument that went silent by the mid-18th century. But with the rediscovery of the recorder in modern times, the once forgotten woodwind has gained new popularity around the world. Here in the United States the simple, but sophisticated, sound of the recorder has made a major beachhead in Florida. In our story “Woodwind Rewind,” you’ll find out why some passionate musicians are moving to the Gulf Coast. It’s not just for the sun, the sea and the palm trees.
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"Song and dance man. Actor. Humorist"
Song and dance man. Actor. Humorist. These are just some of the terms that describe Eric Watters. The Venice resident went from careers in teaching and financial planning to become one of the Gulf Coast's favorite entertainers. Known for his portrayal of Scrooge in the Venice Little Theatre's annual production of the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," many of Eric's performances benefit local causes, including the Venice Symphony.
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March 2008
Volume:503
Learn of a Venice couple's efforts to collect medical supplies right here on the Gulf Coast. Racing pigeons that fly for sport! And meet Gabe Ortiz who is an actor, playwright, teacher, survivor.
"Project Cure"
You've probably heard the phrase, "Think globally; act locally." People around the world have access to better medical facilities thanks in part to a Venice couple's efforts to collect medical supplies right here on the Gulf Coast.
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"High Flyers"
What can soar like an eagle and compete like a racehorse? Consider, the racing pigeon. Here in Florida, they are in great demand, and they fly for sport! Meet one man who takes this high-flying hobby very seriously!
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"Tough Act To Follow"
Gabe Ortiz wears many hats. He is an actor, playwright, teacher, survivor. How he got to where he is today is its own incredible storyline. Gabe grew up in East L.A. His father a convicted felon, some of his brothers gang members, his mom a heroin addict. To escape his surroundings, young Gabe found solace in the theater. So inspired to leave his childhood behind, Gabe became the only child in his family to attend and graduate from college. He acted in New York and L.A. before settling on the Gulf Coast. Here, he found his calling as a teacher, combining theater and street smarts to teach at-risk students how to build self-esteem and deal with their home situations by acting out on stage rather than in school.
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February 2008
Volume:502
Therapy dogs are extending a helping paw at the Elsie Quirk Library in Englewood and are making a difference in the Library's reading program. Also, We will meet Jean Blackburn is a watercolor artist who's main source of inspiration is the Myakka River. Ready for some magic? Vince, Yvonne and 15-year-old Erika Carmen show us some amazing magic tricks.
"Doggie Tales"
The Elsie Quirk Library in Englewood is home to the dog-gondest reading program you’ve ever seen. It’s called “Doggie Tales.” Once a month a roomful of eager youngsters areimprovingtheir reading skills with the aid of some very special canines. In this edition of A Gulf Coast Journal, find out how therapy dogs are extending a helping paw and why they are making a difference.
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"Watercolors"
In downtown Sarasota, amidstharriedbusiness people and a bustling bus depot,beautifulmurals embrace the Whole Foods building… murals that depict artist Jean Blackburn’s love for country life. It’s as close to the city as Jean wants to be. Most of the time, you will find this Myakka artist busy in her organic garden, tending to her horses or painting her favorite subject—water. Come along as Jean takes us to her favorite source of inspiration--the Myakka River, where the water’s vibrant colors change as often as the current.
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"Magic Carmen"
When Vince & Yvonne Carmen met 22 years ago, it wasn’t just love at first sight – it was magic! And it’s been magic ever since. Vince, Yvonne and their 15-year-old daughter, Erika have some amazing tricks up their sleeves that you will have to see to believe. What are their secrets? Find out on A Gulf Coast Journal.
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"Food For Thought"
Many people along the Gulf Coast enjoy doing a bit of
gardening. Tending some roses, herbs. But in your garden do you grow
soursop? Coffee beans? Cacao? Carambola? Well, let us introduce you to a
man who grows all those and, oh yes, papaya.
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January 2008
Volume:501
This month Jack Perkins visits with an old urban cowboy, a special Riverview H.S. Cheer Coach, a Monday night music jam tradition and a master potter.
"Urban Cowboy"
Standing in the shadows of condo developments, shopping plazas and golf courses along Sarasota’s busy University Parkway is a property that seems purely out of place. Out of place because it has a corral and pasture framed in brightly painted fences. At the Flying H Ranch you will find a horse that can lasso, a pony that can count and an old cowboy who can still rope, sharp shoot and spin a great tale. Meet 89-year-old Hub Hubbell, Sarasota County’s very own urban cowboy.
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"Riverview H.S. Cheer Coach:"
Remember that special teacher or coach you had in school? Jo Ivey is both. Her awards include “National Cheerleading Coach of the Year” and “Teacher of the Year” at Riverview High School in Sarasota. In fact, her students lovingly call her “Mother Riverview.” You will easily see why when you watch her remarkable story.
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"Monday Night Jam"
One person can make a difference. Nearly 15 years ago, Morris Campbell showed up in the small town of Englewood with his sound system and a love for country music. Now Morris’ free music jam is a Monday night tradition for local musicians and audience members alike. Actually, the Monday Night Jam at Indian Mound Park is more like family.
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"Feats of Clay"
In his skilled and gentle hands, clay can become tranquility, whimsy, possibility. Master potter Ki Woon Huh's ethereal pottery is both inspiring and inspired by the greatest artist of all... nature.
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