SRQ DAILY Mar 12, 2018
Monday Business Edition
"If you don't reach your own opinions, other people out there are glad to tell you what you should be thinking."
Author David Baldacci for decades thrilled lovers of political intrigue, but he wanted to make sure the next generation of readers can tackle the increasingly difficult task of telling truth from fiction. “It’s impossible to be a full participant in democracy if you can’t read,” Baldacci tells SRQ. “How are you participating? Not being able to read actually takes away facets of your freedom.”
Baldacci will speak Tuesday evening as part of a fundraiser in support of the Manatee Library System’s “I am a Lifelong Learner” program encouraging literacy among young readers. The Virginia-based writer, who owns a winter home in Northwest Florida, says he directs much of his philanthropic effort toward helping libraries and boosting literacy not just so people keep buying books but so that society has the tools to stay informed.
The writer of such political classics as Absolute Power will discuss the creative process, including the ups and downs of conceiving fake scandals in an age of Washington uproar. He recalls how even though he wrote his first novel, about a president using his power to cover up a personal sex scandal, came out before the Bill Clinton impeachment in the late 1990s but he still would get accused of exploiting the event in his book.
In the age of Donald Trump, there’s suddenly fresh controversy to mine daily, but in a way that’s stifling. “I think of an outrageous plot I can put in a book, but the next day The Washington Post has reported on it,” he says. “But the flip side is I feel liberated to write about anything. After the last year or so, readers will accept anything as being possible.”
He does hope future readers can tell the incredible from the un-credible. “I’m thinking about the 2016 election where people were bombarded with bots and Russian trolling, and all the misinformation and disinformation on the internet,” he says. “People without strong reading skills and strong comprehension skills can easily be duped into believing things they read that are not true.”
He wants a more functioning literacy, one that includes spotting solid sourcing. If that happens, then voters can be educated properly in their electoral decisions regardless of what they ultimately decide. “If you can’t read it’s almost impossible for you to come up with your own opinions and to synthesize and process information,” he says. “If you don’t reach your own opinions, other people out there are glad to tell you what you should be thinking.”
Tickets for An Evening With David Baldacci cost $100 for reserved seating and $75 for unreserved. Teachers and literacy educators can get a deep discount. Tickets can be purchased from The Library Foundation. The event takes place Tuesday evening from 7-8pm at the Neel Performing Arts Center at State College of Florida. 
Firmo Construction, a local construction management firm, announced a revitalization project in collaboration with architect Fleischmann Garcia at a local medical office and investment property. A structure owned by a group of medical practitioners in Bradenton, Parkside Professional Plaza is due for a complete overhaul. The innovative redesign will not only modernize its facade, but also create a sustainable and inspiring structure. The practitioners approached Firmo with the desire to revamp the plaza, with its 1980’s style architecture and worn building infrastructure, into an inviting, updated office center that would bring more value to its patients and customers.
Firmo developed an innovative solution for the redesign of the parking lot, landscaping, and exterior structure with the use of sustainable materials, such as Nichiha Fiber Cement Cladding. Working closely with Hembree Real Estate and the building occupants, Firmo created a strategic construction plan that will accommodate the businesses and allow practices to remain open during this three month project, minimizing disruption to patients and tenants during the redesign and ensuring an efficient construction period. Bradenton can look forward to one less outdated strip plaza, and an addition of a new modern medical hub for its residents.
Firmo Construction LLC, 205 North Orange Ave #301, Sarasota, FL 34236, (941) 917-0494
Image provided by Firmo
Local behavioral and mental health practice, Comprehensive MedPsych Systems (CMPS), has announced the acquisition of Dr. Vladimir Einisman’s psychiatric practice. Einisman has been practicing in Sarasota for more than 30 years. Most of Einisman’s patients will be seen at the CMPS Sarasota office located at 1090 South Tamiami Trail. Some patients may be seen by Dr. Mark Sylvester at CMPS Lakewood Ranch office. CMPS was established in 1998 by Dr. Geoffrey Kanter, a double board certified adult and pediatric neuropsychologist and Executive Director of the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology. CMPS now has 12 outpatient offices and more than 100 clinicians providing clinical services in Florida, Alabama and Indiana.
Jonna Keller, managing member of First Security Investments and Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Board Chair, was one of six financial advisors across the nation who received the Community Inspiration Award by AssetMark, Inc., a leading provider of innovative investment and consulting solutions serving financial advisors. In recognition of the advisors’ contributions and sustained support of charitable organizations, AssetMark is donating $10,000 to a nonprofit supported by each selected honoree. Keller selected Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County to receive this donation. Award recipients were selected by a panel of senior AssetMark executives who evaluated nominees based on their ability to inspire, lead and motivate others, in addition to their time and effort dedicated to a local charity.
Dr. Myrdalis Diaz-Ramirez, of Sarasota Pain Relief Centers, has received Sarasota County Medical Alliance recognition. The Drug Free Sarasota Physician Advocate Award is A Sarasota County Medical Alliance Initiative for education and advocacy. This community coalition is charged with raising awareness of prescription drug abuse and misuse in Sarasota County. Physicians presented with this award are considered leaders in their respective field and advocates for best practices.
Year after year of sold-out performances at VT prove that these Grammy winning legends of folk music just get better with time! The Kingston Trio always provides a wonderful trip through a musical genre that is adored by millions. You'll be sure to enjoy their beautiful harmonies, simple-yet-meaningful songs, and top-notch musicianship. The Kingston Trio: George Grove, Bill Zorn and Rick Dougherty
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice,
Roe takes the viewer inside the personal and public battles of the two women at the heart of the landmark Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade. Recreating the case itself, with the help of actual audio recording from the justices of the time Loomer gives nuanced and surprisingly humorous life to both sides of the contentious debate.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Though best known for his Sarasota houses and monumental concrete institutional buildings, beginning in 1965 Paul Rudolph designed many innovative, NYC residences with fantastic qualities that have received little attention. Always experimenting and fascinated by lighting, Rudolph achieved otherworldly effects using elements scavenged from the city’s restaurant and manufacturing supply stores along Canal Street. Inspired by New York, Rudolph successfully transformed himself at mid-career in the 1960s into an interior architect who could transport himself and his clients into other dimensions using just mirrors and plexiglass. This lecture will be given by Timothy M. Rohan, an associate professor in the Department of the History of Art and Architecture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Ringling College of Art and Design, Larry R. Thompson Academic Center Auditorium, 2363 Old Bradenton Rd., Sarasota.
Mike Solomon's exhibition "Native Shore" focuses on the artist's return to his native shore and hometown of Sarasota after 40 years of living away. His work is inspired by Sarasota's shoreline. The resplendent light of the neotropics radiates from the paintings and editions, drawing viewers into vibrant aqueous colors and translucent depths, the rhythmic rise and fall of the horizon.
Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota.
The Resonant Rogues is the songwriting soul child of partners Sparrow and Keith Smith. Since meeting in 2012, they have dedicated their lives to crafting and sharing their music with the world, touring extensively across the US and Europe. The Resonant Rogues are difficult to define, but easy to enjoy.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.
There are many aspects to building a new art museum, but the most visible, of course is the curatorial program. In addition to the 15,000 sq ft of dedicated exhibition space, there are numerous Curatorial Zones on the Museum Campus where visitors will experience and engage with art. Join us for a presentation and interactive discussion about the formation of our communities' new art museum.
The Works, 891 South Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.
Mike Solomon's exhibition "Native Shore" focuses on the artist's return to his native shore and hometown of Sarasota after 40 years of living away. His work is inspired by Sarasota's shoreline. The resplendent light of the neotropics radiates from the paintings and editions, drawing viewers into vibrant aqueous colors and translucent depths, the rhythmic rise and fall of the horizon. Show runs March 15 – April 14.
Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota.
Shakespeare's comedy brings together a group of star-crossed lovers, an inept band of actors led by the pompous Nick Bottom, and the king and queen of the fairies and their impish henchman Puck, who creates romantic and comic havoc for all.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice
No piece of classical music may be better at taking our imagination on a breathtaking journey toward outer space than Holst's The Planets. Performances at the Van Wezel will include projections of NASA images that make this experience a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Roger Zare's Lift-Off is a celebration of human space exploration.With a sound that some have described as out-of-this-world, soprano Pureum Jo will join Sarasota Orchestra to sing a variety of Mozart's best and most beautiful concert arias.
Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.
The Price is a 1968 play by Arthur Miller. It is about family dynamics, the price of furniture and the price of one's decisions. The play premired on Broadway in 1968 and has been revived on Broadway four times since.
The Players Centre of Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.
Open to youth 8-13 years of age. Come and learn about horticulture producation and research. Participants will go on a laboratory and greenhouse tour, visit a Manatee County plant nursery and talk with researchers and people with various careers in agriculture. This will be an outdoor event so wear closed toed shoes and bring sunscreen. Admission fee will cover activities and group transportation.
Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Services Office, 1303 17th St. West, Palmetto.
Experience these timeless and melodic selections including Die Fledermaus Overture from the operetta by Johann Strauss, Dvorakʼs iconic and influential New World Symphony, and Samuel Barberʼs Violin Concerto featuring recording artist and violin soloist, Irina Muresanu.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice.
The famous works of Salvador Dali are coming to Sarasota. The Argillet collection is on exhibition and available for acquisition. The exhibition will also allow for opportunities to meet Madame Christine Argillet, daughter of Dali's publisher, Pierre Argillet.
Chasen Galleries of Sarasota, 1830 South Osprey Ave., Suite 102, Sarasota.
Acclaimed pianist and winner of four Telly Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Richard Glazier takes the audience down memory lane with a concert dedicated to some of Broadway’s most famous tunes to make the jump to cinema. Bringing in medleys from West Side Story and My Fair Lady, Glazier shares origin stories and backstage tidbits alongside rare film clips.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Cole Quest and The City Pickers are a group of New York City musicians connected by friendship and a love of bluegrass. Cole Quest, grandson of the folk icon Woody Guthrie, has brought together a collection of eclectic pickers who have gained recognition on the local scene. Performing both Quest's original tunes as well as traditional favorites. The 502s are a raucous indie folk group formed by three cousins from Central Florida. The 502s have taken their swaggering blend of Americana across the coast including Okeechobee Music Festival and Communion Records' NYC showcase. Their album is a heartfelt invitation to good old-fashioned fun.
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.
Consider the kaleidoscope of color: rainbows and Rubik’s Cube, Easter eggs and cherry Kool-Aid, the Green Flash, a four-leaf clover and swimming pool blue. Imagine a rainbow as groovy as tie-dye or as fun as Fruit of the Loom. Roll out your red watermelon or scatter like Skittles or come as a Sarasota sunset. Save the date for the 2018 Avant-Garde annual scholarship fundraiser to benefit the vibrant Ringling College palette-the students.
Ringling College of Art and Design , 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for Live, Laugh, Love Extravaganza. Guests will be able to shop at a variety of vendors selling their wares and enjoy a delicious lunch. Guest speaker Dr. Karen Holbrook, Regional Chancellor at USF Sarasota-Manatee will speak on embracing the concept of women in education, women as mentors, and women as entrepreneurs. Guests will also be treated to a fashion show featuring Bigs and their Littles modeling fashions by Panache & Tommy Bahama.
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota , 111 Ritz Carlton Dr Sarasota, FL 34236
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