SRQ DAILY Feb 13, 2020
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"We haven't really gotten anything new or any level of detail."
New College of Florida officials say there were caught totally off guard this week by a proposal in the Florida House of Representatives to merge the state honors university with Florida State University.
“This is so new,” said Ann Comer-Woods, New College marketing and communications director. “We haven’t really gotten anything new or any level of detail.”
House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Randy Fine introduced a measure this week to strip New College of its independence and also to fold Florida Polytechnic University into the University of Florida. The Subcommittee advanced the legislation on Wednesday.
New College leaders, though, said the legislation was a poor move. Donal O’Shea, New College president, released an extended statement suggesting the bill had been drawn up nearly in secret.
“While I certainly respect the Legislature’s right to entertain and make these kinds of decisions, I believe that the State University System is stronger with an independent New College. One of the system’s hallmarks is its diversity of institutions,” he said.
“New College plays an important and unique role in this respect and, in fact, in the national higher education landscape. New College has consistently ranked among the top public liberal arts universities since becoming independent, second only to the nation's military academies. It offers unique opportunities for Florida’s students and fills an important need in our region. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly support New College’s continued independence.”
No companion legislation exists in the Senate to undergo such a dramatic change to the state university system. And notably, New College sits in the district of Senate President Bill Galvano.
But Galvano in a press gaggle on Tuesday did not dismiss the idea entirely, instead saying he was open to discussion with the lower Chamber.
"I saw the House put that out," he said. "I think it's worthy having that discussion and I'm open to that dialogue with the Speaker and the Florida House."
O'Shea plans to meet with lawmakers on the proposal this week, including with Galvano. the college has also been sharing messages of support from political figures outside the Legislature, including U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, who issued a statement this week supporting New College's continued independence. 
Photo courtesy New College: First-year student orientation, August 2019.
Currently underway at the New College of Florida Black Box Theater, SaraSolo Winter Fest brings four solo performers to the stage this week for the first of three festivals planned this year, each celebrating the intimate art of the solo show. With two performances each night, Ann Morrison’s Linda Lovely Goes to Broadway, Bridget Bean’s Mrs. Bliss’s Titanic Adventure, Jonathan Gillard Daly’s An Evening of Carl Sandburg and Theresa Puskar’s Causeless Love comprise the inaugural showbill. Each show is roughly 70-90 minutes long.
Festival founder, and Sarasota’s own, Ann Morrison revives her 2012 award-winning one-woman-show Linda Lovely Goes to Broadway for Winter Fest, commemorating a treasured friend with a fictional final adventure and delivering a performance both intensely physical and emotional. Inspired by Morrison’s experiences teaching and collaborating with the real Linda, a passionate student of theater living with Down syndrome, this high-energy ode to the power of theater condenses years to minutes as it contains bursts of insight and emotion in bare snippets of song, chronicling a life-changing friendship unbounded by mere facts and reveling in the unseen universe behind every pair of eyes. Morrison changes character on a dime with the set of her shoulders, the point of her toes, the pitch of her voice, bringing a varied cast to life with easy confidence and comedic flair, unafraid to wade into all the thorny places in search of a blossom of truth. See the final performance this Saturday at 9pm.
With Mrs. Bliss’ Titanic Adventure, performer Bridget Bean sets the bar high with an imaginative and semi-autobiographical odyssey through her life, the cold black waters of the Atlantic and even time itself. Opening on Bean as a lonely actor in a traveling Titanic exhibition, an overactive imagination and an intriguing stranger soon pull our protagonist on an unreal adventure. With all the rambling charm of a spirited and freewheeling conversationalist, the narrative jumps in fits and starts, peppering the audience with Titanic trivia, personal tangents, lusty musings and morbid humor, all culminating in the honest and hilarious baring of an odd soul on a universal journey. Catch the final performance this Friday at 9pm.
Following in the fine tradition of the traveling troubadour, John Daly arrives from Milwaukee with his guitar and An Evening of Carl Sandburg, celebrating the life and work and Rules for Happiness of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and historian. Part biography, part poetry recitation and punctuated by folksy musical interludes, Daly takes the audience back to an era of train-hopping vagabonds and small town jail stints, nights spent under the open air of an apple orchard and the simple pleasures of a simpler time—but one still plagued by war, prejudice and inequality. As Sandburg’s story unravels and Daly ups the intensity, political sparks threaten conflagration and the story of a poet becomes emblematic of an ongoing battle for the soul of the country. See the performance tonight at 9pm or Friday at 7pm.
Hailing from Chicago by way of Canada, author and performer Theresa Puskar melds motivational speaking, autobiographical narrative and some humorously frank fairy tale princesses into her show, Causeless Joy. Named for the elusive meditative goal, Puskar’s performance charts a period of self-growth, wherein a deeply unsatisfied mother embarks on a one-month trip to India in a quest for enlightenment, happiness or anything that can make her troubles go away. Amidst culture shock at chaotic traffic crossings and hunk-filled horndog yoga sessions, Puskar gleans her greatest insights from the surprise visits of four fairy tale princesses, each revealing the truth behind the myth and forcing Puskar to take a long hard stare into the metaphorical looking glass. Think Rapunzel as Freud, complete with the accent. Deeply personal and with minimalist but creative prop-work, an at-times flagging narrative ultimately leads to a few devastating moments of truth. Upcoming performances are tonight at 7pm and Saturday at 7pm.
Caption: SaraSolo Founder Ann Morrison performing “Linda Lovely Goes to Broadway.” Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
For more information on the artists, scheduling and ticket prices.
Photo courtesy of ROBRADY design and GMX7.
Ringling College Library Association announced yesterday that Yamiche Alcindor, White House correspondent for PBS NewsHour and a political contributor for NBC News and MSNBC, will moderate Ambassador Wendy Sherman’s TOWN HALL Lectures on Monday, February 17, 2020. Single tickets are available for what is sure to be a lively discussion on international affairs. At PBS NewsHour, Alcindor has directly questioned President Trump and has traveled extensively including to places like Belgium for the 2018 North Atlantic Treaty Organization meeting, to Helsinki, Finland as President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and to McAllen, Texas to chronicle life on the border of the United States and Mexico and the impact of President Trump’s family separation policy. As a contributor for NBC News and MSNBC, she often appears on shows including Morning Joe, Andrea Mitchell Reports, Hardball with Chris Matthews, and Meet the Press with Chuck Todd.
Morning lectures begin at 10:30 am and evening talks begin at 7:30 pm. The lecture will be presented at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.Call 941-309-5100 to purchase tickets for the 2020 TOWN HALL Lecture Series. Learn more by going online to www.rclassociation.org.
The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus is offering a unique opportunity to future teachers and school administrators from Manatee County: A scholarship to cover any unmet financial needs. The McCracken Educators Scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who reside in Manatee and have been admitted to a degree program in USF Sarasota-Manatee’s School of Education. The scholarship may be used for tuition or any other unmet educational expenses. “This scholarship is ideal for future teachers and educational administrators who are Manatee County residents. In collaboration with the School District of Manatee County, our hope is to provide a pathway for students to begin their careers in the district or to further their careers there with a graduate degree,” Marie Byrd, EdD, director of the School of Education, said. The scholarship’s aim is to encourage undergraduate and graduate students from Manatee to pursue degrees and careers in education. It’s designed to assist students already enrolled in degree programs in the School of Education as well as those planning to seek admittance in the future, including Manatee County high school students entering the pre-education program and State College of Florida students transferring to the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. As part of the eligibility requirements, undergraduate and transfer applicants must possess at least a 2.5 Grade Point Average and graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students must apply for the scholarship between November and May 22.
To apply, visit usf.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/, click “Apply Now” and follow the instructions to submit an application for the McCracken Scholarship, or apply for other available scholarships.
Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. was named the most experienced home health agency in the state of Florida and in the top 50 in the entire country when it comes to handling hip and knee replacement patients by Dexur, a data-driven hospital and healthcare news and research service. Both the statewide and nationwide ranking is based on Dexur’s analysis of Medicare claims data from Jan. 2016 through Dec. 2018. Dexur performs in-depth data analyses and examines large public and proprietary databases to produce news, articles, and research on hospitals, physicians, and U.S. regions. The company’s insights ultimately help improve healthcare quality outcomes and patient lives. All of Dexur’s analytics and research are supported by a team of data scientists, software engineers, analysts, and reporters.“This first place, statewide ranking from Dexur is a testament to our commitment in providing patients with excellent home health care,” said Sandy Bell, CEO, Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc. “We’re very proud to be recognized as one of the most experienced agencies in this type of care and we’ll work hard to maintain it.”
For more information about Doctor’s Choice Home Care, Inc., visit doctorschoicefl.com or call 833-AT-DOCTORS (283-6286).
More than 7,500 elementary school students from 60 schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties will celebrate reading and diversity on March 10, through books by authors/illustrators Todd Parr and Patricia Polacco. Embracing Our Differences (EOD) is partnering with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading to distribute 8,200 books and stimulate conversations about diversity, bullying, and respect in 440 classrooms across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. To date, 280 volunteers from the community have signed up to be readers. Over the course of the day, more than 8,200 books, focused on the theme of diversity and inclusion, will be gifted to every participating student and classroom. In 2019, this reading initiative reached 6,300 students from local elementary schools and provided more 6,500 books for students and classrooms. This massive outreach reflects a collaboration between EOD and the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a joint effort supported by The Patterson Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, United Way Suncoast and an anonymous family foundation.
Embracing Our Differences’ annual outdoor exhibits are the heart of a year-round program of activities designed to use art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote diversity. The 2020 exhibit continues through April 5 at Bayfront Park in Sarasota.
For more information about Embracing Our Differences, call 941-404-5710 or visit embracingourdifferences.org.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County president and CEO Roxie Jerde enjoys reading to students at Alta Vista Elementary during the 2019 EOD Reading Day.
For more information on Embracing Our Differences and a full list of selected readings for 2020
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty has announced the promotion of Nicola Lutgert to chief marketing officer. In this role, she will be responsible for all marketing initiatives of the company’s 40 offices from Southwest Florida to North Carolina. In addition to overseeing promotions, advertising, creative services, digital media and communications, she will provide strategic direction of new development projects for the firm’s parent organization, The Lutgert Companies. She joined the brokerage in 2015 as vice president of marketing. A real estate and development industry veteran, Lutgert previously served as director of marketing for London Bay Homes, a top 50 luxury home builder in the U.S. Her extensive marketing background also includes work with national brands such as HGTV and American Express. Well respected in the Southwest Florida business community, Lutgert was named Marketing Director of the Year by the Collier Building Industry Association, and has been honored on the prestigious 40 Under 40 lists by both the Business Observer and Gulfshore Life.
Nicola Lutgert, Chief Marketing Officer
For more information on Premier Sotheby's International Realty
Shiny Gumbo makes Louisiana cuisine a Florida family affair.
Click here to read the full story in our February 2020 Business Edition!
A thoughtful portrait of a renowned artist, this documentary shines the spotlight on New York City painter Jean-Michel Basquiat. Featuring extensive interviews conducted by Basquiat's friend, filmmaker Tamra Davis, the production reveals how he dealt with being a black artist in a predominantly white field. The film also explores Basquiat's rise in the art world, which led to a close relationship with Andy Warhol, and looks at how the young painter coped with acclaim, scrutiny and fame
Historic Asolo Theatre at the Ringling , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Out-of-Door presents a lively mix of songs from popular movies in a unique concert that’s free and open to the public! Enjoy music selections from “Star Wars,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “James Bond,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman,” “Moana,” “Walk the Line” and more. Admission is free with donations benefiting Manasota Buds.
Woodland Community Church, 9607 East State Rd. 70, Bradenton
The American Abstract Expressionists came of age during the Great Depression of the 1930s and developed during World War II, when many European modern artists – from Joan Miró to Max Ernst took refuge in New York City, where the Abstract Expressionists first showed their work with dealers like Peggy Guggenheim, Betty Parsons, and Sidney Janis. This talk will look at the complex political and aesthetic contexts for the development of this movement, the first one in America to gain an international following. Dr. Gail Levin (PhD, Rutgers University) is Professor of Art History, American Studies, and Women Studies at Baruch College and the Graduate Center of CUNY. She is an art historian specializing in art of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with diverse research interests that include the work of Edward Hopper, Marsden Hartley, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Judy Chicago, women artists, Jewish artists, Chinese emigre artists, and contemporary art of the United States, Europe, and Japan, as well as American Studies and the cinema. Tickets are $10/ $5 for members.
Historic Asolo Theatre , `5401 Bay shore Rd., Sarasota
The Orioles invite fans of all ages to celebrate the club’s 10th anniversary at Ed Smith Stadium with a variety of events and promotions throughout the 2020 Spring Training season. Fans are invited to watch Orioles practice at Ed Smith Stadium from the first pitchers and catchers workout on February 12 through the final day of workouts on February 21. Practices will take place from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend, and complimentary parking is provided in the East Lot. On Saturday, February 15, the Orioles will host the fifth annual Sarasota Springfest from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The event, which is open admission to all, will feature Orioles practice, fan games, souvenir photos, local food trucks, and more. Fans will once again have opportunities to “Have A Catch” on the Ed Smith Stadium field, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the ballpark, and participate in a “Pitch for Charity” event to benefit Miracle League of Manasota. The event will conclude with a question and answer session with Orioles right-handed pitcher HUNTER HARVEY at approximately 12:45 pm.
Ed Smith Stadium , 2700 12th St., Sarasota
Show your love for the Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC). Watch dozens of awesome pups soar through the air during a dog dock diving competition. Enjoy an exhilarating polo match from the Sarasota Polo pavilion, the best seats in the house. Eat, drink, visit with vendors, see Search and Rescue dogs and win prizes. 100% of your ticket purchase will be donated to HSMC (after credit card fees).
The Sarasota Polo Club Pavilion, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240
Charles Gounod’s opera Romeo & Juliet will open Valentines day weekend. Set in 14th-century Verona, the deep love between Romeo and Juliet rivals the longstanding feud between their families, the Montagues and the Capulets. In this story — overflowing with lush melodies — the young lovers pursue their great passion to the grave. Romeo & Juliet will have nine performances through March 20, 2020. Individual tickets start at only $19 and are available at SarasotaOpera.org and the Sarasota Opera Box Office. For more information on Romeo & Juliet as well as the rest of the 2020 Winter Festival season—Puccini’s La bohème (opening February 8), Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love (opening February 22), and Catalani’s La Wally, (opening March 7)—contact the Sarasota Opera Box Office by visiting SarasotaOpera.org, call 941-328-1300, or visit the box office at 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236.
Sarasota Opera House , 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Research strongly suggests that it is worthwhile to adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle across the lifespan. Dr. Stephanie Peabody will discuss how lifestyle impacts, for better or worse, both the structure and function of the brain and contributes to health, illness and performance. Dr. Peabody is a neuropsychologist with more than 20 years of experience as a clinician and program designer, consistently working to improve outcomes in brain health, development, aging, and performance at the individual and community level. In collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital, and scientists and clinicians across the Harvard campus, she is the creator and Founding Director of the Brain Health Initiative. Follow Dr. Peabody, Michael J. Breus, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, and Board Certified Sleep Specialist, commonly known as America's Sleep Doctor will provide the basic mechanisms of how sleep works in the brain, the importance of sleep cycles and circadian rhythms, how sleep changes as we age and how we can all accommodate these changes. In addition, he will describe how sleep deprivation (from apnea to sleeplessness) affects all aspects of brain health and neurological disease. He will give everyone several techniques to determine their personalized bedtime, help create a personalized pre-bed routine, strategies for nocturnal awakenings and how to wake feeling refreshed and ready to meet the day.
RSVP on Eventbrite
The Grove Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 34202
Participants in photo class will have a brief lesson in Digital Photography covering topics like exposure, composition and lighting. Types of opportunities to practice behind the camera will vary, but will include taking photos indoors using the light boxes, portrait photography and walks to nearby places like the Garden Center. Ages 10-17 years old. Students are required to bring their own memory cards and should bring either a Digital SLR Camera or Point & Shoot (that has variable settings). Cameras will be available for use during class for campers that do not have a camera to bring. Taught by Barbara Gerdeman. Students must be registered by the Thursday before the session starts. Sessions will be canceled Friday morning if we do not have enough students registered. Click here for more youth programs.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Miami native Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted artist of Ayisen (Haitian) descent. With her first band Kazoots, Inez and her bandmates evolved from their fathers’ Haitian folkloric ensemble, mixed with next-generation influences. Going solo in 2016 allowed her further exploration, as she embraces history and heritage, finding inspiration from African, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin cultures. Inez’s incredible vocal delivery organically flows between an ancestral guttural bellow to an airy angelic falsetto, full of energy. Besides performances, Inez will conduct drumming workshops and an artist talk. Tickets $25-$35.">
Miami native Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted artist of Ayisen (Haitian) descent. With her first band Kazoots, Inez and her bandmates evolved from their fathers’ Haitian folkloric ensemble, mixed with next-generation influences. Going solo in 2016 allowed her further exploration, as she embraces history and heritage, finding inspiration from African, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin cultures. Inez’s incredible vocal delivery organically flows between an ancestral guttural bellow to an airy angelic falsetto, full of energy. Besides performances, Inez will conduct drumming workshops and an artist talk. Tickets $25-$35.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The SRQ State of the Regional Economy luncheon and panel discussion will explore the forecast on the horizon of small business, regional economic trends and economic development. What's trending, who's innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Localpreneur of the Year program at which we will honor the finalists and winners of the annual cometition recognizing business leaders who have forged a successful path for their entrepreneurial endeavors in our region.
The Hyatt Regency, Sarasota , 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
Get on the bus for an amazing tour of Frank Lloyd Wirht architecture at Florida Southern College! Tour departs from Center for Architecture Sarasota for Lakeland, FL where attendees will experience an expert docent-tour of the campus. The tour is followed by a buffet lunch at the historic terrace Hotel. The cost of the tour is $125, includes transportation, tour, and lunch. Center for Architectures mission is to heighten understanding of and appreciation for innovative architecture, good design and resilient urban planning. The gallery is free to the public and open Tuesday-Friday 12:00pm-5pm, and Saturday from 10:00am-2:00pm.
Center For Architecture Sarasota, 265 South Orange Ave., Sarasota
Discover Sarasota Tours launches a new tour: Art Crawl Trolley! Hop on board an air-conditioned trolley to visit three local art galleries during a 90-minute tour. Each gallery will provide wine and appetizers while you browse the collections and meet the owners. Between gallery stops, enjoy a mini public art neighborhood tour with artist and guide Jerome Chesley. Scheduled Galleries: Chasen's, Grace Howl Gallery, Helmuth Stone Gallery. Tickets are $35 for ages 21+, including complimentary beer or wine at the Trolley Cottage Tiki Bar before boarding, and wine and appetizers at each gallery on the tour. While waiting to board, visitors can also enjoy Discover Sarasota Tours' Vintage Sarasota gift shop and The ChillMobile, our new vintage ice cream truck.
Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th St., Sarasota
Are you going to BELIEVE? Thirty years ago, Dr. Kay Glasser believed it was possible to build a campus that would help to improve the quality of life for all people in our region. This Leap Day, The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center celebrate those who believed in her vision to get us here, and those who believe in our future.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
Students will complete a basic sewing project and work on a fashion design of their own creation aided by our skilled teachers. Students will explore, design and create with the materials they bring and those that we have on hand. Students will learn about fashion design, construction, creative thinking and more. Ages 9-17 years old. Participants will need to bring an idea for an unconventional material outfit, some requested materials and a basic sewing kit. Fashion Bootcamp is taugher by Barbara Gerdeman or Margaret Hillman. Students must be registered by Thursday February 27, 2020. Parents will be notified on Friday February 28 if bootcamp has been canceled.
Art Center Sarsota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Abstract Expressionist Syd Solomon lived and worked in Sarasota, Florida. From his home on Siesta Key, Solomon painted Florida’s coastal ecosystem and was profoundly inspired by the local landscape. Solomon was also an advocate for environmental conservation, a legacy continued by The Ringling today. During this workshop, participants will learn from Rose Garden Horticulturist Kai Sacco as he leads a walking tour of the Bayfront Gardens exploring topics such as coastal ecosystems, red tide, pollinators and the importance of native plants. Attendees will also learn how to create a Florida Friendly landscape using native plants.
The program will begin in the Chao Lecture Hall followed by a walking tour tailored to the topic. Please wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes and allow additional time to make your way from the Visitors Pavilion to the Lecture Hall.
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Goodwill Manasota has announced their signature event, Mardi Gras Gala 2020, where the fabulous Phil Mancini will transform Michael's On East once again into Bourbon Street a' la Michael's serving authentic New Orleans food, in a lively, street party atmosphere! There will be amazing cajun food, awesome auction items, fantastic music, inspiring dancing, marvelous performers and more. Fun and festive marti gras attire is encouraged. Tickets are $175 per person, and can be purchased HERE. For sponsorship opportunities click HERE.
Michaels On East, 1212 S. East Ave Sarasota
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