SRQ DAILY Oct 15, 2020
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"This year we are humbled by the need in our community and the ability to help during such a difficult time. Through collective giving, we realize there is no limit to the impact we can achieve and welcome others to join us on our journey."
Dave “Watchdog” Minder said his eight years on the Manatee County School Board show what he can provide the voters in a third term. But opponent Mary Foreman said that’s exactly the problem.
It’s an argument that voters will hear until the Nov. 3 elections. Miner touts his experience putting together a district-wide budget, his knowledge of how to lobby lawmakers in Tallahassee, his history of doing his homework on every recommendation from the Superintendent’s Office.
“Having my watchdog oversight on many matters helped us to avoid the disaster that occurred eight years ago when the school district had a negative fund balance, which led to our academic suffering and our teachers leaving,” he said. “I hope to prevent that happening again by having enough voters realize my experience and credibility are very important.”
But Foreman, who emerged as the top challenger for Miner when the two emerged from a four-candidate primary in August, said Miner’s record has been one of disruption. He got into an altercation with another Board member that police investigated, mishandled controversies around Lincoln Memorial Academy’s charter and fundamentally doesn’t understand priorities for the budget.
“The experience he has had, I would be suspicious of it,” she said. “When he was a chairperson, he had difficulty conducting meetings. When he was chair of the Central Florida Public School Board Coalition… my understanding is he needed a lot of assistance to conduct the meetings. As far as his work in Tallahasee, I have no idea how effective it was.”
Foreman for her part has served on the school district’s Audit Committee since 2013, including a stint as chair. She said a familiarity with a $592 million budget won’t be a problem.
Miner before his time on the board was a local activist keeping an eye on Board issues himself, once even suing the district to get access to real estate appraisals on land the district considered purchasing.
He dismissed concerns about friction between himself and colleague Scott Hopes, whom he was once accused of trying to run down in a parking lot; police investigated the matter and found no reason for charges. He suggested it’s actually a good thing the board isn’t represented by one philosophy and that tensions lead to better decision-making. But Foreman sees Miner as confused about some of the basic needs of the district.
Foreman also disagrees with the decision the Board made to hire Superintendent Cynthia Sanders internally, despite a state investigation on finances. The candidate doesn’t want a contract extension approved and would rather conduct a national search, encouraging Sanders to apply. Miner, though, said Sanders has done outstanding in the job, and effectively firing the district leader would be a mistake.
One point of contention in the race, Miner said he’s a strong supporter of a tax put in place by voters to raise revenue and keep competitive salaries. He recalls a time before when the neighboring Sarasota District poached a state Principal of the Year over summer vacation. “That’s when I really resolved this nonsense had to stop,” he said. Proving a comparative education to neighbors requires the ability to offer competitive salaries to talent.
Foreman said she voted for that tax, but that it’s a mistake to fund salaries that way. For one thing, the referendum approving the millage hike barely passed. If renewal fails, teacher salaries must be cut. “We should be making teacher compensation a priority and paying it first out of our core budget,” she said. She wants to reset the budget structure, including cutting other district overhead. If that doesn’t happen before the tax sees the ballot again, she will vote for an extension— reluctantly.
Fifth grade teacher Lorienne Nickelson wanted her Bay Haven students and their families to build a sense of community by participating in a “hands on” environmental education program in collaboration with the Central Cocoanut Neighborhood Association (CCA).Embracing the project, students enthusiastically researched design landscaping to improve Hog Creek in Pioneer Park and prepared to present their plan to the city of Sarasota and CCA board.
Research involved field trips to the Celery Fields, North Lido Beach, the Carefree Learner, and Selby Gardens where students observed effective existing restorations. They incorporated their findings into a plan to restore a section of Hog Creek including a butterfly garden using Florida native plants.
“Students presented their plan to city and county officials and two classes at Bay Haven, and they planted a small-scale garden on campus that represents their design for improving Hog Creek,” Nickelson said.
“My students were amazing at researching, analyzing data, planning, and presenting their plan using posters, PowerPoint, and group presentations. I couldn’t be prouder,” Nickelson said.
“The city of Sarasota responded by inviting us to a playground opening and tree ceremony at Pioneer Park,” Nickelson said.
Although Covid-19 restrictions prevented the students from carrying out all of the restoration plan, Nickelson said the project was a collaborative success that sparked students’ curiosity and willingness to get involved.
“Thanks to an $847 grant from the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, my students were able to get out in the community and be part of improving a neighborhood park for future generations.”
After work today ladies, head across the bridge to all of your favorite St. Armands Circle stores for the monthly, Ladies Day promotion. Every third Thursday of the month, walk around the Circle with your crew and enjoy 15% off discounts, raffle prizes and refreshments at participating stores. The outdoor, open concept, sun and fresh air make St. Armands an ideal place to get back outside and shop around. And with October here, do your own kind of tick-or-treating to each retail doorway for some new fall festive merchandise and seasonal attire. Or, get a jump start on some holiday gift shopping while the weather is ideal and crowds are slim. Also, be sure to fill out a ticket to be entered to win some prizes including gift cards and beauty products.
Participating Ladies Night stores giving discounts and raffle prizes:
The Ancient Olive of Sarasota, Apricot Lane, Beach House, Charleston Shoe Company, DanaTyler, Destination Florida, Foxy Lady Sarasota West, The Giving Tree Gallery, Hatley, Island Pursuit, Just/Because, Le Macaron, Modern Soul, Olivia Fashion Boutique, Pelindaba Lavender, The Spice & Tea Exchange of Sarasota, Soma, Sunglass Express Optical, Tervis, Drippin' Wet, Your CBD Store
St. Armand's Ladies Nights, Thursday, October 15; November 19; December 17; 5 pm to 9 pm.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County will honor Lee Wetherington at its virtually reimagined Champions for Children 50th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. Presented by the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation, all proceeds from the event will ensure youth across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties have access to award-winning programs that foster academic success, strong character and leadership, healthy lifestyles and career readiness. Since joining the organization’s Board of Directors in 1991, Mr. Wetherington’s leadership and personal contributions have ensured a legacy that will impact and enhance the lives of youth for many years to come. Because of Mr. Wetherington’s unwavering commitment, future generations of Boys & Girls Club members will have a safe place to learn, play and grow into their full potential.
Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at bgcsarasota.com. For more information, call Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County at 941-366-3911.
Impact100 SRQ, a group of local women who have collectively committed to high impact strategic grant-making, announced the five finalists that will compete for three $114,000 grants at the 2020 Impact100 SRQ “virtual” annual meeting and awards celebration on November 1. “The grant review process is the heart and soul of our organization”, said Jane Watt, founder and president of Impact100 SRQ. “This year we are humbled by the need in our community and the ability to help during such a difficult time. Through collective giving, we realize there is no limit to the impact we can achieve and welcome others to join us on our journey.”
Aging Jewishly, What Our Traditions Tell Us About Growing Old, by Rabbi Barbara Aiello features a collection of Jewish themed stories, based on the real-life experiences of elderly Jewish men and women, many of whom live in Jewish senior communities. Rabbi Barbara says, "This book, “Aging Jewishly” is a tribute and a thank you to all of the elderly men and women who shared their courage and the wisdom of their life experiences with me in my ten years as their resident rabbi."
The talent management company MBJ Group recently released a brand-new couples coaching package, an offering that helps pairs with the partnership communication process through a series of assessments and resources for enhanced interactions. “Communicating in a relationship has many potential pitfalls, especially now that the current environment has forced couples together more than ever,” said Jim Bos, co-owner of MBJ Group. “Recent research has led to the discovery that individuals with similar behaviors and driving forces can still respond differently to situations, especially when they are emotionally charged.”
Owner of Lila, Arthur Lopes Jr. restaurant downtown passed away peacefully. He was a kind and generous man. Although young, he lived an amazing life. Arthur's kindness and love was felt by so many. In his honor, move forward being kind to one another and remember you never know what another person is going through.
The downtown Sarasota BBQ restaurant with a dedicated following over nearly a decade will close at the end of the month. Nancy's Bar-B-Q's last day of business at its 301 S. Pineapple Ave. location, which opened in 2011, will be Oct. 31, said owner Nancy Krohngold. Its Lakewood Ranch location will remain open. "The place, it's like my firstborn child," Krohngold said about saying goodbye to her original brick-and-mortar location. "But business is business, and the show's got to go on, and it will go on. We're still going to make people happy with barbecue."
Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) is proud to announce two new board members, Pete Skokos and LTC (Ret) Tessa Suplee. Skokos and Suplee enhance the governance, diversity, and leadership of SMA and will add new ideas to the organization. Skokos works locally in law while Suplee brings gender diversity with practical medical sector experience earned in the U.S. Air Force. Chair of the board of directors, Herb Jones says, “The talent that Mr. Skokos and LTC (Ret.) Suplee bring to our board of directors, along with their passion for SMA’s mission, serve to highlight our commitment to new perspectives while strengthening the governance of the Sarasota Military Academy Board of Directors."
Joseph McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful recruitment by its Executive Recruiter, Richard Miller of Michael Clough as Eastern Regional Rep for Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System opened a new outpatient care center today with a state-of-the-art endoscopy suite and expanding specialty practice dedicated to early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and other digestive diseases and disorders. “Regular and timely screenings are the key to protect our overall health and our best defense to catch cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage,” said Stephen Kucera, MD, who serves as medical director of gastroenterology and endoscopic oncology at Sarasota Memorial. “Opening an outpatient endoscopy center will allow more people to schedule routine screenings and diagnostic services outside the hospital, while increasing our capacity to treat acute, complex cases inside the hospital.”
Manatee County Commissioners today authorized the purchase of 161 acres in East Manatee for a new government operations center to serve Manatee County’s fastest growing areas, Parrish and Lakewood Ranch. The purchase will improve infrastructure maintenance efficiency to a community that is growing by 10,000 people a year and adds miles of roads, pipes, traffic signals and other supporting infrastructure annually. “This concept is a shared, centrally located county government complex to improve efficiency of services in the Central/Eastern portion of the county,” County Administrator Cheri Coryea said, who noted today is the sixth time over the past 18 months the Board has discussed long range space needs. “What we present today is something that can gain multiple efficiencies on one master-planned parcel of land.”
Applications will reopen later this month for a new round of Manatee CARES Act funding for local residents, small businesses, nonprofit agencies and community organizations. The application opening dates are Monday, Oct. 19 - CARES Act Funding for Nonprofits (Community Health & Wellbeing), Wednesday, Oct. 21 - Recover Manatee Safety First Small Business Grant Program and Wednesday, Oct. 28 - Manatee CARES Housing Assistance Program. CARES Act funding in this round for nonprofit agencies is available to expand an existing program to provide food distribution, including special holiday food, to help residents to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. A separate $5,000 grant for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other items to reopen safely is also available to eligible nonprofits. Nonprofits may apply again even if they already received the $5,000 grant in a previous round.
Loving Hands Ministries expands their Loving Hands Thrift Store by adding a Furniture Store. The Grand Opening Event extends through the weekend beginning Thursday, October 15 at 1pm.
The School Board of Manatee County is seeking one civic-minded citizen to serve as member of the Audit Committee for a three-year term. Those interested in serving must:
- Live in Manatee County.
- Be a CPA (active or retired) or had employment experience in school district financial operations.
- Submit a letter expressing interest, providing contact information and providing a brief summary of their work experience.
Responses must be sent to the Manatee County School District, Michele Boyes, Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, Florida 34206-9069 no later than Friday, October 30, 2020.
Interested individuals can obtain additional information about the Committee by emailing Barbara Vedder, Audit Committee Chair, at vedderb@manateeschools.net.
Mote’s Learning Labs are a series of virtual, interactive college and career preparatory labs that will provide students the opportunity to develop and hone professional skills for future STEM careers. Participants will gain basic knowledge in marine science concepts and experience in lab/field work. Additionally, marine science professionals will introduce participants to a variety of career opportunities and conduct career explorations. The intention of this program is to offer participants a head start toward their future goals in STEM and advance the next generation of STEM professionals. Learning Labs take place monthly on Wednesdays from 5pm to 8pm, via secure Zoom webinar. Registration for each Learning Lab is $10 and covers all necessary materials for your session.
Join your Lakewood Ranch Ambassador, Greg Spring, on the third Saturday of each month from 8am to 9am October-March for a 10-mile, 1-hour casual bike ride through Lakewood Ranch. We will meet at the fountains on Main Street. This is a great way to see the Ranch. Don't forget to bring your helmet.
October 17th & 18th and October 24th & 25th. Tickets for this popular event go on sale to the general public on August 12th at 10am, tickets will be available on the museum's website at www.frrm.org Early access for members are on sale now by calling the ticket office. The Ticket office is open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Special Note for Covid 19; For 2020 the event will operate at 50% capacity. Due to the complicity of ticketing in reserved seat cars, window seats will only be sold. However, you may consolidate your group using unsold aisle seats within your seating area. Mask requirements will be based on Manatee County mask ordinance at the time of the event.
Join Historic Spanish Point for incredible stories on the artists that shaped and influenced history around the world. We are proud to offer this art lecture series with Baila Miller as part of our monthly programming. Baila’s unique storytelling presentations will connect you to the art world in a whole new way. All presentations take place at Historic Spanish Point’s Visitor Center Classrooms. Tickets: $15 for Historic Spanish Point members and $20 for future members.
Illest of Illustration is an annual juried exhibition that showcases the outstanding works created by current Illustration students of Ringling College of Art and Design. Over 100 works were chosen from more than 200 submissions. The talented guest jurors, Justin and Annie Stegg Gerard, made their selections based on the quality of technique, concept, and skill of medium used. Exhibition open by appointment only. Email galleries@ringling.edu to request an appointment. This exhibit began on October 23, 2020 and will end on December 4, 2020, during museum hours.
Ringling College Galleries
Carving a pumpkin is old news - join Fab Lab and laser etch your pumpkin just in time for Halloween! Use CorelDraw to make any design imaginable and then the high-tech laser cutter will etch the design in your pumpkin. A $35 registration fee includes two children and one parent/guardian. Pumpkin included. Hour long slots available from 2-7pm. Only 6 slots per hour due to COVID-19 social distancing.
Special guests outside in the courtyard including: Myakka Gold Apiary Honey, Your CBD Shop, Kiln Fired Diffusers, Koontz Kultery, EB Henna, Ioni’es, There is No Nomal, and two adorable young girls making masks and lanyards with a portion going back to charity. Plus, rescue dogs looking for their fur-ever home.
This sumptuous ballet, choreographed by the great Rudolph Nureyev, returns to the stage with magnificent sets created by Oscar winner Franca Squarciapino, and Felix Korobov conducting the extraordinary score by Tchaikovsky. International superstar Polina Semionova stars as the lovely Princess Aurora, who after being cursed by an evil fairy (Beatrice Carbone), must fall into a death-like sleep until a handsome prince (Timofej Andrijashenko) awakens her with a kiss. From Teatro La Scala.
For over three decades, AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter has hosted the Sarasota Design Conference, a unique event in a unique city. The Conference aims to be motivational for both attendees and speakers and has created a history of featuring design-innovative speakers both established and up-and-coming who are able to interact with their attendees in a casual setting that encourages dialog and learning. This biennial event is well attended by industry professionals, primarily architects in the Florida Caribbean region. Registration for virtual attendance is open now through October 25, 2020
Jennifer and Austin delighted judges and audience members alike at Artist Series Concerts’ 2016 National Voice Competition, where they took first and second place respectively. Fast-forward to 2020 and the duo, each now pursuing a busy music career, returns to Sarasota to perform together for the organization’s 25th season. Soprano Jennifer Kreider is pursuing a performer’s diploma under the guidance of Jane Dutton at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Her past roles include Musetta (La Bohème), Dew Fairy (Hansel and Gretel), Linfea (La Calisto) and many others. She has been a young artist at Opera in the Ozarks, the CoOPERAtive Program in Princeton, New Jersey, and the Franz Schubert Institute in Baden bei Wien, Austria. A native of Brandon, Florida, tenor Austin Cripe is currently pursuing his master’s degree at Florida State University. He has performed with Florida State Opera in the roles of Gastone in La Traviata, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, the title role in Candide and others. He has also performed with Red River Lyric Opera, the Savannah Voice Festival and Opera Tampa. The trio performs works by Brahms, Donizetti, Kurt Weill, Jerome Kern and more. With Austin Cripe, tenor; and Joseph Holt, piano
Come trick or treat at The Bazaar. Enjoy interactive experiences from 21 Century Shakespeare Theatre company. Every hour they will be performing Halloween inspired skits outside in the courtyard, also Let's Create Art is hosting a coloring contest with prizes.
Madama Butterfly is one of most performed and best loved operas of all time. The tragic story of the geisha Cio Cio San and the U.S. naval officer Pinkerton touches all audiences. Director Mario Gas sets his new interpretation in a 1930's film studio, where they are working on a movie adaptation of Puccini's soaring opera of romance and innocence lost.
This digital exhibition features recent work by accomplished faculty currently teaching at Ringling College of Art and Design. Featuring a dizzying array of media and artistic styles that reflect the breadth of art practices, this exhibition provides an important opportunity for art faculty members to share their work with students, colleagues, and the community.
Ringling College Galleries, Online—this exhibition is being hosted online.
Join Claudia Baeza, a Kripalu trained yoga instructor, for Yoga and Meditation on the loggias of the Museum of Art Courtyard for a unique opportunity to gently move the body and calm the mind. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Music Compound is officially launching a new program, The Academy, for grades 3-8, that offers core curriculum through Florida Virtual School and then afternoon electives in the arts. The registration deadline is July 31. Education Session (Education Coordinator position) is offered daily from 8:30am to Noon Monday through Thursday. Students have the option to attend two, three or four days a week. This portion is being offered with Florida Virtual School. Deadline to register is July 31st. Lunch and relaxation time offered daily from Noon to 1:00pm and available to FULL day students only. Students will have time to enjoy lunch and outdoor play. The last 20 minutes will be reserved for quiet time. Our team will offer yoga or meditation sessions. Students can opt to read a book, nap, or check out in another capacity. Enrichment Session is arts related. (Elective and credit based) and offered daily from 1:00 to 4:00pm Monday through Thursday. The afternoon session will include a daily afternoon snack break for students. The afternoon sessions are based on interest. Afternoon classes sizes will range from 6-12 students per class. Classes that have more than 6 students will be hosted in our large 3,000 sq. ft. event venue. Electives are One hour and 20 minutes per session. Electives are offered quarterly, by semester, or yearly. Courses offered: Art, Dance, Drama, Music / Group Instruction / Music Theory / Music Appreciation, Musical theatre / Show Choir, Band program (Kidz Rock, Rising Stars, Youth Bands) and Career Exploration.
Featuring performances and excerpts of Sir Frederick Ashton's: Meditation from Thaïs, Monotones II, Façade, Romeo & Juliet, La chatte métamorphosée en femme, The Sleeping Beauty and Les Patineurs. Additional content includes rehearsal footage, along with coaching and an interview with retired British ballet dancer and former Artistic Director of The Royal Ballet Sir Anthony Dowell.
Welcome to Out of the Blue 2020 – a unique Live Online Event and Costume Contest supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Throughout the month of October, you will have the opportunity to enter a picture of your best “BLUE” costume. On October 29th from 6:30-8:00 pm, NAMI will host a Live Online Zoom event emceed by entertainer Jonathan Cortez and featuring local artists and talent all in support of NAMI. Our evening will wrap up by announcing the Costume Contest winners with a “Best in Blue” winner in each category. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to have fun creating a “Bluetiful” costume along with an enjoyable – and safe – evening of entertainment.
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