SRQ DAILY Nov 11, 2020
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"This new landscape is a difficult one to navigate, and we are doing our absolute best to finalize our upcoming seasons for you."
With two new Sarasota City Commission sworn in, City Manager Tom Barwin is planning his course out of City Hall. After eight and a half years, the administrator revealed in a memo to commissioners he will present a retirement transition plan at a Dec. 7 meeting.
“If they want to talk me out of it, I’m always all ears,” Barwin told SRQ.
But he also said he would rather go out during a high moment in his tenure. The city has foundations for The Bay redevelopment plan in motion, a transportation plan including a Downtown connection to the Legacy Trail and a 100-acre nature preserve in the making at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Course. New tax increment financing agreements were recently approved and the crime rate is low.
He issued his memo after a meeting with new City Commissioner Erik Arroyo, who had asked for Barwin’s future plans to be discussed at a November meeting. But Arroyo said he wasn’t trying to push Barwin; rather he wanted to address rumors the 66-year-old administrator was ready to leave.
At the same time, there’s long been tensions in Sarasota’s politics. Commissioner Hagen Brody has sparred regularly with Barwin. New Commissioner Kyle Scott Battie, who just unseated long-time Commissioner Willie Shaw, has criticized spending of Newtown redevelopment dollars. Sarasota’s last three City Commissioners left amid turmoil. Barwin said he would rather leave with people talking about his successes and while the city seemed on a good track.
“I’ve been managing cities for 39 years, some smaller than this, one three times as big,” Barwin said. “Every election, probably for a month before the election, I do some serious reflection and reevaluation.” While Barwin said he doesn’t follow the political campaigns, he knows the results of political contests can result in changes in policy and vision for a city. All things considered, now seems an appropriate time to retire.
But he plans to stick around the region, maybe even start a business or go into consulting. With so many complex issues in the city, he’d like to help with any transition in leadership.
He also noted U.S. News & World Report recently listed Sarasota as the No. 1 city in America in which to retire, one of many honorifics that praise this community. It would be nice, he thinks, to enjoy the city without worrying about a late night crisis. “I love this city,” he said. “Maybe I will love it even more when I don’t of the responsibility of running it 24-7, 365 days a year.” 
As part its ongoing commitment of support, the Ringling College Library Association (RCLA) presented a gift of $600,000 to Ringling College President Dr. Larry Thompson. RCLA President Emily Walsh stated the funds are part of RCLA’s most recent gift commitment of $3 million supporting the Alfred R. Goldstein Library and student scholarships. “RCLA’s ongoing support of Ringling College of Art and Design is crucial to our ability to provide our students not only a state-of-the-art library to enhance their learning and collaboration, but also much-needed financial assistance through scholarship funding,” said Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design. “We are so very thankful to RCLA for its long-time partnership with Ringling College, and we look forward to many more years of serving Ringling College students together.”
The challenging times of COVID-19 curtailed the 2020 season of the popular, often sold-out RCLA Town Hall Lecture Series last spring. The two remaining lectures were suspended due to coronavirus precautions. Those two remaining 2020 speakers have been rescheduled to the spring of 2021: Neuroscientist Lisa Genova will present her talk on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, while renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz is scheduled to speak on Monday, April 19, 2021. Further, the entire 2021 Town Hall Lecture Series will be rescheduled for 2022, out of consideration for the health and safety of our patrons, volunteers, staff, and speakers.
“The RCLA board is pleased to honor our gift commitment to Ringling College of Art and Design, just as we have done since 1981,” said RCLA Executive Director Stephanie Grosskreutz. “With commitments of over $11 million, RCLA is one of the largest donors to Ringling College.”
Pictured: Emily Walsh and Dr. Larry Thompson
In response to increased need and in order to brighten the holidays for community members who are struggling, All Faiths Food Bank will distribute thousands of turkeys and side dishes to those who are facing hunger with multiple distributions through November 24. The turkey distributions kicked off on November 7 with an event hosted by The Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel. Cars started lining up well before 8am. All Faiths distributed just over 700 turkeys (with side dishes as well as lovely bouquets of flowers to brighten everyone's day). Recipients came primarily by car but there were some on bikes and others on foot. All were grateful for the help in these challenging times.
Pictured: All Faiths Food Bank volunteer Ellie Wilson helps to load food and flowers into a community member's trunk.
Caldwell Trust Company returns as the Exclusive Signature Sponsor for the Tidewell Foundation’s 12th Annual Signature Luncheon, set for February 5, 2021 at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. Keynote speaker will be Lorna Luft, Broadway star and daughter of beloved, legendary performer July Garland. Foundation President Debbie Mason said, “Tidewell is so fortunate to have Caldwell Trust Company return as our lead sponsor. This special annual event is the one time of the year when we focus on the numerous services that are available to the community for free. Such programs include grief counseling, our Blue Butterfly’s children’s grief program, our nationally recognized Honors Veterans services, Nurse Residency training program, and more."
The Junior League of Sarasota (JLS) awarded eight grants to local non-profit organizations totaling $45,000 in October 2020. A total of 87 applicants were considered during the grant selection process. Committee members scored the applicants based on the four core areas of the JLS mission: children, women, families, and young adults aging out of foster care. The following recipients were selected: Everyday Blessings $9,000, Florida Studio Theatre $5,000, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida $2,000, Girls Inc. $6,541, North Port Coalition for Homeless/Needy Children $10,000, Safe Children Coalition (SCC) $4,000, Take Stock in Children of Sarasota (TSIC) Program $1,000 and Tidewell Hospice $7,448.
The upcoming season’s Broadway, Classical and Dance shows are moving to a future season, with many Subscriber Specials moving as well. Patrons will be contacted directly with final confirmation when dates are finalized. Many Variety shows still remain as scheduled, and the Van Wezel will continue to announce additional virtual and in-person programming as it becomes available. “This new landscape is a difficult one to navigate, and we are doing our absolute best to finalize our upcoming seasons for you,” says Mary Bensel, Executive Director. “We have some amazing performers lined up for the 2021-2022 season in addition to the shows listed below, and I know that the Van Wezel will return stronger than ever to help us all heal. We truly apologize for the delay in providing definitive answers about scheduling, and we thank you for your patience as we get through these challenging times together.”
Click here for a full listing of rescheduled and canceled performances.
Join Hamlet’s Eatery for a Jazz Brunch on Sunday, November 15 in the gorgeous outdoor courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. Relax under the covered patio at 821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota from 10am to 3pm. Menu options will include both traditional and vegan dishes from build your own omelettes with fresh organic eggs to tofu scrambles. Free mimosa with entree. Starting at 11am until 2pm, enjoy live jazz music from the Father & Son Jazz Duo. Norm and Jack Gagne, have been playing together for many years.
941-445-1938
Due to several confirmed COVID-19 cases among its "Light Up the Night!" cast and crew, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has changed the date of its upcoming fall gala, "Soul in the Garden," from November 13 to November 22. This adjustment is to allow for recommended quarantine periods to pass as well as full recovery and negative tests for those who have been affected by the virus. On Sunday, November 22, 6-9 p.m., Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents its annual fall gala in a beautiful outdoor setting. WBTT will honor longtime supporter and immediate past board chair, Marian Moss, as its 2020 Heart & Soul Philanthropy honoree. Delicious dinner catered by Michael's On East. Takes place at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (800 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota). Limited to 150 guests to ensure safe social distancing; livestream option is available for those unable to attend. Attire: cool and comfy with a groovy 1960s flair. Tickets are $250/in person or $100/livestream.
For more information or to check availability of in-person event tickets, contact Debra Flynt-Garrett at 941-366-1505, ext. 106, or dfgarrett@westcoastblacktheatre.org.
The legal industry is currently experiencing a severe shortage of court reporters given the overall increase in demand for services and the pandemic’s shift to digital platforms. The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is partnering with State College of Florida (SCF) to provide a virtual information session about SCF’s tuition-free Digital Court Reporter training program. This free informational webinar is on November 18, 12pm-1pm. Participants can attend by phone or computer and will be able to ask questions via a chatbox. Guest speakers include representatives from SCF, the online training company Ed2Go, and Veritext, a top court reporting agency.
Melissa Harris, SIOR, of Sarasota-based Ian Black Real Estate recently achieved the SIOR designation awarded by the Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS® (SIOR). “Obtaining the SIOR was a professional goal that I had set for myself back when I first started in commercial real estate nine years ago,” said Harris, sales associate at Ian Black Real Estate. “I wanted to reach this benchmark in my career to distinguish myself as a professional in the industry.”
Sarasota Contemporary Dance puts on a new show.
Click here to read the full article in SRQ's November 2020 edition.
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. Responses must be sent to the Manatee County School District, Attn: Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, Florida 34206-9069 no later than Thursday, December 10, 2020. Interested individuals can obtain additional information about the Committee by emailing Barbara Vedder, Audit Committee Chair, at vedderb@manateeschools.net.
"Personal Geography represents the connection I feel for my hometown of What Cheer, Iowa. This small town with its boarded-up buildings and a melancholy that permeates the streets holds so many memories of my early life. Although I lived there for only five years, it has a hold on me that’s difficult to explain. Perhaps it’s my inherent need to belong somewhere, perhaps it’s the memories of my family who are no longer alive, or maybe it’s the place itself with its rolling hills, verdant cornfields and own distinct quality of light. More likely it’s my memory of a place where both my father and I were born, where my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents lived nearby. The map of my life extends quite far, I lived in four different states by the time I was 16. But it’s this tiny forgotten town that has a hold on me both temporal and spiritual that I don’t fully understand. Combining family snapshots with photographs I have taken in What Cheer since the 1970’s Personal Geography explores the impermanence of history and memory and the permanence of place." This exhibition is open by appointment only. Please email galleries@ringling.edu to request an appointment. This exhibit began at the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center on October 19, 2020 and will end on December 11, 2020, during museum hours.
Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Join us on Zoom as we host Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Executive Director of Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, who has spent 40 years studying and conserving manatees.
During think + drink / science, he'll share myths and legends surrounding manatees, current threats to their survival, and a brief history of manatee research and conservation, along with some of his field experiences with manatees in several countries. Then we'll open up the program for your questions!
Where: On Zoom
Cost: $3 for members of the Discovery Society; $5 for all others
Online, Online
Join celebrating the 20th Anniversary of our annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. While the luncheon this year will look very different, the purpose is the same, uniting to show support for the critical work of Meals on Wheels PLUS through The Food Bank of Manatee. With a generous sponsorship, you can treat your staff/organization to a socially-distanced appreciation luncheon with an assortment of soups, fresh-baked bread, and dessert delivered from our event to your location. Show your support for Meals on Wheels PLUS and The Food Bank of Manatee. The fundraiser will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on November 12, 2020 at Manatee Performing Arts Center 503 3rd Avenue West in Fowntown Bradenton and on November 13, 2020 at Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, Nov 12: 503 3rd Avenue West, Downtown Bradenton Nov 13: Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
The year the land for Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus was purchased is also a momentous one in women's history. The dynamic display in the Tropical Conservatory celebrates the Suffrage Movement and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The Museum of Botany & the Arts will showcase our preserved plant collections. Our Historic Spanish Point campus Gazebo will also receive the Orchid Show treatment and pay tribute to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the official opening of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus. To celebrate, the Orchid Show will honor founder, Marie Selby, and highlight the accomplishments of the many notable women who have built on her legacy and helped to make Selby Gardens home to the best scientifically-documented collection of orchids in the world. The year the land for Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus was purchased is also a momentous one in women's history. The dynamic display in the Tropical Conservatory celebrates the Suffrage Movement and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The Museum of Botany & the Arts will showcase our preserved plant collections. Our Historic Spanish Point campus Gazebo will also receive the Orchid Show treatment and pay tribute to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, 34236
The Florida Cultural Group Inc will produce Starlight Movie Night, sponsored by the Bradenton Area Arts & Culture Department, on the heels of the destination's month-long National Arts and Humanities celebration. Four family-friendly films will be shown on big screens set up at four outdoor locations (on land and water) found throughout the Bradenton Area. Attendees must reserve a free viewing spot at the location of their choice to secure their space and ensure a safe and socially distant movie night under the stars.
Holmes Beach Community Park:
“Dolphin Tale” (rated PG) will be featured at Holmes Beach Community Park at 5900 Flotilla Drive in the City of Holmes Beach. Reserve a spot and bring your own chairs, blankets and coolers. This screening also includes a guest speaker from Clearwater Aquarium starting at 6:30 p.m., presented by The Center of Anna Maria Island. Masks are required when not in your viewing section.
Manatee Performing Arts Center: This community hub for arts and culture at 502 3 rd Ave W in Bradenton will transform into an outdoor movie theatre, showing “Swiss Family Robinson” (rated G). At this location, attendees can reserve a section and set up their own lawn chairs and blankets outside, or reserve a parking spot and enjoy the movie from their vehicle. Coolers are allowed, and Manatee Performing Arts Center will be providing popcorn.
Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch: These sprawling fields located at 5895 Post Blvd in Lakewood Ranch provide plenty of room for guests to set up their lawn chairs and blankets and get comfortable for an outdoor showing of “Pelé: Birth of a Legend” (rated PG). Concessions will be available at this location, and guests are welcome to bring coolers.
Palmetto on the Manatee River: Cruise over and anchor your boat for a unique movie experience on the water. “Peanut Butter Falcon” (rated PG-13) will be shown from the big screen on the west side of the Palmetto Pier and the north side of the Manatee River. There are no reservations at this location, so be sure to arrive early and anchor boats 10’ apart to maintain
social distancing.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has just announced a premiere outdoor concert event, Bay Music Live. On Saturday, November 14, Jah Movement's signature sound will electrify the lawn and terrace outside of the Van Wezel in this socially-distanced, sunset show. The event kicks off at 4pm with music starting promptly at 4:30pm Lawn spaces and tables will be arranged for social distancing, and guests can enjoy fresh air and a stroll on the newly developed Mangrove Bayou Walkway. Food and beverage by Mattison's will be available for purchase, with beer by Michelob Ultra & Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.
Co-chairs Ariane Dart and Pauline L. Wamsler cordially invite you to the in celebration of Selby Gardens' 45th Anniversary Orchid Show: Women Breaking the Glasshouse Ceiling. While we cannot be together in-person, all attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch while creating a unique floral design led virtually by one of Washington, D.C.’s most sought-after floral designers, Sarah von Pollaro, Founder, of Urban Petals Floral Design.Proceeds from Lunch in the Gardens support Selby Gardens' community outreach education programs; international research and conservation; and beautiful, world-class horticulture displays. It is their hope that they can help children and families develop an appreciation for nature.
Online
Join WUSF for a virtual event to benefit WUSF Public Media featuring Ari Shapiro, host of NPR's award-winning All Things Considered. Shapiro has reported from above the Arctic Circle and aboard Air Force One. He has covered wars in Iraq, Ukraine, and Israel. In addition, he's a singer and makes frequent guest appearances with the "little Orchestra" Pink Martini.
Thanks to the pandemic, the United States plunged from a record-breaking economic expansion to a severe recession. What choices do we need to make to reverse that trend and secure our economic future? William Dudley (’71-’74) is a senior research scholar at Princeton University’s Center for Economic Policy Studies. He served as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from 2009 to 2018 and was also the vice chairman of the Federal Open Market Committee. In 2019, Dudley spoke about our nation’s record-breaking economic expansion. Shortly after, the pandemic cut that short. With breathtaking speed, the United States economy has plunged from its recent heights to the deepest recession in decades. The American economy is sick. What is Dudley’s prescription to bring the patient back to health? What choices must we make to jump-start a recovery? How long will it take to turn things around? Depending on our choices, Dudley will define the best-case and worst-case scenarios.
Using our portable distance learning studio, Mote Marine Laboratory will connect with you from on top of our 135,000 gallon shark habitat. This virtual tour is focused on shark research and care at our aquarium. We begin with a review of the history of shark research at the lab, including the story of our founder, Dr. Eugenie Clark. Then we watch a live demonstration of shark husbandry and training with our biologists as they feed the animals. We end with an open question and answer segment with our ocean experts.
When: Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 9:00–9:30 am ET
How: Via Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free
Online, Online
Live Halftime Show at 7 PM on Girls Inc.’s YouTube Channel Celebrate your favorite football team and support Girls Inc. of Sarasota County at the same time! Choose your tailgate experience below and enjoy a football Saturday with friends at a location of your choice.
Online, Online
Political Themed Artwork Online All Media Juried Exhibition on display from October 29 until December 31, 2020. First Place Award went to Dan Remmel with Once Upon A Time in Siberia, Second Place Award went to Peter Watrous with Separate, Third Place Award went to Julie Trigg with Remembering Sarasota, and Merit Awards went to Ellen Kantro with Headlong and Patricia Turner with Gunned Down Grandsons.
The battle for the title of World’s Strongest Man begins Wednesday, November 11 in Bradenton, Fla. and culminates on Sunday, November 15 when a champion will be crowned. In partnership with The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (BACVB), the 43rd edition of the World’s Strongest Man competition will take place at Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island in Manatee County and follow an advanced new format, including a progressive four-day schedule that includes two days of qualifiers and a two-day final. The top strength athletes will once again be pushed to their physical and mental limits with events that will challenge them to pull, push, carry, lift and toss heavy weights such as large trucks, cars, kettlebells and the event’s iconic Atlas Stones. The World's Strongest Man is the world’s preeminent strongman competition, held annually since 1977. Competitors qualify based on placing in the top three in Giants Live events each year. This year’s World’s Strongest Man competition will see 25 of the sport’s most dominant strength athletes compete for the title. From pulling trucks to lifting and pressing logs, every event is designed to push the Strongmen to their absolute limits, challenging not only their physical strength, but their agility and mental toughness as well.
Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island
The Downtown Sarasota local book shop, Bookstore1 is now open for browsing with masks and gloves and payment by credit card only from 10 am – 4 pm, Monday – Saturday. Side-door pick is also still available. Upcoming Virtual Book Clubs will also continue to be held throughout October 2020 and throughout November, 2020. All book clubs presented via Zoom, registration is required. Ticket purchase required for Zoom link. Please feel free to contact Andrea Ginsky, Web Editor/Public Relations, if you have any questions. For the featured authors and books for each meeting, visit the link below.
Bookstore1 Sarasota
What's in a meal? Has it always been what it is today? Discover how human diets have changed over time and what it took to get food "on the table" in the past. IQuest is a monthly program for smart, curious middle school students in grades 6 through 8. While each IQuest is different, you can always expect challenging projects and games that inspire out-of-the-box solutions to real-world problems. 4-8 pm Saturday, November 14. Admission is $8. Kids only - this is a drop-off program. Paid reservations required; includes a slice of pizza and a drink.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
We unleash the awesome power of astronomy during KidSpace, where kids can become scientific masters of the universe. Join us as we take off from the Earth’s surface and fly to places humans have never been: the Sun, planets, other moons in our solar system, newly discovered solar systems in our galaxy and beyond. KidSpace is designed for grades 1-5 and their grown-ups, but everyone is welcome. Where: On Zoom Cost: Free
Online, Online
We have a great lineup of videos celebrating sustainability throughout Manatee County. Join us to learn more about native plants, litter, recycling, art and so much more.
Online, Online
Please join in celebrating the progress that's been made and charting the path forward for LGBTQ Floridians. At the 2020 Virtual Suncoast Celebration, you'll connect with leaders in this movement and learn about the future in protecting our progress. With performances from RuPaul's Drag Race alumni Bob the Drag Queen and Peppermint and some comic relief from LGBTQ comedian and actor Judy Gold. The evening will also include a state-of-the-state address from Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith, an awards program honoring leaders in the fight for LGBTQ equality, and an online silent auction.
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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