SRQ DAILY Dec 17, 2020
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"I would say to girls, try your best to be brave in that room full of boys and just speak up or be curious or be active. And then secondly, what I always say is, women support other women. "
When the electoral college convened to cast the official votes for president, four Republican leaders from this region were among those participating in the process. State Sen. Joe Gruters, Sarasota County Commissioner Christian Ziegler, Republican National Committeewoman Kathleen King and developer Pat Neal were among a group of individuals casting Florida’s votes for President Donald Trump.
“What an incredible honor to be able to serve as one of 29 electoral college members from Florida,” said Gruters. This was the second time Gruters cast one of Florida’s votes. He also cast a vote for Trump in 2016.
Of course, Joe Biden won the electoral college vote, but Florida, like most states, awards all its electors to the winner of the presidential election in the state. Trump won Florida by more than 3% of the vote, so all 29 votes for the state went to the Republican. And unlike some states, Florida law doesn’t allow so-called “faithless electors” and requires all participants in the electoral college to vote according to the election results.
As for the electors themselves, they get chosen ahead of the election by the state political parties. Gruters chairs the Republican Party of Florida and Ziegler serves as vice chair. King has long served as Manatee County’s Republican chair. Neal, once a Democratic state Senator, has been deeply involved for decades in state Republican politics as the current chair of Florida TaxWatch and former chair of the Christian Coalition of Florida.
This year marked Neal’s first time as a member of the electoral college. Florida’s members convened this year on the floor of the Florida Senate. ““Peaceful transition of power is the hallmark of our 230-year-old Republic,” he said. “I am very honored to play a small part.”
This year marked a return to the electoral college for Ziegler as well. He spoke of the opportunity in high terms, a chance to participate in a process conceived by the founding fathers.
”As a fan of history and our Constitution, I have had few greater honors and experiences in my life than serving as a Member of the Electoral College,” Ziegler said. “And with just 29 Electors in Florida and 538 across the country representing 320-plus million Americans, having one of the few front row seats in history is something I will always appreciate and never forget.” 
Amidst shifting economic realities brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, adults in the area are pursuing scholarships for further education this year at higher numbers than years passed. Notably more than half of this year’s nearly 200 award winners plan on studying nursing, reflecting a national trend in the demand for healthcare professionals. Applications by adults ages 24 and older for scholarships to attend university, community college, technical school or certification programs eclipsed recent years, increased by 40 percent over 2019 at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships to pursue academic and professional goals. Amber Patrick, 29, is one of the 173 scholarship recipients who is able to continue or expand their education to advance their careers. Patrick received funds from the Edward K. Roberts Scholarship Fund, which was created in 2009 to support programs and opportunities for single mothers. As a single mother of two boys impacted earlier this year by a furlough due to COVID-19, Patrick has returned to school at the State College of Florida pursuing a major in Pre-Med in the hopes of one day becoming a physician. “This scholarship will allow for me to continue my education through the spring semester as originally planned, where had I not received this, I can’t say for certain I would have been able to afford to attend at all,” says Patrick. “Your contribution means so much to me and my family, and I intend to one day follow in donor footsteps and give back to the community that has given so much to me.”
The next scholarship cycle for students 24 years of age or older will open in March 2021. Pictured: Amber Patrick, 29, and her family. Photo credit to Amy McKinlay Photography.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) has been exploring new and innovative ways to move forward with an exciting season, to bring the joy of live performance to patrons of all ages and maintain its mission of community outreach. The CAC received grants of $10,000 each from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Gulf Coast Community Foundation to pay for the addition of a state-of-the-art air purifying ionization system to the HVAC system in the Sailor Circus Arena. “In a community like ours where the circus legacy runs deep, the show must go on even during unexpected intermissions,” says Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “To keep the joy of the circus alive and thriving, we are proud to support The Circus Arts Conservatory in their efforts to thoughtfully innovate performances so when audiences of all ages take their seats this upcoming season they can feel safe, healthy, and as dazzled as ever under the big top.”
For more information or tickets (live or digital) to the Circus Arts Conservatory’s season of shows, go to circusarts.org or call 941-355-9805.
In an effort to bring joy during the holiday season, the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) has partnered with an anonymous donor to offer free pet adoptions for veterans and active-duty military personnel. “For many people, the holidays can add stress and anxiety. For those who may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and similar challenges, the holidays can be especially debilitating,” said Anna Gonce, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Sarasota County. “The Humane Society of Sarasota County recognizes the incredibly important role that pets play in our lives, and that is why we are thrilled to announce a new adoption program for active military service personnel and veterans. As a thank you for their dedicated service, made possible by the HSSC team and the generosity of an anonymous donor, veterans will now be able to adopt a pet for free until the end of the year.”
Pictured: Oliver, a mastiff and the first dog adopted through the Veterans Program.
This year All Faiths received a $65,000 grant from The Mosaic Company in support of the Mobile Pantry and Backpack programs in DeSoto County. All Faiths Food Bank and The Mosaic Company have partnered together for eight years to help end hunger. In DeSoto County, the Backpack program provides nutritious snacks for the weekends and over the holidays to more than 1,000 children at 6 school locations and our Mobile Pantries provide fresh groceries to over 6,000 residents in need at 6 locations throughout the community.
Ryntal Property Management, a leader in Residential Property Management, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Adam Wagenhauser to Vice President of Operations. Adam will be responsible for overseeing Ryntal’s day-to-day operations, implementing operation strategies, structures, and processes, along with developing the company’s future.
Hershorin Schiff Community Day School has announced its 2020-2021 board of trustees, which is charged with safeguarding and upholding the mission of the school. Co-chairs of the board are Mitch Blumenthal and Rachel Saltzberg, Robert Landman is Treasurer, and Stacey Edelman is Secretary. Trustees are David Chessler, Andrew Cohen, Gregory Farrington, Ph.D, Rev. Kelly Fitzgerald, Rabbi Elaine Glickman, Wilma Hamilton, Dr. Wendy Katz, Lillian Lincoln Lambert, and Betty Rosenthal. Richard Hershorin is a Lifetime Member. New to the board this year is Barbara Rodkin. "The vision and leadership of the current board will be critical as we are immersed in the massive fundraising and planning effort to support the move to our new campus," said Head of School Dan Ceaser. "We are grateful to our continuing board members and to Barbara for their dedication, time and resources in ensuring our success, particularly at this pivotal time."
For more about Community Day School, go to communityday.org or call 941-552-2770. Pictured: Community Day School Head of School Dan Ceaser (left) with board Co-Chairs Rachel Saltzberg and Mitch Blumenthal.
Fergeson Skipper, P.A. is pleased to welcome Daniel Tullidge as associate attorney. "Dan is a great asset to the firm,” said shareholder Richard Gans. “He is an exceptional attorney with a level of dedication that is central to our firm’s mission.”
Four Sarasota County teachers were surprised Tuesday, December 15, when they were revealed as finalists for the district’s elementary, middle and high school Teacher of the Year honors. The finalists are: Kari Johnson, kindergarten teacher, Fruitville Elementary School; Samantha Miller, design teacher, Sarasota Military Academy Prep; Emily O’BrienSwope, fourth and fifth grade ELA teacher, Alta Vista Elementary School; Becky Satterly, math teacher and dropout prevention coordinator, Booker High School. “This year, more than ever, we want to celebrate teachers and let them know the community recognizes and values their work,” said Jennifer Vigne, President and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. “In this challenging time, our incredible teachers have shown up and given their best, helping each and every student reach their full potential. We are so proud of all of our teachers.”
After a year like this one, Blasé Southern Style is stepping into some revelry to toast the end of 2020 and ring in 2021, including a special New Year’s Eve Vaudeville style Party. As a show of appreciation to diners who have supported the restaurant over the past year and to add some holiday cheer to the New Year, Blasé Southern Style is offering the following specials and all-inclusive New Year’s Eve Party including 4-course dinner, open bar, champagne toast, Vaudeville Show, live entertainment and dancing.
The law firm of Blalock Walters, P.A. is pleased to welcome attorney Michael J. Farr to its business & corporate and estate planning practice groups. “Michael Farr is an exceptional addition to our growing firm,” says Matthew Plummer, managing partner. “Michael will enhance the level of service and depth we provide to our clients. Michael’s commitment to our clients and community align with our company values, which makes him a perfect addition to the Blalock Walters team.”
Farr can be reached at 941.748.0100 or mfarr@blalockwalters.com.
County Commissioners today elected District 5 Commissioner Vanessa Baugh Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2021. "I want to thank everyone who voted for me," Commissioner Baugh said. "I want us to move forward, I want us to get along and be respectful to each other. The main thing is, we need to get on the same page, work for the taxpayer, move in a friendly direction, get things done and make sure we don't raise taxes on the taxpayer."
Spread Love artist Brandon Thrift paints harder than you.
Click here to read the full article from SRQ's December 2020 edition.
Haven't made those New Year's resolutions yet? It’s time to leave 2020 behind and look at art that can provide motivation for a healthy, happy, and productive 2021 at 1pm on January 5, 2021. $5 / Free for Members.
Online
We are excited to announce that Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium will open its doors an hour early exclusively for individuals who have sensory processing differences or those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) on January 2, 2021. Individuals with disabilities who would benefit from a calmer sensory experience are also welcome. Mote will foster an inclusive environment for these aquarium guests. Our exhibits may be enjoyed under soft lighting without heavy crowds, and with decreased noise level and visual stimulation wherever possible. Sensory Saturday will open at 8:30am. Groups will be allowed time entry to minimize crowding and in accordance with Mote’s Safety Guidelines. Regular Aquarium hours begin at 9:30am.
This year, the spotlight will be on the SMH healthcare heroes. Their commitment and compassion during one of the most challenging years in the hospital’s history has been extraordinary. Proceeds from the gala on January 9, 2021 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm will also support the hospital’s areas of greatest need helping to ensure that SMH retains its ranking as one of the nation’s top hospitals.
For the 15th year, Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica will return to Selby Gardens. A collection of more than 300 masks created by a collective of indigenous Borucan artists will be on display and available for purchase. The Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica exhibit and sale showcases artists from the Borucan Indian tribe of Costa Rica. Experience the vibrant, hand-carved and painted balsa wood masks showcased in the Museum of Botany & the Arts from January 9 to 31, 2021.
PoetryMic is a series that presents an array of varied and talented poets. This month's poets are Don McLagan, Liz Kelner Pozen, Mary Saily and Carol Sundberg. There is no charge for this first PoetryMic event on January 10, 2021 at 2pm. There is an optional fee of $7.00 to help defray the cost to the bookstore. Reservations required for Zoom link.
SAF resumes its monthly house tours on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Take this opportunity to explore both the interiors and exteriors of the iconic Umbrella House, Cocoon House, and the Revere Quality House, which is rarely open to the public. Tickets sales are very limited; be sure to book your tours today. Masks will be required. Tour the renowned Umbrella House at 11am, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”. Experience the rare opportunity to tour the interior of Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph’s historic 1950 Healy Guest House, also known as Cocoon House at 1pm or 2:15pm. Join SAF in this rare opportunity to tour the Revere Quality House located on Siesta Key at 1pm or 2:15pm. Make a day of it and purchase the bundle ticket to tour the Revere Quality House and the Cocoon House (located across the bayou). Tickets are limited, be sure to secure yours soon.
All art is original and personally handmade by the artist present at the show on January 23 and 24, 2021 outdoors at Phillippi Estate Park from 10am to 5pm - there is something for everyone, in all price ranges. Free Admission and $5 close & convenient parking supports Institute for the Arts & Education, non-profit organization with focus on visual arts, cultural diversity, community enrichment and fostering art education among youth. Juried by art professionals, criteria for judging is based on originality, technique/execution and booth appearance. As part of our commitment to bring art education into the community, the events integrate a Youth Art/Budding Artist Competition within the art shows. This one-of-a-kind program encourages all young artists in grades K-8/6-12 or ages 5-13/9i-19 to enter his/her original and personally handmade art that is publicly displayed within the show. There is $250 in youth art awards as students begin to learn the rules and are exposed to the entrepreneurship opportunity of doing art shows for a living.
Phillippi Estate Park
This month we are discussing This One Wild and Precious Life by Sarah Wilson on January 25, 2021 at 6pm. A fee of $34 is required for participation. This includes a copy of This One Wild and Precious Life and the Zoom book club meeting. The fee is $39.50 to have the book shipped. The New York Times bestselling author of First, We Make the Beast Beautiful tackles the loneliness epidemic, encouraging readers to view solitude through a spiritual lens, and embrace the art of being alone. Ticket purchase required for Zoom link.
Now, more than ever, The Ringling Museum is committed to understanding our institutional history – especially as it relates to exclusion of marginalized groups. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive institution by listening, learning, and growing. In support of our own learning process, we’ve assembled a group of staff who are researching the Museum’s history. Although our research is a work in progress, we’d like to share how we are approaching this work: what sources are available, how we access them, and what more we hope to uncover at 1pm on January 26, 2021. $5 / Free for Members.
Online, Online
At a moment when colleges around the country, including New College, are doubling down on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, what can we learn from the turmoil and angst experienced 10 years ago, when New College students discovered that among their number was a young leader in America’s white nationalist movement? More than merely a member of the movement, Derek Black served as a site moderator for Stormfront, America’s first “White Pride” website, created by his father and white nationalist movement leader, Don Black. Many students demanded that Black be expelled. Should the college congratulate itself for Black’s eventual renunciation of the white nationalist values he grew up with? When a community member’s political beliefs are perceived to be a clear and present danger to the community, what is the appropriate response for the community and its leadership? This event will take place on January 27, 2021.
Virtual
This year's event will be a Virtual Race on Thursday, Dec. 24 at 8am through Sunday, December 27th at 1pm, 2020 and is hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary to benefit their Nursing and Health Careers' Scholarship Program. Keep the tradition going in 2020 with the 9th Annual Jingle Run, a virtual 5K run/walk to help support the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship Program. Proceeds from The Virtual Jingle SK Run and Walk go directly to the Auxiliary's New Nursing Scholarship Program designed to benefit students enrolled in college nursing program and currently doing their clinical affiliation at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. To register for the Virtual race go to www.raceroster.com, go to register for a new event and search under the word "Jingle." Register to run or walk wherever you are to show your support for future nurses. Participants will receive a bib number and custom designed 2020 medal. Participants who complete the virtual run/walk and submit results will be eligible for raffle prizes.
For over 70 years, students ages 8-18 have amazed audiences with an incredible spectacle of youth circus arts. See them flip, fly and soar to new heights in this annual holiday production daily at 2pm and 7pm, Sunday at 1pm and 6pm and Thursday at 1pm from December 26 until December 31, 2020. The entire family will enjoy acts showcasing beautiful aerial artistry, heart-stopping acrobatics, incredible acrobatic roller skating, lightning fast juggling and more.
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista Street
Join Jennifer Lemmer Posey, Tibbals Curator of Circus, and representatives from the circus music historical society Windjammers Unlimited, Inc., as they discuss the integral role that circus musicians played in the success of the show at 1pm on January 12, 2021. $5 / Free for Members.
Online
We're happy to report that our popular program, Science Sprouts, for budding scientists ages 2-5 will be returning on January 10 from 10:30 to 11:30am on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. January 10 is "A Waddle of Penguins", January 24 is "All About Opposites", February 14 is "Wonderful Wetlands", February 28 is "Burrow Buddies", March 14 is "Prehistoric Pals", March 28 is "Manatee Mischief", April 11 is "Earth Sweet Home" and April 25 is "Beneficial Bees". Tots can bring their favorite grown-ups to explore and discover in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. Cost is $14 per child for members of the Discovery Society and $18 per child for all others. This includes one adult to accompany each child. Advance reservations are required.
This month we're discussing Open Season by C.J. Box on January 12, 2021 at 2pm. A fee of $22 is required for participation. This includes a copy of Open Season and the Zoom book club meeting. The fee is $27.50 to have the book shipped. The first novel in the thrilling series featuring Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett from #1 New York Times bestselling author C. J. Box. Ticket purchase required for Zoom link.
In collaboration with the Sarasota Architectural Foundation, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation and the AIA Gulf Coast Chapter, this exhibit will examine the unique history of architecture in Sarasota from the time of Native Americans to the present and will run from January 12 until April 17, 2021. Timed reservation information will be available soon.
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