SRQ DAILY Feb 3, 2021
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Not only is it good to give back, but we also believe it is our responsibility as business owners to show good corporate social responsibility."
For decades, the Peterson family has been a pillar of philanthropy in the community—a legacy that began when J. Robert “Bob” Peterson and Pasqualina “Lee” Peterson first moved to Sarasota in 1993. With a number of significant gifts to New College of Florida over the years, a residence hall on campus was named in the couple's honor. And now, in New College's 61-year history, the family of philanthropists recently donated the largest sum to date to the college through a bequest gift from their estate.
“We were stunned by the Petersons’ generosity. They were known in Sarasota for their incredible philanthropy. Through the Petersons’ foresight, they made a transformational gift to New College, which will serve generations of students in the future,” said MaryAnne Young executive director for the New College Foundation. “It couldn’t have come at a better time, as our students’ needs increase in every regard. We are so grateful to the whole Peterson family.” Bob and Lee were noted to be especially generous and thoughtful in supporting institutions that they felt provided a higher benefit to the community and world. Spending many years serving on the New College Board of Trustees himself, Bob Peterson believed wholeheartedly in the transformative power of education.
Young said the funds from the gift will likely be used to support the students, endowment, and other critical elements of the College,—as per the wishes of the Peterson family. “We are thrilled and humbled by the extraordinary gift from Bob and Lee Peterson, as well as the support of their children,” says New College President Donal O’Shea. “This is a game-changer for New College and will make all the difference in the way that we can support our students." 
Photo of the Bob & Lee Peterson Residence Hall, courtesy of New College of Florida
To help veterans with urgent financial needs, Goodwill has the Special Emergency Resources for Veterans (SERV) Fund. SERV was launched in March of 2015 by Goodwill's Veterans Services program, in response to a growing need for emergency financial assistance for veterans and their families for housing, education and food. Recently, The Patterson Foundation awarded an honorarium to Goodwill in recognition of its support of Season of Sharing; these funds will be used to replenish Goodwill’s SERV Fund. Last year, SERV was funded in large part through a $10,000 gift from The Harry Shapiro Charitable Foundation. “We are very grateful for The Patterson Foundation’s ongoing support and all it is doing to build a stronger, more responsive community,” said Bob Rosinsky. “The needs throughout our local veterans’ community are so great and, sometimes, there is an urgent matter that requires funds to be available for distribution without a lot of bureaucracy standing in the way. With our SERV Fund replenished, we can continue to help veterans who reach out for our help – and quickly.”
Aqua Plumbing & Air, a local heating, air conditioning and plumbing company, is proud to announce the creation of the “Aqua CARES” program, centered around the organization’s annual end-of-year giving calculations. In 2020, Aqua Plumbing & Air contributed more than $100,000 in financial donations, including products and services, to the community. “We are committed to improving the lives of our customers while also supporting our community and giving back. Donating to local nonprofits, helping those in times of need and giving back are a big part of who we are,” said Skip Stanton, co-owner of Aqua Plumbing & Air. “Not only is it good to give back, but we also believe it is our responsibility as business owners to show good corporate social responsibility.”
First Step of Sarasota announces it has received a grant awarded from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Drug Free Communities a DCF support program. The newly awarded federal funds for the Drug Free Sarasota North Sarasota County Project will help to strengthen Drug Free Sarasota's efforts of providing prevention services in the community. The grant provides funding for Drug Free Sarasota of $125,000 per year for up to 5 years.
SILL launched its 50th season in January with two series. Its hard-hitting “Global Issues” series features acclaimed experts exploring topical issues. Its “Music Mondays” series features performances and lively conversations with renowned and emerging performers and conductors. Before the pandemic, both series were offered in Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and Longboat Key. This year, they are being offered free of charge on a virtual platform. “Global Issues” are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am; “Music Mondays” are on Mondays at 10:30am. Registration for both series is required at www.sillsarasota.org.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents a live performance of “Women of Note,” its celebration of female artists and composers in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passage of women’s right to vote. Originally recorded and presented on video in summer 2020 as part of Florida Studio Theatre’s Suffragist Project, this live version of the program once again features soprano Jenny Kim-Godfrey and mezzo-soprano Robyn Rocklein. Joined by pianist Joseph Holt, the duo will perform works by Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann, Amy Beach and Marion Bauer, with narration by Marcy Miller, executive director of Artist Series Concerts. It all takes place on February 18, 5:30pm. Tickets are $35 and are available online at ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or by calling 941-306-1202, Monday through Friday, 10am– 4pm.
For 35 years, area visitors and residents have cultivated their passion for learning at the Longboat Key Education Center. The Center offers a rich range of programs, including lecture series, performing arts series, film festivals, book clubs, concerts, theatrical performances, and more. It’s open from mid-October to mid-April and features fall, winter and spring terms. “We tap the extraordinary expertise of the residents who live in the area,” says Susan Goldfarb, the center’s executive director. “We’re surrounded by world-class talent and many choose to share their knowledge to enrich the lives of our students.” In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Center is presenting two special performances. “Romance on the Riviera,” on Friday, February 12, showcases soprano Joy Leitner and tenor Robert Lischetti performing some of the world’s most romantic music by Puccini, Faure, Debussy, Verdi, and other great composers. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will present a custom performance written and directed by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs on Friday, March 12. Tickets per event range from $20 for members and $30 for non-members. These programs will be offered both via Zoom and in-person with limited attendance and strict adherence to pandemic protocol. Register online.
The Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive
The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-SWFL), one of the most active chapters of professional fundraisers in the nation, offering members the opportunity to connect with colleagues, engage in creative thinking, network with new friends and achieve great results in their work, presents Moving Donors from Transaction to Loyalty on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 12:00pm. “Donor retention is a critical metric for any non-profit organization,” said Kevin Hughes, AFP-SWFL Board of Director and Program Moderator. “This session will explore best practices for retaining first-time donors, particularly those that may have viewed their first gift as more of a transactional experience versus a true philanthropic connection.”
Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center is excited to recognize the achievements of its employees. Lisa J. Howard, Lighthouse Chief Executive Officer achieved recertification as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). CFRE credential demonstrates professional achievement and commitment to the fundraising profession and is administered by CFRE International. Terri Medina, Lighthouse Director of Development was elected as a member of the Board of Directors in the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraisers Professionals (AFP-SWFL). Angela Abrams, Lighthouse Board Chair said, “Lighthouse prides itself on identifying and hiring individuals, who are not only dedicated leaders in their fields, but individuals who commit themselves to our mission and the individuals with vision loss that we serve every day."
The Sarasota-Manatee HR Association (SHRA), the local chapter affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management, is pleased to announce it will be offering its bi-annual SHRM Certification Prep Course virtually this Spring. The session begins on February 9, 2021, and runs for 15-weeks, Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9pm, ending on May 18, 2021, with a live facilitator.
Contact Dawn Laidlaw for more information at president@myshra.org.
Shutts & Bowen LLP is pleased to announce that Sarasota attorney Ashley S. Hodson has been elevated to Partner. Ashley focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, and estate and trust administration.
Williams Parker is pleased to announce it has added attorney Douglas E. Walker, who brings to the firm over three decades of experience in the construction industry and focuses his practice on construction law and litigation.
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 Jack Wintrow as Midwest Regional Rep for Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute.
The Breakfast Company honors a beloved patriarch with Greek breakfast and lunch staples.
Click here to read the full article from SRQ's February 2021 edition - out now!
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announces the following changes to the 2020-2021 season:
- Audra McDonald’s performance on February 13, 2021 is being rescheduled to a future date. Patrons are encouraged to hold on to their tickets, and the Hall will announce the new date once it is available.
- PROUD Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner on March 9, 2021 has been rescheduled to January 13, 2022.
- Rick Thomas: Mansion of Dreams on April 8, 2021 has been rescheduled to April 11, 2022.
- Johnny Mathis: 65 Years of Romance on April 14, 2021 has been rescheduledto April 12, 2022.
Join Hamlet’s Eatery and Cornerstone & Company Mobile Bar for a lovely Valentine’s Day Jazz Brunch on Sunday, February 14 from 10am to 2pm. Located in the outdoor courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime at 821 Apricot Avenue. Hamlet’s menu options will include both traditional and vegan dishes from building your own omelets with fresh organic eggs to tofu scrambles. Cornerstone & Company will be bringing their vintage 1940’s tap bike to offer delicious handcrafted cocktails. Starting at 10:30am until 1:30pm, enjoy live jazz music featuring Nancy Pastore and Judi Glover. Together these talented women will entertain you and make your Valentine’s even sweeter. Plenty of room to social distance and seating under a covered patio.
The Longboat Key Education Center Celebrates its 35th Anniversary. To mark their anniversary, celebrations are set for February and March. “Romance on the Riviera” with soprano Joy Leitner and tenor Robert Lischetti will take place on February 12. In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Center is presenting two special performances. “Romance on the Riviera,” on Friday, February 12, showcases soprano Joy Leitner and tenor Robert Lischetti performing some of the world’s most romantic music by Puccini, Faure, Debussy, Verdi, and other great composers. Tickets per event range from $20 for members and $30 for non-members. These programs will be offered both via Zoom and in-person with limited attendance and strict adherence to pandemic protocol. Register online at www.lbkeducationcenter.org; email info@lbkeducationcenter.org; or call 941-383-8811.
The Longboat Key Education Center Celebrates its 35th Anniversary. To mark their anniversary, celebrations are set for February and March: The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in a special performance on March 12. In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Center is presenting two special performances. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will present a custom performance written and directed by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs on Friday, March 12. Tickets per event range from $20 for members and $30 for non-members. These programs will be offered both via Zoom and in-person with limited attendance and strict adherence to pandemic protocol. Register online at www.lbkeducationcenter.org; email info@lbkeducationcenter.org; or call 941-383-8811.
SILL launched its 50th season in January with two series. Its hard- hitting “Global Issues” series features acclaimed experts exploring topical issues. Turkey’s return to the Middle East after decades avoiding external engagements is fundamental. Turkey now controls part of Syria along its southern border and has military in Qatar and Libya. Aydintasbas will help understand whether this is a temporary mindset or shows Turkey as a regional actor and possible hegemon on Tuesday, February 9 at 10:30am.
SILL launched its 50th season in January with two series. Its hard-hitting “Global Issues” series features acclaimed experts exploring topical issues. This year, they are being offered free of charge on a virtual platform. News outlets besiege followers of global news with reports, analyses and opinions on the big events of the day. But what happens after the media move on to the next big story? Amb. Chamberlin’s presentation looks at crises that are still threatening but have faded from the front pages on Thursday, February 11 at 10:30am.
SILL launched its 50th season in January with two series. Its hard-hitting “Global Issues” series features acclaimed experts exploring topical issues. This year, they are being offered free of charge on a virtual platform. The current view is that the Coronavirus pandemic has transformed the way our economies will work. In the U.K. the BREXIT problem has been replaced by new concern about how business can be successful in a much more regulated global world. On Tuesday, February 16 at 10:30am Jay will discuss whether the “new normal” will really be permanent or will we all slip back into the old ways more quickly than we think?
SILL launched its 50th season in January with two series. Its hard-hitting “Global Issues” series features acclaimed experts exploring topical issues. This year, they are being offered free of charge on a virtual platform. The United States has endured many crises in its history; wars, pandemics and severe economic contractions. Leaders helped citizens to survive these crises and improve American society. Dr. Suri will discuss the lessons for our leaders to manage our current crises and help us to build a better country on Thursday, February 18 at 10:30am.
SILL launched its 50th season in January with two series. Its hard-hitting “Global Issues” series features acclaimed experts exploring topical issues. This year, they are being offered free of charge on a virtual platform. The global pandemic has exposed U.S. and global dependence on China for essential ingredients to make thousands of generic drugs. The U.S. can no longer make aspirin, penicillin, or other generic antibiotics. Gibson will discuss how we got here, the risks, and mitigating measures on Tuesday, February 23 at 10:30am.
SILL launched its 50th season in January with two series. Its hard-hitting “Global Issues” series features acclaimed experts exploring topical issues. This year, they are being offered free of charge on a virtual platform. Is food a commodity or human right? Dr. Aron Troen will discuss that securing a sustainable supply of abundant, safe, nutritious, and affordable food for this and future generations is one of the great challenges of our time. To feed our families and planet, we will have to invite both science and politics to the table on Thursday, February 25 at 10:30am.
February 4 through 14, The Players Centre for Performing Arts presents, In Love with Shakespeare, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Featuring scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet and more. Experience passion through Shakespeare’s words because, as the Bard wrote in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “The course of true love never did run smooth.” Masks are required for this outdoor event. Temperature checks will be conducted, and patrons will be socially distanced. Hamlet's Food Truck will be available Thursday through Sunday (will be closing 30 minutes prior to performance). Seats are provided. NO TICKETS will be printed for this event. Upon making your purchase your name will be on a reservation list. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12.50 for students (under 24). Performances February 4-6 and 9-13 will begin at 7:30pm and performances on February 7 and 14 will begin at 2pm.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties presents Steak & Burger on February 5 at 6pm at Lee Washington Boys & Girls Club as a safe, socially-distanced outdoor event. For this Drive-In edition, bring your lawn chairs, wear your boots and buckle down as we celebrate our Youth of the Year in our very own backyard. Individual tickets are $100 for lone star homesteads, dinner delivered, honkytonk tunes, a watering hole, and a feature western film. RSVP by January 22 as spaces are extremely limited.
Join us for an online reading of The Drolls, a new work in progress by playwright Deborah Brevoort. Cox, Littlewood, and Etherege are drolls - street performers plying their forbidden trade in London’s back alleys while avoiding the ill-intentioned Constable Cowly - on February 5 at 3pm. Cox and Littlewood are more than happy to entertain the English citizens with low-brow humor and silly voices; Etherege is not. When Etherege finds the work of a seminal writer known as Shakespeare, Etherege and Cox engage in an epic battle between the competing art forms of dramatic tragedy and lowball comedy. Following the reading, stay for a chance to give feedback and ask questions of the playwright. FST is requesting a suggested donation of $10 to attend this event. Reservations are limited to one per order, per device. Attendees will need to download the Zoom mobile or desktop app to participate in this event.
The season kicks off with Laura Osnes in Concert on February 5 and 6 at 7pm, with music direction by Fred Lassen. Ms. Osnes is a two-time Tony-nominated Broadway superstar known for her memorable performances as Cinderella in Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella and Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde, a role she created in Asolo Rep's 2010 pre-Broadway run. Her other Broadway credits include Julia Trojan in Bandstand, Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes, Nellie Forbush in Lincoln Center Theater's South Pacific, and Sandy in Grease. She has performed in prestigious cabaret and symphony venues across the country and can currently be seen starring on television in three Hallmark channel original movies; In the Key of Love, A Homecoming for the Holidays and One Royal Holiday.
Hermitage Fellow David Auburn will speak about his work and his creative process and may even share from his new work-in-progress on February 5 at 5pm. Moderated by Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. This program, which is a collaboration with Florida Studio Theatre, is offered both in-person on the Hermitage beach and via live stream. Auburn is a playwright, screenwriter, and director. His most recent play, The Adventures of Augie March, based on the Saul Bellow novel, premiered in Chicago in 2019. A new play, Summer, 1976, will premiere in 2021-2. Other plays include Lost Lake, The Columnist and Proof, the latter of which was awarded the 2001 Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, and New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Hermitage Beach; entrance at 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood; also available via live stream. Registration required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Join the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School on December 16, 2020, January 13, 2021 and February 10, 2021 to witness the future in dance and see up close the amazing students of SCBS.
A world-premiere musical by Nate Jacobs and his brother, Michael Jacobs, this dark tale lays bare a shocking true-life crime and its aftermath - when a Black woman murdered a white man in Live Oak, Florida 1952. The crime brought celebrated writer Zora Neale Hurston to town to cover the story for a northern newspaper. This powerful musical, performed from January 6 until February 21, 2021 at 2pm and 7:30pm, explores the secrets just beneath the surface of the genteel exterior of a small Florida town, evoking the themes of today's #MeTooMovement.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 North Orange Avenue
Virtual Lecture Series on Mondays, January 25 through February 22, 2021 from 11am to 12:15pm and 7pm to 8:15pm. Lecturer is Kevin Adkisson, Associate Curator at Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research. $75 for Adults and $25 for Full-time Students with ID. Free for Cranbrook Academy of Art and Cranbrook Schools Students (Cranbrook students must register by sending an email from their Cranbrook address to center@cranbrook.edu). Advance registration required (Fee includes all five lectures). This lecture series is eligible for American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Credits (AIA/CES).
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