SRQ DAILY Mar 15, 2021
Monday Business Edition
"A lot of people are re-skilling, probably because in their industries, they don't have jobs, and they are looking to go into something a little more stable if something like this happens again."
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce on March 22 will open its annual process of requesting grant applications for its CareerEdge grants program. The organization is seeking plans from manufacturing, health care, insurance skilled trades and construction employers in Manatee and Sarasota, with a course laid out for how businesses will use the funding to increase skills and accelerate promotions while speeding job creation.
Grants of $15,000 to $50,000 will be available to implement programs that last up to a year.
Mireya Eavey, executive vice president of CareerEdge at the Chamber, said the program this year holds special importance.
“We are trying to get everybody back to work after COVID,” Eavey said. “A lot of people are re-skilling, probably because in their industries, they don’t have jobs, and they are looking to go into something a little more stable if something like this happens again.”
Over the past 11 years, the CareerEdge program co-invested almost $13.2 million to businesses in the region, dollars matched by employers themselves and outside contributions.
With the applications, Eavey said Career Edge will look at labor market studies and talk further with employers to verify the job openings that exist.
While many sectors of the economy in the region have suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eavey noted that in other sectors, employers remain hungry for job applicants with the right skills. Many of those jobs could end up paying those laid off in the last year higher wages than they were earning before.
“CareerEdge’s mission is to invest in worker training to provide broader opportunities for individuals to learn new skills and earn certifications for higher earning potential,” Eavey said.
Businesses interested in the program should submit a letter of intent that includes the industry focus area, a plan to close skills gaps for new and existing employees, and a clear career ladder that shows how workers receiving training can climb in ranks. Preference will be given to Chamber members and those participating in the CareerEdge Industry Council. All applications must be submitted by April 20 at 5 p.m., and those receiving funding will hear back by mid-May.
In the March 2021 BrandStory Achieva Credit Union shares tips for getting your finances in shape. It’s hard to know what challenges might be on the horizon in 2021 that could affect your finances, but taking a few key steps now can help you be ready for whatever comes. Whether you’re holding steady financially or trying to bounce back from a tough year, here are two tips for getting on the right foot this year: Pay yourself first. Choose a percentage of your monthly income (1-5% or so) to go automatically into your savings before you make any payments. After a few pay periods, you won’t even notice it, and you’ll have built up an emergency fund. Clean up your credit. Pop quiz: What is your credit card’s Annual Percentage Rate (APR)? If you don’t know, you’re not alone. More than half of all Americans are in the dark on their APR. Review your statement, and consider switching cards or transferring your balance if you’re not happy with your current rate and save money in the long run.
Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is hosting an online webinar on March 24 to encourage more women to explore various nursing career pathways, including Nurse Assistant (CNA), Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and beyond. The session is part of WRC’s monthly Career Connections program that links women to quality jobs and funded training programs. The free informational webinar is on March 24 from 12pm-1pm Participants can attend by phone or computer and will be able to ask questions via a chatbox.
For the month of February, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) increased 26% over the previous month of January. Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport said “It is great to see our passenger numbers starting to recover. With more individuals getting their vaccine, and COVID-19 cases on the decline, we are seeing an increase in the aircraft load factors and the number of travelers using our airport. With Spring Break now upon us, we expect to see upwards of 10,000 plus passengers per day traveling through our airport.”
Mattison’s Catering was announced as a winner of the 2021 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards. Chef Paul Mattison states, “We are so excited and humbled to have won this award. What makes is extra special is that it was determined by reviews from couples we have had the pleasure of working with, making their dream wedding a reality."
MaryAnne Young, vice president of advancement and executive director of the New College Foundation, announced that New College of Florida is planning a virtual event to celebrate New College President Donal O’Shea, who is retiring in June after serving in his role since 2012. The “O’Shea Formula” is a virtual event, May 6, 6-7pm. Sponsorships are available; individual tickets are $250. All proceeds benefit student scholarships.
Legacy has always been at the forefront of The Sarasota Ballet’s mission, from its revered revivals of extraordinary ballets to the care in which the Company takes to look after the icons of ballet history. It is therefore a particular honor to for the Company to announce that Jean Weidner Goldstein, Founder of The Sarasota Ballet, has made an extraordinary planned gift of one million dollars to the Company through The Martucci Legacy Society. “Jean has dedicated so much to this organization,” explains Iain Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet. “This amazing gift will give us another way to protect and cherish not only her beloved Company, but also her legacy in the future."
All Faiths Food Bank is pleased to be able to make its operations more energy-efficient and sustainable while diverting critical funds to its core mission of feeding the hungry. All Faiths was recently awarded a Southface Institute GoodUse grant of $27,000 – which the organization matched – to make numerous energy upgrades. “We are so grateful to be included as a recipient of a GoodUse grant this year,” said Sandra Frank, CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “Not only did we receive expert advice and education on sustainability from Southface Institute, every penny of the savings we will enjoy due to the improvements we made will be reinvested in our critical, lifesaving work.”
Pictured: Staff member Amber Lee washes her hands at a sink equipped with a new automatic faucet, which will help to save water.
Impact100 SRQ announced 404 members have raised $404,000 to fund four transformational grants to local nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee Counties for 2021. “This year’s record-breaking membership growth is a testimony to passion and commitment for our local community. So many people have been struggling with unprecedented challenges over the last twelve months, including some of our own. We are so thrilled to make sure our mission of making a significant impact in Sarasota and Manatee Counties continues.” said Jane Watt, President of Impact100 SRQ. “Through the power of collective giving and the dedication of our members, we can continue to fund significant, sustainable and transformational grants”
To assist deserving area students in their dream to pursue post-secondary education, the Bank of America Client Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee has awarded $20,000 to Safe Children Coalition (SCC). These funds will directly support 15-20 students engaged with SCC’s Achievers program with scholarships, as they continue their education. “For more than 30 years now, our Achievers program has helped to set up area students for scholastic and life success,” said Brena Slater, president and CEO of Safe Children Coalition. “This program helps students to be better students, to gain a better understanding of which careers they might wish to pursue, to gain greater self-confidence, and become more involved in their community.
Pictured: Achievers program alumna and current University of South Florida student Sofia Salazar.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, leaders from nine of Sarasota’s major arts organizations have been discussing best practices as they prepare to bring audiences back to their performance spaces. Together, they are collectively drawing from their shared experiences and research to move forward with #SafeArtsSarasota guidelines, a unified approach to safety that includes mask requirements and capacity limitations to allow for social distancing. The group includes representatives from Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Arts Conservatory, Florida Studio Theatre, The Hermitage Artist Retreat, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
From March 24 to 25 and March 27 to 28, 2021, The Players Centre for Performing Arts presents A.R. Gurney’s hilarious comedy, Sylvia, at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. Check out Hamlet’s Eatery 30 minutes before showtime Thursday through Sunday. Masks are required for this outdoor event. Temperature checks will be conducted, and patrons will be socially distanced. 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 adults/ $12.50 student (under 24).
First Step of Sarasota CEO Tom Knight released a report that validated the success of First Step’s Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT), a pilot program to divert people experiencing severe mental health crises from law enforcement, first responders and school employees. Following the success of a four-month pilot program executed in collaboration with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and Sarasota Police Department, the results come amid First Step’s proposed funding for expansion from the Sarasota County Commission. “If we invest in prevention and diversion, we will spend fewer dollars on crisis management,” says Knight. “The BHRT program has validated this can work.”
Brimming with pulsating rhythms, pure energy and melodic music, the National Dance Company of Ireland’s Rhythm of the Dance show has reached 50 countries with over seven million fans for over 20 years. Fans around the world are enjoying 2,000 years and more of dance, music, songs and culture from pre-Celtic times to modern day sounds, all compacted into a two-hour concert. It’s full of flailing feet and fiddles, futuristic dances, eye-catching lighting and costumes and sensational sound effects, and is now hailed as one of the top three Irish step dance shows in the world. Streaming on demand from Monday, March 1 through Wednesday, March 31. Tickets are $20.
The Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) today announced “Musically Speaking,” a free, three-concert virtual series featuring preeminent classical musicians in unique performances, highlighted by informal conversations with the artists. World-acclaimed pianists Garrick Ohlsson and Kirill Gerstein launch the series with a duo piano performance and conversation on Thursday, February 25, at 7pm. Violinist Samantha Bennett and percussionist George Nickson will share their unique artistry on Thursday, March 11, at 7pm. The world-renowned chamber orchestra, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, concludes the series on Thursday, March 25, at 7pm. Conducting the conversations with the artists is Charles Turon, a musician, educator, and SCA board member. The series is free, but registration is required. Each link will be viewable for seven days.
James Gabbert, Art Uptown’s March solo artist, presents a series of lyrical, flowing, bronze sculptures that reinterpret the human figure and nearly defy gravity. The sculptures’ sinuous forms and rich tones cut through space, inviting the viewer to explore every expression. As the artist explains, “I strive to have each sculpture be beautiful from every angle. As I see it, sculpture is really four-dimensional. By walking around the form, the dimension of time transforms the piece with each new view.” James continues to ground his work in the examination of the human figure, which is relatable to everyone. However, his imagination moves the figure into complex visual and spatial situations, often connecting the forms with natural forces. The relationship and tension between the two, captured in bronze, provides a powerful aesthetic experience. James says, “I create my art to lift and enlighten the spirit, to touch the heart, to awaken the intellect. I intend for my art to be provocative, that is, to provoke the mind, heart or spirit to experience something new or rekindle something forgotten.” Explore James Gabbert’s bronze collection at Art Uptown, located at 1367 Main Street, open Monday through Friday, 11am to 5pm, Saturday, 11am to 3pm and Sunday, noon to 5pm. Meet the artist during Saturday gallery hours on February 27 and March 6. Private appointments can be arranged by calling 914.955.5409. The gallery continues its commitment to visitor and staff safety by the use of masks, sanitizer, frequent cleaning and social distancing. Starting in March, we will be open from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.
Two timeless masterpieces by Classical music’s original trailblazers who changed the course of music from March 5 to March 28. Mozart’s Coronation Mass gained its nickname when it was conducted by Antonio Salieri for the coronation of Leopold II as King of Bohemia. Haydn wrote his Lord Nelson Mass, originally titled a Mass in Troubled Times, as Napoleon’s army marched toward Vienna. Soprano Suzanne Karpov will make her Key Chorale debut along with soloists Jamal Sarikoki, Matt Morgan and Amy Connours. Repertoire: Coronation Mass K. 317 – Wolfgang A. Mozart and Lord Nelson Mass – Franz J. Haydn.
Dwight Yoakam presents the first 3 episodes of his new livestream series “One Time Live” at 9pm on March 7, 14 and 28. In each episode, Dwight and his full band will perform one of his iconic albums, start to finish. Episode 1 – Sunday, March 7: Dwight and the band perform Dwight’s debut album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. (released 1986) featuring hit singles “Honky Tonk Man,” “Guitars, Cadillacs,” and “It Won’t Hurt.” Episode 2 – Sunday, March 14: Dwight and the band perform Dwight’s No. 1 album Hillbilly Deluxe (released 1987), featuring the hit singles “Little Sister,” “Little Ways,” “Please, Please Baby,” and “Always Late with Your Kisses." Episode 3 – Sunday, March 28: Dwight and the band perform Dwight’s revered third album Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room (released 1988), featuring the hit singles “Streets of Bakersfield,” “I Sang Dixie,” and “I Got You.”
Isn't everyone ready for a fresh start? With the theme Reset, Restart and Re-energize, The Florida Creativity Conference will take you there. From the first opening session to the final wrap up, participants will have more than 30 engaging and dynamic online workshops to stretch creative muscles, teach problem-solving skills, and add tools to your creative toolbox. The 2021 Florida Creativity Conference will take place over March 12-14 and March 19-21 on ZOOM. The conference features innovation experts and world class creativity trainers, three keynotes, 30+ sessions and a community atmosphere. Sessions are 90 minutes and each participant will receive a recording of all the sessions at the conference. Register now at FLcreativity.com.
Shop Local this Spring Season with University Town Center. Over spring break, we're bringing 80+ local crafters & vendors to The Mall at University Town Center. Join us March 13, 14, 20, and 21 for rare finds, handmade items, delicious snacks and more from 10am to 6pm. This event is free to attend. Pets are allowed in the market, but not in the mall.
We unleash the awesome power of The Planetarium during KidSpace, where kids can become scientific masters of the universe. Join us on Saturday, March 13 and 27 from 10:30am to 11:30am 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. Please note this program will be hosted via Zoom. Registration confirmation with Zoom meeting details will be sent to the email address provided at check out.
Give your kids a fun and adventurous spring break with The Bishop's NEW Spring Break Science Camp. Curious explorers will learn about paleontology as they enjoy a week of games, crafts, experiments and The Bishop's own exhibitions and resources from March 15 to 18 at The Bishop, 201 10th Street West in downtown Bradenton. Innovator-level and above members of the Discovery Society are $200 and $250 for all others. Former campers and members of the Discovery Society (at Innovator level and above) have access to early registration January 11 through 17. Contact Sue McCarthy to register: SMcCarthy@BishopScience.org.
The City of Sarasota Parks and Recreation District is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguarding blended learning course. The course is taught by our Head Lifeguard and Recreation Leader. Together they will teach you to help others stay safe in, on, and around the water, and help you learn the latest safety and rescue techniques, and how to deliver critical care, like CPR, first aid, and AED administration, when it is needed most. Every class will cover important skill that will not only help you stay safe while helping others enjoy the water safely, but can help you begin, or advance, your career in aquatics. The course will take place on March 15, 16 and 17 over Sarasota County Spring Break from 10am to 2:30pm. Participants must attend all classes to receive certificate. Fee of $225 per participant, all of whom must be at least 15-years-old by the last day of class and pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses. Register by calling Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex at 941-263-6732 by Friday, March 5.
If you or someone you know has decided to live at home alone (called “aging in place”) rather than moving to a senior living arrangement, you may want to brush up on some safety and wellness measures for being independent, healthy and comfortable in your own home. Consider an upcoming series of seminars sponsored by Youthful Aging Home Care at The Paradise Center on Longboat Key. Wednesday, January 20, 1pm to 2pm Falls Prevention, Staying Safe at Home. Wednesday, February 17, 1pm to 2pm Neuro-Nutrition, Eating Well for Brain Health. Wednesday, March 24, 1pm to 2pm Overcoming Isolation, Maintaining Connections at Any Age. Seminars are presented by Nicci Kobritz, President of Youthful Aging Home Care. Nicci is a nurse practitioner and geriatric specialist with more than three decades of experience in developing and managing health care services. Nicci has received awards and recognition for her home care services and her volunteer work. Read more about Nicci at www.youthfulaginghomecare.com. The Aging in Place seminars are being held via webinar OR in person (with social distancing and face masks) at The Paradise Center. Register in advance: 941-383-6493 or email SuzyBrenner@TheParadiseCenter.org to receive your weblink. Free for Members or $10/person.
Now in its 12th year, the Ringling College glass sculpture exhibition from the Richard and Barbara Basch Collection presents A Few of Our Favorite Things from January 11 through March 27 at the Richard and Barbara Basch Gallery in the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center. This exhibition features some of the most exceptional examples of art glass and brilliant one-of-a-kind commissions by the greatest masters of the medium from around the world. It highlights the Basch Collection of more than 300 works of art glass by iconic artists, including Giampaolo Amoruso, Martin Blank, Latchezar Boyadjiev, Peter Bremers, Lucio Bubacco, Dale Chihuly, Laura di Santillana, Laura Donefer, Robin Grebe, Colin Heaney, Shin-ichi Higuchi, Richard Royal, Lino Tagliapietra, and Bertil Vallien. Appointments are required to view this exhibition. Admission to this exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery Hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.
As we enter the festival’s 12th year, we are especially proud to present a premier line-up of 21 remarkable and diverse films that will impact, provoke, and move you. They are documentaries, narratives, tragedies and comedies, mysteries and love stories. Most have won awards and will have special meaning to our community of viewers. All films are being held virtually. During this time of COVID we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our Sponsors for their continued support of the Jewish Film Festival. In doing so, you are fulfilling our Federation’s mission and the tenet of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world, ultimately, helping to provide our community much needed enjoyment. The Jewish Film Festival is one of many programs also sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The yearly Film Festival that attracts so many movie-goers, both Jewish and non-Jewish, is all about strengthening Jewish life in Sarasota-Manatee. We hope you will leave energized, inspired and moved by the rich traditions and culture of Judaism found in movies celebrated around the world. See you at the movies.
WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs stars as the irrepressible Aunt Rudele — the busybody relative who knows no boundaries but always knows best — in this hilarious one-man show. Written by Jacobs with contributions from Julian Olf, who also directed, “Aunt Rudele’s Family Reunion” was filmed live on the WBTT stage in 2016. While attending the Stevens family reunion, Aunt Rudele introduces her kinfolk through songs, dances, prayers, sermons and verbal duels. Her observations are searing and laugh-out-loud funny. In the Southern tradition, this show serves up a main dish of laughter with a side order of down-home wisdom. Available for purchase Friday, February 12 — Sunday, March 28, 2021. Buy a 48-hour virtual pass and you will receive an exclusive access code valid for 48 hours from the time you activate the code. Video access ends Tuesday, March 30, 2021. See the show via your Computer, Tablet, Smart Phone or Smart TV.
Exploring Watercolor Class with Gail White on Fridays February 19 through March 26 from 9:30am to 12:30pm. This class is friendly and supportive, and offers guided instruction and demonstrations. The lessons include: design aspects of planning a composition, use of photo references and live setups, watercolor techniques and discussion of color usage and properties of various pigments. This is an online course. When you register (and are paid in full), a Zoom link will be emailed to you. If your teacher has additional handouts, those will also be emailed to you.
The Community Gallery at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to present The Edge Becomes the Center: A Contemplation on Community. The photography exhibition is a collaboration with Senior Friendship Centers and Ringling College of Art and Design. The project, orchestrated by Ringling College of Art and Design students Mathew Dalton and Adam Misiti, involved capturing images of LBGTQ adults in their homes as they dealt with the Covid pandemic and the resulting isolation. Additionally, Dalton and Misiti dedicated time to interviewing each of the five participants to best share their individual stories. The Community Gallery is located on the first level of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, and admission to the gallery is always free. More information can be found at ringling.org.
Ring Sarasota, Sarasota's Premier Handbell Ensemble, announces Highways & Byways performance on March 21, 2021 at St. Boniface Church, Siesta Key. After two successful performances this season, Ring Sarasota is headed to St. Boniface Church on Siesta Key for their third performance of Highways & Byways on Sunday, March 21 at 6pm. Not your traditional handbell choir, Ring Sarasota’s 16 musicians utilize 14 pairs of Mallets, 95 Handbells, 70 Chimes, and one Keyboard during their performances. Playing off the “travel canceled because of COVID” we’ve been dealing with for 10 months, Highways & Byways will take you on a guided musical tour with cinematography through the highways and byways of our great country. Leaving from their base in Sarasota they will join a hoedown Deep in the Heart of Texas, dance the Tennessee Waltz, give their regards to old Broadway, jive to those California Good Vibrations, sit By the Lakeside in Minnesota, enjoy a Mint Julep with Georgia on My Mind, march to the Washington Post in DC, and bring it all back home to Beneath the Sparkling Skies of Sarasota. Due to social distancing guidelines, masks and pre-registration is required at https://secure.accessacs.com/access/eventlogin.aspx?id=LsY2eRuCnmt9h1UUxnz9dA==&site=90120&ReturnUrl=events%2fwz_people.aspx&ChurchID=2088&EventID=203887&sn=90120. For those that can't attend in person, live stream link - https://boxcast.tv/view/st-boniface-concert-series-ring-sarasota-289221.
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