SRQ DAILY Jun 16, 2021
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"We envision a house that is truly a home that provides a connection with nature, grows nutritious food, and all at an affordable cost."
As a Green Business Partner with Sarasota County, Sol Growers is working toward being the most sustainable business that it can be—focusing on energy conservation and reducing the overall impact on the environment by helping locals become self-sufficient through sustainable and affordable living. The Sarasota nonprofit, works solely on donations to transform underutilized lawns into micro-farms and fruit forests through garden installations of fruit trees, botanicals, spices, herbs and veggies. With that growth, they have also grown a dedicated community centered around sustainable agriculture and mindful gardening/landscaping practices—to ensure more people have access to healthy produce and local food systems.
"Our 'Phase One' will begin with our involvement with community gardens," shares Founder Eric Conley. "For the next 12-24 months, we will be helping with existing projects and setting up new projects. There are many successful cases and Sol Growers is studying how this knowledge can be leveraged by individual households."
Phase Two is a larger vision to simultaneously address three key issues, which Conley shares with us below:
- Re-think how to live and work and have a connection to nature. Our busy lives require our full attention, but there is significant well-being that comes from touching nature that we and our children are missing.
- Poor nutrition is hurting us in many ways. The issues are direct, but are masked by complexity.
- The high cost of living will continue to increase which also increase the number of people in the low-income category.
Combined, Sol Growers intends to solve these three issues for families of four that only earn $40K per year. "We envision a house that is truly a home that provides a connection with nature, grows nutritious food, and all at an affordable cost," he says. "This is not an affordable housing project, but a re-thinking of what is actually needed and addressing it with the today’s technology."
In the last year, the nonprofit donated over 31 species of edible plants to 11 different households to inspire more local gardens. Conley notes they are working on five more larger gardens in the next month and continues to encourage locals to reach out with potential projects/ideas. 
Resilient Retreat held a wall-signing celebration to replace the ‘Topping Off’ celebration planned due to forecast inclement weather. The last beam of the new Resilient Retreat Center was lifted into place earlier and the wall-signing event took place Tuesday morning, June 15th from 9 to 10:30am at the Resilient Retreat Center at 13010 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. Two interior walls were signed by supporters, the construction team, architects, designers and local dignitaries for posterity. Since 2019 Resilient Retreat has treated over 400 trauma victims, including survivors of abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence, first responders, and helping professionals such as teachers and nurses.
There are currently 60 youth waiting for a Big/mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. We need volunteers now. It is our goal to have all children who want or need a mentor to have one. Help us to ‘end the wait,’ said Teresa Taft, Community Volunteer Recruiter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. When considering whether to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, ask yourself who mentored you when you were a child and what impact did that person make on your life? Now it is your turn to pay it forward by doing this for one of these children waiting for a mentor.”
While the local hotel industry sees record occupancy rates as tourists flock to our area, employers face a workforce shortage to meet this demand. To connect individuals to the various career pathways available in this sector, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is partnering with local hospitality employers on a free online webinar offering an overview of employment opportunities, Wednesday, June 23, noon to 1pm. A Spanish language version of the same webinar will be presented on Thursday, June 24, from noon to 1pm.
Partnership between JFCS of the Suncoast and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee JFCS and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee are offering a six-week virtual bereavement support group to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, especially during the social isolation associated with COVID-19. A caring and supportive setting is available via Zoom each Thursday from 1:30pm to 2:45pm.
To register, contact Rabbi Katz at jkatz@jfcs-cares.org or by phone at 941-366-2224, ext.166.
Arts Advocates is pleased to announce the opening of the Arts Advocates Gallery in the Siesta Mall, Suite 119, 3501 S Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. The gallery will open to the public on Saturday, July 17, and will be open every Saturday from 2pm-5 pm. For the first time since its founding in 1969, Arts Advocates has its own gallery to display works from its collection of Florida artists and to host community events. The opening exhibit features Sarasota Art Colony pieces from the collection, including Jon Corbino’s “Palette,” on view for the first time since it was stolen from the collection in 1991 when it was on display at the Van Wezel. In 2019, the piece was recovered from a local estate sale by a treasure hunter and returned to Arts Advocates.
Written information about all the pieces on display will be available for self-guided tours. Docent-guided tours are also available at 11 am on the first Wednesday of each month starting Wednesday, July 7, before the gallery opens to the public. Tours are $10 per person and should be booked online. In addition to exhibits, Arts Advocates will host a variety of events in the gallery that are open to the public. Registration for these upcoming events can be made at ArtsAdvocates.org.
Five Florida public school arts teachers will showcase and discuss the work they have developed during their residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat in an interactive presentation, Saturday, July 17, 11am to 1pm, on the Great Lawn at the Hermitage, 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages (with particular appeal to middle and high school students), and features brief presentations followed by hands-on, interactive activities. Guests will be invited to participate in ceramics, selfies, and other activities.
The Florida Gulf Coast League (FGCL) will kick off its summer softball league and welcome dozens of top athletes to the area for opening day on today at Miss Sarasota Softball Complex located at 4470 17th St. FGCL is a pioneer in executing an elite collegiate fastpitch softball league. This summer, the league will run from Wednesday through July 14 with playoffs occurring July 17 through July 20.
Nearly one hundred residents of Manatee and Sarasota Counties have joined the Manasota Solar Co-op, which is set to close July 1st. The group recently selected Solar Source to install solar panels for the group through a competitive bidding process over seven other firms. “What a great experience to be able to participate in the process of selecting the vendor for our group,” said Paul Turcotte, Englewood resident and member of the co-op Selection Committee. “I hope others will take advantage of the opportunity to participate regardless of their experience. I really learned a lot and it built my confidence in going forward with the process.”
Joseph McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful recruitment by its Executive Recruiter, Rick Mohrman of La’Keesha Davis as GM Operations – Door Division for Wincore Window and Doors.
Manatees are back and you're invited to see the newly renovated Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat when it reopens to the public today! The Habitat now resembles a cypress spring and provides rehabilitating manatees with an environment that more closely mimics what they will encounter in the wild. They will be caring for two manatees upon reopening.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature , 201 10th St. West, Bradenton
Pride in the EDGE starts with The EDGE Experience from 12-5 pm, when dozens of businesses are offering Pride-themed activities, music, and specials. Specials include BOGOs and discounts, Pride contests, and FREE giveaways, like rainbow ribbon braids, koozies, headbands, t-shirts, espresso, chair massages, bracelets, face painting, Tampa Bay Rays sunglasses, and more! From 5-9 pm, the celebration continues with Savor the EDGE, a premiere outdoor tasting party at the Edge Collective Urban Marketplace with delicious food, wine & spirits, live music, and a VIP experience! VIP tickets also include free parking on-site, AND all ticket purchases will help a great cause! A portion of proceeds will be donated to GLSEN, the national network of students, teachers and allies helping to ensure that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education.
The Edge District , Multi-hour options include: 800 1st Ave. S., 13th St. & 1st Ave. N., 1301 Central Ave., 1234 Central Ave., 1211 1st Ave. N., and Trop Lot 6.
While the local hotel industry sees record occupancy rates as tourists flock to our area, employers face a workforce shortage to meet this demand. To connect individuals to the various career pathways available in this sector, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is partnering with local hospitality employers on a free online webinar offering an overview of employment opportunities, Wednesday, June 23, noon to 1 p.m. A Spanish language version of the same webinar will be presented on Thursday, June 24, noon to 1 pm. Participants can attend by phone or computer and will be able to ask questions via a chatbox.
Women's Resource Center
Arts Advocates is pleased to announce the opening of the Arts Advocates Gallery in the Siesta Mall. The gallery will be open every Saturday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. For the first time since its founding in 1969, Arts Advocates has its own gallery to display works from its collection of Florida artists and to host community events. The opening exhibit features Sarasota Art Colony pieces from the collection, including Jon Corbino’s Palette, on view for the first time since it was stolen from the collection in 1991 when it was on display at the Van Wezel. In 2019, the piece was recovered from a local estate sale by a treasure hunter and returned to Arts Advocates. Written information about all the pieces on display will be available for self-guided tours. Docent-guided tours are also available at 11:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month starting Wednesday, July 7, before the gallery opens to the public. Tours are $10 per person.
Art Advocates , Suite 119, 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
JFCS is asking the local community to support this popular community outreach initiative by both volunteering and donating clothing, toiletries and additional essentials. “Stand Down is a fantastic annual event that focuses on providing resources to unhoused veterans in our community. As the lead agency, JFCS is able to provide respite care and resources to reduce the barriers preventing permanent housing for veterans,” stated Richard McDaniel, JFCS Chief of Client Services. “Stand Down’s hand-up, not hand-out philosophy helps build resilience in our unhoused veteran population and provides long-term housing and income sustainability.” Annually, JFCS collaborates with over 25 community partners to provide direct support to over 100 homeless veterans. Registration closes at 11:30am at the event. If available please bring ID (VA card or DD-214).
JFCS of the Suncoast
Put a STEAM twist on your summer fun with Mote starting June 16 and until August 4 from 1:30pm to 3pm. Join Miss Dana, creator of Mote’s popular homeschool programs, each week this summer to learn about ocean animals as we explore the Sarasota Bay or get ArtSEA making upcycled crafts while learning how to protect the ocean. Whether you want your fins in the water or prefer sharks and crafts, we will ‘seas’ the summer. This program is for ages 6-14, accompanied with a parent/guardian (one parent/guardian is included with each participant fee). Due to health and safety restrictions, only one adult chaperone is allowed per paid child and additional (younger or older) siblings or other family members will not be permitted to attend the program; please make sure you complete registration for each participating child in your family. Admission to Mote Aquarium is NOT included with this program. Please visit mote.org/visit for information and to reserve tickets.
The five winners of this year’s Florida State Teacher Artist Residency program (STARs) at the Hermitage Artist Retreat will give brief presentations and lead hands-on music, writing, and visual art activities for audiences of all ages. Five Florida public school arts teachers will showcase and discuss thework they have developed during their residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat in an interactive presentation, Saturday, July 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Great Lawn at the Hermitage. This free, family-friendly event isopen to all ages (with particular appeal to middle and high school students), and features brief presentations followed by hands-on, interactive activities. Guests will beinvited to participate in ceramics, selfies, and other activities. ($5 per adult; children and students under 18 are free).
The Hermitage Artist Retreat , 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood
Yoga Instructor Ashley Stewart will lead a yoga session on the Ca' d'Zan Terrace. Each session will last one hour, and participants may begin entering 30 minutes prior to the event. Participants should bring a yoga mat and water or drink as desired. Tickets are limited to 50 in order to maintain proper social distancing. Please note: Tickets will be available 30 days prior to each event and must be purchased online, in advance of the event. Upcoming dates include Thursday, March 18 and April 15 at 6:30pm and Thursday, May 20 and June 17 at 7pm.
Florida Studio Theatre’s resident improv troupe, FST Improv, will return to a weekly live performance schedule with Triple Play, a full-length show created specifically to entertain from a distance. Drawing inspiration from audience suggestions, a rotating cast of three improvisers will perform games, scenes, and songs—all made up on the spot. Starting Saturday, March 20, Triple Play will take place Saturday evenings at 8:30pm for socially-distanced audiences in FST’s Keating Theatre. Tickets are $15 per person and are now on sale. To purchase tickets, call FST’s Box Office at 941.366.9000 or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. FST's musical improvisers, Jim Prosser and Helena Rankin, will provide comical accompaniment as performers play some of Sarasota's favorite improv games - all while maintaining social distancing. In addition to live audiences, the cast of Triple Play will draw inspiration from prompts submitted virtually through text or via Twitter. With this added virtual element, FST Improv will engage with audiences in Sarasota and beyond. Triple Play performances will be socially-distanced and in compliance of all CDC guidelines, including socially-distanced seating, paperless ticketing, and limited theatre capacities. Facial coverings must be worn at all times - including throughout performances - when on campus at FST, aside from dining in FST's Green Room Cafe & Bar. Socially-distanced pre-show dining is available indoors and outdoors in FST's Green Room Cafe & Bar one hour before each Triple Play performance.
Claudia Baeza is a Kripalu trained yoga instructor who has been sharing her love of yoga in Sarasota since 2016. Join her for Yoga + Meditation on the loggias of the Museum of Art Courtyard for a unique opportunity to gently move the body and calm the mind. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle and a friend– and enjoy the serenity of the Museum of Art Courtyard with Claudia. Please note: Tickets must be purchased online, in advance of the event. Upcoming dates include Friday, March 26, Friday, April 23, Friday, May 28, and Friday, June 25 at 10am.
First 1,000 Days Sarasota County is a community initiative to improve the health and well-being of babies and families. At the end of 2020, the initiative and its 75 community partners launched a website to empower all parents and caregivers with simple tools proven to promote quality early childhood development. The initiative partners are now using the power of art to celebrate families and promote local educational resources available to them. Utilizing free curriculum with fun activities for parents to do with their children and a sidewalk chalk festival, First 1,000 Days Sarasota is encouraging the community to get involved this spring in the “Color the Community” campaign. The campaign kicked off with the unveiling of three new works of art across Sarasota County: “Swing Out Into the World,” by Laura Pommier at 14212 Tamiami Trail in North Port, its sister mural, “Bubbles,” by Truman Adams, at Forty Carrots Family Center, 1500 South Tuttle Avenue, in Sarasota; and a traveling artwork, “Making Roots,” being created by Traci Kegerreis, are designed as gateways for young families to learn about resources available to support parents in being their child’s first teacher. Artists were encouraged to creatively express one or more of the fundamentals of early childhood development, known as “The Basics.” First 1,000 Days Sarasota County is now asking the broader community to follow suit. Children and families can easily get involved by: Creating sidewalk chalk art (or your preferred medium) inspired by The Basics early learning principles: Maximize love, manage stress, Count, group, compare, Talk, sing, and point, Explore through play and movement, and Read and discuss stories; Posting photos of you and your masterpiece to social media. Tag @First1000DaysSarasota on Facebook and Instagram and use hashtags #First1000DaysSarasota #ColortheCommunity; and Visiting First1000DaysSarasota.com to sign up for free text tips on The Basics and connect with local resources for parents and young children.
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