SRQ DAILY Oct 22, 2021
Friday Weekend Edition
"As a patient breathes in and out during their therapy, a tumor and the surrounding tissue can shift."
Last Friday, Ringling College presented the current state of its Virtual Reality department’s collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center. The project, which began in 2019, centers on the “gamification” of the patient experience as it relates to those seeking MRI-guided radiation therapy for cancers in the abdomen and chest. And for Ringling College VR student Joseph Janssen, the wunderkind who spearheaded the design of the VR experience, the project provided an opportunity to see just how far VR can go beyond video games and entertainment.
The primary challenges to overcome revolved around the requirement that a patient stay still during treatment. “As a patient breathes in and out during their therapy, a tumor and the surrounding tissue can shift,” says Janssen, “so the goal of the design is to train them to hold their breath and encourage stillness.” That stillness ensures that the radiation therapy can reach its cancerous target with greater accuracy. Greater accuracy means less surrounding healthy tissue is affected by the treatment.
The VR training regimen will see the prospective patient wear a VR headset in a designated training room at Moffitt Cancer Center, where they will lie down and be coached through the process. On their VR headset, several training environments are displayed that provide calming cues to take deep breaths before holding it for 25 seconds. That amount of time seems simple enough for a held breath, but when anxiety and ill health are involved, a patient’s ability to calmly hold their breath for half a minute is drastically reduced.
To that end, Janssen had an opportunity to work directly with the patient advisor whiel supervised by the lead research doctor on the project. “I was really grateful to have contact with so many stakeholders,” he says, “and in the end, it’s all about the end user.” In this case, the patient advisor also helped the team come up with fresh ideas for the visual components of the VR module. “Our first thought was a blue sky to simulate open space,” he says, “but the patient advisor gave us the idea of doing a golf environment.”
It’s that level of real-world feedback that the college ultimately sought when it formed its INDEX initiative (INDustry EXperience). “We really want to get our students involved in real-world opportunities,” says VR interim department head Morgan Woolverton, “and Joseph’s sense of adventure was just exemplary and a perfect fit for this project.” 
Pictured: Ringling College student Joseph Janssen stands amongst VR faculty with a headset on to demonstrate the new technology's application to cancer treatment.
Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, announced Thursday that the airport was adding nonstop flights to New Haven, Conn. through new-to-SRQ Avelo Airlines. The airline will initiate service beginning on January 13th at three flights per week, said Bud Hafer, airport relations with Avelo Airlines, and with one-way introductory fares of $49.
Elliott Falcione, Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau explained that, “New Haven was an under-utilized demographic in our portfolio with great demand. If we push hard to create brand awareness in the New Haven area then [these flights] will be successful.”
Hafer further discussed the interest in the Sarasota Bradenton market, “It’s a good growing market, and the Manatee and the Sarasota CVB staff are all top notch people and great to work with and that’s always good. It’s a little colder in New Haven than here, so the desire to travel is strong.”
Piccolo also was clear to credit both the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Visit Sarasota for their role in bring the airline to SRQ. He shared that adding flights was to the benefit of the entire region, “Our airport brings about $3 billion in economic impact per year. We don’t have any tax funding. Everything we do here is on our business operations. Name me another government operation that brings in that kind of economic impact at zero cost to the taxpayer.”
PICTURED: Bud Hafer, airport relations with Avelo Airlines (left) shakes hands with Rick Piccolo, President and CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (right)
The introductory pricing should be available at the time of publishing.
For the past 16 years JFCS of the Suncoast has been spreading holiday cheer to many of its clients through its annual Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior campaigns. Both programs provide donated holiday gifts, including clothing, shoes, books and gift cards, to underserved seniors, youth and families. Last year, in a continued effort to aid individuals and families who were in a dire state due to COVID-19, JFCS invited the entire community to participate in the Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior programs. As a result, more than 200 children and families and 150 seniors enjoyed a beautiful holiday season despite the challenges they had experienced in the previous months. This year, the needs are greater than ever before. JFCS is seeking donors who are interested in adopting families and seniors for the holiday season. Our goal is to donate 150 bags filled with hard candy, stamps, notepads and pens, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, chap stick, Publix, Walgreen’s, Wal-Mart gift cards, no skid socks, tissues and magnets, to seniors. Also, more than 250 youth are in need of toys, clothing, bicycles, books, gift cards, home furnishings and gift cards. JFCS requests that all donated items are new and unwrapped. All Chanukah gifts are due by Friday, November 19 and Christmas gifts by Friday, December 10.
Learn more about both campaigns on the JFCS website. Interested individuals may also contact Karen Pharo via email at kpharo@jfcs-cares.org or call Jessica Plourde at 941-499-7247.
Joing the Sailor Circus Academy's Gold Troupe as their students present Soarin', a showcase offering the students their first opportunity to perform under the bright lights of the Sailor Circus arena to let their skills shine. Students will impress you with acts in balancing, aerials, trampouline, clowning and more.
Live music is coming to Siesta Beach November 12th – 15th. Nine bands will perform under a massive tent during the family friendly festival and the lineup will include an eclectic roster of popular area acts. The festival will be open Saturday night until 9 pm with music, a party tent, food court, and a fabulous light display of the 16 amazing sand sculptures. Meredith, co-host of the popular Jones and Company morning show on 107.9 WSRZ will be on location Saturday, November 13th from 10 – 11 AM. Other festival attractions include free sand sculpting lessons and demos, an amateur competition on Saturday, Quick Sand speed sculpting, and an array of food, drink and retail vendors. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is presented by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Our mission is to promote tourism, local businesses and the visual arts via the production of one of the most unique sculpture festivals held in the world on the #1 beach in the U.S. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Scholarship Fund for Ringling College of Art + Design. For more information about Siesta Key Crystal Classic contact the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce – 941-349-3800; email events@siestakeychamber.com.
Break out the tie-dye and hula hoops for WSLR's annual celebration of Jerry Garcia on Sunday, November 7th from 4-9pm. Playing guitar and singing for his band, The Grateful Dead, as well as several others, Garcia took his hippie movement from the 60's into the 90's, inspiring the following of millions of long-haired, tie-dye t-shirted, carefree "Deadheads." Musicians honoring the Dead this year will be Free Range Strange and Dead Set FL. Food will be provided by the Simply Greek food truck. This is a family-friendly event, with kids’ activities and local vendors tabling. Attendees can bring t-shirts, socks, etc. for tie-dying, but no coolers please. Come out and help us re-create the mood and celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead. Tickets are $12 for WSLR members and $15 for the general public; half-price for students and free for children under 12. For more information call WSLR at 941-894-6469.
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota ER in Lakewood Ranch is teaming up with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to host “Crush the Crisis” opioid take-back day. The event raises awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the proper disposal of medications. Community members are invited to safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. The event aligns with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Law enforcement officers from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting: tablets, capsules, and patches. Needles, syringes, lancets, inhalers, or liquids cannot be collected. This will be a convenient drive-through event. According to Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, “We’re finding that opioids are a gateway to very serious deadly drugs – like heroin. People with opioid pain killer addictions are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin than to alcohol, marijuana and cocaine combined. This is why we encourage everyone to properly dispose of their unused prescriptions during take-back day events like this one, and by using our prescription drop boxes at any of our district offices. Taking the time to clean out your medicine cabinet will save lives!” The event will take place Saturday, October 23, 2021 10:00am-1:00pm at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota ER in Lakewood Ranch 8500 SR 70 Bradenton, 34202.
Hospital caregivers and members of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will be outside the ER collecting medications as people drive through. Last year, during the same event, almost 32 pounds of prescription drugs were collected.
On October 5, the Bradenton Kiwanis Club swore in a new slate of officers for the 2021-2022 year including Officers: President: Judge Gilbert A. Smith, Jr.; President-Elect: Neil Unruh; Vice-President: Andy Minor; Treasurer: David Grantham; Secretary: Mac Aldrich; and Past President: Christy Cardillo.
This year is a special year for our club, as we prepare to celebrate our 100th Anniversary in August of 2022 in a big way! We would also like to thank our outgoing 2020 – 2021 club officers Christy Cardillo, Gilbert Smith, Neil Unruh, David Grantham, Mac Aldrich, and Mike McCoy. It was a very challenging year, and this team of officers was key to making it a huge success. Thanks to their efforts, despite the challenges, we were able to continue serving our community One Child at a Time. The Bradenton Kiwanis Club meets every Tuesday at Noon at Manatee Performing Art Center, Second Floor, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, 34205.
The club is currently accepting new members. Anyone who would like to learn more is welcome to join us at an upcoming meeting and enjoy lunch as our guest. Contact sharonb.bradentonkiwanis@gmail.com to RSVP.
Pictured: 2021-2022 club officers: (l to r): Dave Grantham (treasurer), Andy Minor (VP), Judge Gilbert A. Smith Jr (President), Neil Unruh (President-elect), and Mac Aldrich (secretary).
Collage artist Philomena Marano shows us how she creates her works of art in our latest “As Seen in SRQ Magazine” video. Watch it here!
TerraNova Equestrian Center welcomes you to its inaugural event, The Event at TerraNova, Oct. 22-24. The Event at TerraNova showcases the Olympic sport of three-day eventing. Like an equestrian triathlon, eventing tests the abilities of horse and rider in three phases– dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Join us for the ultimate in equestrian sport and a lovely day in the country. General admission and VIP experiences are available. Our goal is to create a world-class experience for all levels of riders, horses and spectators. The Event at TerraNova is a destination event for competitors, owners and sponsors, located just a short drive from Sarasota and some of the nation’s top beaches, resort hotels, golf courses and upscale restaurants.
A comedic romp into the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with vicious fairies, nasty ogres and ‘90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. She Kills Monsters will show from October 22 to November 7 at the Venice Theatre. Recommended for middle school and up. Strong language and themes.
Program 1 – New World opens The Sarasota Ballet Season with a revisit to Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring, a vibrant tribute to pioneer life and a hallmark display of Americana. Set to a score commissioned by Graham from Aaron Copland, this bucolic tale of a 19th century Pennsylvania farmhouse weaves four characters’ narratives together to face uncharted obstacles. Appalachian Spring is joined by an exciting World Premiere by Resident Choreographer Ricardo Graziano. This will mark his first new choreographed work since the January 2019 premiere of Amorosa and, paired with Graham’s iconic work, opens this important Season with a sense of optimism, hope, and excitement for the future. New World will take place on October 22 2021 at 7:30pm, October 23 2021 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and October 24 2021 at 2pm and 7:30pm at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trail.
Join us as we explore J.S. Bach’s Six Suites for Solo Cello as they’ve never been presented through a multi-sensory interactive performance, Bach Immersion. Over the course of three concert weekends, we will travel into each Suite’s unique world through a live musical performance alongside a myriad of other art disciplines including dance, painting, photography, spoken word, fashion design, and food. Having multiple artists collaborating and interpreting the music in conjunction with the audience will create a unique, one-of-a-kind experience that will only exist for those moments with that audience. Bach Immersion I In Person on Friday October 22 2021 & Saturday October 23 at 7pm, Masks will be required. Virtual Stream on Saturday, October 24 at 7pm.
Trick or treat. Spooky season is here, and the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab is getting festive with a Halloween workshop unlike any other. Families are invited to learn how to create a custom design or find a design online and then engrave it onto a pumpkin using the Fab Lab’s high-tech laser engraver. Selections at last year’s workshop included skeletons, monkeys and even a company logo. No experience is required, just a willingness to explore and have fun. Hour-long sessions are available from 1-7pm on Saturday, October 23 in the Fab Lab at 4452 Beneva Rd. Up to two children and one adult are permitted per $35 registration. Registration also includes one small pumpkin per child. Please reserve multiple slots if more children or adults would like to attend. The workshop sells out every year so reserve your spot early and make a day of it. To learn more and register for the workshop, visit https://suncoastscience.org/classes-workshops. For questions, call 941-840-4394 or email info@suncoastscience.org.
The Venice YMCA Black Tie Gala 2021 will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 6PM at the Venice YMCA, 701 Center Rd., Venice. Join us for a fabulous evening of gourmet dining, bidding, dancing and fun at Venice's Premier event of the season. There will be dinner, dancing, music, and a silent and live auction. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Paul Raker, Executive Director, at 941-492-9622 or praker@ymcaswfl.org. Purchase tickets online at www.ymcaswfl.org/events/black-tie-gala-2021.
If you love boats, have salt water flowing through your veins, or if you are dreaming about deals on fishing gear, marine equipment, or other maritime flotsam and jetsam, then the Cortez Nautical Flea Market is for you. This FREE family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 8am to 12pm, outdoors at the Florida Maritime Museum. The Cortez Nautical Flea Market will also include a nautical-themed arts and crafts sale at the Cortez Cultural Center. Parking will be available at the F.I.S.H. Preserve located on Cortez Road next to the Cortez Cultural Center, directly east of the Florida Maritime Museum. The Florida Maritime Museum is located at 4415 119th Street West in the historic fishing village of Cortez. The museum will be closed on Saturday, October 23, with all Nautical Flea Market activities held outside on the grounds. For more information, visit FloridaMaritimeMuseum.org or call 941- 708-6120.
We are so excited to announce that Cat Depot is the Pet Costume Contest Sponsor at the Fall Festival at University Town Center. The contest is happening October 24, starting at 3pm. Interested in signing up? You can enter your pet into the Pet Costume Contest with the provided link. The Fall Festival is taking place on October 23 and 24 and includes fun activities such as a Pumpkin Patch, Trunk or Treat, Food Trucks, and more. Stop by and visit the Cat Depot booth.
Art and Race Matters: The Career of Robert Colescott from May 29 to October 31. Art and Race Matters is the first comprehensive retrospective of one of the United States’ most compelling and provocative artists who—through vibrant paintings laced with biting satire—confronted issues of race, gender, identity, and the uncomfortable realities of American life in the latter half of the 20th century.
FST’s 2021 Summer Cabaret Series concludes with an all-new show from Sarasota’s favorite swing-era territory band, The Swingaroos. A jazzy new music revue, Jukebox Saturday Night features some of The Jukebox’s greatest hits: “Get Your Kicks On Route 66,” “Heart and Soul,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Jukebox Saturday Night will play in FST’s Bowne’s Lab beginning Tuesday, September 7 and will play through October 31. Countless musical genres emerged during the first half of the 20th Century, and there was only one place you could find them all: The Jukebox. In this jazzy music revue, The Swingaroos put a dynamic twist on the Jukebox’s greatest hits, including “Get Your Kicks On Route 66,” “Heart and Soul,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Tickets are no longer available for this show.
Selby Gardens’ annual Orchid Show, from October 9 to November 28, brings together two of Sarasota, Florida’s most renowned legacies —orchids and the circus. Presented in collaboration with the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), The Orchid Show 2021: Aerialists from the Tree Top to the Big Top!, is presented by Better-Gro®, celebrates the breathtaking beauty of orchids in tree-top canopies high above the forest floor with the artistry and spectacle of the circus, particularly the aerialists who perform extraordinary feats of human ability high above captivated crowds. Pairing astonishing air plants with amazing aerial acts enables a fascinating exploration of the intersection of nature and entertainment. The show is deeply rooted in Selby Gardens’ status as possessing the world’s best scientifically documented collection of orchids. As always, the Orchid Show highlights the diversity and richness of the Orchidaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants on earth. The synergy with Sarasota’s extensive circus history fortifies the theme of this year’s show. Once the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the city remains the home of many circus performers and their families. In addition to The Ringling, housing the finest circus collections in existence, Sarasota is home to the Circus Arts Conservatory and associated Sailor Circus Academy, the oldest youth circus in America.
Enjoy a daily carnival with rides and games for all ages October 21-24 and favorite fair food, and a Fall Festival Saturday - Sunday from 11am-6pm with family-fun entertainment and more. Event parking and admission are free. Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 on site while supplies last and online in advance for $29 each, 2/$55 or 4/$99 (Pre-sale ends Thurs., Oct. 21 at 5pm). On Saturday and Sunday, ride wristbands will only be available from 5pm to closing. Ride tickets are sold on site for $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus 1 free ride. Online pre-sale special: $45 for 50 tickets (includes 1 free ride). Midway hours: 5-10pm Thursday, 5-11pm Friday, noon-11pm Saturday, noon-10pm Sunday. Parent/guardian supervision is required for guests ages 17 and younger. The Fall Festival will feature live music and entertainment, a pumpkin patch, beer garden, food trucks, vendors and Sunday activities including the Little Miss & Mister Pumpkin Pageant (11am), Pet Costume Contest (3pm) and Trunk or Treat (4pm).
You know the Netflix story: After the mysterious and sudden vanishing of a young boy, the people of a small town begin to uncover secrets of a government lab, portals to another world and sinister monsters. The boy’s mother desperately tries to find him, convinced he is in grave danger, while the police chief searches for answers. Fans can’t get enough of the retro vibe of the hit series Stranger Things. Take a trip to the upside-down world in safety on October 29 at 8:30pm and 10pm and October 3o at 8:30pm and 10pm. Experience the 80s tunes and soundscapes from the show reinterpreted in brilliant laser light and visual effects. See intense beams zoom over your head as you freak out to STRANGER THINGS. Be there if you dare. This program is designed to be family friendly.
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