SRQ DAILY Nov 10, 2021
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"While Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity for Americans to pause to recognize the sacrifices and heroics of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, we believe it's vitally important to remember veterans each and every day."
Serving our country requires honor, selflessness and courage. Sometimes it takes even more courage to ask for help. As the nation honors these heroes this Veterans Day (Thursday, November 11), Southeastern Guide Dogs recognizes and supports those who served in our nation’s military all year long through the help of service dogs.
The organization notes that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other disabilities often live in isolation and depression. But, there's a furry, four-legged fix to that for many. A highly trained service dog can assist in the healing journey of restoring one’s mental health and wellbeing.
These dogs become more like heroes, much like their owners, by learning more than 20 cues to aid with symptoms of PTSD—including seizure response and mobility issues. "Handpicked for their confidence and calmness," Southeastern Guide Dogs' canines, when partnered with the right individual, help veterans take back their lives by replacing despair with hope, unconditional love and that "battle buddy" they may be missing in their world. "The power of positivity is crucial while recovering. The assistance of a happy and loving companion helps in that growth," says Lauren Davis, manager of the Service Dog Program. "Our dogs help our veterans learn how to change their thought processes to focus on the good rather than the bad.”
Bob Macpherson is one of these veterans, they share. After 30 years in the Marines, and a career as the head of a humanitarian assistance company working in countries from Bosnia to Syria, Macpherson now lives with the reality of PTSD. After admitting he needed help, Macpherson applied for a service dog through the organization and was matched with Blue, the yellow lab. “PTSD is a soul-crushing illness, dragging its victims into nightmarish voids of shame, fear and chaos,” shares Macpherson. “Blue has guided me back to a path of renewed engagement in life and calmness that has made me a better person. With him, I found the freedom and creativity to embrace life rather than endure it.”
Blue is one of many service dogs to help mitigate the symptoms of PTSD for their handler. In addition to service dogs, Southeastern Guide Dogs provides Gold Star Family dogs to military families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty, and facility therapy dogs who provide therapeutic services to veterans and families being treated in military medical facilities and working in high-stress environments across the nation.
All dogs and services at Southeastern Guide Dogs are provided at no cost to recipients thanks to an extensive network of donors. For more information on the veteran programs, visit GuideDogs.org 
Photo of Bob Macpherson and Blue, courtesy of Southeastern Guide Dogs
Veterans and their families, as well as members of the public, are invited to attend Goodwill Manasota's free Veterans Health & Wellness Fair, which takes place on Saturday, November 13, 11am-3pm at Goodwill Manasota's Veterans Services office (8490 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota). Health services offered on-site will include dental screenings, blood pressure checks and blood sugar screenings. Veterans can receive guidance on disability claims and healthcare enrollment, learn about counseling services and stress relief programs, smoking cessation, opioid treatment, CBD products, and beneficial services and activities such as acupuncture, equine-assisted therapy, hunting and fishing trips, fly fishing/fly making, and more.
Goodwill Manasota and SunCoast Blood Centers will re-launch the "Change a Life, Save a Life" partnership effort, with Goodwill gratefully accepting donations of gently-used items and SunCoast Blood Centers taking donations of blood (blood donors will receive a $10 Goodwill Manasota gift card). As part of that effort, attendees are encouraged to donate blood and/or gently-used goods; donors can designate which branch of the military to make that donation in honor of. The branch for which the most is donated will win a free coffee and cake social hosted by Goodwill's Veterans Services team.
Numerous community sponsors and partners will be in attendance, including students from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, MCR Health, and representatives from Easterseals at InStride, United Way Suncoast, JFCS, Centerstone, Tidewell Hospice, Operation Eco Vets, Operation Outdoor Freedom, and Groups Recover Together. Additionally, staff members from the offices of U.S. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube are slated to attend.
"While Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity for Americans to pause to recognize the sacrifices and heroics of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, at Goodwill Manasota, we believe it’s vitally important to remember veterans each and every day," said Goodwill Manasota President Donn Githens. "We hope veterans and their families and the general public will join us for the Veterans Health & Wellness Fair to see the resources available in the community to support our heroes."
This event, being presented in recognition of Veterans Day, is free and open to the general public, veterans and their families. For more information, call 941-355-2721, ext. 163.
(From l-r) Veterans Services team members Randy Wright and Todd Hughes with volunteer Richard Burger, courtesy of Goodwill Manasota
The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) honored veterans at a Military Heroes Breakfast on Friday, November 5 to present a plaque that commemorates military veterans who have received commendations in services to our Country. The breakfast started with a presentation of the “Missing Man Table,” which symbolizes and honors veterans who are not with us anymore. The presentation also included special remarks from Florida Representative Fiona Fuller McFarland, the folding of a 12-foot American flag by the Sarasota County Fire Department Honor Guard and the unveiling of a dedicated plaque to honor the veteran members of RASM bestowed with the highest military honors. Special guest Representative McFarland spoke about her time at the United States Naval Academy and told her story about how owning her first home played a role in her deciding to run for office. The 12-foot flag was donated to the Association by member and WWII veteran, Chuck Palmeri. This special flag once flew over the Capitol building in Washington D.C. and will be placed into a case to be displayed at the RASM South member service center on Cattlemen Road. The Association surveyed its membership to record the members who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. The survey reported over 200 veterans within the RASM membership, with 27 of those members receiving special medals and commendations.
For additional information about this event, please contact Max Brandow at Maxwell@myrasm.com or 941-952-3410.
Pictured: Group photo of veterans who attended that received special medals and commendations.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources invites children ages 12 and under and their families to the free, Breakfast with Santa event, 10 am-noon, Saturday, December 18. Enjoy breakfast, holiday music, and a visit by Santa in person at Laurel Park or by drive-through at Newtown Estates Park, and don't forget to drop off letters for Santa. Register children ages 12 and under online before December 10 for a toy giveaway. Unwrapped toy donations for children ages 12 and under are being accepted through December 13 at park and library locations throughout the county:
Parks/Centers—Colonial Oaks Park, 5300 Colonial Oaks Blvd., Sarasota; CoolToday Park, 18800 W Villages Parkway, Venice; Englewood Sports Complex,1300 S River Road, Englewood; Knight Trail Park, 3445 Rustic Road, Nokomis; Laurel Park, 509 Collins Road, Nokomis; Longwood Park, 6050 Longwood Run Blvd., Sarasota; Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Avenue S, Venice; Woodmere Park, 3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice; Newtown Estates Park, 2800 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota.
Libraries—Elsie Quirk Public Library, 100 W Dearborn St., Englewood; Fruitville Public Library, 100 Apex Road, Sarasota; Gulf Gate Public Library, 7112 Curtiss Avenue, Sarasota; Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library,4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice; North Port Public Library, 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port; Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota; Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota; Shannon Staub Public Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port; William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Avenue S, Venice.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has announced the promotion of Suriya Khong to Vice President of Teen Initiatives. As a leader in youth development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is committed to empowering local teens to succeed academically, using their voice and talent to make a difference in our community. This executive position will play an instrumental role in developing the organization’s infrastructure to further elevate and expand the impact of the Teen Program.
Khong joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties on January 4, 2017, after Boys & Girls Club of America announced 2015 as “Year of the Teen.” This national initiative focused on increasing teen impact, support, and membership retention. Understanding that this youth population is often underserved, BGCSDC launched the Tom & Debbie Shapiro Career Resource Center, vocational programs, and scholarship opportunities to ensure teens have a plan of success for their future. When Khong was hired, only one full-time staff was dedicated to Teen Programming. Due to Khong’s strategy and vision, the Teen Program has expanded to include seven full-time staff dedicated to high-quality skill-based programming specializing in the following areas: College & Career Advising, Entrepreneurial Education, Health & Wellness, Advocacy & Action, Leadership Development, Volunteerism, and Vocational Training.
As Vice President of Teen Initiatives, Khong manages, supervises, and supports the professional development of Teen Program staff. Khong has expanded key partnerships, creating opportunities for active youth engagement not only in our local community but on the national level as well. Khong is proud to be a part of a culture that recognizes the leadership potential in teens. The Teen Program consistently sets high-performance standards; remains mission-driven; and employs a youth-adult model of partnership that encourages teens to be active citizens while allowing them the opportunity to discover their passions, the support to develop critical skills, and the space to explore career paths and create a plan for success after high school.
From Plans to Pillows®, Tracee Murphy and her team at Trade Mark Interiors specialize in creating beautiful spaces that reflect your style of living and working. Designing a home is a very personal experience, and this interior design firm brings your dream to life with a unique background in both design and psychology. While not designing to one particular style, the team creates spaces that are classic in the modern sense, sophisticated, comfortable, and dynamic.
Trade Mark Interiors designs Nationwide with offices located in Sarasota and Cleveland. They specialize in luxury residential and commercial interiors, new home construction and renovations.
Senior Advisor, Tony Veldkamp, CCIM of SVN Commercial Advisory Group helped to coordinate the sale of a 56,743 SF Office/Industrial Flex Park. The property, located at 4301 32nd Street West in Bradenton, FLA., was purchased by Bradenton Business Park, LLC. The sellers were Paul and Lauren Feikema. Troy Robbins with Robbins Realty represented the seller. Tony represented the buyer. The new owner, Bradenton Business Park, LLC was attracted to the property due to the central Bradenton location and the great tenant mix. They plan to use the purchase as an industrial investment. Senior Advisor, Tony Veldkamp, CCIM of SVN Commerical Advisory Group helped to coordinate the sale of a 56,743 SF Office/Industrial Flex Park. The property, located at 4301 32nd Street West in Bradenton, FLA., was purchased by Bradenton Business Park, LLC. The sellers were Paul and Lauren Feikema. Troy Robbins with Robbins Realty represented the seller. Tony represented the buyer.The new owner, Bradenton Business Park, LLC was attracted to the property due to the central Bradenton location and the great tenant mix. They plan to use the purchase as an industrial investment.
Fifth Third Bank is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for its annual Giving Tree Toy Drive campaign. The Giving Tree Toy Drive program will begin on November 8, 2021 and end on December 3, 2021. Each Fifth Third financial center will host a “Giving Tree” decorated with gift tags with specific information that pertains to the need of a child in the community. We encourage you to visit any local Fifth Third Bank financial center in South Florida during the month of November to pick up your gift tag. Your donation of a gift or gift card will help make a difference and ensure a brighter holiday season for the underserved youth in our community. All donations can be dropped off at any local Fifth Third Bank in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Broward and Palm Beach. To find the nearest location, visit 53.com.
For the first time since its founding in 1969, Arts Advocates has its own gallery to display works from its collection of Florida artists. Located in the Siesta Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 119, in Sarasota, the opening exhibit features works by Sarasota Art Colony artists. Docent-guided tours of the exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 11:45pm on the first Wednesday of each month: November 3, December 1, January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, and June 1. Tours are $10 per person, or $5 per person for Arts Advocates members, and can be booked below. Attendance is limited to 10. Group and special tours can be arranged by contacting Stephenie Frasher, docent team leader, at docent@artsadvocates.org.
Marvin has left his wife for his male lover and is struggling to keep his family together. In classic William Finn fashion, Falsettos has themes of Jewish identity, gender roles, and gay life in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Single tickets available Sept. 1, 2021 ($26.50 preview/ $29.50 single/ $14 student). Subscriptions are available now. The show dates are Nov. 3-6, 9-13 at 7:30pm and Nov. 7, 13-14 at 2pm.
Duty Free will have an in-person screening and local panel discussion on Tuesday, November 9, 7pm and a FREE Virtual Screening November 7 – November 10. Rebecca worked every day of her life as a hotel housekeeper to give her two sons, Sian-Pierre and Gabriel, every opportunity life could afford. When it was time for Sian-Pierre to go to college, she even cashed out her 401K to give him the best education possible. But when she was suddenly fired from her job at 75, Rebecca was left with nothing: no savings, no safety net, and no future job prospects. Now, Sian-Pierre is giving her back the life she sacrificed, and helping her to reclaim her future, one bucket-list adventure at a time. Ageism and Financial Insecurity in America are pervasive. Older folks are invisible in their communities, workplaces, and, sometimes, within their own families. An estimated 25 million won’t have enough money to get through retirement age. Duty Free examines ageism, the care crisis, and economic insecurity in America. Who will care for and support our moms and dads? Our grandmothers and our grandfathers? Who will support us as we age?
Register now for the 16th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop, set for Nov. 10. Under a “Roots of Sustainability” theme, we’re excited to bring you this workshop as an online meeting, allowing expert speakers, panelists and audience members to join in from around the world. While we continue to develop this year’s workshop (check back here for the latest information), read on to learn what this amazing, day-long event delivered last year. Registration cost: General: $10 and Student: $5. Registration fee includes access to a live, full-day workshop with expert speakers, breakout sessions, and opportunities to network and connect with others. Featured speakers already committed to this informational and inspiring event, slated for 9am to 4:30pm, include: Rob Greenfield, Meg Lowman, and Tai Simpson.
The Eighth Annual Alumni and Veterans Show will run from November 11 to December 13, 2021 with a Zoom Reception on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 5pm to 6:30pm. You are invited to view exciting new work by Ringling College Alumni and Veterans. This multi-media exhibition includes artwork from this extraordinary group. The show features a wide variety of media, styles, and approaches from emerging and established alumni and veterans practicing a diverse range of art using mediums including painting, digital design, drawings, prints, and mixed media. All artwork will be on display online only on this page from November 11 through December 13. To purchase please call 941-822-0442 and make arrangements for curbside pickup or shipping.
Come out and meet the organizations that are bringing Sarasota County to the forefront of sustainability as part of the Sustainable Communities Workshop on Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 9am to 12pm. Sarasota Audubon Society hosts this event at their LEED Green Nature Center and Native Gardens. Tour the building which is net zero solar powered. Then tour the gardens and discover the beauty and essential nature of native Florida plants. Stocking Savvy independent consulting firm will be in the picnic area sharing their techniques for restoring Florida using ecological principles. This can be done in your own backyard, or on a large landscape scale. Native Plants will be available for purchase. Eco-Flora Project with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to assemble new, original observations and data on the state’s flora Florida Veterans for Common Sense Fund will lead a tour to the native micro-forest that was planted last year in cooperation with Sarasota County NEST to sequester carbon in the soil. Tour is in four 20-minute segments and will last 1 hour and 20 minutes. Please arrive 10 minutes before your start time to allow for registration.
Architecture Sarasota's MOD Weekend will take place November 12 through 14 and will celebrate Philip Hanson Hiss, the primary catalyst of the modern architecture movement in Sarasota. Their 8th annual MOD Weekend will feature a VIP Reception, The Vision of Philip Hiss, Party Under the Banyan Tree at Hiss Studio, The Symposium, Guided Trolley Tour of Hiss-Commissioned Schools, Guided Trolley & Walking Tour of Lido Shores, Tropical Modernism: Philip Hiss’ Lido Shores Self-Guided Walking Tour, The Hiss Dinner, North Siesta Key Guided Kayak Tour, and Grand Canal Kayak Tour. The three-day event will celebrate Hiss’s forward-thinking ideas and how they gave rise to the origins of the Sarasota School of Architecture (SSA).
After making the difficult decision to cancel last year's festival due to COVID-19, The Siesta Key Chamber is excited to announce the dates for the 2021 festival! This November 12-15th, twenty-four premier master sand sculptors will be competing for 1st place on Siesta Beach. The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a visual and cultural arts festival now in its 11th year and has hosted over 300,000 attendees on the best beach in the USA! In only 24 sculpting hours, (spanning the four-day event), the master sculptors create sand masterpieces and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an amazing outdoor art gallery. And it is more than just sand...the festival also features live music throughout the event along with a large village of shopping and food and drink vendors. Other activities include the popular three-day Quick Sand competition, sand sculpting lessons and an amateur sculpting competition. The festival will be open Saturday night until 9 pm with live music by Fleetwood Max, The Definitive Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band. A full live music line up will be announced in October. The party tent will be open and the sculptures will be lit through a fabulous light display.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic
Free Concert on November 12, 13 & 14 at J.D. Hamel Park, Gulfstream & Main On the Bayfront, Downtown Sarasota. On Friday, November 12 from 4pm-10pm, Saturday, November 13 from 11am-10pm, and Sunday, November 14 from 11am-6pm. Friday: Randy McNeely Band, 5:30-7:30, Soul Circus Cowboys, 8-10. Saturday: Mike Tozier, 1-3, Chas Collins, 3:30-5:30, Cadillac Blue Band, 6-8, Craig Campbell, 8:30-10, and An intimate evening with Craig Campbell unplugged. Sunday: Side Project Duo Noon-1:30, Dr Dave Band 2-4, and James Otto, 4:30-6. On Facebook - Sarasota Country Music Festival.
This year the Anna Maria Island Privateers, one of the oldest Not For Profit 501(C)(3) organizations in this geographic area, is celebrating its 50th year providing support and services to our community. In recognition of this accomplishment, we have put together a calendar of unique and exciting events to help you celebrate with us. One of our newest events is the "Black Tie Gala", scheduled for November 13 at from 5pm to 10pm at IMG Academy Golf Club, which will be a venue for honoring our past scholarship recipients. This event will benefit local scholarships and will feature seated dining, a cash bar, cocktail hour, and silent auction. We are currently looking for businesses and individuals who would like to partner with us for this event. For more information on the many ways you can be a part of this gala, visit our website at amiprivateers.org or contact Black Tie Gala event Chair, Kelly "Moulin" Sparkman, at flowergirlkelly@yahoo.com, 941-545-7871.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s annual Artful Lobster: An Outdoor Celebration will be Saturday, November 13, 2021, 11:30am to 2pm Now in its 13th year, the Artful Lobster raises valuable funds for the Hermitage’s renowned artist residency program. The event takes place outdoors beneath a large tent on the Hermitage’s historical beachfront campus, located at 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood. Ticket information and additional details will be announced later in the year. For sponsorship inquiries, call 941-475-2098, Ext. 2. The 2020 Artful Lobster was one of the first live fundraisers in our region since the start of the pandemic to establish a new model for safe and socially-distanced gathering. With limited capacity and added safety precautions, 150 guests attended the sold-out feast and performance. Ralph Farris, an acclaimed Hermitage Fellow and founding violist and artistic director of the genre-bending string quartet ETHEL, headlined the event, impressing audiences with his original compositions created at the Hermitage, as well as his unique medley of Philip Glass, John Lennon’s “Imagine,” and “America the Beautiful.” Michael’s On East served a plentiful barbeque and much heralded lobster luncheon.
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