SRQ DAILY Jan 26, 2023
Thursday Family and Recreation Edition
"The fact that this project is a pioneering effort for high school students makes it all the more meaningful to me. It shows that age is not a barrier to achieving great things and that with hard work and determination, anyone can make a difference in the world"
A high-school rocketry club has launched at the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab. The club is made up of 20 students who represent eight local high schools in Sarasota County and is led by 17-year-old Riverview High School student Sebastian Grabowski. Its mission is to design, construct, test and launch a rocket to at least 15,000 feet. The interdisciplinary research project provides students with a real-world learning experience in the fields of physics, engineering, computer programming, chemistry, and mathematics.
Sebastian and his family moved from Poland to Sarasota in November 2020. In Poland, Sebastian attended the Polish Military Aerospace Academy and has successfully built and launched rockets to over 2,800 feet. Once in Sarasota, he quickly worked to form his own rocketry club at Riverview High School. While he was able to generate some interest there, he ultimately decided that the program needed to be shared in a broader way and include more schools. He first proposed the idea of an interschool rocketry club after volunteering for the Fab Lab's engineering summer camp in 2022 and simply by word of mouth, the program soon took off like a rocket. As for his adjustment from Poland to the U.S, Sebastian says it was definitely very hard in the beginning. Language was a bit of an issue and he had to take some online courses to keep up with his class, but with the help of the rocketry club, everything has worked out well. “I think I finally found my place here in Sarasota. I just had to look for that place,” he says.
For as long as he can remember, Sebastian has dreamed of becoming a pilot. In the eighth grade, he started to build his own rockets at home which made a mess and left a bad odor that his mom did not appreciate. These days, his mom is likely very proud of her son who has hopes to attend Texas A&M University, Penn State, or the University of Central Florida this fall and major in aerospace engineering.
In the meantime, with guidance from professional mentors, including Fab Lab board member and physics teacher Russell Finger, the students in the rocketry club are determining plans and goals, testing rocket fuel chemicals, designing the rocket nozzle and cone using computer-aided design software, and programming adjustable fins to control the rocket's flight. Currently, they are seeking volunteer mentors in the field of aerospace and/or mechanical engineering and donors to help the program continue to grow and foster the next generation of STEM leaders. In addition, the group seeks in-kind donations of metal stock and fiberglass tubing. The students' efforts would secure their title as the first high school or amateur team (including collegiate groups) in Florida to launch a rocket 15,000 feet.
"I believe that space exploration has the power to bring people together and to inspire us to achieve great things," shared Sebastian. "The fact that this project is a pioneering effort for high school students makes it all the more meaningful to me. It shows that age is not a barrier to achieving great things and that with hard work and determination, anyone can make a difference in the world."
Anyone interested in fueling the students' desire to launch their dreams can make a secure donation through the team's GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/fab-rocket. To get involved or learn more, please contact info@suncoastscience.org or call 941-840-4394. 
Pictured: Rocketry Club team poses with two rockets Sebastian has previously built and launched. Photo courtesy of the Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab.
Across the world, more than 130 million people play miniature golf each year. It’s not hard to see why. Regular golf, by its very nature, is an intimidating venture, requiring weeks, months, and years of practice to even be competent enough to have fun on the golf course. Mini golf, however, is a version of the sport defined by accessibility.
With its origins dating back to late 19th century Scotland, mini golf soon took the United States by storm, spawning courses across the country in the early 1900s. The game’s broad appeal ranged from North to South, from the standardized courses in Tennessee and North Carolina that featured fountains and gardens to the rooftop courses of New York City.
During the Great Depression, when the cost of playing on a full sized course became unaffordable for the average American, many turned to the less costly mini golf. The game began to evolve into what it is today – the exorbitant fountains and gardens gave way to cheaper alternatives for obstacles such as tires and drain pipes, creating the unique designs that are a staple of modern mini golf.
Here on the Gulf Coast, mini golf lovers can carry on the rich tradition of the game at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. The Sarasota location, which is one of the company’s five locations in Florida, is a pirate-themed adventure style golf course replete with waterfalls, caves, tunnels, wooden bridges, and of course, a replica pirate ship. The special twist? A live American Alligator exhibit.
“It’s an 18-hole adventure putt-putt course with all kinds of fun obstacles. At this time we have 23 American alligators, which you are welcome to feed at the end of the game using a cane fishing pole,” says Brenda R. of Smugglers Cove. “We’ve been in business since 1999 and have a very well maintained course thanks to our top-notch crew. People just seem to love the unique experience that we offer.”
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, 3815 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-351-6620, info@smugglersgolf.com.
Photo courtesy of Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.
The Ed Smith Stadium Box Office will be open for in-person sales beginning Monday, January 30, at 10:00 a.m. The Box Office will remain open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until the end of the Spring Training season. The Orioles will kick off their 14th season at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, February 25, when they take on the Minnesota Twins. The 2023 Spring Training schedule features 17 home games, including 12 afternoon games, all beginning at 1:05 p.m., and five night games, each slated to begin at 6:05 p.m. For a complete list of promotions and special events at Ed Smith Stadium visit Orioles.com/Spring.
The 15 th annual Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open is bigger and better than ever. “We are excited to announce the Sarasota Open will move from a 100 point level to a 125 point ATP Challenger event. In this enhanced category and additional ATP points our prize money increases from $125,000 to $175,000, which will draw an even higher caliber of tour players,” said Remington Reynolds, one of the primary owners of the event. Reynolds says Sarasota philanthropist Elizabeth Moore has re-committed to be the Title Sponsor of the event and has kindly agreed to support the move with additional prize money. “We are honored to have Elizabeth’s support. She has been a prime backer of the tournament for several years,” Reynolds said. Moore added, “I love Sarasota and I love tennis—so it’s a natural fit for me to do all I can to ensure this tournament is here for years to come. We have a long-term plan for making the Sarasota Open a much larger ATP tour event with greater social and economic impact to the Community.” The Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open will be held again at Payne Park from April 8 th -16 th with several events tied to the tournament. “This is an opportunity to see players on the way up in their careers. So many of the athletes who play in the Sarasota Open go on to become household names in the tennis world,” said tournament co-owner Steve Gareleck. Previous winners include Frances Tiafoe, Kai Nishikori, James Blake and Nick Kyrgios. To buy tickets or become a sponsor, please visit www.sarasotaopen.com.
More than 3,000 people celebrated at Embracing Our Differences’ 20th anniversary exhibition opening on Sunday, January 22, noon-3 p.m., in Sarasota’s downtown Bayfront Park. The event featured live performances by Jah Movement, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and poets Cedric Hameed and Whit the Poet. Artists featured in the exhibition traveled from around the nation and state, including Best-in-Show Student Artist Alexis Lee, a 10th grade student from Irvine, CA; Donna Richardson from Tampa; Sahar Al-Louthai from Brooklyn, NY, and Diego Dillion from North Carolina. Local arts and education organizations were onsite with booths and activities, including Art Center Sarasota, CreArte, Florida Studio Theatre, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and State College of Florida.
Pictured: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe entertained the crowds at the EOD celebration. Photo by Michael Kinsey.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Gallery, based on a foundation of artists helping artists, will be hosting its first Family Art Day, Saturday, January 28, 9 a.m. to noon, at its newly launched Creative Academy at 927 N Lime Avenue in Sarasota. The second Creative Liberties’ location is home to 10 new studio artists, nine bi-monthly feature artists and the Creative Academy classroom. For this first event, families will be led by Shelley Kishpaugh in creating a colorful "Family Mobile" with shapes, drawing and words.
Pictured: Creative Liberties members. Photo by Peter Acker.
Timothy Ferguson, a music teacher at Garden Elementary School, was named the 2023 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year at the Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration hosted by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Ferguson, who has taught music for 20 years in New York and Florida, will represent district teachers throughout the 2023 calendar year and serve as the Sarasota County Schools nominee for state Teacher of the Year. During the event, Amber Rylak, a physical education teacher at Emma E. Booker Elementary School, was recognized as the Innovation Teacher of the Year. This award honors teachers who use new, exciting lessons and strategies to meet their students’ unique needs and prepare them for the 21st century. Each year, thanks to generous donor support, the Education Foundation hosts this exciting event, which brings together exceptional teachers and their families, school and district administrators, local politicians, and business and community leaders. This year’s event was held at the Venice Community Center. The award celebration was emceed by the 2021 and 2022 district Teachers of the Year, both of whom were top-five Florida Teacher of the Year finalists, Kari Johnson and Dr. Jennifer Jaso. Guest speaker George Couros, author of “Because of a Teacher: Stories of the Past to Inspire the Future of Education” and other books, discussed the power of teachers and the vital role they play in the lives of their students. Leading up to the announcement of the teacher of the year, videos showcased Ferguson as well as his fellow district Teacher of the Year Award finalists—Joseph Conner of Venice Middle School and Courtney Smith of Booker High School. Thanks to the presenting sponsor, Sunset Automotive Group, the Education Foundation presented Ferguson with a $5,000 cash award and Conner, Smith, and Rylak with gifts of $2,500 each. During the ceremony, all 41 Teacher of the Year Award recipients representing schools across the district were honored and celebrated. All received cash gifts of $250 thanks also to Sunset Automotive Group. The Ignite Education Teacher of the Year Award Celebration was made possible by presenting sponsor Sunset Automotive Group and gold sponsors Publix Charities and Suncoast Credit Union. The Education Foundation is grateful for their generosity and support of teachers.
Kathleen Sullivan, MACD, the Vice President of Programs at Children First, has been elected to serve on the National Head Start Association's (NHSA) Region IV Board of Directors. In her role, Ms. Sullivan will help to oversee Head Start’s Region IV, the southeastern United States, representing more than 170,000 children, 40,000 staff and 300 member programs. Representatives of the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA) Board of Directors are elected for a term of two years but no more than four consecutive terms. Members are comprised of two directors, two staff, two parents, and two friends elected by their respective membership groups within the Association. As Vice President of Programs at Children First, Ms. Sullivan oversees the Head Start and Early Head Start Education programs at multiple locations across North Port, Sarasota, and Venice, which provide high-quality early childhood education to hundreds of children, ages birth to five, and their families each year. With more than 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field, her focus is on educational practices that emphasize interpersonal relationships, cultural diversity, child-centered curriculum and the inclusion of children with diverse needs in all educational programs. Ms. Sullivan holds a master's degree in childhood development from Tufts University and a bachelor's degree in Hispanic studies from the University of Southern Maine. Ms. Sullivan is also the author of three works on early childhood education and development and is a speaker at the local, state, and national level on child development. In addition to her new role on the RIVHSA Board of Directors, Ms. Sullivan is a UCLA Anderson School of Management Head Start Fellow and has served on the Florida Office of Early Learning Racial Equity Task Force and Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County Board of Directors.
The Sertoma Club of Bradenton donated $59,000 in funding to renovate the Dental Clinic at the Turning Points Health Center in Bradenton. The renovation allows the Turning Points Dental Clinic continue to improve the lives of others and give them hope for their future. Just in the past year, 1,411 men and women received medical or dental care at the Health Center and 126 men and women received oral prosthetics in the Dental Clinic. All services are provided for free at Turning Points. Over the past few years, with the generous support from many, the Sertoma Club of Bradenton has raised an average of $55,000 per year, with all those funds returned to those in need in Manatee County. In addition to the dental chairs funding for Turning Points, the Sertoma Club of Bradenton has provided much needed support to over twenty organizations. It is the purpose of the Sertoma Club of Bradenton to provide comfort and compassion in their mission to help those in need. The Sertoma Club of Bradenton legacy projects include an endowed scholarship(s) at USF, the Sertoma Youth Ranch and Camp Endeavor, as well as a mobile auditory testing lab for the Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation to be used in serving area youth throughout the Manatee County School District. Founded in 1957, the Sertoma Club of Bradenton has dedicated its’ service over the past sixty-six years to those with speech and hearing concerns, programs for the youth of Manatee County and various local charitable organizations. All monies raised go back into the community of Manatee County through donations, scholarships and grants.
Join us on March 7, 2023 at Michael's On East for a dynamic luncheon symposium centered on conversations focused on regional philanthropic topics. The luncheon will include a panel discussion to explore the ever-changing world of non-profits and honor outstanding individuals who have made a meaningful impact within the community.
"Birds of North America" runs January 6th-February 12th, 2023 at Urbanite Theatre. As birders, John and his daughter Caitlyn adore spending tender autumn days attempting to catch glimpses of elusive birds. But as seasons, the climate, and global politics change, the two find their connection as rare as a red-headed Woodpecker. In a lyrical and endearing family portrait, Birds of North America unfolds in delicate, detailed layers like the scattered leaves of each passing year. For tickets and information contact Ph. (941) 321-1397, Email info@urbanitetheatre.com, Website www.urbanitetheatre.com
Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236
Contemporary Realism First Friday Gallery Walk at the Dabbert Gallery. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, the Dabbert Gallery will host the First Friday Gallery Walk through its new contemporary realism exhibit. The exhibit runs through Jan. 31. For more information, visit dabbertgallery.com. Dabbet Gallery, 46 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota.
Get inspired to create your own ‘towers of tomorrow’ with over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks available in hands-on construction areas. Young and old will be limited only by their imagination as they add their creations to a steadily rising futuristic LEGO® metropolis inside the exhibition. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.org.
Compass Rose History Experiences announces the launch of Resilience: A Guided Walking Tour Experience. Guides Mimi Cirbusova and Andrea Knies will navigate attendees on a journey back in time down Main Street as we explore the resilience of the Sarasota community during the Great Depression and World War II. Locals and visitors alike will find inspiration from the stories of the people and places of Sarasota's past. In addition, spring dates have also been announced for the popular Sarasota 1926 walking tour. Tours meet at Five Points Park in Downtown Sarasota and cover a distance of less than one mile over the 75-90 minute tour. All tours begin at 3:30 pm. Sarasota 1926: January 28 and March 18; Resilience: February 25 and April 22. Tickets cost $20.00 and must be purchased in advance. Guests purchasing both tours can receive a $10 discount by selecting the ticket package. To learn more, visit compassrosehistory.com.
On Jan. 26, Renee James Gilmore and Mercedes Soler will participate in this first part of the “Listening to Women” series. Two seasoned broadcast journalists, in the third act of their careers, come together to share their perspectives on the current state of journalism, what it’s like to practice that craft as women of color, the role they play as communicators in community advocacy, and some alarming facts surrounding neighborhoods that are heavily populated by their families and friends. To learn more and purchase tickets, call 941-309-5111, or visit OLLIatRinglingCollege.org. Sarasota Art Museum, the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
A Place in the Sun – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, will begin playing in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret on November 16, 2022. The new music revue celebrates the legendary musician whose catalogue spans six decades and multiple musical genres, taking audiences through the beloved songbook of musical pioneer, Stevie Wonder. Created by Jason Cannon, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, this all-new Cabaret features such timeless hits as “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” “Isn’t She Lovely?,” and “Superstition.” Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.
SHE ENGINEERS is a bilingual (English and Spanish) poster exhibition highlighting eight women in various engineering fields. In their own words, the women share their passion and what inspired them to become engineers. If we support a woman in STEM, then she can change the world.
After a two-year hiatus, the 10 x 10 series will return to the Sarasota Art Museum. 10 speakers will be invited to present 10 images of their work, interest or inspiration. Slides advance automatically every 30 seconds with brief introductions between the speakers. The informal and fast-paced event is intended to showcase and introduce a diverse group of leaders and creative minds from our community. Tickets are $15 for AIA members, $15 for Ringling faculty and staff, $25 for non-members and free for students. Sarasota Art Museum, McGuire Hall, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 10slides10speakers.com.
This important community discussion about Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will include presentations about the history of the building and its architectural significance, its current condition and the viability of having it continue as Sarasota’s Performing Arts Hall. Van Wezel family members have been invited to participate.
Professionals in the fields of architecture, finance, and the arts will provide information about the current status of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and entertain questions from the audience.
Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th St. (in Pioneer Park), Sarasota.
Singer, writer, and multimedia creator Joseph Keckler often zeroes in on moments of daily life and spins them into absurd and affecting underworld voyages. Joined by an intimate musical ensemble, he will share new pieces and highlights of his work in a concert presentation that “dances between comedy, commentary, and communion,” in conjunction with the premiere of a musical short of his GPS Song, filmed on-site in the Historic Asolo Theater during an 2021 artist residency at The Ringling. Keckler’s singular talent justaposes contemporary operatic musical virtuosity with ludicrously delightful narratives.
The 2023 Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival will return for its 16th year. The Festival is scheduled for April 20-24, 2023 and offers a world-class weekend of winemaker dinners, interactive wine seminars and wine tastings that culminates with the alfresco Grand Tasting event at The Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard. Guests will savor delicious dishes presented by over 40 members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurant group and sample from a collection of more than 300 unique wines from across the globe. There will be live musical entertainment and an expansive silent auction of rare and collectible wines and experiences. Due to the unprecedented demand this year, there are three available ticket levels: VIP, early access and general admission. For more information on Forks and Corks and to purchase tickets, visit EatLikeALocal.com. Follow Forks and Corks on Facebook and Instagram.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Gallery, based on a foundation of artists helping artists, will host its Family Day on Sat., Jan. 28. The event is free and open to all ages, art making lesson and creative space for the community. For more information, visit creativeliberties.net.
For more than four decades Steve Forbert has been a torchbearer for the americana sound, having helped develop the genre’s folk and roots-rock qualities. Since the start of his career as a 17 year old in the 70’s, Forbert has continued to hone his craft and has released 23 studio albums and 4 live albums. He will be bringing his vast experience to the Fogartyville stage on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $27 for members and $30 for nonmembers. For more information, visit wslr.org.
On Friday, January 27, the Circus Arts Conservatory will present its 25th Anniversary Gala. The event - which takes place under the Ulla Searing Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island - will feature performances by professionals and students, dinner, and dancing in the Center Ring. The event will celebrate the successes of the past 25 years; proceeds will benefit the youth and education programs of the CAC. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit circusarts.org.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to present Network, a fast-paced drama following the downward spiral of Howard Beale, a longtime news anchor who has worked at a television network, UBS, for 25 years. When Beale learns that he is being fired for poor ratings and low viewership, he unravels live on air during his final broadcast. As a result, his show’s ratings soar, and Howard becomes the biggest thing on television. Seeing Howard as a new populist prophet, UBS decides to leverage Howard’s newfound popularity to boost its bottom line. Network begins playing January 25, 2023, in FST’s Gompertz Theatre. Single tickets to Network range from $25-39. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.
Join us as we celebrate the 35-year partnership of the Van Wezel Foundation and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for an intimate experience featuring exceptional dining and Grammy-winning musician Kenny Loggins. Proceeds from the evening will the support the mission of the Van Wezel Foundation: to create and sustain a vibrant perfoming arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 5:00 Cocktails, Dinner & Program, 8:00 Live Performance. Gala co-chairs: Kathy Martella and Susan Travers. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Julie Schwartz at 941-271-4180 or jschwartz@vwfoundation.org.
Always… Patsy Cline created and originally directed by Ted Swindley
Always…Patsy Cline is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight – 27 songs in all. Feb 2-12, 2023. For tickets visit theplayers.org, Ph. 941-365-2494, email BoxOffice@ThePlayers.org
The Players Centre For Performing Arts, Performance Venue & Box Office The Crossings at Siesta Key 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 Sarasota, FL 34239
The Same Source exhibit by Luca Molnar uses various media to explore the connection between historical figures and personal mythologies. The exhibit highlights the connection between private life, domestic spaces and memory. On Thursday, Feb. 16, Molnar will participate in an artist talk via Zoom from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The exhibit runs from Feb. 2 to March 11. To learn more, visit artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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