Hanukkah is a whole latke fun in our community as Temple Sinai hosts its annual Hands On Hanukkah Celebration at four different locations. These free programs are open to the community and will feature a variety of performances, arts and crafts, raffles, giveaways, and holiday food as well as traditional menorah lightings.

Bethany Leinweber, Director of Youth Education Programming and Family Engagement and Student Rabbi, says "Hands On Hanukkah has become a beautiful way to engage not only the Jewish community but the entire Sarasota-Manatee community in the lights of Hanukkah. We partner with non-Jewish organizations to come together as one community to share in the holiday celebration, educate, and spread kindness, tolerance, and acceptance of our differences.”

Leinweber started the Hands On Hanukkah celebration three years ago when she noticed the abundance of beautiful Christmas decorations around town. “I love Christmas. I love the joy and the lights but Hanukkah is all about joy and lights as well. I thought it was important to share this joy in our town publicly, allowing people to see us and feel the warmth of Hanukkah and the celebration of lights through a different holiday,” she says. “When we go out in public, we're educating people about Hanukkah and all the different rituals and traditions and we're coming together as one. It’s really incredible.”

When you come to a Hands On Hanukkah program, you can taste foods like potato latkes, play dreidel which is a game that reinforces the story of Hanukkah, hear songs, see entertaining performances and then light the candle together as a community. “We often have someone from the community helping us light the candles. Sometimes they’re Jewish and sometimes not,” shares Leinweber. “We've had the mayor, representatives from Embracing Our Differences, and a variety of people light the candles and say the prayers. We are coming together in public spaces and celebrating just the same way that the rest of our community does with other holidays.”

One higlight of this year's celebration includes a program with internationally known disability and mental health advocate and professional stand-up comedian, Pamela Schuller. “Pamela Schuler is hilarious but also a very serious comedian who has Tourette syndrome. She talks about it and makes light of it,” says Leinweber. “She's found a beautiful way of making people aware of accepting differences and also being able to laugh at some of our struggles and challenges. She makes it really clear how important it is to love each other.”

The complete schedule of events is as follows: Wednesday, December 6, Gulf Gate Library, 5:30PM - 7:00PM (registration required); Sunday, December 10, The Mall at University Town Center (in front of Macy’s), 4:00PM - 6:00PM, performance by The Players Studio; Wednesday, December 13, Venice Centennial Park, 4:00PM - 6:00PM, performance by Laurel Nokomis School and Venice High School Orchestra ; Friday, December 15, Temple Sinai, 6:00PM - 9:00PM, dinner (registration required), Shabbat service and program with Pamela Schuller. Hands On Hanukkah is sponsored by Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, Laurel Nokomis School, PJ Library of Sarasota-Manatee, Robert Toale & Sons, SVN Commercial Partners, The Mall at University Town Center, The Players Studio, The Sarasota Dental Group, and Venice High School. 

Pictured: Temple Sinai teens, Ella Collier, Alix Leinbweber and Madeline Gersh at the 2022 Hands On Hanukkah Celebration. Photo courtesy of Temple Sinai.

To learn more and to register for the events, click here.

Beloved entertainer, clown, and founder of the World of Chucko, Chuck Sidlow’s, non-profit “Laughter Unlimited will be the beneficiary of a fundraiser at McCurdy’s Comedy Club on December 13, 2023, at 7pm. National touring comedian Devin Siebold takes the stage to support The World of Chucko organization. A portion of the proceeds for Siebold’s performance will contribute to the important work Chucko’s “Laughter Unlimited” programs do in the community. McCurdy’s Comedy Club is an 18 and up only venue. The "Laughter Unlimited" programs are filled with Humor, Music, Art, Entertainment, and Education! Laughter Unlimited uses "humor therapy" and “music therapy” to reduce stress, decrease pain and have a positive and lasting effect. The "HUMOR-PUTIC" interactive and empowering programs are enjoyed by the residents, their families, staff, and management teams at numerous senior care and special needs facilities. “Laughter Unlimited” customizes the programs for community centers, veterans’ organizations, children's activity centers and special events.  

For ticket information click here

HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital has selected four caregivers for the annual hospital Frist Humanitarian Awards. The awards were created in honor of HCA Healthcare founder, Dr. Thomas Frist Sr. and recognize those whose work at the hospital and in the community reflects the mission of HCA Healthcare. The hospital winners are: Physician: Katrina Davis. M.D.- recognized for her kind and caring treatment of patients; her grace and skill in the operating room; and positive interactions with hospital staff, fellow physicians and hospital leadership. Dr. Davis is a member of The Links Organization and works with their Health and Human Services group to bring breast and cardiovascular health awareness to the community. Employee: Jay Torres, RN- recognized for going above and beyond with fellow caregivers, physicians and patients as the clinical nurse coordinator in the surgery department. He mentors new staff members and provides compassionate care for patients and their families. He is also a volunteer for Operation Walk assisting with orthopedic surgeries in Cuba and Guatemala at his own expense. Nurse: Linda Hoefer, RN- as the Director of Case Management she serves some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients. She is compassionate as she ensures each patient is successfully discharged so they can take the next step in their recovery. She is recognized for her determination to get patients and families the tools they need for healing. Volunteer: Liz Mercer- volunteers at the front desk of the hospital and greets patients with kindness and compassion. For the past five years, she has volunteered at the hospital twice a week. She is also a volunteer with the Streets of Paradise organization helping the homeless in Sarasota by cooking meals and coordinating housing and shelter for those in need. 

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of new board member, Terrence “Terry” Lundgren. Terry Lundgren served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Macy’s, Inc. for 14 years before retiring as the company’s Executive Chairman. He also served as President of Macy’s, Inc. and as its Chief Merchandising Officer. Previously, Lundgren was Chairman and CEO of Neiman Marcus. Currently, Lundgren is the founder and CEO of TJL Advisors, LLC, and is on the board of directors of Proctor & Gamble. During his career, he served on the board of Kraft and Mondelez Food, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; served twice as chair of the National Retail Federation; and chaired the Economic Club of New York. Lundgren is a former Trustee of Carnegie Hall and served as Commissioner on Women's Economic Development by appointment of the mayor of New York. He is a former board member of The New York City Partnership and United Way of New York City along with serving for two terms as chair of the National Minority Supplier Development Council and was co-founder of the American Heart Association's CEO Roundtable. Lundgren is a graduate of the University of Arizona. The current 19-member Healthcare Foundation board also includes Deb Kabinoff, Chair; Philip A. Delaney Jr., Past-Chair; Robert L. Wood, Vice Chair; Eric Spiegel, Treasurer; Joel Morganroth, M.D., Secretary; Robert G. Bartner; Carl W. Battle; Gary Dornbush; Robert Essner; Thomas F. Kelly, M.D.; Gwen Mackenzie; Diane M. Mayer; Jonathan E. Mitchell; Barbara Rodkin; Samuel C. Scott III; Jon Soderberg; Sandra Stuart; David Verinder (Ex Officio); and Kirk Voelker, M.D. 

On Monday, March 4, 2024, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) will hold its Golden Anniversary Shindig in celebration of the regional theatre producing high-quality, professional contemporary theatre for 50 years. Held in FST’s Hegner Theatre Wing, FST’s annual Shindig will be a gathering of dedicated friends, artists, and community partners that have supported the theatre as it welcomes over 225,000 attendees each year. Chairing this celebration is Wendy Grady, a Winter Season Underwriter and staunch supporter of FST’s award-winning WRITE A PLAY program. As the theatre’s major fundraising event of the 2023-2024 Season, the Golden Anniversary Shindig will pay homage to FST’s vibrant history and exciting future. 

Michéle Des Verney Redwine, the founder and executive director of the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative (SBAC), announced that the nonprofit was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help support hiring a grant and fundraising consultant for one year. “The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative is especially grateful for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s recognition that capacity building efforts are essential for the long-term growth and viability of nonprofits,” says Redwine. “This generous grant will fund the hiring of a fundraising specialist, who will work with staff to create a comprehensive development plan for increased sustainability and diversified sources of income. In addition to exploring new grant sources, we can investigate purchasing new tools to help us, including a state-of-the-art donor database.” Redwine adds that funding stability will enable SBAC to broaden its “remarkable work and develop deeper programs for advocacy, education, and collaboration.” SBAC’s programs include: The Syllabus of Color initiative engages families and community partners to promote the principles of diversity and inclusion in art education for under-represented middle and high school students in Sarasota’s Newtown community. The Cultural Arts in Motion program is a collaborative initiative with the Sarasota Housing Authority. The event showcases the talent of young artists with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Sarasota Art Museum, Florida Studio Theatre, and Choral Artists of Sarasota. Parents and youth will participate in a day of creative expression at an Art Block Party, on January 13, 2024. The Arts and Racial Justice Discovery is a series that brings arts and civic leaders together for courageous conversations about inclusion and diversity in the arts. The Beyond Boundaries initiative nurtures and promotes artists of color through pop-up exhibitions from Tampa to Sarasota. The program also offers workshops on art and business, professional skill development and public speaking. The program is collaborating with the Tampa Art Museum, James Museum, Sarasota Art Museum and with arts and cultural alliances in Sarasota and St. Petersburg. “Since the organization’s inception in 2018, Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative has been instrumental in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in educational settings throughout the Sarasota-Manatee region,” says Redwine. “The overarching goal is to ignite greater interest in art by artists of African descent and provide students from underrepresented communities opportunities to discover the arts. We are thrilled the Community Foundation supports these endeavors.” For more information about the Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, visit www.suncoastblackartscollaborative.org. 

Pictured: Michele Redwine, SBAC’s founder and executive director, addresses participants at SBACs Arts and Racial Justice Discovery Series II on November 13 at Florida Studio Theater. Photo by Elliot Himmelfarb.

Neal Land & Neighborhoods has donated $10,000 to Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School for the purchase of classroom books for long-term use. The donation allowed teachers to order 833 books for grades K-5, catering to the different grade level standards and enhancing learning opportunities. Neal Land & Neighborhoods is a local land planning and community developer at the helm of North River Ranch and Vistera of Venice master-planned communities. Neal Land & Neighborhoods made the donation after John A. Neal, president of Neal Land & Neighborhoods, learned about the elementary school’s need for classroom books after visiting the school to support the PTO’s Read-A-Thon fundraiser. During this visit, Neal surprised the top readers of each grade level with donut parties – 419 students participated and read a total of 86,420 minutes. To commemorate the opening of the school in 2020, the land developer donated over $10,000 in scholastic books to help stock Barbara A. Harvey Elementary’s library. Neal Land & Neighborhoods was instrumental in facilitating the development of Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School, which has been rated an A school for two consecutive years, and the nearby Parrish Community High School. With plans for a new middle school and a State College of Florida campus in the future, North River Ranch has become an educational hub for the Manatee County region. For more information on Neal Land & Neighborhoods, including the company’s latest development news, visit www.nealland.com. To learn more about North River Ranch, the land developer’s flagship master-planned community in Parrish, visit www.northriverranch.com. 

Friday, Dec 1st is paw-ty at Hamlet’s Eatery! The award-winning permanently located food truck is open until from 5pm - 8pm for Hound Happy Hour. Joining with adoptable dogs is Satchel’s Last Resort. Live music by Panda Pete. Plus, there are guest vendors and The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is staying open for some holiday shopping. The Makery SRQ is also offering a DIY craft and so much more!

821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit www.hamletseatery.com or call 941-445-1938 

November 27, 2023 - Resilient Retreat, a Sarasota non-profit providing free and confidential support for survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals, proudly recognizes three key individuals who have helped contribute to the organization’s success. During a National Philanthropy Day celebration held on November 14, by the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the following honorees were recognized: Beth Bradburn, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Homes By WestBay. Homes by WestBay has been an outstanding corporate sponsor for Resilient Retreat since their Grand Opening events in 2022. They provide generous and enthusiastic support including personal support from members of their executive team led by Beth Bradburn, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. With a philosophy of good stewardship and neighborliness, Homes by WestBay proudly upholds a solid commitment of giving back and supporting our community. As such, they are a perfect corporate partner for Resilient Retreat given the shared focus of building strong and healthy communities. Steve Spencer has been volunteering at Resilient Retreat since October 2022. He joined them when the need was great, jumped in, and ever since has met every challenge and call for help with enthusiasm and grace. From the organized chaos of moving into their new retreat center during grand opening events to guiding participants on calming nature walks, Steve brings his gentle demeanor, expertise in mental wellness, and empathy to every occasion. They consistently hear from program participants that the nature walk with Steve was a highlight of their time during the retreat. Bonnie McIntyre has been a major supporter of Resilient Retreat since 2020. Recently, Bonnie has joined the Board of Directors for The Retreat Sarasota and generously contributes her time and professional experience to the success of this start-up social enterprise. The Retreat Sarasota – the venue that saves lives, is a for-profit property rental business that supports the mission of Resilient Retreat. Aside from her Board duties, Bonnie is an exceptional ambassador for Resilient Retreat and their mental wellness community partners. Her community work includes serving on the fundraising committee for SPARCC for the past 7 years, and she recently joined their board. She has also served on the boards of Bird Key Yacht Club and the HOA for her condo association.