There’s something magical about a gingerbread house’s ability to harness dough, icing, chocolate and candy to transform everyday spaces into enchanting and edible wonderlands. At the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, the pastry team has used the medium of gingerbread to create massive displays that delight both guests and locals since 2002, with a brief hiatus during the pandemic. For the 2023 project, the pastry team took on a Christmas destination dreamt of by children across the globe.

“We had a couple of different options on the table, and we decided that we wanted to do something old-school with a modern twist. So, we created Santa’s Gulf Pole Workshop, and by doing that, we were able to incorporate reindeer, a sleigh, gifts and packages. The biggest thing for us was adding the conveyor belt that moves the packages around,” says Chris Vitanza, the Pastry Chef at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. On the top floor of this two-story rendition of Santa’s famed workshop, Santa and Mrs. Claus discuss the lengthy naughty and nice list, while playful elves throw snowballs. Underneath them, on the first floor, other elves tend to the conveyor belt of wrapped gifts. “The conveyor belt was one of the big things because we wanted some movement in the house,” he adds. “We worked diligently with our engineering team which created a slow enough moving conveyor belt so that people could see the packages going by.”

Four-hundred lbs. of dark ginger molasses gingerbread, 350 lbs. of dark and white chocolate, 300 lbs. of assorted colored fondant, 250 lbs. of royal icing and 100 lbs. of candy make up the structure. “We built the house in two separate pieces. The pastry team was at an impasse and didn’t quite understand how we would make it come together. At one point, we brought both pieces of the house together and put the back piece with the front piece to create the whole image. At that moment, I saw the aha look on almost everybody on the team,” says Vitanza. Both children and adults will be wowed by the display, in which they can search for handmade toys and even the Grinch. Rudolph makes an appearance, but sweet Peeper, an adorable baby reindeer in training, steals the show with his gleeful grin. The workshop, which is on public view in the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s lobby through January 1, took over 600 hours to complete. Here’s hoping that it will inspire even more hours of holiday joy for our community as we celebrate this festive season.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota, 941-309-2000, ritzcarlton.com/sarasota. 

Pictured: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota pastry team in front of the giant gingerbread display at this beloved Sarasota hotel. Photo by Wes Roberts.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome Mutts Gone Nuts to Sarasota on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 5pm. Tickets on sale now. Imagine some of the world’s most talented four-legged performers in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular and you get Mutts Gone Nuts! The all-star lineup includes Feather, a Guinness world record holder, a two-time World Champion disc dog, an America’s Got Talent fan favorite, and a host of previously discarded dogs that will dance, prance, flip, and skip their way right into your heart. The family friendly show runs about 70 minutes and was created by veteran comedy team Scott and Joan Houghton, who performed their duo act ‘Jessie & James’ on variety stages from Tokyo to Las Vegas. In 2014, The Houghtons joined forces with some of the country’s top dog trainers and hilarious opening act Hilby, The Skinny German Juggle Boy to create an action packed, comedy, dog spectacular. Mutts Gone Nuts’ dogs were mostly adopted from shelters or rescues. Sometimes the very behavior that drove the previous owner to relinquish the dog becomes the dog’s star quality. Mutts Gone Nuts’ trainers use ‘positive’ force-free training methods. They look for the dog’s natural talents by getting to know their individual personalities. Once they find out what the dog likes to do, they reinforce those behaviors with treats and/or toys. Co-producer and emcee, Scott Houghton says “I feel lucky to have come into dog training at a time when force-free, positive training is the gold standard”. Positive training not only helps build the trust bond between you and your dog but it makes it fun for the dog and the trainer. When dogs perform behaviors they are naturally inclined to do, they are happiest. When not on tour, Mutts Gone Nuts’ furry cast members have the run of three fenced acres, and of course they all live in the house (some even sleep in their bed). Deemed “A must see!” by The Washington Post the dogs will not only amaze you, they’ll steal your heart, and maybe your socks! Mutts Gone Nuts is sure to win Best in Show! Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office. Mutts Gone Nuts is locally sponsored by Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Adoptable dogs from Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue will be at the Van Wezel prior to the Mutts Gone Nuts performance. 

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College) presents its fifth annual Listening to Women, a six-session series that recognizes women whose brilliance and fortitude have reshaped industries and who are making a difference in today’s communities. The series takes place on Thursdays at 1 pm, from Jan. 18-Feb. 22, 2024, at Sarasota Art Museum, the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Registration for the complete series is $81 for OLLI Gold Members and $90 for OLLI Silver Members and general admission; register at www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org. Holly Freedman, co-chair of the OLLI Advisory Council, is the founder of the Listening to Women series. Members of the Listening to Women team include Victoria Eckl, Louise Gallagher, Susan Gorin, Bev Harms, Victoria Kasdan, Judy Levine, Terry Rixse, Sherry Suggs, and Tobie van der Vorm. “At each session, we’ll hear the inspiring personal stories of women who, driven by vision, passion, and determination, have achieved success in a variety of fields,” Freedman says. “The women in the 2024 series from Sarasota and Manatee counties have persevered in journalism and civil rights, space science, the visual arts, mentoring children, non-profit leadership, thwarting human trafficking, and shark science. Their inspirational stories will engage and captivate the audience. Freedman adds that the Listening to Women series brings attention to the incredible women who live and work here and who are making a difference both locally and globally, and adds to the breadth of OLLI’s course offerings. “Our hope is that the audience—men and women—will be motivated to suggest or seek out similar programs at OLLI.” 

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We are excited to announce that Sarasota County Schools has achieved an outstanding “A grade” for the 20th consecutive year, with 24 out of our 39 traditional public schools earning the highest rating from the Florida Department of Education for the 2022-2023 school year. Six traditional public elementary schools increased one grade level, and two traditional public elementary schools increased two grade levels. This significant achievement reflects Sarasota County Schools’ commitment to academic excellence and the dedication of our students, families, teachers, staff members, and community partners. While celebrating this milestone, we recognize that there are still opportunities for growth and improvement. Sarasota County Schools maintained the fifth highest ranked school district in in the state. We are steadfast in our commitment to continuous enhancement, ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education. Looking ahead, Sarasota County Schools remains dedicated to doing all that is necessary to provide an environment that accelerates growth for all students. Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and we are excited about the future. We firmly believe that when students leave our school district, they do so with confidence, equipped with the resources, experiences, and opportunities needed to pursue their own unique futures because of the educational foundation they received in Sarasota County. Together, we will continue to build on our successes and create a brighter future for every student, every day. For more information, including all school and district grades statewide for 2022-23, visit http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org.  

New College of Florida and the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA)  on behalf of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) have reached an agreement on initial terms of purchase and sale of 30.94 acres previously leased by the College. The New College Board of Trustees voted for initial approval of the agreement to purchase the property for $11.5 million at Monday’s meeting. If the deal is approved by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) and the Federal Aviation Administration, and funding is appropriated by the Florida Legislature, the Board of Trustees will vote on a final purchase and sale agreement in 2024. SMAA is the current landlord and New College is the current tenant pursuant to a collection of leases and assignments originally entered into on October 2 1957 and June 23, 1966. The leases would run until 2056 without a deal for early termination. After welcoming in a record enrollment class in Fall 2023, the College is establishing a new master plan that includes reimagining what roles the East Campus will fulfill in the future. Purchasing the land clears one hurdle needed to initiate strategic redevelopment initiatives. SRQ is undergoing a $200 million expansion that includes the construction of a new five-gate terminal. The project is slated to conclude in December 2024 and drastically expand the capacity of one of America’s fastest growing airports. The airport has more than tripled its number of annual passengers since 2018 and could host as many as seven million per year in less than a decade. A parcel of land on the north side of General Dougher Place that was leased by New College will revert back to SMAA when the lease is terminated, contributing to the airport’s capacity for continued growth. New College will continue refining its proposed master plan with a public hearing on Monday, January 22, 5:30 –7:00 p.m. 

As local music school Music Compound enters its ninth year of business – and with economic challenges continuing to impact community members and the company’s employees alike – the school is launching a new effort. The virtual on-demand “Introduction to Guitar Fundamentals: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide” course is not only enabling access to a high-quality learning opportunity to a wider geographic area but also providing the opportunity for greater earnings for the teachers involved in creating instructional videos and providing consultations with students.Music Compound has long been known for its innovation and adaptability in challenging times. During Covid, owner Jenny Townsend and her instructors pivoted to online offerings very quickly as well as became an impromptu mask-making shop, which enabled team members to make some money while the facility was closed for in-person instruction. The course is recommended for aspiring beginner guitar players ages 12 and up as well as for parents of younger students who could then act as their child's first instructor to gauge interest before moving on to formal private lessons. It consists of 10 original lessons of approximately 80 minutes total length, two 30-minute personal consultations with a Music Compound instructor (either in person or via Zoom or Facetime for those who are out of area), and a spiral-bound resource booklet that will be given or shipped directly to participants. Students will also have access to all further videos in the "Introduction to Guitar Fundamentals" course as new content is completed and uploaded over the coming year. This course is designed to guide the complete beginner at the very start of their journey, providing a solid foundation in the correct way to play and understand the foundational chords that will be the secret of their success for the rest of their musical life. Students will learn how to tune the instrument and name all the parts of the guitar, how to play the eight most important chords on the guitar that all other chords and many songs are built from, and the correct finger placement and hand ergonomics to make the most clean and appealing sounds. If students enjoy learning and being part of the Music Compound community, they can opt for private virtual or in-person lessons, or the next level of the guitar course, which will be offered in the spring of 2024. Music Compound plans to add courses in piano and vocals, also by spring of 2024. “Introduction to Guitar Fundamentals” is being offered at an introductory rate of just $97 and registration is now open. Visit musiccompound.com/online-music-lessons for more information. 

Join us for the inspiring stories of philanthropic work by our Sarasota and Bradenton Area's nonprofit organizations as we celebrate the season of giving. Explore ways you can make an impact through the programs of 13 of this year's SRQ Giving Champions.

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The holidays represent a season of giving, a time for joy. We get it and we love it, but at United Way Suncoast we strive to extend our giving to 365 days. We elevate early learning and education and empower families through financial stability. We work every day to give people the “Freedom To Rise,” and our mission creates a sense of community, whether it’s for people recovering from a hurricane or folks dealing with life’s daily storms. Since 1924, we’ve taken pride in responding to immediate needs while working to create lasting community impact. We’re particularly focused on our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families who need support 365 days a year. These are families that stand just one unexpected expense away from dire circumstances. A surprising medical expense, a critical home repair or a car issue can arise on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day or any other day. We’re here for our community members every day of the year.  

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