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SRQ DAILY Nov 13, 2019

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"You really have to participate in a cleanup like this to appreciate the scope of the problem."

- Shane Hughes, AdFed Suncoast President
 

[Environment]  Local Organizations Ban Together for Plastic Brigade at South Lido Park
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Saturday morning, 38 locals banned together at South Lido Park for the Plastic Brigade, a statewide cleanup effort organized in collaboration by the American Advertising Federation (AFF) Fourth District, Sugar Volunteers and Sarasota Parks & Recreation. Volunteers in attendance comprised of members of Sugar Volunteers, a family-based goodwill group; AdFed Suncoast, the local nonprofit trade organization of AAF; and eight teens from the Lakewood Ranch Key Club. "Everybody should participate in helping keep our beautiful beaches clean and safe for sea life,” says AdFed Suncoast president Shane Hughes, creative director at Michael Saunders and Company. “We are proud to be a part of a statewide cleanup and know that we are making a difference." 

Additionally, Armando Ubeda, a representative of Florida Sea Grant, the coastal and marine extension program within the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences kicked off the cleanup with an educational marine debris presentation. After just two hours of searching two plus miles of South Lido’s beaches and trails, 130 lbs. of debris was collected from the park. Even hidden areas were covered with certain volunteers even jumping fences and venturing into deep vegetation to recover litter they spotted.

Among the most common items found and collected were plastic bottles, cans and caps. Other items included a plastic mayonnaise jar, a frisbee, large plastic bags, lotion bottles, fishing lures, and an entire duffle bag of belongings hidden next to a tidal basin. Meanwhile, plastic continues to be found in 62% of all seabirds and in 100% of sea turtle species. 

“Some scientific estimates predict there could be as much plastic in the ocean as fish by 2050,” says Hughes. “Our demand for convenience is hurting wildlife. After seeing the 130 lbs. of debris collected by volunteers in just two hours, I will be more conscious of buying products with unnecessary plastic packaging. You really have to participate in a cleanup like this to appreciate the scope of the problem.”


 

Photo courtesy of AdFed Suncoast

[Cat Depot]  A Helping Paw

Immediately following Hurricane Dorian, the Bahamas Humane Society desperately needed to empty its shelter in order to make room for animals requiring refuge on the devastated islands.  In addition to several international relief organizations, Cat Depot worked collaboratively with members of the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations (FAAWO) to save dozens of animals from the storm-ravaged areas of the Bahamas. On September 13, Cat Depot staff met ten cats at the airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The resilient kitties had health challenges, exacerbated by the stress of the hurricane. They spent a month under veterinary care at Cat Depot. “The cats’ wellbeing is always our number one concern,” says Cat Depot Executive Director Jackie Ott Jaakola. “In addition to exemplary veterinary care, we committed to providing extra TLC to these evacuees, and are now facilitating their journey into new loving families.” Several cats have been adopted and others can be met in the Cat Depot adoption suites. They are ready to become a part of your family! 

Cat Depot relies on donations from the community to fund its lifesaving work and helps more than 1,400 cats find homes annually. Cat Depot’s mission is to save lives, find loving homes, and provide the resources and education needed to improve the destiny of homeless cats.

Open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cat Depot is located at 2542 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234. www.catdepot.org 

Visit the Cat Depot Website

[Education]  Foundations Help Sarasota High Schools Get Innovative Classrooms

Last week, Sarasota County Schools unveiled six redesigned Immersive Language Arts (ILA) classrooms created and implemented through a partnership with Ringling College of Art and Design, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The innovative classrooms are part of a larger effort to transform the learning experience for ILA students by improving content delivery, student engagement, and teacher retention. Students are enrolled in ILA classes after scoring low on the English Language Arts portion of their Florida Standards Assessments (FSA). These are students who historically have been left behind and often struggle to graduate high school. The district is focused on helping them embrace a growth mindset, providing extra support, and investing in creative opportunities to help them improve so they can graduate. The bold new ILA classrooms were designed by Ringling College interior design students with direct input from the students and teachers who will use them. They feature stylish mobile desks for enhanced flexibility and collaboration. An entire wall is covered by a colorful, larger-than-life mural of diverse icons in activism, art, and education—think Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, Black Panther writer-director Ryan Coogler, and Pakistani female education activist Malala.

Gulf Coast and Barancik Foundation funded the classroom renovations. As pilot schools, Venice, Booker, and Riverview high schools have received classroom makeovers so far, but additional investments aim to innovate ILA instruction and benefit students and teachers across the district. Students from Booker, Riverview, Sarasota, North Port, and Venice high schools, for example, recently received their own tablet or laptop as an incentive gift in recognition of meeting their English Language Arts graduation requirements. Additionally, all 22 of the district’s ILA teachers now have access to custom professional development opportunities and incentive bonuses to help enhance their roles and improve retention. 

[Music]  Music Compound Instructor and Students Busk for Tips to Donate to Local Charities.

Busking is a term used to describe street performers playing music for tips. Music Compound instructor, Bill Shepherd, has formed a busking group known as the Sarasota Buskers. 100% of the tips earned are donated to local charities.  The group is made up entirely of Music Compound students that decided to volunteer their talent and take their music to the streets with pop-up performances.  Ages range from 18 to 80, and members of the group take ukulele, guitar, and/or piano lessons at the downtown studio adjacent to the Bazaar at Apricot and Lime. You will find the Sarasota Buskers at area parks and restaurants.  “Our goal is to raise money for charities while having fun with others.” Bill Shepherd, the instructor, shared.  So far, the Sarasota Buskers have raised $381 for the Child Protection Center. Music Compound’s owner, Jenny Townsend is one of 40 captains for the CPC’s 40th Anniversary fundraising campaign. Jenny has recently begun ukulele lessons and plans to join the buskers at local pop-up gigs this month to assist with drumming up funds for the CPC. Visit the Sarasota Buskers Facebook page to learn more about their upcoming gigs.  If interested in hosting Sarasota Buskers at your establishment, or making a donation, contact Jenny Townsend at jenny@musiccompound.com or call 941-379-9100.  

[Donations]  Independent Coffee Company Donates Portion of Proceeds From National Coffee Day Sales to Local Nonprofits

This past September 29, on National Coffee Day, Kahwa Coffee Roasting Company gave the communities they serve the opportunity to give back through their purchases – raising over $10,000 for three local charities. Last week, Kahwa owners, Raphael and Sarah Perrier, presented checks to these local non-profit organizations whose missions are to end the hunger crisis in the Tampa Bay area. On-site to accept the contributions were leaders from:  Pinellas County's Blessings in a Backpack, Hillsborough County's Where Love Grows and Sarasota County's All Faiths Food Bank. “We are extremely fortunate to be part of such a thoughtful and inspiring community. Most made the conscious choice to forgoe the typical National Coffee Day promotions to, instead, visit a Kahwa location that day so they could give back. It wasn’t about the discount they could get, but about what they could give back,” said Raphael Perrier, co-owner of Kahwa Coffee. “Our driving force is the love we have for our community and we want to recognize these organizations for the critical work they do to address food insecurity in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota County.” Elaina Hammond, Community Engagement Manager of All Faiths Food Bank, was on-site to receive the charity donation. All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank serving the Sarasota county residents, the non-profit organization is an essential resource to the food insecure community. The Sarasota organization proved to be prolific in their 2018 outreach and distributed 10.5 million pounds of food and served up 8.75 million meals  to children, families, seniors and veterans. 

Photo of All Faiths Food Bank representatives, courtesy of Kahwa Coffee Roasters

[Fundraisers]  Hundreds of Sarasota/Manatee County Residents are Raising Critically Needed Awareness and Funds

Hundreds of Sarasota/Manatee County residents will join the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease at the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in beautiful Sarasota/Manatee this Saturday. This is a family- and pet-friendly event. Two-time CMA Award nominee, Lulu from 92.1 CTQ will welcome participants during the opening ceremony and will serve as emcee for the Walk. Several families affected by Alzheimer’s will also be part of the opening ceremony. “Since its inception in 2003, the Roskamp Institute has been focused on finding the causes of and discovering potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, while offering support for caregivers,” says Megan Micale, project manager for the Roskamp Institute. “We fundraise to raise awareness for the collective missions of Alzheimer’s Association and Roskamp Institute, to continue to strive for a cure through research.” Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Participants will learn more about Alzheimer's disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services. Walk participants also honor those affected by Alzheimer's disease with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony. Register today. Sign up as a Team Captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual at alz.org/walk. 

[Staff Announcement]  All Star Children’s Foundation Welcomes Chief Development Officer

The All Star Children’s Foundation announces the appointment of Stephen Fancher as its chief development officer. Fancher will be responsible for overseeing all development and fundraising efforts for the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to healing the effects of trauma suffered by children who have been abused and transforming foster care through innovation, science, and compassion. Graci McGillicuddy, All Star’s co-founder and board chair, notes that “Stephen has a rare mastery of education, finance, and the needs of nonprofits. He’s a musician and former teacher, who is devoted to empowering children. He also brings his years of expertise as a financial advisor at a leading firm.” Although McGillicuddy is thrilled with Fancher’s track record, she’s more impressed with his heartfelt commitment to making the world a better place for children. “He’s a leader who cares, and that’s exactly what All Star needs,” she says. “We’re delighted to welcome Stephen and know he’ll redouble our efforts to raise funds for our state-of-the-art treatment for childhood trauma.” Fancher says he’s “honored to have the opportunity to spread the word about All Star’s groundbreaking initiative. Children are the promise of tomorrow—and incredibly vulnerable to the caretakers they depend on today. Our future literally depends on them. When children are at risk, it’s a risk we all share. Without intervention, the damage of early childhood abuse can last a lifetime. We live in a community that cares about our children and I firmly believe that, with their support, we will bring cutting-edge solutions to regional foster care.”  

For more information on All Star Children's Foundation, click here.

[Fundraisers]  SPARCC Spreads Good Cheer and Hope with Holiday Luncheon and Toy Drive

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) celebrates the holiday season in the best of ways -- with good friends and an abundance of home-baked goodies at its annual luncheon, Cookies, Cakes & Carolers. The luncheon is held at Michael’s On East, December 11, at 11:00 am. Guests can enjoy a delicious lunch, seasonal music and win raffle items such as a three-night stay on Siesta Key, Van Wezel theater tickets and many more. Bring and donate your favorite holiday treats, purchase bake sale goodies, and donate a gift or toy for SPARCC participants and their children. All proceeds benefit SPARCC’s life-saving programs and services. In the 2018 - 2019 fiscal year, SPARCC provided advocacy services and crisis counseling services to 2,610 individuals; offered a safe shelter to 177 adults, 133 children and 19 pets; responded to more than 4,008 Helpline Crisis calls; and provided legal services for injunction for protection to 237 individuals. To learn more or RSVP, please visit sparcc.net/events or call 941-365-0208 ext. 110. 

[Food]  All Faiths Food Bank will distribute 8,500 Turkeys to those in need this Thanksgiving

All Faiths Food Bank will provide more than 8,500 frozen turkeys and side dishes to those in need in our community this holiday season. Supported in part by a grant from the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 8,500 turkeys is the most the food bank has ever distributed. Turkey distributions this year will be designated for children, families, seniors, and veterans already accessing All Faiths Food Bank’s services. Those most in need will receive their turkey dinners - which will include mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green beans, and cranberry sauce - through 55 of All Faiths’ Partner Agencies, at 14 School Pantries and Boys and Girls Clubs, and at 6 Mobile Pantry sites. The first distribution will take place this Friday, November 15.  

[Anniversary]  Manatee County Habitat for Humanity Celebrates 25 Years

City Commissioner Betsy Benac addressed hundreds who were gathered at Bradenton Riverwalk to celebrate Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s 25th birthday. As she read a proclamation, the excited voices of children could be heard as they built birdhouses and learned how to use hammers and nails. When finished, she said, “We never want to quiet the sounds of children building something” to laughter and applause from the crowd. This was the atmosphere of fun and learning that continued throughout the day as the community gathered to celebrate the importance of home while enjoying music provided by Lulu of radio station WCTQ, delicious Boars Head hot dogs, cupcakes, games and more. Highlights of the party included hearing from the people involved in Manatee Habitat’s very first home build including Susie Walters, the organization’s founding president; Dick Gross from Kiwanis Bradenton who helped fund the first home; and the very first Manatee Habitat homebuyer Hilda Futch Reaves – whose mortgage is now paid off. Several Habitat homeowners celebrated by shredding their mortgages – now paid in full, and the and the winner of the Habitat ReStore Family Room Makeover was announced. Giant Jenga and corn hole toss games as well as tours of a Bradenton Fire Department truck added to the fun, and representatives from the Manatee County Neighborhood Services, City of Bradenton, Bradenton Kiwanis, Manatee Technical College, United Way Suncoast and others provided information about the services the community offers. It Works! Foundation was the presenting sponsor of the event.

Since 1994, Manatee Habitat has built 135 homes and recently broke ground on its 25th Anniversary Home Build. For more information about the anniversary home build, contact Diana Shoemaker, CEO at Dshoemaker@manateehabitat.org



[SOON]  FILM: Sun Xun: Time Spy , August 11 – February 16

A mesmerizing 3D animated film by Chinese painter and draughtsman, Sun Xun incorporates traditional techniques including ink painting, charcoal drawing and woodblock printing. He uses analog and digital technologies to explore pressing concerns of the time.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: The Orchid Show , October 12 – December 1, 10am-5pm

Blossoms of Asia combines a dazzling display of living orchids in the Tropical Conservatory with an elegant exhibition of orchid treasures from Selby Gardens’ bibliographic and preserved collections in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. The magnificent orchids in the Tropical Conservatory will include Asian specimens from Selby’s living plant collection. The display will reference traditional Japanese garden design and horticultural practices, including ikebana (the art of flower arrangement) and bonsai (the creation of miniaturized trees), in order to evoke a sense of Asia in the heart of Sarasota.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALLERY: Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop Culture , October 18 – December 6

Famed in particular for his speed and a tendency to create images overflowing with colorful characters, Jack Davis was one of the founding members of Mad Magazine's "Usual Gang of Idiots." He supplied covers for Tim and TV Guide, designed numerous album covers and movie posters, and, over his 60-year career, became one of the most in-demand caricaturists and cartoonists in the world. This exhibition attempts to show Davis' range by bringing together a selection of his original work that demonstrates his breadth of subjects and his skills as an artist. This body of work focuses on American popular culture, diving deeper into his career than the sports and caricature work for which he is best known. Opening Reception, Friday, October 18, 5-8pm. Evening Panel Discussion, Thursday, November 14, 6-8pm.

Lois and David Stulberg Gallery in the Richard and Barbara Basch Visual Arts Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Artists Minding Their Business , October 18 – December 6

How do you go from creative spark to creative business? An interactive multimedia exhibition and event series, Artists Minding Their Business takes us on the evolution from making art to making a living. Ringling’s Business of Art & Design Department and founder of Culture Hustlers, Lucas Spivey (BFA/MBA) have curated the Willis Smith Gallery into a visual showcase of the entrepreneurial journey. Inside interactive installations, visiting founders and creative entrepreneurs swap inspiring stories and provide visitors with practical advice. Opening Reception, Friday, October 18, 6-8pm.

Willis Smith Construction Inc. Gallery in the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Antigone by Sophocles , October 30 – November 17, 7:30pm/8pm

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory begins a new season with the classic Greek drama, Antigone, by Sophocles. Director of the Conservatory and the show, Greg Leaming, will put a modern spin on this ancient tale of right versus wrong. In the aftermath of a bloody war, Thebes celebrates victory while Antigone mourns the loss of both her brothers in battle. When King Creon refuses one of the two brothers all rites of burial, the young girl is left facing an awful choice. One of the great classics of Greek drama that speaks as powerfully today as it did when first performed - when faced with the conflict between law and personal morality, what is the right choice?

Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Sound of Music , November 13 – December 28, 7:30pm and 8pm evening performances and 1:30 and 2pm matinees

Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.

FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Modern Home Symposium , November 13, 5:30-7pm

Join SRQ MEDIA and Modern Home Magazine for the annual Modern Home Symposium featuring panelists who represent the top modern architecture and design gurus from the region to share their most memorable structures. Taking the audience into the design process, each panelist shares their source of inspiration in creating some of the area’s most significant spaces. Panelists include Nathan Cross of NWC Contruction, Steve Murray of Murray Homes, Jonathan Parks of Solstice Planning and Architecture and Mark Sultana of DSDG Architects. Registration opens at 5pm. The program is from 5:30-7pm. Light bites, wine and beer. RSVP to srqmag.com/moho.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Wine, Women & Shoes , November 14 – November 16, 530pm

Forty Carrots Family Center presents the 15th anniversary of Wine, Women & Shoes. The award-winning series kicks off with a private reception featuring a dozen partner wineries on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Michael’s Wine Cellar. The Signature Luncheon on Friday, November 15 is an all day affair with sipping and shopping, a professionally produced fashion show and an afternoon of dancing in the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge. The public is invited to sample and purchase the wines at an open house on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Michael’s Wine Cellar. The weekend wraps up that evening at winemaker dinners hosted by Forty Carrots supporters in their homes. An exciting online auction and chance drawings are also open to the public participation starting Nov. 10 at winewomenandshoes.com/fortycarrots.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival , November 15 – November 18, 10am-5pm

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a visual and cultural arts festival held on Siesta Beach every November. In just 24 sculpting hours, the master sculptors create sand masterpieces, some over ten feet tall, and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery. And it’s more than just sand, the festival also features live music daily 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 competition. Hours are extended on Saturday & Sunday until 9 pm with colored lights on all the sculptures and live music!

Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Gonzalo Rubalcaba , November 15 – November 16, 7:30pm

Pianist and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba was already a young phenom with a budding career in his native Cuba when he was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie in 1985. Since, Piano & Keyboard Magazine selected him in 1999 as one of the great pianists of the 20th century, alongside figures such as Glenn Gould, Martha Argerich and Bill Evans; he has won two Grammys and two Latin Grammys, and established himself as a creative force in the jazz world.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Women's Sports Museum Launch Party , November 16, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Be a part of HERstory.  The Women’s Sports Museum is the first-of-its-kind in the world devoted solely to women in sports to be built in Sarasota, Florida. The much-anticipated museum will be a living, breathing museum featuring interactive, state-of-the-art exhibits that recognize the women who have given their time, talent, tears and triumphs to defy gender stereotypes and lead all women to heights beyond expectation. Don't miss the Women's Sports Museum Launch Party at the Sarasota Yacht Club

Sarasota Yacht Club

[SOON]  HEALTH: Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group , November 18, 10am-11:30am

On every third Monday of the month, Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers Comfort Creations, LLC, facilitates a Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group. This group focuses on the caregiver and offers a retreat from the never ending mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving. This free, open group provides compassionate support and an opportunity to explore new solutions together to caregiver challenges. The group meets in the classroom outside of the cafeteria.

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  HEALTH: Veterans' Caregivers Free Lunch and Learn Support Group , November 18, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Welcoming all Veterans' Caregivers and Veterans caring for a loved one to a free lunch and monthly Caregivers Support Group every third Monday of the month. This group focuses on the Caregiver, and not the patient. Julie Cook Downing, Facilitator and President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC, has over two decades of experience with both support groups and Family Caregiving.

Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Rd #101, Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  FOOD: 19th Annual Scholarship Luncheon , November 20, 11:30am-1pm

The State College of Florida is delighted to host its 19th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on Wednesday, November 20th at Michael’s On East. This year’s Luncheon will share how the State College of Florida is educating First Responders so they are better educated, prepared, to serve our community. Individual tickets may be purchased on SCF Foundation’s website for $100. For more information, contact Nicole Harris at (941) 752-5262 or HarrisN1@scf.edu.

Michael's On East , 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Children's Grief Awareness Day , November 21, 9am-11am

In honor of Children's Grief Awareness Day, please join leaders of local grief support organizations for a free community event on why childhood grief matters. 

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Ct, Sarasota, FL 34240

[SOON]  GALA: Champions for Children Gala , November 23, 6pm-10pm

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is thrilled to announce the Champions for Children Gala will be held at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on November 23, 2019. This year, we will honor Tom and Debbie Shapiro. Join us for an enchanting evening with silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Paul Mattison and dancing. All proceeds will support our valuable programs designed to enhance more than 9,000 Club members' academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership development.

Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  FOOD: Caregivers Comfort Socializing Lunch , December 2, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC and Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, hosts a monthly lunch at The Rosemary restaurant in Sarasota. This event provides caregivers some time to relax, enjoy themselves and eat a delicious meal with others sharing similar situations. The lunch takes place from 12:15-1:45pm.

The Rosemary, 411 North Orange Avenue

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Lecture: Richard Skolnik , December 3, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2019-20 Lecture Series, “Global Health: Why You Really Must Care,” featuring Richard Skolnik, former Director for Health in the South Asia Region of the World Bank and Executive Director of Harvard’s US-supported AIDS treatment program for Botswana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. He will discuss some of the key challenges in global health, the threats they pose for the U.S. and the world, and how they might be addressed. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  BUSINESS: BeingWE: Women Balancing Business & Life - Creating What's Possible Against All Odds , December 3, 4:30-7:30pm

Women are natural-born leaders. Yet, many feel overwhelmed by attempting to juggle life’s demands and have it all—home, family, and career. How to balance work and home life? The Women’s Resource Center will explore these issues with BeingWE (Being Women Empowered), a guided conversation series for women by women, created by Keren Lifrak, an area-based entrepreneur and real estate professional. The series launches with three sessions: The Superwoman Badge, October 29th, Women Balancing Business & Life: Creating What’s Possible Against All Odds, December 3rd and Follow Your Bliss: How Our Brains Are Uniquely Wired to Take Action, January 23rd. Each session is 4:30-7:30 p.m., and all genders are welcome to participate.  

The Women’s Resource Center, 340 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Reverend Barry & The Funk , December 5 – December 8, 7:30pm

As part of Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, SCD Artistic Director’s passion to collaborate with local musicians, SCD will join forces with Reverend Barry & The Funk, an 8-pc funk band featuring a 3-pc horn section, and one of the fastest-rising “buzzworthy” acts in the state of Florida. Fueled by their recent #1 Global Position on ReverbNation’s Funk Charts after the release of their debut album “SxyGdLuv,” and the success of their recent breakout single “LoveShine,” the band is now headlining festivals and larger venues around the state. This is the first time that SCD will be partnering with a funk band, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that they are already a Sarasota favorite. This production will feature original choreography by Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott in collaboration with the SCD dancers. This unique evening is sure to be unlike any other, and is not to be missed!

Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FILM: Gazebo Starlight Cinema Series , December 6

Join the Gazebo Starlight Cinema series with this month’s movie: Home Alone. With a screen stretched around the Gazebo pillars and family flicks back-projected from within, what better place than the facing grassy knoll to relax in a beach chair or curl up on a blanket? Bring the whole family to kick off your weekend while enjoying the park! Support local Venice Avenue businesses by bringing snacks, dinner, ice cream (or gelato!) to enjoy during the movie.

Downtown Venice Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Art of Performance: Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol: Tijuana , December 6 – December 7, 7:30PM

This Mexico-city based theater ensemble has created a suite of works that explore ideas of democracy in the 21st Century and blends them with narrative collages from Mexican history. The solo work Tijuana is the staged result of a real anthropological theater experiment undertaken by Lagartijas ensemble member Gabino Rodríguez, in which he abandoned his life in Mexico City to work on an assembly line in a Tijuana factory on the U.S. border. Passing under a false identity for six months, he earned the legal minimum wage to explore how the current day Mexican working-class survives.

Historic Asolo Theater , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  GALA: Brunch & Bubbles - Celebrating Sarasota County Teachers , December 11, 10:30am-12pm

On Wednesday, December 11, join the Education Foundation for a morning of brunch & bubbles as they honor phenomenal teachers in Sarasota County. The awards ceremony will recognize an Alumni of Distinction and unveil the 2020 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. The event is from 10:30am to 12pm. Please use complimentary valet service. 

The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Atomic Holiday Bazaar , December 14 – December 15, Noon to 5pm

Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Season 14, returns to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Atomic launched in 2006 showcasing 50 unconventional crafters who needed an affordable and welcoming venue to sell their unusual handmade wares. By producing an alternative craft show for Sarasota’s hip shoppers, Atomic quickly grew into an annual Sarasota holiday shopping tradition. 

The show proved such a success it expanded to a full weekend in 2007 and in 2008 Atomic grew from the main auditorium to the Bay Front room to accommodate the ever growing number of talented applicants and dedicated shoppers. In 2015, Atomic expanded again opening up its first street fair and jumping on the trend of including a handful of delicious local Sarasota food trucks. This season the show introduces a number of new makers who have had the opportunity to be a part of the show due to a number of Atomic Misfit Makers retiring from the craft making scene.

Atomic features a wide range of items for all: screen printed t-shirts, faux taxidermy, upcycled everything ranging from home decor, clothing, jewelry, (for example, think of “upcycled” as copper pipe that has been refitted into a desk lamp), vintage clothing, kitsch and jewelry, lowbrow to elegant fine art, holiday cards, jams, jellies and the best canned pickle selections ever, one of a kind baby clothing, humorous chatchkes, ornaments, knits, catnip toys, doggie stuff, felted art, plants, plushies (unusual and humorous creatures), pop culture-graphic art posters, dark sentiments, body products, candles, beachy vibe stuff, ethnic Latin textiles, rock n roll edgy clothing, sweet little creations that make you sigh, get the picture? No artsy stone unturned, Atomic has something for all.

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

SRQ Media Group

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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