SRQ DAILY Nov 25, 2020
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"This grant will allow us to better manage our urban canopy and add even more trees, along with all of the health and economic benefits they provide."
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), the only state-certified center for domestic violence and sexual assault services for Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, is bringing the community together this holiday season with a meaningful and uplifting gift drive. While 2020 raises health and safety concerns around in-person events, SPARCC created a new and festive way to support its annual Holiday Toy Drive and keep holiday cheer in full swing.
On Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, SPARCC invites the community to a drive-through winter wonderland experience, festively-decorated to enjoy magical lights and holiday tunes. In addition, attendees are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys, gifts for moms, or gift cards to the “touchless” drop-off station. This free outdoor event, held at 2139 Main Street, Sarasota, will replace SPARCC’s annual Cookies, Cakes & Carolers luncheon and provide a resourceful way for everyone to still share in the philanthropic splendor of the giving season. Invite friends, family, or anyone who may enjoy this free holiday event drive-thru and donate a gift, or make a donation to SPARCC.
According to SPARCC, the COVID-19 pandemic has created heightened and devastating effects for its domestic abuse survivors -- emotionally, physically and financially, so the organization hopes to make this time of year extra special for the individuals and families they serve, all the while helping to brighten the holidays for children. "Last season, caring and compassionate donors in our community brought joy to 93 adults and 186 of SPARCC’s smallest survivors through the holiday toy drive, and this year, we are hoping to serve even more!"
For more information and the holiday wish list, please visit sparcc.net/events or email Ning Qin, SPARCC Communications Manager, at nqin@sparcc.net. 
Photo courtesy of SPARCC
The City of Sarasota has been awarded the 2020 Managing Community Forests Grant, which will enable staff to inventory trees throughout the city, identify diseased and dangerous trees for removal and plant new ones in low-income areas. Sarasota was the first-place recipient of the $55,000, three-year grant from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The first year of the award will fund a partial street tree inventory that will gather information on about 2,000 trees in the city, including their condition, species, height, diameter, maintenance needs, ownership and other attributes. In the second year, an urban forest master plan will be developed to identify diseased and dangerous trees that must be removed. The plan will also include recommendations for priority planting areas and will assess canopy goals, measure progress and make ordinance recommendations. In the third year of the grant, 115 native trees will be purchased and installed. At least two community planting events will be planned within low-income areas of the city.
“The City of Sarasota recognizes the importance of trees as a community resource and has been committed to protecting and preserving them,” said Senior Arborist Mark Miller. “This grant will allow us to better manage our urban canopy and add even more trees, along with all of the health and economic benefits they provide.”
When Toledo Blade Elementary School first grade teacher Brenda Anderson wanted to make a big impression on her students for a relatively little expenditure, she requested and was awarded a $249 classroom grant from the Education Foundation of Sarasota County to purchase “Pete the Cat” books and activities.
“Pete is a study in perseverance, a rebel against negative vibes,” Anderson said.
“The buttons on his shirt mysteriously pop off. He tumbles off his skateboard and cracks his favorite sunglasses. He steps in mounds of strawberries and mud. But he keeps his head up and looks on the bright side, and by doing that he always wins.”
And that simple message made Pete a sensation in Anderson’s classroom.
“Pete the cat helped my students become better readers and learn important life lessons,” said Anderson. Students also earned “Reading Counts” points toward trinkets and recognition at the school, which contributed to building self-esteem and a joy and pride in reading well.
Anderson’s first-grade class of 20 students included three special needs and six students designated as low performing. The lessons on character and resilience that Pete provided helped to increase participation and attentive behavior; and improve self-esteem, self-confidence, a sense of teamwork, cooperation, attitudes and mature emotional behavior.
“The kids actually would say, “What would Pete do?” when confronted with an upsetting situation, said Anderson.
Anderson noted that without donors for classroom grants, teachers would have to buy classroom projects like this with their own money or forego purchasing them.
“After seeing how my students were so excited and inspired, I plan to do a ‘Pete the Cat’ themed classroom until I retire, and that’s thanks to the Education Foundation,” Anderson said.
EducateSRQ is the teacher and classroom grants signature program of The Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
Since 2004, Embracing Our Differences has used the power of art and prose to promote diversity. One way it accomplishes this is through its annual, juried international outdoor art exhibition consisting of 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quote. The response to the call for artwork and inspirational quotes brought 15,912 entries pouring in from 128 countries and 48 states. Students from 412 schools around the world submitted artwork or quotes to the juried exhibit. The winning quotes and art will be showcased in the 18th annual exhibit, January 20 through April 1, in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. Sarah Wertheimer, Embracing Our Differences’ executive director, says “Embracing our Differences exists to proclaim the values of inclusion, kindness and respect and we were moved to see that thousands of people around the world share these values."
Pictured: EOD 2021: Best in Show, Adult: Liberty Enlightening the World by Arya Badiyan.
Bill Robertson, a fifth-generation Sarasota attorney, recently opened The Robertson Law Firm, PA in downtown Sarasota. “I’m so proud to return to my roots and follow in my family’s legal legacy that started when my grandfather and great grandfather founded Robertson and Robertson in 1925,” said Robertson. “I always had the desire to eventually continue that legacy and serve Sarasota and southwest Florida under the Robertson name. I plan to carry on that proud tradition and help people in their time of need.”
For more information call 941-374-9008 or email Bill@Robertson.law.
Manatee Awareness Month certainly brought something to celebrate as Mote returned Doscal to the wild on Thursday, November 19, from Horton Park in Cape Coral. Doscal was a young orphaned, emaciated calf weighing just under 400 pounds when he was rescued from the Orange River in Fort Myers and taken to SeaWorld for initial treatment in April 2019. He came to The Bishop’s Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat in December 2019 and, by the time of his release on Thursday, he weighed 656 pounds. "We’re very happy to see Doscal return to the wild,” said Virginia Edmonds, Director of Animal Care. “The tag will allow us to monitor his progress and we feel like he will do great!”
On Tuesday, November 17th, the Sarasota Farmers Market (SFMV, Inc.) held its 2020 Annual Meeting via ZOOM teleconference. The Market Membership voted to elect four new Vendor Board Members in the open categories: Produce: Bill Nelms (Mr. Fun Guy), Plants: Gerald Boyce (Boyce Nursery), Food: Sharon Juraszek (Fermentlicious) and Artisan/Crafts: Kim Schmeits (Sugar Sand Silver).
David Verinder, president and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, has been named chair of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida’s board of directors. “It’s a privilege to be a part of an organization that strives to provide all Floridians with access to the highest quality of care,” said Verinder. “Safety net hospitals have stepped up to meet the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic, and we will continue to work with state and federal leaders to ensure we have the resources and support needed to care for our communities.”
To show their appreciation for the community supporting small local businesses please enjoy $5 off your next order of $25 or more with the code CELEBRATE. Start an order today.
Political Themed Artwork Online All Media Juried Exhibition on display from October 29 until December 31, 2020. First Place Award went to Dan Remmel with Once Upon A Time in Siberia, Second Place Award went to Peter Watrous with Separate, Third Place Award went to Julie Trigg with Remembering Sarasota, and Merit Awards went to Ellen Kantro with Headlong and Patricia Turner with Gunned Down Grandsons.
We unleash the awesome power of astronomy during KidSpace, where kids can become scientific masters of the universe. Join us virtually via Zoom on November 28 from 10:30am to 11:30am as we take off from the Earth's surface and fly to places humans have never been: the Sun, planets, other moons in our solar system, newly discovered solar systems in our galaxy and beyond. KidSpace is designed for grades 1-5 and their grown-ups, but everyone is welcome.
Jill Krasner, Art Uptown’s December solo artist, takes viewers on a magical, mystery tour of imaginary gardens all artistically grown during the 2020 pandemic. Wander through a new collection of exuberant paintings filled with a jumble of jaunty, colorful flowers and landscapes without borders from November 28 until December 25, 2020. Jill’s latest work continues to demonstrate her color mastery and complex, inventive surfaces. Stroll through Jill Krasner’s new collection at Art Uptown, located at 1367 Main Street, Sarasota open Monday through Friday, 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday, 11 am to 3pm and Sunday 12 noon to 5pm. You can meet the artist during Saturday gallery hours. Private appointments can be arranged by calling 941-955-5409. The gallery continues its commitment to visitor and staff safety by the use of masks, sanitizer, frequent cleaning and social distancing.
Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main Street
Join Rhiannon Paget, Curator of Asian Art, for an overview of the exhibition Kabuki Modern at 1pm on December 2, 2020. Actors of kabuki, Japan’s distinctive form of popular theater, were superstars between the 17th and early 20th centuries, and continue to command cultural and celebrity status today. Kabuki Modern presents superb recent acquisitions of kabuki portraits between 1868 and the 1950s. $5 / Free for Members.
Online
Join us virtually on December 3, 2020 from 12pm to 1pm to learn more about what it means to be Black in Marine Sciences from our featured panelists. Educators and students can register for direct access to the panel. Contact MarSci-LACE Project Coordinator for details. The public can watch this event streamed live on YouTube: youtu.be/ALcJ04yHONQ. Featured panelists include Jasmin Graham, Shark Science, Amanda Hodo, Aquarium Science, and Alex Troutman, Wetland Ecology. Objectives include learning about several career options in marine science, engaging in discussions about the importance of diversity in marine science, and exploring the many paths to marine science.
Online, Online
In this film adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play, Grumio (Cyril Cusack) and Hortensio (Victor Spinetti) both long to wed the same beautiful young woman. Unfortunately, her wealthy father (Michael Hordern) will not let his daughter marry unless her hot-tempered sister, Katherina (Elizabeth Taylor), also has a suitor. Luckily, the slovenly Petruchio (Richard Burton) is looking for an affluent woman to marry, so Grumio and Hortensio pay him to try to woo the extremely volatile Katherina. This program will take outside in the Benfer Courtyard on December 6, 2020 at 6:30pm. Tickets will be available starting 30 days prior to the screening date. Available seating will be marked to ensure social distancing. For your protection from COVID-19 cloth face coverings will be required to enter the theater. Be sure it covers your nose and mouth. Stay 6 feet away from people who are not in your household. Due to rising COVID cases and safety concerns this event is subject to cancellation. Ticket holders will be notified and refunded if the screening is canceled.
Historic Asolo Theater Benfer Courtyard, 5401 Bay Shore Road
The warrior Macbeth fights on the side of the King of Scotland, but when a coven of witches prophesy that he shall become king himself, a ruthless ambition drives Macbeth and his wife to horrific acts. Murder makes Macbeth king, and intrigue and butchery are the hallmarks of his brief, doomed reign. The witches make another prediction, which also comes true: Macbeth and his lady lose their lives, and justice is restored. From Royal Opera House, starring Anna Netrebko, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Yusif Eyvazov, Francesca Chiejina, Konu Kim, Simon Shibambu, Jonathan Fisher; conducted by Antonio Pappano. Macbeth will play at 1:30pm on December 6, 2020 and will run for 3hr and 20m, including one intermission, sung in Italian with English subtitles.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Avenue
The holidays may look a little different this year, but it is more important than ever to support our local businesses. On November 28, celebrate Small Business Saturday, and kick off the holiday season. Even though the traditional Siesta Key Holiday Parade is canceled, they are still lighting up the Key with festive décor, a store-front and window decorating contest, and the tree lighting at the gazebo in Siesta Key Village. Local businesses are encouraged to create their own holiday specials and activities, which will be promoted by the Siesta Key Chamber.
Ever considered starting a business in Newtown? Come learn about grant funds available to help attract new businesses to North Sarasota from 1pm to 6pm via Zoom on December 8, 2020. Grant funds are also available to expand/improve existing businesses. Grant Summary: Provided by the Newtown CRA and City of Sarasota, up to $60,000 available, Newtown residents must provide a 20% match and non-Newtown residents must provide a 50% match, funds interior or exterior improvements to a building in the Newtown CRA area, can fund retrofits of food trucks or trailers.
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast is celebrating their 2020-2021 Season with virtual programming - featuring the gifted talents of The Perlman Music Program (PMP) alumni, for you and your family to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. PMP alumni are professional musicians, many of whom hold leadership positions among renowned orchestras and faculties. Please be sure to check back often as they will be adding more content throughout the Season. They will also add a few surprises along the way. Cellist Sterling Elliott will play virtually on December 10, 2020.
Online, Online
Mote’s Learning Labs are a series of virtual, interactive college and career preparatory labs that will provide students the opportunity to develop and hone professional skills for future STEM careers. Participants will gain basic knowledge in marine science concepts and experience in lab/field work. Additionally, marine science professionals will introduce participants to a variety of career opportunities and conduct career explorations. The intention of this program is to offer participants a head start toward their future goals in STEM and advance the next generation of STEM professionals. Learning Labs take place monthly on Wednesdays from 5pm to 8pm, via secure Zoom webinar. Registration for each Learning Lab is $10 and covers all necessary materials for your session.
"Personal Geography represents the connection I feel for my hometown of What Cheer, Iowa. This small town with its boarded-up buildings and a melancholy that permeates the streets holds so many memories of my early life. Although I lived there for only five years, it has a hold on me that’s difficult to explain. Perhaps it’s my inherent need to belong somewhere, perhaps it’s the memories of my family who are no longer alive, or maybe it’s the place itself with its rolling hills, verdant cornfields and own distinct quality of light. More likely it’s my memory of a place where both my father and I were born, where my Grandparents and Great-Grandparents lived nearby. The map of my life extends quite far, I lived in four different states by the time I was 16. But it’s this tiny forgotten town that has a hold on me both temporal and spiritual that I don’t fully understand. Combining family snapshots with photographs I have taken in What Cheer since the 1970’s Personal Geography explores the impermanence of history and memory and the permanence of place." This exhibition is open by appointment only. Please email galleries@ringling.edu to request an appointment. This exhibit began at the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center on October 19, 2020 and will end on December 11, 2020, during museum hours.
Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, 2700 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
The year the land for Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus was purchased is also a momentous one in women's history. The dynamic display in the Tropical Conservatory celebrates the Suffrage Movement and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The Museum of Botany & the Arts will showcase our preserved plant collections. Our Historic Spanish Point campus Gazebo will also receive the Orchid Show treatment and pay tribute to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the official opening of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus. To celebrate, the Orchid Show will honor founder, Marie Selby, and highlight the accomplishments of the many notable women who have built on her legacy and helped to make Selby Gardens home to the best scientifically-documented collection of orchids in the world. The year the land for Selby Gardens' Downtown Sarasota campus was purchased is also a momentous one in women's history. The dynamic display in the Tropical Conservatory celebrates the Suffrage Movement and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The Museum of Botany & the Arts will showcase our preserved plant collections. Our Historic Spanish Point campus Gazebo will also receive the Orchid Show treatment and pay tribute to Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, 34236
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