[Education]  New Gate, Field School Merge

Two of Southwest Florida's most prominent forces in Montessori education announced Wednesday that they would combine assets. Officials at New Gate School and the Montessori's newly-established Field School announced a long-term partnership and merger.

The Field School is based on an international model for the Montessori curriculum. Originally, the school was set to open this fall at the Girl's Inc. campus on Tuttle Street, but now, the New Gate-Field School will offer classes at the 100-acre New Gate campus on Clark Road. Classes will be offered for students from toddler to high school age.

Tim Seldin, president of the Montessori Foundation, said his organization has sought to offer such a model since relocating to Sarasota from Washington, D.C., in 2002. The merged school will focus on the "circle of equals" concept that is central to the Montessori educational philosophy. The system emphasizes the belief that children are born smart and don't need to be corrected into learning. New Gate head of school Paul Wenninger is leaving his position as a result of the merger.

"New Gate has many of the same principles, the same teachers and the same programs as it ever did," Seldin said, reminding that the Foundation was connected to New Gate during its early years as a Montessori school. "The only thing that is different is that we are back as a driving force, which will help it receive national attention."

Robert Dodd, chairman of New Gate's board of trustees, said the merger makes sense. This is because New Gate—which was founded as a Montessori school—was most successful when it was fully committed to its roots and vision.

"Given their national and global leadership, their longstanding history with our school, and their presence in Sarasota, we have concluded that New Gate's best interests would be served by partnering with the Montessori Foundation," Dodd said. Share:

[Daily Shop]  A Twist on French
Sarah Walch, sarahw@srqmediagroup.com

We already know them for their fries, kisses, berets and baguettes. Now, get a handle on French hair accessories. Exit Art’s plethora of pieces by Laurent Olivier adds a level of ooh la la that scrunchies and Goody bands could only hope to replicate. Butterfly headbands that don’t pinch, filigree barrettes with patented clasps and effortless side combs come styled with that other uncanny French trait—simple sophistication. Share:

Exit Art, 201 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Ste. 8, Longboat Key, 941-387-7395; 5380 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Ste. 102, Longboat Key, 941-383-4099; 26 North Blvd. of Presidents, Sarasota, 941-388-2827; 7480 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton, 941-794-2540

[Good Bite]  Welcome to the Club
Allison Milam, allisonm@srqmediagroup.com

The turkey club has proved to be a faithful mainstay on menus since the dawn of time—it seems like that, at least. But the time has come for a new species of club to get some attention. Enter Station 400’s Fried Green Tomato Club—a sandwich topped with fried green tomatoes, crispy bacon, bibb lettuce and zesty herb aioli. Breathe deep when the waitress glides by to take your order, because this marks the most pivotal moment in the entire lunch experience. Ask for the seared tuna variety. The nutty, meaty flavor is a gratifying twist on the standard club’s protein source, and the saltiness of the bacon adds to its appeal. The tuna plays off the zing of the garlic in the herb aioli, especially when captured in the same bite as a lush fried green tomato. Club lovers, we promise we will overlook it if you choose to remain faithful to the traditional turkey. Just make sure that tuna at least crosses your mind when eating a club at Station 400. Share:

Station 400, 400 North Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 941-906-1400

[Exec Moves]  Kruse Joins Gateway Bank

Susan H. Kruse has been hired as vice president and banking center manager for Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida. Kruse heads the Gateway branch at University Parkway and Lockwood Ridge Road in Sarasota. She previously worked as a branch manager for Regions Bank in Sarasota, and before that, she was a regional manager at Coast Bank/First Bank. She began her career in 1980 with Barnett Bank as a branch manager. Share:

Gateway Bank of Southwest Florida

[Honor]  JPA Wins Aurora Award

Jonathan Parks Architect won an Aurora Award at the Annual Industry Gala at the 2010 Southeast Building Conference/Green Building Show in Orlando. The award was for the Origami-Loft House in Venice. The win was in the Green Construction category, which honored new constructions that cost more than $500,000 and up to $1 million. The competition included building professionals from a 12-state region and the Caribbean. Share:

Jonathan Parks Architect

[Synergy]  Port Manatee Hires Great Lakes to Dredge

The Manatee County Port Authority has awarded a $14.8-million contract to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock to handle Port Manatee's Berth 12 dredging project. The project includes dredging the berth to a depth of 41 feet at mean low-water and extending it from 1,000 feet to nearly 1,600 feet. The dredging is the final part of a $200-million port expansion project conducted over an 11-year span. Two months ago, the Port Authority had rejected initial bids because they exceeded estimated costs. This new contract will save $2.3 million, officials said. Share:

Port Manatee

[Today]  EXHIBIT: “Outside Looking In” Opening Reception, Art Center Sarasota, 5—7pm

Art Center Sarasota presents a new exhibition in five galleries entitled, “Outside Looking In.” This exhibit explores how artists see the world, and how the world sees them and their subjects. All three curated exhibits feature artists that are labeled “outsiders” because their work is not considered mainstream. Two of the exhibits focus on mental health issues. The NAEMI exhibit showcases Latino artists that are mentally ill. The Quilts of Gees Bend displays a selection of functional quilts inspired by African heritage. Observer and the Observed is a collaboration between Art Center Sarasota and the Suncoast Partnership for Children’s Mental Health, which brings artists together with families of children that have mental health issues. The artists get to know the families and create multimedia portraits based on their observations. The opening reception for the exhibit is this evening, beginning at 5pm, and it is free and open to the public. Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-365-2032. Share:

[Today]  THEATER: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Venice Theatre, 8pm

Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun is one of the all-time iconic musicals. Based on historical events, the show tells the story of Annie Oakley, (played by Kaitlyn Terpstra), the first all-star female sharpshooter of the Old West. The show is full of humor, witty dialogue, high-energy dance numbers and the soaring music of Berlin. It takes you on Annie's journey of discovery as she becomes internationally known for her talents with the rifle. The flair of the circus and the Old West comes to life with rope tricks, rifle twirling, gymnastics and memorable songs like "You Can't get a Man with a Gun," "Anything You Can Do," "They Say It's Wonderful" and "There's No Business Like Show Business." Let the talents of Venice Theatre's summer stock actors re-introduce you to an old classic and a new evening of fun. This play will be on the Venice Theatre stage through August 7. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for children and students. Venice Theatre, 140 West Tampa Ave., Venice, 941-488-1115. Share:

[Today]  DRAMA: THE DRAWER BOY, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 8pm

The Banyan Theater Company presents The Drawer Boy, Michael Healey’s poignant drama about the complex ties that bind a pair of World War II veterans. Boyhood friends Morgan and Angus have been living together as farmers since they returned home from the war. Angus suffered a brain injury during the war that left him with little capacity for memory. Things change when Miles, a young actor, comes to the farm to help the men. There’s plenty of humor as the city kid experiences life on the farm, but Miles’ well-intentioned meddling leads to catastrophic changes in each of their lives. Directed by Carole Kleinberg, The Drawer Boy stars Ken Ferrigni, Kenneth Tigar and Don Walker. After tonight’s performance, there will be a play talk—an informal discussion with the cast immediately following the show. This play will be performed through August 1. The Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-552-1032. Share:

[Soon]  BUSINESS: CEO Exchange: Cultural Competency, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, July 30, 7:30am

This peer-to-peer exchange provides a forum for nonprofit chief executives to share experiences and techniques for leadership success. Don’t miss out on this important discussion about the dimensions of diversity from a leadership perspective. For more than 30 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been making the important connection between individuals' personal memories, passions, dreams and the fulfillment of their charitable goals. Register at cfsarasota.org. This event is free. Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, 941-955-3000. Share:

[Soon]  KIDS: THE SECRET OF THE CARDBOARD ROCKET, South Florida Museum, July 30, 4:45pm

At the South Florida Museum’s Bishop Planetarium, the show The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket takes you on an outstanding adventure through our solar system. Join two young kids as they speed all the way out to Pluto and back with their ship's navigator—a talking astronomy book. This is the most popular children's show ever produced for the full-dome planetarium environment. The Bishop Planetarium is a multipurpose, state-of-the-art, domed theater, boasting one of the most advanced all-digital projection systems in the world. The planetarium is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing visitors to explore the universe through traditional live star talks and virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos. South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, 941-746-4131. Share:

[Soon]  MUSIC: The Gator Creek Band, Sarasota Classic Car Museum, July 30 and 31, 5pm and 7pm

If you’re a country music fan, this is the band to see. From Garth Brooks to George Strait, Sarasota's Gator Creek Band does it all. Since 2003, the band has showcased its live vocals and instruments and professional backing tracks. The band will hold two performances on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are required by phone. Sarasota Classic Car Museum, 5500 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-355-6228. Share: