SRQ DAILY Nov 10, 2017
Friday Weekend Edition
"This is probably the best natural beach sand in the world for sand-sculpting."
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic returns this weekend, bringing master sand sculptors from around the world for a three-day competition on the white sandy beaches of Siesta Key. Complete with a master sculptor competition, amateur competition, the festival’s signature Quick Sand competitions and a veritable festival village of live music and vendors, the event opens to the public at 10am this morning and runs through Monday afternoon.
Arriving in teams of two—some from as far away as Lithuania and South Korea, others as close as Orlando—the master sculptors began their behemoth projects yesterday, taking ownership of their plots on Siesta Beach. Six of the sculptors arrived a week early to help create the Crystal Classic centerpiece, cooperatively carving the 275 pounds of sand into a monumental testament to the craft. But with that complete, the competition now commences in earnest, with each team aiming to outdo the others in terms of size, style, technique and imagination. Viewers will have a chance to submit their votes for their favorites throughout the weekend, with winners announced Sunday at 3pm.
In a first for the event, this year will feature an extra dose of razzle-dazzle for the nighttime crowd on Friday and Saturday, as the sculptures are lit by an array of multicolored lights. Brown sand tends to absorb the light, says Crystal Classic founder Brian Wigelsworth, but he expects Siesta’s white sand to do the trick. As a master sculptor himself, Siesta’s sand hasn’t let him down yet. Some competitions cart sand in from quarries and such to make up for a beach’s high volume of contaminants, such as shells and weeds and garbage. Not at Siesta. Not only would that be disallowed, as Siesta is a protected beach, but entirely unnecessary. “There’s no need,” says Wigelsworth. “This is probably the best natural beach sand in the world for sand-sculpting.”
And not only the pros get to take a shot this weekend. Amongst the live music and food and art vendors that visitors can partake of, an amateur sandsculpting competition kicks off Saturday morning at 10am. Sign ups are at 9am and entries are allowed morning of. The competition runs from 10am to 2pm. For those looking to be a little less involved, the Quick Sand competition (a Wigelsworth invention) arrives at a happy medium. Pitting two master sculptors against each other, both receive a five-pound bucket of sand and a challenge from the audience. After 10 minutes, the audience votes for the winner.
With sandsculpting lessons on-hand as well, in addition to all the sculptures to see and vote one, local artists to support and local food to enjoy, the Siesta Key Crystal Classic looks to bring the whole area out to celebrate its natural beauty. “I just like to see the community get involved,” says Wigelsworth. “One of my favorite things is to see the looks on peoples’ faces when they see the sculptures.” With near 50,000 visitors expected, that’s a lot of happy faces. Arrive before 10am if you want to park, he says, otherwise plan to park off the key and take the free shuttle in. Either way, “plan on spending the day,” says Wigelsworth.
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic begins today and the competition ends Sunday, although the sculptures will remain on display through Monday. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for children under 5.
Pictured: Siesta Key Crystal Classic 2016. Photo courtesy of Siesta Key Crystal Classic.
Pines of Sarasota, a non-profit rehabilitation and senior care community, has appointed Mike Ward as President/CEO. In this position, he is responsible for oversight and operations of Pines of Sarasota’s 25-acre campus. Ward obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and his Master’s degree from Western Governors University. He has held senior living positions with progressive responsibilities throughout his career, including chief operating officer, with administrative oversight of 21 long-term care communities, four assisted living centers and three independent living communities in nine states. He is a second-generation senior living professional; his parents developed, owned and operated a major skilled nursing facility in Tampa.
An innovative solar and conservation pilot project to be funded by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation at Girls Inc. of Sarasota County could become a money-saving, green-energy model for other youth-serving organizations in the region and beyond. The $444,890 project is one of eight grants totaling over $1.1 million recently approved by the Barancik Foundation’s Board of Directors, bringing the total to $9.8 million in 2017. The Barancik Foundation will test the concept of outfitting a youth-serving nonprofit agency with solar panels while also delivering conservation education to the organization. The pilot with Girls Inc. is designed to provide the nonprofit with immediate financial savings on its energy bills and positively impact the more than 300 girls it serves with new environmental education opportunities.Two other environment grants awarded by the foundation will promote science education for youth in Chicago, the Barancik’s summer home.
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has welcomed Michael Ritter as its new president. Ritter has been a longtime member of the Federation’s board of directors, serving most recently as treasurer and vice-president. A retired CPA and senior partner at Ernst & Young, Ritter moved to the Sarasota-Manatee region in 2006 from northeast Ohio, where he still serves on the board and administrative committee for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. In addition to his Federation involvement, Ritter currently serves as board chair of The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast and is also on the boards of the Israel Tennis Centers Foundation and Parkwood LLC.
This week, South Florida Museum welcomed a new manatee into its Stage 2 Rehabilitation Aquarium, where she will be cared for until she is ready to return to the wild. The manatee, called "TM" during her hospital stay and nicknamed "Lagoona" by the Museum's animal care team, is a female estimated to be 2 to 2½ years old that was rescued May 29 from Mosquito Lagoon on Florida's east coast (hence her nickname). She was rescued with large propeller wounds from her left shoulder to her skull and her prognosis when she arrived at SeaWorld's treatment facility was poor. The Museum’s Stage 2 Manatee Rehabilitation Aquarium is the place where manatees come after their initial critical care needs have been met. Manatees can spend anywhere from a few months to more than a year at the Museum regaining their health before they are ready for release.
Planet Fitness is opening a new location in Venice at 4125 S Tamiami Trail. The new facility boasts 20,000sq. ft and offers state of the art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-Minute Express Circuit, PF360, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, numerous flat screen televisions, HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, tanning beds, Total Body Enhancement booths and more. The new facility will be open and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at 5pm with free pizza, giveaways and raffles.
Dare to be different in this snazzy piece from Apricot Lane. Wear this dress alone with no accessories in the day or pair it with a black choker and heels for an edgy dinner look. Light-wash denim meets a flowing design making a serendipitous combination in this piece by Naked Zebra. The 1250°C line is a playful take on classic denim, an American staple. This splendid mix of styles is reinventing the word casual with its down-to-earth feeling. The off-the-shoulder neckline adds a touch of skin with cascading bell sleeves, creating a flirtatious day look, $60.
Apricot Lane, 464 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, 941-960-1435.
Celebrate The Mark Wandall Foundation’s 14th Annual Memorial Weekend and learn how your support helps to aid kids and families in grief. Kick off the weekend Friday evening at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing with cocktails, fabulous food, a silent auction and poker tournament. Buy-in for the tournament includes free entry to the Kick-Off Celebration. The fun continues Saturday morning with a Golf Tournament at Legacy Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch.
Legacy Golf Club At Lakewood Ranch, 8255 Legacy Blvd Bradenton, FL 34202
Sarasota Architectural Foundation presents the fourth annual SarasotaMOD Weekend November 10 through 12 . The midcentury modern architecture festival celebrates the legacy of acclaimed architect Tim Seibert featuring Parties , Presentations, Film Screening, Art Exhibitions, Trolley&House Tours.
David Olney became a major player in Nashville's underground folk and country scene in the early '70s. Since his success in Tennessee, David has created over 20 albums to his name, incorporating a wide range of inspiration from honky tonk to rock in his works.
Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota
Transformative and dramatic, Arleen Joseph’s Fields of Color landscape paintings captivate the eye and pulls at emotional heartstrings. Known for her use of bold color and heavy texture, Arleen creates oil paintings that transport the viewer into a captivating and ethereal space. Additionally, 530 Burns Gallery will host a trunk show featuring sterling silver designs by Kelim, a local boutique.
Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Lane, Sarasota
This Book Fair is an exciting program which highlights the creative and democratic processes of 21st century independent artist's publishing. At the event, books, zines, comics, photoboooks, prints and more are available for purhcase. The day will culminate with a performance by Sheryl Oring.
Alfred R. Goldstein Library, 2700 Bradenton Rd., Sarasota
After a nationwide search, the Sarasota Opera is proud to announce that composer/librettist Rachel J. Peters has been chosen to compose the Sarasota Youth Opera’s new commission—Rootabaga Country. Ms. Peters explains that the work has a “sincere message of tolerance and inclusiveness in a cultural climate where the simple act of growing up is more confusing than ever before.”
Sarasota Opera , 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Following in the footsteps of forward-thinking bands, Yarn is a Brooklyn-based Americana and alternative country band. They weave country, rock and blues into one in their music and performances. Their fresh sound includes musical idioms and universal tales for all to hear.
Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota
Returning this year is the Military Officers Association of America – Sarasota Chapter, who will join the Pops to honor our veterans with Neil Diamond’s “Salute to America’s Veterans.” Audiences will hear tribute artist Bobby Palermo perform followed by a rousing tribute to America’s veterans. Audiences will be seeing stars and stripes.
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
The Jewish Housing Council Foundation's 7th Annual Keep the Dream Alive event will be held for the first time on the Aviva Campus (1951 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota) and feature a bountiful dessert extravaganza by Chef Paul Mattison and his crew. Benefitting the Jewish Housing Council Foundation's Benevolent Care Program, Keep the Dream Alive will allow JHCF to continue honoring the founders’ dream of assuring that qualified residents can age in place, even if they have exhausted their resources.
Aviva Senior Life Campus, 1951 N. Honore Ave Sarasota, Florida 34235
BASE Talks are an outreach lecture series centered around the core subjects of business, arts, science and entertainment. The presentations are designed to enhance community engagement and add value to the local arts and entertainment sectors. Learn more about these topics and become a smarter thinker. Tickets are $27, $30 or $37, depending on seating.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
Directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes and winner of eight Tony Awards, Evita is among the most passionate and memorable productions. The musical retells the story of Eva Perón, Argentina’s celebrated but controversial First Lady. This exemplary musical is set to impress with a spectacular new staging at Asolo Rep.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
This classic holiday tale centers on a mischievous, bespectacled boy, Ralphie, who dreams of getting a BB-gun for Christmas. In the weeks before the big holiday, Ralphie, his friends and his family get into all kinds of situations — including run-ins with a bully, a tongue stuck to a flagpole, a bar of soap in the mouth, a garish leg lamp, and a Chinese Christmas dinner.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice
Utilizing material also included in the Orchid Show, this presentation will hone in on one of the most prized exotic plants of Victorian Birtian. Learn about the craze that came to be known as Orchid Mannia, and just how far nurserymen went to supply the orchid market.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota
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