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SRQ DAILY Dec 6, 2017

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"The point is to connect the audience with each other, and to explore the connections that already exist."

- Ria Cooper, Asolo Repertory Theatre
 

[Politics]  Good Wins District 72 Democratic Primary
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Margaret Good emerged the clear favorite of Democrats running in a special election for an open state House seat. Now, the real fight to represent Sarasota-based District 72 begins in earnest, with Good, Republican James Buchanan and Libertarian Alison Foxall looking toward the Feb. 13 election. “I am just humbled and grateful for the report I have received,” she told SRQ.

Good on Tuesday night bested primary opponent Ruta Jouniari by 6,144 votes to 2,342, nearly a three-to-one margin, according to unofficial final results. Buchanan ran unopposed for the Republican nomination, and Foxall is the only Libertarian in the race, so with the Democratic primary settled, the line-up for candidates in February is set. Good led the early and absentee vote with more than 75 percent of votes cast, and while Jouniari tightened the gap by a few percentage points with strong Election Day turnout, it proved no match for the better organized Good campaign.

Perhaps more significant than the final tally, the Democratic primary drew about 21.18 percent of eligible voters to turn out. In comparison, about 29 percent of Democratic voters in District 72 came out during the regular August primary last year. “Democrats are really ready to win this election,” Good says. “I think that shows with the 21 percent turnout with a primary election with one race on the ballot.” District 72’s registered voters are roughly 42.3 percent Republican, 32.3 percent Democrat and 25.5 percent independent or third-party.

Foxall, for her part, appealed to Jouniari supporters on social media, tweeting that the bested Democrat ran a passionate campaign “I hope to work with her in the future, if not in the FL state house, then here at home, helping the community,” Foxall wrote.

Good plans to run on a platform of fully funding public schools, protecting the environment and boosting the local economy in Sarasota. 

[Community]  IllumiNation Wants Conversation and Community
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

When folks come out to see Evita at Asolo Repertory Theatre this evening, they’ll get more than Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s timeless Emmy Award-winning tale, and more than choreography and direction from Broadway’s Josh Rhodes, and passionate performances from Ana Isabele (Eva) and Justin Gregory Lopez (Che). They’ll also get tango lessons.

Kicking off this season’s IllumiNation Series, ticketholders for tonight’s show begin the evening an hour early, arriving at the theater for some mingling, some light Argentinean bites and a bit of tango to get into the spirit of things. And following the performance, over a couple drinks, the group reassembles for some food for thought with a panel discussion or community conversation. Five plays this season, including Evita, will be part of the IllumiNation series, including Morning After Grace, Roe, Gloria and Ragtime, and feature their own pre- and post-show engagements, one of which will always be a community discussion of some sort.

“Those are the plays that provided us with the most opportunity to discuss scenes that are social, political, cultural or racial—things that are meaningful and important to the Sarasota community,” says Asolo Rep Community Engagement Specialist Ria Cooper. And while many theaters, including Asolo Rep, host talkbacks with the actors and discussions with directors, the goal of the IllumiNation Series is to expand the community, and hence the discussion, beyond the regular theater-going crowd. Leading the discussion tonight, for example, is not a member of Asolo Repertory Theatre, but Maria Schaedler-Luera, managing director of Atomica Arts and Program Manager for Arts Integration with Any Given Child Sarasota. “It’s in our best interest to make welcome the theater to folks who’ve never come to the Asolo or felt like the Asolo was their home,” says Cooper. “The point is to connect the audience with each other, and to explore the connections that already exist.”

Tonight’s show is already sold out, meaning tango lessons are sold out too. But, in the above spirit, post-show discussions are open to all who care to take part. And there remain four other opportunities to have the full IllumiNation experience, with any of the aforementioned productions this season. Ticket packages are also available for those wanting to be sure they don’t miss a single part of the series or the community coming together. Because that’s what it’s all about.

Cooper remembers a similar program from two years prior, when the theater partnered with the Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton, Temple Beth Sholom, St. Wilfred Episcopal Church and more for an interfaith discussion about faith and the American Dream. From that conversation, real world change emerged, with the local mosque connecting with local outreach programs to offer family housing, which continues today. “That’s my shining star story,” she says, “but there are lots of other connections like that.” 

[Recognition]  SMH Nurses Earn FONE Distinction

Two Sarasota Memorial nursing leaders took top prizes in this year’s Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (FONE) 2017 Excellence Awards. Women’s and Children’s Services Director Pam Beitlich won the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award for “developing creative approaches to nursing leadership and creating and sustaining an environment that enhances the image of nurses and the profession of nursing,” according to the announcement from FONE. Beitlich has served as a nurse and clinical leader at Sarasota Memorial for more than 35 years, starting as a cardiac staff nurse and working her way up to leadership of the Women’s and Children’s Division. In her current role, she is responsible for SMH’s Labor and Delivery Unit, Mother-Baby Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatrics. She also oversees Childbirth Education, the OB Emergency Care Center and SMH’s affiliation with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Clinical Programs Manager Jackie Garabito earned the Excellence in Preceptorship/Mentorship Nursing Award for “using innovative approaches to learning that contribute to successful professional development and practice,” according to FONE. Garabito began her nursing career in 1998 as a staff nurse on Sarasota Memorial’s Medical Respiratory, Nurse Residency and Admission Center units. After serving as a clinical nurse specialist and advance practice nurse, Garabito was named manager of Clinical Programs in 2016. 

Sarasota Memorial Hospital

[Exec Moves]  Burns Appointed Deputy Chancellor of Educator Quality

Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart has named Riverview High School Principal Paul Burns as the Florida Department of Education’s Deputy Chancellor of Educator Quality, effective Jan. 3. Burns brings to the position nearly 20 years of experience in education. Beginning Monday, Jan. 8, after the school district’s winter break, Riverview High Assistant Principal for Curriculum Kathy Wilks will serve as acting principal. A search for a new principal will begin in the spring. Burns taught for 11 years and has served in school administration for eight years.  He joined the Sarasota County School District as an assistant principal at Venice High School in the 2014-15 school year. He became an assistant principal at Riverview High in 2015 and was named principal in June 2016. During his tenure, the school maintained its “A” grade and improved its performance. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Synergy]  Tidewell, Red Cross, CareerEdge Host Free CNA Training

Tidewell Hospice, the American Red Cross and CareerEdge are offering a free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program with guaranteed employment for eligible participants interested in a healthcare career. Thanks to an anonymous donor from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the organizations are offering this opportunity for those who would like to work in healthcare but can’t afford CNA training. The costs of tuition and the state examination fee will be covered for those chosen for the program. Participants will only be responsible for their medical exam and the purchase of scrubs. Upon successful completion of the training program, the CNA graduates will be guaranteed employment at Approved Home Health or Tidewell Hospice, with starting wages between $12 and $13 per hour. The program will run Jan. 22, 2018, to March 31, 2018, and classes will be held from 5–9:30pm, Mondays through Thursdays (with two mandatory Saturday classes) at the American Red Cross office in Sarasota. Applicants must pass a Level 2 background check per Florida healthcare regulations, submit to a motor vehicle record search and provide proof of auto insurance. Prospective participants are invited to attend one of three information sessions. The sessions will be 5:30-7:30pm, Dec. 12 and Dec. 28 at Selby Library in Sarasota and 5:30-7:30 pm, Jan. 4 at Tidewell in Sarasota. Those interested can RSVP for the information sessions at the website below. 

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative



[Best Of SRQ Local]  Cast Your Vote For Best Local Coffee Shop!

“Perq has raised my own expectations for what a coffee shop is and what a great cup of coffee tastes like,” Josh Wynne divulges. Perq Coffee Bar, Pastry Art, and Clever Cup were all ranked last as some of the Best Local Coffee Shops in last year’s Best of SRQ Local Competition(with Perq taking first place). Which local cup of joe stands out to you? Click below to share your favorite today! 

Vote Here!

[TODAY]  THEATER: A Christmas Story, The Musical , November 14 – December 10

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

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Warren Reinecker - General Motors Designer , October 17 – December 8

This exhbition features a firsthand look at the evolutionary creative process of automotive design. Warren Reinecker joined a small team that consisted of two designers, two lettering artists, a studio engineer and studio manager who he worked with to create the badging and emblems that identified all of General Motor's cars, trucks and products.

Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The 1940's Radio Hour , December 7 – December 23

Just in time for the holiday season, comes this marvelously theatrical show! This lively and big band sounding musical delivers a delicious slice of ‘a live radio broadcast from NYC’ in December of 1942.  Enjoy the spirit of that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

The Players Theatre, 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: PINC Speaker Series , December 7

People, Ideas Nature Creativity (PINC), presented by Ringling College of Art + Design is a one–day conference which follows the same format as its Dutch counterpart. PINC Sarasota 2017 showcases exceptional international speakers, astounding artistic intermezzos and culinary delights at the Sarasota Opera House. The conference showcases accomplished international speakers in their widely varied fields who share a common passion for what they do and absolute faith in the power of innovation, inspiration and creativity. Whether on stage or in the seats, this conference aims to bring together leaders, innovators creative thinkers entrepreneurs specialists designers artists scientists and people looking to stimulate their mind, heart and brain. Conference begins at 8am. 

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Symphonic Carnival , December 8 – December 10, 8pm Friday and Saturday; 2:30 Sunday

Along the exciting journey, audiences will visit American icon Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from his popular musical West Side Story, before being set ablaze by the powerful pyrotechnics of Barber’s Violin Concerto. Finally, listeners will be subdued by the emotional intensity of Stravinsky’s Firebird, the perfect close to an electrifying evening spearheaded by guest conductor Larry Rachleff and violin soloist Benjamin Beilman.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Pine View Jazz Band , December 8, 8pm

For all of your holiday favorites, check out the award-winning Pine View Jazz Band. The young musicians of Pine View School are known for their sophisticated performances and natural affinity for jazz classics. The featured vocalists will have you dreaming of snow as they perform some of the greatest music by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Mel Torme and more.

Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SRQ Media's 14th Annual Home of the Year Competition , December 8

Calling all builders, architects, designers and landscape companies —the 14th Annual SRQ Home of the Year Competition is officially open! From serene water features to breathtaking bay views and green buildings, SRQ MEDIA is thrilled to produce this prestigious annual architecture and home design program, recognizing truly stunning spaces from Venice all the way to Anna Maria Island. Our panel of qualified judges hail from regions outside the geographic area of the HOTY competition and represent excellence in the areas of architecture and interior design. They will review entries based on innovation, functionality and overall design aesthetic to bestow SRQ’s Home of the Year Platinum, Gold and Silver awards. Local professionals are invited to submit their best work in home design by the Call for Entries deadline of Friday, December 8, 2017. Winners in each category will be featured in the coveted SRQ Home of the Year awards supplement in the March 2018 issue of SRQ Magazine.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: The Nutcracker , December 9, 7:00PM

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School students will perform the World-Famous Nutcracker at the Venice Performing Arts Center for the very first time on December 9. This holiday classic is conceived and choreographed by the school’s artistic directors Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez, master teacher Delia Ballart Arcia, and resident choreographer Tania Vergara.

Venice Performing Arts Center , 1 Indian Ave Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Holiday Boat Parade of Lights , December 9, 6:00PM

The 32nd Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights is a beloved local holiday tradition and fun for all ages. Whether you choose to view the show from Marina Jack Restaurant at Bayfront Park, City Island or Centennial Park, join the approximately 15,000 spectators for the most sparkling night of the year as boats decked in festive adornments glitter on Sarasota Bay. The Holiday Boat Parade begins at 6pm and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. 

Sarasota Bay, Marina Jack Trail Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALLERY: Sea Debris - Awareness Through Art , December 9 – June 15, 10am to 5pm

Artwork made of marine debris including Greta the Great White Shark and Natasha the Turtle will arrive to Mote Marine this winter. This exhibit will bring awareness to the 4.4 pounds on average of trash genereated by each American daily. These larger-than-life sculptures are entirely made from plastic and other debris gathered from the Oregon Coast.

Mote Marine, 600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Holiday Popera , December 10, 3pm

Hometown soprano superstar Jenny Kim-Godfrey heralds in some holiday cheer, performing holiday standards like “Sleigh Ride,” “My Favorite Things,” “O Holy Night,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and more. Audiences will also enjoy Kim-Godfreys renditions of opera arias by Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi and Mozart. Ring in the yuletide spirit and do your ears a favor.

Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz Bebop Sax Master , December 10, 7pm

World renowned jazz bebop sax master, Greg Abate joins Michael Royal on piano and Mark Neuenschwander on bass for a performance at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center.  Greg Abate is a jazz saxophonist, flutist, and composer who tours 225 days out of the year playing and recording International Jazz.

Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., 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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