For Leymis Wilmott, March 16th will live in infamy. It was a Monday; Sarasota Contemporary Dance was set to continue rehearsals for their Evolving/Revolving production that included some past numbers along with some newer pieces by former company dancers-turned-choreographers. It was a show designed to celebrate some of the past and highlight the promise of the future. But these days, the future only promises uncertainty. “We had a great rehearsal the previous Friday,” says Wilmott, “but a lot happened over the weekend with the spread of the virus, and on Monday the 16th we said, ‘it’s time.’”

Like many decisions within the company, Wilmott reached out to the troupe for a consensus decision. “Everybody’s comfort level is different,” she says, “so I had to check in and see if everyone felt safe.” A strict cleaning protocol had already been implemented the week prior, but the company decided together that its studio would close for the duration of the recommended social distancing strategies. “By Wednesday, all of the schools had closed down,” she says, “so I’m glad we decided when we did.” Of course, the rightness of the decision does not imply it was easy for a company on the rise, but for Wilmott and her roster of gifted dancers, scheming for new ways to connect through movement has helped to keep their spirits up and their bodies primed.

“We went full force and embraced the new platform,” she says, “we’re now meeting digitally on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 to 12.” By March 30th, SCD had already launched virtual classes and, more importantly, had begun work on choreography for an upcoming national dance initiative called National Water Dance. The initiative began as a statewide collection of site-specific dances aimed at fostering greater awareness of water issues, but since its inception in 2011 it has grown into a national movement. This year, the annual dance has transitioned to the digital sphere and Wilmott’s crew has been tasked with contributing to the choreography. “I choreographed one of the gestures of the opening phrase and taught it to some of the SCD dancers and some New College students,” says Wilmott, “so the dance will be bookended by the synchronized phrases.” Where groups used to get together in public spaces to perform the dance, dancers will now participate from living rooms, driveways and parks while contributing to a massive nationwide livestream. “This is supposed to be the largest edition ever,” says Willmott, “because more people can join in from home.”

It’s just one way SCD has stayed busy and connected during these uncertain times, but Wilmott still looks forward to life on the other side. Though the company has been able to continue paying its dancers for meetings and rehearsals, virtual classes will be launched to help generate revenue and Wilmott hopes for a big day during Community Foundation of Sarasota’s 2020 Giving Challenge. Still, nothing beats the live experience. “It’s important to keep working and trying new things,” says Wilmott, “and I’m optimistic and hopeful for the future.”

Tune in to the SCD’s live stream tomorrow at 4 pm to participate or spectate. 

Pictured: Dancers Melissa Rummel, Monessa Salley, Xiao-Xuan Yang Dancigers, and Rachel Lambright will all be teaching upcoming virtual courses. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

For more info.

The Society of Illustrators, a nonprofit organization founded in 1901 in New York City, has held an annual Student Scholarship Competition every year since 1981. This year, Ringling College of Art and Design Illustration students have taken home a record number of scholarship awards; thirty students winning thirty-seven awards to be exact, more than any other art school in the nation. This year’s competition saw 2,278 entries submitted by 74 participating institutions from across the country. Art students submitted their strongest, most creative and original artworks under the guidance of their professors and mentors, for selection by a jury of professional peers including illustrators and art directors.

The award-winning Ringling College illustrations were created using a number of different mediums including digital illustration, Z Brush and Photoshop, acrylic, gouache, scratchboard, and mixed media. On the result of this year’s competition, Illustration Department Head, Scott Gordley says, “The success of our students is a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our wonderful faculty — both are second to none. We all feel blessed by our experience here!”

Over the last thirty years, the Society of Illustrators has awarded over $1,500,000 in scholarships to deserving students, made possible by their endowment, generous contributions from private and corporate donors, and proceeds from an annual auction of member-donated work. This year, Ringling students, Jamie Green and Emelie Thomas won both the $1,000 Lila and Ben Dryer Scholarship Award and the $300 The Howard Koslow Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration, respectively. Although the format may look different this year, the Student Scholarship Exhibit is traditionally held in the galleries of the Museum of American Illustrators at the Society of Illustrators which was established in 1981. Award winners, as well as Distinguished Educators in the Arts, are honored at the annual spring event. 

For a list of Ringling College’s award winners

Local artist Wilson B, also known as, Brandon J Wilson, dropped his first single this week. Brandon is a  17 year old student at Lakewood Ranch High School and Music Compound.  Brandon sings and plays the piano and saxophone.  Brandon has been a student at Music Compound for two years. He took piano lessons, then vocals. Quickly after discovering his voice, he began performing at area restaurants and events on behalf of Music Compound.  After playing piano for years, he began using his keyboard and computer to create music and beats. Brandon was inspired to produce his own music. He interned at a local recording studio and worked alongside music producer Etienne J Porter, owner of Drummer Boy Studios. He started a recording studio at his house and is working with area musicians. His first original song is SHOW ME took about a month to write, compose and produce..  The song is about believing in yourself and to go for your dreams and work for it instead of just hoping that one day you’ll get it.  Brandon stated “The reason I wrote this song is to inspire people to believe in themselves, stand up for themselves, and to work hard to achieve their dreams.”  

Click to link to get his music.

Motorworks Brewery is offering over 18 packaged beer options plus 25+ available for growler refills. Open for pick up daily from 12 Noon to 5:3-pm. The packaged to go beers include flagships Pulp Friction Grapefruit IPA, Intellectual Property Ale IPA and Midnight Espresso Coffee Porter; and, limited releases Cucumber and Rose Hips BGA Florida Weisse, Datil Pepper Chocolate Imperial Porter, Fermentis Camino American Wild Ale and Machu Peachu Post Modern Chicha. 

Order online.

Adams and Reese is pleased to announce Stephen C. Wolf, CPA, CLM has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer, based in the firm’s New Orleans office. As COO, Wolf oversees all operational aspects of the firm, including financial management, administration, technology and information services, human resources, facilities, and risk management. Wolf will also be heavily involved in the planning and execution of the firm’s strategic goals and to ensure its continued financial strength and operating efficiency, working closely with the Adams and Reese Executive Committee in this capacity.

“Stephen’s leadership qualities and outstanding credentials make him an excellent fit for the Adams and Reese leadership team,” said Gif Thornton, the firm’s Managing Partner. “We conducted a nationwide search to replace our former COO, Paul Lassalle, who retired in March, and considered candidates from as far away as New York and California. Our search committee was pleased to find such a high-caliber candidate in Stephen, right in our own backyard in New Orleans. We are pleased to welcome Stephen to Adams and Reese and look forward to many years of continued success as we enter this new chapter.”

Wolf joins Adams and Reese with a long history in professional services management and oversight. He was previously Chief Operating Officer at Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP in New Orleans, and prior to that was the firm administrator at Lugenbuhl Wheaton Peck Rankin and Hubbard and Martzell & Bickford, APC, both in New Orleans.

Currently, Wolf serves as Supervisory Committee Chair of the board of directors of ASI Federal Credit Union, overseeing the board and the management of the credit union, the fifth largest in Louisiana. In the professional sphere, Wolf is a member of the Association of Legal Administrators, and has held numerous leadership roles within the New Orleans chapter of the organization. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, Society for Human Resource Management, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and Louisiana Notary Association. Wolf has twice been named to New Orleans CityBusiness’ “Money Makers” (2017, 2019). Wolf received his Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University and completed Graduate Studies in Management at Loyola University New Orleans. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Notary Public and Certified Legal Manager.

 

For more.

Walsh & Associates CEO Joseph Walsh Jr. was named among the 2020 Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers in the country. Members must have more than 10 years of experience, at least $300 million in assets under management (AUM) and rank highly in six areas including: AUM, asset growth, compliance record, years of experience, industry certifications and online accessibility. This is Walsh’s second consecutive year to receive this recognition, and he is the only Sarasota advisor on the list.

"It is flattering to be recognized by the Financial Times as one of the top 400 advisors, but it’s more important for our clients to think of us as a top advisor," says Walsh of the award. This is especially true amid these trying times of stay-at-home orders, a barrage of coronavirus news on TV and current market volatility. Having seen several economic downturns during his career, Walsh says, "What makes a great advisor might come out in these times more than other times. Good returns and comprehensive service is all well and good, but planning for the unexpected and reacting appropriately is far more important." Walsh recommends having a plan in place before a crisis, but for those seeking advice on changes they can make right now, he suggests: "There are numerous differences in the taxes for 2020 due to the CARES Act. If you haven’t thought about revising your tax strategy, or your estate plans, do that now."

Walsh has an MBA in Finance and CFP®, CFA®, CTFA, AIFA®, CRPC®* and CPWA® designations. He has been advising Walsh & Associates clients since 1986, and his sons Joe III, Michael and Tom have joined the family firm. In addition to his role as advisor and CEO of Walsh & Associates, Walsh is a volunteer instructor for Adult & Community Enrichment (ACE) at Suncoast Technical College. His classes cover many of the same topics broached with clients, like Social Security strategies, estate planning and the transition to retirement. He also serves the Investments & Wealth Institute (formerly IMCA) as a member of the Certification Item/Test Form Review Task Force 

Click for information about the firm’s services.

Join the Sarasota Chamber today from 9am to 10am via ZOOM for "virtual" coffee with Chamber President Heather Kasten; Chamber Board Chair, Paul Caragiulo; and Guest Speakers Jonathan Lewis, Sarasota County Administrator; and Rob Lewis, Director of Governmental Relations, Sarasota County Government. They will discuss current Sarasota County Government initiatives and small business resources, followed by an opportunity for members to ask questions and share their business perspective in a Q&A session. 

Register for the event here.

The co-owners behind the talent management company MBJ Group are partnering with Target Training International (TTI) Success Insights, a leading source for research-based, validated assessment and coaching tools, to provide the Work From Home Report locally. The complimentary 24-question assessment is designed to help a respondent understand how to be an effective employee while working from home. The DISC assessment provides a comprehensive overview of how someone thinks, acts and interacts based on four different behavioral styles, such as dominant, influencing, steadiness and compliance. This exclusive report will offer personalized tips about how to work effectively based on responses related to behavioral style and how to work with the highs and lows for each of these four factors.

The assessment takes roughly 15 minutes to complete. Once submitted, a DISC styles report and worksheet are emailed along with a report that outlines the participant’s communication style, working remote tips and pointers for communicating with others. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, productivity increases by 20-25 percent in organizations with connected employees. “Everyone has their own style and tendencies,” said Jim Bos, co-owner of MBJ Group. “When working virtually, we need to become more aware of our strengths and weaknesses and how to manage them. We hope this tool will help increase employee engagement and improve understanding and communication on your team.” 

Click to assess the free online assessment.

Advisor, Jim Boyd, MAI of SVN Commercial Advisory Group recently coordinated the sale of a 14,700 SF Industrial Warehouse at 299 Sarasota Center Boulevard in Sarasota, FL. 311 Center Boulevard Inc., was the seller. The buyer was F&H Properties of Sarasota, LLC. Purchase price was $1,080,000. Boyd represented the seller. Troy Robbins of Harry E.Robbins Associates, LLC represented the buyer. “This was a nice value add property with great linkages to Lakewood Ranch, which is the reason we had multiple offers on the property” said Boyd, concerning the deal. The buyers, Frank and Heather Giuffre intend to relocate their custom AV integration business “Coastal Audio Video” to half of the building and lease the remaining space. 

Manatee Community Foundation has announced its first round of grants from the Manatee County COVID-19 Community Response Fund. The fund was established by an anonymous donor and accepts tax-deductible contributions from the community for the purpose of supporting health and human service organizations impacted by the coronavirus. Grants to date total $122,660 and have been focused on basic needs, food security, housing, virtual therapy for individuals with disabilities, protective equipment, and hospice care.

“We are fortunate for the quick work and quality work of our nonprofit partners to adapt to a rapidly changing situation,” said Susie Bowie, MCF executive director. “The generous donors who have made tax-deductible gifts to the COVID-19 Fund are giving us the opportunity to support them so that those who need help can receive it quickly. The Manatee Matches Giving Circle’s contribution of $100,000 toward matching support enabled us to increase the original $500,000 gift from the anonymous donor—meaning more is possible for our neighbors in need.”

Support for first responders and health care workers

$25,000 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County to provide free childcare
$10,000 to MCR Health Services to fund childcare expenses for health workers
$20,000 to Tidewell Hospice for additional costs incurred for patient care during COVID-19
$15,000 to Giving Alliance of Myakka City to support Manatee County Fire Chiefs and Manatee County EMS with protective supplies

Support for individuals with disabilities

$20,000 to Easterseals of Southwest Florida for remote therapy for individuals with disabilities
Support for vulnerable individuals and families

$500 to Step Up Suncoast for staff equipment to remotely assistance clients
$6,000 to Our Daily Bread for to-go containers and increased staffing for two months of prepared food service for those in need
$5,000 to Stillpoint Mission for emergency food and toiletry supplies
$1,000 to Gulfcoast Legal Services for technology to assist low income clients with legal support
Housing support for individuals in recovery
$20,160 to Harvest House in Bradenton for housing expenses for residents in recovery who lost their jobs or are unable to secure jobs during COVID-19 

Additionally, Manatee Community Foundation awarded nearly $60,000 in grants to Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee during the month of March from donor advised funds. 

For more information.

Commissioners will consider extending local emergency resolution, curfew for seven days.  Public may give feedback with online form before meeting or in person at Admin Building during the meeting.  Manatee County Commissioners will hold another virtual meeting  today April 17 at 1 pm to consider a seven-day extension of a supplemental local emergency resolution intended to protect public safety by preventing the spread of COVID-19.  Since last week's meeting, the number of local cases has grown from 200 to 288, a 70 percent increase. Deaths attributed to COVID-19 have grown from 13 to 19 during the same period. As part of the measures Manatee County Government is taking to protect public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Manatee County Board of County Commissioners are holding virtual meetings via video conference. Members of the public and media can watch the meeting live on www.mymanatee.org/mga and on Manatee Government Access (MGA) Spectrum channel 644, Verizon channel 30 and Comcast channel 20.Commissioners will hold their first regular meeting via video conference on Tuesday, April 21. The agenda for that meeting will be posted later today on the County's website.  

To enter your comments into the public record this and upcoming meetings, members of the public may do so in one of two ways:

• You may deliver your comments in person to Commissioners during the meeting in the first floor Patricia M. Glass County Commission Chambers of the Manatee County Administrative Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. If you choose this option, you must adhere to the CDC's social distancing guidelines.
•  
• You may fill out an online comment form in advance of the meeting. Be sure to include your name and submit your remarks by the meeting deadline. County Commissioners may not receive your comments before the meeting if the form is submitted after the deadline.

The supplemental emergency resolution created a temporary local curfew and provides local law enforcement agencies the ability to enforce group gathering restrictions on public property, in conjunction with Governor DeSantis' Executive Order 20-91 & 20-92.  

For more info.

Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty surrounding stay-at-home orders and bans on public gathering, The Urbanite has not been able to rehearse, build or administer any theatrical productions. As a result, they have postponed all programming for April, May and June, at the very least. They're now facing more than $100,000 in lost ticketing revenue.

How can you help?
Participate in The Giving Challenge on April 28th. With all gifts being matched up to $100 by the Patterson Foundation, along with tens of thousands of dollars in awards available, this 24-hour window of giving could be the single most important day in their short history.

How do you participate?
All you'll have to do is visit our Giving Challenge page on April 28th at noon.

Giving Challenge FAQ

— All individual gifts of at least $25 will be matched, up to $100.
— There is no limit to the size of gift you can make, or the number of matched gifts we can receive.
— It's better for two people to donate $100 each than one person donate $200.
— All donations must be made with a credit card.
— The donation window opens April 28th at 12noon and closes April 29th at 12noon.
— Awards will be given to nonprofits who garner the highest number of unique individual donations. Urbanite Theatre has won monetary awards in this category every year they've participated in the Giving Challenge—proof that every donation matters. 

See the video featuring Co-Artistic Directors Brendan Ragan and Summer Wallace.

For the past seven years, the Perlman Suncoast Super Strings program has provided Florida-based string students (ages 8-18) with the opportunity to play side-by-side with the PMP Orchestra during the Winter Residency, under the baton of Maestro Itzhak Perlman. This year, 45 string students from 15 counties in Florida participated. All prepared successful auditions and gathered for an autumn workshop coached by exceptional Florida music educators. The performance is quite the once-in-a-lifetime experience for a young string student! We think you will enjoy the Super Strings performance, which is followed by a Q&A with Mr. and Mrs. Perlman and a PMP Orchestra rehearsal.

Perlman Suncoast is joining 600+ local non-profits to participate in the 2020 Giving Challenge presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. For 24 hours on April 28-29 - from noon-to-noon - you can #BeTheOne to support Perlman Suncoast. For 16 years, Perlman Suncoast's programs, like Super Strings, have served the community, educating and inspiring generations of musicians and audiences. Your gift made online during this 24-hour period will help us to continue to bring accessible, world-class music to school-age students and the greater community, including providing special opportunities to interact with talented students and alumni of The Perlman Music Program. What makes this 24-hour Giving Challenge extra special is the commitment from The Patterson Foundation to strengthen it with a 1:1 match for online donations between $25-$100, effectively doubling donations within that dollar range. The match only applies once per person for each non-profit, although you may give to multiple non-profits and be matched each time.

Watch Felix Mendelssohn's String Sinfonia No.2 in D Major (Movement 1)

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing delivered to five area hospitals, 4,000 cans of the New Hi-Ball Energy Drink and Cold Coffee at Blaker Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and Venice Regional Hospital. The new Hi-Ball Organic Ruby Red Energy Drink, Hil-Ball Cold Brew Coffee (Black Mocha and Vanilla) is for the staff, doctors and nurses to enjoy and give a boost to their shifts. All locations were very gravious and excited to try them all. This was for sure a "Feel Good Moment" to give to those who have given so much in these crazy times fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The organization continues to offer essential services such as mental health counseling, employment coaching, resource advising and Ask an Attorney. Two recent grants helped facilitate these efforts. In response to the COVD-19 crisis, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) has adapted its client delivery model so that it can continue to offer critical services via remote and virtual platforms to individuals in Sarasota and Manatee counties. While WRC’s three centers in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice are closed, such services as mental health counseling, employment coaching, resource advising, and Ask an Attorney are still available. WRC has also created a resource page on its website (https://www.mywrc.org/covid19resources/) with up-to-date information about 211 access options, food service sites, financial resources, employment services, and other pertinent information. People are also encouraged to sign up for WRC’s weekly Resource Report. For more information about any of these resources, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.mywrc.org or call visit call 941-256-9721

“The Women’s Resource Center has been the place for women and families to turn to when faced with the unexpected for decades,” says WRC CEO Ashley Brown. “Our goal is to help connect people to the resources they need during this crisis, and to assist our partners with getting the word out about opportunities. Access to funding during this crisis is a top concern.” Brown says that two recent grants have helped to facilitate these efforts. A $21,500 COVID-19 Response Initiative grant issued from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation will help to provide women with critical counseling sessions and social support through enhanced telecommunications. In addition, the Manatee Community Foundation provided a $7,500 grant to support single women through access to essential basic needs and WRC case management.  “This support comes at exactly the right time and we are all very grateful to both foundations,” says Brown.
 

For more info.