SRQ DAILY Jul 3, 2020
Friday Weekend Edition
"It's easy to be overwhelmed in these times, but each morning we have two choices: we can say good morning, God or we can say good God, morning."
There are two questions Bruce Ensinger keeps hearing over and over again. When is it safe to rehearse, and when is it safe to perform? As accompanist and one of the choirmasters for Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, Ensinger still does not have an answer. “If the numbers keep going up, who knows?” he says.
That uncertainty applies to his own life as much as it does to the singers he works with. His church has closed, his freelance work as an accompanist has dried up and his monthly block parties have been shelved until further notice. Lately, the best he and the singers of Diversity have been able to do is a weekly Twitch stream hosted by artistic director Christopher Romeo that includes an hour of vocal technique and an hour of repertoire work. Though it may be a nice way to stay connected, nobody pretends these virtual sessions are as fulfilling as the real thing. “It’s just not the same when you can’t hear what the group sounds like together,” says Ensinger, “what singers love is singing with other people.”
In spite of all the sacrifices being made in the spirit of public health or the onslaught of headlines from the frontlines of the Black Lives Matter movement, Ensinger has found ways to be positive. His cheerful disposition reflects a deep well of optimism he has managed to dip into to fill his time with joy. “I like to say that if the glass isn’t half full, get a smaller glass and keep filling,” he says. So, Ensinger kept filling. He kept up his piano work by adding to and refining his repertoire, got busy making masks for his neighbors and for frontline workers, and found himself engaged in projects around the house. “My husband and I moved here four years ago,” he says, “and we still have some things to unpack.” Cookbooks mixed in with tax documents, artwork in need of frames, knickknacks needing to be dusted off or given to Goodwill.
The small victories of the homebound helped to fill Ensinger's cup, but larger victories reinforced his optimism. The US Supreme Court recently upheld legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. “When I saw all the conservative justices confirmed, it was a little scary,” says Ensinger, “but I think the court of public opinion is on the right side, and obviously it’s a big relief that the Supreme Court decided the way it did.” No matter the size and scale of the victory, Ensinger finds time to celebrate. “It’s easy to be overwhelmed in these times,” says Ensinger, “but each morning we have two choices: we can say ‘good morning, God’ or we can say ‘good God, morning.’” 
Photo Courtesy of Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota
The Van Wezel Foundation announces the appointment of Susan McCreary, as its Chief Finance and Administration Officer. McCreary brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and administration leadership from global companies. In her new role, McCreary will be responsible for leading the organization's business operations, including financial planning and analysis, accounting functions, Human Resources and IT. She will also serve as a strategic partner and advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors and the executive leadership team as the Foundation looks to build a new performing arts center on the Bayfront.
"Susan McCreary joins the Foundation at a pivotal time of expansion as we partner with the city of Sarasota to build the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center," noted Cheryl Mendelson, CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation. "Her breadth of experience and success in building strong teams is an enormous asset as we scale up our operations and strategically plan for growth."
Get ready to explore, discover, and play with a brand new edition of Music Moves Us. Starting Monday, Sarasota Orchestra Education Edition will feature fresh video content created and curated by Sarasota Orchestra musicians, faculty of the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, and community leaders in music education.Spanning three weeks of free tutorials and hands-on activities, the Education Edition of Music Moves Us is accessible to a wide range of ages and experience levels, from beginner to advanced. As participants develop their musicianship in each day’s course, they will build invaluable skills that transfer to many areas of life, such as managing performance anxiety or building healthy habits and sustainable routines.Each lesson and activity comes with links to supplemental videos, apps, and tools for further enrichment. Keep reading for a schedule of upcoming courses, share with other musical explorers of all ages, and come join us in the Education Edition of Music Moves Us.
Sarasota Orchestra, 709 N Tamiami Trail, web@sarasotaorchestra.org
Acai bowls. Chocolate Peanut Butter Toast. Caramel Macchiatos. And Juices. Lots and lots of fresh juices. Owner of Mariah's Juice, Nader Khater, migrated from the country of Jordan to Tampa, before making his way south to Sarasota for a new mix. Mariah's is named after Khater's baby girl and customers, as soon as they walk in, can feel the warmth and love that not only went into the build-out, branding and design of the new juicery, but into each blended healthade on the menu. From tropical fruit smoothies to clean green juices and protein-packed shakes, Mariah's brings all the nutritious wellness in liquid form with super simple ingredients, and without the downtown prices. Honey or organic brown sugar can be added to any for a bit of added sweetness, as well as whole, almond or soy milk for the smoothies. For a bright pick-me-up from a pure family business, head in for a coffee and cinnamon toast with sliced bananas on the way to work, or sign up for a juice cleanse of six bottles a day of your choice, including Apple Immunity, Golden Orange and Celery Detox. Tucked away in a quaint shopping plaza on Beneva Road, don't miss this stripmall treasure. Mariah's truly is the epitome of a hidden gem.
Photo courtesy of Mariah's Juice, 935 N Beneva Rd Ste., Sarasota.
Recently reopened under new ownership, element: steak. seafood. and pasta has created a truly inspired menu of classic fine dining favorites with some unexpected, pun intended, elements.
This, “timeless, yet boldly modern,” approach to food arrives at the table ready to surprise and delight guests. Beef carpaccio has traded one letter to become Beet Carpaccio, a playful swap that transforms a usually carnivorous dish into a light, healthier but nonetheless delicious version of the original. Topped with a golden beet vinaigrette, romesco sauce and addictive spiced almonds, no one will be missing the meat in this dish.
Serving up an eclectic mix of premium steaks, handmade pastas and appetizer portions of southern staples like shrimp and grits, there is truly something for everyone. The Pan Seared Salmon comes with an adapted green goddess dressing made with greek yogurt and a refreshing jicama and peppadew pepper slaw. It’s these bursts of fresh flavor that make each dish standout, like the Seared Halibut that comes over thinly shaved and chilled asparagus and lemon caper butter.
As Chef Nils Tarantik says, “We are really focused on seasonal ingredients and preparations of our dishes, with the emphasis on classical techniques. We have formed a culinary team that has a true passion for food and extracting all the natural flavors and colors that are unique to the individual ingredients while bringing them together in a cohesive composed dish. We source only the best ingredients from around the world while sourcing locally whenever possible. We only work with the best because we strive to be the best for the people of Sarasota."
With each bite you can taste Chef Nils commitment and dedication to only offering the best of the best. Insider tip? End with the Passion Fruit Key Lime Pie for the perfect finish.
element: steak. seafood. pasta, 1413 Main St, 941-724-8585, www.elementsrq.com
Originally opened in 1956 Brants Books is one of Florida's oldest and largest bookstores and has been an instituion in Sarasota for over 64 years. Open Monday through Friday from 10:00am - 5:00pm, and Saturdays from 11:00am-5:00pm (excluding July 4th weekend) Brant's Books is back open following social distancing guidelines. Masks are required, restrooms are closed to the public and they've enforced limited shopping times if too many people are in the store. They also offer curbside pick up and shipping for books. With over 150,000 books, there is something for everyone to chose from.
Brants Books, 429 N Lime Ave, 941-365-3658, brantsbooks@gmail.com
The St. Armands Garage has earned a special distinction from Parksmart, the world’s only certification program that defines, measures and recognizes high-performing, sustainable garages. The City-owned garage, which opened in 2019, has achieved Parksmart’s Silver certification following an extensive application and review process.
The St. Armands garage scored high marks for its highly efficient LED light harvesting system, electric vehicle charging stations, innovative stormwater management system, extensive bicycle parking and bike repair station. Another key sustainability feature of the garage is its state-of-the-art rooftop solar panel array, which generates 42 percent of the building’s energy. Ninety-nine percent of the construction materials used for the garage were regionally sourced, and 87 percent of the waste produced during construction was recycled or diverted from landfills. More than 75 percent of the labor was local.
“The City of Sarasota is committed to addressing climate change through sustainable practices and energy efficiency in all of its infrastructure projects. The St. Armands Garage is a shining example of that commitment,” said City Manager Tom Barwin. “The building’s innovative and thoughtful design features provide environmental benefits along with a safe and accessible parking option for residents and visitors.”
Fishman & Associates is working with Sandvick Architects, Inc. based in Cleveland and IN Development Partners based in San Francisco to design the food and beverage service areas for the Palmetto Sheraton Hotel adjacent to the Bradenton Area Convention Center. The 8-story 252-room hotel will feature a full service restaurant, banquet kitchen, rooftop bar and kitchen, lobby bar, coffee bar, and outdoor tiki bar for the resort-style pool. The new hotel is expected to open in late 2021.
Beginning July 1, the Brain Health Initiative invites nominations of youth leaders (16 years or older) to the BHI Brain Health Scholar Program. Brain Health Scholars will work remotely with scientists and clinicians from the Brain Health Initiative for about 20 hours throughout summer and fall 2020 in its effort to promote and protect brain health, fight brain illness, and improve performance for all ages throughout the Suncoast region. In the future, Brain Scholars may have additional opportunities to work with the BHI on brain health projects or learning experiences. Brain Health Scholars will receive a certificate of participation documenting their service hours contributing to this unique opportunity to assist on a community-wide research study conducted by the Brain Health Initiative and Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Medical School Teaching Hospital. Nominations may be received beginning July 1 from collaborating school districts, schools, and youth organizations. Nominations should be student leaders who have an interest in science, medicine, and/or health and well-being.
For more information please contact Kim Miele at kmiele@brainhealthinitiative.org.
LyteWorks Lighting of Bradenton, Jesse White with Sarasota Architectural Salvage and Advisor Diane Lawson with SVN Commercial Advisory Group have together donated $5,000 to The All-Star Children’s Foundation. This donation will be used to complete its “Campus of Hope and Healing,” which includes The All-Star Children’s Center, where trauma-focused clinical services are offered. The campus also features six foster family homes that provide children ages 0-18, with a nurturing, family-style home environment and comprehensive, trauma-sensitive treatment. Siblings will be kept together, and parents and caregivers will also be offered a range of innovative services. All-Star also serves children in the region’s child welfare system and their families on an outpatient basis. The donation will furnish one of the six foster family homes.
For more information about All-Star Children’s Foundation, visit www.allstarchildrensfoundation.org.
The McCune Family Foundation has awarded Children First a $50,000 grant to provide scholarships for Sarasota County’s most economically vulnerable children. This grant will aid the agency in continuing to provide access to comprehensive care and education. Since 2017, the McCune Family Foundation has granted $180,000 to Children First through support of the agency’s Raise Your Hand Campaign and comprehensive services for children and families. “The McCune Family Foundation understands the importance of providing families with opportunity through early childhood education. We are thankful for their continued, uplifting support and partnership as we provide the highest quality of care and services to our children and families living at-risk,” says CEO Philip Tavill.
The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) launches its Monthly Giving Program as it enters its 41st year of service. This program, “Ripple of Hope,” will provide long-term and sustainable support to CPC’s core programs as the nonprofit faces the anticipated increase in child abuse cases due to COVID-19. This program is supplemented by two matching challenges: the 2020 Flanzer Contribution Matching Program, which matches donations between $5 and $500 per month up to $500,000; and CPC donors Sherry and Doug Chapman, who have pledged to match the first $15,000 in donations through the Flanzer Match. These matching challenges provide donors the opportunity to triple their contributions.
"Knowing the difficulties involved with investigating abuse against children and knowing the long-lasting negative impacts abuse has on everyone involved, it is comforting to know that your organization is there to help put the pieces back together,” said Andrew Leisenring, Lieutenant at the Venice Police Department and weekly donor of the Child Protection Center. “We decided to donate to CPC on a weekly basis for two primary reasons. We wanted to provide a source of consistent funding to CPC and it allowed us to spread out the expense so that it did not adversely impact our budget. It feels like a small donation in the short-term but adds up to something substantial by the end of the year.”
From 10:00am to 12:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July, the Manatee County Agricultural Museum is providing “Take It Make It” take-home activities. There are parent/self-guided learning activities for children to have hands-on fun, complete projects, and learn new things. This is an opportunity to help children learn more about agriculture and spend some quality time with parents or other adults. Projects include themes such as fruits and veggies, nature or bees. “Take It Make It” projects can be reserved on the Ag Museum’s website, www.manateecountyagmuseum.com. Curbside pick-up is at the Museum’s back door, located at 1015 6th St. West, Palmetto. This program is a free community resource
For more information, email agriculturalmuseum@manateeclerk.com or call (941)721-2034.
REACH Manatee is hosting an informational webinar about virtual mentoring opportunities in the community. A free informational webinar, Mentoring in Today’s “Virtual” World, will be hosted on Monday, July 13 at 4pm by REACH Manatee. This local partnership made up of representatives from business, education, nonprofit, and philanthropy, brings community leaders together to identify opportunities to bridge gaps and help low-income students earn a college degree or industry-recognized credential. Participants will learn how they can become virtual mentors and support this important initiative.
Local farms and food vendors prove tenaciously nimble as farmers markets are forced to pull the plug.
Click here to read the full article from SRQ's Summer 2020 edition.
High School graduation ceremonies for the School District of Manatee County’s Class of 2020 – which were postponed due to COVID-19 – have been rescheduled for LECOM Park in Bradenton the week of Monday, July 27, through Saturday, August 1, 2020. LECOM Park, located at 1611 9th St. W., in Bradenton, is the spring training home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and their minor league affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders.
“Like everything associated with the COVID-19 crisis, we have had to be flexible and proactive to make sound and safe decisions that are in the best interests of everyone involved,” said Superintendent Cynthia Saunders. “There is no perfect time or venue for these ceremonies, but our ultimate goal is to give our graduates and their families the recognition they have earned for receiving their diplomas.”
To protect our patients, visitors, physicians and caregivers, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota is implementing a modified visitor policy, effective Monday, July 6 until further notice. The hospital continues to have very few COVID-19 patients, but as the virus continues to spread in the community, extra precautions are needed. There is no change for elective surgeries, which are continuing as planned. The hospital continues to have sufficient amounts of PPE, ventilators and capacity to care for patients.
The visitor policy will be: Inpatient Units – No visitors are permitted. Emergency Room – One visitor is allowed per patient in the ER. Outpatient Procedures – One visitor is allowed per patient who is having an outpatient surgery or other outpatient procedure requiring sedation. Anyone under the age of 18 will not be considered for visitation unless they are the parent of a hospitalized child.
On Saturday July 4th catch Debbie Keeton at Mattison's Forty-One 7275 S. Tamiami at 5:00pm or The Ron Kraemer Trio with special guest Dan Dembicki at Blase' Cafe at 7:00pm.
The 2020 Players New Play Festival has gone virtual. In order to stay safe and to still have our friends listen and experience our 5 finalists. See these brand new, never-before-performed plays through Zoom. The five chosen plays are performed in readers-style theater by actors under the leadership of a local director with a talk-back following the show to give the playwright some constructive criticism led by Managing Artistic Director Jeffery Kin. Tickets must be purchased by noon the day of the show. If you want to take advantage of the group pricing, make sure you decide that when you first purchase, please. The day of the show you will receive a Zoom link to your email by 5pm that evening. Experience a different show each night. Echo Nevada on Monday, June 29. The Manager on Tuesday, June 30. The Rabbit Test on Wednesday, July 1. Next Wife on Thursday, July 2. Medium Well Done on Friday, July 3.
Nathan Benderson Park’s annual July 3 tradition, NBP Fireworks On The Lake, returns with a social distancing twist. It’s the finale of WWSB ABC7’s Independence Day special, tentatively airing at 9pm Saturday, July 4, 2020. The in-person fireworks celebration at the park will be a drive-in, social-distancing event. Fireworks will begin at 9pm on July 3 at the park. Ticketed fireworks viewing areas are on the park’s Regatta Island, in the Green Lot next to the SCAT station on North Cattlemen Road, and on the park’s south end. Vehicles will be spaced to allow for social distancing, so parking in each lot will be limited. Tickets will be sold beginning June 24, 2020. Pricing is $15 per car and $40 for recreational vehicles, with RV parking in the south park lot.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
For the last 15 years, Choral Artists of Sarasota has honored Independence Day with a concert of rousing songs celebrating the United States. The choral group will continue that tradition this July 4—with a twist. To ensure the safety of its singers and audience, the concert will be virtual. According to Artistic Director Joseph Holt, this year’s concert will feature highlights of previous Independence Day celebrations—and will be streamed over various platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. “Audiences should prepare to tune in and sing along on July 4 at 4 pm,” says Holt. “We’ll be safe, and we’ll be celebrating.”
Holt explains that Choral Artists’ July 4th concert “has been a vital part of our community’s celebration of Independence Day for the past 15 years. These concerts featured musical pieces that form the heart and soul of our collective national sense of pride and patriotism. For all these years, Choral Artists has celebrated, through music, the thread of ‘liberty and justice for all’ that characterizes our nation.” He adds that, last year, Choral Artists moved the concert to the Sarasota Opera House due to popular demand. It also partnered with the Sarasota Concert Band last year to present a “musical tradition that is as American as hot dogs, apple pie and fireworks.” Original plans for the live performance of “American Fanfare” were to include patriotic music composed by female composers. This year’s virtual performance will feature one of those works, “The March of the Women” composed by suffragette Ethel Smyth, recorded specifically for this concert.
Holt says the July 4th video will feature hits from the past years, including such patriotic standards as the "Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “God Bless America,” and “America the Beautiful.” According to Holt, with the cancellation of the group’s “Listen to the Earth” in April and the July 4th concert, Choral Artists has lost more than $50,000 in ticket sales. “This represents a significant loss of income for our singers,” he says. “As we are all freelance musicians in this organization with incomes derived from a variety of performing opportunities, the pandemic has been financially devastating.”
Online.
The State of Talent Conference is presented by CareerSource Suncoast and is the premier one-day conference experience completely focused on the future of workforce and talent development. This leadership-focused conference provides a unique insight into the current state of talent and what leaders need to do to tackle one of business’ most complex challenges, their people assets. While the original live conference was cancelled this year in light of COVID-19, we are pleased to provide a completely immersive digital experience. Free. Fully Immersive Digital Experience. 4+ CEUs (SHRM/HRCI).
Virtual.
Summer Camp will be virtual this year from June 15 to August 7, 2020! We have decided for the health and safety of our teachers and campers that we will host camp virtually. Camp hours: 10am – 3pm. Cost: $75 for members | $100 for non-members (youth membership is $25) for one week. Space is limited please register for the weeks that your child is interested in.
The Creative Kids Summer Camp is for ages 6-9 years old. The Emerging Artists Summer Camp is for ages 10-13 years old. Contemporary Studies Summer Camp is for ages 14-18.
A Supply List will be sent to parents a few weeks before the camp week starts. The supply lists contain basic materials that your camper will be able to use more than once and where to find them. The camp project packet will be downloadable, for printing at home, on the Friday before the camp week starts and contains the projects for the next week. A printed version of the Camp project packet will be available upon request for pickup at the Art Center the Friday before camp from 10-2pm.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Introducing Asolo Rep Young Artist: Online Classes, designed for ages 8-18. From demystifying Shakespeare to exploring innovative ways of creating theatre together, these classes will spark your young artist’s imagination and help to hone their theatrical technique. See below to find out more about the exciting content and amazing professional artists who will be leading these classes. Classes are $50 to $75 to register. Contact Asolo Rep Education & Engagement Department: education@asolo.org
Online Program.
Join us on Thursday, July 9th for this month's YPG After Hours! Whether you're looking to make new friends, build your network, or learn more about what Sarasota has to offer, this is a great opportunity to connect with other young professionals in the region. Along with drink specials, enjoy appetizing lite bites for the duration of the event.
Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota
A one night only virtual event roasting and toasting our friend and Managing Artistic Director Jeffery Kin. You know him, you love him, but now it's time to roast him. Jeffery Kin is celebrating his birthday with roasts and toasts from some of your favorite local performers virtually. Household Tickets $20.
Paint along with Carolyn, working freestyle in watercolor – allowing the colors to flow freely using a large brush and finishing with an impressionistic study of florals. Instructor: Carolyn Merenda. Class Fee: $70 (Members $55).
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Ultra-white sand beaches and magnificent sunsets have long defined our region, but just nine miles east of I-75 you’ll find an environment just as alluring, exotic and primal at the Myakka River State Park. For more than 20 years, Clyde Butcher has explored the deeper regions of Myakka and spent seasons experiencing its changes and its diverse ecosystems. Designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, the tannic waters flow through bottomland swamp and freshwater marsh spilling into lakes and sinkholes. Alligators, turtles and cottonmouths swim in the river. Herons, cranes and limpkins strut through its shallows, feeding in the muck. In the rainy season, the river rises and floods. In the dry months, the river shrinks and wildlife once again lines the banks of the Myakka River. Myakka River: A Florida Treasure features large-format, amazing photographs taken by world-renowned landscape photographer Clyde Butcher, known as the “Ansel Adams of Florida.” The special exhibition will remain open through September 6, 2020. Visiting is included in the price of admission.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton
A Zoom Workshop will be offered Tuesdays at 6:00 pm on July 28, August 4, August 11, August 18. Led by store owner, Georgia Court, this is a chance to give poetry writing a try. They will be using Ted Kooser’s The Poetry Home Repair Manual as a guide. As a bonus, two experienced and well-published poets, Phil Terman and Rick Hilles, will be making guest appearances. A fee of $30 is required for participation. This includes a copy of The Poetry Home Repair Manual and all four sessions.
Bookstore1
Florida Studio Theatre is pleased to announce that it will present an online improv festival the same weekend its annual Sarasota Improv Festival was slated to take place: Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12. Held completely online, this Festival features workshops, shows, and interviews with established improvisers from around the world, including Joe Bill (a founding member of Chicago’s Annoyance Theater), Craig Cackowski (Quartet, Orange Tuxedo), and Gael Perry (French improv troupe, La Carpe Haute). Shows and interviews can be accessed for free on the Sarasota Improv Festival’s Facebook page. Workshops will be conducted over Zoom and cost $30 each. To register for workshops, visit floridastudiotheatre.org or call FST’s Box Office at 941-366-9000.
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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