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SRQ DAILY Oct 31, 2014

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"This project combines two very important things for me: my love of art and my desire to see talented young people develop their musical abilities through the many programs at PMP/Suncoast."

- Linda Driggs, PMP/Suncoast
 

[Community]  The Art of the Violin Revealed
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Invited guests last night gathered in the Laurel Oak home of Ellen and John Cavanaugh for the unveiling of the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast’s latest endeavor, The Art of the Violin, an exhibition of 20 violins painted, adorned and otherwise transformed by local artists from identical instruments into singular works of art. From the mechanical to the organic, the simple to the ornate, whether it be through acrylic, sculpture or mixed media, artists brought their own vision and experience to the challenge, creating a diverse collection at once united and decidedly disparate.

“I thought it would be a great experience,” said artist Karen Prosper Davenport, who created an interactive display with her violin, painting a mother owl on the instrument and hanging it from the frame of another painting depicting two owlets. Flipping the violin reveals a painting of the mother owl in profile, imparting versatility to the installation. “An owl lends itself to the shape of the violin, plus the owl’s sound is so musical and I love it. They make me think of music.”

Similarly, artist Tim Jaeger’s contribution depicts a rather striking portrait of a rooster, staring fixedly out of the instrument’s face. And while a handful of artists utilized marine imagery to enhance the shape of the violin, others, such as Todd Grywinski, who painted his violin to resemble an industrial construction, opted for stark contrast. Gay Germain’s was hard to miss, jet black atop a matching pedestal, flanked with swirls of curved and shaped wood looking like a collapsed treble clef.

Beginning in November, the violins will be showcased for the public in galleries around town before being auctioned in February with all proceeds going to PMP/Suncoast’s educational programs.

“They have donated their time and their artistry and given it all to the program,” said PMP/Suncoast board chair Fran Lambert, of the response from the local artistic community, which garnered even more volunteers than the project could take. “We thank them for that.”

PMP programs such as the Super Strings, which gives young violinists and violists the opportunity to learn from and perform with famed conductor Itzhak Perlman and the PMP String Orchestra, and PMP’s Education Outreach Program, sending professional musicians into local schools to work with students, will continue to benefit the community.

Central to the mission of PMP/Suncoast, as expressed by Lambert and others, is a belief in the central importance of arts education, an area often hurt most by underfunding and budget shortfalls.

“This project combines two very important things for me: my love of art and my desire to see talented young people develop their musical abilities through the many programs at PMP/Suncoast,” said Linda Driggs, co-chair of The Art of the Violin project. “We’re hoping to support our programs and keep music in the schools”

As for the artists, it was an opportunity to support the arts, but also to test their skills and embrace a new challenge.

“I’m a big fan of Itzhak Perlman so when they asked if I wanted to do this, I said ‘Absolutely,’” said James Griffin, local artist and former fiddler, whose work Adagio Appassionato gets its name from the music he was listening to when he created it. “It was a challenge, but I had an idea of what I wanted to do and it was thrilling to watch it happen on the violin itself.”

The auction will take place at a reception on February 19. 

[Politics]  Development Policy Dividing Line For County Commission Hopefuls
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

After a heated and sometimes nasty Republican primary this year, the November contest for the open District 4 seat on the Sarasota County Commission has proven comparatively tame, and candidates still in contention don't seem interested in changing that. But all the contenders—a Republican, a Democrat and a no-party candidate—are hopeful of victory on Tuesday night. 

Alan Maio, former Sarasota County Planning Commissioner, won the Republican primary in August but hasn't slowed down the campaign leading to the general election, he said. But his message, maximizing on an improving economy, remains the same. "We've held onto the same playbook from the beginning," he said. "We hope for a big turnout and across-the-board Republican victories."

Democrat Ray Porter, former journalist and current Sarasota Association of Realtors spokesman, likewise hopes his party's successes across the board carry him to victory. Porter advocated smart growth, and promises if elected to be a voice of rationale to moderate development policies. "I don't see myself as anti-growth, but you need someone rational that says these voices of dissent, from CONA [Council of Neighborhood Associations] or from Sarasota Citizens for Sensible Government, have valid points. They have read consultants from around the country and have tested models showing this is not a good proceeding we are on."

John Minder, of Minder and Associates Engineering, chose to run without a party affiliation, though he is a registered Republican, because he feels county contests should be nonpartisan. Minder has called for an end to fiscal neutrality requirements on growth, which he said make it impossible to finance development in the county. "I believe you should run government like a corporation," he said, suggesting if there is no growth the county will fall undo further economic doldrums. Right now, he said, Sarasota's policies are preventing a rebound like that seen in Manatee County. 

The Sarasota County Commission District 4 election will be held Tuesday. All registered voters in Sarasota County can participate in the election. 

[Health]  Safe Sleep Initiative Launched in Sarasota
Ben Reece

The safety and preservation of infants and newborns was on everybody’s mind at the Sheriffs department today. The launch of the Safe Sleep Sarasota Initiative was marked by a press conference held at the Sarasota Sheriff’s Department. The Safe Sleep Sarasota Initiative is a community-wide movement that intends to educate and protect new families from preventable infant deaths. 

More than 450 infants each year die in Florida due to neglect, 100 of those from the completely preventable cause of unsafe sleep. “I could build a preschool with the hundred babies that aren’t with us today,” said Mike Carroll, Florida Secretary of the  Department of Children and Families. Measures as simple as keeping infants alone, on their backs and in a crib could prevent these deaths.

Shon Ewans, executive director of the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, said three babies have died this way in Sarasota County this calendar year, and six died here in 2013. 

Caroll expressed his confidence in Sarasota as the place the Safe Sleep Initiative would succeed, mentioning an unprecedented level of community and government collaboration. The Initiative necessitates this kind of collaboration, Carroll said, because the community needs to wholeheartedly embrace initiatives for them to be successful.

Carroll mentioned that simply educating new parents is not enough—the education also has to spread to the families of those new parents. Potential resistance to the Safe Sleep Initiative was identified in families who relied on traditions based on outdated models of child rearing, like the now-dated belief that lying a child on their stomach to sleep is beneficial.

The Safe Sleep Sarasota Initiative is completely community supported and funded. Sarasota Memorial Hospital committed to a program of educating new parents about safe sleep practices.  And to help spread the information about unsafe and safe sleep to new parents in Sarasota, the Community Foundation of Sarasota CEO Roxie Jerde presented the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County with a check for $5,000. This money will go towards the creation of safe sleep kits, which will include educational information on proper safe sleep methods.

Jerde said one of the markers of success for the Safe Sleep Sarasota Initiative will be the number of families that are made aware of the issue of unsafe sleep. The end goal for the Initiative will be to reduce the number of infant deaths attributable to unsafe sleep to zero, from the three to six it has been in past years. 

[Daily Shop]  Out of The Mouth of Babes
Anna Rachel Rich, annar@srqmediagroup.com

Calling all dribblers, droolers, bottle shakers and mess makers—meal time just took a turn for the trendy. Everyone knows there’s no formula for fashion, but now there’s fashion for your little munchkin’s formula with Mini Maniacs Bib Slicks. Ensuring your tater-tot’s feeding frenzy is tidy and tasteful, the bib’s clear vinyl top layer and mildew-resistant pleather makes clean-up easy as ABC.

For the queens of the court, the Tiara bib will have your baby mumbling “th-rone” when she wants to sit in her highchair. For the VIPs (very important progenies) in the crowd, the Backstage Pass bib will ensure your rowdy rocker’s never a disgrace with food on their face. Don’t let your western pardner be caught without his High Noon bib or risk accusations of dressing under the influence. Two-step on over to Picobello Children’s Store on Main Street to find an assortment of bibs for babes ideal for every meal. 

Picobello Children's Store, 1462 Main Street

Picobello Children's Store

[Recognition]  Sanger Awarded Pleatco Future Leadership Award

Pleatco Pure awarded Tom Sanger, pool contractor for LaPensee Plumbing and Pools, with the distinguished honor of the 2014 Pleatco Future Leadership Award for his success in the industry. Sanger built the pool division of LaPensee from the ground up and now oversees more than 400 local accounts. 

LaPensee Plumbing and Pools

[Recognition]  CYD to Lead Local Global Youth Service Day

Community Youth Development has been chosen by Youth Service America as one of 65 organizations around the country as a 2015 Global Youth Service Day Lead Agency. GYSD is the largest service event in the world and will take place April 17-19. As a GYSD Lead Agency, CYD will lead a community-wide service project that engages local organizations, businesses and youth.  The service project will be designed by CYD Youth Leaders and implemented throughout the community. Organizations or businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact CYD for more information. 

Community Youth Development

[Recognition]  Detective Honored by Florida Retail Federation

Sheriff Tom Knight announced the Florida Retail Federation recognized Detective Carlos Verdoni with an Honorable Mention for 2014 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. Verdoni was honored today by Dan Doyle, chief human resources officer of Beall’s, on behalf of the Florida Retail Federation. 

Sarasota Sheriffs Department

[Recognition]  SMH Recognizes Reid, Gordillo

Sarasota Memorial honored two outstanding physicians for their service to the hospital and community on Tuesday. Former Chief Medical Officer and Psychiatrist Dr. Parlane Reid was awarded the health system's 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, while Infectious Disease Specialist and Hospital Epidemiologist Dr. Manuel Gordillo was named 2014 Physician of the Year.  

Sarasota Memorial Hospital

[Recognition]  Temple Beth Sholom Schools Appoints New Director

Temple Beth Sholom Schools, a Sarasota preschool to eighth grade private school, announced it will welcome Daniel Ceaser as the school’s director in July. Ceaser, who is visiting the Sarasota area until today, is a nationally recognized school leader with over a decade of administrative leadership experience. In his new role, Ceaser will be responsible for all aspects of the operational and instructional programming at TBS Schools. 

Temple Beth Sholom Schools

[Candidate]  Ken Marsh, Sarasota School Board District 1

I declared my candidacy for the Sarasota County School Board District 1 seat because of my commitment to continuing our status as the best school district in Florida. This commitment stems from my deep understanding of the needs of our schools and families, gained by my years as a school social worker assisting parents and teachers. This commitment has been strengthened by my 35 years in local education, working in settings such as school choice and charter schools, and concluding with 11 years as Sarasota Schools’ Director of Long Range Planning.

The single, defining issue in this election is candidate qualifications. The School Board is big business—a $700-million-plus budget, the County’s largest employer tasked with educating the next generation of workers, entrepreneurs, parents and local leaders.  The District 1 seat should be filled by the individual who already knows the school district, who already has trusting relationships with local governments and civic leaders, who already knows how to lead large, complex organizations. A School Board seat is not an entry level position.

So here is my Year One agenda:

  1. Engage the Board, district leadership, schools and parents in School Safety forums, with the goal of implementing a comprehensive school safety plan for the 2015-16 budget
  2. Work with local governments, preschools, foundations, parents and others to develop and enhance programs to better prepare rising Kindergartners
  3. Lead efforts to reduce the loss of skills during the summer
  4. Work with our Career Technical Education leaders and local employers to identify training needs, and then implement what our employers need
  5. Listen to local organizations, parents, school staff and others as there are many great ideas out there.

Please vote for me, Ken Marsh, on Nov. 4 to ensure that our wonderful school system becomes even better. 

Ken Marsh is a candidate for Sarasota County School Board District 1

[Candidate]  Bridget Ziegler, Sarasota School Board District 1

Sarasota County is one of the highest performing school districts in the state.  We are fortunate to have the strong community support necessary to achieve this distinction.   However, we must continue to reach and surpass the high level of excellence our parents and community seek for our students as they prepare for their future. 

In order to broaden our achievements, we need more seats at the table. We must have a forum for the voices of our teachers and parents to be heard as we, on the School Board, make decisions that directly impact the children to whom they have dedicated their lives.  Our discussions must come from a broader vantage point in order to open our eyes to new and innovative ideas. 

Parents and teachers are on the front line of the educational process and we must empower them by welcoming them to the table and letting their voices be heard. Parents come from many different backgrounds, but all come to the table with the best interest of their children in mind. Teachers come with years of education and professional expertise and know by experience what is and isn’t working in the classroom.

What do I bring to the table? I am committed to being a voice for those who should be heard. I bring a personal desire to be a part of building an educational system where my daughter and ALL students in Sarasota County can grow and develop to their full potential. I bring diversity to the School Board that I believe can only benefit the district and the community as a whole. I look forward to continuing to serve you on the Sarasota County School Board, and hope you will cast your vote for me, Bridget Ziegler, on Nov. 4. 

Bridget Ziegler is a candidate for Sarasota County School Board District 1

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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