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SRQ DAILY Jun 4, 2016

"What a legacy for each of these women - to know they had a hand in creating something so positive for the people they serve. "

- Roxie Jerde, Community Foundation of Sarasota County
 

[Chamber]  Engineering a Connection for the Future
Amy Farrington

The idea of “brain drain” plays a looming role in the greater Sarasota area. We have incredible K-12 educational institutions here that prepare so many for post-secondary education opportunities locally and nationally. But, we also watch many of those graduates leave for larger cities, for what they perceive as better opportunities and a host of other reasons. As a community, we invest a lot in these students early in their educational careers only to see the future economic benefit of that investment often realized somewhere other than Sarasota. So, what can we, as a community, do to better tell our own story of successful local businesses, industries and career pathways and keep those students here?

Recently, the Talent4Tomorrow Partnership (T4T), including T4T members Suncoast Technical College, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, joined forces to host what was dubbed  “Experience Engineering.” This afternoon event was designed to provide a forum for those graduating seniors focusing on a future in engineering to interact with local, practicing engineers.  A secondary focus was to highlight the depth and breadth of employers that hire engineers here in the greater Sarasota area so that students were aware of the considerable possibilities in their own backyard.

It was a unique opportunity for interaction at an early stage in the higher educational process of becoming an engineer. Almost 100 students spoke with 30 engineers from 14 local firms. The level of interaction and communication was remarkable. At times, it was rather difficult to interrupt the conversations to get them to move tables to continue discussions with different students and engineers. The number one request on the post-event evaluation forms was additional personal interaction time.

In listening to the exchanges it became evident that the event was a success. Not because lunch was amazing (which it was, thanks to Bistro 502 at STC) and not because we had planned so carefully. It was a success because of the types of dialogue that participants engaged in. The engineers shed some light on why they practice in Sarasota, what a typical day entails and what the local market is like. The students asked about a course of study, challenges of the profession and potential internships. 

Creating these types of opportunities are critical to our community’s ability to eventually retain these students who will pave the future of Sarasota. Many, if not all, of them had already chosen their programs and their universities. All of them will receive excellent educational opportunities. Hopefully, with these kinds of inroads to local industries, they will intern here during summers, gain practical experience and further gain a working knowledge of the engineering profession on a local level. Ideally, they will want to return to where they grew up because they realize that Sarasota has as much, if not more, to offer in their career of choice as other communities.

Amy Farrington is vice president of Public Policy and Sarasota Tomorrow Initiatives for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. 

[Community]  Giving Circles Democratize Philanthropy
Roxie Jerde, roxie@cfsarasota.org

One of my favorite forms of community philanthropy are Giving Circles, where members pool their charitable gifts together to make grants to local nonprofit groups, realizing that one substantial contribution can have an immediate influence in a community. Collections of like-minded, passionate individuals like these help promote the idea that everyone can be a philanthropist.

It’s also a way that people are becoming more strategic in their generosity and making the biggest impact on groups and causes they care about. Charitable collaboration can be tricky, because, obviously, people are very passionate when it comes to the causes they personally care about, but members have to evaluate and make smart decisions about where their dollars will make the most impact. It’s a great way to learn valuable philanthropic skills.

Many circles are flexible and allow you to be as involved as you want to be with no pressure. Some individuals just want to come to the meetings and weigh in on where the charitable dollars go. Others want to go on site visits and see nonprofits in action. Others even sign on to volunteer directly with the groups that receive the grants. It’s wonderful because many of these Giving Circles become great public advocates for the nonprofits and causes they care about.

Started just three years ago by a diverse group of professional African-American women with a common passion for giving back and a vision of creating positive change, the Masala Giving Circle at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has made significant strides. They now boast more than 30 members and have granted more than $20,000 into the African-American communities within Sarasota and Manatee counties. Their name derives from the mix of spices, which is a perfect representation of their diversity that is added to their passionate personalities and desire to get things done.

I was fortunate enough to witness an incredible example of the impact that can happen through this method of giving the other night at one of the Masala’s annual meetings. They presented a $10,000 check to the Newtown Nation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for programs which will advance and improve the lives of the Newtown community in Sarasota.

The vital funding will ensure a local Farmers Market occurs twice a month in the Newtown area to provide access to fresh and healthy food to members of the community. Even more exciting, a food delivery system will be incorporated into the market so those who cannot make the trip can also benefit from the variety of fresh food!

What a legacy for each of these women - to know they had a hand in creating something so positive for the people they serve. I always look forward to their gatherings each year, as they truly embrace community, celebrate life, and envision a brighter future for everyone. Kudos to them, as well as the other variety of Giving Circles we are privileged to host at the Community Foundation.

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

[From Vern Buchanan]  Hurrican Season Requires Planning
Vern Buchanan

As Floridians, we’ve come to expect extreme weather during the annual hurricane season. In fact, our state leads the nation with the most homes at risk for hurricanes. In 2004, Florida was devastated by four hurricanes in the span of just six weeks. Notoriously named the “Florida Four,” Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne walloped small towns, cities and shorelines, leaving in their wake thousands of destroyed homes and buildings and more than 100 people dead.

Our state was put to the ultimate test by these storms: 150-mph winds leveled homes, downed power lines, made roads impassable and littered glass and debris everywhere. 

Charley in particular decimated our own backyard. When it hit in August 2004, it left four people dead in Charlotte County. Statewide, this Category 4 storm destroyed more than 11,000 homes and caused an estimated $15 billion in losses. The aftermath of those storms brought out the best in Floridians, with neighbors helping each other grieve, sift through debris and ultimately rebuild their lives. Recently the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted there will be between four and eight hurricanes this season. Of those hurricanes, between one and four could be a major hurricane, defined as a Category 3, 4 or 5 storm with winds of 111 mph or higher.

Given the destruction and loss of life we’ve already faced, it’s clear that the Suncoast cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

Although we can’t do anything to stop more deadly storms, there are common-sense steps Floridians can take now that will help save lives and reduce property damage.

Early preparation and planning is critical this hurricane season, which lasts through Nov. 30. We need to safeguard our homes and small businesses before disaster strikes. But getting ready for a hurricane isn’t just buying milk and bread from the grocery store and boarding up your windows. There are steps Floridians should take well in advance of a storm.

Most importantly, you should create a family evacuation plan—and make sure all family members know it. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved ones are safe is invaluable.

You should also prepare a basic emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of nonperishable food and water and crucial items such as a flashlight, first aid kit and battery powered radio. And in order to help keep your home cool and food safe, you should crank your air conditioner, refrigerator and freezer to high settings before the power goes out. Knowing your local hurricane evacuation routes and community alert systems, securing loose rain gutters and downspouts, reinforcing roofs, windows and doors and removing any damaged trees and limbs are all important steps you can take prior to a storm. 

Families with backup generators should ensure that everything is in working order, and that they have adequate fuel on hand. Small business owners should create a list of key contacts with critical vendors and customers to help guard against storm-related business interruptions. All Floridians ought to immediately check their windstorm and flood insurance policies. In addition to ensuring that you have adequate coverage, you should keep important documents related to your policies in a plastic bag or waterproof container. If a hurricane is expected to hit and you must evacuate, be sure to turn off the water, gas and electricity and bring plenty of cash and important papers such birth certificates with you before leaving and locking your house.

The hurricane preparedness section of my congressional website offers helpful resources to help you prepare and respond in the event that a hurricane makes landfall in the region. Visitors to the site can access local and federal emergency management information and more tips at www.buchanan.house.gov.

The calm can only last so long before the storm. This season, don’t wait until the last minute. Make a smart decision to stock up on supplies, create an emergency plan and learn about the resources available to you as soon as possible. There is absolutely no downside in preparing for the worst.

U.S. Rep Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, represents Florida's 16th Congressional District. 



[Goodwill Manasota]  Florida Literacy Coalition selects Goodwill Manasota Student Essays

Goodwill Manasota, in partnership with Manatee Reads!, hosts a free weekly English as a Second Language (ESOL) class at its corporate campus where community members, Goodwill team members, Veterans Services Program participants, and Job Connection clients are able to develop their English skills. As part of the current curriculum, instructor Verna Urbanski encouraged her adult learners to submit essays for the Florida Literacy Coalition’s 2016 adult learner essay book, Going Places. Three of the students’ essays were selected for publication. 

At the opening general session on May 4, the keynote speaker, John Cocoran, author of The Teacher Who Couldn’t Read, inspired the adult learners ranging in age from 41-66 years old with his story of how he did not learn to read until he was 50 years old. Following Cocoran’s speech, many of the adult learners were invited to present their essays. Leonard Snyder proudly stepped up to the podium and read his essay "Controlling My Destiny," aloud to the audience. "When individuals learn how to read, write, do basic math and use computer, they have the power to lift themselves out of poverty, and find and keep sustainable employment, and – ultimately – change their lives," says Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. 

More About Goodwill

[SCOOP]  "See Me, Hear Me" Celebrates Bradenton's Millenials

“See Me, Hear Me,” part of Realize Bradenton’s “PopUps for a Purpose” program, showcases 23 Bradenton-area millennials in large-scale, black and white portraits. Area-based photographer Dieter Tamson was commissioned to create portraits of hundreds of area millennials from all backgrounds and walks of life for the project. The larger-than-life photographs are exhibited in four popular downtown Bradenton spaces through September 30. PopUps for Purpose is a Realize Bradenton production, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation through the Knight Cities Challenge, which is designed to create connections among millennials in innovative ways. Realize Bradenton’s executive director, Johnette Isham, says ,” Through PopUps for a Purpose, we’re simply narrowing our focus by finding innovative ways to strengthen local connections amongst the largest and most demographically-diverse generation, because when people connect with each other in new places, the social capital of a community grows, vibrancy builds, and lasting economic development goes forward.”


 
[SCOOP]  Cat Depot Emergency Response Team Deploys to DeSoto County

Cat Depot’s Emergency Response Team (CDERT) was recently deployed to an undisclosed location in DeSoto County and rescued 26 cats. All cats were tested and examined on site and transported to Cat Depot. The cats have potentially been exposed to a series of viral diseases and are in quarantine under medical care for a minimum of 30 days, and then retested. Some of the cats have parasites, fleas, and upper respiratory, with several cases of severe dental disease. Cat Depot has lead rescue efforts in Charlotte, Manatee and Sarasota Counties, but this is their first rescue effort in DeSoto County. There is no humane society in DeSoto County, only Animal Services, who was very pleased that Cat Depot was willing to help. The public can help with supplies needed including newspapers, disposable aluminum roasting pans, and CD’s with soothing music. Due to this unexpected increase in emergency cat care, volunteers are greatly needed to help clean the shelter every day. Cat Depot’s mission is to save lives, find loving homes, and provide the resources and education to improve the destiny of homeless cats.  

[KUDOS]  Manatee Memorial Hospital Designated Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care

In an effort to help prospective parents find hospitals that deliver quality, affordable maternity care, Manatee Memorial Hospital announced that Florida Blue has designated it as one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction® Center+ for Maternity Care, a new appointment under the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. “Manatee Memorial Hospital is proud to be one of the first hospitals to receive this new distinction from Florida Blue. Our Family Birthplace staff is dedicated to giving quality care to all new moms and our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is ready to help with babies that need extra care,” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO, Manatee Healthcare System. Nearly four million babies are born in the U.S. annually, making childbirth the most common cause of hospitalization. The new Blue Distinction Centers+ for Maternity Care program evaluates hospitals on several quality measures. In addition, hospitals that receive a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care designation have agreed to meet requirements that align with principles that support evidence-based practices of care.


 
[SCOOP]  The GAP School Receives Sensory Belts

The GAP School received a generous donation of twenty (20) Sensory Belts from local mother and special needs advocate TeriEnna Blanco. The donation will directly benefit children within the schools various autism and sensory based programs. The Sensory Belt has been proven to help improve educational outcomes for children with autism and sensory deficits. The GAP School is one of Sarasota’s premier K-12 social skills, sensory integration and bully free schools. Robin Ahearn, Executive Director of the GAP School shared her thoughts about the donation; “As soon as I learned about the belts I knew exactly which students would benefit from there use both in the school setting, as well as, in their own home environments. Our students will excel in many areas because of the improved sensory awareness the belt provides. This is a wonderful addition to our school and the newest tangible part for our Sensory Integration Summer Camps.”


 
[SCOOP]  2016 Summer Circus Spectacular 10th Anniversary Event

Join The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling on Saturday, June 18th in a special celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Summer Circus Spectacular partnership. Experience the one-hour show in the Historic Asolo Theater at 5pm and enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and soft drinks in the Visitors Pavilion of The Ringling afterward from 6-8PM. Tickets are only $50, but are limited.  


 
[SOON]  Storytelling and Brand-Building in the Modern Era Workshop

The Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (CWC-FPRA) is holding a Storytelling and Brand Building Workshop on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 8-11 a.m. at the State College of Florida- Lakewood Ranch Campus. Attendees will learn from two leading experts who are influencing the future of journalism, branding and public relations: Diane McFarlin, Dean of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida and former publisher of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and Bob Allen, Chief Storytelling Officer, IDEAS. The cost includes breakfast- $45 for FPRA members and $55 for non-members. The event is open to the public and business owners, as well as marketing and PR professionals, are encouraged to attend.


 

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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