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SRQ DAILY Feb 16, 2017

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"What we always look at is the highest growth industries with the best career laddering opportunities."

- Deborah Chapman, CareerEdge Funders
 

[Government]  CareerEdge Leaders Push for Pell Expansion
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Executives with the CareerEdge Funders Collaborative recently traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for improved access to grants for continuing education. Leaders remain hopeful that the cause will receive bipartisan support this year in Washington, DC. Deborah Chapman, program director for the collaborative, says the education grants provide a critical resource for skilled workers looking to improve their job prospects through continued education. “What we always look at is the highest growth industries with the best career laddering opportunities,” she says. 

Pell grants, created through the Higher Education Act of 1965, provide federal subsidies to students with financial need who are pursuing higher education but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. And while the funding gets the most attention for its availability to students just out of high school, Chapman says many fail to realize it can also be used by adults seeking further schooling. However, limits on the available programs that can be funded by Pell grants mean not as many students in fields like nursing can take advantage of the offer, even though the fund for the grants currently runs at a surplus.

Chapman traveled to the nation’s capitol representing CareerEdge as part of the National Skills Coalition, which has stressed that the greatest job opportunities in the nation right now are in the “middle skills” workforce, one that requires more training than a high school diploma but do not require a bachelor’s or graduate degree. She notes that in Florida, the highest demand for workers is in medical-related fields like certified nursing assistants or surgical technicians. CareerEdge recently hosted a planning meeting where Booker Middle School Resource Center Associate Leroy Butler reported a waitlist of 70 people interested in a certified nursing program, even though the spring class can only accommodate 12 students. Chapman says that shows demand exists for funding so that students can take certification classes in nursing. CareerEdge also hosts programs in IT, construction and automotive maintenance.

The US Senate also has legislation under consideration to expand Pell grant funding to cover skills-based training programs. Chapman would like to see similar language filed in the House. In DC, she met with 11 House members from across the state, including Sarasota Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, along with regional leaders including Tampa Bay area Democrats Kathy Castor and Charlie Crist and Republican Gus Bilirakis. “We have also reached out to Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson,” she says, referencing the Republican and Democrat representing the state in the Senate, “and they have a great interest in moving this forward.” 

Photo courtesy CareerEdge: US Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-New Port Richey, meets with Deborah Chapman of CareerEdge Funders Collaborative.

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 7: Piper J-3S
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part seven of an ongoing series documenting the flights of active-duty US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin on his journey to fly 52 planes in 52 weeks through the year 2017.

The flight almost didn’t happen. With a few hours to kill before an appointment in Lakeland, Rankin starts calling flight schools in the Orlando area to “hustle” a flight. Jake Brown’s Seaplane Base, a renowned school over in Winter Haven, responds and Rankin hits the road. But upon his arrival, a heavy fog has descended and visibility is poor and takeoff seems unlikely. Wait and see is the only approach and Rankin has little time to spare, but with the sun clearing the haze just in time, he takes to the skies in a Piper J-3S seaplane.

A simple but effective aircraft, Rankin refers to the Piper J-3S as a “workhorse,” though its more affectionate moniker is simply The Cub. Painted bright yellow (“Cub yellow,” Rankin adds), the single-propeller seaplane brings no frills, but a reliability, ease of use and pure aviation experience that Rankin appreciates. That dependability and versatility even caught the eye of the military, who adapted the model for use in World War II and the Korean War, though not too much needed to be changed. “They painted them green, called them the L4 Grasshopper and did recon,” says Rankin. “Flying low and slow and getting the lay of the land.”

Rankin didn’t exactly conduct recon missions on his flight, but on his 45-minute trip with Jake Brown’s Flight Instructor Eric Inglis, he did get the lay of the land a bit. Flying out of Winter Haven, the pair hit a series of four lakes to practice water takeoffs and landings. Flying a seaplane is much the same as flying any other plane, says Rankin, it’s the landings that really set the experience apart, with pilots having many more safety measures and obstacles and techniques to consider on a regular basis. “Things I’m not used to having in my thought process,” he says. Inglis demonstrated “step taxiing”—how to taxi a plane when the runway is water instead of asphalt—and they cruised around the lake just below takeoff speed.

Not Rankin’s first time in a Cub, the plane was his first seaplane and first tailwheel craft, so it holds a certain nostalgia. But the aspect he enjoyed most this time around was rather simple: flying with the doors open. “You feel in it and have that sense of flight when you’re exposed,” he says. Bigger jets may have more toys to play with, but some of the direct connection to the air surrounding is lost. “I’m growing to appreciate and like doors on planes less and less.” 

Pictured: Ryan Rankin (left) and Eric Inglis fly the Piper J-3S. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

[Daily Shop]  Sporty Spice
Kendall Sompolski

Need a bright boost to get you to the gym in time for bikini season? Look no further than Influence Style, now conveniently located in Lakewood Ranch and St. Armands Circle for super chic workout apparel. If the Vix Legging and Echo Bra two-piece set by Olympia can’t get you to burpee, plank and squat it out at your favorite workout class (or at least think about it) then nothing will. The low-cut bra with a double elastic band paired with the matching spandex leggings add a neon pop of color and will keep everything in place through the most strenuous activity. Even if you never get on the treadmill, at least you’ll look cute while making the rounds at the gym.  

Influence Style, 8141 Main St., Bradenton, 941-343-2315.

[Recognition]  SVN Commercial Advisory Group Honors Morris

SVN Commercial Advisory Group held its annual awards breakfast and named Senior Commercial Advisor Bob Morris as the 2016 Top Commercial Advisor of the Year. This 16-agent firm, with offices in Downtown Sarasota and Downtown Bradenton, recently celebrated completing over $100 million in commercial real estate transactions in 2016, with Morris being honored for completing almost $25 million in transactions himself, and having the largest total transaction for the company in 2016. Both Morris and Senior Advisor and Managing Director Tony Veldkamp were also recognized at the annual SVN National Conference as being President’s Circle Winners, both ranked in the top 10 for SVN in Florida and the top 50 for SVN nationally. Veldkamp exceeded $20 million in transactions for 2016. 

SVN Commercial Advisory Group

[Synergy]  Wagner Presents to American Bar Association

E. John Wagner, II, a shareholder with Williams Parker, recently presented at the American Bar Association Section of Taxation’s Midyear Meeting in Orlando, participating in two panel discussions focusing on corporate tax planning and tax-deferred transactions.Wagner is a board-certified tax attorney and chairs Williams Parker’s corporate and tax practices. He represents executives, entrepreneurs and real estate investors in tax, transactional, capital raising, estate planning and estate administration matters. He also serves as editor of The Williams Parker Business & Tax blog. Wagner earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and Master of Laws in taxation from the University of Florida’s Graduate Tax Program. 

Williams Parker

[Synergy]  Florida Center Awarded $50,000 Grant

The Florida Center for Early Childhood, a local nonprofit serving children and their families in Sarasota, Charlotte, Manatee and DeSoto/Hardee counties, received a $50,000 grant from the McCune Family Foundation to help provide therapies and supports for children with a high intensity of needs.The Florida Center for Early Childhood has campuses in Sarasota and North Port to address the needs of the whole child and their family through early intervention and prevention services and early education. The services offered include mental and behavioral health therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, the Healthy Families child abuse prevention program and early childhood education at the Starfish Academy. 

The Florida Center for Early Childhood



[TODAY]  DANCE: West African Dance Class , February 16 – March 23, 6-7:30pm

This Energizing and inviting class will focus on traditional and contemporary dances from and inspired by different cultures in West Africa. Have fun dancing to live percussion and recorded music while learning the fundamentals of the West African dance technique and the cultural significance of particular dances. Single class - $10/6 weeks - $55 Classes run every Thursday.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Lunch, Look & Listen: La Flute Enchantee with Jenny Kim-Godfrey, soprano, Betsy Traba, flute and Joseph Holt, piano , February 16, 11am

Part of Artist Series Concerts’ popular Lunch, Look & Listen series, the trio performs works by Poulenc, Mouquet, Mozart and Saint-Saëns. Ticket price includes lunch.  Tickets and info at www.artistseriesconcerts.org.

Micheal's On East , 1212 S. 1212 East Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Meet the Artist: Kathleen Mulcahy, February 16 & 21 , February 16 – February 21

Alfstad& Contemporary’s Meet the Artist series continues with Kathleen Mulcahy, discussing her magnificent glass exhibition, “Steady Flow of Cool” and how she transforms glass into meditations on cold, sparkling water. She will also talk about the work of her late husband Ron Desmett and his show, “Hollowed Truths.” Kathleen and Ron were co-founders of the Pittsburgh Glass Center and often showed their work together. The reception on February 16 is from 2-3pm and the reception on February 21 is from 6-7pm.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Exhibition Reception: A Walk in the Park , February 16, 5:30pm

Featuring the work of photographer Grant Jefferies, the exhibition, which includes more than 20 photographs taken throughout Manatee County's preserves, will be on display in the second floor Rincon Gallery. The photos highlight the natural beauty of the landscapes and the wildlife that can be found in the area. Visitors may purchase tickets to the Museum online at SouthFloridaMuseum.org.

South Florida Museum , 201 W. 10th St., Bradenton

[SOON]  GALLERY: A Walk in the Park: Exploring Manatee's Preserves , February 17 – May 28

Featuring the work of photographer Grant Jefferies, the exhibition, which includes more than 20 photographs taken throughout Manatee County's preserves, will be on display in the second floor Rincon Gallery. The photos highlight the natural beauty of the landscapes and the wildlife that can be found in the area. Visitors may purchase tickets to the Museum online at SouthFloridaMuseum.org.

South Florida Museum , 201 W. 10th St., Brandenton

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Cynthia Sayer’s Hot Banjo Show , February 18, 8pm

Get ready for a fun, entertaining show celebrating America's jazz banjo stars and stories from award-winning banjo star Cynthia Sayer and her band. Packed with swinging music that ranges from Great American Songbook and old favorites to novelty tunes, vaudeville, and virtuoso classics, Cynthia is sure to give you a memorable, toe-tapping experience of the 4-string banjo, America’s joyful jazz instrument. Tickets start at $25. 

Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota Florida

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: VDAY 2017: The Power of Love , February 18, 6-9pm

Program will include music, speakers, excerpts from A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer, and the 'Break the Chains' dance. This event, part of the One Billion Rising global initiative to end violence against women and girls, is based on the sobering statistic that 1 in every 3 women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. "The Power of Love" exists to change those statistics. In 2017 VDAY is shining the Spotlight on Violence Against Women In the Workplace. All proceeds will benefit the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Tickets: $20adv/$25 door/Students: $10WWW.Fogartyville.org

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Rejoicing in Ravel , February 19, 3pm

Rising young opera star John Brancy is joined by pianist Peter Dugan and Sarasota Orchestra musicians Betsy Traba, flute, and Christopher Schnell, cello, for a program of works by Ravel, Schumann, Debussy and more. Tickets and info at www.artistseriesconcerts.org.

Faith Lutheran Church, 7750 Beneva Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Bill Buckman's Art of Jazz featuring Nancy Pastore , February 19, 2-4pm

Joining pianist Buchman and vocalist Pastore are Rob Fors, bass; Lenny Balistreri, drums; and Benietsito Campoverde, congas.The group will perform an afternoon of jazz favorites, and Buchman is sure to bring some of the boogie-woogie beat that always delights audiences.

Gazebo at Centennial Park , 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice

[SOON]  MUSIC: Music Mondays with June Leball , February 20, 10:30am

Featuring John Brancy, baritone and Peter Dugan, piano. As part of an ongoing collaboration between SILL, Artist Series Concerts and Young Concert Artists, baritone John Brancy and pianist Peter Dugan follow up their Sunday performance with an appearance at June LeBell’s popular series of musical conversations with great performers. Tickets and info at www.sillsarasota.org.

Church of the palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Close up on Opera: Dialogues of the Carmelites with John Goodman , February 22, 10:am

The “Close Up On Opera” series is presented by John Goodman, a well-known expert on the subject and also president of Sarasota Music Archive. In this segment, Goodman discusses the Sarasota Opera’s upcoming production of Poulenc’s “Dialogues of the Carmelites.” More info at www.sarasotamusicarchive.org

Geldbart Auditorium of Selby Library , 1331 1st St., Sarasota

[SOON]  DANCE: Stir It Up: 60+ Speed Dating with a Twist! , February 22, 7:00-9:00pm

Join Aviva: A Campus for Senior Life and The Friendship Centers for Stir It Up, an exciting event series featuring craft beer sampling, speed dating and a rock ‘n’ roll and Motown dance party. Whether you are a senior seeking a companion or a soulmate, this special event is your chance to meet a variety of like–minded singles one-on-one, in a safe and energetic environment. This signature event sells out quickly; RSVP today.

The Aviva Campus , 1951 N. Honore Ave. 34235 Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: James Madison Institute 2017 Naples Dinner , February 23, 7:00pm

The James Madison Institute will host its 2017 Naples Dinner on Thursday, February 23 featuring Judge Andrew Napolitano, a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Notre Dame Law School. He is the youngest life-tenured Superior Court judge in the history of the State of New Jersey.  He sat on the bench from 1987 to 1995, when he presided over more than 150 jury trials and thousands of motions, sentencings, and hearings.  Judge Napolitano taught constitutional law and jurisprudence at Delaware Law School for two years and at Seton Hall Law School for 11 years. He was often chosen by the students as their most outstanding professor. He returned to private practice in 1995, and began television work in the same year. The event is taking place at the Naples Ritz-Carlton Resort with a VIP reception at 5:30 and dinner at 7:00. 

Ritz-Carlton Naples , 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34108

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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