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SRQ DAILY Jun 1, 2017

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"Our advocacy provides a significant opportunity to serve not just the business community but the community at large."

- Jacki Dezelski, Manatee Chamber of Commerce
 

[Exec Moves]  Dezelski Promises Advocacy, Continuity at Chamber
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Jacki Dezelski on Wednesday officially took over as president and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. Dezelski, who has worked at the chamber for 21 years, has acted as executive on an interim basis since the death of long-time Chamber president Bob Bartz in February. The hire assures continuity at the Chamber, where Dezelski promises the organization will also continue to adapt to new challenges today and in the future.

“As long as the Manatee Chamber of Commerce puts the needs of its members and the business community first, we’ll be able to address the challenges our mission asks us to address,” Dezelski tells SRQ. The Manatee Chamber, with more than 2,100 members, remains the largest business organization on the Gulf Coast.

But Dezelski also says advocacy on the part of the Chamber should benefit the quality of life for the public, not just corporate leaders and business owners. “The business community is reliant on the quality of life, and vice versa,” she says. “Our advocacy provides a significant opportunity to serve not just the business community but the community at large.”

Dezelski first came to work at the Manatee Chamber in 1996 as communications manager before advancing ultimately to the role of executive vice president. She would go on to be named Florida Chamber Professional of the Year in 2015. Over her time at the chamber, she has been involved in policy discussions and oversaw the launch of the Manatee Young Professionals group.

Chamber leaders ultimately voted unanimously to promote Dezelski to the organization’s top post. “Jacki is a superlative leader and knows our chamber and community inside and out,” said Chamber chairman Kevin DiLallo in a statement. “She has led numerous important initiatives with our members, leadership and partners across Manatee County, while demonstrating intelligence, insight and entrepreneurial skills. The chamber’s role in shaping our economy and quality of life has never been more vital. Having the right leader at the helm is critical to our success.”

While Dezelski hopes her communication skillset will be useful for the Chamber as it increases its social media and information outreach functions for members, she stressed that the Chamber, previously named a National Chamber of the Year and the only one in the state to be named Florida Chamber of the Year four times, doesn’t need an overhaul. Her promotion follows through with succession plans discussed by Bartz before his unexpected death. “I’m just grateful for the leadership and staff at the Manatee Chamber for all the work they have done, particularly in the past three months with the loss of Bob,” she says. “That has really added to the legacy Bob Bartz leaves at the chamber and in our community.” 

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 22: Robinson R22
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 22 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.

Teaming up with the folks at Trojan Aviation again, Rankin sits behind the controls of the first helicopter he’ll ever fly, a Robinson R22. He sees the stick, the pedals, the throttle—it’s a language he speaks. So he thinks. A fundamentally different animal from the fixed-wing aircraft he’s flown the rest of his life, the R22 has a few tricks up its sleeve. “It’s misleading,” Rankin says after the fact. “Your skills as a pilot almost hurt you.”

Taking a 40-minute “discovery flight” with Trojan Aviation Flight Instructor Jason Herbert, the first thing Rankin notices is how small all of the movements are. Watching Herbert maneuver the aircraft, he almost seems not to move at all, his hands and feet making minute adjustments to propel the chopper through the air. By comparison, Rankin’s movements behind the stick of his plane look like sweeping gestures. “If I were to do that in a helicopter, it would not end well,” he says, summing up the learning curve with a bit of pith: “Think about what you would do, and do less of that.” Instructing mid-flight, Herbert passes off the controls to Rankin one system at a time—first the pedals, then the collective pitch control, etc.—until Rankin has full control.

But flying high-altitude is one thing and flying low yet another, when the relative motion of the ground becomes clear and correction time worn thin. And hovering is something completely different from the both of them. “It’s a balancing act unlike anything I can explain,” says Rankin, but he tries. Deceptively difficult, most pilots need at least 10 hours of dedicated practice to even approach a decent hover (comparably, some planes can be flown solo after 10 hours of flight-time), as each movement in a helicopter, even or especially the small ones, require a complicated convergence of control. “It’s more of a dance or a symphony of movements,” Rankin says of coordinating the pedals, throttle and stick for every small adjustment. “You almost have another dimension of flight.”

Herbert may have taken over for the landing, but Rankin remains encouraged and excited to try his hand at more helicopters in the future. Though one of the most difficult flights yet, the R22 is notorious for its difficulty, due in part to its small size (when it comes to whirlybirds, weight lends stability). “If you learn on this,” he says, “you can fly anything bigger.”

For more about the flight in Rankin's own words and a video of the flight, follow the link below. 

Pictured: Ryan Rankin and Steve Herbert fly the Robinson R22. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Daily Shop]  A Horse of a Different Color
Shelby Schwartz, shelbys@srqme.com

Upon entering The Posh Pony and Pup, one can’t help but be struck by rows of bridles and saddle pads in the back and equestrian themed home décor in the front. Half tack shop and half equestrian boutique, The Posh Pony and Pup carries English horseback-riding equipment, riding apparel, tack, gifts and household accessories. Amongst the horse-bit blankets and stirrup lamps, a silver horsehead pitcher stands out. This artisan pitcher, handmade by Arthur Court Designs is functional and a piece of art, just imagine using it to serve Mint Julep at your Kentucky Derby party or have it as a conversation piece for your next get-together. Whether you ride or simply enjoy the equestrian motif, The Posh Pony is a hidden gem for all things horse. Enjoy for $135.  

The Posh Pony and Pup, 506 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-232-4199.

[Exec Moves]  GSAHEC Elects Three New Board Members

Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center (GSAHEC) has elected three new board members: Steven Hardt, David J. Harris and Liane Khoumphonphakdy. They have joined current board members Kimberly Bland, Virginia Sirocky, Dianne Nugent, Jill Garrett and ex-officio member Anne Wenders. Steven Hardt, program director of the Respiratory Care Program at St. Petersburg College, has more than 20 years of experience as a registered respiratory therapist, instructor, professor and administrator. David J. Harris is the pharmacy technician program director at Manatee Technical College and previous district/community manager with Walgreens. Harris has years of experience as a licensed pharmacy technician, manager and instructor. Liane Khoumphonphakdy, RN, is finishing up her BSN degree at State College of Florida with anticipated graduation date in May 2018.  

Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center

[Recognition]  Decor Direct Garners Retail Stars Listing

Sarasota home furnishings and design source Decor Direct Wholesale Warehouse has been named one of Home Accents Today’s 50 Retail Stars for 2017 by editors of the premier trade magazine for the home furnishings industry. Twenty-seven U.S. states are represented on this year’s list, with Decor Direct Wholesale Warehouse being one of just three stores in the State of Florida garnering this accolade. The Retail Stars list, now in its 13th year, recognizes independent brick-and-mortar retailers of home accents—including furniture stores and interior design boutiques—that are creative in their merchandising, have a positive presence in their local communities and are distinguishing themselves from the competition. Decor Direct Wholesale Warehouse is located at 2333 Whitfield Park Loop, in Whitfield Industrial Park off new US-301 and Whitfield Avenue in Sarasota. The firm is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm for the design trade and general public, and sells by container-loads to wholesale customers Monday through Wednesday. 

Decor Direct Wholesale Warehouse

[Expansion]  Selah Freedom Opens New Campus

Thanks to champions and donations, Selah Freedom has launched a new campus specifically designed for survivor graduates. This past week, after each room had been adopted and transformed by donors, this new campus had its debut to survivors. As participants in the Independent Living Program, each will receive ongoing case management, mentorship, trauma therapy and pursue their educational and career goals. Many local organizations and individuals have taken ownership of rooms, financial needs and projects to make the project a reality and ensure that the house is just not a structure but a home for graduates, including The Source Church, Pam Miller and Kim Traylor, Saltair AMI, Lakewood Ranch Moms Group, Junior League of Manatee County, Rob and Karen Jenning and more. Each year, Selah Freedom has seen a three-fold increase in the number of graduates from their Residential Program for domestic survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. The nation’s fastest growing anti-sex trafficking organization, Selah Freedom provides every needed resource to survivors of this injustice and believes that a continuum of care is vital in assuring a survivor’s success in the Independent Living Phase of their program. 

Selah Freedom



[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: YPG After Hours at Blue Rooster , June 1, 5:30-7:30pm

Come join the YPG on Thursday, June 1st at Blue Rooster for the area's largest monthly networking event, YPG After Hours! With an average of 80-100 young professionals gathering on the first Thursday of each month you're guaranteed to make new friends, secure new clients, and learn more about what Sarasota has to offer. Along with great drink specials, enjoy appetizing lite bites for the duration of the event.

Blue Rooster , 1525-B Fourth St., Sarasota

[TODAY]  MUSIC: Melanie , June 1, 7:30pm

Join the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center for a night of songs and stories with the acclaimed performer known as "the female Bob Dylan," Melanie! Joined by her son Beau-Jerred, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, the composer and singer of hit songs including "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" and "Brand New Key" will be gracing the Fogartyville stage this June. The voice of a generation, Melanie first greeted audiences at Woodstock with "Beautiful People," and since then, has become an international musical legend.

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

[TODAY]  THEATER: Loveland: Las Vegas . . . Under the Neon Lights , June 1 – June 4

Venice Theatre and the Loveland Center have been partnering for 20 years to provide adults with developmental disabilities the chance to grow and learn through theatre study. Loveland students, under the direction of professional staff and with help from community volunteers, rehearse all season to present this full-scale musical on MainStage. Join them in Sin City, where spontaneous marriages are expected and where one Elvis isn’t enough. In a city where there’s a little bit of everything, who knows what kind of trouble—financial or otherwise—this cast of colorful characters will get themselves into?

Venice Theater , 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Naming True , June 2 – July 2

Amy, a transgender teenage girl from Seattle, and Nell, a dying woman who’s lived most of her life on the streets of Detroit, find themselves in an unlikely meeting in a Florida motel room to discuss publishing Nell’s childhood memoir. An intimate tale of survival, redemption, and the desperate need to share our stories, Naming True investigates how to persevere in the absence of hope. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets.

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second St., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Burt and Me , June 2 – June 18

Joe and Lacey, high school sweethearts, shared the love of basketball and music. When college separated them, history couldn’t overcome geography. After meeting years later, Joe comes up with an elaborate scheme to get Lacey back in this jukebox musical. Featuring songs such as “Raindrops Keep Falling On Your Head,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” and “Wishing And Hoping.” For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Namastray Yoga is Back! , June 2, 5:30pm

Enjoy yoga with the inspiration of Cat Depot cats in the room! Yoga has many positive effects on the body such as improving flexibility, building muscle strength, improving posture, and lowering blood pressure. It can also help you focus.There will be a certified yoga instructor, and be sure to bring your own yoga mat. 

Cat Depot , 2542 17th St.,Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Summer Showcase , June 2 – September 30

This exhibit features 6 sculptors, 1 printmaker, 20 painters,1 pastel artist and 1 photographer.This is a diverse award winning group from Southern California to Sydney, Australia, Prince Edward Island, Canada to Vero Beach, Florida, including nine of Sarasota's best.

Dabbert Gallery , 76 S Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: YPG Throwback Gala , June 3, 8pm- 12 midnight

Join the Sarasota Young Professionals on Saturday, June 3rd at Gold Coast Eagle for a Throwback Gala—dress in the cocktail attire from your favorite decade! Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, games, and dancing. Grab a friend and dance through the decades with YPG!

Gold Coast Eagle Distributors, 7051 Wireless Ct, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: World Oceans Day Event Comes to Emerson Point Preserve , June 3, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department will host its first ever World Oceans Day Festival, Saturday June 3. Dip nets into the water and discover the creatures hiding beneath the waves. Learn amazing facts about sea turtles, manatees, and the history of fishing in Manatee County all while sampling foods from local estuaries. World Oceans Day Festival is a free and family friendly event celebrating the salty seas at Emerson Point Preserve.

Emerson Point Preserve , 5801 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Mote Marines World Oceans Day , June 3, 10:00 am-1:00 pm

Mote Marine is celebrating World Oceans Day on June 3rd from 10:00am-1:00pm with a 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea themed family festival piggybacking off of Asolo Repertory Theatre's family-friendly summer production.  Take in the ocean's deep connection to the human spirit and inspirational power of our natural world's greatest resource all while enjoying Akiko the face painter, musical performances by The Garbage Men and performance art of Jambo’s Journey. The celebration is free with the purchase of an admission ticket to the aquarium.  

Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: I Never Saw Another Butterfly , June 4 – June 5, 7 pm

Venice Theatre's I Never Saw Another Butterfly has garnered an invitation to perform at the national AACT festival this summer in Rochester, Minnesota. 
Venice Theatre will be doing the one-act version, because of festival conditions. It has a smaller cast, because of that. Some of the original cast members have "aged" out, now too old to play their characters.  But it is a joy to see these outstanding young people working almost two years later: how they've grown, matured, absorbed life. 
Be a part of these special nights at the theatre. Don't miss their send-off performances, followed by a talkback with the cast and crew

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave. Venice

[SOON]  MUSIC: Steve Arvey Jazz Sessions , June 5

Steve Arvey’s jazz sessions began in 2012 at the old Ocean Blues in Sarasota and moved to Monday Nights at the Blue Rooster in 2013. Now that the Blue Rooster has closed on Mondays for the summer, Arvey is trying the Jazz Sessions at a new venue - the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center. The band features jazz veterans Steve Arvey on guitar and vocals and Bill Buchman on piano, James Varnado on drums and Michael Dempsey on bass. Arvey's style is inspired by his history in the Chicago Blues community, and he has previously played with artists such as The Outsiders and Mike Lipsey. Bill Buchman has performed his music internationally and has covered the spectrum from New Orleans jazz, music of the swing era, and boogie woogie to modern contemporary and latin jazz and blues. If you're a jazz musician or if you just love jazz, come and enjoy the show.  

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

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota Music Festival , June 5 – June 24

One of the premier preformance and teaching festivals in the world comes back to Sarasota for 3 weeks kicking off June 5. The schedule is complete with Friday Festivals and Saturday Symphonies. The festival features favorite classic composers like Bach, Beethoven, Gershwin and Mozart in a contemporary environment. The Sarasota Music Festival welcomes new Music Director, Jeffery Kahane this year.

Sarasota Opera House, 709 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Southern-style Back Lot BBQ Fundraiser , June 6, 6:00 pm

When the summer heat turns up, it’s time to fire up the grill. FST hosts a Southern-style Back Lot BBQ fundraiser on June 6 at 6pm, and everyone’s invited. Complete with live music from the Manatee River Bluegrass Band and all the fixin’s - cooked low and slow. Ribs, chicken, pork, you name it…we’re grilling it. Enjoy a cold beverage and bring your appetite to dine in the Goldstein Cabaret. Tickets are $100, of which $60 is tax deductible. A $1000 sponsorship includes 6 tickets, and primary seating.

Florida Studio Theater, 1241 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SPORTS: Global Running Day , June 7, 5 p.m. – same day registration and packet pick up 6 p.m. – run starts

The Big Run will take place at more than 70 Fleet Feet Sports locations nationwide and locally at Fleet Feet Sports Sarasota. The Big Run allows runners from across the country to compete against each other or compare their times with other runners across the country based on each store’s local race format.  The event is designed to unify the efforts of running communities in different locations behind one event, which is estimate to draw more than 10,000 participants.   The Big Run coincides with the annual Global Running Day initiative and is open to runners of all levels and abilities.
The measured 3.12-mile course is an out and back course from Fleet Feet Sports Sarasota on Osprey and Mound, taking participants down to and around Sarasota’s Bayfront, with Selfie photo stations at the Dolphin and Kissing statues.
Designated safety and course route volunteers will be positioned at key intersections and turns to help direct participants and help manage traffic.  


Fleet Feet Sports , 711 S. Osprey, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea , June 7 – July 2

Take a plunge into the pages of Jules Verne's classic science fiction story and get swept away in this dazzling multisensory experience. Our modern day storyteller Jules finds himself transported on board the Nautilus submarine, where he joins the mysterious Captain Nemo on a journey to the depths of the sea... and the edge of your seat. Brought to stunning life through a mix of unforgettable characters, eye-popping projections and interactive technology, this time-honored tale explores our place in time and space, and illuminates the mysteries of the deep blue sea. 

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota

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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