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SRQ DAILY Aug 3, 2017

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"How can we build something across the institutions in a way better than any one could do alone?"

- Dr. Laurey Stryker, Cross College Alliance
 

[Education]  Cross College Alliance Enters Next Phase
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A college consortium aiming to rebrand the Gulf Coast as a college destination took another major step forward Wednesday with the launch of a new website and a rebranding of the loose collection of schools as the Cross College Alliance.

The network of campuses includes a half dozen schools all boasting their own reputation: New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art & Design, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Eckerd College and The Ringling/Florida State University campus. Dr. Laurey Stryker, manager of the Cross College Alliance, says the evolution of the consortium will help in resyncing the education resources of the region together while making the area more attractive to prospective students at each of the six involved schools.

“It’s something to build upon and use in the community as students consider whether to come here,” Stryker says. “They know it’s not just an individual college but other campuses here with events or courses and that they will have access to all of those.” The most obvious benefit for students remains cross registration; students enrolled at one of the six partnered schools may enroll at classes at any of the colleges. Thus far, only 25 students out of the collective 18,000-plus students at the schools have taken advantage of this since the announcement of the consortium in January 2016, but as more students and faculty learn the ropes of the new system, that number should rise significantly.

Dr. Larry Thompson, president of Ringling College, says students at the art school who desire foreign language courses have taken advantage of the cross-registration opportunity. Stryker notes that students at Ringling may desire a job in China or Japan, so the fact those language classes are available at New College or Eckerd creates opportunities.

Thompson says the change in branding will also better bind the campuses. A new name and logo came out of the Ringling College Design Center with help from Ringling students and marketing professionals from all six schools. The change to the Cross College Alliance, Thompson notes, helps improve awareness of the entire network, whereas the past name, Consortium of Colleges on the Creative Coast (or more often C4), proved limiting because it led students to believe only the four major Sarasota area schools were contributing to the effort.

The schools on Wednesday announced a new memorandum of understanding signed by each of the schools, something Thompson says creates a needed informal infrastructure to connect the resources of the schools without forming an entire new nonprofit. “Before, it was basically a handshake,” he said. “Now it’s a formal agreement that binds the six of us together.”

A new website, at crosscollegealliance.org, right now includes links to each school’s website and a chance to explore the long-term vision of the consortium, from sharing resources during hurricanes to opportunities to unify branding. Stryker notes, for example, that the Ringling Underground program, which has always invited area college students to events free of charge, will now incorporate the Cross College Alliance branding on promotional materials.

Long-term, Stryker says the infrastructure in place now could allow the creation of whole education programs housed by the consortium instead of any one school. For example, certain digital arts skills could be usable by professionals in a variety of jobs from marketing to social services. Why not have a pooled resource program that students at all six schools could utilize? “How can we build something across the institutions in a way better than any one could do alone?” she says. “That’s the hope and dream.” 

Photo courtesy Cross College Alliance: Students from six campuses come together to announce Cross College Alliance rebranding.

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 31: Polikarpov Po-2
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 31 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.

It’s the height of World War II and on the Eastern Front the German soldiers sleep restlessly, awaking in the night and straining their ears in the darkness for an enemy they’ll never hear coming—the Night Witches.

Officially referred to as the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, soldiers in the German army dubbed the Soviet Air Force’s all-female flyers the Night Witches due to their terrifying and innovative method of attack. Flying the Polikarpov Po-2, an obsolete wood-and-fabric biplane clearly outstripped by the Luftwaffe’s Messerschmitts and Focke-Wulfs, the pilots approached their targets low on the treeline in the dead of night, before ascending and then idling the engine for a fierce—and silent—bombing run. With only the whistle of the air through the biplanes’ struts as warning, surviving soldiers on the receiving end likened the sound to the rush of witches’ broomsticks overhead.

Stepping into the cockpit of a Po-2 more than 70 years later, Rankin finds the aircraft “surprisingly nimble for such a big airplane.” And it would have to be. Unable to match the Luftwaffe’s pilots for speed or power, the Night Witches relied on the Po-2’s exceptional maneuverability to evade enemy fire, and turned the aircraft’s obsolescence to their advantage, moving so slowly that the German fighters would stall if they matched speed to line up a shot. Historians estimate the regiment flew more than 24,000 missions and dropped 23,000 tons of bombs.

Flying over the Vistula River just south of Warsaw, Rankin’s flight is not quite so militant in nature, but rather a picturesque cruise over Polish countryside. With a co-pilot unable to speak English and Rankin’s skills in Polish hovering around zilch, the pair communicate in the universal pilot language of “shake to take, push to pass.” While his guide flies the plane, Rankin will give the stick a little shake when he wants to fly—“Just vibrate it a little in my hand,” he says, “and he’ll feel that”—and when he’s ready to give it up, he’ll push it forward, signaling that he’s ready to relinquish control.

Soaring over the countryside in an open-canopy biplane, conversation is nonexistent, but that’s just fine with Rankin, who’s transported back to his childhood dreams and the image he held in his head of what flying would be. It wasn’t high-tech fighter jets or supersonic experiments, but the classic biplane and the begoggled and brave pilots leading the way. “This was as close to that picture I had as a kid as I’ve experienced,” he says. “You don’t want to spoil the moment with words.”

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

Pictured: Ryan Rankin flies the Polikarpov Po-2. Image courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Daily Shop]  Aquatic Agility
Gabrielle Holliday

Dive into summer with Marmalade Salon and Boutique’s wide variety of one-piece swimsuits, coming in a variety of colors with different variations on the traditional cut. One-pieces are once again trendy, and the high-legged, open-back cut seems to be the style of summer among all ages. This bright blue, low-back swimsuit will fit in perfectly at the pool, beach or out boating. Allowing for versatility as well as a bit of whimsy due to “Mermaid” being written across the front. Marmalade also carries a variety of cover-ups, towels and sunglasses, ensuring a colorful and trendy beach day. Enjoy for $30. 

Photo by Gabrielle Holliday.

Marmalade Salon and Boutique, 1927 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-362-0276.

[Exec Moves]  US Masters Swimming Hires Coordinators

US Masters Swimming has hired new coordinators of volunteer services and membership services. As USMS’s volunteer services coordinator, Onshalee Promchitmart provides support in planning and logistics for USMS’s extensive volunteer network. She works directly with LMSCs to enhance volunteer roles and foster strong communication and best practices so that USMS volunteers have the resources they need to support the membership. Steve Hall joins USMS as the coordinator of membership services. His primary responsibility is to provide world-class customer service and support to the general membership including athletes, volunteers, coaches and event directors. 

US Masters Swimming

[Recognition]  Grosso Accepted Into Florida Fellows Institute

Jennifer Grosso, an attorney with Bentley & Bruning P.A., has been accepted into Class III of the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). The Florida Fellows Institute was created to develop future leaders in trust and estate law through in-depth educational seminars. Grosso was one of approximately 30 attorneys in the state recently selected. Grosso handles general business litigation and estate and trust litigation, including will contests, trust contests, inheritance disputes and disputes related to the administration of probate, wills and trusts. She is a member of the executive council of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar. Additionally, Grosso serves as litigation counsel for the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, one of Florida’s largest public health systems, which includes Sarasota Memorial Hospital, First Physicians Group of Sarasota, the Cape Surgery Center, HealthFit and other healthcare components. 

Bentley & Bruning

[Synergy]  Players Receives Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Grant

The Players Centre for Performing Arts has recently received the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund’s inaugural “Signature Grant” of $10,000 toward its new Theatre in the Field program. The first Theatre in the Field production is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow premiering October 27 and 28, 2017 on the grounds of the Sarasota Polo Club. The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund was established in 2000 as a donor-advised fund under the umbrella of the Manatee Community Foundation. The fund was developed to serve the people and interests of the Lakewood Ranch community and allow donor-allocated funds to stay in the region, serving a variety of charitable interests, from health and human services to arts and culture. 

Players Centre for Performing Arts



[TODAY]  THEATER: Eli Schildkraut presents Songs You’ve Never Heard Before (And Maybe Some You Have) , August 3 – August 6

Combining his passion for musical theatre and his love of introducing people to new music, student music director Eli Schildkraut and his talented friends return to Venice Theatre’s Cabaret Festival with an evening of somewhat obscure songs from the musical theatre repertoire. Equal parts entertaining and insightful, Songs You’ve Never Heard Before (And Maybe Some You Have) is sure to have you leaving the theatre with a smile on your face and a couple of new tunes in your head.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Pilgrims , August 4 – September 10

On a ship to colonize a newly discovered planet, a soldier and a teenage girl find themselves quarantined in one of the ship’s cabins with only an outdated robot and each other for company. When they’re no longer able to create fantasies to escape their past lives, the two cabin-mates are forced to explore their own traumatic histories in order to connect and survive. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Sinning Sirens , August 4 – August 5

Check out the hottest local burlesque troupe featuring the Sirens you love – RubyyJean Siren, Karma Kandlewick, and Ginger Holliday. Also introducing Chief Peach, the Sirens’ fun loving drag king! And who could forget about Toez, the adorably creepy tapping clown? Join Venice Theatre for a night of beautiful ladies and live vocals that will make you want to come back for more.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: National Theatre Live, Amadeus , August 4, 6:30pm

Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote Mozart's talent or destroy his name. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music and, ultimately, with God. Lucian Msamati plays Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s iconic play, broadcast live from the National Theatre, and with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  SPORTS: AUGUST Free 5K Fun Run or Walk , August 5, 7:00am-9:00am

August 5th New Balance will host their free 5K Fun Run (or Walk) designed to be fun & allow participants to test skills or just enjoy getting up & out by themselves or with family or friends. Open to all ages & ability levels, runners and walkers, this out & back loop course runs through the local neighborhood, over the South Bridge onto Siesta Key Beach & back. Team New Balance members will follow up with runners/walkers on the route. Come run/walk by yourself or with family & friends. RSVP for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate and raffles!

New Balance Sarasota, New Balance Sarasota 1872 Stickney Point Road Sarasota, FL 34231

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: FREE Admission for Kids at Sarasota Jungle Gardens Back-to-School Celebration , August 5 – August 6

For two days, Aug. 5 and 6, adults may bring up to three children each for free with the purchase of a full-priced adult admission. Take this time to enjoy one last vacation bash with the family before it is time to hit the books again.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: WSLR’s Ninth Annual “Very Merry Jerry Day” , August 6

 Break out the tie-dye and hula hoops for WSLR's annual celebration of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Jerry Garcia was born on August 1, 1942, and lived to become one of the most famous counterculture icons of the 20th Century. Playing guitar and singing for his band, The Grateful Dead, as well as several others, Garcia took his hippie movement from the 60's into the 90's, inspiring the following of millions of long-haired, tie-dye t-shirted, carefree "Deadheads." Musicians honoring the Dead this year will include the Michael Miller Band, Grass is Dead, and The Schmitz Brothers.  The event is held at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center with doors opening at 4pm and music starting at 5pm.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center , 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Power Hour Lunch , August 9, 11:45 AM - 1:00 pm

A Chamber of Commerce networking opportunity, at this event each guest is invited to make an introduction to the group and pitch an elevator speech about their business. Please RSVP at least 24-hours prior to the event to save your spot. Depending on availability, member walk-ins will be charged $25.

Hotel Indigo , 1223 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Arsenic and Old Lace , August 9 – August 20, 7:30pm and 2pm

Directed by Joseph Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace is about two charming and innocent old ladies running a boarding house for "acceptable" gentlemen roomers. Single tickets are $18.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Tr.

[SOON]  THEATER: Don’t Quit Your Day Job , August 10 – August 11

Venice Theatre’s multi-talented employees get the chance to strut their stuff on stage. From the box office and marketing to production and development, representatives from just about every department are pitching in to put on a great show. Enjoy performances from Allan Kollar, also the MC, Barbara Mullen, Brad Wages, Cara Herman, Dorian Boyd, Eric Watters, Kelly Duyn, Kim Gaesser, Kim Kollar, Laurie Colton, Lynne Buhle, Tay Tufenkjian and Tim Wisgerhoff.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Gallery Walk & Talk - Portraits , August 10

The Ringling photography collection is rich in portraits by artists such as Cindy Sherman and Richard Avedon. Join museum staff as they introduce viewers to both artists and their subjects in these “bite size” programs that focus on issues and ideas.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art  , 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Alana Opie presents Classic Country Cabaret , August 12 – August 13

Hot off her Venice Theatre performance in Blood Brothers, Alana presents something totally different – her “Classic Country Cabaret.” Employing her strong country vocals, her witty stories, and perhaps a few over-sized wigs and fringed dresses, she will perform songs like “Walking After Midnight,” “Stand By Your Man,” “Jolene” and “Don’t Come Home a’Drinkin,” all made famous by all the classic female country artists of the ’60s and ’70s – including Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SAF Milam House Tour , August 12, 2 to 3 PM

Join SAF for an exclusive tour of architect Paul Rudolph's Milam House, a true modernist masterpiece in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Built in 1961, this was Rudolph's last Florida residence and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
The iconic house is built on a 200-foot oceanfront lot, on a high bluff near Jacksonville, Florida. Architectural Record's 1963 "House of the Year", the Milam House is a legendary example of the celebrated architect’s expansive vision of architecture and served as an important segue in his career. The Sarasota Bus Group will also have the opportunity to visit the William Morgan House in Atlantic Beach after the Milam tour. Internationally known modernist architect William Morgan, studied under Walter Gropius, graduated from Harvard University, worked with Paul Rudolph and was one of the best-known and most influential Jacksonville architects of all time. 

Milam House, 1033 Ponte Vedra Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach

[SOON]  SPORTS: The Second Annual Candy’s Circus Run , August 12

The Second Annual Candy’s Circus Run will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the Nathan Benderson Park. Gates will open at 7:00 am for packet pick-up and limited In-Person Registration. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:30 and races will promptly begin at 8:00 am. All of the donations go to the organization CureSearch for Children’s Cancer which is a non - profit focused on raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer.

Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, 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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