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SRQ DAILY Aug 4, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"They had a powerful message of remembrance... but also this message of optimism."

- Dr. Manuel Lopez Zafra
 

[Exhibition]  Selby Shows Seedlings From Hiroshima
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

When the US military dropped the atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, near 90,000 people died instantly. Many more would follow in the days, weeks, months and years to come, as the survivors rebuilt their city. But in the wreckage of a blast radius boasting a mile of total destruction, they found hope as well, in the sturdy trunks and slender branches of the trees still standing. Established in 2011, Green Legacy Hiroshima spreads this hope—and the cautionary tale contained therein—through seeds harvested from these surviving trees and sent across the world. Now some of those seeds have found there way to Selby Gardens, where, through the month of August, visitors can view the budding seedlings as they begin their lives in Florida climes.

Thanks in large part to a partnership with New College of Florida, the opportunity came to the attention of Selby Gardens through New College Assistant Professor of Religion Dr. Manuel Lopez Zafra, who, on a recent visit to Japan, was struck by Green Legacy’s mission and its meaning. "They had a powerful message of remembrance, to remember what happened to Hiroshima and the consequence of war," he says. "But also this message of optimism—the idea that these seeds are living reminders but also symbols for peace." Working with Selby Gardens, which holds a USDA import license, in addition to considerable horticultural expertise, the institutions arranged for the delivery of several holly, persimmon and camphor seeds, to be shared between the two organizations.

Standing roughly six inches tall at this point, the persimmon and camphor seedlings are now on display at Selby Gardens, but the holly remains hidden in the greenhouse. Incredibly hard seeds, the plant growing inside can take up to a year to break through, and only then will Selby Gardens staff know what they have, but Dr. Bruce Holst, director of botany, thinks that at least one has germinated and will grow.

Though there are certainly plenty of political questions surrounding the use of the atomic bomb in World War II, Selby Gardens is steering clear of that particular conversation with this exhibition. “We’re just honoring the plants,” says Holst. The trees’ astounding resilience, surviving the blast and aftermath of an atomic bomb, makes them almost wonders of the natural world. So far, the camphor and persimmon seedlings appear healthy, which is to be expected, he says, and kind of the point. “The possibility exists [of mutation],” says Holst, “but these are developing normally.”

The seedlings will be on display through the month of August, after which the persimmon will be brought back within the protection of the greenhouses until grown to the proper size (“That,” says Holst, pointing to one of the seedlings, “is like breakfast for a rabbit.”) and the camphor sent to Sarasota’s Sho Fu Bonsai Society for training. Eventually, the persimmons will be permanently planted in the Gardens.

On display through August 31; this Sunday, August 6, the seedlings will be available for viewing free of charge for all veterans. 

Pictured: Camphor seedling at Selby Gardens. Photo by Phil Lederer.

[Good Bite]  Pad Thai Perfection
Shelby Schwartz, shelbys@srqme.com

Accompanied by hot chicken soup (good for the soul) and crisp cabbage-filled eggrolls, Tropical Thai’s Pad Thai Chicken packs rich flavors into every bite. Crafting the meal begins with sautéing rice noodles, peanut sauce and chicken in a pan, allowing the essences of each ingredient to intertwine and evolve into a sensational and aromatic combination. Next, eggs scramble into the mixture, making for a chewy addition that holds its own but also absorbs the zesty sauce. Fresh bean sprouts and green onions join the pan’s simmering contents, promising crunch and pops of tang in each forkful. Topping off the steaming dish, ground peanuts and scallions are sprinkled on top, accentuating the eclectic flavors cooked together. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish excites the taste buds with nutty, savory and somewhat sweet elements that undeniably complement each other well. 

Photo by Shelby Schwartz.

Tropical Thai Restaurant, 1535 Main St., Sarasota, 941-364-5775.

[Exec Moves]  Sarasota County Hires Wendel as Procurement Official

Sarasota County has hired Melissa Wendel as its new procurement official. Wendel has more than 20 years of experience in procurement, including the past eight years with Manatee County Government, where she has served as purchasing official since 2011. She helped lead Manatee County to its first national recognition of excellence in public procurement, earning the National Procurement Institute's (NPI) Achievement of Excellence award four times in a row. Manatee also earned the Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials' excellence award for the first time in its history under Wendel's leadership. At Sarasota County, Wendel will lead a division that has also been recognized with the NPI's excellence award for the past three years. The accreditation reflects sweeping changes and improvements not only to procurement and the way the county conducts its business, but also to the key areas of contracting, transparency and ethics. Wendel's first day with the county will be Aug. 7. 

Sarasota County Government

[Exec Moves]  Haven Announces Hires and Promotions

The Haven, a nonprofit providing programs and services for children and adults with disabilities, has announced recent hires and staff promotions to further fill out its leadership team. Jordan Cadavid has accepted the role of community outreach director. Prior to her new role, she served as an assistant cruise line director on board Carnival Cruise Lines and as a realtor at Keller Williams Realty Select of Lakewood Ranch. Christine Crawford, now VP of recruitment and residential services and formerly community living coordinator, has served on staff at The Haven since 2013. Sierra Ebersole has been promoted to VP of day services. She is a Florida-certified educator with five years of teaching experience for children with emotional and behavioral disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Michelle Williams has joined The Haven leadership team as marketing director. She previously served at Aviva-A Campus for Senior Life and played an instrumental role during their recent rebrand. 

The Haven

[Exec Moves]  Imbrosciano Joins RE/MAX Alliance Group

Darrell Imbrosciano has joined Catherine Rustin's team in the Sarasota office of RE/MAX Alliance Group. He specializes in first-time home buyers, from buyers using VA, FHA and USDA loans, to buyers seeking luxury homes. RE/MAX Alliance Group is the No. 1 RE/MAX franchise in Florida for both transactions and sales volume. With more than 300 agents and staff, RE/MAX Alliance Group offers residential and commercial real estate solutions throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, with offices in Sarasota, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, University Park, Venice, Siesta Key and Englewood. 

RE/MAX Alliance Group



"Winter's Day" by James Griffin. Dabbert Gallery.

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[TODAY]  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

[WEEKEND]  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

[WEEKEND]  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

[WEEKEND]  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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