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SRQ DAILY Feb 26, 2018

Monday Business Edition

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Monday Business Edition

"I'm afraid to send my child to school."

- Jules Scholles, citizen
 

[Civility]  Feldman: Democracy's Technology Will Force Bipartisanship
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

If you feel partisanship makes it impossible to come together and solve social problems, Harvard law professor Noah Feldman assures Americans the country has been through worse—and did so early in its history. Speaking at a luncheon organized by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the legal historian went into detail about how disagreements on the founding of the nation turned founding fathers who started out as great friends into bitter rivals.

Traveling the country to promote his biography The Three Lives of James Madison: Genius, Partisan, President, he noted that Madison and Alexander Hamilton wrote the Federalist Papers together before the Constitutional Convention, then founded America’s first political parties and fought each other about the basic purpose of government in the new nation. “Hamilton had just collaborated and were literally finishing one another’s sentences,” Feldman told SRQ. “But then they were so deeply opposed that Hamilton wrote ‘We are now personal and political enemies.’ ”

He told the luncheon crowd of how newspapers were founded by the Democratic Republicans, led by Madison and Thomas Jefferson, to decry newspapers run by Federalists, namely Hamilton, as “fake news.” Discussions about the need for a national bank and the existence of a permanent national debt turned to accusations of salacious personal foibles like Jefferson’s fathering of children with his slave Sally Hemings.”We didn’t even invent the sex scandal,” Feldman told the contemporary audience.

But Feldman also credits Madison with what he calls the “technology” of democracy, a constitution and government structure that requires leaders at points to put aside partisanship to get things done. Partisanship, he says, only works if you want the government to do literally nothing. But by having a two-chamber legislature and a president with veto power, it requires any solution to problems to be broad-based, with support on both sides of the aisle. That doesn’t mean compromise by its nature represents the best course of action. Feldman noted founding fathers ultimately elected to leave the morally deplorable institution of slavery in place for generations because a consensus couldn’t be formed; that social ill would not reach its end until a violent civil war a century after the nation’s founding. 

But the mechanics of American democracy, he says, guarantee a return to bipartisanship in time, even when the nation drifts into moments of extreme partisanship like the Clinton impeachment in the 1990s or the deep divides in Washington during the Trump administration today. When leaders employe civility with one another, he says, it  lubricates the mechanics of democracy to bring bipartisan solutions into place faster.

Feldman spoke to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s “Better Together” luncheon promoting civility, and Feldman said such distinctly nonpartisan community events made American democracy possible. Mark Pritchett, president and CEO for the Community Foundation, said Feldman’s insights would bring a timely message “about our ethical duty to engage civilly and maintain integrity, whether it’s in politics, business, or civic life.”

And Feldman said at the local level, it should be easier than it is in Washington to come together and solve problems. “If you are actually neighbors,” he tells SRQ, “you do have things in common. You shop at the same grocery store and root for the same high school football team.” Even in moments of disagreement, he says, parties should know they share a concern for making Sarasota the bets it can be. 

[Politics]  After Parkland, Concerned Sarasotans Raise Their Voices
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Fewer than 10 days after a school shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, left 17 people dead and wounded 14 more, Sarasota residents took to the streets in protest this past Friday, February 23, calling for their representatives, specifically congressmen Vern Buchanan and Marco Rubio, to disavow the NRA and support gun control legislation or be voted out of office.

First assembling outside the office of US Congressman Vern Buchanan on the corner of Orange Avenue and Ringling Boulevard, the crowd gathered on the steps by a large yellow handmade sign reading “Where’s Vern?” Similar signs dot the congregation, ranging from the legislatively focuse—“Common sense gun laws now”—to the more personal—“Votes kill, Vern”—to the pointed—“$15,450 in Blood,” a reference to money from the NRA accepted by Buchanan and his people. Though largely an older crowd at this point, student-age protesters and middle-aged parents make their presence known as well. With an oversized American flag held out front, they marched to the roundabout at Main and Orange, posting up on all four corners, numbers swelling to near or above 200 protesters holding signs and calling for change.

“Our country is in crisis and needs gun reform,” says Jules Scholles, a Sarasota resident and one of three mothers who organized the protest in response to the shooting in Parkland. This is the first such event or protest organized by Scholles, who largely just used Facebook to create a public event and found a receptive audience, but it’s also the first “major” school shooting she’s seen since having her first child, a young daughter currently in preschool. With an abstract fear suddenly more concrete, the lack of legislative action to prevent school shootings came in sharp relief as well. “They’re putting the rights of guns over the rights of children,” says Scholles. “Our children are certainly more important than an antiquated second amendment written in 1790.” Her family is considering home-schooling, losing faith in the ability of schools and legislators to protect the students. “I am not confident,” she says. “I’m afraid to send my child to school.”

At the roundabout, protesters strode the crosswalks, holding their signs to the stopped cars and handing out printed poster-placards showing blood-soaked hands  belonging to “politicians and NRA." A majority of passing cars honk in support—with one Prius driver taking it upon herself to give the roundabout a full loop and more while happily laying on the horn—others are less than thrilled. One motorcyclist flips the bird as he passes, earning a rebuke from a protester as he leaves. “I hope you don’t get shot on the way home,” she yells. A pick-up truck sporting a couple Go Army bumper stickers stops and accepts a poster.

The current situation is a “catastrophe,” says Ray Garfinkel, an 80-year-old veteran and Sarasota resident (though not the driver of the aforementioned pick-up) who came out to put pressure on Buchanan to disavow the NRA and its campaign contributions. “I would, by myself or with a bunch of people, replace that $16,000 so that he’s not obligated to the NRA,” he says. “Let him, with a clear conscience, do the right thing.”

And as the crowd continues to yell for the departure of Buchanan and Rubio—“Vern must go!” and “Rubio must go!” being two of the loudest and most sustained chants of the day—the question remains, however, whether either elected official is listening.

“I think they have to,” says Garfinkel, though Scholles remains less convinced. “I don’t think they are,” she says. “It’s going to have to come down to the vote.” 

[Community]  SRQ MEDIA Hosts Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon

SRQ MEDIA will host the powerful Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at The Francis to recognize exceptional women in the region, through the Annual Women in Business competition, who have made noteworthy contributions to business, education, philanthropy, culture and health in the community. The Awards Luncheon kicks off with a Keynote Speaker who shares their story of success and the honoring of this year’s recipient of the prestigious Trailblazer Award, a luminary who has cultivated distinguished achievements.
It is SRQ MEDIA’s great pleasure to announce Cricket Burns—founder of CricketsCrush.com, a curated treasure trove of highly sought after furnishings, artwork and collectors’ items—as the Keynote Speaker and Patti Cazzato— CEO of Timbuk2, the global handbag enterprise—as the Trailblazer Award Recipient for the 2018 annual luncheon and awards ceremony. Past Trailblazer Award recipients include Adrienne Vittadini (2015), Pamela Fiori (2016) and Nancy Bernardini (2017).

“We’re thrilled to host keynote speaker Cricket Burns and Trailblazer Award recipient Patti Cazzato as our honored guests,” says SRQ MEDIA CEO/President Lisl Liang. “Hear Me Roar recognizes the passion within each of us to conquer the inevitable challenges in our personal and professional lives. The strong and compassionate women nominated each year are a testament to resiliency, innovation and the spirit of giving back to our community."
SRQ MEDIA would like to thank the Women in Business Sponsors for their support of this engaging community platform: Seaside Bank, New Balance Sarasota, CS&L CPAs, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Diamond Vault, Gold Star Limo, Muse Salon, Victoria Blooms, Sophie’s at Saks Fifth Avenue and CCAV.

The Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon kicks off Thursday, April 26, from 10:30am to 1pm at The Francis in Downtown Sarasota. Registration begins at 10:30am, with pop-up boutiques running from 10:30am to 11:30am. The luncheon program begins at 11:30am and ends at 1pm, with cocktails following at Louies Modern until 3pm.
To purchase online tickets to the SRQ Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon and for more details on the program, visit the website below. 

SRQ Hear Me Roar

[Education]  $18 Million Education Initiatives Reviewed in Capstone Report

Two innovative education initiatives have transformed public middle-school education in Sarasota County over the past eight years. A report marking the culmination of these successive initiatives, which together invested over $18 million into technology-enhanced education in the region, was shared with the Sarasota County School Board on February 20. At the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bowden presented his inaugural “Superintendent’s Coin of Excellence” to Gulf Coast Community Foundation and to Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation in recognition of their leadership in the efforts. The first initiative, STEMsmart, was launched by GCCF in 2009, in partnership with the Sarasota and Charlotte county school districts, to jump-start education in the STEM disciplines. Originally envisioned as a five-year, $2.5-million partnership focused on eight secondary schools within the two counties, STEMsmart grew into an $11.5-million initiative to transform every middle-school math and science classroom across the Sarasota County School District to the TechActive format. The second initiative, 21st Century Schools, expanded upon the scope of STEMsmart to fun similar transformations for every English language arts and social studies classroom in Sarasota County middle schools. Both initiatives were independently evaluated by Robertson Consulting Group. A selection of highlights from this ongoing evaluation is included in a new capstone report from GCCF, available below. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Education Report

[Recognition]  Mariash Named to Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors"

Merrill Lynch has announced that Financial Advisor Brian J Mariash has been recognized on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" inaugural list, published this February. In all, 639 Merrill Lynch advisors are included on this year’s list, the most of any firm. The Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Mariash has been a part of Merrill Lynch’s Sarasota office for six years. 

Mariash Lowther Wealth Management

[Education]  Manatee County Schools Lift Backpack Ban

The School District of Manatee County has announced that children will be able to bring their backpacks to school again starting today, February 26. The district asked middle and high school students to refrain from bringing backpacks to school today following a chaotic week that saw more than a dozen threats to district schools, several arrests in relation to those threats and lockdowns of three of the district’s six high schools on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. There are no plans to institute another temporary ban on backpacks, however the district reserves the right to renew the measure should they deem future circumstances warrant it. 

School District of Manatee County



[TODAY]  THEATER: Poison , February 26, 8pm

Alone in a room for the first time in years, a couple is brought back together again after a harrowing breakup. As the play progresses, old wounds re-open, new truths surface, and the real reason behind their separation is learned. Delicate yet hard-hitting, Poison holds up a hopeful mirror to humanity where love and humour can still be found in the midst of so much pain.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  BUSINESS: Dinner with Chef Einat , February 26, 5pm

Two-time Chopped winner Israeli chef Einat Admony will be hosting a dinner featuring a variety of the best Israeli cuisine. Admony additionally is owner of several establishments in New York City, including Balaboosta, Bar Bolonat, and the Taim restaurants.There will be two seatings so as many as possible will be able to attend this event; tickets are $150 per person.

Louie’s Modern, 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Fine Art, An Illustrator's Destiny , February 2 – February 27

This exhibit features the art of Robert Baxter, Jeff Cornell, Bill Farnsworth and James Griffin. With unquestionable mastery of their medium, each artist demonstrates their vision of artistic self expression. 

Dabbert Gallery, 46 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill , February 28 – April 8

In this musical, audiences will get an in-depth look at the legendary musical performer Billie Holiday and one of her final performances. Listen to beloved classics in this riveting portrait of one of the greatest jazz vocalists of this time.

Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Ringling Underground , March 1, 8pm

Ringling Underground is a monthly happening that combines live music and experimental artwork in the Courtyard for one night only. This month's event will include the music of Millionyoung, DieAlps! and Eduardo Correa. Among the art featured will be Maggie Dillon Designs, her work is influenced by old film from the 1930s to the 1950s and Elizabeth Goodwill, whose art is described as "playful, bright and natural." This event is rain or shine. 

Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Baby , March 1 – March 18

Three couples work their way towards parenthood under three very different sets of circumstances in this new hit musical.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave West., Bradenton.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Art, Math and Orange Peels: The Legacy of Dr. William Thurston , March 1, 5:30pm

Join New College of Florida President Donal O’Shea and Anne-Marie Russell, Executive Director of the Sarasota Museum of Art, as they tease out the beauty and complexity of math and fashion using Dr. Thurston’s studies as a point of departure. Celebrate interdisciplinary thinking, and find out how peeling an orange can lead to revelations about the shape of the universe.

Mildred Sainer Auditorium, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Dreams of Nature , March 2 – March 3, 2pm and 7:30pm

Sir Frederick Ashton’s imaginative interpretation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream opens this program of company premieres with lavish sets, astonishing costumes and expressive choreography. This performance melds the beauty of ballet with some social commentary, as endangered animals seek shelter from the storm at the Penguin Cafe. 

Sarasota Ballet, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: John Cowan with Darin and Brooke Aldridge , March 2, 8pm

Both highly acclaimed vocalists in their own right, Darin and Brooke Aldridge combine rich harmonies with impeccable musicianship to create the unmistakable sound that has made them one of the hottest young acts in acoustic music. John Cowan, a friend and mentor of Darin and Brooke will be performing alongside of them. Cowan is also known as the Voice of Newgrass, has been singing his heart out for thirty-seven years now, and his soaring vocals have only improved with time. 

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

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: ArtSlam 2018 , March 3, 9am to 4pm

Bradenton’s Main Street becomes canvas for the city’s multitudinous scribblers, doodlers, sketchers and creatives of all stripes, as ArtSlam brings 23 teams of students and artists out onto the pavement for a day of free-wheeling expressive enterprise. Take a stroll to appreciate the art and jump right in if the inspiration strikes.

Bradenton Main Street, 400 12th St. West, Bradenton

[SOON]  MUSIC: Norma , March 3 – March 24

The opera brings to you an enthralling tale that follows the affair between a Druid priestess and a Roman official, Norma and Pollione, in a Roman occupied Gaul. Defying her sacred vows, Norma has borne two children, but Pollione’s sights are now set on Adalgisa, a temple virgin. The scorned Norma contemplates murder, but as her heart battles between love and duty, she chooses to be cleansed by the flames of a sacrificial pyre.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Celebrating Jewish Culture Exhibit Opening Night , March 3

Celebrating Jewish Culture seeks to showcase Jewish culture and the diversity that exists in Jewish artistic expressions. The exhibit will feature works by Nadja Marks, Ellen Goldberg Tishman, Lori Charnow, Harry Samtur, and Janet Mishner. Musical entertainment will be featured as well. 

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

[SOON]  SPORTS: Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic , March 5 – March 6

Golfing with heart takes on a new meaning at The Concession Golf Club as two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin partners with The Concession Charities for the 8th Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic. More than 20 professional athletes are expected to attend, including current and former NFL players Eddie George, Joey Galloway, Leroy Hoard, Isaac Curtis, Will Allen, Michael Merriweather, Robert Smith, Louis Breeden and Keith Byars. Proceeds from the celebrity tournament will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, empowering more than 7,000 youth to reach their potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Full event details are available online including an up-to-date list of attending celebrities and sponsorship opportunities

The Concession Golf Club , 7700 Lindrick Ln, Bradenton, FL 34202

[SOON]  MUSIC: Striking Strings , March 8 – March 11

This concert features the striking work of Bartók and Schumann. Bartók's final string quartet is a curious and powerful work, ranging from playfulness to melancholy. As the music succumbs to the impending end, it transforms into something majestic in its resignation. Schumann's String Quartet No. 3 features a Clara motif, as he wrote it during his first marital crisis, a domestic issue with a modern ring to it. Typical for Schumann, the finale sweeps away all that has gone before in a surge of energy with a grand conclusion. 

Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: 2018 Jewish Film Festival , March 8 – March 18, 10:30am to 9pm

The ninth annual event will feature films that "explore, record, and celebrate Jewish life and experience" from both the past and present. Films vary in genres from exciting fast-paced features to more serious and somber films. Enjoy great cinema for only $15.

Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Cat Tails | A Night in the Garden , March 9, 6:30-9:30pm

Change the destiny of the 30,000 homeless cats and kittens in Sarasota County by joining Cat Depot for an enchanting celebration under the stars at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, hand-crafted cocktails, delectable bites and delicious desserts prepared by award-winning Michael’s on East and Cat Depot’s best silent auction to date. Every ticket sold will provide much needed support and medical care for the homeless, abandoned, and injured cats and kittens the organization rescues each year.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Best of Broadway , March 9 – March 10

Headlining a program of Broadway favorites is Tony-nominated actor Norm Lewis, recognized for his roles in Phantom of the OperaPorgy and Bess and Showboat at Lincoln Center. Also on the program is Sierra Boggess, who starred in Phantom with Lewis. The program includes music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Tiefland , March 10 – March 25

Marta is the unwilling mistress of awealthy landowner, Sebastiano. To ensure the poor girl will remain close, Sebastiano marries Marta off to Pedro, a shepherd on his land. Pedro falls in love with Marta. Eventually, the awful secret comes to light, but the shepherd is still willing to do whatever it takes to free his beloved from her warden.Performed by the likes of Maria Callas and Montserrat Caballé, this extraordinary example of early 20th century verismo opera is seen regularly in Germany and Austria, but there has only been one other U.S. production in a century.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Jeepin’ For Face Autism , March 11, 12:00pm-3:00pm

Face Autism, Inc. is teaming up with the Sarasota Jeep Club and Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram by rasing funds to continue to serve the local Bradenton, Sarasota, and Venice autism communities. The event will include live music, food and performances from Dynasty Dance and Face Autism clients. All event proceeds will go directly to Face Autism.

Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 2700 1st Street Bradenton, FL 34208

[SOON]  THEATER: The Kingston Trio , March 11 – March 12

Year after year of sold-out performances at VT prove that these Grammy winning legends of folk music just get better with time! The Kingston Trio always provides a wonderful trip through a musical genre that is adored by millions. You'll be sure to enjoy their beautiful harmonies, simple-yet-meaningful songs, and top-notch musicianship. The Kingston Trio: George Grove, Bill Zorn and Rick Dougherty

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice,

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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