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SRQ DAILY Mar 19, 2018

Monday Business Edition

Monday Business Edition

"I'm so grateful for people in the community who are paying it forward to help young girls, to strive to overcome any obstacle and to break stereotypes."

- India White, SMARTgirl speaker
 

[Politics]  Libertarians Want Full Candidate Slate in 2018
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A special election in February brought some level of disappointment to Libertarians, who had raised a record amount for candidate Alison Foxall only to barely crack  3 percent in the contest. But party leaders saw plenty of silver lining in the race, even the foundation for a broader presence on the ballot this November. “With Sarasota in mind, ideally we would have a candidate for every spot and every seat that’s going to come available,” says Todd Dennison, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Sarasota County.

That’s right. The Libertarians want more than third-party status. They want to be the third party, proving an option for disaffected Democrats and Republicans in positions from the state House down to city and town commissions.

Foxall before the special election ended had filed to run against for House in District 72 but now says she is exploring other potential contests to enter. Libertarians acknowledge when Foxall jumped into the rare special election, they did not anticipate the heavy resources Democrats and Republicans would pour into the region, driving turnout to an astounding 36.1 percent. “When we calculated our win numbers it was based on a much lower turnout,” she says. If there had been, say, a third as many of the 44,267 ballots cast, then the 1,339 votes received by Foxall would have looked far more respectable. Democrat Margaret Good won with 23,081 votes, and Republican James Buchanan took 19,816.

But regardless of the final tally, Foxall says she learned on the campaign trail that plenty of voters have grown tired of the two-party system. “Republicans and Democrats have been very much the status quo across the board,” she says. “The more we run candidates, the more we are relevant.”

Dennison sees particular hope in the many nonpartisan municipal and local races. Three School Board seats are up for election, and North Port, Venice and Longboat Key all will hold elections. That doesn’t count many partisan and nonpartisan boards that will appear on the ballot even though they draw little media attention. “The lower position, the higher the success rate is going to be,” Dennison says.

But the long game will be ensuring the rising group of young voters who don’t have entrenched party loyalties and will consider the Libertarian message in the future. The anti-regulation and anti-restriction mindset, he hopes, will find a fair audience. “Locally our voters are old, so we have this massive clock of voters who are voting for the old parties or because they don’t want the other party to win,” Dennison says. “A lot of that is going away or changing with the younger generations.” 

[Community]  SMARTgirl Summit: The Merits of Mentorship
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

More than 50 middle school girls from around the region flocked to The Hyatt Regency, Sarasota this past Friday for the second annual SMARTgirl Leadership and Mentorship Summit, where they met face-to-face with 30 women professionals who would serve as mentors for a day of inspirational activity and female empowerment.

The morning began with the Dream Career Incubator Workshop, seeing the young mentees moving from “pod” to “pod,” meeting women in the workforce and getting an inside look at what they do and how they got there. With focuses ranging from architecture and marine biology to law enforcement and education and beyond, attendees struck up conversation and connections with several local leaders, including Education Foundation of Sarasota County President Jennifer Vigne, Sift Bakery and Five-O Donut Co. Founder Christine Nordstrom, Ivy Ventures Founder Lee-En Chung, Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center CEO Dr. Kameron Hodgens and many more. In addition to sharing their stories, mentors also helped their charges complete their first resumes. With such a varied group of role models, the rule of the day rang clear—anything is possible.

As a special activity for the day, Andrea Cannistra of atLarge presented an Intro to Coding workshop for the entire group, giving the mentees a quick bit of insight and some encouraging familiarity with the concepts and perspectives behind the process. Beginning with the tangible, attendees plotted their dream trip by selecting emojis or symbols corresponding with their chosen destination, travel buddy, mode of transportation and accessory. Each of these then corresponds to a sequence of beads, which the girls threaded together for a souvenir beaded bracelet—but also a code. In the second portion, Cannistra showed them how code works the other direction—reading the beads as instructions and then outputting a specific dream vacation.

The day ended after lunch with a series of speakers, including international mathematician, scientist and musician Ria Persad and author, motivational speaker and educator India White. Both vividly remember the importance of mentors in their lives, whether it be the Princeton professor who took a liking to Persad at an MIT science fair or the pair of women who helped White stay focused and encouraged, even as she was homeless and putting herself through school.

“It forms your self-image—that I can do this, that I am world-class,” says Persad, who still keeps up with several of her old mentors, including a Syracuse University professor named Marjorie Baruch. “A real mentor is always interested,” she says, “even for a lifetime.” White agrees: “A mentoring relationship, if done right, will evolve into something way more than that—I’m talking family.”

“I’m so grateful for people in the community who are paying it forward to help young girls, to strive to overcome any obstacle and to break stereotypes,” White continues. “If it wasn’t for people inspiring me, I don’t know where I’d be today.”

“I want them to start at a higher place than where I started,” Persad says of the young women in the next room. “It’s very gratifying for me to share, so they can go a few notches higher, and go faster and not have to suffer what I did for lack of wisdom.” 

Pictured: A SMARTgirl attendee takes part in the day's coding workshop. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Expansion]  Sarasota Signature Purchases MBM Biliardi Distribution Rights

Sarasota Signature Real Estate along with Antonello Piras purchased the exclusive distributing rights for within North America for MBM Biliardi. The story of MBM Biliardi starts in 1969, when the holding’s owner, Mariano Maggio, was only 23. After about two years of experience in the billiard industry as a salesman in the Lazio region for the “Mari biliardi” company, settled in Siena, he decided to get into the billiard business on his own and opened the first small laboratory that was going to be the greatest billiards factory in Italy. Over the years, the Maggio’s holding has obtained awards and approvals nationally and internationally. In 2017 MBM Biliardi Italia decided to launch their product in the North American market.  They are proud to announce the opening of a brand new showroom in Osprey, Florida as well as in Manhattan, New York. Inventory can be viewed at the Osprey location at 3972 Destination Drive #104. 

Sarasota Signature Real Estate

[Recognition]  Venice Theatre Wins Awards at Southeastern Theatre Festival

Last week, a team from Venice Theatre attended the Southeastern Theatre Conference's Community Theatre Festival in Mobile, AL. They presented Tennessee Williams' 1946 one-act drama 27 Wagons Full of Cotton. Actors Murray Chase, Kristofer Geddie and Morgan Graves were accompanied by Director Ric Goodwin, Stage Manager Jennifer Kaiser, Scenic and Lighting Designer John Andzulis, and crew members John Wyczlinksi and Patrick Mounce. After winning the award for Best Production in Florida last August, Venice Theatre went on to compete against nine other theatres in Alabama. The theatre came home with two more awards. Morgan Graves won for Best Supporting Actress and John Andzulis won for Best Lighting Design. Graves is an acting intern at Venice Theatre. Her next show before completing her internship will be the campy musical Debbie Does Dallas which will be presented in the Pinkerton Theatre from April 26 through May 20, 2018. 

Venice Theatre



[TODAY]  THEATER: The 26th Annual Silver Fox Show , March 19 – March 24

The Silver Foxes are a troupe of professionally directed, volunteer performers who have been bringing entertainment to the area for nearly 26 years. Their annual MainStage production evokes Carol Burnett-style variety shows with singing, dancing, and hilarious sketch comedy.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W., Venice,

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Sound of Music , March 21 – March 24

This concert will future music from a wide array of classic, beloved movies. Prepare to Strike up the Band for our Flight to Neverland as we travel Over the Rainbow. Enjoy a Star Wars theme from a new movie and the classic score from To Kill a Mockingbird. The Pomp and Circumstance of this concert will remind us all of some of our favorite things

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

[SOON]  THEATER: The Things They Carried , March 21 – April 13

Based on a classic book, this production is a powerful telling of Tim O'Brien's personal journey from his innocent years in rural Minnesota to the jungles of Vietnam. A one-person Tour-de-force this play explores the lines between truth and reality as fact and fiction blur in this unforgettable soldier's journey.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Little Women , March 22 – April 8

Based on Louisa May Alcott's American classic, this Civil War story of love and family stands the test of time. Come and see this classic reproduced on stage for a limitied time only. 

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Sarasota World Affairs Council Speaker Series , March 22, 6:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for a series of high–profile foreign affairs lectures covering current international issues ranging from foreign intelligence to peace negotiations to immigration and trade. This month, CEO and Co-founder of Manifold Technology, Chris Finan will explain how the government has been challenged to keep pace with changing technology. Each lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception for members.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion, New College , 5313 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Women & Medicine Luncheon , March 23, 10:30am-1:30pm

This year marks the 6th Anniversary of Women & Medicine educational luncheon featuring informative presentations and discussions from Sarasota Memorial Physicians. This event has raised more than $225,000 to date and this year will help support the Sarasota Memorial Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Michael’s on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  GALA: Party on the Pass , March 23, 6:30pm

Join Mote Marine Laboratory to support Mote’s hospitals for sea turtles, dolphins and whales at Party on the Pass. This casual evening of good food, good fun and good will, will take place at 6:30pm in the Aquarium courtyard.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Hyman in the House , March 25, 3pm

Dick Hyman's background as a pianist, composer, arranger, music director and organist have helped him establish a fruitful career spanning decades. He has won numerous awards, including an Emmy and an MVP from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Pops Orchestra is proud to share the stage with this Hall of Fame musician for an evening of jazz tunes and original compositions.

Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: American Modern Architecture: Frame + Character in Hitchcock's Cinematic Spaces , March 29, 5:30pm

Buildings played a pivotal role in Alfred Hitchcock's groundbreaking works. For Hitchcock, modern buildings both visually and metaphorically represented the future in contrast with the past. Hitchcock utilized modernism's essential elements as cultural shorthand to convey society's views on anonymity and one's place in increasingly complex urban environments. Christine Madrid French, an advocate for the study and preservation of American architecture, will discuss in this visually-rich presentation of Hitchcock's penchant for filming suspenseful scenes against the backdrop of American modernist architechture. 

Ringling College of Art and Design's Alfred Goldstein Library, 2700 Bradenton Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Funny Girl , March 29 – April 15

Fanny Brice is a nobody who dreams of being famous, and through sheer guts and determination, fulfills her dream and becomes a star of the Ziegfeld Follies. Set in New York City just prior to and following World War I, it’s the songs and story that generations have grown to love including: “People,” “I’m the Greatest Star” and “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”  The original cast recording was even inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame!

The Players Theatre , 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Little Bit Country Little Bit Rock n' Roll , March 30

Grab yer guitar and boots, tilt yer cowboy hat and got ready to “Yeee Hawwww” your way through this country romp mixed with a healthy serving of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Jimmy Mazz takes you back to visit great country classics like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, then crossing over to rockers like Bobby Darin, Jerry Lee Lewis and of course, Elvis plus many more!

The Players Centre of Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Femmes Fatales , March 31 – April 27

In this exhibit, Elisabeth Trostili's digital paintings celebate the power of women. Each painting in Femmes Fatales could be described as a digital photographic collage that captures beauty, diversity, gender roles, spirituality and the richness of woman. New work by all of Art Uptown's 25 professional artists will be shown along with Trostili's featured pieces.   

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Master Class: Introduction to Connoisseurship , April 3, 10am

Master Classes offer a deeper look at various subjects, though are designed for any level, so no advance training required. This Master Class session will engage with key questions around art and quality. Throughout the series, you’ll discover your own criteria for quality, and begin to use your skills to assist your decision-making, whether you are acquiring works of art, or simply engaging as a viewer. 

The Works, 891 South Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Gloria , April 4 – April 29

Directed by Greg Leaming, this biting commentary on the office environment and the drive to succeed marries the horror of shocking workplace violence with a satirical sendup of how individuals respond, whether taking advantage or falling apart. A Pulitzer Prize finalist and selected by The New York Times as one of the best shows of 2015.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Women Laughing Alone With Salad , April 5 – May 13

Sheila Callaghan breaks all the rules of our image-obsessed culture in this raw, audacious comedy about the unreasonable expectations demanded of women and their bodies. Gleefully vulgar, bitingly poignant and raucously unafraid, Women Laughing Alone With Salad is a gender-bending feminist fantasia with balls. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, 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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