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SRQ DAILY Mar 30, 2018

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"I couldn't have done the book without Jerry."

- Michael J. Tougias, author
 

[Books]  Venice Vet "Key" to Authors' Latest on Cuban Missile Crisis
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

In October of 1962, in the midst of the Cuban Missile Crisis and with a world on the brink of nuclear war, 10 United States pilots flew U-2 spy planes over the island nation and other Soviet territories. One went missing. One was shot down and killed. One still lives, a retired brigadier general living in Venice, FL. In their latest book, Above & Beyond: John F. Kennedy and America’s Most Dangerous Cold War Spy Mission, New York Times bestselling authors Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman (The Finest Hours) dive into the historical record to explore the men behind the missions, and how they played a role in those fateful 13 days. Due out April 17.

Like many, Tougias always assumed that the Cuban Missile Crisis ended peacefully—a sterling triumph of diplomacy. But then he heard about Rudy Anderson. “I was shocked when I heard that we lost an air force pilot to a Soviet SAM over Cuba,” he says, and began to dig. Enlisting Sherman to the cause, two years of research followed, including interviews with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the sons of Rudy Anderson, and Colonel Richard Leghorn, who helped develop the U-2 program. Tougias even sat down with Sergei Khrushchev, son of Former Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, finding him in Rhode Island of all places (“He really helped put things in perspective.”) and listened to the audio recordings from Kennedy’s strategy sessions and staff meetings. “You felt like you were eavesdropping,” he says.

But the book really came together when the authors found Jerry McIlmoyle, the last surviving U-2 pilot from the missions in question, living out his retirement in the Venice sunshine. “He was the key,” says Tougias. “I couldn’t have done the book without Jerry.”

Tougias initially went to Florida looking for Steve Heyser, another U-2 pilot and the one who first discovered the Soviet missiles in Cuba. But arriving in Apalachicola, Tougias was met with grim news—Heyser had passed on. His son was willing to talk, however, and afterwards directed Tougias to McIlmoyle. Meeting at McIlmoyle’s Venice home, not too far from McCoy Air Force Bas in Orlando, relatively speaking, McIlmoyle recounted the missions he flew from that airbase, the contrails and starbursts from missiles fired at him and the puzzling denial from his own superiors. Tougias soaked it all up, recording every detail. “Everybody else is gone,” he says.

Putting it all on the page, Tougias hopes he can turn history into a page-turner, and maybe even another Disney film, like what became of The Finest Hours—whatever gets more people paying attention to the stories of history slowly dying on the fringes.

Above & Beyond: John F. Kennedy and America’s Most Dangerous Cold War Spy Mission, by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman is due out April 27. To view a brief video of McIlmoyle talking about his experience, visit the author's website below. 

Pictured: Pilot Jerry McIlmoyle with his U-2 spyplane in 1963. Photo courtesy of Michael J. Tougias.

Hear Jerry McIlMoyle tell his tale.

[Synergy]  Van Wezel, Wilde Jaguar Sarasota Raise $300,000

The Van Wezel Foundation, in partnership with Wilde Jaguar Sarasota, announced that over $300,000 was raised at the 17th Annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala, held this past February at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Wilde Jaguar Sarasota teamed up with the Van Wezel Foundation in a drawing by chance to win a 2018 Jaguar XE. With a donation of $100, ticket holders had the opportunity to be one out of 1,000 in the chance drawing. This year’s winner, Joyce Bowers, was announced onstage after a performance from gala headliner, Barry Manilow. Bowers took home her new 2018 Jaguar XE, in the color of her choice, on March 25. All proceeds raised from the 17th Annual Van Wezel Foundation Gala benefit the Van Wezel Foundation, which operates to enrich the community and foster arts education, while supporting the needs of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 

Van Wezel Foundation

[Exec Moves]  Green, Hershberger Elected to GCCF Board

Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently elected David Green and Rod Hershberger to its volunteer board of directors. Each began a three-year term on the Gulf Coast Board on March 1. Green, who lives on Manasota Key in Englewood, spent his 45-year career in marketing and branding with major international consumer brands. For 30 years, he worked for McDonald’s Corporation, most recently as its senior global marketing officer. In addition to Gulf Coast, Green serves several other nonprofit organizations in a volunteer leadership capacity. He is board vice president of the Hermitage Artist Retreat and a board member of Sarasota Orchestra, and he also assists Jewish Family and Children’s Service of the Sun Coast with a branding and marketing initiative. Hershberger retired as CEO of North Venice-based PGT Innovations at the end of last year and serves as the company’s non-employee chairman of the board. He co-founded the impact-resistant window and door manufacturer in 1980 and was appointed chief executive officer in 2005. He also has served as PGT’s president, executive vice president, and chief operating officer during his career. Hershberger’s other community affiliations include director and past president of the Argus Foundation and co-chair of the 2017 World Rowing Championships, which were held in Sarasota. The other members of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Board of Directors are Judy Cahn, Lisa Carlton, Scott Collins, Anne Essner, Janis Fawn, Tracy Knight, Pauline Joerger, Jay McHargue, Anand Pallegar, Mark Pritchett, Michael Saunders, Susan Sofia, Joe Stephan, Bayne Stevenson and Tommy Taylor. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

[Expansion]  Founders Club Launches New Website

The Founders Club has launched a new website designed for an enhanced user experience. In addition to more intuitive navigation, the redesigned site also incorporates interactive elements, including video about the community, lifestyle and builder. The videos showcase The Founders Club’s blend of a casual country club lifestyle, golf experience, camaraderie and location minutes away from shopping, dining and Gulf of Mexico beaches. The enhanced website also provides photography galleries featuring The Founders Club’s amenities, lifestyle and fully furnished model homes. Additional information is also available on the new website about The Founders Club’s location related to its close proximity to downtown Sarasota’s cultural arts, shopping and dining venues. The “Available Homes” tab features photography and video tours of each model home, including floor plans and information on available homesites. Three single-family luxury model homes are currently open for viewing at The Founders Club and offer three and four bedrooms, 3,300 to 4,300 square feet of living space and priced from $1,490,000 to $1,990,000. 

The Founders Club

[Exec Moves]  Tenbusch Joins RE/MAX Platinum Realty

Kyle Tenbusch has joined RE/MAX Platinum Realty as a realtor in the West Villages office. Formerly with Generous Property, he specializes in both residential and commercial properties. In addition to his career in real estate, Tenbusch works as a residential and commercial contractor. A native to the Sarasota area, he brings extensive knowledge of the local market, as well as an understanding of building codes and construction practices. He has strong negotiation, marketing and customer service skills. West Villages of North Port, Venice and Englewood is a new 10,000-acre, master-planned community in south Sarasota County. The RE/MAX Platinum Realty West Villages office is located at 19503 South West Villages Parkway, Venice. 

RE/MAX Platinum Realty



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Craig Rubadoux: Magical, Mystical, Fantastical , March 2 – March 31

Craig Rubadoux has been described as a “Sarasota master" and his mastery of figure and form, composition and gesture are plain to see in every work. His paintings are intensely personal glimpses into particular emotions. Greatly affected by his environment and a love of nature, Rubadoux focuses on line, color, and spatial relationships. He references both surrealist automatic drawing and biomorphic figuration. His art is included in many public and private collections, including the Guggenheim Museum, the High Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, and The Ringling.

Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, 1288 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  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.

[WEEKEND]  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.   

[WEEKEND]  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

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Blue Suede Shoes , November 29 – April 1, Varies by day

In the 1950s, Rock 'N' Roll took America by storm. With roots in rhythm and blues, country western, swing and do-wop, this new sound would forever change the world of music. From the father of Rock 'N' Roll, Chuck Berry, to The King himself, Elvis Presley, this revue celebrates the birth of rock and roll.

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

[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: Honor Killing , April 4 – April 25

Allisyn Davis, an American reporter for The New York Times, heads to Pakistan to cover the honor killing of a young woman. Through a series of cultural collisions, candid interviews, and dangerous encounters, she learns the details of this event, and faces her own demons and judgments. One culture mirrors the other, asking questions about forgiveness, self-worth, and justice

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., 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

[SOON]  GALA: Save Our Seabirds Sunset Soirée , April 5, 6:00pm-9:00pm

Don’t miss a fabulous evening of fine food, fun, and music to benefit Save Our Seabirds at Sarasota's hottest new venue, Michael's on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Enjoy gourmet dinner, open bar, silent auction and live auction and live Music. Save Our Seabirds mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured wild birds while educating our community about preventing injuries and preserving habitats.

Michael's on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour , April 6

This kids show is an all new interactive live concert experience. Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with your favorite characters: Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, The Lion Guard and more! Kids of all ages and their families are invited to get up and dance, play games and join the biggest dance party around!

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Glades to Gallery , April 6

530 Burns Gallery is pleased to announce Nikki Sedacca for Dusty “Wildman” Crum, a line of luxury python snakeskin accessories designed by Nikki and made in Florida. The goal of the collaboration is to raise awareness of the dire threat invasive Burmese pythons pose to humans and native wildlife of Florida’s Everglades. The show will highlight the efforts made by Dusty “Wildman” Crum and members of the Python Elimination Program to restore the Everglades’ delicate ecosystem. 

530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Red Violin , April 6 – April 8

Enjoy this program featuring one thrill ride after another. John Adams' Short Ride is full of surprises and leaves you wishing for more. While a contemporary composition, John Corigliano's Violin Concerto evokes music of past eras. Based on his score for the film, The Red Violin, the work showcases the expressive capabilities of the violin. Elina Vähälä is the perfect star for this ravishing work.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: SRQ Magazine's Best of SRQ Local TGIF Party , April 6, 5-8pm

Join us to celebrate the winners and finalists of this year's Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition at the Best of SRQ Local TGIF Party on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Aloft Sarasota Hotel from 5-8pm. Meet the restaurants who topped the charts and garnered the most reader votes to sample their award-winning dishes and cocktail pairings. Thank you to 20th Anniversary Partner Ringling College of Art and Design and TGIF host Aloft Sarasota Hotel.

Aloft Sarasota Hotel, 1403 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota

[SOON]  SPORTS: 32nd Annual Run for the Turtles , April 7, 6:30am-9:00am

Time to dust off those running shoes and get ready for the 32nd Annual Run for the Turtles on Siesta Key Public Beach. This run supports the Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory and is the Program's major fundraiser devoted to help sea turtles! Sign up to walk, run or crawl (for turtles only!) in this year's Run for the Turtles.

Siesta Key Beach , 948 Beach Road Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sources of Inspiration , April 9 – April 18, 8pm

La Musica stages four concerts for a springtime festival celebrating musical virtuosity and the grandeur of the concert stage. With single concert tickets at $40 and bundled deals for the entire festival run, rehearsal passes are also available for sale, for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jersey Boys , April 10 – April 12

Jersey Boys is the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30.  The show features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North 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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