Turn off the television and tune into the night sky, as the cosmos put on a show tonight, providing not only continued views of Saturn, which local astronomers enjoyed last month, but also one of the best views of Mars ever. Marking the occasion—and lending a telescope or two or twenty—the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers (LGDSO) will be out in force at Robinson Preserve this evening for a special summertime Sidewalk Astronomy event from 10pm until midnight, and all are welcome.

Assembled at Robinson Preserve in Manatee County, after sunset and away from the city lights, the local astronomers of LGDSO break out telescopes of all shapes and sizes, creating a little impromptu observatory for anyone who cares to take a look. And this weekend should prove to be a show, says Jonathan Sabin, founder of LGDSO. Saturn remains “very well placed,” he says, and anyone who missed last month’s Sidewalk Astronomy will get an eyeful of the ringed beauty, but Mars will be the real star. And for tonight’s stellar view of the red planet, a few important things had to align—not necessarily all the stars, but at least one, and a couple of its orbiting buddies.

Currently in opposition, Mars rises in the eastern sky as the sun sets in the west, which is called an “opposition event” and places the planet Earth between the two celestial bodies for optimal viewing of solar light reflecting off the Martian surface. This happens roughly every two years. But, even then, not every opposition alignment actually works out for terrestrial viewers, says Sabin. But, he says, every 18 years or so, it’s really good.

In 2003, astronomers hit the celestial jackpot when Mars came into opposition as Earth was at its farthest point from the Sun and Mars was at its closest point, resulting in sights humans will not see for another 60,000 years, according to Sabin. But tonight will come close. “This opposition is the best since 2003,” says Sabin, citing a negligible size difference of around 3% and a comparable amount of dimness.

An event for seasoned astronomers and newcomers alike, LGDSO members are as free with their knowledge as they are their telescopes, answering whatever questions they can. It’s all about sharing the passion, says Sabin, who caught the bug when he was five, on a trip to Hayden Planetarium in New York City. With LGDSO, he passes that on, and he’s seen children young as two years old pulling back from the telescope, eyes wide at what they’ve seen even as their mouths fail to form the words. Because sometimes science is magical, and so are the memories, like a children’s astronomy book from the planetarium gift shop that starts a lifelong journey. “That was 52 years ago, and I still have it,” says Sabin. “And I treasure that book.”

The LGDSO Sidewalk Astronomy viewing event begins tonight at 10pm at Robinson Preserve and runs until midnight, free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the event will move to Saturday. 

The Sarasota County School Board has moved to approve Jeff Maultsby as the new assistant superintendent and chief operating officer (COO) of Sarasota County Schools. Maultsby replaces Scott Lempe, who retired in June. Maultsby released the following statement: “I am thrilled to assume my new role at Sarasota County Schools. I have been in the fabric and culture of Sarasota and truly relish the opportunity to be part of this district’s innovative leadership team. There are many endeavors being launched in a variety of our departments this year including facilities, food and nutrition, public safety, communications and community relations – to name just a few. I look forward to maintaining a steady, proactive pace to deliver the best results for our students. As educational leaders, we are charged with the ever-growing responsibility of facilitating learning and equipping the future of our community through its students. Sarasota County Schools is a leading district in this pursuit and I am very pleased to join their ranks.” Maultsby assumes his COO on Monday, July 23. 

Sarasota County Schools

Kristen L. Zaborski, associate professor of economics at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), has earned a scholarship to attend the Federal Reserve Institute held at the University of San Diego June 27-29 in San Diego, CA. Zaborski was selected from hundreds of scholarship applicants. The Federal Reserve Institute offered seminars on a range of topics, including working with data, investment in human capital, exploring careers in economics, all about the Fed, everyday economics, the dual mandate of the Federal Reserve, economic stability, international trade, gross domestic product and economic growth. Instructors who attended the Institute were given access to online personal finance and economics resources for their seminars. The Institute was sponsored by the California Council on Economic Education in partnership with regional Federal Reserve banks in St. Louis, Dallas, Atlanta and San Francisco. 

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County has announced the opening of the new Arcadia Boys & Girls Club in DeSoto County, which is located at 14 School Ave. in Arcadia near the historic Smith-Brown Recreation Center. The Club, which officially opened on July 9, will provide 75 children, ages 6 to 11, with high-quality educational, developmental and recreational opportunities Monday through Friday during the summer and school year. During an enrollment event on June 26, guardians paid a $10 membership fee for their child to access year-round programming that will help them succeed in school, develop critical leadership skills and adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Youth will also receive free snacks and meals each day, as well as, guidance from positive youth development professionals and mentors. The Arcadia Boys & Girls Club will host the community for an official dedication celebration in September. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County

Venice-based PGT Innovations, the nation’s leading manufacturer and supplier of residential impact-resistant windows and doors, has announced the appointment of Raoul Quijada as vice president and corporate controller of PGT Innovations. Quijada will lead the consolidated corporate accounting and reporting functions for all of the organization’s brands. Beginning his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Quijada amassed more than 20 years of experience and a significant record of leadership through his work with several Fortune 500 Companies, including Western Union, Newell (Rubbermaid), Systemax Inc. and Ominto Inc. He is certified Six Sigma Green Belt with expertise in operational excellence through the implementation of streamlined core processes and measured operational effectiveness. 

PGT Innovations

Venice-based J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp. has been awarded the contract to construct the new 23,437-square-foot facility for RSP USA, a full-service marketing solutions provider that has served the real estate industry since 1997. For nearly 16 years, RSP USA has been located at 7456 16th St. E. in Manatee County. From layout to interior finishes, the ground-up construction on the new building is scheduled for completion in spring 2019. Once complete, the company will move into its new facility at 5246 Lena Road in Bradenton. The more than $3,000,000 project will expand RSP USA’s current footprint and accommodate its growing client base. The architecture firm on the project, Sivitz Innovative Design, has issued a utility design incorporating office space and a production area with high-end features. Glass will surround the building, providing views of a pond and fountain at the rear of the building and the land’s natural vegetation that will be preserved. 

J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp.

Restaurateurs Hugh Miller and Greg Campbell of Pier 22 have finalized a long-term lease agreement with LWR Main Street LLC for a new restaurant to be part of Main Street at Lakewood Ranch. Called Grove, the restaurant will fill a vacancy at 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL where the Polo Grill and Bar previously resided. For the business partners, this is their fifth venture in 12 years. The team at GROVE promises to offer wholesome gourmet meals including scratch-made entrees, culinary cocktails and savory desserts. Separate menus are in the works for lunch, dinner, happy hour, late night, and Sunday Brunch. The property is set to receive a complete gutting and a multi-million dollar renovation. Tables in the dining room and patio areas alone are expected to seat over 350 guests. Included in that number are the three private dining areas which can be configured to serve 20, 40 or 60 people while a separate count for the ballroom space brings the entire building's seating capacity to 750 guests. 

Pier 22