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SRQ DAILY Aug 15, 2018

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"His legacy is that of pure selflessness, hard work and generosity."

- Judge Erika Quartermaine, 12th Judicial Circuit Court
 

[Visual Arts]  SARTQ Announces New Leadership in Rae Ramos
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

The SARTQ artist collective has announced a change in leadership, as founder and member-artist Tim Jaeger steps down after 10 years guiding the organization. With the support of the group at large, member-artist Rae Ramos will step in as the incoming SARTQ director. “They are like my second family,” says Ramos. “I’m very thankful and very grateful for their confidence.”

“It’s a great time to change gears,” says Jaeger, who has led the group since its inception, including nurturing it through a brief hiatus and then spearheading its return in 2015. In his time, Jaeger has seen SARTQ through more than two dozen exhibitions and even more events, bringing a collective 37 local artists out to engage with thousands from the community. Annual print parties became a regular pleasure, and pop-up shows a spontaneous treat. “We’ve given back as much as we’ve taken,” Jaeger says with a note of pride, but admits it’s time to move on. He looks forward to continuing as a member-artist, “but it’s time to build something new,” he says.

And Jaeger has no qualms with leaving his baby with Ramos. “He won’t call himself an artist, but he is,” says Jaeger of the youthful new director. “And he’s exactly what SARTQ needs.”

Relatively new to Sarasota but a veteran of the arts scene, Ramos, since high school, has hopped from gallery to museum to gallery across the northeast, including stints at the New Britain Museum of American Art in Connecticut, and Pace Gallery and Hollis Taggart Gallery in New York City. But it was a job with [blank] slate gallery that brought him to Sarasota, when the gallery opened a second location on Pineapple Avenue. First working part-time as an art preparator for Ringling College of Art and Design, he now handles programming for the college’s Sarasota Museum of Art.

“I’m not an artist,” Ramos says, inadvertently fulfilling Jaeger’s promise, “but one of my biggest passions is working with living artists and facilitating their hopes, dreams and aspirations.” As director, he’ll have an eye for expansion, but never so far as to lose that local flavor that makes SARTQ special. “I want to keep the Sarasota stamp on the group,” he says, “but also try things we haven’t tried before.”

As for Jaeger, he’ll still be around, and stepping down won’t change his favorite part about SARTQ—the camaraderie. “It’s those late-night conversations in local restaurants and bars,” he says. “The many, many meetings to discuss the climate of visual arts and what we wanted to change.” And as long as SARTQ has members, those dreams will continue. 

Pictured: Rae Ramos. Photo by Rich Schineller.

[Community]  Leaving a Legacy: Remembering Steve Seidensticker
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

There’s an empty seat at the head of the table in Sarasota’s culinary community with the passing of one of Sarasota’s most prominent and successful restaurateurs, Steve Seidensticker, after being diagnosed with an advanced cancer in January 2018.

A familiar face in the Gulf Coast foodie world, Seidensticker’s fingerprints can be found all over the local dining scene. From his first restaurant, the stylish yet laidback Libby’s Café & Bar, opening in 2008 and named for his mother, through all the subsequent ventures he would set out on with his family and friends—Louies Modern (named for his father), Muse at the Ringling and Oak & Stone—the Seidensticker name became synonymous with high concept and high quality, and the Tableseide Restaurant Group became one of the defining forces in the dining landscape.

But Seidensticker’s multifaceted legacy goes beyond the table, and tells the tale of a man deeply devoted to his community and family. He began serving as chairman for the Jewish Children and Family Services board in 2016, and, last year, took the ultimate hands-on approach to helping his community and became permanent guardian to one of Sarasota’s chronically homeless, a 61-year-old man named Michael Smith. An early success of the Comprehensive Treatment Court program, designed to help identify offenders suffering from mental illness and direct them towards support and assistance as opposed to incarceration, Seidensticker’s extra effort could have made all the difference. "[Steve] was relentless in finding solutions, undeterred by roadblocks and he welcomed the opportunity to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty," says Judge Erika Quartermaine of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, who referred Smith to the CTC program and then Seidensticker as guardian. "His legacy is that of pure selflessness, hard work and generosity," she says.

In recent years, Seidensticker stepped back from restaurant operations and focused his efforts on the philanthropic wing of the enterprise, Tableseide Cares, including spearheading plans for a Newtown restaurant, Miss Susie’s, designed to help revitalize the area and bring youth employment opportunities.

But through it all, culinary success and community acclaim, it appeared to be family that Seidensticker prized most, and the restaurateur is survived a thriving family that includes three adult children, Joe, Lisa and Pat, who all help run Tableseide Restaurant Group, which remained a serious point of pride for the man. In an interview with SRQ in 2014, Seidensticker barely mentioned his restaurants or the food, instead devoting his time to bragging about his children.

“I have watched Lisa, Joe and Pat do what they do with great pride,” he told SRQ. “It makes me very proud as a father to see how dedicated they are to the businesses. We work 60 to 70 hours a week. I’ve seen a lot of restaurant families that don’t do that, but we’re committed.” Together, the children were a perfect team, he said, “They all have their gifts.”

Seidensticker was 65. 

[Politics]  Howard Throws in Towel After Week of Scandal
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

A credential scandal that attracted national attention drew to an abrupt close on Tuesday when Republican Melissa Howard announced an end to her state House candidacy. “I have come to the realization that the right thing to do for my community is to withdraw from the race,” Howard said in a statement distributed to media outlets. “I made a terrible error in judgment. I am thankful for everyone who gave so much toward my success, and I am deeply sorry.”

The end less than a week after critics questioned if Howard indeed graduated from Miami University in Ohio. She seemed to put that question to bed last Friday when she made a trip to Ohio and posted pictures of her transcripts and a framed college degree. But general counsel for Miami University called the voracity of the degree into question.

As recently as yesterday, Howard apologized for claiming to have finished her degree at Miami Univeristy in Ohio, but said she intended to continue in her race. “It was not my intent to deceive or mislead anyone,” she said in a statement yesterday. “I made a mistake in saying that I completed my degree.”

Tommy Gregory, her Republican opponent, had heavily criticized her choice to remain in the contest, but said he spoke to her Tuesday about her ultimate decision to withdraw. “She apologized for what she did and for the rancor in this campaign and offered her full support for my candidacy,” he said. “Melissa worked hard in this race. I wish her all the best and I’m sure she will continue to do things in the community through her non-profit work. Now we need to move on.”

While Howard’s name remains on the ballot, once she formally withdraws with the Division of Elections votes for her will be discarded. That means Gregory will automatically secure the Republican nomination, continuing to a general election matchup against Democrat Liv Coleman on Nov. 6.

Party leaders welcomes Howard’s decision to leave the race. "She made the right decision and saved the community and the party any additional heartache," said Joe Gruters, Howard's treasurer and chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota. "I hope she gets whatever help she needs. We wish her success moving forward and look forward to supporting Tommy Gregory." 

[Community Foundation]  Suncoast Nursing Scholarships
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Strengthening our regional workforce and supporting local nursing schools, are generous funding efforts to help young students get their nursing degrees—the latest effort to counter a critical and prolonged nursing shortage in Florida. Concerns are mounting over whether there will be enough nurses here to care for the largest generation living today, retiring Baby Boomers. “The American Nurses Association estimates that the U.S. will need to train more than a million new nurses by 2022 to care for the growing population and replace the wave of the nation’s most experienced nurses who are retiring.” With the situation proving to be most alarming in Florida, where the number of residents over age 65 comes out to twice our national average.

In response, the local Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition (SNAC) is hosting an event at The Community Foundation of Sarasota County on Wednesday August 15 at 11:00AM. There, SNAC plans to announce 22 scholarship recipients who will receive $74,000 this year to help boost the local nursing workforce and nursing school faculty on the Suncoast. Recipients will get the chance to meet the donors who made the funding possible, and share their personal stories of how this grant is going to help them achieve their dreams of a nursing career.

Former Chief Nursing Officer at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and co-chair of SNAC, Jan Mauck, will present the awards. “Nurses represent our first line of defense—their vigilance and skill at the bedside keeps patients safe and promote the best health outcomes,” she says. “With our population growth, and population living longer, we need to do all we can to boost the nursing workforce in our community and prepare our nurses for the challenges ahead.”

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is proud to partner with SRQ Media Group to highlight stories about community impact powered by philanthropy in our region, thanks to the support of donors and our local nonprofit partners. The Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community.
 

Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition

[Education]  USFSM Hosts Tech Petting Zoo and Critical Thinking Workshop

As part of back-to-school training for faculty and staff, USF Sarasota-Manatee is hosting two singular events this coming Thursday, Aug. 16. A “Tech Petting Zoo” will demonstrate how Virtual Reality (VR) and other high-tech gadgets are impacting education, and a Critical Thinking Workshop will teach faculty how to incorporate critical thinking—one of the most-desired skills sets sought by employers—into their courses. Using special technology at the Tech Petting Zoo, students can “hold” a human heart in their hands! Representatives from Microsoft, Crestron Air Media and Newline Interactive will demonstrate new hardware, instructional software and other technologies, including a VR gaming station. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee

[Government]  County Assisting Homeowners with Red Tide Cleanup

County Commissioners discussed how Manatee County can assist private homeowners clear waterways, inlets and canals of sea life killed by the red tide outbreak. Manatee County does not have a marine fleet to remove fish in smaller canals, and waterways, nor can County crews go onto private property to haul dead sea life to the landfill. So County leaders aim to connect local fisherman willing to assist with the homeowners who need their canals cleared. Beginning today, Manatee County will make roll off dumpsters available at Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island and at three County-owned boat ramps: Coquina North, Coquina South and Kingfish boat ramps. Private homeowners can either haul dead fish and debris from red tide without having to pay County landfill tipping fees or they may contract with local fishermen willing to do the work. Fishermen who want to contract their services with local homeowners or homeowner associations, may provide their contact information to the County's Citizen Action Center at (941) 742-5800. The County will post those business names and numbers on the County's red tide website, listed below. 

Manatee County Red Tide Updates

[Business]  Allegiant's Nicholas Earns CFP Designation

Allegiant Private Advisors, an independent firm offering fiduciary-level financial planning and investment advisory services, has announced that Portfolio Manager Luke Nicholas, CFA, CFP has earned the Certified Financial Planner designation. Nicholas joined Allegiant Private Advisors in 2013. In his role as portfolio manager and member of the firm’s Investment Committee, he is responsible for using internally generated research to tailor customized investment portfolios for each client. Prior to joining Allegiant Private Advisors, Nicholas graduated from the Honors Program at The University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. 

Allegiant Private Advisors



[TODAY]  THEATER: The Music of the Night , July 17 – August 19

The Swingaroos return to the cabaret with an all-new show—Music of the Night. Offering their swingin'est versions of songs embraced by the worlds of theatre and jazz, this hit show overflows with hits by the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hart, Kander & Ebb and many more. With a touch of 30s and 40s flair and bold arrangements, The Swingaroos lend a spirited voice to the most-cherished American songs and personalities of the past century. 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Possibilities , July 19 – August 17

This members only, juried exhibition opens July 19th with an opening reception from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Approximately 250, two- and three-dimensional works in a wide variety of media will be on display throughout all four galleries. Juror Vicki Chelf is a fine art graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design and also studied classical drawing at the Southern Atelier in Manatee County. Chelf derives much of her inspiration from spontaneous thoughts and unplanned drawings, as well as current events. 

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[TODAY]  GALLERY: VOLUMES , August 12 – October 9

This summer light and sound come into play with a special installation by the artist Ezra Masch. VOLUMES harnesses the speed of light to reveal the volume of sound and space. This immersive audio and visual installation will feature a 3-d grid of LED lights that will fill the interior of the Ringling’s Monda Gallery.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: "40 by 8" , June 25 – August 31

True to its name, the summer exhibit, curated by Mark Ormond, features 40 works by eight artists, including Luisa Basnuevo, Jean Blackburn, Luis Delgado, Daphne Gamble, Leslie Lerner, Melissa Meyer, Helen Shulman and Joyce Ely Walker. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.


Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery, 1288 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34236.

[TODAY]  THEATER: Wakey, Wakey , August 3 – September 2

How do we confront the uncomfortable inevitability of death? Obie-award-winning playwright Will Eno chooses to celebrate life’s lingering gifts with an uplifting mix of gratitude, absurdity and humor in a profound rumination on life and humanity.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Other People's Money , August 1 – August 19

Fast-talking Wall Street shark Lawrence Garfinkle has his sights set on taking over the undervalued stock of New England Wire and Cable. It is up to Kate Sullivan, a determined big-city lawyer, to stop Larry from gutting the company. Loaded with conflict, comedy, and a touch of romance, Other People’s Money delves into the seedy and deceptive world of business.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: The Turn of the Screw , August 7 – August 26

1840: an era charmed by superstition, madness, and the writings of Sigmund Freud led Henry James to write one of the most chilling ghost stories of all time. A young governess arrives at a seemingly idyllic country house to look after two orphaned children. But shortly after her arrival, she realizes they are not alone. She risks everything to keep the children safe, until she begins to question her sanity, and the children’s innocence.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: On Golden Pond , August 8 – August 19

This 1979 play by Ernest Thompson focuses on aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer, who spend each summer at their home on a lake called Golden Pond. The play explores the often turbulent relationship between a daughter and her father growing up, and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage. It is the winner of numerous Tony and Drama Desk Awards.

Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Ricky Nelson Remembered , August 18

Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Ricky Nelson emerged from “The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet” to establish himself as one of the most important rock artists and influential musicians of the last 50 years, selling over 140 million recordings. The Nelson Family Legacy continues as Ricky’s twins Matthew and Gunnar Nelson present an interactive, multi-media rock & roll concert experience, taking the audience on a musical journey down memory lane. 

Sarasota Opera, 61 North Pineapple Ave, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Gilbert & Sullivan Unplugged , August 21 – September 23

Pour the pirate sherry, braid the raven hair, polish up the handle of the big brass door, and celebrate Gilbert & Sullivan’s most beloved songs. Gilbert & Sullivan Unplugged has delighted audiences across the US with lovingly loopy renditions and joyfully irreverent excerpts from HMS Pinafore, The Mikado, and The Pirates of Penzance. Last seen at New York’s 54 Below, this isn’t your grandmother’s Gilbert & Sullivan!

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Making Strides Kick Off Celebration , August 23, 5:30pm-7pm

Don’t miss the 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kick off Celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. Celebrate survivors, hear from Team Leaders and learn more about the mission of the American Cancer Society. If you have been thinking about starting a team, becoming a sponsor or you just wish to know more about the programs and services the American Cancer Society provides in our community, the Kick Off celebration is the place to start. Light refreshments will be served and complimentary valet parking is available.

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: German American Social Club Sommerfest, August 25 , August 25, 6:00 PM

This is one party you won’t want to miss! Come down and celebrate everything you love about summer at this shindig hosted by the German American Social Club of Sarasota. Enjoy friendly conversation with other Sarasota locas. Kick your feet up and relax with an ice-cold beer. Enjoy lively dancing and music provided by DJ Bustin Justin. You’re guaranteed to have a good time at this casual summer bash! Authentic, delicious German food will be provided by the Schnitzel Trailer, and proceeds will go toward benefiting students studying German both here and abroad. You can purchase tickets in advance on their website.

Music Compound, 1751 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232

[SOON]  GALLERY: Elsewhere , August 30 – October 5

This juried exhibition opens with a reception on August 30th.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Friday Fest: Dr. Dave Band , September 14, 5pm-9pm

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is wrapping up their Friday Fest summertime concert series this September with the Dr. Dave Band. A Bradenton favorite performing for more than a decade as a top-choice house band, this group knows how to wow a crowd with high-energy Southern Rock blended with bluegrass banjo and fiddle. During the show, don’t forget to indulge in the refreshments provided by Van Wezel, including local food trucks and popular beverage vendors. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and settle in for a good time.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: Dining for a Difference , September 20, 5pm-10pm

Join the Designing Daughters for Dining for a Difference, a community wide, dine out event featuring 20+ local Sarasota and Manatee County Restaurants who will donate a portion of all sales made on September 20 back to the Designing Daughters Grants Program for local Children and Family charities. Simply grab your friends, colleagues and neighbors, pick a participating restaurant and enjoy a meal. No ticket, no fancy clothes, just a night out with your favorite people.This simple act will make a huge impact for local families in need.

Multiple locations, Multiple locations

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Real Men Wear Pink Reveal Party , September 29, 5pm-7pm

Join the American Cancer Society as they reveal the 2018 Real Men Wear Pink of Sarasota–Manatee. The candidates will participate in a fashion show, hosted by the tenants of the Mall at University Town Center. Come out and see which men in our community are dedicated to raising funds and awareness to help fight breast cancer. Light refreshments will be served.

The Grand Court at The Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALA: 2nd Annual Taste of New Orleans Benefit Dinner , September 22, 6pm-9pm

Truly Valued presents its 2nd Annual Taste of New Orleans Benefit Dinner, at Michaels on the Bay at Selby Gardens with speaker Captain Todd Shear of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and a night of entertainment with NuJazz. All proceeds support Truly Valued's mission of building self-esteem, confidence and character to promote a positive self- image, positively impact educational and career aspirations and improve academic achievement in adolescent girls. Dinner is complimentary and an opportunity to make a financial gift will be extended during the event.

Michaels on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens', 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: 16th Annual Forty Carrots Free Community Speaker Event , September 25, 9am-12pm; 7pm-8:30pm

Forty Carrots Family Center's Annual Free Community Speaker Event presented in partnership with Community Foundation of Sarasota County returns for a 16th year featuring best-selling author and parenting expert, Dr. Michele Borba. She will be discussing “How to Cultivate Mentally-Healthy, Resilient, Empathetic Children (Despite a Trophy-Giving, Anxiety-Driven, Helicoptered and Bubble-Wrapped Culture)” and “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About Me World.” In these free presentations, parents and educators will learn how to shift children's focus from I, me, and mine, to us, we and ours. With examples from years of research, Dr. Michele Borba will offer a framework that yields successful, happy kids who grow up to be kind, moral, courageous and resilient adults.

Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Riverview High School Performing Arts Center, 2635 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota; 1 Ram Way, 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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