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SRQ DAILY Aug 22, 2018

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"I want people to learn that the circus was great, it was important."

- Tony Hernandez, author/performer
 

[Circus]  Hernandez Commemorates the Living Legends of Circus
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

There was once a time when children ran away to the circus; Tony Hernandez ran away from it. Now, more than 20 years later, the author/performer/photographer returns to his hometown with Circus Legends, a tribute in book form, commemorating various titans of the circus arts through new interviews and photography. Releasing this Thursday, August 23, Hernandez and some of the local circus legends featured in the book will celebrate with a book signing at Bookstore1Sarasota on Palm Avenue at 11am.

The youngest of five siblings in a circus family, Hernandez remembers afternoons in the backyard playpen, watching his brothers and sisters—all at least 10 years older than he—learn the circus arts from his performer parents. He remembers learning alongside them on the teeterboard, being launched through the air to the top of a human pyramid. He remembers appearing on Captain Kangaroo and working for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for five years. And he remembers when it ended. Some of the family went into management. His sister opened a circus arts school. Hernandez went to Chicago to pursue acting and photography.

But as he forged his own path and created his own shows, Hernandez never strayed too far from his circus roots, and when he heard the Ringling Bros. circus was closing down for good, he knew he had to do something. “I need to make sure the circus gets remembered, at least,” he says. Circus Legends was born.

A coffee table book by design, within its mammoth pages readers will find spreads dedicated to several of the living legends who made the circus arts’ storied past possible. Alongside candid interviews detailing inspirations and memories, conducted by Hernandez, archival shots and old photographs grant a further glimpse into the past, while new portraits from Hernandez’ lens catch these greats in their element today—most just as entertaining as ever. See the great juggler Dieter Tasso and the tiger trainer Trudy Strong, and even Hernandez’ own mother, Lisa Hernandez, still never far from her old teeterboard.

Many archival photographs are nothing short of amazing, says Hernandez, like a circus couple getting married while dangling from a helicopter. (The question of the priest’s location in all this remains unresolved.) Yet they remain unframed, sometimes dog-eared, deposited in boxed of mementos. “Because it wasn’t amazing to them,” says Hernandez. “It was everyday life.” With Circus Legends, he hopes to show the world how amazing these people really were, and what that means for everybody coming after. “They’re not superheroes and they’re not born with this,” he says. “They trained.”

“I want people to learn that the circus was great, it was important,” Hernandez continues. “It was a huge part of our history, and it might be going away, but I don’t want it to be forgotten.”

Circus Legends comes out this Thursday, August 23. Hernandez and more will be at Bookstore1Sarasota for a book signing at 11am on the same date. 

Pictured: The great Dieter Tasso elevates the art of juggling. Photo courtesy of Tony Hernandez.

[Community Foundation]  Sharing is Caring
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

With our community’s demographic profile a surplus of retirees, Southwest Florida still finds itself with a higher-than-normal share of unoccupied bedrooms in the midst of a regional housing shortage. According to a recent study, every third house, apartment or condo in Sarasota County has just one person living inside—with almost 60 percent of them occupied by single occupants 65 or older—that’s well above average for the nation’s 37.5 percent of 65+ solo residents. As housing costs across the country skyrocket in cities for the average American, nonprofit programs step in to help facilitate residence-sharing arrangements between isolated older householders and cash-strapped younger housemates. Enter The Friendship Centers. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Age-Friendly Sarasota, a countywide effort in Florida to promote active, engaged and healthy living for people of all ages, announced their partnership with the nonprofit network. The meeting of the minds is meant to encourage a harmonious home-sharing network and co-housing initiative between different generations—seeking to craft matches between elders with empty space to spare and young professionals trying to make ends meet

The Friendship Centers recently launched its pilot project, structured to work with seniors and younger workers, to create a private domestic arrangement. CEO Erin McLeod shares the goal to not only modestly address the affordable housing crunch, but their hope to forge new friendships for retirees who may have lost a number of loved ones. While it could mean an additional rental income for senior homeowners, McLeod mentions, “Money may not be so much of an issue for them, but boy, it would be nice to have someone to talk to at the end of the day, ” as opposed to “rattling around in a big house alone.”

All matches will be facilitated by The Friendship Centers with strict intent and efforts geared to making sure matches provide safety, comfort and an improved quality of life for both parties involved. If you are interested, please fill out the eligibility form below or contact project coordinator Evan Farrar at 941-556-3208.

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. 

The Friendship Centers Home Share Program

[Arts and Culture]  Nominations Open for 2018 Arts Leadership Awards

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Arts Leadership Awards. These awards are designed to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts, and are actively engaged in the cultural life of the community. Past Arts Leadership Award recipients include some of Sarasota County's most noted leaders in arts and culture. Winners will be recognized at the annual Celebration of the Arts, held at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on October 22, 2018. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Volunteer, Arts Education, Arts Management, Philanthropy, Artistic Achievement and Cultural Champion. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, September 28 at 5pm. 

2018 Arts Leadership Awards Nominations

[Education]  Cranberry Principal Daniels Announces Retirement

Linda Daniels, principal at Cranberry Elementary in North Port has announced her retirement effective December 31, 2018. A 34-year veteran of Sarasota County Schools, Daniels is the first principal at Cranberry Elementary and has served in this capacity for the last 16 years. Prior to that, she was an assistant principal at Toledo Blade Elementary and served as a teacher at Alta Vista and Glenallen elementary schools. The 2017 Principal of the Year, Daniels has been instrumental in building a stellar reputation at Cranberry, including maintaining an A-grade from the Florida Department of Education for 13 years. Sarasota County Schools will implement a principal site analysis and focus group on September 25 to identify the qualities needed for Cranberry’s next principal. Sarasota County Schools will hold a public forum and focus group on September 25 at Cranberry Elementary for parents and staff to assist with identifying the qualities needed for Cranberry’s next principal. Parents are encouraged to visit the Cranberry Elementary website between now and September 25 for details on how to participate in the study, including feedback in advance of the meeting. 

Cranberry Elementary

[Election]  Sarasota County Early Voting Ends August 25

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is reminding voters that early voting for the August 28 primary election will end Saturday, August 25. Eligible voters may cast their ballots early, between 8:30am and 4:30pm daily through August 25 at any of the following five locations: Elections office, Sarasota County Terrace Building, 2001 Adams Ln., Sarasota; Elections office, Biscayne Plaza, 13640 Tamiami Trl., North Port; Elections office, R.L. Anderson Administration Building, 4000 Tamiami Trl. S, Venice; North Sarasota Library, 2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota; and Westfield Sarasota Square Mall, 8201 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota. Florida law requires voters to present current and valid photo and signature ID upon entering the polling location and prior to voting. A voter who appears at a polling location without photo and signature ID will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot. On election day, Tuesday, August 28, voters must vote in the precinct in which they reside. Polls will be open from 7am to 7pm on election day. Voters who have questions may contact the supervisor of elections office at 941.861.8600 or visit the website below. 

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office

[Education]  SCF Hires Lachapelle as Director of Financial Aid

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has named Andrea Lachapelle its director of financial aid. Before moving to SCF, Lachapelle served as the interim director of financial aid at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Lachapelle, who will be responsible for the management, coordination and oversight of SCF financial aid services, implementing the College’s financial aid policies, and enforcing federal guidelines to support and enhance customer service, enrollment and retention, began her new position last month. Lachapelle said her priorities are to take the intimidation out of the financial aid process and to make college more affordable. 

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

[Philanthropy]  JFCS, Sarasota YPG, BeyondMe Partner for Area Schools

Helping families in need get their children ready for school, JFCS of the Suncoast, in partnership with Sarasota Young Professionals Group (YPG) and the newly formed BeyondMe philanthropic initiative, recently joined forces at Boys & Girls Club to fill more than 1,500 backpacks with school supplies. The event also served as the first coordinated effort to engage BeyondMe volunteers with a way to give back. The backpack supplies, ranging from pens and pencils to erasers, notebooks, sharpeners, safety scissors, tissues, protractors and rulers, scientific calculators and glue sticks, were sponsored through financial and in-kind donations from Dean and Patty Miller, as well as Tiny Hands Foundation and Hope 4 Communities. The backpacks were distributed to kindergarten through middle school children from Title I schools as well as local churches and social service organization programs in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, including JFCS’ Building Strong Families, Healthy Children Healthy Families, Healthy Children Healthy Fathers, Operation Military Assistance, Children’s Crisis, Counseling, STARS and Camp Mariposa programs. 

JFCS of the Suncoast

[Business]  Create U DIY Workshop Open in Sarasota

Create U DIY Workshop is now open in Sarasota. The hands-on workshop invites attendees to bring their creativity to life with custom home decor, signature wood signs and charming gifts. Private and public workshops are available for team building, employee and customer appreciation, wedding or bridal showers, birthday parties, date night, ladies night out or just a fun evening. All the tools, materials and step-by-step instruction are provided and everyone will enjoy the empowerment DIY offers and leave with a ready to display project they are proud of. Available for every skill level and most ages, attendees are also welcome to bring their own adult beverage and snacks. 

Create U DIY Workshop



[TODAY]  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.

[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: 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]  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.

[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]  FESTIVAL: The German American Social Club of Sarasota presents Sommerfest , August 25, 6pm-10pm

Join the German American Social Club of Sarasota for the first annual Sommerfest, hosted at Music Compound and benefiting students studying German both here and abroad. The money raised at this event will be distributed among German students applying for a scholarship to further their German studies. The cost of entry includes music (German and American), dancing, an authentic German meal and two drink tickets for soda, water and beer.

Music Compound, 1751 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.

[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]  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: 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]  PERFORMANCE: iconcept jr: The Future of Fashion , September 23, 12pm

25 designers ages 8–16 are encouraged to use repurposed/recyled materials in their creations. Most of them will also wear their outfits in the runway show, adding self-confidence and stage presence as skills gained. The participants are treated to a professional fashion photoshoot for the program guide, as well as professional hair and makeup stylists backstage to complete their look. Proceeds from the event benefit the expansion of the Art Center's youth art education programs and help students who are in need of financial assistance receive scholarships.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., 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.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SkillSHARE October 4 Mentoring Summit , October 4, 5-7:30pm

Made for speed, SkillSHARE is the basics of mentorship concentrated into mini-sessions that encourage honest interactions and allow for spontaneous connection. This event is a way to meet like-minded professionals, make valuable connections and get straight to your most burning questions about career and personal development. Each participant will be paired with several mentors for mini-sessions. Lasting from 10-12 minutes, each mini-session is unstructured, allowing for conversation, guidance and direction from each mentor.

SRQ Studios, 331 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

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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